Fascinating story. I had the honor of visiting Noel Chavasse's grave at Brandhoek New Military Cemetery, His grave is just at the foot of the cross of sacrifice there. One VC is already very special, i can only wonder, how brave a man must be to be awarded the VC twice.
It's hard to imagine what he went through but what a man. Thanks again for another great insight into the lives of some very special people. I doff my cap to you sir. 🎩
So nice to hear from you again. Perhaps before mentioned "There is no greater sacrifice than helping a fellow human being in need" therefore the deepest admiration for Arthur Martin-Leake. As you yourself mention, remarkably that 2/3 of VC and Bar are first responders and God bless them. Looking forward to your lectures, always a great pleasure.
@@TheHistoryChap Dear Chris. "Being poor is an honest matter". If I had better finances, you were one of my first recipients. Hope likes and comments give you pluses at RUclips. Kind regards, Jan
Yet another fascinating story ... without people like you Chris, these amazing stories of ...'For Valour' ... would be lost to history and those brave recipients lost to time ... please keep up the good work.
Chris that was as ever, superb. Having lived and worked in East Herts for 30 yrs I knew of Arthur Martin Leakes achievements, your commentary on it has nailed it, thank you
So pleased you've done the video on Arthur Martin-Leake. I used to work as a gardener in High Cross,Herts and know the house where he used to live. There is a service at his grave every year in the village church. There is also a tribute to him on a stone plaque set into the church wall outside.
What can ine say about the bravery and dedication of Martin Leake. I can only say well done, sir you have the gratitude and praise of the men whose lives you saved. I am truly humbled by this telling of his life, imagine the irony of having two of the three recipients of double VC's crossing paths on a battle field during WW1❤Bravo, amigo 👏 👍
See, I always DO learn something new from every video, Chris! Besides learning about the heroic Dr. Leake, I learned by that rather crude map of Ypres that Passendale wasn’t all that far from Ypres. When I’ve seen other videos of those battles, I just assumed they were in completely different areas of the battlefield! So looking forward to learning about the other two VC chaps-blimey, you’ve got this Yank speaking British (my 8th great-grandparents native tongue)!!!
Thank you so much, its wonderful that these stories being kept alive, so another generation can learn of their forefathers sacrifice. Perhaps in my children they may instill a respect for the freedoms that they now enjoy.
Harsh circumstances produce men of both extraordinary and outstanding character. once again Sir a brilliant video lecture. Bravo! I await your next offering. 🧐💯👌🤔👊👍
That is quite a story and very well told, thank you very much. I shall ask my Dad about him he lived in Hemel for many years and I was actually born there although I grew up in Portsmouth. Have a great weekend and good luck from Spain!!
@@TheHistoryChap Hi, just got your message on the Indian Uprising and it reminded me to reply to you on this one. I had a chat with my Dad about Arthur Martin-Leake but he wasnt aware of him. Its quite likely that my Gran, his Mum, would have known of him and perhaps they even met, she was a Doctor in Hemel Hempstead before and after the war, I don't think she worked at the hospital though. The other thing that rung a bell was that he was in the ARP in Hertfordshire, my Grandad was also in that so perhaps they met. We'll never know now because they both passed away many years ago. Very hot down here, some regions will probably hit 40° this week and we are still only in April. Its going to be a difficult year. Have a great week!!
Look forward to your episode on Charles Upham. I have his biographies 'Mark Of The Lion' by Kenneth Sandford and the more recent 'Searching For Charlie' by Tom Scott.
A very moving story. What a surprising (and petty) attitude Lord Roberts and Kitchener had regarding his first VC! This reminds me the shameful lack of recognition to the doctors of the French imperial army under Napoleon I who were considered mere "civilians" and therefore despised. The fact that Chavasse and Martin-Leake were medics; that means, men who were not able to take cover under fire, makes their deeds even more glorious and valuable.
I'm always amazed that the " higher" ranks like kitchener and Haigh were never held to account after the war.They treated mens lives like a board game.
@@wodens-hitman1552 kitchener was dead by the end of the war but the generals should have been held to account for the wanton and needless slaughter. That whole war should have not happened the cousins who were the royalty of europe should have met in someplace neutral like denmark whose royal family that they all were related to and sat down and worked things out. Instead of the catastrophe that followed.
@@wodens-hitman1552 You are right, I remember reading that Lloyd George was appalled by the losses suffered by the British Army thanks to Haigh and refused (quite rightly) to send reinforcements to Haigh towards the end of 1917.
@@johndonovan8062 Very good observation; but the kings/emperors did not have real power. proof of that is the Russian mobilization imposed on Tsar Nicholas II by the warmongers within his family and the Army High Command. The Kaiser also tried to stop the war writing to Franz Josef of Austria and he replied he could not do anything; the old man was useless and the Austrian military wanted war. A terrible tragedy!
Strange that many VC recipients were eldest sons of mothers who had been widowed or abandoned. Their sense of duty perhaps? With the increasing use of wars being conducted at distance, with long range weapons, the likelihood of more VC's being awarded is likely to decrease. Indeed, the qualification for the award is becoming more and more difficult. Of all regiments, more have been awarded proportionally to The Ghurka Rifles. Outrageous that these loyal combatants did not receive a full pension, or qualify for British citizenship, until Joanna Lumley intervened and petitioned for a change.
It is true that twice the number of Americans have received Medals of Honor in the last 170 years as compared to the number of VC's awarded in that same time period, but far more than twice the number of Americans have served in combat as compared to Britons in that same period. In World War II, for example, 473 Americans received the Medal of Honor out of 16 million Americans who served. There were 181 VC's in World War II with about 3.5 million in service. Very respectfully, comparisons are problematic unless all of the factors are considered.
Excellent point. The lower ratio of Medals of honor to number eligible of serving troops makes perfect sense considering it would've been rarer for Americans to fight against the odds.
@stuartjames1200: Not quite true - not just Britons were eligible for the VC, Commonwealth forces numbered well over 8.5 million in WW2 for example (way more than R3.5mil), and were directly involved in both world wars for significantly longer than the US, which pretty much negates the volume argument. Don't get me wrong, this is in no way a slight on the US's contribution to both of those conflicts, which in both cases was far beyond measure and no doubt worthy of every single medal earned! 🤘
Another fascinating story Chris. Arthur Martin-Leake was an extraordinary man obviously, his bravery beyond doubt, but more so was his caring literally and figuratively for his fellow man, not just being awarded the VC once but showing the same courageousness yet again in another conflict with the same fully justified result. The same for Noel Chevasse. As another commented it's remarkable that two out of three double VC recipients were medics not fighters. Another great telling by you Chris, please keep them coming, as the stories are always great to hear when you do it.
After experiencing a taxi run in the Lancaster Just Jane, I became interested in the tragic Nuremberg raid: the source of the whole Just Jane / Panton saga. Having read the book, I found out that on that raid one VC was awarded. It turns out that the winner of that VC, P/O Cyril Barton, is buried just a few miles from where I live in Richmond. I went to the (famous and local) Poppy Factory and got a wreath - and then walked around around the ordinary large cemetery in Kingston. In the corner of that cemetery, I found a very distinctive VC/military gravestone…Extraordinary and incredible.
Load of rubbish the yanks hand out medels like smarties, only have to climb over a fence and you get the purple heart, and as stated by the last comments the yanks always turn up when the thick of the fighting is over
Good morning, Chris, excellent video. I have just finished reading about the medical Corp set up in WW1. I served as a medic in the army as well and never knew these stories. If I had I would have made sure that troops would have heard them. Medics did not have a good reputation back in my time. Possibly to much peace and not enough war. Our medics now are amazing, and they make my training look like a first aider.
All training troops in the RAMC base in Hampshire mychette were named after the RAMC VC winners and you had to learn all about the recepients. If l remember the RAMC had the highest number of recepients of the VC of all of the regiments in the British army.
My grandfather (a sergeant) landed in Belgium on the 8th of October 1914, he was a member of the RAMC 2nd West Lancashire Field Ambulance (territorial Unit), he remained in Belgium (from what I can tell) until the end of his four years of territorial service 16/10/1916. Other than a short leave to the UK and a mention in dispatches I have not found much about where or what he did in those two years, I have some clues as a member of the Old Contemptibles Association he claimed to be a 6th cavalry member. In 1917 he went to France as an officer in the RGA.
My Great Grandfather was a surgeon at St. Bartholomew’s and used the first X-rays (Roentgen rays), used electric light for the first time in surgery and invented the truss. His name was John Langton FRCS, my Mother’s Grandfather. He started doing surgery in 1871 aged 17 as an understudy.
Global history is bloody and our history is some of the bloodiest but, amongst the stains of crimson. There are men like Athur that saved pints of fellow soldiers at the risk of all their own. Remarkable people that break all bounds of human 'normalty' and achieve the extraordinary. For peace. For love. For home.
What a great video and story once again! Do you know how many out of the 1355 Victoria cross recipients were actually from the commonwealth? Just curious really being from Canada
There have been 1,364 V.C's awarded (per the V.C. & G.C. Association website). An analysis of recipients by nationality can be found here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Victoria_Cross_recipients_by_nationality Note that the above site has not considered recipients of the Australian, Canadian and New Zealand V.C.'s in it's analysis but they are included in the V.C. & G.C. Association total.
Another brilliant biopic of a true hero alongside (literally) Noel Chervasse. and they did their heroics so matter of fact amazing gentlemen, thank you for sharing
My one family member Reginald Hayward was given the Highest Honor of the Vc . He and 14 others have there names on the oldest building in south africa Castle of Good Hope.
I’d very much like to hear the story of Lt Colonel Robert Ainley OBE of the Royal Engineers, i know he served in the 1st Balkan wars and also possibly SA campaign, i believe he also served in the 1st world war I think he may have begun his career in another regiment but ended up in the Royal engineers I own his foot locker and a fine lithograph picture of him that was inside it, sadly his medals and other military items had long since gone, but it would be nice to learn more about him
You have to remember the Medal of Honor was the only medal for gallantry for 50 years. Decorations such as the DSC, Silver and Bronze stars, Soldiers' Medal, and Unit Citations were only created in WWI and the MOH was restricted by law to one / person. Among the 5 Army double recipients was Tom Custer.
Actually the Eisernes Kreutz (Iron Cross) was established in 1813, so "the only medal for gallantry for 50 years", before MoH. The first was posthumously awarded to Queen Louisa of Prussia, for her outstanding services during the Napoleonic wars....
There were a limited number of gallantry medals in the UK in the 19th century. They were as follows: Distinguished Conduct Medal (Army - other ranks only) - established 1854 (2 years before) Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (Navy) - established (permanently) 1874 (18 years after) Distinguished Service Order (Army - officers only) - established 1886 (30 years after) You also have to consider the number of conflicts the UK was involved in over the period compared to the US. As a small (and incomplete) list from 1854 to 1900 you had: The Crimean War; Indian Mutiny; 2nd & 3rd Chinese Wars; Xhosa/ Cape Border Wars; Zulu War; Abyssinian Campaign; 2nd Anglo-Afghan War; Egypt & Sudan Campaigns; 1st & 2nd Boer Wars. Also, the USA only participated in the last year of WWI.
Arthur Martin-Leake VC was definitely an extremely brave man. In total there are three VC+Bar awardees: Noel Godfrey Chavasse and Arthur Martin-Leake, both doctors in the Royal Army Medical Corps, for rescuing wounded under fire; and New Zealander Captain Charles Upham, an infantryman, for combat actions. At least one other should have been awarded a Bar to his VC, that being Capt Albert JACKA VC, MC+Bar. Jacka's VC was awarded for his actions on Gallipoli (May 19, 1915). According to preeminent Australian war journalist and historian Charles Bean, Jacka also deserved a bar to his VC for his action at Pozieres 6-7 August, 1916. Bean described Jacka's counter-attack 'as the most dramatic and effective act of individual audacity in the history of the A.I.F.' Jacka was only awarded an MC for these actions, a travisty.
The Pozieres action: "Jacka's platoon (14th Battalion AIF) moved into the line near Pozières on the night of 6-7 August and as dawn broke German troops overran a part of the line. Jacka had just completed a reconnaissance and had gone to his dug-out when two Germans appeared at its entrance and rolled a bomb down the doorway, killing two men. Jacka charged up the dug-out steps, firing as he moved, and came upon a large number of the enemy rounding up some forty Australians as prisoners. He rallied his platoon and charged at the enemy, some of whom immediately threw down their rifles. Furious hand-to-hand fighting erupted as the prisoners turned on their captors. Fifty Germans were captured and the line was retaken." Jacka was awarded a Military Cross for his gallantry. Why was Jacka not awarded a Bar to his VC? Well he used his status as a VC awardee to criticise the British Generals of the time who were spend thrift and fleckless in the wasting of men's lives (look up the debacle and wonton waste of mens lives at Fromelles July 19-20 1916 or Bullecourt I or a number of other Battles). Jacka was fearless in speaking for those men unable to speak. That is why the 14th Infantry Battalion AIF is forever known as "Jacka's mob" in deference to the man.
Thanks for this Chris, as a proud kiwi and a history buff I'm familiar with Charles uphams story. I've always wondered about the other 2 double VC recipients . I'm sure you have read ""mark of the lion" I'm pretty sure that book says that Charles is a distant relative of one of those other double VC recipients. I don't no witch one but I Wood love to.if that is true. Love ur work
Since you are crossing the lines on doing a story on the extreme brave Charles Upham, maybe have a look at Albert Jacka. It's a great story worth the telling.
Another WW2 VC recipient, Clive Hulme had a son who went on to become Formula 1 world driver champion, Denny Hulme. Clive's methods in taking out German snipers on Crete were interesting.
@watering true, then there's the boys from Long Tan. Can't tell you how much that winds me up. At least 3 VC there and countless other awards. But there are hundreds of stories not tolled, but those boys got screwed.
@@11buster1000 Blame the Aussie Government, they were the ones who decided what was what by that time. FYI, there was one Aussie V.C. recipient in Vietnam - Major Peter John Badcoe VC.
The kings Royal Buckinghamshire Miltia had both Infantry and Cavalry, on 1st January 1908 was split and the Infantry became The Buckinghamshire Battalion of Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, the Cavalry became as The Buckinghamshire Hussar.
Some historians and former military colleges say that Upham was unlucky not to have received further VC's. But that's why the VC is not given out like lollies......mostly. Also a little controversy over the character from Saving Private Ryan being called Upham.
I have heard some people argue that the British have a greater range of medals to award their servicemen, so the VC is awarded more sparingly. I don’t know if that has any bearing, but it would make some sense seeing as the British have been involved in more wars since the 1850s than the USA.
Just think about the dead bodies after a battle. Many, many heroic sacrifices made for brothers that were never witnessed by another. There's a lot of unawarded medals. Respect to all who give their lives for others.
This is taken from the war diary of Lt. Col Martin‐Leake, VC & Bar. 2nd August 1917 on the Imperial War Museum website. “An ambulance came up tonight and in it was Captain Noel Chavasse VC RAMC of the Kings Liverpool Battalion of 55 Division. His face was unrecognisable, all blacked from a shell burst very near and he seemed to be unconscious. As he had an abdominal wound besides, I did not take him out of the ambulance, which was sent on direct to 32 CCS (Casualty Clearing Station), where he will probably die.”. Captain Noel Chavasse, VC, MC died on 4th August 1917. On 14th September 1917, it was announced that Captain Noel Chavasse was awarded a Bar to his Victoria Cross "For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when in action".
I have the upmost respect for him and salute him and all for their service however,as a veteran myself,i have witnessed many officers and senior NNOs awarded medals that they did not deserve, weren't present at the time of the incident but have a glass raised for them, promoted again on the merit of it and have letters attached to their names, however they were in an OPs room,in charge,but KMs from the front and the men involved are never mentioned and forgotten about in the history books (TRUST ME-IM TALKING FROM EXPERIENCE)
In all fairness, of the 19 Americans that won the Medal of honor twice, Seven of them were won by Marines, which due to their nature meant they were awarded both the Army and Navy versions of the medal (five of the seven Marine double recipients gained their double in this manner).
Fascinating story. I had the honor of visiting Noel Chavasse's grave at Brandhoek New Military Cemetery, His grave is just at the foot of the cross of sacrifice there. One VC is already very special, i can only wonder, how brave a man must be to be awarded the VC twice.
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts.
My late wife's great uncle, his younger sister May was a good friend to my wife.
What a courageous and brave man Arthur Martin-Leake was, thank you for another great video and stay well.
Thanks for watching.
It's hard to imagine what he went through but what a man. Thanks again for another great insight into the lives of some very special people. I doff my cap to you sir. 🎩
Thanks for posting.
No
❤
It's a thing, that we can't understand.
So nice to hear from you again. Perhaps before mentioned "There is no greater sacrifice than helping a fellow human being in need" therefore the deepest admiration for Arthur Martin-Leake. As you yourself mention, remarkably that 2/3 of VC and Bar are first responders and God bless them. Looking forward to your lectures, always a great pleasure.
Jan, thank you for those very kind comments. Most appreciated
@@TheHistoryChap Dear Chris. "Being poor is an honest matter". If I had better finances, you were one of my first recipients. Hope likes and comments give you pluses at RUclips. Kind regards, Jan
Yet another fascinating story ... without people like you Chris, these amazing stories of ...'For Valour' ... would be lost to history and those brave recipients lost to time ... please keep up the good work.
Will do. Thanks for your support.
Chris that was as ever, superb. Having lived and worked in East Herts for 30 yrs I knew of Arthur Martin Leakes achievements, your commentary on it has nailed it, thank you
Thanks for your kind words.
So pleased you've done the video on Arthur Martin-Leake. I used to work as a gardener in High Cross,Herts and know the house where he used to live.
There is a service at his grave every year in the village church.
There is also a tribute to him on a stone plaque set into the church wall outside.
Lovely comment
Another inspiring story, thanks for remembering this gallant medic and soldier.
His name will liveth for evermore, and wont be forgotten.
Nice comment.
What can ine say about the bravery and dedication of Martin Leake. I can only say well done, sir you have the gratitude and praise of the men whose lives you saved. I am truly humbled by this telling of his life, imagine the irony of having two of the three recipients of double VC's crossing paths on a battle field during WW1❤Bravo, amigo 👏 👍
Thanks for watching and for taking the time to comment.
Quite a story and quite a man. Thanks for posting another excellent, well told story.
Glad you enjoyed it
See, I always DO learn something new from every video, Chris! Besides learning about the heroic Dr. Leake, I learned by that rather crude map of Ypres that Passendale wasn’t all that far from Ypres. When I’ve seen other videos of those battles, I just assumed they were in completely different areas of the battlefield! So looking forward to learning about the other two VC chaps-blimey, you’ve got this Yank speaking British (my 8th great-grandparents native tongue)!!!
Thanks for watching my video & your interesting feedback.
Brilliant video as usual. What an amazing man. Thanks for posting, regards, John.
John, thanks for watching.
Thank you so much, its wonderful that these stories being kept alive, so another generation can learn of their forefathers sacrifice. Perhaps in my children they may instill a respect for the freedoms that they now enjoy.
I’m glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for your kind words of support. Please make sure did you subscribe to my channel if you haven’t already
Thanks for sharing, didn’t know about this guy , RIP this brave guy
Thanks for watching my video.
Harsh circumstances produce men of both extraordinary and outstanding character. once again Sir a brilliant video lecture. Bravo! I await your next offering. 🧐💯👌🤔👊👍
Love your support. Thanks.
This was a wonderful video containing an incredible coincidental meeting. I've never heard this man's tale before, so many thanks for telling it.
My pleasure. Thanks for watching
A man that truly knew his calling. Excellent coverage many thanks
My pleasure.
Appreciate the new setup, i can nosey at all the good books on the back now. A few going on the to-read list! lol
Ha ha. The collection keeps growing. Currently reading Ian Knight's new book: "Rorke's Drift: By those who were there."
You do that too! 😉
@@douglasherron7534 can’t help myself haha. He has a fine collection
Thanks a lot for these stories. Amazing people and exiting lives. I enjoid it very mich. Marc from Belgium.
Glad you enjoyed my video, thanks for watching.
That is quite a story and very well told, thank you very much. I shall ask my Dad about him he lived in Hemel for many years and I was actually born there although I grew up in Portsmouth.
Have a great weekend and good luck from Spain!!
Please do ask your dad. Weekend has starry very rainy over here.
@@TheHistoryChap Hi, just got your message on the Indian Uprising and it reminded me to reply to you on this one.
I had a chat with my Dad about Arthur Martin-Leake but he wasnt aware of him.
Its quite likely that my Gran, his Mum, would have known of him and perhaps they even met, she was a Doctor in Hemel Hempstead before and after the war, I don't think she worked at the hospital though.
The other thing that rung a bell was that he was in the ARP in Hertfordshire, my Grandad was also in that so perhaps they met. We'll never know now because they both passed away many years ago.
Very hot down here, some regions will probably hit 40° this week and we are still only in April. Its going to be a difficult year.
Have a great week!!
Excellent video. Keep up the good work!
Thank you very much!
Thank you for revealing the lives of these men. Very inspiring.
My pleasure. Thanks for watching.
Superb research about a really fascinating man. Thanks very much
My pleasure. Thanks for watching.
Excellent...a fascinating story....brilliantly told..thanks again.
Very kind of you. Thanks.
Thsnkyoy for yet an informative video, these presentations are definitely the highlight of my time spent on RUclips.
Very kind of you, thanks
Great stuff. I have heard before of both Martin-Leake and Chavasse, but I never knew their paths directly crossed.
Strange how history throws up these coincidences.
Another great story. Amazing how history entwines hero's!
Love your book collection, you must do a quick video on your top 5 favorite books!!
oooh, that would be fun.
Like always great video!
Martin -Leake must have been a hell of a man
Glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks Chris brilliant.
My pleasure. Thanks foir watching.
I've just found this channel,, absolutely fantastic
Thanks for watching my video. If you haven't already, please subscribe to my channel so you don't miss future videos.
Another fascinating story Sir. Thank you.
My please
Top job thanks
My pleasure. Thanks for watching.
Great men. Nice to see the British view of that times. Thank you.
My pleasure.
Look forward to your episode on Charles Upham.
I have his biographies 'Mark Of The Lion' by Kenneth Sandford and the more recent 'Searching For Charlie' by Tom Scott.
Will be released later today
Absolutely loving your content ! Thank you
Thanks & thanks for watching my video
Well told, thank you.
Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.
A very moving story. What a surprising (and petty) attitude Lord Roberts and Kitchener had regarding his first VC! This reminds me the shameful lack of recognition to the doctors of the French imperial army under Napoleon I who were considered mere "civilians" and therefore despised. The fact that Chavasse and Martin-Leake were medics; that means, men who were not able to take cover under fire, makes their deeds even more glorious and valuable.
I'm always amazed that the " higher" ranks like kitchener and Haigh were never held to account after the war.They treated mens lives like a board game.
@@wodens-hitman1552 kitchener was dead by the end of the war but the generals should have been held to account for the wanton and needless slaughter. That whole war should have not happened the cousins who were the royalty of europe should have met in someplace neutral like denmark whose royal family that they all were related to and sat down and worked things out. Instead of the catastrophe that followed.
@@wodens-hitman1552 You are right, I remember reading that Lloyd George was appalled by the losses suffered by the British Army thanks to Haigh and refused (quite rightly) to send reinforcements to Haigh towards the end of 1917.
@@johndonovan8062 Very good observation; but the kings/emperors did not have real power. proof of that is the Russian mobilization imposed on Tsar Nicholas II by the warmongers within his family and the Army High Command. The Kaiser also tried to stop the war writing to Franz Josef of Austria and he replied he could not do anything; the old man was useless and the Austrian military wanted war. A terrible tragedy!
Thanks for taking the time to share that story of Napoleon.
Thank you for covering this VC winner's story.
My pleasure.
What a fascinating story. Thankyou very much.
My pleasure. Thanks for watching.
Thank you again Chris. I believe all men, such as these were 'heroes', in each and every war...
Thanks for watching.
Superb as always
Very kind of you, thanks.
Love this video 🙌🏼
Thank you!!
Amazing storytelling buddy ! 😊👍
Glad you liked it
Great programme pal
Thanks for watching
Strange that many VC recipients were eldest sons of mothers who had been widowed or abandoned. Their sense of duty perhaps? With the increasing use of wars being conducted at distance, with long range weapons, the likelihood of more VC's being awarded is likely to decrease. Indeed, the qualification for the award is becoming more and more difficult. Of all regiments, more have been awarded proportionally to The Ghurka Rifles. Outrageous that these loyal combatants did not receive a full pension, or qualify for British citizenship, until Joanna Lumley intervened and petitioned for a change.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Well made.
Thanks so much Chris
My pleasure.
Another good one, Keep 'em comming, please.....
Will do.
It is true that twice the number of Americans have received Medals of Honor in the last 170 years as compared to the number of VC's awarded in that same time period, but far more than twice the number of Americans have served in combat as compared to Britons in that same period. In World War II, for example, 473 Americans received the Medal of Honor out of 16 million Americans who served. There were 181 VC's in World War II with about 3.5 million in service. Very respectfully, comparisons are problematic unless all of the factors are considered.
Excellent point. The lower ratio of Medals of honor to number eligible of serving troops makes perfect sense considering it would've been rarer for Americans to fight against the odds.
@stuartjames1200: Not quite true - not just Britons were eligible for the VC, Commonwealth forces numbered well over 8.5 million in WW2 for example (way more than R3.5mil), and were directly involved in both world wars for significantly longer than the US, which pretty much negates the volume argument. Don't get me wrong, this is in no way a slight on the US's contribution to both of those conflicts, which in both cases was far beyond measure and no doubt worthy of every single medal earned! 🤘
The Americans have many morehundreds of thousands of personnel than the UK.
Another fascinating story Chris. Arthur Martin-Leake was an extraordinary man obviously, his bravery beyond doubt, but more so was his caring literally and figuratively for his fellow man, not just being awarded the VC once but showing the same courageousness yet again in another conflict with the same fully justified result. The same for Noel Chevasse. As another commented it's remarkable that two out of three double VC recipients were medics not fighters. Another great telling by you Chris, please keep them coming, as the stories are always great to hear when you do it.
Excellent !
Many thanks!
well done once again
Thank you for watching.
Another notable history lesson, thank you Captain of History. Peace be unto you.
Nice words. Smiling.
Great work Sir.
Thank you.
After experiencing a taxi run in the Lancaster Just Jane, I became interested in the tragic Nuremberg raid: the source of the whole Just Jane / Panton saga. Having read the book, I found out that on that raid one VC was awarded. It turns out that the winner of that VC, P/O Cyril Barton, is buried just a few miles from where I live in Richmond. I went to the (famous and local) Poppy Factory and got a wreath - and then walked around around the ordinary large cemetery in Kingston. In the corner of that cemetery, I found a very distinctive VC/military gravestone…Extraordinary and incredible.
Chris can you do a video on modern recipients of the VC? Johnson Beharry, Bryan Budd, James Ashworth & Joshua Leakey.
Great idea. Thanks for the suggestion
Thanks for making the point that there are more brave in America.
Which is quite impressive seeing as you end up arriving late for each world war!
Load of rubbish the yanks hand out medels like smarties, only have to climb over a fence and you get the purple heart, and as stated by the last comments the yanks always turn up when the thick of the fighting is over
Grow up you crank.
Enjoyed episode . New to channel. I hope to see stories of Australians.
Will try to add a few but so much history to go at!
Good morning, Chris, excellent video. I have just finished reading about the medical Corp set up in WW1. I served as a medic in the army as well and never knew these stories. If I had I would have made sure that troops would have heard them. Medics did not have a good reputation back in my time. Possibly to much peace and not enough war. Our medics now are amazing, and they make my training look like a first aider.
You Server in RAMC and did not know this grate history
@@pilgrum23 No I served in a different medical Corp
All training troops in the RAMC base in Hampshire mychette were named after the RAMC VC winners and you had to learn all about the recepients. If l remember the RAMC had the highest number of recepients of the VC of all of the regiments in the British army.
@@johndonovan8062 Thanks John, I didn't serve in the British Army, Cheers
Andrew, thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts.
Awesome fellow 👍👌👏
Thanks for watching my video
My grandfather (a sergeant) landed in Belgium on the 8th of October 1914, he was a member of the RAMC 2nd West Lancashire Field Ambulance (territorial Unit), he remained in Belgium (from what I can tell) until the end of his four years of territorial service 16/10/1916. Other than a short leave to the UK and a mention in dispatches I have not found much about where or what he did in those two years, I have some clues as a member of the Old Contemptibles Association he claimed to be a 6th cavalry member. In 1917 he went to France as an officer in the RGA.
Thanks for watching my video & for your interesting family story.
Excellent stuff.
Thank you.
Hero is over used today. This man however deserves the title.
Indeed he does. Thanks for taking the time to post.
The creater of scouts was a captain in Boy's brigade after The South Africa War, the first scout camp was a Boy's Brigade camp in Hampshire.
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LOVE YOUR SHOWS CHRIS SO AMAZING
Thank you very much
My Great Grandfather was a surgeon at St. Bartholomew’s and used the first X-rays (Roentgen rays), used electric light for the first time in surgery and invented the truss. His name was John Langton FRCS, my Mother’s Grandfather. He started doing surgery in 1871 aged 17 as an understudy.
Thanks for watching my video & for taking the time to share your family story.
Global history is bloody and our history is some of the bloodiest but, amongst the stains of crimson. There are men like Athur that saved pints of fellow soldiers at the risk of all their own. Remarkable people that break all bounds of human 'normalty' and achieve the extraordinary. For peace. For love. For home.
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VC The rarest of valour medals. Given that the award was available to the entire empire, and so few recipients.
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@@TheHistoryChap Your videos are fair, balanced and proper history. The Dads army series was wonderful.
I suppose many more would have earned it, if there had been witnesses to confirm their deeds....
a brave and inspiring individual.
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Excellent work, thank you. One minor correction: his remains were interred, not interned. I know that you like accuracy.
Thanks for that!
Where is his VC today? It'd be nice to see a photo of it. 👍
What a great video and story once again! Do you know how many out of the 1355 Victoria cross recipients were actually from the commonwealth? Just curious really being from Canada
Well, for starters, the third of this trio, was a Kiwi.
@adventus saxonum that is a start! Lol I didn't know that though, thank you
Not off the top of my head.
There have been 1,364 V.C's awarded (per the V.C. & G.C. Association website). An analysis of recipients by nationality can be found here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Victoria_Cross_recipients_by_nationality
Note that the above site has not considered recipients of the Australian, Canadian and New Zealand V.C.'s in it's analysis but they are included in the V.C. & G.C. Association total.
@@douglasherron7534 thank you kind sir!
Another brilliant biopic of a true hero alongside (literally) Noel Chervasse. and they did their heroics so matter of fact amazing gentlemen, thank you for sharing
My pleasure. Thanks for your support.
My one family member Reginald Hayward was given the Highest Honor of the Vc . He and 14 others have there names on the oldest building in south africa Castle of Good Hope.
Thank you for sharing. What a great ancestor to have.
Charles Upham remains the only combat soldier to have been the recipient of two VCs.
Correct.
@@TheHistoryChap a born warrior.
I’d very much like to hear the story of Lt Colonel Robert Ainley OBE of the Royal Engineers, i know he served in the 1st Balkan wars and also possibly SA campaign, i believe he also served in the 1st world war
I think he may have begun his career in another regiment but ended up in the Royal engineers
I own his foot locker and a fine lithograph picture of him that was inside it, sadly his medals and other military items had long since gone, but it would be nice to learn more about him
Thanks for taking the time to share.
Another wonderful video, will you be doing a video on Charles Upham? (I do hope so)
Next week. Please subscribe to my channel (or sign up at www.thehistorychap.com) so you don't miss it.
Quite the man, from quite the family.
Thx Chris (etal).
My pleasure.
You have to remember the Medal of Honor was the only medal for gallantry for 50 years. Decorations such as the DSC, Silver and Bronze stars, Soldiers' Medal, and Unit Citations were only created in WWI and the MOH was restricted by law to one / person. Among the 5 Army double recipients was Tom Custer.
Actually the Eisernes Kreutz (Iron Cross) was established in 1813, so "the only medal for gallantry for 50 years", before MoH. The first was posthumously awarded to Queen Louisa of Prussia, for her outstanding services during the Napoleonic wars....
@@Lassisvulgaris 'Scuse me, I meant for the US of A.
@@formwiz7096 Ah, I see....
Thanks for sharing.
There were a limited number of gallantry medals in the UK in the 19th century. They were as follows:
Distinguished Conduct Medal (Army - other ranks only) - established 1854 (2 years before)
Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (Navy) - established (permanently) 1874 (18 years after)
Distinguished Service Order (Army - officers only) - established 1886 (30 years after)
You also have to consider the number of conflicts the UK was involved in over the period compared to the US. As a small (and incomplete) list from 1854 to 1900 you had: The Crimean War; Indian Mutiny; 2nd & 3rd Chinese Wars; Xhosa/ Cape Border Wars; Zulu War; Abyssinian Campaign; 2nd Anglo-Afghan War; Egypt & Sudan Campaigns; 1st & 2nd Boer Wars. Also, the USA only participated in the last year of WWI.
To put to you there was two members of the Royal Army Medical Corp won double VC
Yes, the other was Noel Chavasse, whom I have also made a video about.
Great story
Glad you enjoyed it
Arthur Martin-Leake VC was definitely an extremely brave man. In total there are three VC+Bar awardees: Noel Godfrey Chavasse and Arthur Martin-Leake, both doctors in the Royal Army Medical Corps, for rescuing wounded under fire; and New Zealander Captain Charles Upham, an infantryman, for combat actions. At least one other should have been awarded a Bar to his VC, that being Capt Albert JACKA VC, MC+Bar. Jacka's VC was awarded for his actions on Gallipoli (May 19, 1915). According to preeminent Australian war journalist and historian Charles Bean, Jacka also deserved a bar to his VC for his action at Pozieres 6-7 August, 1916. Bean described Jacka's counter-attack 'as the most dramatic and effective act of individual audacity in the history of the A.I.F.' Jacka was only awarded an MC for these actions, a travisty.
The Pozieres action: "Jacka's platoon (14th Battalion AIF) moved into the line near Pozières on the night of 6-7 August and as dawn broke German troops overran a part of the line. Jacka had just completed a reconnaissance and had gone to his dug-out when two Germans appeared at its entrance and rolled a bomb down the doorway, killing two men. Jacka charged up the dug-out steps, firing as he moved, and came upon a large number of the enemy rounding up some forty Australians as prisoners. He rallied his platoon and charged at the enemy, some of whom immediately threw down their rifles. Furious hand-to-hand fighting erupted as the prisoners turned on their captors. Fifty Germans were captured and the line was retaken." Jacka was awarded a Military Cross for his gallantry. Why was Jacka not awarded a Bar to his VC? Well he used his status as a VC awardee to criticise the British Generals of the time who were spend thrift and fleckless in the wasting of men's lives (look up the debacle and wonton waste of mens lives at Fromelles July 19-20 1916 or Bullecourt I or a number of other Battles). Jacka was fearless in speaking for those men unable to speak. That is why the 14th Infantry Battalion AIF is forever known as "Jacka's mob" in deference to the man.
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Thanks for this Chris, as a proud kiwi and a history buff I'm familiar with Charles uphams story. I've always wondered about the other 2 double VC recipients . I'm sure you have read ""mark of the lion" I'm pretty sure that book says that Charles is a distant relative of one of those other double VC recipients. I don't no witch one but I Wood love to.if that is true. Love ur work
Sorry I stand corrected. Charles uphams wife was a distant relative of Noel Chavasse
Thanks for taking the time to post and to highlight the link between Upham and Chavasse.
Since you are crossing the lines on doing a story on the extreme brave Charles Upham, maybe have a look at Albert Jacka. It's a great story worth the telling.
Another WW2 VC recipient, Clive Hulme had a son who went on to become Formula 1 world driver champion, Denny Hulme. Clive's methods in taking out German snipers on Crete were interesting.
@watering true, then there's the boys from Long Tan. Can't tell you how much that winds me up. At least 3 VC there and countless other awards. But there are hundreds of stories not tolled, but those boys got screwed.
Several have suggested him.
@@11buster1000 Blame the Aussie Government, they were the ones who decided what was what by that time. FYI, there was one Aussie V.C. recipient in Vietnam - Major Peter John Badcoe VC.
@Douglas Herron 4 VCs actually but go on.
The kings Royal Buckinghamshire Miltia had both Infantry and Cavalry, on 1st January 1908 was split and the Infantry became The Buckinghamshire Battalion of Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, the Cavalry became as The Buckinghamshire Hussar.
Arthur Martin-Leake - Very moving. I'm also proud that I share the same surname and he may have been a distant relative. Trevor Leake
Thanks for watching
Some historians and former military colleges say that Upham was unlucky not to have received further VC's. But that's why the VC is not given out like lollies......mostly. Also a little controversy over the character from Saving Private Ryan being called Upham.
Thank you for sharing.
Very interesting. Do you have an opinion as to why there have been fewer VC awards than the US MOH, even though the VC is older?
I have heard some people argue that the British have a greater range of medals to award their servicemen, so the VC is awarded more sparingly. I don’t know if that has any bearing, but it would make some sense seeing as the British have been involved in more wars since the 1850s than the USA.
@@TheHistoryChap Makes perfect sense.
Men of Britain used to be near superheroes in what they achieved but now the enemy is within the walls and our leaders are on their side.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
I would think that adding the phrase " and survived the war" would add to the story a lot more.
Maybe you need to write my scripts for me.
@@TheHistoryChap oh gosh no. I suck and writing and I sincerely hope you didn't take any offense at that. I really was just joking.
My Grandmother knew Lord Earl Robert’s. I have a postcard with his picture that he signed and gave to her in the 1920’s, she was in her 30’s then.
Thanks for watching my video & for taking the time to tell your family story.
Just think about the dead bodies after a battle. Many, many heroic sacrifices made for brothers that were never witnessed by another. There's a lot of unawarded medals. Respect to all who give their lives for others.
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good video
Many thanks
This is taken from the war diary of Lt. Col Martin‐Leake, VC & Bar. 2nd August 1917 on the Imperial War Museum website. “An ambulance came up tonight and in it was Captain Noel Chavasse VC RAMC of the Kings Liverpool Battalion of 55 Division. His face was unrecognisable, all blacked from a shell burst very near and he seemed to be unconscious. As he had an abdominal wound besides, I did not take him out of the ambulance, which was sent on direct to 32 CCS (Casualty Clearing Station), where he will probably die.”. Captain Noel Chavasse, VC, MC died on 4th August 1917. On 14th September 1917, it was announced that Captain Noel Chavasse was awarded a Bar to his Victoria Cross "For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when in action".
Thanks for watching my video and for sharing the details of Lt. Col. Martin-Leake's diary.
Capt Shavasse RAMC also won two VCs during the first world war.
Yes I've made a video about Chavasse too: ruclips.net/video/aqpjXyOc-4E/видео.html
what about Charles Upham..VC and Bar..?
Here's a video that I made all about him: ruclips.net/video/U0dArEIiEHE/видео.html
Love the very informative videos mate! from Australia
Thank you.
I have the upmost respect for him and salute him and all for their service however,as a veteran myself,i have witnessed many officers and senior NNOs awarded medals that they did not deserve, weren't present at the time of the incident but have a glass raised for them, promoted again on the merit of it and have letters attached to their names, however they were in an OPs room,in charge,but KMs from the front and the men involved are never mentioned and forgotten about in the history books (TRUST ME-IM TALKING FROM EXPERIENCE)
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A very remarkable man
Indeed. Thanks for posting.
In all fairness, of the 19 Americans that won the Medal of honor twice, Seven of them were won by Marines, which due to their nature meant they were awarded both the Army and Navy versions of the medal (five of the seven Marine double recipients gained their double in this manner).
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2 marines won theirs in separate actions. Dan Daly & Smedly Butler. Daly arguably should have won a third for the Battle of Belleau Wood in ww1.
@@jacobdill4499 Yep, but 5 were awarded Army & Navy versions for the same action.
They don’t make them like that any more , well done Sir, or do they? I say they do, and civilians like me should never forget that.
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