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In this episode, we walk the battlefields of Barba del Puerco and the Combat on the Coa, two early engagements in the Peninsular War where the Rifles and the Light Division cemented their reputation as elite troops.

Using first-hand accounts, military analysis, and on-location footage, we explore:

• How the Rifles came to be
• What made the Baker Rifle so revolutionary
• Why their training under men like Sir John Moore changed the game
• And how they stood firm in the face of overwhelming French assaults

This is the real story behind Richard Sharpe’s old regiment — not fiction, but fact. These were the battles where the myth began.

🗺 Locations Featured:

• Barba del Puerco (March 1810)

• River Coa, near Almeida (July 1810)

⚔️ Like what you see? Support the channel on Patreon for behind-the-scenes extras, research notes, and more: https://www.patreon.com/RedcoatHistory

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

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—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?

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

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.

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/

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