The Redcoat History Podcast

The Forgotten War on the Edge of Empire: Waziristan 1937 (w/Jon Pick)

In today’s episode, we’re diving into one of the most under-appreciated but fascinating corners of British military history: the Waziristan campaign of 1936–1937. It’s a tale of Gurkhas, armoured cars, tribal lashkars, and the infamous Faqir of Ipi—all set against the harsh, unforgiving terrain between British India and Afghanistan.

 

Jon Pick and I will be talking sniping, ambushes and mountain warfare. You’ll hear about heroic stands, and questionable decisions.

 

And if you enjoy this kind of thing—well then keep in touch and stay up to date with my newsletter by heading over to redcoathistory.com/newsletter and signing upIt’s where all the best stories march first.

Jon's military book business is excellent and can be found here - https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/yorkmilitarybooks 

A Very Fine Regiment: The 47th Foot in the American Revolution

The American War of Independence . . . A war that is viewed through the prism of American myth making and Hollywood movies.

This month is the 250th anniversary of the first clashes of that war. It's a fascinating and misunderstood conflict and I'm sure the next few years will see us bombarded with the old cliches and myths thrown out time after time.

Well, here on Redcoat History, we do our bit to try to turn the tide and share the nuance and detail that may be missing from the US media's coverage.

Today we are starting by taking a look at one regiment - a very fine regiment - the 47th Foot. They were heavily involved at Lexington and Concord and also at Bunker Hill.

Paul Knight has written a book all about them and today he’ll explain how the stereotypes of the robotic redcoat and the idiotic posh officer are far from the truth.

Paul's book can be purchased here - https://amzn.to/4j7TOSM 

Montgomery: Genius or Glory Hunter? The Truth About Normandy

Montgomery—was he the genius who won the Normandy campaign or a glory-hunting general who held the Allies back? The debate rages on. In this episode, we dig into one of the most controversial figures of World War II with military historian Andrew Harrison, author of Caen, Cobra and Confusion: Monty's Normandy Legacy Revisited. Published by Barnthorn.

https://www.barnthornpublishing.co.uk/ 

We break down the myths, the man, and the messy reality of the battle for Caen. Did Monty’s cautious approach cost lives? Was Operation Cobra really the turning point? And why do the Americans and Brits see Normandy so differently?

 

Britain vs Persia: A Forgotten Victorian Beatdown (1856-57)

Did you know that between the Crimean war and the Indian Mutiny, Britain was busy invading Iran (then Persia) and giving it a proper Victorian thrashing?

🔹 Cavalry charges smashing enemy squares

🔹 Brutal naval bombardments

🔹 Heroic last stands and a few Victoria Crosses thrown in for good measure

This is the Anglo-Persian War of 1856-57, a forgotten but explosive chapter in Britain’s military history.

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 can also support the study of British military history by joining my Patreon page over at https://www.patreon.com/RedcoatHistory - you will get early access to videos and extra content.

Dr Brice's books - https://amzn.to/4bRUKYX 

The Most Decorated British Tank Crew of WW1: Fray Bentos

Have you seen that monstrosity of a film Fury? The one with Brad Pitt. Well, imagine that, but in WW1 with a British tank in the mud of Passchendaele. And yes, unlike the American film, our story today is 100 percent true.

Special thanks to Neil Thornton for researching and co-writing this script, his publishing company is excellent with lots of military history titles - https://www.barnthornpublishing.co.uk/

You can also support the study of British military history by joining my Patreon page over at patreon.com/redcoathistory - you will get early access to videos and extra content.

Fighting Mac: The Mysterious Life (and Death) of Britain’s Toughest Victorian Soldier

Hector Macdonald—"Fighting Mac"—was a true legend of the British Army. Rising from humble beginnings to the rank of Major General, he fought in Afghanistan, Africa, and the Boer War, earning a reputation as one of the toughest soldiers of his time. But his meteoric rise ended in scandal, conspiracy, and a tragic downfall. Some even believe he faked his death and reappeared as a German general in World War I. Could there be truth to the rumours? Listen to uncover the astonishing life and mysterious end of one of Britain's most controversial military heroes.

📚 Special thanks to historian Dr. Chris Brice for co-writing this episode—find his books here: https://amzn.to/3WTJIvZ

Sign up for my mailing list here - https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/ 

Behind the Red Beret: The Making of Britain’s 6th Airborne Division (WW2)

In this in-depth episode, historian and author Andy Wheale guides us through the remarkable story of Britain’s 6th Airborne Division in WW2.

Discover how Major-General Richard Gale built and led this elite force—overcoming logistical hurdles with the RAF, hand-picking the men behind the iconic red beret, and forging a division that nearly got “re-rolled” before it even saw action.

We then spotlight the 6th Airborne’s crucial role on D-Day, where they confronted fierce resistance far beyond the initial landings. Along the way, Andy breaks down the core factors behind their success, from Gale’s innovative leadership and uncompromising training regimen to the fighting spirit that carried them through one of history’s most pivotal moments. Join us to see how these airborne troops rose to become a true high-value fighting force in WWII.

Andy's book can be purchased via this link - https://amzn.to/40lqpg7

Napoleonic Wars: How British Regiments Were Organised (w/ Steve Brown)

The British army of the Napoleonic wars - probably the most effective force we’ve ever deployed. Time and time again our small expeditionary army took on and beat the mighty French.

But what was our secret? Well today, we are looking at one important aspect - the British regiment. . . how were our infantry and cavalry units organised? What is a troop? A squadron? A company and a platoon? What was different about the elite flank companies? In this episode I am joined by the incredible historian Steve Brown.

His latest book can be pre-ordered here - https://amzn.to/4imBup6

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 can also get early, ad-free access to my videos and podcasts by joining my patreon page - https://www.patreon.com/RedcoatHistory 

Samurai vs Tanks: British armour in the Burma campaign (w/ Jack Bowsher)

WW2 - The war in Burma. The forgotten 14th Army struggling against Japanese "super soldiers" deep in the jungle.

But did you know there was another, completely overlooked aspect to the campaign -Tanks.

Yep, the British and allied troops did deploy them and they proved to be incredibly effective. 

Today we are exploring the forgotten role that tanks played in the jungle and on the Indian and Burmese plains. 

These are stories that will shock you - a sword fight inside a British tank, the logistics of deploying armour in the mountains above the clouds, and the incredible tale of the 'Thunder Run to Meiktila,' - a battle that set the tone for the use of armour and all-arms tactics through to the present day. 

By the way here is the link to Jack's book - https://www.chiselbury.co.uk/bookstore/p/forgotten-armour-tank-warfare-in-burma-by-jack-bowsher and the discount code at checkout is REDCOAT20.

My patreon page is here - https://www.patreon.com/RedcoatHistory

The Incredible Story of Britain's Last County Regiment

Today on the podcast we are looking at the history of the Royal Yorkshire Regiment…a unit that can trace its roots back to 1685.

We’ll discuss the antecedent regiments that came together to form the modern regiment, look at their battle honours and important dates and then examine the role of the regiment in today’s modern British army.

Put the kettle on guys, cause this is a film for the true military history geek - we are going down another historical rabbit hole and it may take some time.

Please support the show and sign up for my Patreon page. When you sign up you get early access to my podcasts and videos - https://www.patreon.com/c/RedcoatHistory