The British Army in Combat

Professor Kevin Linch joins us for a deep dive into how the British Army waged war. We discuss the army's organisation, the role of regimental guns, infantry tactics, the challenges faced by cavalry, and the importance of artillery innovations. The conversation also explores the complexities of combined arms operations, the integration with allies, and the significant influence of the Royal Navy on military campaigns. Throughout, the discussion highlights the lessons learned from both successes and failures, emphasising the resilience and adaptability of the British Army over time.

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Keywords

British Army, Napoleonic Wars, military structure, tactics, artillery, cavalry, combined arms, regimental guns, Wellington, history

Chapters (Timings approximate)

00:00 The Structure of the British Army

07:57 Artillery and Regimental Guns

12:44 Infantry Tactics and Formations

17:19 Defensive Strategies and Perceptions

21:31 Combined Arms Operations

26:13 The Role of Corps and Divisions

30:26 Cavalry Effectiveness and Challenges

32:05 The Doctrine of the British Cavalry

36:54 Artillery Innovations and Tactics

41:05 Commanders in Crisis: Successes and Failures

45:38 Professionalization of the British Army

53:34 Integration with Allied Forces

01:00:00 The Role of the Navy in British Military Success

01:06:34 Lessons Learned: Resilience and Adaptation