100 episodes

The podcast for military history geeks and people with a passion for good stories.

The Redcoat History Podcast redcoathistory

    • History
    • 5.0 • 86 Ratings

The podcast for military history geeks and people with a passion for good stories.

    Unearthing the Forgotten Battle of Umzintzani (1877)

    Unearthing the Forgotten Battle of Umzintzani (1877)

    The 9th Cape Frontier War is almost completely forgotten. But today's guest presenter Cam Simpson has been doing a lot of research on the little known Battle of Umzintzani.
    It was a desperate fight deep in rural South Africa - it's a fight rich with valour, excitement and tragedy.
    Cam is the author on numerous books about military history and they can be purchased via this link - https://amzn.to/3WjBkGA 
    If you are interested in the Zulu War, then please sign up for my mailing list to receive my free book on the subject: https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/
    If you are very generous, you can also buy me a coffee and help support the channel via https://ko-fi.com/redcoathistory  or sign up for our Patreon page over at https://www.patreon.com/RedcoatHistory 

    • 1 hr 7 min
    For the Honour of the Regiment! The British army's unique regimental system

    For the Honour of the Regiment! The British army's unique regimental system

    Why is the British army (man for man) so damn good and why has it been so effective over the centuries?
    In today's episode we explore the unique regimental system.
    If you are interested in the Zulu War, then please sign up for my mailing list to receive my free book on the subject: https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/
    You may also wish to get early access to my videos, without ads. Therefore you can join my Patreon page https://www.patreon.com/RedcoatHistory

    • 10 min
    American Revolution: An Elite Regiment at War

    American Revolution: An Elite Regiment at War

    The British redcoats of the American revolution…
    Often mocked, undervalued or portrayed as red-coated imperial storm troopers with a hatred of freedom loving American rebels.
    In the last episode, we looked at who they really were, their backgrounds, places of birth and how much training they received.
    Well today we are joined once more by author Robbie McNiven to find out more about the 33rd regiment of foot during the revolution. There battles, how they performed and why ultimately the Americans won the war.
    The 33rd were arguably Britians most elite regiment of the era…not including the Foot Guards of course…and they fought in almost every major battle of the revolution.
    Robbie's book on the regiment can be purchased via this link - https://amzn.to/3J8TgvA 

    • 38 min
    American Revolution: Who were the Redcoats?

    American Revolution: Who were the Redcoats?

    The British Army of the American revolution.
    Like most British armies throughout history, they were over-stretched, under resourced and fighting thousands of miles from home against a tough and determined enemy.
    But what do we really know about these men in the red coats?
    Were they the proverbial scum of the earth?
    Was the army their only option to avoid the gutter?
    Where were they from and how long did had they served?
    And what about the officers? Were they “foppish dandies, or oafish brutes”? Or were they well-motivated and experienced soldiers doing the best for their men?
    Well today I am joined by author and historian Robbie MacNiven to discover the answers to all of these questions and more.
    Robbie has written a book about the 33rd Foot on campaign during the revolution - it’s called the Pattern and I’ve posted a link below.
    https://amzn.to/4cH2WLo 
    If you want to support me then please sign up for my mailing list here - https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/ 

    • 52 min
    Zulu War: Did this Victoria Cross Hero Fake His Own Death? Captain Cecil D’Arcy VC

    Zulu War: Did this Victoria Cross Hero Fake His Own Death? Captain Cecil D’Arcy VC

    Many VC winners have struggled to cope with their sudden fame and our hero today is one of them. He rose through the ranks to command one of the most famous units of the South African Frontier.
    He earned a VC fighting the Zulus, served with distinction against the Basothos and then mysteriously disappeared.
    Today’s story is about an incredible man - but one who remains an enigma.
    A special thanks to my friend Cam Simpson who researched and co-wrote this epsiode.
    His books can be found here - https://amzn.to/3TmTXGt
    If you are interested in the Zulu War, then please sign up for my mailing list to receive my free book on the subject: https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/
    You may also wish to get early access to my videos, without ads. Therefore you can join my Patreon page https://www.patreon.com/RedcoatHistory
     

    • 18 min
    Who are Britain’s elite bearded pioneer sergeants?

    Who are Britain’s elite bearded pioneer sergeants?

    Beards...currently (March 2024) there aren't many jobs in the British army that allow beards...But Pioneer Sergeant is one of them.
    But what is their story? Why are they allowed beards and what is the history of this important role?
    If you are interested in the Zulu War, then please sign up for my mailing list to receive my free book on the subject: https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/
    Sign up for the Patreon account to watch the videos ad free and weeks before they appear on YouTube https://www.patreon.com/RedcoatHistory 

    • 8 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
86 Ratings

86 Ratings

pep786 ,

Cracking show

Look the perspectives and stories of a era not represented enough. I learn so much from the stories and people who are a big part of the British army.

Button your tunic ,

All

Excellent content!!! Completely addictive interesting history!

Seth .B ,

Love your show!

Hello from the United States. I have been very intrigued by Wellington’s Peninsula campaign for a long time and a fan and collector of Bernard Cornwell’s Sharpe’s series. This podcast is exactly what I was looking for.

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