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At War with Wellington Docudrama

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Factual: History

Peter and Dan Snow investigate the diaries of Wellington's forces in the Peninsular War

Peter and Dan Snow investigate the diaries and letters of Wellington's forces in the Peninsular War against Napoleon

At War with Wellington

At War with Wellington Docudrama: Retinue

07/08/2008

Retinue

BBC Radio 4 - At War with Wellington Docudrama, Retinue

Peter and Dan explore who accompanied the redcoats as they fought in Portugal and Spain.

Peter and Dan Snow investigate the diaries and letters of Wellington's forces in the Peninsular War. They explore who accompanied the redcoats as they fought in Portugal and Spain.

When an army went to war in the Napoleonic era, it wasn't just a question of soldiers on the march. In this episode we delve into the letters and diaries of the Royal Greenjackets Museum, Peter and Dan Snow discover who else accompanied the redcoats as they fought in Portugal and Spain. 

From the loyal women who drew lots to accompany their husbands into battle to the children carried through all kinds of terrain and conditions, we discover all about the retinue that had to be fed and watered whenever an army took to the road.

The part of the Duke of Wellington is played by Benedict Cumberbatch, the other members of the cast are Neil Dudgeon, David Holt, Frank Stirling and David Westhead


Producer: Alyn Shipton
A Unique production for BBC Radio 4.

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