The Peninsular war - Wellington lands in Portugal - The Battle of Rolica

[@pedromarques3870]

General's Freire demands were not because his troops were afraid of the French or ravaged with famine, it was because he wanted the Portuguese army to be an allied yet separate command army from the British, countering the orders Wellington brought from the UK, urging him to combine Portuguese divisions into the British army. In the end, the dispute was settled by having the Portuguese army to be a fighting force on it's own although the top chief allied commander was Wellington and his officer corp.

[@EmmaDurie-jt1vc]

Thank god for this channel... simply the best

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks for the lovely feedback.

[@garyreynolds5733]

I spotted the monument to Colonel Lake in the ravine behind Columbeira on google Earth just now while listening. Street view gives a good view up the very ravine he ventured with his men. I live in Portugal with my wife and son, both of whom are modern day descendants of the Hill family, the brother of General Rowland Hill being my wife's Great, Great, Great Great Grandfather. My ancestors of the period were of the same place near Wem, in Shropshire, making the Hill Family coffins and working the land rather than riding all about The Continent. General Hill, 'Daddy' to his men, was an awesome figure! Hope you can talk about some of his exploits in your stories. Wellington's most trusted right hand man (?) often unleashed to harry the enemy, guerrilla-style....almost. We live not far from Coimbra, in Central Portugal. The French came through here on their way to Lisbon once or thrice in the Iberian war. The large and impressive border fortress town of Almeida isn't too far away and well worth a visit. We also visited Wellington's impressive defensive position on the Bussaco ridge to the north of Coimbra. And last summer we ventured to the battlefield at Salamanca, in Spain for a walk along the Arapile Grande hill; ground zero for that battle. The exploits of General Hill can be somewhat traced through a fascinating and lengthy book, 'The War of Wars' by Robert Harvey where the author covers everything stoutly from 1789 to 1815 regarding all matters Napoleonic. Keep up the good work: got me going....

[@redcoathistory]

That's brilliant - I will have a look. Thanks so much.

[@michaelmuir4548]

Thank you, I've just taken a look via Google and it really helps to understand the terrain and area.

[@britishpatriot7386]

Loved reading your history etc, thank you.

[@NobleKorhedron]

If you could tolerate it, @garyreynolds5733, I think you'd be a very interesting person to tour parts of Portugal/Spain with.

[@garyreynolds5733]

@@NobleKorhedron Thanks, Noble sir. The 'History Nerds Tour': Sounds irrisistable.

[@EK-gr9gd]

About Moore: He was not just senior to Wellesley, but he had laid the ground works for the light division. Pity Moore died at Corunna. If Moore had lived till 1814 or 1815, there would have been several very interesting options available.

[@timbutton4990]

Whether Moore would have rivalled Wellesy's strategic & tactical genius we will never know. As Wellington to my knowledge never lost against the French that is improbable. Moore introduced the concept of light infantry & the Rifle Regiments into the British Army. The annihilation of the French Army's command structure in the field is down to Moore's creation of the Rifle Reg's and the adoption of the Baker Rifle.

[@NobleKorhedron]

Please clarify, @EK-gr9gd; what "very interesting options"? Are you talking about things that ended up not existing by the end of the Peninsular War; or about things that were developed, but changed as a result of Moore's death?

[@joehudgens7330]

Really enjoyed this. Just started studying the Peninsular War ahead of a trip to Portugal next year. Thanks so much.

[@redcoathistory]

That's great - thanks for letting me know, Joe.

[@wilkowilkinson4864]

Another Brilliant Podcast...Thank you again Christian. I hope you and your family are keeping well during these difficult days.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Wilko, yeah so far so good thanks - what about you?

[@wilkowilkinson4864]

@@redcoathistory All good in the scottish highlands thanks....Looking forward to the next podcast....Keep up the great work and stay safe...

[@redcoathistory]

@@wilkowilkinson4864 Thanks a lot - same to you.

[@patrioticarchive]

Very glad to have come across this podcast! Looking forward to more redcoat history 🇬🇧

[@redcoathistory]

Welcome aboard!

[@greg1943-u3i]

Just been reading up on the French in this campaign. The French at Rolica weren't really the well-led crack troops most books allude to. Half of Junot's men were veterans, half were raw conscripts. They lost all their artillery and half their horses on the march to Lisbon and desertions were high from starving and exhaustion, before the partisans and militia started attacking them after the uprising in Jun 1808. Portugal was Junot's first C-in-C role, and several officers were inexperienced at battle command, plus quite a few foreign troops in French ranks (Swiss, Hanoverian, Italian, Belgian). Good job though - glad I found your channel.

[@steveconway1948]

Good series and well presented. I have just started going through the Peninsular series but have previously done so out of order. You will note at about 28:42 Rifleman Harris talks about being under a hail of fire - so unlike what most historians consider the French capable of - and that the group he belonged to fell back to some high ground where they formed THREE deep the front rank kneeling. The British regulations allowed for a two rank formation as did most nations, but usually only when they were understrength, as a platoon frontage had a minimum size allowable and if understrength it formed two deep to maintain the correct frontage. The British eventually determined to fight in two ranks in general although at Waterloo due to Napoleon's cavalry strength they were often formed 4 ranks deep. Also from about 31:00 Lewis is talking about how the 32nd advanced in 3 columns, this is obviously the default formation when covering bad ground, he notes how they expanded or decreased their frontage as the terrain required. It was only when they expected to actually fight that they formed line and this is what the French also used to do. When Lake's grenadier company gets annihilated at about 35:00 it wouldn't have been due to the French shooting from a column formation, it would have probably been from skirmishers and the troops behind them would have been in line unless unable to deploy. If the French didn't have training in musketry as so many commentators postulate they could not have inflicted such heavy casualties. The French did actually train in marksmanship, to say otherwise is an error and these so called "conscript" armies of the French were in actual fact often very well trained troops from the likes of the camp of Boulogne. Wellesley beat them because he was a good general - not because the French soldiers were badly trained.

[@redcoathistory]

Hi Steve. Many thanks for your input - it’s very much appreciated.

[@lkgreenwell]

A namesake of mine was the first officer through the breech at Badajoz. Despite this, and being a member of Wellington’s military family, he purchased every promotion of his career. They cost a fortune. (Correction: he purchased every promotion *but one*. I expect that was the one he received for taking part in that Forlorn Hope, I have read he commanded. He later became Governor of Ceylon, retiring to command Chatham Barracks, of which he painted a pleasant watercolour.)

[@TheRealBrook1968]

I believe it is crucial to have a grasp of one's lineage and have heroic claims to guide and shape one's character. I am glad that this ineffable treasure has been passed on to you.

[@grantperry8195]

I'm really enjoying your narrative, and looking forward to listening to the other episodes. Thank you.

[@lukeskywalker3329]

Really Enjoying your documentaries sir . Greetings from Australia.

[@redcoathistory]

Glad you like them! Thanks a lot.

[@johnpotter4750]

An interesting number of pictures. The one, where one or more were surprised to the wounded? R. Flank, by officers wielding curved swords and rather than Bayonet against sword, it was the worthy Club against same, and nare a Sergent Spontoon in sight. I'll follow on !

[@SwitchTF2]

I enjoyed Rifleman Harris' account tremendously, but was always at a loss as to the larger strategic picture. It's good to have this clarified so concisely.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Luke

[@simonmassey3747]

Another excellent podcast well presented and informative. Also subscribed to your series on podbean. Also like the Forlorn Hope backing music though John Tams of Sharpe fame slightly edges it over the hills and far away. Hope you and your family are keeping safe. Looking forward to our next adventure in the Peninsular War and buying a copy of your new book. Ngiyabonga Christian.

[@redcoathistory]

Ngiyabonga kakulu! Yes I must say I love all versions of Over the hills and far away - epic music!

[@Rustsamurai1]

Thankyou for producing this series!.

[@michaelmuir4548]

Great stuff thank you. Enjoyed your videos but first podcast I've of yours I've listened too. Thank you do much for the background as the beginning and the powerful quotes throughout. Looking forward to the next one 🇬🇧

[@patrickspeaight9154]

Well done, you do not have to apology, in the current situation. You do well, your voice brings a realism to the pictures. I would recommend that Marlborough is a competitor. Regards, Patrick, Northamptonshire

[@PaulKuykendall]

I'm really looking forward to future episodes of this series. One of my friends and I have recently (about a month prior to this first episode's release) started building tabletop wargames based upon the Peninsular campaign. Hearing the exploits of the troops that I (collecting the British army) am currently assembling and painting is greatly motivating me on in our project. We decided to start at the beginning with Rolica, so this episode has been fantastic material for me. Edit - Also thanks for the link to Forlorn Hope. Always looking for interesting bands.

[@redcoathistory]

Cheers Paul - I'm glad you've found it useful. The Vimeiro episode is now out and the next one (covering Sir John Moore's advance to Spain will be out later this week also). Take care and keep in touch.

[@PaulKuykendall]

@@redcoathistory Yeah, I was listening to the Vimeiro episode while painting up some 95th Rifles.

[@davidjeeves1436]

I love all of your documentarys, I'd love you to do something about how the men and officers lived and maintained themselves in the lead up to most of these battles, how they slept at night, did they live in filthy condition and rough it with no sanctuary condition or latrines, did the officers have beds, tablets and chairs etc, how did they turn themselves out in their uniforms etc. Regards, David Jeeves

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks David that is a good idea. Watch this space!

[@johnnoneya223]

Huzzzah a new podcast

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks John, hopefully the next one will be out by the end of the month.

[@julianmhall]

Rowland Hill aka 'Daddy' Hill, and Crawford - was that 'Black Bob' or a different Crawford?

[@jochannon]

A different Crawford - Black Bob came later.

[@julianmhall]

I suspect that Rifleman Harris of the Bernard Cornwell Sharpe books is named in honour of the chap mentioned here. As for pronunciation I always get confused between Spanish and Portuguese which look the same written down but are not.

[@andrewjames5738]

excellent - my friends and i are working through the Peninsular war - and these podcasts are an excellent guide. well done Redcoat History. our thanks.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Andy, that’s great to hear.

[@phillhollowell4122]

What a great documentary, me and my brother fought rolica (morning and afternoon positions) yesterday using the command and colors system, next week we will re fight vimiero, the outcome of the battle were a victory for the British in the mornig, almost how it was historically but got a very bloody nose in the afternoon , i very much like you first hand accounts from the men who fought at these battles🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@redcoathistory]

Great stuff. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@gooner72]

Christian, I bet you very few people actually know who Sir Arthur Wellesley is....... although we do have a road named after him here in sunny Colchester. We have many many roads and streets named on military themes as its been a garrison town here since Roman times.... and still is!! 🇬🇧✌️

[@louisvillebhoy]

Love your videos. First podcast I've listened to. Sharing it now. Well done

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Jake - that's good to hear. I hope you enjoy the rest of the series.

[@tomtom21194]

Really good beginning

[@cuebj]

Wellington and Peninsular campaign matched only by Slim and the Burma campaign of WW2 spread over similar distance as London to Moscow and included Kohima (also featured West Kents!) and Imphal. Marlborough in Low Countries probably comes next.

[@joeroganjosh9333]

Very good, thanks.

[@johnwayneeverett6263]

THANK YOU THIS...HISTORY IS JUST GREAT ...LOVE TO HER BOOK FROM OTHER SIDE .Reading Heinrich von Brandt In the Legions of Napoleon ...love it ....your stuff is A plus so Greatfull Thanks Again...

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks John. I’m glad you like it 👍🏼

[@FranciscoPreira]

Great work mate. You should visit the place it is a very pleasant journey.

[@rusticus6393]

As a portuguese, can confirm your pronunciation of "Roliça" is on point. What gives the "C" letter it's "S" pronunciation is the little willy hanging off of it.

[@redcoathistory]

Nice one thanks for letting me know!

[@Jubilo1]

Thanks for the interesting episodes ! You could however, use some dashing sideburns.

[@redcoathistory]

Ha ha sadly I'm not manly enough! The best my pathetic face can manage is some whispy blonde fluff...

[@Jubilo1]

@@redcoathistory More's the pity, what?

[@SingularNinjular]

Tirailleur: TIH-rye-urh. Great podcast.

[@britishpatriot7386]

Another great history lesson, thanks 👍

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot. Glad you are enjoying it.

[@noahgibsonspeninsularwarsa1134]

Absolutely love this video.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot!

[@noahgibsonspeninsularwarsa1134]

@@redcoathistory You're welcome.

[@chrismac2234]

Top of my bucket list is go and see Assaye and the lines of Torres Vedras

[@redcoathistory]

That's a good list to be fair.

[@holyfox94]

Awesome. The Napoleonic time. Thank you very much🙏🏻 Please work fast and if you’re ever in Stuttgart, Germany, I’ll gladly invite you to a homemade cake.🙋🏼‍♀️

[@redcoathistory]

One day! That would be amazing.

[@tombogan03884]

40:00 You mention Wellington's flanking movements being a hold over from his India service. This is something that irks me in discussions of WW-I. Many people condemn the Generals of the era for being "unimaginative",. These were veterans of India and the Boer wars. They knew all about flanking, and mobility, but there was no flank to turn. I mention it here to show that even a century earlier the frontal assault was not the first option.

[@Guardsman-sy8qm]

I do love me some Forlorn Hope.

[@grahamking2239]

There is a stone to Lake at the head of the cutting , rather hard to find

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Graham - I’ve managed to find it on google earth Which was nice. You right - took a lot of detective work to find it

[@lukeskywalker3329]

It was certainly Wellington's specially tailored training which would give the redcoats their edge . He had the formula to have a different and more efficient, effective and sustained volley fire to outclass the French infantry in detail.

[@grahamking2239]

I have been to all of Wellington s battle , well done

[@redcoathistory]

Wow, I am jealous - I would love to visit the Indian battelfields particularly. How are they to visit?

[@sniebow]

I just found this treasure keep going

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot.‘I’m glad you are enjoying it 👍🏼

[@iamnotspartacus4460]

I'm a bit disappointed that Cornwell didn't write a Sharpe book in which he fights at Rolica and Vimeiro.

[@redcoathistory]

Good point - in Sharpe's Eagle he does say that he was at Vimeiro...but sadly no book about it.

[@timarcher7933]

You might find The Lord Lycester Hospital with its Chapel over the Medieval West Gate of Warwick interesting per Redcoat History.They have far more history than what is show.The Brethern Brothers and Sisters provide a guided tour.But its historic connection to the British Army yets to be realy told. Its also in an area of Warwick that is also known as Blackfriars. Give it time dont think you will be disappointed.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks would love to visit. Sadly though I live thousands of miles away - but hopefully in the future I can get there.

[@timarcher7933]

@@redcoathistory If you do ever have the oppertunity to visit the Brethern at Lord Lycester Hospital, Warwick check it out on the internet first.They have a collection of artifactes that where collected by the Brethern which are listed from various altercations.There is also a very interesting collection of firearms of the 1812 period but given to quell the Chartist riots and forming of what was a rebellious Chartist Army.

[@grahamking2239]

300 yds is the max range of a baker , I have one

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Graham - I'm very jealous, I've just recorded an interview with the awesome Rob from British muzzle loaders all about this which you will enjoy I'm sure.

[@daniellastuart3145]

Personally i thank a lot Historians specially from the USA and some European disregard the impact the Peninsular war had on Napoleon and the Napoleonic war because it was long and a lot of battles were small compared to other battles in central and eastern Europe, ? what you view on this I also look too you video on the Battle of Salamanca for me the better that was beginning of end of the French in Spain

[@kilowhiskeyalpha6078]

le tir - to shoot (tirailleur)

[@gooner72]

Wellesley clearly saw the French in the same way that Monty saw Rommel, the men they both commanded obviously had the same mindset about their opponents, they gave them an almost mythical status but both Generals would have none of it and had total confidence in their own ability.🇬🇧✌️

[@zackfair914]

Sharpie was there. Says so in the scriptures.

[@michaelbrett3749]

Please stop the apologies for pronunciation.......we understand and are not so concerned about it. I feel it distracts from your reading.

[@redcoathistory]

Fair enough Michael 👍🏻

[@gooner72]

Funny how the Spanish needed our help considering our rather checkered past......

[@EK-gr9gd]

John Tams would be better

[@EK-gr9gd]

In 1813, will have become very fine fellows!

[@nhinha-zf6xx]

You ramble too much sometimes on not so interesting information, try to get someone to co-host these with you, it's a natural conversation moderator factor. Propz on choosing this theme. Well done

[@redcoathistory]

Sadly I'm known rambler...I quite enjoy it!

[@tomeggleston367]

Keep rambling! It’s the extra detail that most fans love, as most know the basic spine of the campaign already. Shorter videos available elsewhere, but I for one hope you ramble on 👍🏼

[@redcoathistory]

Tom Eggleston Thanks Tom! That’s great to hear.