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. Support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/cw/thenapoleonicwarspod 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