Redcoat History

This is the Tumblr account of @redcoathistory where I share fascinating, quirky or simply entertaining content related to the history of the British army. Visit www.redcoathistory.com for more comprehensive material.

[redcoathistory]

It was along this old wagon trail that the #Britisharmy and their local allies advanced towards #Isandlwana 141 years ago. The old track can still be found and loosely followed and is a cracking #hike. https://ift.tt/2R9NQVP

[redcoathistory]

The Batshe river. 141 years ago today the first shots of the AZW were fired in this valley (just out of view) as the British and their local allies attacked the kraal of the local chief called Sihayo. A fierce fight took place before the small Zulu force was forced to withdraw. . . . #history #militaryhistory #britisharmy #army #veterans #instahistory #instamilitary #military #battlefield #combat #anglozuluwar #southafrica https://ift.tt/2QKnnPG

[redcoathistory]

A view of the Rorke’s Drift hotel looking back towards Shiyane mountain. The Buffalo river is just behind the camera. The owner, Charles, was incredibly helpful on my last visit to the area. #isandlwana #rorkesdrift #anglozuluwar #britisharmy #military #militaryhistory #southafrica https://ift.tt/35vEmtb

[redcoathistory]

So I guess this is a good time to take a break from social media. Wishing you all an amazing Christmas. I hope we get to share lots of excellent military history pics, videos and stories in 2020. https://ift.tt/2EKn6pe

[redcoathistory]

Want to know how to get drunk and capture a fort on your own? Well in that case you will enjoy the Redcoat History Podcast - season 2, episode 2. . . In this episode (just released) we meet Clive of #India and witness the recapture of Calcutta as well as the brutal fight with the French at Chandernagor. It’s rip-roaring stuff. . . . Just search for the Redcoat History Podcast in your app. . . #history #militaryhistory #britisharmy #army #veterans #instahistory #instamilitary #military #battlefield #combat https://ift.tt/2Pkk0yf

[redcoathistory]

Season 2 of the Redcoat History Podcast launches this morning. In this episode we look at Calcutta in the 1750’s, the rise of the Nawab and the infamous ‘black hole’ affair. It’s fascinating stuff. https://ift.tt/2rHOCQW

[redcoathistory]

Season 2 of the Redcoat History Podcast is launched on Monday 2 December. . . In episode one we look at the state of India in 1756, the siege of Calcutta by the Nawab of Bengal and the subsequent ‘black-hope’ incident. It’s fascinating stuff to please subscribe. . . Just search in your app of choice for the Redcoat History Podcast. . . #history #militaryhistory #britisharmy #army #veterans #instahistory #instamilitary #military #battlefield #combat https://ift.tt/2Dl1LSu

[redcoathistory]

I’ve just posted the latest episode of the Redcoat History Podcast. Today I interview fiction author and Anglo-Zulu war expert James Mace about his books. He is a mine of information and a great bloke. Please have a listen and help spread the word. Just search for Redcoat History in your podcasting app of choice / I’ll also post to my YouTube channel as soon as possible https://ift.tt/35f6mSn

[redcoathistory]

Everything you ever wanted to know about the Martini-Henry rifle. . I’ve just uploaded episode 7 of The Redcoat History Podcast (just search for it in your podcasting app). It’s a long, detailed chat with Rob from the excellent #Britishmuzzleloaders YouTube channel. . . We cover the history, design, Calibre and use of the weapon as well as how it changed battlefield tactics. . . I don’t think Rob is on Insta but if he is pls tag him for me. . . . #history #militaryhistory #britisharmy #army #veterans #instahistory #instamilitary #military #battlefield #combat #martinihenry #rifle #firearms #historicalfirearms https://ift.tt/2M7NspK

[redcoathistory]

The Redcoat History Podcast episode 6 is now released: Zulu End Game - the second invasion and the massacre at Ulundi. . . The image in the background here is the 17th Lancers charging at #Ulundi. . . . #history #militaryhistory #britisharmy #army #veterans #instahistory #instamilitary #military #battlefield #combat #anglozuluwar #zuluwar #cavalry #victoriana https://ift.tt/2O7wvgB

[redcoathistory]

The latest instalment of the Redcoat History Podcast is now out. In it I cover the siege and relief of Eshowe which includes the battles of Nyezane and Gingindlovu. It’s a nice long listen for the fellow military history geeks out there. Just search “Redcoat History Podcast” on your podcasting app. . . . #history #militaryhistory #britisharmy #army #veterans #instahistory #instamilitary #military #battlefield #combat #anglozuluwar https://ift.tt/2KiCzPB

[redcoathistory]

The beautiful memorial to the Zulu dead at Rorke’s Drift. It shows a leopard sat on top of a pile of cowhide shields. . . We’ll never know exactly how many Zulus died attacking the small British position but the number is probably around 500. . . My podcast episode about the famous battle where 11 VC’s was won is released tomorrow. If you search your podcasting app for The Redcoat History Podcast then you should find it. . . . #history #militaryhistory #britisharmy #army #veterans #instahistory #instamilitary #military #battlefield #combat #zuluwar #anglozuluwar #isandlwana #rorkesdrift https://ift.tt/2XICcGE

[redcoathistory]

This is the commonwealth war graves cemetery in Khartoum, Sudan. Sadly it is closed today but I hope to see it before leaving. I will take and post more pictures when possible. http://bit.ly/2WYCYQi

[redcoathistory]

This is the famous coffin shaped rock that on the 22nd January 1879 was actually in the middle of the Buffalo river (this shot was taken during a drought). . . It was here that Lt’s Melvill and Higginson were clinging for dear life with the queens colours after escaping from #isandlwana . . . For the full story of the battle and the escape of the fugitives you can listen to my new podcast which is released on Mon 3 June. See link in my bio. . . . #history #militaryhistory #britisharmy #army #veterans #instahistory #instamilitary #military #battlefield #combat http://bit.ly/2EMckyZ

[redcoathistory]

Isandlwana: 22 Jan 1879. . . After the battle some men made a dash towards the Buffalo river. If any of the escaping British troops had stopped to look behind them while climbing up Mpete Hill then this is the view that they would have seen. In peace time it’s a beautiful spot - but I can only imagine the exhaustion and the horror faced by the men on that day. . . . #history #militaryhistory #britisharmy #army #veterans #instahistory #instamilitary #military #battlefield #combat http://bit.ly/2W4FSO6

[redcoathistory]

Isandlwana mountain viewed from the south side. It’s a dark, imposing feature. . . As the battle for the British camp at Isandlwana to its final bloody conclusion on the afternoon of Jan 22 1879 a handful of survivors made a dash to the south to try and avoid the rapidly advancing left and right horns of the #Zulu impi that were in the process of enveloping the position and cutting off the British retreat. . . Only those on horseback managed to escape - for everyone else only death awaited them. . . My new #podcast about the history of the #Britisharmy drops on Monday and the first few episodes cover the #anglozuluwar of 1879. . . Follow the link in my bio for more. . . #history #militaryhistory #britisharmy #army #veterans #instahistory #instamilitary #military #battlefield #combat http://bit.ly/2EFLKI4

[redcoathistory]

I’ve just finished writing episode 4 of the #redcoathistorypodcast - it’s all about the siege and relief of #Eshowe during the #anglozuluwar - an almost forgotten drama of the war. A few years ago I was lucky enough to visit the site of the Deserted Norwegian mission station that became the centre of the British defensive position. Over a thousand men were crammed into a small area - barely able to go beyond the walls for more than short forays. Illness and exhaustion took their toll as the enemy roamed the area around stopping any supplies and reinforcements from being able to get through. I’ll post more about this and the battles that proceeded it once the podcasts are released. Watch this space. . . . #history #militaryhistory #britisharmy #army #veterans #instahistory #instamilitary #military #battlefield #combat http://bit.ly/2HVJc9n