Back in 1994 I was in the 82nd Airborne, Bco 2/504 PIR, and I got to meet some of the D-Day veterans who had jumped in to Normandy. They had come back to for the 50th anniversary of the jump. I was honored to get to meet these legends
Smashing anecdote about the Calvados-soaked man who sobered up when on duty and rescued the Paras from The Merderet, but not what his employers wanted him to do! Thanks, James and Al for another good 'un!
If you are enjoying walking the ground with Jim and Al, please do like our videos and subscribe to the channel. We are so appreciative of all the comments and support. As you were 🫡
Throughout this briliantly addictive series, I always assumed Holland was the comedian and Murray the historian. Surely I'm not alone in this? Top job lads, do carry on!
I can't tell you how much I appreciate what you chaps are doing here. Have always been utterly fascinated by WW2, and as a young lad I lived with a patient sergeant that went through France from '44 until the end. I'd like to think that your approach would resonate with the chaps that were there - I know my grandfather would have enjoyed this humour enormously.
Fabulous video and channel. It's interesting to see where these soldiers fought and what it looks like today. My grandfather who was in the 4th Infantry landed on Utah beach, and eventually linked up with some 82nd Airborne units near Sainte Mère Eglise. On the way there the tank he was riding on top of hit a mine, and he and another soldier were thrown from the tank, and were the only survivors. He later went on to fight at Bastogne and other engagements.
I walked the ground in Normandy in 2022 and 2023 with one of my sons, who likes all your videos and podcasts. Thanks for highlighting some areas that we hadn’t found. Certainly worth another visit. I think the length of your videos are just right to maintain interest. We are also both avid readers of your books and use them as great reference tools. On a practical note in Sainte-Mere-Elise the boulangerie just off the square on the main road is excellent. Maurice from Malvern UK.
Funny thing at 15.50 time frame a fish pops it head out of the river to have a look at James and Al as they are discussing what went on there on D-day under General Jim Gavin!
These have been fantastic, and I am really looking forward to your Arnhem videos. It would be great if these videos were released in a edit if at all possible !
Thanks a ton! More great videos to come from our Normandy trip and we are just back from filming a new series in Arnhem and Nijmegen which was an amazing experience. If you are subscribed to the channel and have notifications switch on you get alerts as we release new stuff! Thanks again.
Thank you for the video - I was there 10 days ago with my girlfriend - really one of the highlights of my trip - as you say you really get a feel for what it must have been like eg the distance between the swede with the bazooka and the oncoming tank - mi would add 1. We also went to the church 800m up the road at Cauquigny where the Americans attacked from La Fiere in costly frontal infantry charge- difficult to imagine how they succeeded in that 2. The Airborne museum in St Mère is fantastic too
Love how you're explaining and showing the scenery. I can finally get some perspective. Also, Hollywood got it right: Americans really were and are badass. Another great video! 👍👍
Fab series so far guys!! Wondering if you’re going to do a segment on the air war as well, maybe visit some of the sites of the ALGs that sprung up. Or some of the old Luftwaffe bases, appreciate they didn’t do much on D-Day though 😂😂😂
Good one lads. I disapprove of any hotdog that is not Danish, except possibly what you two described there. That looked nice. Good anecdotes about Jim Gavin, the Drunkard and The Swedish Cook. But... Normandy without Woody...
Nice one. I've made several visits to Normandy, some guided, but this series brings the history to life. On the topic of Jim Gavin, it was inspired casting to have his character played by Ryan O'Neal in the 1977 'A Bridge Too Far' film.
❓❓❓ @James my great grandfather was in the 82nd and fought in that very spot. He died 2 years before I was born. Any ideas or sources for more stories about it? 82 ABN museum gave me the diary -I want more?
The area around La Fiere is beautiful and packed full of history. The HQ for the 91st Luftlande is just up the road at the Chateau de Bernaville. Some footage from my visit to La Fiere - ruclips.net/video/QD4wYZSOzqc/видео.htmlsi=qIoGeHM4fdqt6neF
Not sure if I agree that there was no action in St Mere or it being a non story. Yes you could question the scale of the fighting, but fighting did take place - irrespective of how quickly the US Airborne contained it.
Was there really action there or very little since u mentioned that. There had be since some troopers were killed as they were coming down . Idk? Longest day the 60s film???
The German attack north of St Mere Eglise is notable, Waverly Wray's crucial action and the defensive battle was similar to the fighting at La Fiere Bridge but the town was taken quite easily.
I've visited the area a couple of times with my Sons and we're all aware of the John Steele story and even discussed it with a visiting US veteran who we met in a bar in St Mere Eglise. I'd be interested to know what makes you think that it might never have happened? Richard
I will add my query wondering what you meant appearing to question the well-known version of the action at St Mere Eglise. It's annoying to have something dropped in which could be quite a bombshell and then nothing to back it up. Help me out. I don't want to stay annoyed!
I've been reading about Renault and their role in equipping the Germans after 1940. The company made thousands of trucks for the occupying regime and Louis Renault was arrested at the Liberation as an alleged traitor. He died awaiting trial (his family claiming he was murdered by his captors due to his "unwholesome" political history). Read more in Robert Paxton "Vichy France: Old Guard, New Order"
Bit dismissive of Ste Mere Eglise. They had a gunfight in the town before it was taken. It still looks recognizable too. Not been rebuilt out of any sense.
The issue seems to be that there is no evidence how he got down - John Steele mentioned it to Cornelius Ryan in, I believe, 12 words in his written submission, almost as a throwaway casual thing, as part of the book The Longest Day. The thinking is that Ryan’s journalistic nous then turned it into more than it was. The thing to bear in mind is that it might be true but that there is no corroborating evidence how he got down. Whatever the truth, it is a great story.
The Americans captured St. Mere Eglis and moved out then the Germans came back and the Americans had to take it a second time. It is a very bid deal for us Americans. There was not just one parachutist on the steeple, but two. History has lost the name of the second, he got down and must have been killed in action. The one who is shown on the tower, his name is recorded in The Longest Day by Cornelius Ryan who was an Irish journalist who also wrote Bridge too Far and the Battle for Berlin. His papers are kept by Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections, Ohio University Libraries at Ohio University. That man was made famous by the American actor Red Buttons in the film. Photos show that the first tank knocked out on the causeway was a Panzer III followed by the captured French tanks used by the Germans. The Leigh-Mallory you are thinking of who died on Everest is George Herbert Leigh-Mallory, not the Air Marshall.
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Back in 1994 I was in the 82nd Airborne, Bco 2/504 PIR, and I got to meet some of the D-Day veterans who had jumped in to Normandy. They had come back to for the 50th anniversary of the jump. I was honored to get to meet these legends
Smashing anecdote about the Calvados-soaked man who sobered up when on duty and rescued the Paras from The Merderet, but not what his employers wanted him to do! Thanks, James and Al for another good 'un!
Unfortunately, you are now on the vrong side of the river and ve cannot administer a Pistolenpatronen 08. Ve will be back, Frenchie!
Al’s face during that tale…😂
If you are enjoying walking the ground with Jim and Al, please do like our videos and subscribe to the channel. We are so appreciative of all the comments and support. As you were 🫡
Loving all of these, well done Gents 👍👍
Thank you for being such a loyal viewer.
Throughout this briliantly addictive series, I always assumed Holland was the comedian and Murray the historian. Surely I'm not alone in this? Top job lads, do carry on!
I can't tell you how much I appreciate what you chaps are doing here. Have always been utterly fascinated by WW2, and as a young lad I lived with a patient sergeant that went through France from '44 until the end. I'd like to think that your approach would resonate with the chaps that were there - I know my grandfather would have enjoyed this humour enormously.
Thorughly enjoying these. It's a nice tonic to Netflix!
Fabulous video and channel. It's interesting to see where these soldiers fought and what it looks like today. My grandfather who was in the 4th Infantry landed on Utah beach, and eventually linked up with some 82nd Airborne units near Sainte Mère Eglise. On the way there the tank he was riding on top of hit a mine, and he and another soldier were thrown from the tank, and were the only survivors. He later went on to fight at Bastogne and other engagements.
Another really good description of a crucial fight. Have a strange need for a hotdog now though...
🌭 🇺🇸
A fantastic series, this may have been the most engaging episode so far. Top work
Thanks a ton!
was there last week. Enjoying the history and banter.
Throughly enjoyed every minute of these, solidifying the plan to walk the grounds myself one day. Keep em coming!
Thanks, will do!
Cracking good job lads..your narration lets one see the glow of tracers,whiff the cordite,hear the hell of war..
I can even smell the hot dog 🌭
You guys are the absolute best! Just a couple guys chatting. And I love it!
I walked the ground in Normandy in 2022 and 2023 with one of my sons, who likes all your videos and podcasts. Thanks for highlighting some areas that we hadn’t found. Certainly worth another visit. I think the length of your videos are just right to maintain interest. We are also both avid readers of your books and use them as great reference tools. On a practical note in Sainte-Mere-Elise the boulangerie just off the square on the main road is excellent. Maurice from Malvern UK.
I too discovered that place - I think it was called Le Fournil - brilliant cakes, especially the Paris-Brest one.
Such a high quality, relatable, well delivered series.
Why thank you! We loved making it.
Was there a couple of months ago. Fab episode chaps
Funny thing at 15.50 time frame a fish pops it head out of the river to have a look at James and Al as they are discussing what went on there on D-day under General Jim Gavin!
Splendid video. Gavin- American Achilles.
Really enjoyed the video mate can't wait for the next one
Absolutely spiffing ✌🏼
These have been fantastic, and I am really looking forward to your Arnhem videos. It would be great if these videos were released in a edit if at all possible !
Loving this great series on RUclips, keep up the great work. 🙂
Glad to hear it. Thank you! And we will!
Superb, riveting stuff. Fantastic knowledge gents, keep them coming
Thanks a ton! More great videos to come from our Normandy trip and we are just back from filming a new series in Arnhem and Nijmegen which was an amazing experience. If you are subscribed to the channel and have notifications switch on you get alerts as we release new stuff! Thanks again.
Thank you for the video - I was there 10 days ago with my girlfriend - really one of the highlights of my trip - as you say you really get a feel for what it must have been like eg the distance between the swede with the bazooka and the oncoming tank - mi would add 1. We also went to the church 800m up the road at Cauquigny where the Americans attacked from La Fiere in costly frontal infantry charge- difficult to imagine how they succeeded in that 2. The Airborne museum in St Mère is fantastic too
Thank you for watching. Nothing better than walking the ground!
Love the podcast and I really love these walk abouts , brilliant stuff both. Great stories as well.
Love how you're explaining and showing the scenery. I can finally get some perspective. Also, Hollywood got it right: Americans really were and are badass. Another great video! 👍👍
Glad you enjoyed it!
Fab series so far guys!! Wondering if you’re going to do a segment on the air war as well, maybe visit some of the sites of the ALGs that sprung up. Or some of the old Luftwaffe bases, appreciate they didn’t do much on D-Day though 😂😂😂
Good one lads. I disapprove of any hotdog that is not Danish, except possibly what you two described there. That looked nice.
Good anecdotes about Jim Gavin, the Drunkard and The Swedish Cook.
But... Normandy without Woody...
Thank you
SOOOO, When on Juno, order a Poutine LOL Also a nice cider!
great episode, fantastic anecdotes. #jacketwatch what jacket does James have on this time please ?
Fantastic chaps😊
Thanks 😀
Im assuming Al and James will be heading off to Arnhem soon to film the next series of walking the ground 😬
You assume right! We were there filming last week! ruclips.net/user/shortssxkUD4fIY0o?si=MomFkO11HqsJl8Sj
Nice one. I've made several visits to Normandy, some guided, but this series brings the history to life. On the topic of Jim Gavin, it was inspired casting to have his character played by Ryan O'Neal in the 1977 'A Bridge Too Far' film.
Yes, it really was an inspired choice. Thank you for watching!
Congratulations to al and james for these in depth conversations ,that us world war 2 armchair historians didnt know 😊
Thank you for watching!
❓❓❓ @James my great grandfather was in the 82nd and fought in that very spot. He died 2 years before I was born. Any ideas or sources for more stories about it? 82 ABN museum gave me the diary -I want more?
The area around La Fiere is beautiful and packed full of history. The HQ for the 91st Luftlande is just up the road at the Chateau de Bernaville.
Some footage from my visit to La Fiere - ruclips.net/video/QD4wYZSOzqc/видео.htmlsi=qIoGeHM4fdqt6neF
Not sure if I agree that there was no action in St Mere or it being a non story. Yes you could question the scale of the fighting, but fighting did take place - irrespective of how quickly the US Airborne contained it.
Fair. The action at St Mere was crucial even if less fierce/smaller scale than the La Fière fighting focused on here.
Was there really action there or very little since u mentioned that. There had be since some troopers were killed as they were coming down . Idk? Longest day the 60s film???
The German attack north of St Mere Eglise is notable, Waverly Wray's crucial action and the defensive battle was similar to the fighting at La Fiere Bridge but the town was taken quite easily.
Bit disapointed.............Mr Holland didn't try another brew attempt.
Time was tight!
@@WW2WalkingTheGround A Robson rather than a charliXCX. approved lighter?
I've visited the area a couple of times with my Sons and we're all aware of the John Steele story and even discussed it with a visiting US veteran who we met in a bar in St Mere Eglise. I'd be interested to know what makes you think that it might never have happened?
Richard
I will add my query wondering what you meant appearing to question the well-known version of the action at St Mere Eglise. It's annoying to have something dropped in which could be quite a bombshell and then nothing to back it up. Help me out. I don't want to stay annoyed!
why is it debatable that john steele wasnt hanging from the steeple at St Mere Eglise? Is there a source where this is argued?
?? Question, the story about the drink lard using a row boat to save paratroopers? Where can I read more on that? Cool story!
Hearing Al's voice make me laugh. "Why didn't British colonize the moon?" Ha=ha!!!
I've been reading about Renault and their role in equipping the Germans after 1940. The company made thousands of trucks for the occupying regime and Louis Renault was arrested at the Liberation as an alleged traitor. He died awaiting trial (his family claiming he was murdered by his captors due to his "unwholesome" political history).
Read more in Robert Paxton "Vichy France: Old Guard, New Order"
Bit dismissive of Ste Mere Eglise. They had a gunfight in the town before it was taken. It still looks recognizable too. Not been rebuilt out of any sense.
Wait a minute, did I get this right? Isn't the John Steele story true?
I too would like to know more about this .
The issue seems to be that there is no evidence how he got down - John Steele mentioned it to Cornelius Ryan in, I believe, 12 words in his written submission, almost as a throwaway casual thing, as part of the book The Longest Day. The thinking is that Ryan’s journalistic nous then turned it into more than it was. The thing to bear in mind is that it might be true but that there is no corroborating evidence how he got down. Whatever the truth, it is a great story.
The Americans captured St. Mere Eglis and moved out then the Germans came back and the Americans had to take it a second time. It is a very bid deal for us Americans. There was not just one parachutist on the steeple, but two. History has lost the name of the second, he got down and must have been killed in action. The one who is shown on the tower, his name is recorded in The Longest Day by Cornelius Ryan who was an Irish journalist who also wrote Bridge too Far and the Battle for Berlin. His papers are kept by Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections, Ohio University Libraries at Ohio University. That man was made famous by the American actor Red Buttons in the film.
Photos show that the first tank knocked out on the causeway was a Panzer III followed by the captured French tanks used by the Germans.
The Leigh-Mallory you are thinking of who died on Everest is George Herbert Leigh-Mallory, not the Air Marshall.