The Napoleonic Wars Podcast

What did it take to survive the Napoleonic Wars? How did soldiers withstand the privations of campaign? And how did they balance the need to carry their worldly possessions on their shoulder, with the need to remain comfortable, and follow army regulations?Away from the famous battles and privileged lives of commanders, daily survival depended on clothing, equipment, and constant improvisation.In this episode, historian Dr Zack White sits down with Napoleonic historian, re-enactor, and British army veteran Liam Telfer to explore the reality of life on campaign for Napoleonic soldiers. We examine what they carried, from uniforms and packs to weapons and personal items, and how practical—or impractical—their kit often proved to be. From worn shoes and heavy coats to the constant struggle to stay dry, fed, and healthy, were uniforms a burden as a badge of identity?The episode also looks beyond the battlefield to what truly mattered when the fighting stopped: food, shelter, firewood, repairs, and rest. We discuss how soldiers adapted their equipment, modified their uniforms, scavenged for supplies, and relied on camaraderie to endure long marches, harsh weather, and relentless campaigning.By focusing on the ordinary soldier rather than the generals, this episode reveals how endurance, routine, and resourcefulness were just as vital as musket and bayonet in surviving the Napoleonic Wars.#NapoleonicWars#MilitaryHistory#LifeOfASoldier#NapoleonicSoldier#HistoricalUniforms#CampaignLife#19thCenturyHistory#WarAndSurvival#LivingHistory#EuropeanHistory#SoldiersOnCampaign

The French Imperial Guard has a reputation as the elite, all conquering crack troops of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. But how justified is that reputation? Dr Graeme Callister joins us to talk about the formation of the Guard, its reputation, organisation, combat record and discipline, to unpick the myth from the reality.Get exclusive content at https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspod

Professor Kevin Linch joins us for a deep dive into how the British Army waged war. We discuss the army's organisation, the role of regimental guns, infantry tactics, the challenges faced by cavalry, and the importance of artillery innovations. The conversation also explores the complexities of combined arms operations, the integration with allies, and the significant influence of the Royal Navy on military campaigns. Throughout, the discussion highlights the lessons learned from both successes and failures, emphasising the resilience and adaptability of the British Army over time.Support the show at:https://www.patreon.com/cw/thenapoleonicwarspodKeywordsBritish Army, Napoleonic Wars, military structure, tactics, artillery, cavalry, combined arms, regimental guns, Wellington, historyChapters (Timings approximate)00:00 The Structure of the British Army07:57 Artillery and Regimental Guns12:44 Infantry Tactics and Formations17:19 Defensive Strategies and Perceptions21:31 Combined Arms Operations26:13 The Role of Corps and Divisions30:26 Cavalry Effectiveness and Challenges32:05 The Doctrine of the British Cavalry36:54 Artillery Innovations and Tactics41:05 Commanders in Crisis: Successes and Failures45:38 Professionalization of the British Army53:34 Integration with Allied Forces01:00:00 The Role of the Navy in British Military Success01:06:34 Lessons Learned: Resilience and Adaptation

The climax of our epic 'Battle of the Marshals' showdown arrives tonight, as the man who has come to define perceptions of a Chief of Staff, Louis-Alexandre Berthier, and the Iron Marshal Nicolas Davout go head to head in our grand final.After hours of discussion, pitches from our most loyal fans, votes, lobbying, balloon debates and back stabbing, we have whittled France's most exalted commanders of the Napoleonic era down to just two. Who wins? You decide.Professor Edward Coss, Emeritus Professor of the United States Command and General Staff College champions Bethier, whilst the maestro of the Marshal series Rachael Stark fights for Davout in an extended debate that ranges widely on these men's skills, flaws, greatest success, and biggest embarrassment. Who take the crown is in your hands. Comment below, vote on social media, share with your friends, and get involved in the discussion, to see your favourite take one of the greatest titles in Napoleonic history: Napoleon's Greatest Marshal.Merry Christmas to all our fans, and a huge thanks to everyone who has been involved in this incredible series.Support out show: https://www.patreon.com/cw/thenapoleonicwarspod

We delve into the historical context of the British defence during the early 19th century, focusing on the Fencibles, a unique military formation. The discussion highlights the origins, roles, and significance of the Fensibles in Scotland, their impact on British identity, and the complexities of soldiering during this period. Rory Butcher, PhD candidate at the University of Leeds, provides insights into how the Fencibles were formed as a response to military needs and how they navigated issues of loyalty, identity, and service.Support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspodFind out more on Rory's work at: https://x.com/RMB_HistoryChapters (Timings Approximate)00:00 The Context of the British Defence08:53 Understanding the Fencibles17:46 The Role and Responsibilities of the Fencibles25:01 Cultural Impact and Legacy of the Fencibles35:32 Regimental Justice and Discipline38:46 Desertion and Its Implications41:14 The Nature of Soldiering Contracts46:07 Professionalism in the Army50:51 British Identity and the Fencibles55:45 The Complexity of Military IdentityKeywordsBritish Defence, Fencibles, Scottish History, Napoleonic Wars, Military History, Home Defence, British Identity, Soldiering, 18th Century, Jacobite Rebellion