The Redcoat History Podcast

Anglo-Zulu War Part 4: The siege and relief of Eshowe

In this episode of The Redcoat History Podcast Christian Parkinson delves into the history of the battle of Nyezane, the siege of Eshowe and the battle of Gingindlovu - tough scraps from the Anglo-Zulu war of 1879 that are often overlooked in popular history. 

 

For the full show notes, maps and videos be sure to visit www.redcoathistory.com 

 

So what is The Redcoat History Podcast?

 

It's a podcast to learn about the history of the British army, its most famous campaigns, its worst defeats and its greatest leaders. During the first week of every month battlefield explorer, Christian Parkinson delves deep into a new topic. This is a podcast for the military geeks, the obsessives, those who like to feel what it is like to fix bayonets and charge the French. It is military history as it should be: exciting, fast-paced and so real you can smell the gunpowder.

The Anglo-Zulu War Part 3: The Battle of Rorke's Drift

The Battle of Rorke's Drift, fought at a lonely mission station on the Natal/Zululand border on 22 January 1879, is probably the most famous British engagement of the Victorian era. 

 

11 Victoria Crosses were won in a single day as a handful of British troops fought for their lives against around 4000 Zulus. It is the stuff of legends, forever immortalised in the 1964 film Zulu. But how realistic is that film and how true are our preconceptions about the battle. 

 

In this episode of the Redcoat History Podcast, Christian Parkinson walks us through the battle, drawing heavily on the accounts of those who were there. For more information including maps and videos then visit www.redcoathistory.com. 

 

Christian can also be found on Instagram and Twitter where he is known as @redcoathistory. 

The Anglo-Zulu War Part 2: The Battle of Isandlwana

The battle of Isandlwana fought on the 22^nd of January 1879, is one of the most discussed and written about engagements in the history of the British army. We British do love a glorious defeat and the battle certainly falls into that category. It’s a difficult battle for the historian - disjointed and confused with few first-hand accounts to help us.

 As Keith Smith says:

 “Isandlwana is the most impenetrable engagement to comprehend because all of the major European participants lost their lives. Had Colonel Durnford, Lietuentant-Colonel Pulleine or even Lieutenant Melvill survived, then the story of the events of that dreadful day would now be easier to tell. But they did not, and it is thus no accident that this battle engages us still.”

 Welcome to episode 2 of the Redcoat history podcast with me Christian Parkinson – I’m a filmmaker, photographer and battlefield explorer who has a passion for the history of the British army – a passion that I’m desperate to share.

If you want read the full notes for this episode including a bibliography and my video tours of the key locations then please go to www.redcoathistory.com 

The Anglo-Zulu War Part1: The Road To War

Welcome to the first ever episode of the Redcoat History Podcast - a place to learn the history of the British army, its most famous campaigns, its worst defeats and its greatest leaders. On the first Monday of every month battlefield explorer, Christian Parkinson delves deep into a new topic. This is a podcast for the military geeks, the obsessives, those who like to feel what it is like to fix bayonets and charge the French. It is military history as it should be: exciting, fast-paced and so real you can smell the gunpowder.

In the first few episodes, we will be exploring the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. Who were the Zulus and why did Britain invade this tiny corner of Africa?

In subsequent episodes, we will dive into great detail about the battles and personalities of this conflict that still fascinates the historian and the public alike. 

For detailed show notes, maps and videos please head over to www.redcoathistory.com/podcast