Graeme Callister
@graemecallister.bsky.social
Senior Lecturer in History and War Studies, York St John University, UK. Interested in everything Napoleonic, Revolutionary, and the general history of conflict.
Pinned
Official publication day!!
Great to see real copies of 'Waterloo: the Attack of I Corps' out and about!
www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Waterloo-The...
Check it out for all the exciting 1815 I Corps content you didn't know you needed in your life!
Great to see real copies of 'Waterloo: the Attack of I Corps' out and about!
www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Waterloo-The...
Check it out for all the exciting 1815 I Corps content you didn't know you needed in your life!
Reposted by Graeme Callister
I m advertising a PhD position as part of our ERC project BLOCKADE. The PhD cand. should focus on myth/narratives of the hunger blockade in Germany, Austria in the era of the World Wars. 4 years of funding, wonderful team, amazing city (evidence attached)! Pls share! www.hsozkult.de/opportunity/...
October 30, 2025 at 8:15 PM
I m advertising a PhD position as part of our ERC project BLOCKADE. The PhD cand. should focus on myth/narratives of the hunger blockade in Germany, Austria in the era of the World Wars. 4 years of funding, wonderful team, amazing city (evidence attached)! Pls share! www.hsozkult.de/opportunity/...
Reposted by Graeme Callister
What a spectacular day of Black history revealing, Waterloo historian nerding and Hyde Park tourist herding 😁
Big thank you to @graemecallister.bsky.social @blackredcoats.bsky.social Mike Rayner, the 44th East Essex and the lovely staff at Aspley House!
#BlackHistory #Waterloo #Napoleonic
Big thank you to @graemecallister.bsky.social @blackredcoats.bsky.social Mike Rayner, the 44th East Essex and the lovely staff at Aspley House!
#BlackHistory #Waterloo #Napoleonic
October 11, 2025 at 5:56 PM
What a spectacular day of Black history revealing, Waterloo historian nerding and Hyde Park tourist herding 😁
Big thank you to @graemecallister.bsky.social @blackredcoats.bsky.social Mike Rayner, the 44th East Essex and the lovely staff at Aspley House!
#BlackHistory #Waterloo #Napoleonic
Big thank you to @graemecallister.bsky.social @blackredcoats.bsky.social Mike Rayner, the 44th East Essex and the lovely staff at Aspley House!
#BlackHistory #Waterloo #Napoleonic
Napoleon is sometimes accused of not committing his Guard to battle soon enough - but the Guard cavalry saw frequent and bloody action.
Meet Etienne Rougé of the Chasseurs of the Guard - wounded in just about every manner in battles across Europe and North Africa. 1/
Meet Etienne Rougé of the Chasseurs of the Guard - wounded in just about every manner in battles across Europe and North Africa. 1/
October 5, 2025 at 10:23 PM
Napoleon is sometimes accused of not committing his Guard to battle soon enough - but the Guard cavalry saw frequent and bloody action.
Meet Etienne Rougé of the Chasseurs of the Guard - wounded in just about every manner in battles across Europe and North Africa. 1/
Meet Etienne Rougé of the Chasseurs of the Guard - wounded in just about every manner in battles across Europe and North Africa. 1/
What were the chances of promotion in Napoleon's army?
From tracing the career history of every man who served in the 33e Ligne and didn't transfer to another unit (13,494 soldiers), it looks like 10.5% were promoted at some point.
Some stats...1/
From tracing the career history of every man who served in the 33e Ligne and didn't transfer to another unit (13,494 soldiers), it looks like 10.5% were promoted at some point.
Some stats...1/
September 13, 2025 at 2:42 PM
What were the chances of promotion in Napoleon's army?
From tracing the career history of every man who served in the 33e Ligne and didn't transfer to another unit (13,494 soldiers), it looks like 10.5% were promoted at some point.
Some stats...1/
From tracing the career history of every man who served in the 33e Ligne and didn't transfer to another unit (13,494 soldiers), it looks like 10.5% were promoted at some point.
Some stats...1/
From around 1811, Napoleon wanted to introduce the Roman punishment of 'decimation' in his military.
Groups he wished to punish - mutinous regiments, gangs of deserters etc. - would draw lots, & one in ten would be executed.
It isn't clear whether it was ever actually carried out.
Groups he wished to punish - mutinous regiments, gangs of deserters etc. - would draw lots, & one in ten would be executed.
It isn't clear whether it was ever actually carried out.
September 5, 2025 at 7:46 AM
From around 1811, Napoleon wanted to introduce the Roman punishment of 'decimation' in his military.
Groups he wished to punish - mutinous regiments, gangs of deserters etc. - would draw lots, & one in ten would be executed.
It isn't clear whether it was ever actually carried out.
Groups he wished to punish - mutinous regiments, gangs of deserters etc. - would draw lots, & one in ten would be executed.
It isn't clear whether it was ever actually carried out.
How far did Napoleon rule through fear? His response to disorder was often extreme violence
1806 Italy: "My intention is that the village that rose up...should be burned. The priest...should be shot. 3-400 guilty should be sent to the galleys...Waves of blood are needed to assure calm in Italy." 1/
1806 Italy: "My intention is that the village that rose up...should be burned. The priest...should be shot. 3-400 guilty should be sent to the galleys...Waves of blood are needed to assure calm in Italy." 1/
September 4, 2025 at 1:43 PM
How far did Napoleon rule through fear? His response to disorder was often extreme violence
1806 Italy: "My intention is that the village that rose up...should be burned. The priest...should be shot. 3-400 guilty should be sent to the galleys...Waves of blood are needed to assure calm in Italy." 1/
1806 Italy: "My intention is that the village that rose up...should be burned. The priest...should be shot. 3-400 guilty should be sent to the galleys...Waves of blood are needed to assure calm in Italy." 1/
The impact of the Russian campaign in 1812 on the French army - stats compiled for the 33e Ligne regiment.
August 28, 2025 at 9:38 PM
The impact of the Russian campaign in 1812 on the French army - stats compiled for the 33e Ligne regiment.
Reposted by Graeme Callister
Nearly done with #Waterloo for 11 Oct at Apsley House. Now i know how big the table needs to be. #history #wargaming #blackhistory @zwhitehistory.bsky.social @graemecallister.bsky.social
August 12, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Nearly done with #Waterloo for 11 Oct at Apsley House. Now i know how big the table needs to be. #history #wargaming #blackhistory @zwhitehistory.bsky.social @graemecallister.bsky.social
Reposted by Graeme Callister
👋 #OTD was the storming of the Bastille in 1789, a major moment of the #FrenchRevolution 🇫🇷
💬Previously we’ve done an ep with @graemecallister.bsky.social about the 🇫🇷 Revolutionary and #NapoleonicArmies, how they were raised and fought ⚔️
Check it out 👉 bit.ly/4lCI5gg 🎧
💬Previously we’ve done an ep with @graemecallister.bsky.social about the 🇫🇷 Revolutionary and #NapoleonicArmies, how they were raised and fought ⚔️
Check it out 👉 bit.ly/4lCI5gg 🎧
July 14, 2025 at 6:46 AM
👋 #OTD was the storming of the Bastille in 1789, a major moment of the #FrenchRevolution 🇫🇷
💬Previously we’ve done an ep with @graemecallister.bsky.social about the 🇫🇷 Revolutionary and #NapoleonicArmies, how they were raised and fought ⚔️
Check it out 👉 bit.ly/4lCI5gg 🎧
💬Previously we’ve done an ep with @graemecallister.bsky.social about the 🇫🇷 Revolutionary and #NapoleonicArmies, how they were raised and fought ⚔️
Check it out 👉 bit.ly/4lCI5gg 🎧
Jean-Marie Vassals from Montbrun, Haute-Garonne.
Joined the French army in 1782. Fought in every campaign of the Revolutionary Wars. Fought in every campaign of the Napoleonic Wars 1805-9. Returned to service in 1814.
Killed at Wavre on 18 June 1815, in one of the very last battles of the wars.
Joined the French army in 1782. Fought in every campaign of the Revolutionary Wars. Fought in every campaign of the Napoleonic Wars 1805-9. Returned to service in 1814.
Killed at Wavre on 18 June 1815, in one of the very last battles of the wars.
July 5, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Jean-Marie Vassals from Montbrun, Haute-Garonne.
Joined the French army in 1782. Fought in every campaign of the Revolutionary Wars. Fought in every campaign of the Napoleonic Wars 1805-9. Returned to service in 1814.
Killed at Wavre on 18 June 1815, in one of the very last battles of the wars.
Joined the French army in 1782. Fought in every campaign of the Revolutionary Wars. Fought in every campaign of the Napoleonic Wars 1805-9. Returned to service in 1814.
Killed at Wavre on 18 June 1815, in one of the very last battles of the wars.
Public service announcement!
All 12 episodes of series one and two of War Walks with Richard Holmes are available on BBC iPlayer for the next week.
Brilliant half-hour intros to some of Britain's most famous battles. Don't miss out!
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
All 12 episodes of series one and two of War Walks with Richard Holmes are available on BBC iPlayer for the next week.
Brilliant half-hour intros to some of Britain's most famous battles. Don't miss out!
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
War Walks
Richard Holmes goes on a journey through time to visit battlefields throughout Britain, northern France and Belgium that mark crucial moments in Britain's bloody and turbulent history
www.bbc.co.uk
July 3, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Public service announcement!
All 12 episodes of series one and two of War Walks with Richard Holmes are available on BBC iPlayer for the next week.
Brilliant half-hour intros to some of Britain's most famous battles. Don't miss out!
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
All 12 episodes of series one and two of War Walks with Richard Holmes are available on BBC iPlayer for the next week.
Brilliant half-hour intros to some of Britain's most famous battles. Don't miss out!
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
Reposted by Graeme Callister
June 30, 2025 at 4:19 PM
Brilliant weekend at Waterloo! The reenactors (and organisers!) did a fantastic job!
June 29, 2025 at 8:38 PM
Brilliant weekend at Waterloo! The reenactors (and organisers!) did a fantastic job!
Reposted by Graeme Callister
🚨 With #Waterloo 210 yesterday, don’t forget recent #napoleonic eps:
13. Re-evaluating the 🇳🇱 🇧🇪 Comtingent at Quatre-Bras with Andre Dellevoet
14. The 🇫🇷 Napoleonic Armies with @graemecallister.bsky.social
15. The 🇬🇧 Napoleonic Staff College with @1815fletcher.bsky.social
👉 bit.ly/43uWDsj
13. Re-evaluating the 🇳🇱 🇧🇪 Comtingent at Quatre-Bras with Andre Dellevoet
14. The 🇫🇷 Napoleonic Armies with @graemecallister.bsky.social
15. The 🇬🇧 Napoleonic Staff College with @1815fletcher.bsky.social
👉 bit.ly/43uWDsj
June 19, 2025 at 2:34 PM
🚨 With #Waterloo 210 yesterday, don’t forget recent #napoleonic eps:
13. Re-evaluating the 🇳🇱 🇧🇪 Comtingent at Quatre-Bras with Andre Dellevoet
14. The 🇫🇷 Napoleonic Armies with @graemecallister.bsky.social
15. The 🇬🇧 Napoleonic Staff College with @1815fletcher.bsky.social
👉 bit.ly/43uWDsj
13. Re-evaluating the 🇳🇱 🇧🇪 Comtingent at Quatre-Bras with Andre Dellevoet
14. The 🇫🇷 Napoleonic Armies with @graemecallister.bsky.social
15. The 🇬🇧 Napoleonic Staff College with @1815fletcher.bsky.social
👉 bit.ly/43uWDsj
Reposted by Graeme Callister
@zwhitehistory.bsky.social @graemecallister.bsky.social & other fine historical minds will be joining me here, in the Waterloo Gallery at Apsley House, London, on 11 October 2025 for a Black History Month event "The Black Soldiers of Waterloo". Put us in your calendar! #history #blackhistory #London
June 8, 2025 at 7:06 PM
@zwhitehistory.bsky.social @graemecallister.bsky.social & other fine historical minds will be joining me here, in the Waterloo Gallery at Apsley House, London, on 11 October 2025 for a Black History Month event "The Black Soldiers of Waterloo". Put us in your calendar! #history #blackhistory #London
Join us at York St John University (and online) for a fascinating FREE talk by Dr James Hurst based on his new research into the British heavy cavalry at Waterloo.
Wed 28 May, 5:30pm, all are welcome!
More info and tickets (completely free!) here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/waterloo-t...
Wed 28 May, 5:30pm, all are welcome!
More info and tickets (completely free!) here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/waterloo-t...
Waterloo: the Great Charge of the British Cavalry
This event will be taking place in person and online
www.eventbrite.co.uk
May 25, 2025 at 8:28 PM
Join us at York St John University (and online) for a fascinating FREE talk by Dr James Hurst based on his new research into the British heavy cavalry at Waterloo.
Wed 28 May, 5:30pm, all are welcome!
More info and tickets (completely free!) here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/waterloo-t...
Wed 28 May, 5:30pm, all are welcome!
More info and tickets (completely free!) here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/waterloo-t...
The French army of 1815 had many problems. One of the least discussed is that there weren't enough NCOs for frontline battalions.
In May, hundreds of men were promoted to fill vacancies. Fortunately, some already had leadership experience - including Pierre Valette & Benoit Jomain of the 28e. 1/
In May, hundreds of men were promoted to fill vacancies. Fortunately, some already had leadership experience - including Pierre Valette & Benoit Jomain of the 28e. 1/
May 16, 2025 at 9:13 AM
The French army of 1815 had many problems. One of the least discussed is that there weren't enough NCOs for frontline battalions.
In May, hundreds of men were promoted to fill vacancies. Fortunately, some already had leadership experience - including Pierre Valette & Benoit Jomain of the 28e. 1/
In May, hundreds of men were promoted to fill vacancies. Fortunately, some already had leadership experience - including Pierre Valette & Benoit Jomain of the 28e. 1/
Join the NRWGC for its next online event on Sunday 25 May!
Templer medal winner Prof Kevin Linch will talk about his fascinating recent project "Georgian Army Officers: Digitising the Careers of British Army Officers"
FREE to members! More info & tickets below: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/georgian-a...
Templer medal winner Prof Kevin Linch will talk about his fascinating recent project "Georgian Army Officers: Digitising the Careers of British Army Officers"
FREE to members! More info & tickets below: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/georgian-a...
Georgian Army Officers: Digitising the Careers of British Army Officers
Digitising the Careers of British Army Officers, 1790-1820
www.eventbrite.co.uk
May 14, 2025 at 8:13 AM
Join the NRWGC for its next online event on Sunday 25 May!
Templer medal winner Prof Kevin Linch will talk about his fascinating recent project "Georgian Army Officers: Digitising the Careers of British Army Officers"
FREE to members! More info & tickets below: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/georgian-a...
Templer medal winner Prof Kevin Linch will talk about his fascinating recent project "Georgian Army Officers: Digitising the Careers of British Army Officers"
FREE to members! More info & tickets below: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/georgian-a...
On 10 May 1809 Napoleon's army appeared before Vienna.
Austrian Archduke Charles withdrew across the Danube, allowing the French to seize the city but keeping his army intact to contest any river crossing.
The scene was being set for two of the most brutal but lesser-studied battles of the wars.
Austrian Archduke Charles withdrew across the Danube, allowing the French to seize the city but keeping his army intact to contest any river crossing.
The scene was being set for two of the most brutal but lesser-studied battles of the wars.
May 10, 2025 at 8:49 AM
On 10 May 1809 Napoleon's army appeared before Vienna.
Austrian Archduke Charles withdrew across the Danube, allowing the French to seize the city but keeping his army intact to contest any river crossing.
The scene was being set for two of the most brutal but lesser-studied battles of the wars.
Austrian Archduke Charles withdrew across the Danube, allowing the French to seize the city but keeping his army intact to contest any river crossing.
The scene was being set for two of the most brutal but lesser-studied battles of the wars.
Reposted by Graeme Callister
Our work is making headlines.
We are now the focus of a national news article in the UK, featuring in today’s Daily Express.
Thank you to everyone who is supporting our efforts by following us on social media, or signing up to our mailing list on our website
www.express.co.uk/news/world/2...
We are now the focus of a national news article in the UK, featuring in today’s Daily Express.
Thank you to everyone who is supporting our efforts by following us on social media, or signing up to our mailing list on our website
www.express.co.uk/news/world/2...
Historic farm where Napoleon suffered key defeat for sale for £1.6 million
EXCLUSIVE: Historians fear developers could turn the site into modern flats erasing the legacy of a battle that shaped the history of Britain and Europe.
www.express.co.uk
March 31, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Our work is making headlines.
We are now the focus of a national news article in the UK, featuring in today’s Daily Express.
Thank you to everyone who is supporting our efforts by following us on social media, or signing up to our mailing list on our website
www.express.co.uk/news/world/2...
We are now the focus of a national news article in the UK, featuring in today’s Daily Express.
Thank you to everyone who is supporting our efforts by following us on social media, or signing up to our mailing list on our website
www.express.co.uk/news/world/2...
Reposted by Graeme Callister
Heritage 1815: a committee of Napoleonic historians working to safeguard the future of sites from the Waterloo campaign.
Following news of the planned sale of Gemioncourt Farm & 8.5 hectares of land on the Quatre Bras battlefield, the committee has issued a statement 🧵1/
Following news of the planned sale of Gemioncourt Farm & 8.5 hectares of land on the Quatre Bras battlefield, the committee has issued a statement 🧵1/
March 20, 2025 at 8:26 AM
Heritage 1815: a committee of Napoleonic historians working to safeguard the future of sites from the Waterloo campaign.
Following news of the planned sale of Gemioncourt Farm & 8.5 hectares of land on the Quatre Bras battlefield, the committee has issued a statement 🧵1/
Following news of the planned sale of Gemioncourt Farm & 8.5 hectares of land on the Quatre Bras battlefield, the committee has issued a statement 🧵1/
Reposted by Graeme Callister
A really exciting post
Arts and Humanities Research Fellow
House of Commons #skystorians 🗃️www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DMG777/a...
Arts and Humanities Research Fellow
House of Commons #skystorians 🗃️www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DMG777/a...
Arts and Humanities Research Fellow at House of Commons
Start your UK & international job search for academic jobs, research jobs, science jobs and managerial jobs in leading universities and top...
www.jobs.ac.uk
March 14, 2025 at 8:15 PM
A really exciting post
Arts and Humanities Research Fellow
House of Commons #skystorians 🗃️www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DMG777/a...
Arts and Humanities Research Fellow
House of Commons #skystorians 🗃️www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DMG777/a...
A quick thought on Napoleon's conscription efforts:
A man could get deferral from conscription if he had a brother in service (or who'd died/been wounded in the army). One deferral was allowed per man in service.
In 1807 in Vendée, 2.6% of conscripts applied.
In 1809: 3.8%
In 1811 it was 11.1%. 1/
A man could get deferral from conscription if he had a brother in service (or who'd died/been wounded in the army). One deferral was allowed per man in service.
In 1807 in Vendée, 2.6% of conscripts applied.
In 1809: 3.8%
In 1811 it was 11.1%. 1/
March 2, 2025 at 12:17 AM
A quick thought on Napoleon's conscription efforts:
A man could get deferral from conscription if he had a brother in service (or who'd died/been wounded in the army). One deferral was allowed per man in service.
In 1807 in Vendée, 2.6% of conscripts applied.
In 1809: 3.8%
In 1811 it was 11.1%. 1/
A man could get deferral from conscription if he had a brother in service (or who'd died/been wounded in the army). One deferral was allowed per man in service.
In 1807 in Vendée, 2.6% of conscripts applied.
In 1809: 3.8%
In 1811 it was 11.1%. 1/
It's fair to say that conscription in Napoleonic France caused problems.
But what we often forget is the problems that it caused between ordinary people - people who were desperate for themselves or their family not to be conscripted.
A quick story from the archives. 1/
But what we often forget is the problems that it caused between ordinary people - people who were desperate for themselves or their family not to be conscripted.
A quick story from the archives. 1/
February 28, 2025 at 9:15 AM
It's fair to say that conscription in Napoleonic France caused problems.
But what we often forget is the problems that it caused between ordinary people - people who were desperate for themselves or their family not to be conscripted.
A quick story from the archives. 1/
But what we often forget is the problems that it caused between ordinary people - people who were desperate for themselves or their family not to be conscripted.
A quick story from the archives. 1/
Britain’s Second Napoleonic Army
Join @zwhitehistory.bsky.social for a FREE talk on the East India Company army - key to Britain’s imperial ambitions in Asia, it receives less attention than it should.
Tues 11 March, 6pm, online & at York St John University
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/britains-s...
Join @zwhitehistory.bsky.social for a FREE talk on the East India Company army - key to Britain’s imperial ambitions in Asia, it receives less attention than it should.
Tues 11 March, 6pm, online & at York St John University
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/britains-s...
Britain's Second Napoleonic Army: The East India Company, Sepoys and Race
Dr Zack White discusses issues of identity, motivation and discipline in Britain’s East India Company army.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
February 26, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Britain’s Second Napoleonic Army
Join @zwhitehistory.bsky.social for a FREE talk on the East India Company army - key to Britain’s imperial ambitions in Asia, it receives less attention than it should.
Tues 11 March, 6pm, online & at York St John University
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/britains-s...
Join @zwhitehistory.bsky.social for a FREE talk on the East India Company army - key to Britain’s imperial ambitions in Asia, it receives less attention than it should.
Tues 11 March, 6pm, online & at York St John University
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/britains-s...