Victorian Crusaders: Britons Who Fought for the Pope’s Army
Today, we’re really diving into an obscure niche. . . Rome in the 1860s — a decade of revolution, nationalism, and, oddly enough, British and Irish Catholics signing up to fight for the Pope.
Our guest is historian Nicholas Schofield, author of Victorian Crusaders: British and Irish Volunteers in the Papal Army, 1860–70. It’s a story of faith, politics, and some very unlikely Redcoats in baggy Zouave trousers. The book is published by Helion and here is the link to buy - https://amzn.to/46tsA48Â
Special thanks to my good mate Dr Christopher Brice for conducting today’s interview. He is an expert in his own right and has written a number of books about Victorian military History - https://www.helion.co.uk/people/christopher-brice.phpÂ
Sign up for my mailing list to receive your free eBook about the battle of Isandlwana - https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/Â
And come tour the Zulu War battlefields with me by signing up for a tour here - https://paystack.com/buy/the-zulu-war-a-self-drive-tour-with-redcoat-history-devkrwÂ
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Guerrillas, Redcoats, and Empire: Understanding Asymmetric Warfare
How do you beat an enemy who refuses to fight by the rules? From ambushes in the forests of North America to the frontier wars in Africa, the British Army faced enemies who fought small, fast, and ruthless. We now call it asymmetric warfare — the clash between the strong and the weak, the lion and the fly.
In this episode of Redcoat History, I sit down with Dr Jacob Hagstrom — former U.S. Army officer and author of Asymmetric Warfare (Cambridge University Press). We explore how Redcoats struggled, adapted, and sometimes failed when fighting foes who didn’t line up on open fields. Expect stories from the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, and the Cape Frontier as well as a discussion about the recent campaign in Afghanistan.
Link to Jacob's book - https://amzn.to/47B3jHz
Sign up for my mailing list - https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/Â
Join the Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/RedcoatHistoryÂ
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The British Empire’s Regulars 1880-1914
This week I’m joined by historian Wendell Schollander to discuss his new book The British Empire’s Regulars 1880–1914. We dive into the lives of the men who fought and marched across the globe in Britain’s name – English, Sikhs, Scots, Gurkhas, Ibos, Zulus and many more – showing how these diverse soldiers were anything but anonymous pawns. Wendell brings their stories to life, explaining the unique contributions of each group and why their service was vital to the empire’s survival.
Wendell's book is available here - https://amzn.to/3HON0MEÂ
Special thanks to Chris Brice for stepping in with hosting today. His books can be found here - https://www.helion.co.uk/people/christopher-brice.phpÂ
Did you know a British cavalry captain once held the army rank of lieutenant general… and still just led a squadron?
In this episode, we dive deep into the gloriously confusing world of the Napoleonic-era British Army with historian Steve Brown. From "Brevet" ranks, to gentleman volunteers who wielded muskets while hoping someone died so they could get a promotion—this is the army as you’ve never heard it before.
We uncover forgotten garrisons, militia mysteries, and the strange story behind those regimental county titles that mostly meant nothing at all.
Expect penal battalions, Greek soldiers in red coats, and dashing hussars who were all moustache and no discipline.
It's the military equivalent of Monty Python meets Yes Minister—only it really happened.
Steve's books can be purchased here - https://amzn.to/4eRDm85Â
Sign up for my mailing list here - https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/Â
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Onwards to Omdurman - Empire Strikes Back: The battle for Sudan (1898)
Today we’re heading to the Sudan—dusty, dangerous, and politically explosive. We’re talking about Onwards to Omdurman, a gripping book by military historian Keith Surridge, which examines the often-overlooked campaigns leading up to Kitchener’s famous victory in 1898.
But I’m not in the interviewer’s chair for this one. Instead, friend of the show and fellow historian Chris Brice takes the reins for a fascinating deep dive into empire, ambition, and the logistics of war in the late Victorian age.
Before we begin, don’t forget—if you enjoy this podcast, head over to redcoathistory.com/newsletter to sign up to my mailing list. You’ll get updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and a free ebook all about the Battle of Isandlwana, one of the most dramatic defeats in British military history.
Keith's book can be purchased here - https://amzn.to/3GcxOs5Â
And Chris Brice's books are available here - https://amzn.to/4lcMiHnÂ
The podcast for military history geeks and people with a passion for good stories. We focus on British and Commonwealth military history from the birth of the redcoat era through to modern warfare.
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