The Redcoat History Podcast

Allan Wilson - the Maverick who became a Victorian legend (Shangani Patrol, 1893)

The last stand of the Shangani Patrol on the 4 December 1893. In modern day Zimbabwe…

It is the stuff of legend.

A handful of militiamen surrounded and fighting to the death against an overwheleming force of Matabele warriors. 

The man in command was Major Allan Wilson, a 37-year-old Scotsman. 

He was a true Victorian maverick – a man of many talents.

Over the years historians have made a lot of mistakes about who he was, where he came from and his background before coming to Rhodesia. 

But today, with the help of research conducted by my mate Cam Simpson, we are going to find out the true story. Let’s Learn who he really was and which battles he had fought in previously. 

If you want to learn more about the Shangani Patrol here are some key works:

Pursuit of the King by John O'Reilly - https://amzn.to/47O5Xqj

A TIme to Die by Robert Cary - https://amzn.to/3QAng78 

The Downfall of Lobengula by W A Wills - https://amzn.to/3FXh5VG 

Regimental Colours: What are they and why do they mean so much?

The infantry colours of regiments of the British Army are incredibly important - perhaps even the reason why the British army has always been one of the best in the world.

But what is their significance, and why, for centuries now, have men gone to extraordinary lengths to defend them, performing amazing feats of courage and bravery?

In todays episode I am going to answer all of those questions…share some incredible stories and, at the end, explain why colours still matter to British army regiments.

A special thanks to Dr Chris Brice for researching and co-writing this video.

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 

Up From the Ranks: More interesting than Richard Sharpe?

During the Napoleonic era being promoted from the ranks was more common than most people think. . .But John Shipp was still an exceptional man and managed it twice! This is his story. 

 

Buy Redcoat History Merch: https://redcoathistory.myspreadshop.co.uk 

 

If you are also 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

The Epic Heroism of the Relief of Lucknow: The most VCs awarded in a single day (1857)

The Relief of Lucknow was a key turning point in the Indian Mutiny of 1857-59.

In this episode, you will walk with me across the battlefield and learn how the most Victoria Crosses in a single day were awarded.

Thanks to the guest Josh Provan. You can find here his YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@adventuresinhistoryland5501

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

 

British expedition to Abyssinia and the Battle of Magdala (1867-68)

Did you know that in 1868 Abyssinia (now known as Ethiopia) was invaded by the British in a campaign as fearsome and as challenging as any the British army have faced?

It’s a fascinating and little-known Victorian era war - But why did it happen? In this video I ask collector and historian Ian Shapiro to explain more.

You can find Ian on Instagram...https://www.instagram.com/ianjshapiro/

Buy Redcoat History Merch: https://redcoathistory.myspreadshop.co.uk/

If you are also 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

 

Peninsular War: British Cavalry - Brainless gallopers? (w/Mark Thompson)

This is the re-edit of a live broadcast with Historian Mark Thompson.

We discussed British cavalry of the Peninsular War. How were they trained? What were their strengths and their weaknesses? In which battles did they perform well?

Mark has written many books on the era. This is his excellent book on the lines of Torres Vedras - https://amzn.to/3thM6k7 and this one on Wellington's favourite engineer - https://amzn.to/3rAUVVO

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

The Victoria Cross: Everything You Need to Know (w/ Kevin Brazier)

The Victoria Cross - the highest and most prestigious decoration available to British service members. 

We all know what it looks like  - It’s a small bronze cross with a distinctive crimson ribbon. But what else do you know about it? 

Well, today I am joined by author and historian Kevin Brazier…he’s going to be busting some of the myths and answering all of my questions about the VC.

His books on the subject can be purchased via these links:

The Complete Victoria Cross: https://amzn.to/3EERK29 

Victoria Crosses of the Gurkha and Indian Regiments: https://amzn.to/3r6ZGWZ 

Subscribe to my mailing list to receive your free book about the Battle of Isandlwana - http://bit.ly/redcoathistory 

Exploring the Siege of Lucknow’s Battlefield Today (Indian Mutiny)

The siege of Lucknow saw the bloodiest fighting of the Indian Mutiny.

In this episode, I walk the residency grounds, explore how the site looks now and tell the story of the six month long siege.

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://www.redcoathistory.com

If you are very generous, you can also buy me a coffee and help support the channel via

https://ko-fi.com/redcoathistory 

Warriors in Scarlet: The Last Redcoats (w/Ian Knight)

Today the one and only Ian Knight joins us to discuss his new book, "Warriors in Scarlet - The Life and Times of the Last Redcoats". 

Ian has written many brilliant books on the Zulu War and his new work looks at the British army of the early to mid-Victorian era. 

In this interview, Ian explains how the army developed over this period and talks us through some of the most interesting campaigns that it fought. 

The book can be purchased here: https://amzn.to/3RxreiX 

I also ask you to support the show by signing up for my mailing list here to receive your free eBook about the Battle of Isandlwana. http://bit.ly/redcoathistory 

 

The Storming of Delhi - September 1857 (Indian Mutiny)

It's September 1857 - the Indian Mutiny is going strong. The British are outnumbered and outgunned. Not a good position to be in for storming a major city.

But they are determined to hold India at all costs. Can the redcoats and their allies achieve the impossible against a determined and worthy foe?

Walk the streets of old Delhi with me to find out more about this important Indian Mutiny battle of September 1857.

I am also joined by Historian Amarpal Singh on this episode. He has a book on the battle that can be purchased via this link

https://amzn.to/44jvt4O

If you are interested in the Zulu War, then please sign up for my mailing list to receive my free book on the subject: www.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