My father was a guest at a party in Spain in the early 1950's hosted by a German business man. Otto Skorzeny showed up in full SS uniform wearing is decorations. My father was heavily involved in the Danish resistance during the war and had the oppertunity to chat with Skorzeny for a while. It's a weird world.
Grand Theft Otto is a top tier pun I must say. Also, it astounds me how you constantly keep finding the best historical footage for your videos, amazing stuff.
@@philcassidy3823No it didn’t at all. It was supposed to have been on 5th June. Either way, Overlord began at around midnight with Neptune beginning after 6am.
@@user-xh3wr1do7k 2300, 5 June 1944 Around this time the British and American airborne troops begin taking off from bases in England. They will be the first Allied soldiers to land in Normandy, by glider and parachute, in the early hours of the following morning. 0000, 6 June 1944 The Allied fleet makes its way across the English Channel. Leading the way are the minesweepers, which clear a safe route for the other ships. Will the Germans detect that the Allies are on their way? 0600 Support landing craft begin to fire guns and rockets against German defences along the beach. Utah beach Airborne landings begin 0015 H-Hour, beach landings 0630 Omaha beach H-hour 0630 Juno beach H-Hour On Mike Sector: 0735 On Nan Sector: 0745 Gold beach H-Hour 0725 Sword beach Airborne landings begin 0016 H-Hour, Beach landings 0725
I remember watching part of The Odessa File on the History channel back in its glory days. Judging by all his photos, Skorzeny didn't seem too camera shy. The film makers probably could have gotten him to make a cameo appearance if they simply asked.
Skorzeny is just one of those larger then life individuals of history, who I never get bored hearing about. Thank you Dr. Felton for another excellent historical video!
He and Gehlen are figures who evoke a sneaking admiration despite their evil deeds. Most garden variety profiteers and grifters are also weasels and cowards. It’s a classic case of giving the devil his due. That facial scar is known as a _Schmiss_ acquired in a dueling contest in his university days.
@@soyboymotivation "Watch this documentary which gets basic historical facts incorrect every minute, recommended by oddballs who can't read scholarly books because their attention spans have been zapped by being terminally online."
As is often seen, doing anything you want right out in the open, can be successful. Take it all, dont look back, plan the next move quick. Do it like you mean it.
I work as German Historian for the IFZ in Munich and my paternal Grandfather met Otto Skorzeny during a few "Veteran Meetups" back in the Mid-60s. Got some great Photos of him with my Grandfather and Grandmother. Definitely a controversial Figure, with lots of Myths surrounding him but also a lot of amazing Accomplishments. I definitely recommend reading his Book but of course take it with a Grain of Salt like you should with every Book written by any War Veteran (no matter the Country). Prost & Cheers from Berchtesgaden in the Bavarian Alps
Oh and for those curious about the Name of the Book: "My Commando Operations - Otto Skorzeny". It's free to read and/or rent on the Archive Website and also rather cheap for Kindle on Amazon etc. As a Historian what he's saying is rather accurate, but of course he seems boastful many Times, but what do you expect of a Guy like that? It's basically like reading Books of Navy Seals and Green Berets throughout History, lots of boasting included obviously
Why were Skorzeny's charges dropped simply because the Allies _contemplated_ doing something similar? It did not in general embarrass the Allies that a huge bulk of their charges either had no apparent legitimacy under international law at the time, or were crimes that the Allies themselves were rather grotesquely guilty of. My understanding is that the "semilegitimate" nature of the trials were in essence a sort of American-brokered compromise between Stalin, who wanted full show trials in his favored style, and Churchill, who was repulsed at the idea of such a mockery of judiciary procedure and simply wanted everyone unapologetically shot. Coyness seems like a pretty odd explanation of Skorzeny's treatment.
@@toddwebb7521 Yes.....look at Ernst Stavro Blofeld's biography (I forget if it is in for your eyes only or On her Majesty's Secret Service) ....it is Otto Skorzeny's biography.....and SPECTRE is analogous to Der Spinne
The man certainly didn't live a boring life. He started his own mercenary group which if it wasn't the first of it's kind, was one of the first. The blue print for Blackwater mercs of today. He's the closest thing that the world has known to a real life Bond villain.
@@Jorvaskrr God man. They are even taking over management of archaeological sites and stopping excavation. Flexing their power just for the sake of flexing their power. Archaeology has nothing to do with the WEF.
@PhillipFelix-kw3zi yes, can see the Luger slide-grip on top (no I am not going to google the correct part name, but it is the upward hinging part) and also the distinctive slope of the grip -- the Luger has a very natural hand-pointing grip, vs. more vertical on other automatic pistols (fun fact -- East Germany assembled Luger pistols from left over parts post WW2)
Otto Skorzany was one of Hitler's most innovative and ruthlessly effective senior Officers. The raid by glider to 'free' Benito M was historically epic. The 'Fallschirmjager soldiers pre dated the US 101/Airborne parachutists - they were a brilliant and skilled fanatical, professional and efficiently effective unit. Today's Fallschirmjager' German units still retain the original beret insignia, only the Swastika has been replaced with the German Flag at the bottom of their beret badge. Skorzeny was also HUGE in terms of getting thousands of German and Waffen SS soldiers 'out' of a defeated Germany via HIAG and other NGO's, and this also included to some extent the Vatican. Like the iconic legend Joseph 'Sepp' Dietrich his funeral was attended not only by his former comrades - but by allied Officers, he was deeply respected and highly regarded. A genuine innovator who served his country magnificently. Yes, he 'remains' controversial. But a legend.
When was that? In the mid 70's? I know his daughter from work, she used to work as an AD in TV movies in Vienna. I worked with her for some time before somebody told me that she's Skorzenys daughter.
You omitted his participation in the attack on Eben Emanuel in Belgium. It’s no secret that Skorzeny was “de-briefed” by the Americans for months, then employed by Gehlen, then, with US sponsorship appointed head of Spains Secret Service. He also worked for BOTH the Egyptians AND the Israeli intelligence agencies.
He was also an incredible egotist. When he rescued Mussolini He insisted on flying out with him as a photo-op dangerously overloading the aircraft and risking killing Mussolini.
1:10 - "Operation: Panzerfaust" was also known as "Operation: Maus," which is how Skorzeny refers to it in his memoirs. Horthy's son was smuggled out of the city, rolled up in a carpet, as Skorzeny and his Waffen SS troops pretended to be drunk soldiers, who had appropriated the rug-- singing as they marched to their destination. ... And that, boys & girls, is the true origin of the "Mickey Mouse March." Sleep tight!
Yeah, then only false fact in the video is because of this Hungary kept fight on the side of Germany. Horthy did read his proclamation anyway, but the hungarians (soldiers, politicans and the volk) just not romanians. Nobody really followed Horthy in the path of betrayer.
You're like owls. We seem to always find out something different about everything. There honestly has to be endless stories of course. Very well done. As always. Thank you, sir.
Otto is one of those characters you're supposed to hate, however you can't help but be impressed and intrigued by them. Certainly one of the craziest lives ever lived.
This man was many things but a fool was not one of them. He was not the only one with his hands in the pot, many Americans did well too. Thanks for posting.
Dr. Felton could make an entire series about this man and his life after May 1945. If he declines, there are some excellent biographies out there about this fascinating rogue, such as "Otto Skorzeny: The Devils Disciple, by Stuart Smith. Another is "The Skorzeny Papers" by MAJ Ralph Ganis, which discusses Skorzeny's possible involvement in the JFK assassination.
A super title and video Dr. Felton. I'm very familiar with Skorzeny's wartime record, but had no idea about Die Spinne. Thank you for your erudite discourse on the matter.
His Irish residence was Martinstown House, Co. Kildare not terribly far from me, its documented that locals recall him driving his white Mercedes, mostly kept to himself, I believe he was a guest of honor at a few events and though Ireland was friendly to such persons ultimately the government revoked his residency due to the international bad press, others less notable were allowed to carry on some of which even had Irish wives. Skorzeny was known also as Scarface, he was a brilliant commando, the James Bond of his day rescuing Mussolini from a mountain on one occasion, which perhaps you had a video on already Mark. Another interesting video and certainly a fascinating character.
@@michaelmurphy4387 No problem, for more on the subject in relation to Ireland I would recommend the book Hitlers Irishmen, also if in Kildare the Curragh military museum has some Luftwaffe items as we held some pilots there during the war, might be a radio from a failed Abwehr operation in Ireland too. We mostly supported the Allies but there are some other more colorful stories too.
Irish President De Valera gave official condolences to Germany on the Suicide of Hitler. Irish envoys in other countries visited the German embassies in their respective locations to offer condolences. Churchill and Truman went crazy
@Marvel66666 I'm aware of that, we were not long after an economic war with Britain, as we rightly refused to pay rates to them after the anglo Irish treaty he brought us from Dominion status to eventual independence in the south at least, I read he was hoping for a German victory at one stage, I think the most controversial political comments were not by Fianna Fail but by the then independent Oliver J Flanagan, I won't even put those comments here my local historical society has a good piece on him he became a Fine Gael T.D afterwards, you can look them up, would hardly be a fan of Israel to give a hint.
8:15 small correction there: Hjalmar Schacht was president of the Reichsbank (1933-1939) and Minister of Economics (1934-1937), but never Finance Minister. That position was held by Lutz Graf Schwerin von Krosigk from 1932 until the end of the war - one of the very few top government figures that had gotten into their position before Hitler took power and retained the position until the end of the Third Reich.
Good catch, and Schacht is another interesting figure worthy of a video. Money runs wars, and Schacht knew it all. Albert Speer related that the captured Nazi leaders were subjected to intelligence tests by the Allies. The top performer was Hjalmar Schacht.
My Grandfather Was a Wehrmacht Captain..He passed away in 2003..a Mysterious Man..He Was a very Meticulous Person Organized..always Well Dressed and Sharp..He spent Most of His Time on His Desk or Walking His German Shepherd
I have a book about Mossad where the story about Skorzeny working for Israel forms part of a chapter on the Egyptian rocket thing. According to that account Skorzeny was of minimal use but seemed to enjoy the idea of helping the Israelis as it fed his ego. Of more help was Meyer Lansky who provided untraceable equipment for another part of Mossad’s operation.
If you’re interested in WWII and the history of intelligence “The Devil’s Chessboard” is a good read on the Nazi sympathies of the Leading Spymaster of WWII and eventual CIA director, Allen Dulles and his Secretary of State brother, John Foster Dulles. They saved many nazis opportunistically including their lead banker and their lead spymaster Gehlen, who was also really bad at his job and had multiple moles under him.
@@js70371 as I said, he was of limited help. The impression they had was that he was more talk than anything useful. And the rocket threat to Israel was fairly non existent.
I know it wasn't the intention per se, but I always found the fencing scars that most of the late 1800s-early 1900s german nobility had somewhat frightening.
Hello Dr. Felton. I live in Madrid and I often pass by what used to be the location of one of Skorzeny's offices on Montera street number 25. The old building has been torn down and there is a new building under construction. Across the street there is an old bar called the "Ateneo", where very likely Skorzeny could have gone for his coffee. Strange days indeed.
The Americans and the British wouldn’t let Mossad touch him. There’s an interview on RUclips where Skorzeny admits to doing a lot of work for the CIA AND MI6. He was such an effective operator, with tremendous knowledge of the communist states The West were working against, that he was too valuable to let rot in prison or face the hangman. He was effectively a double agent (working for The West) so they turned a blind eye to the other things he got up to, especially as none of it endangered them or their people.
Why didn't the Mossad get Skorzeny? Perhaps they didn't want to do so. I am not an expert in his operations but their focus seems not be in killing yewish people in comparison to Eichmann.
Is there really no movie or tv series about this guy? He certainly led an interesting and charmed life! I remember first reading about him in a book about the hunt for people like Eichman. Can anyone recommend a good book about him?
I remember driving past Skorzeny’s estate in Ireland when I worked there in 1975, just about when he died. My only regret is that he died 30 years too late. He was, after all, a self promoting inveterate Nazi to the end and a thoroughly repugnant individual despite all the hero worshipping that has gone on since the war.
Lesson here is don’t smoke. If you do stop. Lung cancer is one of The Worst cancer to die from. It eats the body inside out very fast and painfully. Forces person to sit on the toilet last few weeks, as their body implodes. Only few days before death, all the pain disappears as the cancer reaches central nerves back of the neck. Not before body is reduced to skin and bone. With horrific smell of death. - my grand mom smoked all her better life, only to die lung cancer. With in 3 months diagnosis she was gone. Yes there’re people who’ve smoked all their lives and live to their nineties but very rarely. Maybe 1 in thousands.
When you are that large and with that distinctive scar you really can't hide so you might as well be audacious. Larger than life in more ways than one. Fascinating subject and fascinating video. Thank you Dr. Felton.
Thank you Professor! "Honey, dinner can wait!" Most excellent Mark. It seems to me that Otto worked for everyone. A triple agent, at least?! Perhaps you would edify us with a video or two on Reinhard Gehlen. His ten year long employment with the US in post war Europe, and prior to then in the FHO, must contain an interesting story or two?
![Jack Harlow - Hello Miss Johnson [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Q86_nlRoIGw/mqdefault.jpg)
My father was a guest at a party in Spain in the early 1950's hosted by a German business man. Otto Skorzeny showed up in full SS uniform wearing is decorations. My father was heavily involved in the Danish resistance during the war and had the oppertunity to chat with Skorzeny for a while. It's a weird world.
did he get an autograph?
The danish resistance, that did nothing in wartime, but killed german kids after the war when they finally felt tough?
@@Axteffekt yes
@@Axteffekt This is more a case of the sins of their fathers being shat on their children
At the end... Its all about business... From the time money appeared, ethics stop existed.
I'm not going to lie, if Skorzeny's life became a film, I'd be first in line to watch it.
I'd be right behind you
The interesting thing about this is how many of the bad guys got away.
One could speculate the same thing would happen when Putin's regime falls.
Another dude who idolizes frauds, war criminals and Nazis.
People in line don't watch movies, they wait! OF COURSE I'd be there too, Skorzy's List?
In today's world he would probably be black and a lesbian
Grand Theft Otto is a top tier pun I must say.
Also, it astounds me how you constantly keep finding the best historical footage for your videos, amazing stuff.
I'm honored I could give a 666th like to this comment. It all suits Otto so well.
@@UnusSedLeo-w5l it literally does not
It suits allies better
Operation "overlord" was launched on the 6th month, the 6th day at 6a.m in the morning
Otto was a top tier Nazi for a guy with a Slavic family name
@@philcassidy3823No it didn’t at all. It was supposed to have been on 5th June. Either way, Overlord began at around midnight with Neptune beginning after 6am.
@@user-xh3wr1do7k
2300, 5 June 1944
Around this time the British and American airborne troops begin taking off from bases in England. They will be the first Allied soldiers to land in Normandy, by glider and parachute, in the early hours of the following morning.
0000, 6 June 1944
The Allied fleet makes its way across the English Channel. Leading the way are the minesweepers, which clear a safe route for the other ships. Will the Germans detect that the Allies are on their way?
0600
Support landing craft begin to fire guns and rockets against German defences along the beach.
Utah beach
Airborne landings begin 0015
H-Hour, beach landings 0630
Omaha beach
H-hour 0630
Juno beach
H-Hour
On Mike Sector: 0735
On Nan Sector: 0745
Gold beach
H-Hour 0725
Sword beach
Airborne landings begin 0016
H-Hour, Beach landings 0725
This guy needs a movie.
i.GTO
ii.Hugo Stiglitz
Movies please
@@projektkobra2247 Nobody would do it accurately.
As long as communist Hollywood is not involved.
He'd make a great Bond villain.
I remember watching part of The Odessa File on the History channel back in its glory days. Judging by all his photos, Skorzeny didn't seem too camera shy. The film makers probably could have gotten him to make a cameo appearance if they simply asked.
Skorzeny is just one of those larger then life individuals of history, who I never get bored hearing about. Thank you Dr. Felton for another excellent historical video!
He was a rat
@@alerojas2952 He was based.
@@TheMBBenton For dull people such as yourself, sure.
He and Gehlen are figures who evoke a sneaking admiration despite their evil deeds. Most garden variety profiteers and grifters are also weasels and cowards. It’s a classic case of giving the devil his due. That facial scar is known as a _Schmiss_ acquired in a dueling contest in his university days.
You should check out Joseph farrell's work on this stuff. It goes much deeper than you can imagine. fascinating stuff
A hundred Hollywood writers couldn't write a plot more exciting or unbelievable as the truth.
Aka jews
Hands down one of the most fascinating ww2 charcters.
Absolutely, a real man of genius. A Bond villain one cannot help but to like.
@@PhillipFelix-kw3zieven admire, although, quite honestly, I would have never wanted to meet him in person.
sorry call me old fashioned but I don't admire him at all.
@@cricketerfrench7501at the very least one must offer the man a begrudging respect
😂 Ze nazi 007 😂
Amazing how complex that WW2 was. Never seems to be an end to all the stories that can be told.
biggest war ever to be fair..
I like to tell the story about Chruchill being deep in debt and being a warmongering homosexual drunk. I like that story
@@feolender2938You're Z arent you?
Heres more.
The documentary - Europa the last battle.
Available for Free on the net.
@@soyboymotivation "Watch this documentary which gets basic historical facts incorrect every minute, recommended by oddballs who can't read scholarly books because their attention spans have been zapped by being terminally online."
Guy lived on the edge.
Good one. Lived on the edge, ha ha.
He was the edge
As is often seen, doing anything you want right out in the open, can be successful.
Take it all, dont look back, plan the next move quick. Do it like you mean it.
"If your not living on the 'edge'
your taking up too much space! "
@@dr.barrycohn5461
Your videos help me get through severe depression and loneliness. Thank you sir 💯
You're not alone. Wherever you are, go find a military collector show.
@@gunswiththedutchman Yes I definitely will.
Keep your head up my dude!
Been there and it's terrible. I wish you the best way out. I had to get medication (sert). It helps a lot. Also got rid of a situational root cause.
@@Shortparks I will thanks 💯
Just the title alone is brilliant, and then I haven't watched the video yet. A deep bow for dr. Felton!
The title is great, but wait until you see the funeral photo caption. 🤣 It's good to make fun of bad people whenever possible.
I work as German Historian for the IFZ in Munich and my paternal Grandfather met Otto Skorzeny during a few "Veteran Meetups" back in the Mid-60s. Got some great Photos of him with my Grandfather and Grandmother.
Definitely a controversial Figure, with lots of Myths surrounding him but also a lot of amazing Accomplishments.
I definitely recommend reading his Book but of course take it with a Grain of Salt like you should with every Book written by any War Veteran (no matter the Country).
Prost & Cheers from Berchtesgaden in the Bavarian Alps
So, it is a myth that Adolf escaped to Argentina.
C00L
Oh and for those curious about the Name of the Book: "My Commando Operations - Otto Skorzeny".
It's free to read and/or rent on the Archive Website and also rather cheap for Kindle on Amazon etc.
As a Historian what he's saying is rather accurate, but of course he seems boastful many Times, but what do you expect of a Guy like that?
It's basically like reading Books of Navy Seals and Green Berets throughout History, lots of boasting included obviously
@@chartreux1532will seek out and immerse myself in a version off history that is seldom referenced. Many thanks
Why were Skorzeny's charges dropped simply because the Allies _contemplated_ doing something similar? It did not in general embarrass the Allies that a huge bulk of their charges either had no apparent legitimacy under international law at the time, or were crimes that the Allies themselves were rather grotesquely guilty of. My understanding is that the "semilegitimate" nature of the trials were in essence a sort of American-brokered compromise between Stalin, who wanted full show trials in his favored style, and Churchill, who was repulsed at the idea of such a mockery of judiciary procedure and simply wanted everyone unapologetically shot. Coyness seems like a pretty odd explanation of Skorzeny's treatment.
Skorzeny is like a bond villain who happens to be the protagonist in the story.
I was thinking the same thing, it’s like he’s Bond from the (N*zi) German perspective
He's literally the Basis for Blofeld per Ian Fleming
Exactly!
@@toddwebb7521 Yes.....look at Ernst Stavro Blofeld's biography (I forget if it is in for your eyes only or On her Majesty's Secret Service) ....it is Otto Skorzeny's biography.....and SPECTRE is analogous to Der Spinne
No he isn’t !
Although he was the enemy you just can't help admiring him. A myth and a legend.
'Stiff Arm Syndrome' got me!
A lot of that going around in those days.
Age of gooners😂
Reminds me of Dr. Strangelove.😂
@@inisipisTV Mein Fuhrer! I can walk!
@@inisipisTV”I can walk” hahaha
The moment Skorzeny levelled his Walther at me when I opened RUclips and saw my first video tile option, I knew then that I'd had it.
"F around and find out" personified.
Would be interesting to know the background of that photo...
It’s actually a Luger
The man certainly didn't live a boring life. He started his own mercenary group which if it wasn't the first of it's kind, was one of the first. The blue print for Blackwater mercs of today. He's the closest thing that the world has known to a real life Bond villain.
Or Blacklist's Raymond "Red" Reddington..... a bad guy to admire........
Still doesn't seem as evulz as the talking heads from WEF.
@@Jorvaskrr God man. They are even taking over management of archaeological sites and stopping excavation. Flexing their power just for the sake of flexing their power. Archaeology has nothing to do with the WEF.
The real life Blofeld.
Blackwater doesnt really exist anymore. They joined another company called triple canopy I think and they're some generic security service name now
My Uncle worked on his Farm in Ireland, described him as a gentleman and good employer. He was something of a celeb
Yep..well respected in killcullen
Is that Herbie Sheehan
Tom Long had the farm after him !
I grew up in Ballysax
Guy's weapon of choice was a British made silenced Sten. All he needed was some boss music and he'd be a real-life video game character.
That's interesting, I think that the pistol he is pointing is a Luger. A man of good taste.
@PhillipFelix-kw3zi
yes, can see the Luger slide-grip on top (no I am not going to google the correct part name, but it is the upward hinging part)
and also the distinctive slope of the grip -- the Luger has a very natural hand-pointing grip, vs. more vertical on other automatic pistols
(fun fact -- East Germany assembled Luger pistols from left over parts post WW2)
@@markrossow6303 I would love to own one,a true piece of art.
Otto Skorzany was one of Hitler's most innovative and ruthlessly effective senior Officers. The raid by glider to 'free' Benito M was historically epic. The 'Fallschirmjager soldiers pre dated the US 101/Airborne parachutists - they were a brilliant and skilled fanatical, professional and efficiently effective unit. Today's Fallschirmjager' German units still retain the original beret insignia, only the Swastika has been replaced with the German Flag at the bottom of their beret badge. Skorzeny was also HUGE in terms of getting thousands of German and Waffen SS soldiers 'out' of a defeated Germany via HIAG and other NGO's, and this also included to some extent the Vatican. Like the iconic legend Joseph 'Sepp' Dietrich his funeral was attended not only by his former comrades - but by allied Officers, he was deeply respected and highly regarded. A genuine innovator who served his country magnificently. Yes, he 'remains' controversial. But a legend.
It’s already a great morning and then Herr Doktor Felton drops a video. Have a great day everyone!
Jawohl!
@@jips123 Jawohl! 🫡
You are the FedEx of history. You always deliver !
Older cousin told me that Skorzeny lived in the same apartment building in Madrid during the Franco years. They gave him a wide berth.
Your cousin is a wise man LOL
The same apartment building as your cousin or Franco?
Martinstonwn house estate.. county Kildale ireland
When was that? In the mid 70's?
I know his daughter from work, she used to work as an AD in TV movies in Vienna.
I worked with her for some time before somebody told me that she's Skorzenys daughter.
@@marcusott2973 If you would be able to comprehend anything in the video, you would know that Skorzeny died in August 1975.
You omitted his participation in the attack on Eben Emanuel in Belgium. It’s no secret that Skorzeny was “de-briefed” by the Americans for months, then employed by Gehlen, then, with US sponsorship appointed head of Spains Secret Service. He also worked for BOTH the Egyptians AND the Israeli intelligence agencies.
If he wasn't working for II, than he would have been killed. I'm sure he helped Isreal with a few of the most wanted by them.
Mark you are a pure historic genius. The best.
He was also an incredible egotist. When he rescued Mussolini He insisted on flying out with him as a photo-op dangerously overloading the aircraft and risking killing Mussolini.
You could not do the things he accomplished and not be an egotist.....it goes hand in hand.
One would think you'd need an attitude like Alexander in order to take over the known world...
That would have real loss! 🎉
1:10 - "Operation: Panzerfaust" was also known as "Operation: Maus," which is how Skorzeny refers to it in his memoirs. Horthy's son was smuggled out of the city, rolled up in a carpet, as Skorzeny and his Waffen SS troops pretended to be drunk soldiers, who had appropriated the rug-- singing as they marched to their destination.
... And that, boys & girls, is the true origin of the "Mickey Mouse March." Sleep tight!
t.y.
Should I know every mickey story?😂 Get a life
@@eavyeavy2864 You sound mad and sad, ever considered getting one yourself?
Yeah, then only false fact in the video is because of this Hungary kept fight on the side of Germany. Horthy did read his proclamation anyway, but the hungarians (soldiers, politicans and the volk) just not romanians. Nobody really followed Horthy in the path of betrayer.
You're like owls. We seem to always find out something different about everything. There honestly has to be endless stories of course. Very well done. As always. Thank you, sir.
Grand Theft Otto... You never cease to amuse while educating and producing outstanding content.
I could easily listen to an hour of this.
I read about him, and finally, somebody made a video about his life. Great job Mark 👏
Another brilliant documentary mark,it never ceases to amaze me,your idept research,of military documentaries.
Another excellent chapter from Mark Felton. Keep them coming, good Sir!
What a guy! Just so fascinating and alluring. Just imagine meeting him and being able to ask questions and hear stories
Otto is one of those characters you're supposed to hate, however you can't help but be impressed and intrigued by them. Certainly one of the craziest lives ever lived.
Why are we supposed to hate him.
@@luhman16afaintstar-q3y Well, there might be some clues in the video. Take your time.
@@luhman16afaintstar-q3yHe was an actual Nazi.
@@HankPanky So?
@@jamesirbensonmum3514 please don't stop crying
"The Skorzeny Papers" is an excellent book that opened my eyes to so much that I did not see.
Yes, an outstanding book.
Commando Extraordinary is the title of a book on Skorzeny
Ooh I'm gonna have to buy that ,I have the commando one ,thanks .
@@philiph6456 I am going to have to get that one.
Amazing character worthy of a Hollywood film!!
Hollywood would just screw it up.
Truly a mans man. My grandfather looked up to him and joined us special forces in part due to Skorzenys story.
This man was many things but a fool was not one of them. He was not the only one with his hands in the pot, many Americans did well too.
Thanks for posting.
Doctor Felton, this title is a classic - it’s Otto-this world. 😅 On a serious note, another great story you shared today.
Fantastic, please more on ghelen and possibly the dulles connection...
Dr. Felton could make an entire series about this man and his life after May 1945. If he declines, there are some excellent biographies out there about this fascinating rogue, such as "Otto Skorzeny: The Devils Disciple, by Stuart Smith. Another is "The Skorzeny Papers" by MAJ Ralph Ganis, which discusses Skorzeny's possible involvement in the JFK assassination.
This guy can really tell a story.
Thank you Mark for another brilliant video. All the best from Sydney Australia 🇦🇺
Superb as always what a character like a German James Bond
Great job as always. As I said before, a biopic of this man and his amazing life must be made.
Too provocative! Good luck with financing.
1000 bonus points for the title.
Much respect. 👍👍👍
Dude was so good that Mossad gave him a job instead of whacking him, that's pragmatism right there.
Mondays are made much better when you see Mark Felton has a new video.
Always the best, Mark Felton Productions! I love your work!
Thank you Mr Felton for another fascinating episode.I had heard for along time that he had a place in Kildare Ireland but you confirmed it.
It's in his memoir.
What a movie could be filmed about this guy. 007 meets Die Hard with a little of Rambo
>On the run
>Files for divorce
What a legend.
A very remarkable man. If he was the main character in a novel, no one would believe it.
The man was a highly skilled survivor in a very deadly time.
Another great survivor is of course Léon Degrelle. His "great escape" is worthy of a film.
Vielen Dank for tonight's history lesson Dr Felton.
I wonder what became of Skorzeny’s medals and ribbons pictures at 12:59? Maybe a video on that in the future?
I haven't been able to find out what that black medal is on the left.
This guy needs a movie. Created by Mark Felton of course. Interesting stuff for sure. Well done.
A super title and video Dr. Felton. I'm very familiar with Skorzeny's wartime record, but had no idea about Die Spinne. Thank you for your erudite discourse on the matter.
A real life Kelley's Heroes caper. I wonder if Otto ever watched it in a theater ? If he did, I bet he was entertained! Thanks Mark!
He died about the time Kelley’s Heroes was made.
@@richardbeckenbaugh1805- Kelly's Heroes was shown in 1970. He died in 1975. So, yeah. He could have watched it in theaters in Spain.
the story of Otto Skorzeny couldn't be scripted better in holywood
His Irish residence was Martinstown House, Co. Kildare not terribly far from me, its documented that locals recall him driving his white Mercedes, mostly kept to himself, I believe he was a guest of honor at a few events and though Ireland was friendly to such persons ultimately the government revoked his residency due to the international bad press, others less notable were allowed to carry on some of which even had Irish wives. Skorzeny was known also as Scarface, he was a brilliant commando, the James Bond of his day rescuing Mussolini from a mountain on one occasion, which perhaps you had a video on already Mark. Another interesting video and certainly a fascinating character.
Thanks for that information.
@@michaelmurphy4387 No problem, for more on the subject in relation to Ireland I would recommend the book Hitlers Irishmen, also if in Kildare the Curragh military museum has some Luftwaffe items as we held some pilots there during the war, might be a radio from a failed Abwehr operation in Ireland too. We mostly supported the Allies but there are some other more colorful stories too.
Thanks again, for sure that book sounds great. Will follow up on it.
Irish President De Valera gave official condolences to Germany on the Suicide of Hitler. Irish envoys in other countries visited the German embassies in their respective locations to offer condolences. Churchill and Truman went crazy
@Marvel66666 I'm aware of that, we were not long after an economic war with Britain, as we rightly refused to pay rates to them after the anglo Irish treaty he brought us from Dominion status to eventual independence in the south at least, I read he was hoping for a German victory at one stage, I think the most controversial political comments were not by Fianna Fail but by the then independent Oliver J Flanagan, I won't even put those comments here my local historical society has a good piece on him he became a Fine Gael T.D afterwards, you can look them up, would hardly be a fan of Israel to give a hint.
An extraordinary man for sure. Excellent work again Dr Felton 👍
Greetings from the Netherlands 🇳🇱, TW.
Another absolutely brilliant video
That's a fantastic title! Otto does deserve ‘GTO’.
I don't know how you constantly come up with such fascinating content Mark, another great watch
8:15 small correction there: Hjalmar Schacht was president of the Reichsbank (1933-1939) and Minister of Economics (1934-1937), but never Finance Minister. That position was held by Lutz Graf Schwerin von Krosigk from 1932 until the end of the war - one of the very few top government figures that had gotten into their position before Hitler took power and retained the position until the end of the Third Reich.
Good catch, and Schacht is another interesting figure worthy of a video. Money runs wars, and Schacht knew it all. Albert Speer related that the captured Nazi leaders were subjected to intelligence tests by the Allies. The top performer was Hjalmar Schacht.
"The General was a Spy", written by Heinz Hohne & Herman Zolling is a good place to start. I have only the paperback version.
As always, one excellent post . Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us all.
Another great video Dr Felton thank you!
Thanks for another great video Dr Felton!
My Grandfather Was a Wehrmacht Captain..He passed away in 2003..a Mysterious Man..He Was a very Meticulous Person Organized..always Well Dressed and Sharp..He spent Most of His Time on His Desk or Walking His German Shepherd
Man !! What a movie about Skorzeny would be !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.
As always, you provide a fantastic peice of historical lecture from your research.
I have a book about Mossad where the story about Skorzeny working for Israel forms part of a chapter on the Egyptian rocket thing. According to that account Skorzeny was of minimal use but seemed to enjoy the idea of helping the Israelis as it fed his ego. Of more help was
Meyer Lansky who provided untraceable equipment for another part of Mossad’s operation.
He would do anything for money, politics seemed flexible to him as a military man.
If you’re interested in WWII and the history of intelligence “The Devil’s Chessboard” is a good read on the Nazi sympathies of the Leading Spymaster of WWII and eventual CIA director, Allen Dulles and his Secretary of State brother, John Foster Dulles. They saved many nazis opportunistically including their lead banker and their lead spymaster Gehlen, who was also really bad at his job and had multiple moles under him.
I would be extremely skeptical about any “help” that he may have rendered to a terrorist group such as Mossad
@@js70371- lol. And the warmongering Arabs and their Nazis were worse.
@@js70371 as I said, he was of limited help. The impression they had was that he was more talk than anything useful. And the rocket threat to Israel was fairly non existent.
Skorzeny was one helluva guy in every sense: A man's man and a soldier's soldier with guts, intelligence and imagination.
Don't forget his huge ego.
@justbrowsing6327 One would think you'd need an attitude like Alexander in order to take over the known world...
Thanks Dr. Felton!
This story would make a great movie. Well done Dr Felton. Brilliant channel.
I know it wasn't the intention per se, but I always found the fencing scars that most of the late 1800s-early 1900s german nobility had somewhat frightening.
That's the idea. It meant you were facing a true swordsman, _and_ someone who wasn't afraid to take a blade to the face!
They are badges of honor.
In many cases they were results of drunken duels. And in many cases they were made deliberately, with a razor
@@simongrushka983 That is cheating
That was the intention but most of them were inflicted intentionally, not in actual duels.
One of the most intriguing epidodes you have made. You have sent me down a rabbit hole with this one. This man is very curious
Hello Dr. Felton. I live in Madrid and I often pass by what used to be the location of one of Skorzeny's offices on Montera street number 25. The old building has been torn down and there is a new building under construction. Across the street there is an old bar called the "Ateneo", where very likely Skorzeny could have gone for his coffee. Strange days indeed.
I thoroughly enjoyed this Mark so much so that I watched it twice. Interesting story about a very interesting character to say the least.
11:23 ... just as I was wondering how the hell it was that the Mossad never got this guy like they did Eichmann. This guy played both sides.
The Americans and the British wouldn’t let Mossad touch him. There’s an interview on RUclips where Skorzeny admits to doing a lot of work for the CIA AND MI6.
He was such an effective operator, with tremendous knowledge of the communist states The West were working against, that he was too valuable to let rot in prison or face the hangman.
He was effectively a double agent (working for The West) so they turned a blind eye to the other things he got up to, especially as none of it endangered them or their people.
Well apparently he worked with Mossad
Okey
Why didn't the Mossad get Skorzeny? Perhaps they didn't want to do so. I am not an expert in his operations but their focus seems not be in killing yewish people in comparison to Eichmann.
I appreciate Mark for crediting 'MrCrumpets368' for the video title 👍
surprised he wasn't given a green card and a job by the CIA
Maybe he was 😜
Who says he wasn't ?
you mean like how America got into space with transplanted nazi German rocket scientists like Wernher von Braun?
@@arthurdick9553 right enough
Who do you think ran Operation PaperClip for the OSS / CIA
Yet again another fantastic video from mr Felton 👏, as a history fan your content is just brilliant on your channel, keep up your great work 👍
Love the title! Hope there's more about him to come.
Is there really no movie or tv series about this guy? He certainly led an interesting and charmed life! I remember first reading about him in a book about the hunt for people like Eichman. Can anyone recommend a good book about him?
He should have called his book "Der Ottobiography."
That comment needs pinning...
Die Ottobiography ... all words in French ending with -ie are female, hence also in German they are female.
Brilliant title!! Thank you for another fascinating video. It’s mind-boggling how Skorzeny got away after the War
Thank you Dr. Felton amazing as always!
Ive never heard of a more real life supervillain than this guy
I remember driving past Skorzeny’s estate in Ireland when I worked there in 1975, just about when he died. My only regret is that he died 30 years too late. He was, after all, a self promoting inveterate Nazi to the end and a thoroughly repugnant individual despite all the hero worshipping that has gone on since the war.
Stop whining.
One of your best videos, Mark. This was fascinating. What a life!
This guy could've been a real life Bond villain, I can just hear him saying, "No Mr. Bond, I expect you to die!"
Stunning - and to think he went on for many years. Don't know how you do it Doc - incredible, nothing like it on TV or anywhere else. Great work Sir.
Lesson here is don’t smoke. If you do stop.
Lung cancer is one of The Worst cancer to die from. It eats the body inside out very fast and painfully. Forces person to sit on the toilet last few weeks, as their body implodes. Only few days before death, all the pain disappears as the cancer reaches central nerves back of the neck. Not before body is reduced to skin and bone. With horrific smell of death. - my grand mom smoked all her better life, only to die lung cancer. With in 3 months diagnosis she was gone.
Yes there’re people who’ve smoked all their lives and live to their nineties but very rarely. Maybe 1 in thousands.
Skorzeny was diabolical but very crafty character he's basically the perfect template for a bond villain.
When you are that large and with that distinctive scar you really can't hide so you might as well be audacious. Larger than life in more ways than one. Fascinating subject and fascinating video. Thank you Dr. Felton.
This was so interesting and a big thank you for sharing your story
Thank you Professor! "Honey, dinner can wait!"
Most excellent Mark. It seems to me that Otto worked for everyone. A triple agent, at least?!
Perhaps you would edify us with a video or two on Reinhard Gehlen. His ten year long employment with the US in post war Europe, and prior to then in the FHO, must contain an interesting story or two?
He even worked for my lot... his loyalty was to money only.