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I never cease to be amazed at the courage of young British men who risked their lives for our freedom. Often I look at my Grandchildren and think how lucky we are.
Now look at the state of the U.K. Many of that generation have said that if they knew how the U.K. would turn out they’d have never set foot on the beaches in Normandy.
@@schuletrip My Dad fought in North Africa and my Uncle Tom a commando who landed on D Day plus 2. I know both would do it again. Tomorrow as would the brave British soldiers who took part. This country is the finest in the world and ‘The state of it’ as you refer is an opinion I don’t share.
For ever grateful thanks gramp and to every one else who fort for us. And thanks for making it home gramp from my dad his brother his children my sister's my son granddaughter and 70 outer family members all hear because of you Rip
The Brits did a few crazy things during WW2 but they had balls and left a legacy that is unmatched today, for such a small Island they earnt their place in history
@@highcountrydelatite I know of Z force, I watched the miniseries with that bloke from Neighbours in it. All soldiers that fight and die for their country are legends. I also know the contribution Australia had during World War Two, even after they pulled out of Europe to defend their own country (rightly so)
l never heard of this raid until now,we should all be thankful to all the brave soldiers that gave all for the better and we will never forget what each of them accomplshed
Well known story in the Royal Marines. During training,1983, Sparks, Blondies number 2, came down to visit us. Kindle has most books on this raid. The biography, " Blondie" Ewen Southby Tailyour is probably the best. Bill Sparks also wrote his version of the raid. To answer your question " was it worth it?" Well, my late French mother told me her earliest childhood memory was standing in the Metro, Paris underground, with a German jackboot right next to her.
Due to a lack of communication between various secret groups there was a Special Operations Executive team in the same port at the same time and with the same task. In fact they were about to move on those ships when the explosives went off.
The 1955 feature film ‘based on’ the operation “The Cockleshell Heroes” was very watchable but no moving picture entertainment can possible portray the bravery, tragedy and sheer blind commitment of those involved. Far better humans than I, every one of them and the hundreds of thousands like them!
The odds were long the survival rate abysmal, the bravery epic and the survivors and the dead were honored. I suppose the planners expected some losses, but only two survivors!! Bravo.
The raiders did more damage than a crew of a Lancaster, B-17 or B-24. Those gents typically missed their targets by miles and all ten aircrew were lost at once when the aircraft was shot down. Brave men all. God rest their souls.
Hitler's declaration about captured Commando's was prompted by the "Raid on St Nazaire". Narrated by Jeremy Clarkson in his V C series, well worth a watch
The Commando Order was due to the raid on Sark later in the year . German prisoners bolted and had to be killed to keep them quiet . Anders Lassen used his knife . The Germans thought it murder hence the Order to kill all commandos
They lost me when the narrator said, "They had to paddle 60 miles..." These were MEN, honest to goodness MEN! How I wish I could have met them. May they rest in peace, because they went through Hell. As a 74 year old American, I was raised hearing the stories from the men from the United States military. The man from our allies were no less brave and heroic!
These soldiers had King Kong sized balls. And remember their wet and cold probably on limited rations. Can't build a fire to warm up. These are the stories the young in the for now free countries need to hear about. A salute to all 12 of them.
I found out recently that LC Blondie Hasler is my Great great Uncle (I knew of uncle Blondie, I just didnt know he was a war hero).Thank you for creating this video so I can learn more about him!
According to Paddy Ashdown, he once met “Blondie” Hasler on a train, he apparently bragged to “Blondie” that he was joining the Royal Marines, which he did as well as ending up in the SBS for a period. The Cockleshell heroes are part of SBS history to this day - long may they be remembered. My own time as a Royal and C Squadron member was nothing as “boys own” stuff as this, but maybe when the OSA allows the details to be told about our times, especially my last tour in October 2001, Afghanistan and Tora Bora “bun fight”.
It was just 10 soldiers.... they took out multiple ships ! They strangled the areas supply’s and most like let other allied soldiers kill more of the enemy... the enemy soldiers time that they took up trying to repair their logistics in turn giving them less resources and prep time to other campaigns.... 10 lives is definitely worth the cost in a war of global logistics and tactics
Damaging enemy morale, diversion of resources, creating uncertainty, creating fear of attack from any direction, boosting morale of the French, Ally’s, creating myths and legends, pushing the boundaries of military capability, seizing the initiative, all for less than a price of a bomber crew! Yeh, what could possibly be with it? Ask any one of the 8 that didn’t return would they do it again if the could, of course they would
Thanks for putting this video on. These people should not be forgotten. If this was taught in schools and the reason they had to do what they have done it would change the attitude of a lot of the younger generation. Thanks again.
I'm simultaneously thrilled and gutted that I discovered this AMAZING channel! Thrilled because the content is EXCELLENT! Gutted because there are only 7 videos so far! 😢 🤣 Make more! Keep up this AMAZING work!
Very well presented story including real camera shots of the exact places where they had been. Awesom work guys, thank you for sharing! Anyway, best wishes to all decent people from Prague, Czech republic!
This was made into a great movie called The Cockleshell Heroes. Australian forces also did a canoe raid on Singapore harbour called operation Jaywick. This was made into a mini series called The Heroes. Both are great flicks ell worth watching.
Jaywick was an amazing raid. Well planned and I believe that these men trained in Kurringai chase. What was the casualty rate? I am of the understanding they all made it out safely. St. Nazaire another remarkable raid. The effectiveness is only really borne out in enemy morale, a difficult thing to measure.
He also planned another raid in which commands were sent to a French port,on a ship which was in a bad state, to destroy dry dock . A lot of commandoes lost their lives even though the mission was accomplished. Mountbatten seemed to love to come up with impossible missions that led to huge number of people losing their lives.
Mountbatten was promoted to India with strict instructions from Churchill that the arsehole had absolutely no authority over strategic or tactical planning 👀
@@masaukochitsamba7808 You maybe thinking of St. Nazaire. The two guys who went ashore and made it out were remarkably cautious. But the odds were enormous hiding in plain sight really. Gutsy stuff, I have the book at home. A good read but title and author escapes me.
Nelson has left the chat, and the Zulus thought the soldiers at Rorke's drift were jolly brave, and awfully good! (actual words). My heart shudders when I think of how many good men were machine-gunned and killed at Ypres, Verdun, Somme, etc etc...very brave, our best! they didnt even stand a chance to be heros...good grief, war is not nice. How different our world would be without those two world wars, but yes, you're right, the dying throes of the British Empire saw the best generation fight for us, for our futures, giving us all they had, with strict rationing (ie no fkn food!) and the blitz at home, and we had to say thanks to the Yanks, (and pay them) for helping with the finishing touches, Now that Germany is the largest economy and mostly 'in charge' of the EU with a single currency...one wonders if the sacrifice has been respected in any other sense than dam-buster movies and jingoism. Look at us now, compared to Germany, uber alles, and you would think that we lost WW2.
@@mistag3860 you absolutely right. Thousands of years of history , countless wars , shared toil and struggle has brought us as a country to this point. And when you look around today it's like we don't even deserve it. The things we're putting up with , watching our culture bein slowly eroded ,our proud, hard won history now rewritten. Makes me sick. 👊💛👍
My Grandad was in N⁰ 1 commando and fought in North Africa, Saint-nazaire, IItaly including the raids for Monte Cassino. 'United We Conquer' their Motto. Lest We forget 🙏
@@tonyfraser1749 Sure it`s based on facts. I know the story. In 2016 when I visited Portsmouth Harbour and one of its naval historic museums with a friend of mine, there was a special exhebition about that raid and I could see one example of these small and fragile kayaks and all the equipment they used in that raid. When I saw that kayak pinned on the wall, spontaneously it popped out of me: Hey look, Cockleshell Heroes“. The guard who stood nearby had no clue what we were talking about. 😳😆My friend and I had to explain the whole story of that raid to her. 😄 We also advised her to see the movie. 🤓She thought we were history teachers. 😄We are not. We are just interested in all kind of history besides of military history. 😉
@@mikr2d2 I know it's based on fact, I'm ex Navy 24 years and my last six years in the navy was based in Pompey, I've worked with the marines, their good people!
@@tonyfraser1749 Well, so I am sure you have lots of memories from that time and many interesting stories to tell. 😉I hope not too many sailor`s yarn stories. 🤪😅
The late Lord Paddy Ashdown wrote the book ' A Brilliant Little Operation' which tells the story of Operation Frankton. Paddy Ashdown had been a member of SBS ( Special Boat Squadron ) during his service in the Royal Marines.I have read the book a few times ; I am always amazed at he bravery of our boys. I have seen the film countless times although I feel the film lacks 'something' possibly it feels a little low key when one considers the bravery of the Marines and the probability of execution if captured.
Hindsight is 20/20 If all had made it everyone would’ve thought it was worth it. Soldiers know some will die but you never think it will be you. It would make a great movie.
My dad was a Marine Mastsargent. A true Marine!. He supportive his whole life. I didn't deserve his support but he gave me his! Thank you daddy! Once a Marine always a Marine! Semper Fi my father!:
A film entitled " The Cockleshell Heroes ", starring Jose Ferrer, Trevor Howard, and a host of other well known actors, highlights the raid. It was made back in the late 1950's if my memory holds.
When on holiday on The Isle Of Wight a few years ago, I’m sure I saw some information and photographs of Blondie Hasler and the mission, saying that the kayaks they used were built there 👍🏼😎
Did Ellory and Fisher survive the War? Some years ago, a friend, whom had been a Police Officer like me said that he thought that we would have been capable of being a soldier in wartime. The only thing was that we would have been more questioning about the orders being given, rather than the blind obedience which was required. Very brave men who knew they might not return. The same quality as those who were involved in Operation Chariot (The Greatest Raid of All) who were told there would be no dishonour if they chose to withdraw from the operation. None did.
i remember years ago watching the film "The Cockleshell Heroes" which was based on this mission. Despite the costs in men, I think it was worth it as it probably made the Germans add more security to the ports and other zones. New subscriber.
Every single story of the British doing something militarily audacious to the point of insanity has a commanding officer who looks like the dude at 2:45 . If you typed "draw insane British commando officer" into an art AI it would draw you a picture just like that
Really impressed with the video , narration , diction,pronunciation etc all top class , story's told using facts .....Love It , keep them coming , liked and subbed
As a former Royal Marines Commando I'm very familiar with this. Still, journalists get this wrong...its Royal Marines Commando (Re Bill Sparkes) not Royal Marine Commando. Its not singular or plural, its belonging too. We wear flashes on our jumpers Royal Marines Commando.
Truly well done and the modern locale inserts give the daring feats of these heroes a real scale of accomplishment against their enemy. Kudos from Canada.
Such an incredible operation. Whilst the material image might have been small, the impact on the Germans, reallocation and distribution of resources was significant. It was also a great morale booster for the French and British people.
It has! Look up "Cockleshell Heroes" directed by José Ferrer. it was made in 1955. If you want something more modern, too bad, this youtube vid is the best for that.
Wait… 60 nautical miles via canoe!?!? That in and of itself is insane, then add in the rest and you begin to understand the moniker “The Greatest Generation”… I know that’s an American phrase or at least aimed at Americans born between 1900-1920, however I feel as if it encompasses every last allied soldier/partisan/resistance fighter and even civilians who stood against fascism and those who wished to destroy freedom and humanity.
Look into what has been claimed to be one of the greatest raids of ww2 operation 'chariot' the British commando raid at St Nazaire. The raids mission was put out of action the huge dry dock at St Nazaire as was the only one big enough in northern Europe to accommodate the german battleship Tirpitz.
@Chris Holland Yessir! Will do!! I have been obsessed with the WWII era since childhood. My grandfather served in the US Air Corps (precursor to the Air Force) and I used to sit and listen to him talk about that time period for hours upon hours. Sadly he passed away in 2007, but I have never lost that passion for WWII history. I appreciate the recommendation and you can rest assured that I will be neck deep in everything I can find regarding Chariot within minutes of this reply! Thanks again, hope you’re well and that things only continue to improve in perpetuity.
@Jackson Bauer That's great I hope enjoy researching the raid just in case you get through that there was another great raid that turned into a disaster. Operation jubilee the raid on the French coastal town of Dieppe 1942 .It was supposed to be a 'dry run ' for D-day to test german costs defences in occupied France but raid went badly wrong. It involved 5,000 Canadians, 1,000 British Army and Royal Marines Commandos, and around 50 US rangers .if your interested I won't spoil the rest of the story.
My great uncle george sheard And marine moffatt capsized And held on to blondie hazlers conoe for an hour untill they had to swim for it And the rest is history
I have eaten at the restaurant in Ruffec as my parents live near Ruffec. I also grew up in the Village where Mary lived when she was old in the UK. amazing story, well told.
I did not know about this raid...now i do. And yes, it was worth it. Not militarily...but moraly. It must have given hope to the French and other occupied peoples...and fear into Nazi-hearts. Very high cost with very high, inmeasureable moral concequences.
What an incredible story of bravery and sacrifice. I wonder what affect their attacks on the German ships had on the French population. Hopefully the French were elated to know that the Germans were given a black eye as the raid demonstrated 'we can get to you anywhere mate'.
Although the Special Boat Section later, the Special Boat Service had already been established, these intensively trained Royal Marines would really put their mark on Naval Special forces operations.
Thanks for taking the time to watch this video, we hope you found it worthwhile. We are proud to be able to share free content on here, but to keep doing so regularly, we would love your support. If you feel so inclined, please feel free to check out our Patreon page here: www.patreon.com/BattleGuide
I love the content ❤❤
I never cease to be amazed at the courage of young British men who risked their lives for our freedom. Often I look at my Grandchildren and think how lucky we are.
Now look at the state of the U.K. Many of that generation have said that if they knew how the U.K. would turn out they’d have never set foot on the beaches in Normandy.
@@schuletrip My Dad fought in North Africa and my Uncle Tom a commando who landed on D Day plus 2. I know both would do it again. Tomorrow as would the brave British soldiers who took part. This country is the finest in the world and ‘The state of it’ as you refer is an opinion I don’t share.
For ever grateful thanks gramp and to every one else who fort for us. And thanks for making it home gramp from my dad his brother his children my sister's my son granddaughter and 70 outer family members all hear because of you Rip
where r in ur mind hundreds of thousands of foreign troops who fought with British ..
They are English Exceptionalists so are kind of blinkered to the input of non UK combatants.
The Brits did a few crazy things during WW2 but they had balls and left a legacy that is unmatched today, for such a small Island they earnt their place in history
@@highcountrydelatite outside of Australia it isn't well known.
@@highcountrydelatite I know of Z force, I watched the miniseries with that bloke from Neighbours in it.
All soldiers that fight and die for their country are legends.
I also know the contribution Australia had during World War Two, even after they pulled out of Europe to defend their own country (rightly so)
My dad was proud at what they did. He said it gave everybody hope.
l never heard of this raid until now,we should all be thankful to all the brave soldiers that gave all for the better and we will never forget what each of them accomplshed
WW2 Commandos were a cut above the rest, my late Grandfather was in 1 Commando.
We are not worthy of these fine, brave young men.
My father was one of the physical training instructors for this mission .
We should not forget these bravehearts the supreme sacrifice they made. 🙏🙏🙏🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳... Tributes from india.
Extreme Men of Substance and Bravery
Well known story in the Royal Marines. During training,1983, Sparks, Blondies number 2, came down to visit us. Kindle has most books on this raid. The biography, " Blondie" Ewen Southby Tailyour is probably the best. Bill Sparks also wrote his version of the raid. To answer your question " was it worth it?" Well, my late French mother told me her earliest childhood memory was standing in the Metro, Paris underground, with a German jackboot right next to her.
Due to a lack of communication between various secret groups there was a Special Operations Executive team in the same port at the same time and with the same task. In fact they were about to move on those ships when the explosives went off.
The 1955 feature film ‘based on’ the operation “The Cockleshell Heroes” was very watchable but no moving picture entertainment can possible portray the bravery, tragedy and sheer blind commitment of those involved. Far better humans than I, every one of them and the hundreds of thousands like them!
They are the Greatest Generation. We stand on the shoulders of giants.
I will not judge them as some do they went they succeeded ,thank you for your service.
Amazing video. Albert Laver was my Granny's cousin, so my second cousin, immensely proud. Thank you so much.
The odds were long the survival rate abysmal, the bravery epic and the survivors and the dead were honored. I suppose the planners expected some losses, but only two survivors!! Bravo.
The raiders did more damage than a crew of a Lancaster, B-17 or B-24. Those gents typically missed their targets by miles and all ten aircrew were lost at once when the aircraft was shot down.
Brave men all. God rest their souls.
Hitler's declaration about captured Commando's was prompted by the "Raid on St Nazaire". Narrated by Jeremy Clarkson in his
V C series, well worth a watch
The Commando Order was due to the raid on Sark later in the year . German prisoners bolted and had to be killed to keep them quiet . Anders Lassen used his knife . The Germans thought it murder hence the Order to kill all commandos
They lost me when the narrator said, "They had to paddle 60 miles..." These were MEN, honest to goodness MEN! How I wish I could have met them. May they rest in peace, because they went through Hell. As a 74 year old American, I was raised hearing the stories from the men from the United States military. The man from our allies were no less brave and heroic!
You don't get heroes like that no more buddy
These soldiers had King Kong sized balls. And remember their wet and cold probably on limited rations. Can't build a fire to warm up. These are the stories the young in the for now free countries need to hear about. A salute to all 12 of them.
Actually 4 survived since two had to stay in the sub.
What skill, heroism and determination,such respect
I found out recently that LC Blondie Hasler is my Great great Uncle (I knew of uncle Blondie, I just didnt know he was a war hero).Thank you for creating this video so I can learn more about him!
Years after the War my mum worked with Bill Sparks. Said he was a lovely man.
God Bless these heroes. They gave all their tomorrow's, so we could have our today's.
According to Paddy Ashdown, he once met “Blondie” Hasler on a train, he apparently bragged to “Blondie” that he was joining the Royal Marines, which he did as well as ending up in the SBS for a period.
The Cockleshell heroes are part of SBS history to this day - long may they be remembered.
My own time as a Royal and C Squadron member was nothing as “boys own” stuff as this, but maybe when the OSA allows the details to be told about our times, especially my last tour in October 2001, Afghanistan and Tora Bora “bun fight”.
Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few,
Lest we forget,
We shall never surrender
@@adambane1719To anyone.
I can't see how anyone would think the cost of the mission was worth the outcome. Good job on the video!
It was just 10 soldiers.... they took out multiple ships ! They strangled the areas supply’s and most like let other allied soldiers kill more of the enemy... the enemy soldiers time that they took up trying to repair their logistics in turn giving them less resources and prep time to other campaigns.... 10 lives is definitely worth the cost in a war of global logistics and tactics
Damaging enemy morale, diversion of resources, creating uncertainty, creating fear of attack from any direction, boosting morale of the French, Ally’s, creating myths and legends, pushing the boundaries of military capability, seizing the initiative, all for less than a price of a bomber crew! Yeh, what could possibly be with it?
Ask any one of the 8 that didn’t return would they do it again if the could, of course they would
Thanks for putting this video on. These people should not be forgotten. If this was taught in schools and the reason they had to do what they have done it would change the attitude of a lot of the younger generation. Thanks again.
I'm simultaneously thrilled and gutted that I discovered this AMAZING channel! Thrilled because the content is EXCELLENT! Gutted because there are only 7 videos so far! 😢 🤣
Make more! Keep up this AMAZING work!
Very well presented story including real camera shots of the exact places where they had been. Awesom work guys, thank you for sharing!
Anyway, best wishes to all decent people from Prague, Czech republic!
This was made into a great movie called The Cockleshell Heroes. Australian forces also did a canoe raid on Singapore harbour called operation Jaywick. This was made into a mini series called The Heroes. Both are great flicks ell worth watching.
Jaywick was an amazing raid. Well planned and I believe that these men trained in Kurringai chase. What was the casualty rate? I am of the understanding they all made it out safely. St. Nazaire another remarkable raid. The effectiveness is only really borne out in enemy morale, a difficult thing to measure.
Inspiring story, & well done video! Those British commandos were cut from a different cloth!!! Subbed
Awesome, thank you!
Brave men indeed were those commandos.lest we forget
The courage and bravery of these men and all the allied soldiers of this greatest generation must never be forgotten! Thank you!
Great, brave men. Incredibly courageous. If Mountbatten thought this up, perhaps he should have gone with them?
He also planned another raid in which commands were sent to a French port,on a ship which was in a bad state, to destroy dry dock . A lot of commandoes lost their lives even though the mission was accomplished. Mountbatten seemed to love to come up with impossible missions that led to huge number of people losing their lives.
Mountbatten got what he deserved eventually.
Mountbatten was promoted to India with strict instructions from Churchill that the arsehole had absolutely no authority over strategic or tactical planning 👀
@@masaukochitsamba7808 You maybe thinking of St. Nazaire. The two guys who went ashore and made it out were remarkably cautious. But the odds were enormous hiding in plain sight really. Gutsy stuff, I have the book at home. A good read but title and author escapes me.
@@grantadam7674 Yeah, the raid on St Nazaire. I understand Mountbatten thought of that one too. He seemed to like sending commandos to their deaths.
Brilliant work by the bravest of the brave. 😎👍
It was by such remarkable sacrifices
The world is today free thankyou
Britain lalitha south india
Best generation we've ever produced. Brave and tenacious men. God love um.👊💛👍
Nelson has left the chat, and the Zulus thought the soldiers at Rorke's drift were jolly brave, and awfully good! (actual words). My heart shudders when I think of how many good men were machine-gunned and killed at Ypres, Verdun, Somme, etc etc...very brave, our best! they didnt even stand a chance to be heros...good grief, war is not nice. How different our world would be without those two world wars, but yes, you're right, the dying throes of the British Empire saw the best generation fight for us, for our futures, giving us all they had, with strict rationing (ie no fkn food!) and the blitz at home, and we had to say thanks to the Yanks, (and pay them) for helping with the finishing touches, Now that Germany is the largest economy and mostly 'in charge' of the EU with a single currency...one wonders if the sacrifice has been respected in any other sense than dam-buster movies and jingoism. Look at us now, compared to Germany, uber alles, and you would think that we lost WW2.
@@mistag3860 you absolutely right. Thousands of years of history , countless wars , shared toil and struggle has brought us as a country to this point. And when you look around today it's like we don't even deserve it. The things we're putting up with , watching our culture bein slowly eroded ,our proud, hard won history now rewritten.
Makes me sick. 👊💛👍
My Grandad was in N⁰ 1 commando and fought in North Africa, Saint-nazaire, IItaly including the raids for Monte Cassino.
'United We Conquer' their Motto.
Lest We forget 🙏
Brave men. RIP. The best of British.
There was a movie about this, it's called The Cockelshell Heros. A great movie.
Yep. 👍 Starring José Ferrer and Trevor Howard in it. I like the soundtrack of that movie.
It's based on facts and it is the start of the SBS who were formed after this, and until recent years the SBS were chosen from elite Marines,
@@tonyfraser1749 Sure it`s based on facts. I know the story. In 2016 when I visited Portsmouth Harbour and one of its naval historic museums with a friend of mine, there was a special exhebition about that raid and I could see one example of these small and fragile kayaks and all the equipment they used in that raid. When I saw that kayak pinned on
the wall, spontaneously it popped out of me: Hey look, Cockleshell Heroes“. The guard who stood nearby had no clue what we were talking about. 😳😆My friend and I had to explain the whole story of that raid to her. 😄 We also advised her to see the movie. 🤓She thought we were history teachers. 😄We are not. We are just interested in all kind
of history besides of military history. 😉
@@mikr2d2 I know it's based on fact, I'm ex Navy 24 years and my last six years in the navy was based in Pompey, I've worked with the marines, their good people!
@@tonyfraser1749 Well, so I am sure you have lots of memories from that time and many interesting stories to tell. 😉I hope not too many sailor`s yarn stories. 🤪😅
The late Lord Paddy Ashdown wrote the book ' A Brilliant Little Operation' which tells the story of Operation Frankton. Paddy Ashdown had been a member of SBS ( Special Boat Squadron ) during his service in the Royal Marines.I have read the book a few times ; I am always amazed at he bravery of our boys. I have seen the film countless times although I feel the film lacks
'something' possibly it feels a little low key when one considers the bravery of the Marines and the probability of execution if captured.
Brave as Lions the British will take on the challenge despite the odds
These Commandos carries their balls in a wheelbarrow (period)
RIP. Thank you.
oh yes as someone who has paddled kayaks in estuaries incredible skill and bravery for that alone, very well done thank you.
i totaly agree has a ex kayaker i have paddled through a tidal mouth of my local river against the tide once and i was exsausted
God bless commandos
Those words arnt even powerful enough
Hindsight is 20/20
If all had made it everyone would’ve thought it was worth it.
Soldiers know some will die but you never think it will be you.
It would make a great movie.
It is a movie. The Cockleshell Heroes.
We owe so much to so few this video gives them credit hurrah
Sometimes a small operation like this has it's merits! I feel this was one of them! Bloody good show!
My dad was a Marine Mastsargent.
A true Marine!. He supportive his whole life. I didn't deserve his support but he gave me his! Thank you daddy! Once a Marine always a Marine! Semper Fi my father!:
A film entitled " The Cockleshell Heroes ", starring Jose Ferrer, Trevor Howard, and a host of other well known actors, highlights the raid. It was made back in the late 1950's if my memory holds.
Great video on true courage and selflessness!
Glad you liked it!
All I can say is WOW‼️
Amazing! May they rest in peace; brave souls.
Wow, what great and brave men.
Really interesting video. The format is great especially the virtual tour and testimony. Keep it up!
Thank you for the kind words Stewart. We are glad you enjoyed it!
When on holiday on The Isle Of Wight a few years ago, I’m sure I saw some information and photographs of Blondie Hasler and the mission, saying that the kayaks they used were built there 👍🏼😎
Did Ellory and Fisher survive the War?
Some years ago, a friend, whom had been a Police Officer like me said that he thought that we would have been capable of being a soldier in wartime. The only thing was that we would have been more questioning about the orders being given, rather than the blind obedience which was required. Very brave men who knew they might not return. The same quality as those who were involved in Operation Chariot (The Greatest Raid of All) who were told there would be no dishonour if they chose to withdraw from the operation. None did.
The real green berets
i remember years ago watching the film "The Cockleshell Heroes" which was based on this mission. Despite the costs in men, I think it was worth it as it probably made the Germans add more security to the ports and other zones. New subscriber.
Thanks George... great to have you along for the journey. Yes the psycholgical benefits of the raid far surpass the material damage caused.
@@angloaust1575 If I remember the mission parameters correctly, they were operating in the occupied part of France, not Vichy France.
@@BattleGuideVT Yes, kind of like the aftermath of the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion attack on Makin Island in 1942.
Every single story of the British doing something militarily audacious to the point of insanity has a commanding officer who looks like the dude at 2:45 . If you typed "draw insane British commando officer" into an art AI it would draw you a picture just like that
May they rest in peace 😢
Really impressed with the video , narration , diction,pronunciation etc all top class , story's told using facts .....Love It , keep them coming , liked and subbed
Thank you very much!
As a former Royal Marines Commando I'm very familiar with this. Still, journalists get this wrong...its Royal Marines Commando (Re Bill Sparkes) not Royal Marine Commando. Its not singular or plural, its belonging too. We wear flashes on our jumpers Royal Marines Commando.
Truly well done and the modern locale inserts give the daring feats of these heroes a real scale of accomplishment against their enemy. Kudos from Canada.
Thank you!
Such an incredible operation. Whilst the material image might have been small, the impact on the Germans, reallocation and distribution of resources was significant. It was also a great morale booster for the French and British people.
This makes the Doolittle raid look sane.
Very good storytelling. First video of yours i see and i am subscribing!
Amazing Rod - thankyou very much!
One word: RESPECT!!
all of these are incredible, just listening is fascinating---great stuff!
Why hasn’t this been made into a movie?
It has! Look up "Cockleshell Heroes" directed by José Ferrer. it was made in 1955. If you want something more modern, too bad, this youtube vid is the best for that.
I always wondered how much of the Jose Ferrer movie "Cockleshell Heroes" was true...
Excellent story telling. Cheers
a great story well told.
Thank you
Great job
Thanks for the kind comment Andrew.
Awesome story well put together
The definition of true hero’s. They knew the overwhelming risks, yet did not hesitate to give their lives for their country. Truly amazing.
That's been a British soldier death before dishonour n some big balls
Wait… 60 nautical miles via canoe!?!? That in and of itself is insane, then add in the rest and you begin to understand the moniker “The Greatest Generation”… I know that’s an American phrase or at least aimed at Americans born between 1900-1920, however I feel as if it encompasses every last allied soldier/partisan/resistance fighter and even civilians who stood against fascism and those who wished to destroy freedom and humanity.
Look into what has been claimed to be one of the greatest raids of ww2 operation 'chariot' the British commando raid at St Nazaire. The raids mission was put out of action the huge dry dock at St Nazaire as was the only one big enough in northern Europe to accommodate the german battleship Tirpitz.
@Chris Holland Yessir! Will do!! I have been obsessed with the WWII era since childhood. My grandfather served in the US Air Corps (precursor to the Air Force) and I used to sit and listen to him talk about that time period for hours upon hours. Sadly he passed away in 2007, but I have never lost that passion for WWII history. I appreciate the recommendation and you can rest assured that I will be neck deep in everything I can find regarding Chariot within minutes of this reply! Thanks again, hope you’re well and that things only continue to improve in perpetuity.
@Jackson Bauer That's great I hope enjoy researching the raid just in case you get through that there was another great raid that turned into a disaster. Operation jubilee the raid on the French coastal town of Dieppe 1942 .It was supposed to be a 'dry run ' for D-day to test german costs defences in occupied France but raid went badly wrong. It involved 5,000 Canadians, 1,000 British Army and Royal Marines Commandos, and around 50 US rangers .if your interested I won't spoil the rest of the story.
United Nations is the Illuminati stronghold that is the ultimate Fascist dictatorship as told in Revelation.
There courage risking injury or death to complete a mission always amazes me.
Travail exceptionnel. Merci à vous et souvenons nous de ces hommes et de leurs sacrifices en ce jour du 8 mai
My great uncle george sheard
And marine moffatt capsized
And held on to blondie hazlers conoe for an hour untill they had to swim for it
And the rest is history
Brave men
This exploit was told in the film 'The Cockleshell Heroes' i believe, which i saw as a child. The film is still available on DVD i assume.
Incredible Story and courage. Thanks for making the video to tell these men's story.
What a brilliant story of heroism
This channel is incredible!! Thx for the great videos !!
Unbelievable courage. Amazing. 👍
I think in all due respect to these gallant men,there should be no adverts on historical channels,
Then how would the content creators get compensated for their hard work?
This is an exceptional story of courage and dedication which will undoubtedly stand throughout Eternity.
I have eaten at the restaurant in Ruffec as my parents live near Ruffec. I also grew up in the Village where Mary lived when she was old in the UK. amazing story, well told.
Well done to Mary ...... We must honour her bravery too..
Absolutely! What her team did was marvelous.
Yes.
i hope all these people are in heaven today.
I did not know about this raid...now i do. And yes, it was worth it. Not militarily...but moraly. It must have given hope to the French and other occupied peoples...and fear into Nazi-hearts. Very high cost with very high, inmeasureable moral concequences.
Brilliant video, thank you.
Thanks Paul, glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for the video. Great WW2 content!
What an incredible story of bravery and sacrifice. I wonder what affect their attacks on the German ships had on the French population. Hopefully the French were elated to know that the Germans were given a black eye as the raid demonstrated 'we can get to you anywhere mate'.
What a great story of courage and dare, well told. Thank you.
Our pleasure!
What bravery and determination these men had.Basically,it was a suicide mission.Many thanks from the good Ole U.S.A.
Although the Special Boat Section later, the Special Boat Service had already been established, these intensively trained Royal Marines would really put their mark on Naval Special forces operations.
True heroes!
The 2 that stayed on the sub didn't get to go drink with them?
Bill Sparks was a local hero in south Essex.