The Peninsular War: The Return of Sir Arthur Wellesley and the 2nd Battle of Oporto

[@grandadmiralzaarin4962]

Good beans Wellington! If there's one thing in this world about which I know positively nothing...it is agriculture.

[@NobleKorhedron]

@@grandadmiralzaarin4962 Right quote, wrong battle...

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

Another great episode Chris! A great flow and 30 minutes were over before I knew it!

[@redcoathistory]

britishmuzzleloaders that’s brilliant to hear I’m really glad you liked it! Ps we still need to do a Baker rifle episode soon :-)

[@britishmuzzleloaders]

@@redcoathistory I'm ready when you are!

[@brianford8493]

Why werent you my History Teacher?....Cracking stuff....keep it up!!!

[@redcoathistory]

Brian Ford ha ha thanks Brian! Yes I suspect very few schools include the Peninsular war in their curriculum (sadly)...

[@NobleKorhedron]

Well, if you ask me it's (A) because he hasn't got the British version of our Irish H.Dip.Ed/M.A (Education), and (B) because the establishment hate people who make school fun!

[@brianford8493]

@@NobleKorhedron Virtually 0 history taught in primary and high school here in Australia

[@NobleKorhedron]

Goes back to what I said, @@brianford8493; they hate it if you make school fun.

[@marcuscribbhistory]

Another fantastic episode. I love the Battle of Porto for Wellesley's risky amphibious assault. See you in the next episode too.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks, Marcus! I'm really glad you enjoyed it - yes see you in the next episode :-)

[@julianmhall]

I think occupation of Portugal gave Wellesley the bridgehead he needed for an assault on Spain, and the ports to keep his supplies coming in. Until then he only really had Lisbon as a reliable port.

[@Echo_Recon_01]

Being known as a cautious commander. That was a risky move crossing the douro. Maybe Richard Sharpe was in the right place and at the right time when he found those barges. Sorry Too much listening to Sharpe's series of Audiobooks 😅

[@NobleKorhedron]

The general you spoke of after Sir Charles Stuart, @@redcoathistory , was it a General De La Bord or General D'alembord? I apologise for having to ask; my internet is wonky. As a result, neither the sound nor the subtitles work properly.

[@UKCommandPost]

So few casualties breaking out of Portugal, this hadn`t sunk in until I watched your episode Christian. Great work.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Mark, yeah amazing really when you think about it. It was truly a stunning campaign.

[@brianrogerson9229]

What a brilliantly crafted narrative - thank you so much for a thrilling story of the Peninsular war

[@simonhill5405]

I love these Redcoat History podcasts. Excellent! It would be good if you could do an interview with JOHN TAMS about the soldiers' songs of thePeninsula War.

[@andygeorgeparkinson2515]

As it says on the label an “ I was there “ soldiers eye view of the campaigning, very well put together and narrated certainly keeps the interest. Very much appreciate the maps and graphics as they add tremendously to the understanding of the campaigns and individual actions.

[@redcoathistory]

Andy George PARKINSON thanks a lot for the feedback!

[@johnhudghton3535]

Listened to this again today having found the spot on the River Douro, marked by a commemorative plaque, where the allied troops made their landing against the French. The banks of the river and its valley are steep and the tidal river a significant obsticle for an army. The combination of being here and your graphic account has brought it all to life. I give thanks for those brave allies who defeated tyranny in this place.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks John.

[@williamscarvie4498]

These videos on the Peninsular War are excellent. This campaign has fascinated me for some decades now, but I feel I’m gaining a much deeper understanding of it through your work. Thank you.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot. Glad you enjoying them.

[@NobleKorhedron]

Didn't Castlereagh become PM later on, ​@@redcoathistory?

[@warrenburgis5280]

The list of greatest British generals must include the great Duke of Marlborough along with the great Duke of Wellington.

[@carrickrichards2457]

Helpful depth of research and well laid out. I particulalry appreciate you showing Wellesley's original assessment, then Horseguards' orders to him. Thank you

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Carrick - I appreciate you letting me know. Comments like that make all the work worthwhile.

[@reynardthefox]

so glad I picked up on this episode I'd missed.

[@chunxxxxter]

When i was in Porto recently I spied a monument at the north side of main bridge there. It is at the footings of the original bridge (at that time) saying it was once a wooden bridge and how it collapsed under the weight of the local inhabitants fleeing from the French grand army, Many hundreds died, what a tragedy but i guess this is the reason why there wasn't a bridge across and therefore ferries needs for the the crossing, How wonderful is was that the locals ferried the Brits across surreptitiously as the the French left their original position completely unguarded to attack the first secret crossings of wellington just further west. os portugueses estam os melhores!!

[@Swift-mr5zi]

I'm so happy I found this channel...I need to find if you have videos on the Duke of Marlborough

[@redcoathistory]

I’m afraid I don’t yet - hopefully one day!

[@andrewjames5738]

As always Christian - excellent work, another excellent episode as we move through the Peninsular War.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks, Andy.

[@robertsweeting2455]

Once again a great story told by some one who clearly knows his stuff Fantastic presence gets you in there

[@redcoathistory]

Cheers, Robert. That feedback means a lot.

[@peregrinemccauley5010]

Keep up with the good work cobber , ya blood's worth bottlin' .

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks mate.

[@davidwhelan1545]

The description of Lisbon, sounds very similar to various descriptions of London, during similar times! Some things never change!🤣🤣🇬🇧

[@threestepssideways1202]

I appreciate the content, and most especially the research. Good job.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot!

[@davidoxley8855]

Just found your channel - brilliant work thanks

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks, David!

[@DaveAinsworth-y8h]

The 60th Foot ( Royal America Regiment) it was later The Kings Royal Rifle Corp (60th Rifles) then 2nd Royal Green Jackets, I was in 5th RGJs.

[@noahgibsonspeninsularwarsa1134]

Looking forward to the cavalry episode, but this was an awesome episode.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks mate! I'm glad you liked it.

[@noahgibsonspeninsularwarsa1134]

@@redcoathistory If you cannot find anyone for the KGL episodes message me on Instagram.

[@redcoathistory]

@@noahgibsonspeninsularwarsa1134 Will do thanks mate

[@SNP-1999]

To cross his men at the bend of the river where the French couldn't see them was absolutely brilliant, and the subsequent defence of the seminary a great achievement of arms ! Who said that Wellington couldn't attack, only defend?

[@EK-gr9gd]

The KGL was a very important part of the Army. Esp. the cavalry branch of the KGL was a major asset.

[@julianmhall]

The British cavalry were said to be 'The best cavalry and the worst led'. Presumably that omits any KGL cavalry.

[@SNP-1999]

Oporto (or the Battle of Duoro, as it was officially called then) has always been my favourite battle of the Peninsular War, maybe due to the fact that despite hard fighting for the Seminary, there wasn't the terrible carnage there that was seen in later battles.

[@hughledger7835]

An excellent episode

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks, Hugh. It was a lot of fun to put together. Appreciate you letting me know (makes all the hours of work worth while).

[@hughledger7835]

@@redcoathistory ever since I stared Sharpe I have had an interest in the Peninsula war. I even have Oman's history. So it is awesome to watch.

[@FelixstoweFoamForge]

"Nearly smiled". Love it. Oh, and Lisbon by night? Sounds like Doncaster at 3:00 am on a Saturday.

[@redcoathistory]

😂👍🏻

[@Baskerville22]

I'd like to hear more about the KGL. Though they are often reported in histories as fighting well (e.g.: La Haye Sainte), their story & worth as a component of the British Army is usually missing from accounts of the great battles. Rather like the contributions of Dominion troops during WW1 lost in reports/histories of Great British Victories. That drawing 'pic' of Soult you use here looks nothing like him as shown in later portraits in which he is quite obese.

[@ThroatSore]

Tomkinson. That's quite some riding.

[@peterstewart2727]

Gallantry, bravery and the will to live and die

[@NobleKorhedron]

"And as for you Soult, I say only 'Act as you always do!' " - then-Emperor Napoleon to Marshal Jean de Dieu Soult, circa. 1805 or 1806. Spoken at one of the big battles in Germany or the then Austrian Empire. Austerlitz, Jena-Auerstad, Friedland, Eaylau, or someplace like that...

[@DaveAinsworth-y8h]

It is in book Sharpe! `s Havoc..

[@ChasOnErie]

THIS IS GOOD …RIGHT OUT of Sharpes stories z!!!!

[@SNP-1999]

After General Beresford had trained the Portuguese army, they were just as good as many British regiments, in particular the Caçadores, the equivalent of the British Rifles.

[@cameronbland4918]

Would you ever consider doing videos about the battles of the American revolution from the British perspective? Or a segment about the Queen's Rangers?

[@redcoathistory]

Absolutely! I hope to do it one day.

[@mr_free_soul4]

God save Wellington 🙏 and my city porto

[@Bill23799]

Was this the battle portrayed in Cornwell's novel " Sharpe's Escape " ?

[@redcoathistory]

No - I think that is Busacco.

[@Bill23799]

@@redcoathistory Thanks.

[@iamnotspartacus4460]

@@Bill23799 It is the battle in Sharpe's Havoc

[@MyMy-tv7fd]

good stuff

[@robertbritten2573]

I noticed in this podcast that the modern British flag was displayed in the background. id like to raise the point that this is not the flag that would have been used at that time. The Union jack at this time would have been the Saint Georges flag with combined with the Scottish flag and would not have had the diagonal red cross of today's modern Union Jack.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Robert

[@davidwhelan1545]

Whilst long term camping, all that's needed = a crossbow, knowledge of edible veggies freshish water and a tarp. Anything else is extra baggage!

[@robertmacfarlane2358]

Will this spoil ‘Sharpes Havoc’ for me? 😂

[@robjackson9943]

Has a Brit i have great respect for the Portuguese lovely people great country and are greatest frends

[@julianmhall]

The comment about wine reminded me of the fictional 'Sharpe's Honour'. Officer: Shall I serve sherry to the Spanish officers sir? Wellington: Dammit Stokeley! It's an execution not a bloody christening..

[@pdubya4690]

Englands greatest General? John Churchill the first Duke of Marlborough would probably have something to say about that.

[@redcoathistory]

Yes, he is a front runner for sure.

[@julianmhall]

I've never understood why the seminary was abandoned. Given its strategic location the French /ought/ to have garrisoned it.

[@redcoathistory]

Certainly a lot of french mistakes in this campaign. Bizarre really.

[@julianmhall]

@@redcoathistory I think Soult's failure there was critical though. Wellesley couldn't have crossed the Douro if they had manned the seminary, because the French would have spotted any attempt. No crossing, no recapture of Oporto, no foothold for the army, no campaign. Mind you the repeated error of pitting French column v British line when they /knew/ from past experience it had never worked was bizarre.

[@williambarr3551]

Wellesley is at best Britain's second, more likely third best general. John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough is Britain's best, greatest general. Oliver Cromwell (English, not British) is likely second best general with Wellesley third best.

[@marshalsoult3860]

ah yes this battle surprised me. i was busy looting the city 😁

[@redcoathistory]

😂😂😂👍🏻

[@Jubilo1]

Ripping stuff what? Thanks for these episodes.

[@redcoathistory]

David Corbett cheers David

[@PedroCapelaVideo]

It's called Porto. There's no bloody O at the start.

[@redcoathistory]

alright calm down, no need to swear.

[@PedroCapelaVideo]

@@redcoathistory fair, my apologies. It's just as someone who lives in the city, it drive us nuts. Great episode though, been listening to these and quite liking them. :)

[@docstockandbarrel]

👍🏻

[@georgejenkins3371]

Using maps, instead of just talking would be a great help when you referred to various places as at about 11:10

[@redcoathistory]

Sorry I didn't put enough effort in for you.

[@georgejenkins3371]

@@redcoathistory I doubt it.

[@peregrinemccauley5010]

Of coarse Colonel Waters crossed the river.

[@jayhuxley2559]

Lisbon was the most modern, rational urbanized and full of parks, plazas and open spaces. Even built the first public health system for controling waters residues and garbages. All built after the great earthquake of 1755. So, these books to criticize and attack Portugal with lies and destructive propaganda have to stop!

[@redcoathistory]

They have stopped - they were written 200 years ago.

[@crottycattlecompany]

And U talk about Chess

[@cannibalcheese]

Adverts every 2 minutes. Amazing series though

[@redcoathistory]

Sorry mate - but I spend a fortune on this channel - got to try and make a few pennies back. Happy for you to donate via my ko-fi.com/redcoathistory page and then I can start dumping the adds.

[@peregrinemccauley5010]

The French military leadership, not worth it's weight in Soult.

[@MrJovision]

To walk in the Whitechapel parts of London in those times would be much worst than Lisbon! We just need to read dozens of British authors! When will the English stop being the eternal worst enemies of Portugal, insisting in comparing their best with Portugals worst?

[@johnteeling4679]

?

[@nigelhamilton815]

You should withdraw your comment. The TA train as regulars and have been mobilised many times in the lad 20 years to support our forces with great effect.

[@redcoathistory]

erm OK...withdrawn - happy?

[@davidshattock9522]

Territorial army were used in gulf war ,/s extensively

[@nhinha-zf6xx]

You sound a little bit fascist with all this redcoat and other brittish icons adoration.. Thanks for the content tho, it's good, just don't emphasize so much, Especially cz u seem to want to forget throughout all ofl your Portuguese-napoleon videos Britain's attempt to actually make Portugal a brittish colony since the king was in brasil. People starved while the brits took all the wheat out of the country. Idk your sources but memoirs from officers and soldiers are not the best historical evidences since they tend to be utterly one sided and narrow in context. Also, the 2nd battle of oporto as much more to it than a daring river crossing, it was a regional popular struggle, out of Britain's Control, that provoked such arm on the French that they couldn't even secure the Douro shores Britain's generals were the last to know the French were defeated in their own lines

[@joaosoares3861]

As usual this accounts are just personal descriptions to emphasise the brits, more like propaganda, not including the eforts of fousand of locals in rebelion, and all the support the brits had from portuguese troops, and the population, even whith the english looting the country, after the french did the same. Why did the brits didnt have the same results in other batles, when the portuguese were not there, and had sever losses in Spain, before the portuguese were there in support? Considering that all the main portuguese army was send to the campain in Russia, Austria, etc, were they were considerer by Napoleon has top warriers

[@tomaytotamaato]

The soldiers should have allowed the mob their revenge, as it is well known the atrocities committed by the French.