The Redcoat History Podcast

Why Britain’s Army Is NOT a Royal Army

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Britain has a Royal Navy. A Royal Air Force. And yet… a British Army. Not a Royal Army. Why? If you’ve ever tried to find a clear answer, you’ll know how unsatisfying the usual explanations are. Tradition. Regiments. Legal technicalities. All true - and all incomplete. The full reason lies far deeper, in a violent and deeply uncomfortable chapter of British history. To find it, you have to rewind nearly four hundred years, to the English Civil War - a moment when England experimented with something new, dangerous, and unprecedented.

This episode follows that experiment as it spirals out of control: the first redcoats, armies choosing sides, kings losing authority, and politicians learning lessons the hard way.

My main sources for this video were: Lord Carver, The Seven Ages of the British Army (London, 1984) Fortescue, A History of the British Army Vol. 1, (London, 1899) The Army and the Restoration of 1660 by Godfrey Davis (Journal of the Society for Army Historical Research, Vol 32, No. 129)

Britain’s Secret to Winning ‘Small Wars’ - the Mountain Gun!

Mountain guns sound obscure — until you realise they let the British Army haul artillery up goat tracks and into places the enemy thought were safe.

In this episode, friend of the show Chris Brice, speaks to a career Royal Artillery officer whose research traces the story from early improvisation to the formal creation of ten Royal Artillery mountain batteries in 1889 — and why this “forgotten” weapon mattered more than most people realise.

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A Forgotten War on the Edge of Empire (Live stream)

Britain’s empire was built on more than famous battles. In this live Redcoat History discussion, I’m joined by Cam Simpson and Jon Pick to explore Britain’s forgotten frontier wars — from the North-West Frontier of India to Moorosi’s Rebellion in southern Africa. We’ll tackle the myths, the real fighting, and what life was actually like on the edge of empire — then open it up to your questions.

Cam's new book can be purchased here - https://amzn.to/3LhZA8S 

Sign up for my mailing list here - https://redcoathistory.com/2021/10/27/free-book-the-military-history-geeks-guide-to-the-anglo-zulu-war/ 

The Incredible History of Canada's Army: 1812-2025

Canada has a rich military history. Alongside the British they stood toe-to-toe with the Americans in the war of 1812, battled the Boers, shocked the German's on the Western Front in both world wars and proved themselves amongst the world's greatest warrior nations.

But do they still have what it takes?

In this podcast, I explore both the past and the present of the Canadian army.

Are there other nations armies you would like me to look into? I was thinking Australia and also South Africa could be next if this episode is well received.

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Busting the Redcoat Myths! A Christmas Special

Today I am joined by Dr Chris Brice and the brilliant Daniel Harrington from the Clasps of Courage YouTube channel.

Expect honest analysis, good humour, and a behind-the-scenes look at how we make military history content.

Have a great Christmas and be sure to buy your gifts here - https://redcoathistory.com/ 

Britain’s “Point of Failure” — The Brigadiers Who Almost Lost WW2

When we think of 1940, we picture Dunkirk, the fall of France and the BEF racing for the Channel. But behind the headlines were real officers making real decisions — the brigadiers. Too senior to ignore, not quite famous enough to be remembered.

In this episode, my friend and part-time co-host Chris Brice talks to military historian Dr Phil McCarty about his new book Point of Failure: British Brigadiers in France and Norway, 1940. They explore who these men were, how they were selected, and why some rose to greatness while others quietly vanished after the débâcle of 1940.

Expect discussion of staff college bottlenecks, Monty and Brooke’s patronage, public school myths, territorials, and why the brigadiers of Normandy look both similar to — and subtly different from — their 1940 predecessors. Plus some cracking stories along the way.

If you enjoy British Army history told through real people rather than map arrows, you’ll enjoy this one.

Purchase Phil's book here - https://www.helion.co.uk/military-history-books/point-of-failure-british-brigadiers-in-france-and-norway-1940.php 

Discover Chris Brice's books here - https://www.helion.co.uk/people/christopher-brice.php 

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Meet the Regiment the Army Loves to Hate!

The RAF Regiment - ask any squaddie and they’ll give you a sneer, a joke, or a tall tale about babysitting airfields.

But the truth? The RAF Regiment has been fighting - and dying - in deadly and dangerous places since its formation.

But what is the RAF Regiment, what’s the history and what is the unit’s role now? Let’s find out.

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After Dunkirk: Britain’s Forgotten Fight For France (1940)

Today we have something fascinating - After Dunkirk, job done… right? Not quite.

While Britain cheers the “miracle,” more than a hundred thousand of our lads are still in France — fighting, improvising, and trying not to be rolled up by Rommel. The 51st Highland Division digs in at St Valery. Alanbrooke rows with Churchill down a crackly phone line, the RAF keeps flying and the Navy pulls off two more evacuations most people have never heard of.

Today we’re unpacking the 18 desperate days after Dunkirk — Operation Cycle, Operation Aerial, the fate of the 51st, de Gaulle’s decision to fight on, and the tragedy of the Lancastria.

Joining the show is historian Paul Fantom, author of A Forgotten Campaign: The British Armed Forces in France, 1940 — From Dunkirk to the Armistice.

https://www.helion.co.uk/military-history-books/a-forgotten-campaign-the-british-armed-forces-in-france-1940-from-dunkirk-to-the-armistice.php 

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The Spartans of Africa? The reality of the Zulu army (1879)

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Historians often refer to them as the Spartans of Africa. The Zulus famously destroyed a British force at the Battle of Isandlwana in 1879.

But what do we really know about that victorious warrior army? In today’s video I’m going to walk you through their training, tactics, and organisation.Did they have guns? And could they really run fifty miles a day and fight a battle at the end of it?

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The Great War’s Forgotten Rulebook: How the British Army Learned to Win

How did the British Army go from the muddle of the Boer War to the professionalism of 1918?

In this episode, historian David Keable-Elliot talks to the show about The Doctrine of the British Army — the forgotten Field Service Regulations that shaped everything from tactics to training.

It’s the story of how a rulebook turned chaos into coherence, and helped Britain win the First World War.

Thanks to Dr Chris Brice for organising and conducting this interview. 

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Buy David's book - https://www.helion.co.uk/military-history-books/the-doctrine-of-the-british-army-the-conception-and-implementation-of-field-service-regulations-1900-1918.php