Historian and Rifles veteran Tim Saunders joins us to delve into the history, ethos, and legacy of the 95th Rifles, a distinguished unit of the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars. We discuss their formation, training, and the impact of their unique weaponry, including the Baker rifle. The discussion also explores the challenges faced by the unit, their portrayal in popular culture through Bernard Cornwell's 'Sharp'e series, and the lasting influence of the 95th on modern military practices.

Tim's books: https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Tim-Saunders/a/227

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspod

Keywords

95th Rifles, Napoleonic Wars, British Army, light infantry, military history, Tim Saunders, Baker rifle, green jacket, Peninsula War, legacy

Time Stamps: All timings approximate

00:00 Introduction to the 95th Rifles

02:17 The Formation and Evolution of the 95th Rifles

12:20 The Ethos and Character of the Rifle Corps

19:09 Training Regimen and Marksmanship of the 95th

27:08 The Baker Rifle: A Game Changer for the 95th

32:59 The Evolution of Wellington's Army

41:35 The Significance of the Green Jacket

42:06 The Impact of the Peninsula War

49:34 Challenges and Failures of the 95th

55:06 The Legacy of the 95th and Popular Culture

In a world first, Sean Bean and Bernard Cornwell sit down to share their memories about how they shaped Sharpe, and how Sharpe shaped them.

Will Sean reveal where the inimitable use of 'bastard' came from? Does Bernard settle the argument on which Sharpe novel is the best? Where did the idea of Sharpe come from.

From fan questions, to an exclusive reading from the new Sharpe novel featuring Bernard, Sean and the hosts of the podcast, perhaps the most hotly anticipated Sharpe interview ever is about to stream right here, on the Napoleonic Wars Podcast. This is the ultimate interview for anyone who has watched the TV series, read the books, or was introduced to the Napoleonic Wars through this cult classic.

Sharpe's Storm: https://thecleevebookshop.co.uk/products/9780008496821?srsltid=AfmBOoqKQgLD5rQ3B8KecvoosLJCC9HU33iSFx3J4nSUkr_EPtT85wvt

Released to the public: 8th April 2026

What does it take to make a Marshal of France. Of the 26 individuals that Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte elevated to the highest military rank of the first French Empire, there were a myriad of similarities and differences - ostentatious, arrogant, specialists, administrators, inspirational figures, princes and paupers.

To delve into the characters of these exalted figures of military and Napoleonic history, Rachael Stark and Dr Graeme Callister sit down to unpick the lives and styles of command of the French Marshals. We cover the diversity of the marshals' backgrounds, Napoleon's influence on marshal selection, the relationships between Napoleon and his marshals, and their strategic and tactical successes and failures.

Graeme's Books: https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Dr-Graeme-Callister/a/4546

Timestamps (All timings approximate):

00:00 Introduction to the Marshals of France

02:47 Diversity Among the Marshals

06:10 Napoleon's Influence on His Marshals

08:53 Origins and Backgrounds of the Marshals

11:51 The Impact of Early Life Experiences

14:59 Training and Military Education

18:13 The Role of Luck and Timing

20:59 Relationships with Napoleon

24:14 The Marshals' Loyalty and Pragmatism

27:01 Listening to the Marshals

30:00 Personality Dynamics Among the Marshals

46:05 Exploring Personality Traits of Marshals

50:05 The Role of Arrogance in Leadership

56:55 Inspiration vs. Administration in Command Styles

01:04:03 Evaluating the Choices of Marshals

01:07:27 Strategic and Tactical Command Styles

01:19:08 Comparing French Marshals to Their Opponents

01:25:38 Public Perception of Marshals

Keywords

Napoleon, marshals, military leadership, history, strategy, personalities, Napoleon's generals, military history, leadership traits, Napoleonic Wars