The Napoleonic Wars Podcast

The long awaited semi finals of the Battle of the Marshals are here, as Berthier, Massena, Soult, Lannes, Bernadotte and Oudinot all face off in an epic balloon debate.Fan favourites will fall and laughter abounds in a lively debate as we strive to find Napoleon Bonaparte's greatest marshal.One of the most enduring questions in military history, now plays out on the Napoleonic Wars Podcast.Support our work at and get exclusive bonuses at: https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspod

Today we're joined by historian Terry Crowdy to discuss all things French Light Infantry.In 1792 France unleashed a new form of warfare in Europe. Faced with the well-drilled Austrian and Prussian armies, the French introduced the tactic of mass skirmishing. Soldiers were thrown forwards and told to fight in open order. Moving quickly and making use of cover, they fired on the enemy line, annoying it, goading it, and all the time distracting it from the infantry columns coming up behind, bristling with bayonets, ready for the charge and a shock action. Of these tirailleurs, the best were the professional chasseur light infantry battalions, raised and trained in the army of Louis XVI; but they were too few in number. A patriotic appeal for light infantry volunteers was made, and within two years the original twelve battalions became ninety strong. By the time of Napoleon’s invasion of Russia in 1812, there were 185 battalions of light infantry in service, with hundreds of voltigeur light companies attached to the regular line infantry battalions. Although all infantrymen could fight as tirailleurs, specialist light infantry did it best, and were clearly an important part of Napoleon’s armies. Why was this?In his book Terry explores the origins of the light infantry in the century before Napoleon came to power. From bands of irregular partisans, to sharpshooters and scouts, the book follows France’s early experiments with this arm.Find out more about Terry and his assorted works at the links below.French Light Infantry 1784-1815 | From Reason to Revolution 1721-1815 | Helion & CompanyTerry Crowdy: Osprey Publishing (UK)

As the world reeled from the blistering success of Napoleon's winter offensive in the Iberian Peninsular in 1808-1809, how would the Spanish, Portuguese and British respond to the catastrophic collapse of the front in the face of Napoleon's onslaught.Josh Provan joins me to talk about how pockets of Spanish resistance proved that the war was not going to be over that quickly. We also discuss how the Spanish also managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory at the Battle of Medellin, and how French command challenges were already creating problems.

How did the Corps of Colonial Marines act as a force multiplier in the War of 1812? Did freed slaves help burn down the White House? And what happened to these folks once the war was over?Matt Taylor returns with the final chapter of the Black Redcoats.Buy Matt's book at: https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Black-Redcoats-Hardback/p/49346Support the show at https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspodhttps://linktr.ee/napwarspod 

Who was Louis-Alexandre Berther, one of the most famous, most popular, and most indispensable marshals? Is it fair to describe him as Napoleon's right hand man? What would the Napoleonic Wars have looked like without him?Rachael Stark returns to talk about the life and impact of this master of the logistical and staff elements of warfare, looking at his legacy, and his impact for military history as well as his relationships with Napoleon, the other marshals, and that contentious question of why his life ended so suddenly with a 'defenestration'.Support the show at ⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspod⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/napwarspod⁠ 

Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte's best friend, Marshal Jean Lannes takes centre stage for the second instalment of a run down of his life.Rachael Stark reopens the discussion talking about his exploits in Egypt, we also discuss the Battle of Friedland, and the tragic end to the life of a man who was so close to the Emperor that Napoleon wept when this Marshal of France was mortally wounded.Support the show at ⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspod⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/napwarspod⁠ 

Marshal Jean Lannes - a fiery marshal, and a savvy commander, is the focus of a two parter on his life, as we explore the man's military origins, his early life, and how he fell into Napoleon's orbit. What impact did this man have on the history of the French Revolutionary Wars, and how crucial would he be to Napoleon as he rose to become Emperor of France?Support the show at ⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspod⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/napwarspod⁠ 

The 18th century Way of War series continues with an exteamly special episode. Dr Alexander Burns, Professor of History at the University of Steubenville, joins us to discuss his incredible new book Infantry in Battle 1733 - 1783. Infantry in Battle rewrites the story of combat in the 18th century by placing enlisted infantrymen, the rank and file and their experiances at centre stage. What was it like to recieve artillery fire, or conduct a bayonet charge? What were the relationships like between officers and men? Dr Burns covers all this and more.Dr Burns' work covers 18th century conflict arounf the globe with stories from the War of the Polish Succession, the War of the Austrian Succession, the French and Indian Wars and of course the American War of Independance to name but a few. With powerful narratives of combat, intense research and a dedication to teling the stories of war in the period this book, and indeed this episode are not to be missed. Links to Alexander's work can be found below.Infantry in Battle 1733-1783 | From Reason to Revolution 1721-1815 | Helion & CompanyThe Changing Face of Old Regime Warfare | From Reason to Revolution 1721-1815 | Helion & CompanyThe Prime and Load Podcast can be found here Prime and Load! - Podcast - Apple Podcasts, or from the usual Podcast platfroms.

Marshal Michel Ney, described by French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte as 'the bravest of the brave' is one of the most popular figures in Napoleonic history. But is he overrated as a military commander? What was he like as a person? And what was his impact on the history of the Napoleonic Wars?Rachael Stark returns to talk about the epic life of Marshal Ney, from his temperament and success, to his failures and tragic demise.Support the show at ⁠https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspod⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/napwarspod⁠ 

The Napoleonic Wars Channel unveils its latest investment - incredible musical compositions written exclusively or the channel, as Lee Boyes, the master magician musician, talks through the process of creating music that evokes the turn of the 19th century.Support the show and attend more sessions like this at https://www.patreon.com/c/thenapoleonicwarspod?redirect=trueFind out more about Lee's work and commission him yourself at https://auralabstudios.myportfolio.com/demo-reel