Absolutely incredible story!!! This is our new favorite!!! Thank you so much for keeping these brave soldiers' stories alive! And thank you for such incredible videos!!
There is one more american soldier awarded the VC. The British Unknown Soldier in Westminster Abbey was awarded the American Medal of Honor, whilst the following year the american Unknown Soldier in Arlington was awarded the VC.
Went to see the grave of a VC recipient today. Philips Park cemetery, Manchester. Joshua Lodge VC fought in defence of the mission station at Rorke’s drift in the Zulu wars. Also found another chap there who got a VC in WW1 in India I think. But, was even more surprised to find John Richardson, a private who was at the charge of the light brigade. Amazing to think they took part in those momentous moments in history.
I have never heard of this event in history until now. Seely was both an American and British sailor. He fought bravely when Americans were slaughtering each other, his story will not be forgotten. Well done, amigo I do wonder what what ever became of his VC. Maybe it is sitting in some collectors parlor somewhere else?
Still missing. If held in the US it can be sold for cash since only the MofH is illegal to trade or sell. Correct me if I am out of date but other US awards can be traded.
I was most surprised to hear he was from my own state of Maine, I feel almost ashamed of myself that I've never heard of this before, another great video helping educate very many people.
Just came across from TheNatashaDebbieShow. Your video was amazing and very informative. You now have a new sub from NW UK, I shall be having a good mooch through your catalogue 👍😊.
Fascinating story, I was unaware that Queen Victoria's Navy had ever fought the Japanese. Nice to see Charles Gordon get mentioned again, I wonder if you could do a video devoted to his time in China. An awful lot of VCs seem to get lost over time, hopefully this one will be recovered one day.
@@TheHistoryChap I think there a BBC story ( can be googled ) listing the countries the british didnt invade ,a princely sum of 4 - great work as always !enjoyed it immensely
@@hachimaru295 I believe that BBC docco stretches the truth somewhat. It describes territory on which battles have been fought by the British and as we were all over the globe, you can imagine battles took place on neutral ground and that's not even accounting for more recent demarcation of countries. BBC history would have you believe we conquered 99% of the world lol.
The British Army and Royal Navy have fought in every corner of God's earth. They have carried out their duties with little funding from the British parliament, often under fed and with the Redcoats macabre sense of humour in adversity. Kipling put it succinctly in his Barrack Room Balads. "It's Tommy this and Tommy that and Tommy how's yer soul but it's thin rend line of heroes when the drums begin to roll". God bless all Redcoats and Bluejackets past and present.
Where do you find all these remarkable stories, Chris? Yet another great video about a person and event I had not heard of previously. I look forward eagerly to your videos and have enjoyed them all immensely.
Great video Chris! And love your enthusiasm, smile and cheerful attitude. As Mainwaring said when he (rather unusually) praised Walker's cheery disposition, "chaps like you are the backbone of England."
One of the last Americans awarded was John Marginoff (sp) for services in Korea. I was stationed at the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Center in the Eastern Sierra Mtns. near Bridgeport CA in the mid 80's where he worked as a civilian maintenance employee. A bit of a crusty ole' fart but a nice guy once you got to engage in a good conversation with him. ............................. enjoy
Very interesting story about an action I knew nothing about. On the subject of the American Civil War have you thought of doing something about the CSS Alabama. Built in Britain, her two year cruise under the command of Captain Raphael Semmes is one of the most epic sea stories ever. told. Her crew were predominately British and I'm sure some must have fascinating little known stories to tell.
Britain formally acknowledging the Confederacy was a distinct possibility. The Union victory at Antietam and the subsequent Emancipation Proclamation changed the international context and recognition became less likely.
Great presentation. By the way. A VC awarded to a RN sailor would get one with a blue ribbon. Army recipients got their VC's with the red ribbon. As an ex Sapper myself. More information about General Gordon's exploits would be fascinating.
As you will, no doubt, be aware The blue ribbon for Royal Navy VCs was only used for a short time. The generally recognised colour of the ribbon is now red and that is why I used it for a modern audience.
WOW, I'd NEVER ever heard of this little conflict OR of its forgotten hero William Seeley until you posted this today, Chris dear boy, my GOD did I certainly welcome this history lesson in time for Christmas. As someone else from a few hours ago has said Seely was both an American and British sailor, who fought bravely in a little foreign conflict, one which has ties, if you could call it that, to the great Tom Cruise movie 'The Last Samurai', a film which I certainly absolutely LOVE very much, on the other side of the Pacific while his fellow Americans were slaughtering each other, brothers against brothers, North vs South, in the Civil War, his story will certainly not be forgotten. Just HOW do you keep this up, eh, Chris old chap? And to think I hadn't even heard of your channel until you did one of your Dad's Army videos on here, but now... and I've STILL to even see a tonne of what you've already done regarding, well, such as the Africa conflicts and the Crimean War for example. You certainly do know JUST how to give history lessons on conflicts we Brits were involved in and those of us in this miserable century, hahaha there, never at all heard about, I can certainly thank you very much this year for the one on the Pig War of 1859 and this one too for examples I can refer to. Merry Christmas to ya, dear boy, and hopefully we'll have one last 2023 video to enjoy from ya before the new year of 2024 is upon us 😊😊😊👍👍🤏
as ex ships company of HMS Euryalus (Leander Class) i am truly impressed that you got the pronunciation correct, we had a huge list of mis pronunctiations displayed in the Ships Office.
Funny you should say that. There is a graveyard not far from my house where a medal of honor recipient is buried. I forget the name and details but it was for a naval action during the Spanish American war, I think. I'd need to go and look at the head stone again.
Glad you enjoyed. I will try to tell the story of the other 4 American recipient, who crossed the border to Canada to sign up in the early part of WW1 (before the USA got involved).
Well done, Chris! I do enjoy all of your presentations. Damn, you make military history exciting! I only can pray that there is enough young military people out there today with the kind of focus and grit to do the job if called upon to do so. Rick, the half Brit, in Orlando appreciates you.
Great story, thank you. I will be looking up more details in our National Archives on the Dutch Royal Navy ships of this action. This old salt has work to do, thanks again and seasonal greetings and happy New Year.
Thank you for this video. As an American the image of this young man from Massachusetts running for his life from 300 "samurai" Indiana Jones style really tickles me.
Very interesting! Who would have thought that an American was involved in an action with the Royal Navy in the 1860s against Japanese forces? Always enjoy your reports.
Why do you think the Americans went to war with Britain, because the British ships press ganged so many American sailors. Trafalgar had 20 + non English personal throughout the Fleet.
It is not unheard of to award a foreigner some medal for valour. In fact the Soviet Union awarded medals to commonwealth soldiers for their efforts in the Arctic convoys long before the Arctic Star was commissioned and any homegrown sailors received them. Some skulduggery involving David Cameron no doubt.
I thought the first American to earn a VC was William Hall. However, although Hall was born of former slaves who fled to Canada, he himself wasn’t born an American citizen, but he did volunteer and serve with the US navy during the Mexican-American war, subsequently signing up with the Royal Navy and serving in the Crimean war. It was however later during the Indian rebellion, at the Siege of Lucknow that he earned his VC, several years before the American sailor in this video did.
Thank you so much for this very informative video! It is too bad the VC is missing again. I wonder if this could be brought to a major TV company’s attention? Happy New Year!
As a Mainer and a history buff I was indeed surprised and delighted by your video! Thank you very much. As an aside and not a criticism Topsham in Maine is pronounced “Tops-um” (yes I know it’s some weird American pronunciation but alas it is what it is) again Thank You sincerely for a wonderful video.
Very interesting. Of course, one has to wonder if any foreigners were awarded the MOH. Surprised the heck out of me to find 61 Canadians were awarded with it. Most during the ACW when the standard for receiving it wasn't as tough. There are also the 5 unknown soldiers from allied countries during WW1 that were awarded with it. Including Britain of course.
Another excellent story sir. One that I myself had not heard before so I thank you for recounting it in excellent fashion as always. But I do have a question, are VCs serialized or engraved with the recipients name or anything like that? Anyone could have claimed that it was theirs at any time after the theft. Its a real low character person steal someone else's award. Thank again. Chap.
Some are engraved, but not all. There is a famous story of a VC found on the banks of the river Thames with no engraving. They believe it is one awarded at the battle of Inkerman in the Crimean war, but they can’t identify to which soldier
Caught this story on Mark Masterson YT channel; have subbed. Especially since your bookcase reflects mine. Their are so many historic interesting facts, I feel you will never be 'out of a job'. Look fwd to more vids.
A man, born and raised in Venezuela, that I took college classes with, told me, "We (people of Venezuela) are Americans too. We live in the Americas.". :)
@@TheHistoryChap That's amazing that you have the medals. So many go missing over time. My grandfather also served in Italy, in logistics but hard to find out what he really did there
Looks like I’m not the first to admit they’d not heard of this incident. It inspired me to look into foreign born winners of the Medal of Honour/ honor. I was surprised to find some, admittedly a few were US persons born abroad, but there were others who weren’t.
I had a neighbor, Judge Alan Fraiser which the media reported as receiving the Victorian Cross for saving a RAF flier while in the US army during WW II. Is this not true or was he actually serving in a Canadian unit. Judge Frazier grew up in Texas in the Big Bend area I think in Alpine, Texas. He later practiced law in El Paso, Texas and was elected Chief Justice of a Texas Appellate Court.
There have been only six American recipients of the Victoria Cross. William Seeley 1864, HMS Euryalus Bellenden Hutcheson 1918, 75th Bn Canadian Expeditionary Force William Metcalf 1918, Canadian Expeditionary Force George Mullin 1917, Canadian Expeditionary Force Raphael Zengel 1918, Canadian Expeditionary Force The Unknown Soldier 1921 Only 1358 Victoria crosses have ever been awarded in total. When considering how many wars the British have fought since 1856 that isn't a lot. If your neighbour had been awarded the VC, he would be easy to find.
I hope he has a big memorial in the place that he came from and if he doesn't understand why in the UK a Victoria cross holder who has died has an unmistakable monument 👍
Good point THC, many moons ago as a fresh faced young Royal Marine I escorted the VCs of Cpl Thomas Hunter VC RM and Maj Anders Lassen VC SBS to a memorial service. When the SNCO took possession of the medals (to carry them in on a velvet cushion) we all had a sneak peek at them and only Cpl Hunters had his details on it. At the time we wondered if that was something to do with Maj Lassen being Danish but I never did get an answer.
That's interesting, given I'm pretty sure you mentioned before that some who could get a Victoria Cross couldn't because they're not members of His/Her Majesty's Armed Forces. Unless the condition is simply "be a member of the armed forces" and no actual nationality exists in the fine print. Or they changed it later, I dunno.
I'm not sure I have ever said that because my knowledge of the Victoria Cross is that it is open to anyone serving in the British (or Commonwealth) armed forces.
Yes this is true one was a sin of Danish immigrants living in England world war one,another was a Danish Canadian world war one.Second world war Lassen ,originally served in Danish merchant navy then came to UK and served in SAS,eventually being killed in Italy,I don't know about a fourth.Thats why the Danish have the Lassen medal named after him for bravery
Man I was way off time wise, and I definitely didn't know people from Canada were also called Americans, definitely eye opening. I thought it was going to be someone who was actually a US citizen lol, I should have known better. Edit: I just google Topsham, ME, not nearly near Canada like I thought it was. That's pretty awesome.
Chris you have an eye for important history, not great history! They didn't throw Vickies Kreuze around, that's for sure. And for the naval ways today look at the Red Sea ...All the best from Northern Germany Ludwig.
Absolutely incredible story!!! This is our new favorite!!! Thank you so much for keeping these brave soldiers' stories alive! And thank you for such incredible videos!!
Thanks for your comment & for watching my video
@@TheHistoryChap ruclips.net/video/3oKMjTqdTYo/видео.html
As a American myself I love hearing about VC recipients from American! Love to hear about the other 4!
All 4 crossed the border and joined the Canadian army in WW1 (before the USA entered the war).
@@TheHistoryChap Legends of the Fall, Brad Pitt scalped german soldiers as a American in english uniform. L.
@@ludwigderzanker9767 That seems a very French thing to do! 🐌🥖🧄🐌😂
There is one more american soldier awarded the VC. The British Unknown Soldier in Westminster Abbey was awarded the American Medal of Honor, whilst the following year the american Unknown Soldier in Arlington was awarded the VC.
You are correct with both of those honours. However, the unknown soldier represents all the full rather than a specific individual.
@@TheHistoryChap i wouldnt mind reading some of those books you have on the shelves behind you hahaha.
Went to see the grave of a VC recipient today. Philips Park cemetery, Manchester.
Joshua Lodge VC fought in defence of the mission station at Rorke’s drift in the Zulu wars.
Also found another chap there who got a VC in WW1 in India I think. But, was even more surprised to find John Richardson, a private who was at the charge of the light brigade.
Amazing to think they took part in those momentous moments in history.
Thanks so much for taking the time to share
Natasha and Debbie sent me. Really appreciate your presentation.
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching my video.
I have never heard of this event in history until now. Seely was both an American and British sailor. He fought bravely when Americans were slaughtering each other, his story will not be forgotten. Well done, amigo I do wonder what what ever became of his VC. Maybe it is sitting in some collectors parlor somewhere else?
I hope that someone knows where it is. Woulkd be a crying shame if it never re-appeared.
Neither have I heard of this battle!
Respect..
Six Americans but only one US serviceman have been awarded the Victoria Cross.
Still missing. If held in the US it can be sold for cash since only the MofH is illegal to trade or sell. Correct me if I am out of date but other US awards can be traded.
I was most surprised to hear he was from my own state of Maine, I feel almost ashamed of myself that I've never heard of this before, another great video helping educate very many people.
Thanks for your comment & for watching my video
amazing video, very well done and spoken i watched this for the first with Natasha and Debbie you earnt my sub and thank you for making this video
Thanks for joining my channel and glad you enjoyed my video
Just came across from TheNatashaDebbieShow. Your video was amazing and very informative. You now have a new sub from NW UK, I shall be having a good mooch through your catalogue 👍😊.
Thanks for joining my channel & glad you enjoyed my video
Fascinating story, I was unaware that Queen Victoria's Navy had ever fought the Japanese.
Nice to see Charles Gordon get mentioned again, I wonder if you could do a video devoted to his time in China.
An awful lot of VCs seem to get lost over time, hopefully this one will be recovered one day.
Hi Darren,
Glad you enjoyed it.
The more I study history the more the British crop up in some sort of minor action.
@@TheHistoryChap I think there a BBC story ( can be googled ) listing the countries the british didnt invade ,a princely sum of 4 - great work as always !enjoyed it immensely
Kagoshima!
@@hachimaru295 I believe that BBC docco stretches the truth somewhat. It describes territory on which battles have been fought by the British and as we were all over the globe, you can imagine battles took place on neutral ground and that's not even accounting for more recent demarcation of countries. BBC history would have you believe we conquered 99% of the world lol.
The British Army and Royal Navy have fought in every corner of God's earth. They have carried out their duties with little funding from the British parliament, often under fed and with the Redcoats macabre sense of humour in adversity. Kipling put it succinctly in his Barrack Room Balads.
"It's Tommy this and Tommy that and Tommy how's yer soul but it's thin rend line of heroes when the drums begin to roll".
God bless all Redcoats and Bluejackets past and present.
Just discovered your channel a few days ago. Subscribed. You have a great lecture style and choose great topics.
Thanks for your support, glad you are enjoying my videos.
Where do you find all these remarkable stories, Chris? Yet another great video about a person and event I had not heard of previously. I look forward eagerly to your videos and have enjoyed them all immensely.
I'm glad you enjoyed it.
As to your question, all I can say is imagine being stuck in a life with me!
@@TheHistoryChap Ha Ha. Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year Chris, to you and your family.
Fascinating,
Under reported
History 😮. Yesterday's wars & Today's Crises started there & then.! Thank You
Imperialism.😮
Great video Chris! And love your enthusiasm, smile and cheerful attitude. As Mainwaring said when he (rather unusually) praised Walker's cheery disposition, "chaps like you are the backbone of England."
Thanks for the comment & for watching my video
One of the last Americans awarded was John Marginoff (sp) for services in Korea. I was stationed at the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Center in the Eastern Sierra Mtns. near Bridgeport CA in the mid 80's where he worked as a civilian maintenance employee.
A bit of a crusty ole' fart but a nice guy once you got to engage in a good conversation with him. ............................. enjoy
Thanks for taking the time to contribute
Very interesting story about an action I knew nothing about. On the subject of the American Civil War have you thought of doing something about the CSS Alabama. Built in Britain, her two year cruise under the command of Captain Raphael Semmes is one of the most epic sea stories ever. told. Her crew were predominately British and I'm sure some must have fascinating little known stories to tell.
Britain formally acknowledging the Confederacy was a distinct possibility. The Union victory at Antietam and the subsequent Emancipation Proclamation changed the international context and recognition became less likely.
The Alabama is on my list, as is the Trent Affair
Thoroughly enjoyed this episode. Could you have a look at Sir Harry Flashman awarded the MoH and the VC? I don't think anyone else has done that
Oh, that will be so much fun!
Flashman Forward!
Great presentation. By the way. A VC awarded to a RN sailor would get one with a blue ribbon. Army recipients got their VC's with the red ribbon. As an ex Sapper myself. More information about General Gordon's exploits would be fascinating.
As you will, no doubt, be aware The blue ribbon for Royal Navy VCs was only used for a short time. The generally recognised colour of the ribbon is now red and that is why I used it for a modern audience.
Used up until the formation of the RAF when they were looking at what colour ribbon for the RAF @@TheHistoryChap
WOW, I'd NEVER ever heard of this little conflict OR of its forgotten hero William Seeley until you posted this today, Chris dear boy, my GOD did I certainly welcome this history lesson in time for Christmas. As someone else from a few hours ago has said Seely was both an American and British sailor, who fought bravely in a little foreign conflict, one which has ties, if you could call it that, to the great Tom Cruise movie 'The Last Samurai', a film which I certainly absolutely LOVE very much, on the other side of the Pacific while his fellow Americans were slaughtering each other, brothers against brothers, North vs South, in the Civil War, his story will certainly not be forgotten.
Just HOW do you keep this up, eh, Chris old chap? And to think I hadn't even heard of your channel until you did one of your Dad's Army videos on here, but now... and I've STILL to even see a tonne of what you've already done regarding, well, such as the Africa conflicts and the Crimean War for example. You certainly do know JUST how to give history lessons on conflicts we Brits were involved in and those of us in this miserable century, hahaha there, never at all heard about, I can certainly thank you very much this year for the one on the Pig War of 1859 and this one too for examples I can refer to. Merry Christmas to ya, dear boy, and hopefully we'll have one last 2023 video to enjoy from ya before the new year of 2024 is upon us 😊😊😊👍👍🤏
Thanks so much for both watching my video and for your kind words of support. I'm glad you have found my channel.
Cool. Wish I knew this when I lived next to Stoughton, Mass. Would have visited his grave to place a Union Jack. Thanks.
Maybe on a future visit?
Will accommodate & Reply to my British Cousin. @@TheHistoryChap
A fascinating "forgotten tale" Chris - well done for digging this one out.
My pleasure. Thanks for watching.
Wow never heard of this and am listening from Stoughton Massachusetts!
All you now need to do is go and hunt for his grave 😊
Thank you for bringing this Story back to remember.. Thanks Chris 😃
My pleasure, thanks for watching
as ex ships company of HMS Euryalus (Leander Class) i am truly impressed that you got the pronunciation correct, we had a huge list of mis pronunctiations displayed in the Ships Office.
Trust me I practised! But not as much as Shimonoseki Strait!
Ha Ha! can't fault the research@@TheHistoryChap
another fantastic almost forgotten moment in history thanks again ❤
My pleasure. Thank you for taking the time to watch my video.
Thanks Chris, that was very interesting and informative. I’d never heard of this piece of military history, respect to Mr Seeley 👍
Thanks for watching and for taking the time to comment. Much appreciated.
Thanks Chris, another brilliant telling of a piece of history I knew nothing about, Cheers
You are very welcome. Thanks for watching my video.
Fascinating story I never knew anything about it, glad he got his VC back pity we don't know where it is today maybe it will turn up one day. Thanks.
Thanks for taking the time to watch my video. Happy Christmas
What an incredible story. Maybe you could consider featuring British recipients of the US Medal of Honor?
I will add to my ever-growing list of future topics
Funny you should say that. There is a graveyard not far from my house where a medal of honor recipient is buried. I forget the name and details but it was for a naval action during the Spanish American war, I think. I'd need to go and look at the head stone again.
Very well done sir! I never knew that an American won the VC!
Glad you enjoyed.
I will try to tell the story of the other 4 American recipient, who crossed the border to Canada to sign up in the early part of WW1 (before the USA got involved).
Another gem Chris , excellent story !! Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.
You rescue the chap´s memory, well done, thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas and a great New Year.
Merry Christmas to you too. Many more videos coming in 2024
Well done, Chris! I do enjoy all of your presentations. Damn, you make military history exciting! I only can pray that there is enough young military people out there today with the kind of focus and grit to do the job if called upon to do so. Rick, the half Brit, in Orlando appreciates you.
Thanks for taking the time to watch my video and to comment. Wishing you a happy happy New Year
Great story, thank you. I will be looking up more details in our National Archives on the Dutch Royal Navy ships of this action. This old salt has work to do, thanks again and seasonal greetings and happy New Year.
When I was researching this story, I was surprised to find that the Dutch were involved. Not so surprised to find the Americans and French there..
Thank you for this video. As an American the image of this young man from Massachusetts running for his life from 300 "samurai" Indiana Jones style really tickles me.
I’m glad you enjoyed this video. Thanks for watching.
Very interesting! Who would have thought that an American was involved in an action with the Royal Navy in the 1860s against Japanese forces? Always enjoy your reports.
Thanks for your support. If you haven’t already, please do subscribe to my channel.
Our nations are divided by a common language but a lot closer than you think!
An ex Redcoat
@@frankmorton1920 Agreed!
Why do you think the Americans went to war with Britain, because the British ships press ganged so many American sailors.
Trafalgar had 20 + non English personal throughout the Fleet.
Hi Chris, amazing story and really well told!!
Have a very merry Christmas and a Happy New year. Feliz Navidad from Spain!!
I’m glad you enjoyed it, and thank you for your support this year, plenty more stories coming your way in 2024
This was very interesting and informative. Excellent.
Thanks for watching and for your kind comment. If you haven’t already, please subscribe to my channel. Happy Christmas 😊
Fascinating tidbit that I really enjoyed. Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it
Fantastic ending to that video. Loved the conclusion. Cheers and Happy New Year! 🇺🇸
Thank you very much. And a happy New Year to you too.
It is not unheard of to award a foreigner some medal for valour. In fact the Soviet Union awarded medals to commonwealth soldiers for their efforts in the Arctic convoys long before the Arctic Star was commissioned and any homegrown sailors received them. Some skulduggery involving David Cameron no doubt.
Thanks for taking the time to add
Brilliant story teller.
Very kind of you. if you haven't already, please subscribe to my channel.
I thought the first American to earn a VC was William Hall. However, although Hall was born of former slaves who fled to Canada, he himself wasn’t born an American citizen, but he did volunteer and serve with the US navy during the Mexican-American war, subsequently signing up with the Royal Navy and serving in the Crimean war. It was however later during the Indian rebellion, at the Siege of Lucknow that he earned his VC, several years before the American sailor in this video did.
William Hall was classified as a Canadian not an American
@@TheHistoryChap Might want to check when Canada became a country and compare that to when William Hall was born.
Thank you so much for this very informative video! It is too bad the VC is missing again. I wonder if this could be brought to a major TV company’s attention? Happy New Year!
I wonder if it will ever turn up? Thanks for watching my video.
You put on great history tales! I’m happy that I subscribed to you! Thanks!
Thanks for your support and Merry Christmas
Great video as always.thanks
Thank you very much for watching. I appreciate your support.
Interesting niche, in a forgotten corner, in a pocket of time = history. Brilliant Chris....👍👍👍
Many thanks.
As a Mainer and a history buff I was indeed surprised and delighted by your video! Thank you very much. As an aside and not a criticism Topsham in Maine is pronounced “Tops-um” (yes I know it’s some weird American pronunciation but alas it is what it is) again Thank You sincerely for a wonderful video.
I’m pleased you enjoyed my video, and thanks for your advice on the local pronunciation of Topsham.
Very interesting. Of course, one has to wonder if any foreigners were awarded the MOH. Surprised the heck out of me to find 61 Canadians were awarded with it. Most during the ACW when the standard for receiving it wasn't as tough. There are also the 5 unknown soldiers from allied countries during WW1 that were awarded with it. Including Britain of course.
I've seen the MOH next to the Unknown Warrior tomb in Westminster Abbey.
Thanks so much for this one Chris
My pleasure. Thanks for watching.
Merry Christmas.
Another excellent story sir. One that I myself had not heard before so I thank you for recounting it in excellent fashion as always. But I do have a question, are VCs serialized or engraved with the recipients name or anything like that? Anyone could have claimed that it was theirs at any time after the theft. Its a real low character person steal someone else's award. Thank again. Chap.
Some are engraved, but not all. There is a famous story of a VC found on the banks of the river Thames with no engraving. They believe it is one awarded at the battle of Inkerman in the Crimean war, but they can’t identify to which soldier
And the same best wishes to you for the season.
And to you. Happy Christmas
This is such an interesting story. The moments in history you never learned in school. Jolly good.
Thanks for watching my video and for taking the time to comment
Great story.
Thanks & thanks for watching my video.
No way! I'm in Topsham right now...
Really? The only Topsham that I have visited is the one outside Exeter in England.
thank you for another good video never hear of this story but keep them coming
Thank you for your support
99 Canadians have been award the VC between the Crimean War and 1993 when it was replaced with Canada’s own medal of valour
Thank you for acknowledging those brave men
Great story. Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching
Caught this story on Mark Masterson YT channel; have subbed. Especially since your bookcase reflects mine. Their are so many historic interesting facts, I feel you will never be 'out of a job'. Look fwd to more vids.
Thanks for the sub, and I also take time out to thank Mark for sharing my video
Excellent thank you 👏have a happy Christmas and a happy healthy new year 🎅🎄
Happy Christmas to you too.
A man, born and raised in Venezuela, that I took college classes with, told me, "We (people of Venezuela) are Americans too. We live in the Americas.". :)
He sort of has a point
There were a few New Zealander's apart from Charles Upham who have won the VC. Samuel Forsyth for one.
Quite a few from New Zealand actually
Being a commonwealth country, not particularly surprising that Kiwis have being awarded a few VCs
Great man
Another cracking story thank you
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for your ongoing support.
Holy crap!! This is such an interesting historical story.
Thanks for watching
Amazing story Chris. I had no idea about this event at all. Who's the picture of and medals behind you?
That’s my grandad while serving in Italy in World War II. And those are his medals, including the Oakleaf for a mention in dispatches.
@@TheHistoryChap That's amazing that you have the medals. So many go missing over time. My grandfather also served in Italy, in logistics but hard to find out what he really did there
Superb work again sir
My pleasure, thanks for watching
Looks like I’m not the first to admit they’d not heard of this incident. It inspired me to look into foreign born winners of the Medal of Honour/ honor. I was surprised to find some, admittedly a few were US persons born abroad, but there were others who weren’t.
Interesting. I haven't investigated that angle.
Great episode 👏
Thanks for watching. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
The American unknown soldier also has the VC.
Thank you for sharing
I just wish you had a photograph of his headstone, if he had one.
Unfortunately, I don’t, maybe I need to go on a field trip, what do you think?
A Truly Brave Man! I'm honored to have him as a fellow American.
Thank you for taking the time to watch my video
I had a neighbor, Judge Alan Fraiser which the media reported as receiving the Victorian Cross for saving a RAF flier while in the US army during WW II. Is this not true or was he actually serving in a Canadian unit. Judge Frazier grew up in Texas in the Big Bend area I think in Alpine, Texas. He later practiced law in El Paso, Texas and was elected Chief Justice of a Texas Appellate Court.
I’m not aware that any American was awarded the VC during World War II
There have been only six American recipients of the Victoria Cross.
William Seeley 1864, HMS Euryalus
Bellenden Hutcheson 1918, 75th Bn Canadian Expeditionary Force
William Metcalf 1918, Canadian Expeditionary Force
George Mullin 1917, Canadian Expeditionary Force
Raphael Zengel 1918, Canadian Expeditionary Force
The Unknown Soldier 1921
Only 1358 Victoria crosses have ever been awarded in total. When considering how many wars the British have fought since 1856 that isn't a lot. If your neighbour had been awarded the VC, he would be easy to find.
wonderful story!
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I hope he has a big memorial in the place that he came from and if he doesn't understand why in the UK a Victoria cross holder who has died has an unmistakable monument 👍
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@TheHistoryChap do you know if the VCs are marked secretly on manufacturing to aid in authemticity ?
Not that I am aware of, although many (but not all) were inscribed with the recipients name on the reverse.
Metallurgy & mass spectrometry etc could also be use. As theres only one source of the metal.
As you pointed out they happen to be serving as British and Commonwealth servicemen not for their birth nation.
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"Shooting" arrows, not firing.
Thank you for the story.
Glad you enjoyed it
Great story!
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Excellent stuff.
Glad you enjoyed it
Outstanding
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Hello sir. Color Sgt Bourne, VC, Rourke's Drift, Natal/Transavaal SA. "Nobody told you to stop working".
Colour Sgt Bourne was awarded a DCM, not the VC possibly to him being commissioned instead.
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Fascinating!!!
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As a sailor the medal ribbon was blue not red
Thank you for contributing, but do you think most people recognise the VC with a red ribbon or a blue ribbon?
Its crazy to think that in the time of photography,some armies were still using bow and arrows!🤔
That’s an interesting observation. Thanks for sharing.
A very interesting story. Do VC have the recipient's name engraved on it?
Yes and no. The name, service number, rank and unit are engraved on the rear of the suspension bar as opposed to the actual cross itself.
They tend to, but not always in the past
Good point THC, many moons ago as a fresh faced young Royal Marine I escorted the VCs of Cpl Thomas Hunter VC RM and Maj Anders Lassen VC SBS to a memorial service.
When the SNCO took possession of the medals (to carry them in on a velvet cushion) we all had a sneak peek at them and only Cpl Hunters had his details on it. At the time we wondered if that was something to do with Maj Lassen being Danish but I never did get an answer.
I knew about the attacks by and against the Japanese, but no idea of the American who won a VC!
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The Victoria Cross was awarded to the American Unknown from World War I and the Medal of Honor was awarded to the British Unknown from World War I.
Thank you for sharing. I have seen the medal of honour in Westminster Abbey.
Nice one indeed!
Glad you enjoyed it.
That's interesting, given I'm pretty sure you mentioned before that some who could get a Victoria Cross couldn't because they're not members of His/Her Majesty's Armed Forces. Unless the condition is simply "be a member of the armed forces" and no actual nationality exists in the fine print. Or they changed it later, I dunno.
I'm not sure I have ever said that because my knowledge of the Victoria Cross is that it is open to anyone serving in the British (or Commonwealth) armed forces.
Perhaps this was a misunderstanding and the quote comes from a video referencing civilians being unable to recieve the award.
Has there ever been a person who earned the MOH and the VC?
Great question. I’m not sure that has been but always happy for someone to correct me.
Great again
Many thanks
Does anyone else doubt the motive for his departure from the US? Given the date?
Who knows? Although if your premise is true, then he jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire.
I think I have read that four Danes have won the Victoria Cross.
Not sure about that one without checking my books
Yes this is true one was a sin of Danish immigrants living in England world war one,another was a Danish Canadian world war one.Second world war Lassen ,originally served in Danish merchant navy then came to UK and served in SAS,eventually being killed in Italy,I don't know about a fourth.Thats why the Danish have the Lassen medal named after him for bravery
Man I was way off time wise, and I definitely didn't know people from Canada were also called Americans, definitely eye opening. I thought it was going to be someone who was actually a US citizen lol, I should have known better.
Edit: I just google Topsham, ME, not nearly near Canada like I thought it was. That's pretty awesome.
He could’ve meant American citizens serving in the CEF before America’s entry in WW1. That happened plenty.
@@WardMan75 I looked up VC recipients, and those from Canada are listed as Americans on Wikipedia, that's where the statement comes from.
They were US citizens who crossed the border to join Canadian army before the USA entered WW1
That's exactly what I meant -:)
@@TheHistoryChap Thank you, and forgive my ignorance. I've been enamored by the VC since I discovered Jeremy Clarkson's video about his Father-In-Law.
And the only US Coast Guard Medal of Honor recipient was born in Canada...
Interesting.
Shimonoseki 1864.
That would be the one as you hear in my video. Did you bother to watch it?
Chris you have an eye for important history, not great history! They didn't throw Vickies Kreuze around, that's for sure. And for the naval ways today look at the Red Sea ...All the best from Northern Germany Ludwig.
Ludwig, I’m glad that you enjoyed this video. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and happy New Year
I was unaware that Americans had won the Victoria Cross. Thanks for enlightening me and I imagine a few other ignorant sods like myself.
I’m glad you enjoyed this one, thanks for watching
Blood is thicker than water.
As another American naval commander shouted
Great story . However , Dangerous Calling a Candian an American !
Not sure that I did
According to the History Chap he was an American,born in the state of Maine in the U.S.
Very close to Canada,but not quite 😉