The Napoleonic Wars Podcast

In this Battle Series episode of the The Napoleonic Wars Podcast, we head to southern Italy to unpack the dramatic and sometimes misunderstood Battle of Maida with historian Richard Hopton author of 'The Battle of Maida, 1806: Fifteen Minutes of Glory'.
We set the stage with the wider Mediterranean campaign before diving into the opposing commanders, John Stuart and Jean Reynier, and the bold decisions that brought both armies into open battle.
From the geography of the Maida plain to the eerie “awful silence” before bayonets clash, we reconstruct the battle moment by moment. At its heart lies the famous “fifteen minutes” that shattered the French attack, was this a triumph of fire discipline, leadership, or something more complex?
We also tackle one of Napoleonic history’s biggest debates: line versus column. What really happened on the day, and how did Maida become a textbook case albeit accurately or not?
Finally, we explore the aftermath, its strategic impact, its place in British military memory, and whether Maida deserves its reputation as a pivotal moment.
A fast paced, myth busting deep dive into one of the era’s most fascinating battles that may have set up some of Britain's most decorated commaders for sucess in future campaigns.
For more on Richard’s published works and where to find them, please click here Richard Hopton - Author | Historian | Journalist - Richard Hopton

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