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In this second instalment we return to the saddle with historian Josh Proven to uncover the hidden mechanics behind cavalry warfare during the Napoleonic Wars. This episode goes beyond the charge to explore how cavalry actually functioned under the chaos of battle. How did commanders maintain control over fast moving formations at Waterloo or Eylau? Were signals, discipline, and doctrine enough or was unpredictability inevitable? We then dive deep into the lifeblood of cavalry, horses. From vast remount systems in France, Austria, and Britain to Russia’s reliance on native herds, we examine the logistical and economic struggle to keep armies mounted. How were horses sourced, trained, and conditioned for the terror of gunfire and close combat? And how did different cultures, from European cuirassiers to Cossacks and Tatars shape the relationship between rider and mount? Finally, we explore the often overlooked realities of campaign life, feeding, shoeing, transporting, and caring for thousands of horses. With limited veterinary support and immense logistical strain, cavalry effectiveness often hinged on equine survival. If Part 1 was about how cavalry fought, Part 2 reveals what made it possible. More of Josh's work can he found here Home - Joshua Provan

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

In this episode of the The Napoleonic Wars Podcast, we saddle up and ride into part 1 of the dramatic world of cavalry warfare during the Napoleonic Wars with historian and author Josh Proven. From the thunderous heavy cavalry charges to the lightning fast scouting of light horsemen, we explore how mounted troops shaped battlefields across Europe and beyond. Josh breaks down the different cavalry types and explains how armies from France, Britain, and Russia deployed them in radically different ways. We dig into the culture of cavalry, elite training, battlefield discipline, and the prestige that surrounded the mounted arm. But cavalry warfare wasn’t just a European story. We also examine the role of irregular horsemen and the mounted forces of the Ottoman Empire and India, revealing how global traditions of cavalry influenced the era’s conflicts. And of course, horses. Where did the thousands of horses come from? How were they trained for the chaos of battle, and how well were they cared for? Finally, we relive some of the most famous cavalry moments of the era, devastating charges, heroic feats, and spectacular disasters that defined the mounted arm of Napoleonic warfare. If you love battlefield tactics, military culture, and epic cavalry action, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. For more about Josh and his works please visit Home - Joshua Provan For all our exclusive Podcast merchandise please visit Discover Our Exclusive Range at Napoleonic Wars Podcast

In an emergency recording Gareth Glover sits down with Zack to discuss a major auction of Napoleonic letters, the importance of preserving historical documents, and how the community can help save these invaluable pieces of history from private collections. The episode emphasises the significance of public access and proper preservation of military heritage, and the way that listeners can chip in to safeguard this remarkable cache of documents for future generations. Support Gareth's fundraising bid directly via paypal by searching for this account: [email protected] Notify Gareth that you would like to pledge an amount, or discuss more details with him via email at: [email protected] More information available on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/waterlooassociation/permalink/24547146224983255/

Who was the 'Darling Child of Victory'? What characterised his style as a commander? What were his greatest moments? And why was he such an inveterate looter? Marshal Massena is the focus of the latest episode as the Marshals series makes a welcome return to the Napoleonic Wars Podcast. Rachael Stark holds court as we discuss how he compared to other marshals and to Napoleon himself, the relationship between the two men, and the peaks and troughs of his career, stymied by ill health. This conversation delves into the life and legacy of Marshal Massena, a prominent figure in the Napoleonic Wars. The discussion covers his early life, rise through the military ranks during the French Revolution, his command style, significant victories in Italy, and the challenges he faced during the Peninsular War. The conversation also explores his retirement, return to service, and the impact of his health on his later years, culminating in his death in 1817. Throughout, the complexities of his character and the perceptions of his legacy are examined. Chapters 00:00 The Legacy of Marshal Massena 03:00 Early Life and Military Beginnings 05:45 Rise to Prominence in the Revolutionary Army 09:09 Command Style and Relationships with Peers 12:10 Key Contributions in the Italian Campaigns 14:53 Controversies and Command Challenges 18:03 Strategic Brilliance in Switzerland 20:46 Post-Genoa and Retirement Life 23:55 Return to Service and the Peninsular War 35:12 The Impact of Mental and Physical Strain 36:22 Injuries and Their Consequences 37:15 Elevation to Prince of Essling 38:48 Challenges in the Peninsula War 40:34 Expectations and Realities of Command 42:08 Resource Limitations in Spain 43:45 Reputation After the Peninsula War 46:20 Napoleon's Disappointment with Messena 50:31 Return to Napoleon's Side in 1815 54:54 The End of Messena's Military Career 58:51 Legacy and Historical Perception

To mark International Women's Day we ask 'Who was the most powerful woman of the Napoleonic era?' 'Did women weild 'soft power', 'hard power' or just plain old power?' and 'have women been quietly weilding the power for years, while the men fail to notice?' This episode of the Napoleonic Wars Pod delves into the complex dynamics of power during the Napoleonic era, focusing on the influence of women such as Josephine, Queen Louise of Prussia, and Dorothea von Lieven. The discussion explores the distinctions between hard and soft power, the role of women in shaping political landscapes, and the legacy of these influential figures. Through engaging pitches and lively debate, the guests highlight how these women navigated a male-dominated world to exert their influence and power. Beatrice de Graaf joins the usual gang to debate this topic. Chapters 00:00 The Riddle of Power 02:57 Defining Power: Hard vs. Soft 05:53 Influence Behind the Throne 08:47 The Role of Women in Power Dynamics 12:01 Napoleon's Circle: Who Influences Him? 14:52 The Power of Memory and Propaganda 18:00 Pitching Powerful Women of the Era 21:07 The Case for Dorothea von Lieven 23:48 Queen Louise of Prussia: A Political Force 27:02 Josephine: The Empress Behind the Emperor 30:07 The Legacy of Powerful Women

In this episode of the Napoleonic Wars Podcast, we sit down with author, reenactor, and historian Rob Yuill to pull the Redcoated light infantry out from the long shadow of the Rifles.Why did the army convert ordinary battalions into specialist skirmishers? What problem were commanders trying to solve on the battlefields of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars?We explore the reforming vision of John Moore and the relentless field standards of Robert Craufurd, the leadership culture that forged units like the 43rd, 52nd, 68th and beyond into something entirely new. Not riflemen, but line infantry trained to think, move and fight independently, screening armies, probing terrain, harassing columns, and shaping the battlefield before the main line ever fired a volley.How did they train? How did they fight without rifles? Where did they succeed, and where did the system crack under campaign pressure? And why does popular history still misunderstand them?Finally, we assess their true legacy in the victories of the Duke of Wellington and why the Redcoat light infantry may have been a decisive instrument of British warfare in the Napoleonic age.For more on Rob's work, please visit ⁠https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Rob-Yuill/a/3769To support the show go to https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspod

This conversation delves into the themes of Napoleonic governance and the integration of Europe, exploring the complexities of Napoleon's legacy, the cultural superiority perceived by the French, and the responses of various nations to French rule. The discussion highlights the interplay between idealism and pragmatism in governance, the lasting impacts of the Napoleonic Code, and the nuanced perspectives on gender roles during this period. The guests, Alexander Mikaberidze and Doina Harsanyi, provide insights into their edited volume, discussing the motivations behind the conference that led to its creation and the diverse contributions from scholars in the field. Get the books: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-96467-1 https://academic.oup.com/book/43775 https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-97340-7 Support the show at patreon.com/thenapoleonicwarspod

Marc Middleton joins us for a conversation that delves into the evolution of military drill within the French army during the Napoleonic Wars, exploring its significance in transforming ordinary citizens into disciplined soldiers. The discussion highlights the challenges of teaching drill, the historical context of French drill manuals, and the adaptation of tactics over time. It also emphasizes the importance of immersion in reenactment to better understand military history and the evolution of drill practices across the French Empire. Support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspod Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Napoleonic Wars and Drill 02:56 The Importance of Drill in Military Training 05:49 Challenges of Teaching Drill to Soldiers 09:02 Historical Context of French Drill Manuals 11:56 Evolution of French Military Tactics 15:04 The Role of Drill in Revolutionary France 18:01 Adapting Drill for Mass Mobilization 20:57 The Impact of Continuous Warfare on Training 24:00 The French Army's Response to Changing Tactics 26:55 Standardization of Drill Across the French Empire 29:47 Post-War Evolution of Military Drill 33:04 The Value of Immersion in Reenactment 35:45 Future of Immersive Events in Military History Keywords Napoleonic Wars, French army, military drill, historical reenactment, military tactics, training, immersion, revolutionary France, drill manuals, military history

In the mists off the coast of Portugal February 1797, daring disobedience, lacklustre leadership and discipline under fire came together to produce a timely and reputation-defining victory for the British at the Battle of Cape St Vincent. Naval historian Kate Jamieson takes us for a blow by blow journey through the gunsmoke and splinters to help us separate the myth from the historical reality, and understand how this battle managed to forge the reputations to two men, and quash another invasion threat before it could get under way. The conversation delves into the Battle of Cape St. Vincent, exploring the context, key commanders, and the pivotal role of Nelson. It highlights the strategic maneuvers, the impact of weather, and the aftermath of the battle, including the consequences for both the British and Spanish navies. The discussion emphasizes Nelson's bold actions that led to a significant British victory and the subsequent effects on naval morale and strategy during the Revolutionary War. Keywords Battle of Cape St. Vincent, naval warfare, Nelson, Jervis, Cordoba, maritime history, Revolutionary War, British Navy, Spanish Navy, naval strategy Chapters 00:00 Setting the Stage: The Battle of Cape St. Vincent 05:47 Commanders and Their Styles: Jervis vs. Cordoba 20:02 The British Fleet: Strengths and Weaknesses 21:00 Opening Moves: Nelson's Strategic Advantage 32:55 The Battle Unfolds: Chaos and Confusion 34:10 The Spanish Fleet's Response 34:59 Nelson's Bold Maneuver 38:55 The Turning Point of the Battle 41:47 The Aftermath of Victory 49:00 The Impact on Naval Reputation 54:58 Mutinies and Morale in the Navy

How much do soldiers really remember of battle? What influences that memory process? And what was it like to be in the midst of the maelstrom of combat? Napoleonic re-enactor Liam Telfer, and Napoleonic historian Zack White sit down with the expert on the history of memory Luke Reynolds for an interview on how a living history immersive event can change the way that we understand conflict.  Drawing on their experiences at the La Boissiere Ecole immersive campaign, they relate what they remember, what they have forgotten, and what they learnt in the course of a weekend of hard marching and frenetic fighting (or in Zack's case filming). We also discuss the role of immersive events, what they lend to the study of history, and drop a teaser about an idea that the podcast has in the pipeline. Support the show at https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspod

In the run up to our hotly anticipated interview with Sean Bean and Bernard Cornwell (titled Sharpe's Confession), Zack, Liam and Louie sit down to discuss some of the greatest moments from the Sharpe franchise. From best books to most diabolical villains we dissect the series to discuss the high points of the novels and TV series which we have so often described as 'the gateway drug into the Napoleonic era'. What do you think? What did we miss? Leave your thoughts in the comments! Support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspod?vanity=user Chapters (All timings approximate): 00:00 Introduction to the Sharpe Series 01:43 Debating the Greatest Sharpe Book 02:55 Liam's Pitch: Sharpe's Storm 18:40 Louie's Pitch: Sharpe's Tiger 32:41 Zack's Pitch: Sharpe's Waterloo 38:43 The Dynamics of Sharpe and Waterloo 41:22 Character Development and Historical Context 44:29 The Appeal of Historical Drama 46:12 TV Adaptations: A Mixed Bag 55:54 Imagining Future Adaptations Tags: Sharpe series, Bernard Cornwell, Napoleonic Wars, historical fiction, book review, character analysis, Sharpe's Storm, Sean Bean, military history, emotional depth.

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