The Redcoat History Podcast

Today I am joined by Dr Chris Brice and the brilliant Daniel Harrington from the Clasps of Courage YouTube channel. Expect honest analysis, good humour, and a behind-the-scenes look at how we make military history content. Have a great Christmas and be sure to buy your gifts here - https://redcoathistory.com/ 

When we think of 1940, we picture Dunkirk, the fall of France and the BEF racing for the Channel. But behind the headlines were real officers making real decisions — the brigadiers. Too senior to ignore, not quite famous enough to be remembered. In this episode, my friend and part-time co-host Chris Brice talks to military historian Dr Phil McCarty about his new book Point of Failure: British Brigadiers in France and Norway, 1940. They explore who these men were, how they were selected, and why some rose to greatness while others quietly vanished after the débâcle of 1940. Expect discussion of staff college bottlenecks, Monty and Brooke’s patronage, public school myths, territorials, and why the brigadiers of Normandy look both similar to — and subtly different from — their 1940 predecessors. Plus some cracking stories along the way. If you enjoy British Army history told through real people rather than map arrows, you’ll enjoy this one. Purchase Phil's book here - https://www.helion.co.uk/military-history-books/point-of-failure-british-brigadiers-in-france-and-norway-1940.php  Discover Chris Brice's books here - https://www.helion.co.uk/people/christopher-brice.php  Join my mailing list for a free eBook about the Zulu War - https://redcoathistory.com/ 

The RAF Regiment - ask any squaddie and they’ll give you a sneer, a joke, or a tall tale about babysitting airfields. But the truth? The RAF Regiment has been fighting - and dying - in deadly and dangerous places since its formation. But what is the RAF Regiment, what’s the history and what is the unit’s role now? Let’s find out. Get your free eBook - https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/  Support the Study of British Military History - https://www.patreon.com/RedcoatHistory 

Today we have something fascinating - After Dunkirk, job done… right? Not quite. While Britain cheers the “miracle,” more than a hundred thousand of our lads are still in France — fighting, improvising, and trying not to be rolled up by Rommel. The 51st Highland Division digs in at St Valery. Alanbrooke rows with Churchill down a crackly phone line, the RAF keeps flying and the Navy pulls off two more evacuations most people have never heard of. Today we’re unpacking the 18 desperate days after Dunkirk — Operation Cycle, Operation Aerial, the fate of the 51st, de Gaulle’s decision to fight on, and the tragedy of the Lancastria. Joining the show is historian Paul Fantom, author of A Forgotten Campaign: The British Armed Forces in France, 1940 — From Dunkirk to the Armistice. https://www.helion.co.uk/military-history-books/a-forgotten-campaign-the-british-armed-forces-in-france-1940-from-dunkirk-to-the-armistice.php  Join my patreon - https://www.patreon.com/RedcoatHistory 

Visit Osprey publishing to see their incredible catalogue of military history books - https://www.ospreypublishing.com/ Historians often refer to them as the Spartans of Africa. The Zulus famously destroyed a British force at the Battle of Isandlwana in 1879. But what do we really know about that victorious warrior army? In today’s video I’m going to walk you through their training, tactics, and organisation.Did they have guns? And could they really run fifty miles a day and fight a battle at the end of it? Get your free eBook about isandlwana - https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/ Support the study of British military history by joining my Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/RedcoatHistory - you will get early access to videos and extra content.