An interesting thing to note this week on December 20 1943 is that German Luftwaffe fighter ace Oberleutnant Franz Stigler will decline to shoot down the heavily damaged American B-17 Flying Fortress bomber Ye Olde Pub and instead would escort the plane until it left German airspace. The B-17 bomber, which was piloted by 2nd Lieutenant Charlie Brown and was on its first mission, managed to land safely at its base at RAF Seething. Fourty-seven years later in 1990, Brown would locate Stigler and both of them would become close friends until the death of both of them in 2008.
From 1920 to 1943, J.R.R. Tolkien wrote and illustrated a series of letters to his children from Father Christmas (Santa Claus in America). The last one was in 1943, the last Christmas his youngest child, Priscilla, hung her stocking: Cliff House, North Pole, Christmas 1943 My dear Priscilla A very happy Christmas! I suppose you will be hanging up your stocking just once more: I hope so for I have still a few little things for you. After this I shall have to say “goodbye”, more or less: I mean, I shall not forget you. We always keep the old numbers of our old friends, and their letters; and later on we hope to come back when they are grown up and have houses of their own and children. My messengers tell me that people call it “grim” this year. I think they mean miserable: and so it is, I fear, in very many places where I was specially fond of going; but I am very glad to hear that you are still not really miserable. Don’t be! I am still very much alive, and shall come back again soon, as merry as ever. There has been no damage in my country; and though my stocks are running rather low I hope soon to put that right. Polar Bear - too “tired” to write himself (so he says) - *I am reely* sends a special message to you: love and a hug! He says: do ask if she still has a bear called Silly Billy, or sometimes like that; or is he worn out? Give my love to the others: John and Michael and Christopher - and of course to all your pets that you used to tell me about. As I have not got very many of the things you usually want, I am sending you some nice bright clean money - I have lots of that (more than you have, I expect; but it is not very much use to me, perhaps it will be to you). You might find it useful to buy a book with that you really want. Very much love from your old friend, Father Christmas.
I was always told in Canadian history classes that the Axis holding on Ortona was never really understood or was senseless defense with no other reason than to inflict casualties, but thanks to your series i now understand the wider Italian Campaign, and the delaying actions the Axis were taking that made Ortona the fight it became.
On some level the whole Italian campaign was pretty senseless for the axis, the whole thing was a huge delaying action. Necessary in the minds of German leadership, but there was no strategic victory to be gained there.
@@florianbraun1492 When Italy pulled out of the war, it created a vacuum that Germans had to fill just to prevent the Allies from marching up the Italian peninsula and establishing ports and airbases which would have complicated the ground and air defenses of the Reich. That said, Churchill's "soft underbelly of Europe" thesis was always a bit lame, it is a very long way from the River Po over the mountains and into Austria and Germany.
That Christmas rendition at the end of the video is sober yet beautiful and meaningful at the same time, Indy and the World War Two Team. Wishing everyone happy holidays and a Merry Christmas to all of you here! 😊
My father in law did six combat patrols in the submarine service and had many great stories. His favorite happened this week in 1943 while on the USS Gato. They attacked a Japanese convoy and then survived numerous depth charges from two escort vessels. After the engagement he was the first man out of the hatch and saw a depth charge resting on the deck of the boat. They put the deck awash, rolled the charge onto a rubber dinghy, floated it away from the boat, shot the raft and watched the charge explode at its set depth. The submariners did an inordinate amount of damage in the Pacific theater.
Interesting that Churchill's legendary stubbornness, which was so valuable in 1940, is now more of a hindrance to the Western Allied war effort. Dude sure liked his ambitious amphibious assaults (Burma and Anzio spring to mind from recent episodes).
Recently my grandmother passed. She was born in 1938 so she was a survivor of WW2 which occurred during her childhood. Miss you very much granny. R. I. P☦️☦️🙏🙏😭😭. Her mother (my great grandmother) was one of the women fighters of the Greek resistance forces. (EAM ELLAS). She died merely 7 months after I was born. Thank you for your work. Keep educating us dear Time Ghost team. Merry Christmas and a happy NEW Year once again.
BATTLE OF ORTONA (17-28 December) Part 2 Ortona was fought for street by street and house by house in actions that were more often the work of sections or platoons rather than companies or battalions. First into the town on 21 December were the Edmontons, supported by some Three Rivers’ tanks, making their incursion on a 500-yard front along the axis of the central streets. But this was too much for a single battalion and so Brigadier Hoffmeister of 2nd Canadian Brigade deployed a company of Seaforth. On the 23rd the entire Seaforth battalion was committed. German defensive measures were, as ever, scientific with demolitions aimed to funnel the Canadians into a killing ground in the Piazza Municipale. But the Edmonton commander chose not to advance by the route desired by the Germans. He allowed the tanks to use that approach, having ensured that it was clear of mines, while his companies made parallel approaches. The German paratroopers, fresh, well trained and equipped and thoroughly imbued with Nazism, fought like disciplined demons. Each sturdy Italian house that they elected to defend became a strong-point, from every floor of which they opposed the Canadian advance with fire from a variety of weapons. They left other buildings booby-trapped or planted with delayed charges; and if these faced houses which they were holding, they demolished the front walls in order to expose the interiors to their own fire from across the street. Every obstructing pile of rubble was covered by machine guns sited in a second storey,* and the litter of shattered stone and broken brick usually concealed a liberal sowing of anti-tank and anti-personnel mines. The Three Rivers’ Sherman tanks proved invaluable with tank and infantry commanders devising tactics on the hoof as the tanks switched from being mobile pillboxes, providing covering machine-gun fire for the infantry, to being assault guns with their 75mm shells ‘smashing gaping holes in the walls of enemy-held buildings’, to bringing forward ammunition and evacuating wounded. All the while they faced the constant threat of ‘German anti-tank guns sited to cover the obvious approaches and often concealed close behind the barricades so as to catch the attacking tank’s exposed underside as it climbed over the rubble’. Further invaluable support was provided by the 6-pounder anti-tank guns of the infantry battalions and the 6- and 17-pounders of 90th Anti-Tank Battery. These weapons proved much more suitable than field artillery for fighting in a built-up area and provided devastating support as well as very accurate fire against buildings concealing snipers. As the battle progressed the infantry devised a method of moving from house to house without appearing outdoors. This was an improved version of the ‘mouse-holing’ already taught in battle schools which involved breaking through a dividing wall with a pick or crowbar. Now the pioneers used ‘Beehive’ demolition charges to achieve the same result much faster. While infantry sheltered in a ground floor, pioneers set charges against the wall in the top storey and when the explosive blew the infantry section charged through the gap to clear the enemy from the neighbouring house. Thus did the Canadians clear entire rows of houses forcing German paras to pull back ever more. On 28 December the Canadians emerged victorious at the northern end of Ortona and with ‘an enhanced reputation, and a technique of street fighting which was to be closely studied by training staffs in all the Allied armies’. They had, however, paid a heavy price with 650 casualties. As the Germans withdrew from Ortona the struggle continued elsewhere. Santa Nicola and Santa Tomassa were taken by 1st Canadian Brigade on 31 December before 3rd Canadian Brigade took over to push forward to Torre Mucchia which was reached on 4 January 1944. On 23 December 5th British Division took Arielli in an attack co-ordinated with a New Zealander thrust against the Fontegrande plateau. The latter attack aimed to isolate Orsogna but the German garrison there still held out. An attack on Christmas Eve had also been rebuffed and by the afternoon of Christmas Day it was clear to General Freyberg , the veteran New Zealand Division commander that there could be no further advance for the time being. He commented that it was now more a question of being able to hold what the Division had rather than making any further gains. Eighth Army in Italy , Long Hard Slog - Richard Doherty
@@chaptermasterpedrokantor1623 Let's not get ahead of ourselves. Except Dieppe raid and a battalion in Hong Kong , Canadian Army was not fighting so far. Since the beginning of war Royal Canadian Air Force and Royal Canadian Navy were all fully deployed plus Canadian volunteers in RAF and RN but at this stage of war when British themselves were having shortage of manpower for land war , rather fresh Canadian army forces were logical (if cruel and cynical) pick for fighting on land.
@@merdiolu Actually 2 battalions at Hong Kong, but otherwise true. Vokes thought the Germans would have abandoned Ortona to take up a more defensible line 2 miles north of the town, so they initially thought Ortona would be a "piece of cake". It didn't take long to realize otherwise. Apparently Hitler wanted Ortona held to keep the port out of allied hands.
My father (Royal Canadian Engineers) helped get the tanks into Ortona and also put his dead comrades into temporary graves. He was a tough, stoic man. The only time I saw him cry was on Remembrance Day.
The decoration for this episode is quite sobering. That shrapnel and bullet riddled helmet and canteen. It only occured to me at the end of the episode that the candle is sitting on a shattered soup plate ...
Silent Night at the end gave me goosebumps. "Sleep in heavenly Peace" while showing graves being dug. Very stirring! A world truly gone mad. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
For those interested about the waste of the 25th Panzer Division, Guderian devotes a number of pages to this story in Panzer Leader, battle of Fastov, late Nov, 1943.
These people know how to make my hair spike up when they spice up the endings to each episode, from the start of this war, to the fall of Greece with the radio broadcast, to what we had today...
Here's an interesting fact about the fighting at Ortona. On December 25, 1943 Officers of The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada managed to rotate parts of the battalion off the front line so they could enjoy a Christmas dinner. In the bombed out church of Santa Maria de Constantinopoli the men enjoyed roast pork, mash potatoes, vegetables, wine/beer and some carols before heading back into Little Stalingrad. For some this was their last meal, for others it was a meal they could only dream of as they were killed on their way to the church. The Moro River campaign was the deadliest period of the Italian campaign for the Canadians. It became known as "Bloody December" as a quarter of all Canadian casualties in Italy occurred during this month.
My father loves history as much as I do and I went to his and my mother’s home the other day and saw he was watching the Great War series on his phone. He loves that channel. Thank you for all you all do. Happy holidays from our family to yours!
Nice closing words. One of the things that I have found beneficial about being a casual history enthusiast is that studying history really helps to put the "craziness" of the modern world into perspective.
Beautifully done Neidell and Team, particularly the sobering ending. I sat here at my screen, contemplative quietly taking it all in. Merry Christmas/ Happy Holidays, YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST! Will be joining Army 1st of '23...
Watching this November 2023. Looking forward to seeing December 1944 this year. Christmas had to be so somber with the Bulge on. Thank you to all who have a part in this channel. So we'll done!
I saw an interview with a tank commander from the Three Rivers regiment and he bitterly lamented that there were 1300 Canadian graves at Ortona, and that the prize had _not_ been worth all these lives. I think he was not impressed with the Allied command in the region and how it fought the war in Ortona in particular. After Ortona was taken, a Canadian film crew found a surprise when they congregated at the Canadian command HQ outside of Ortona. They discovered that there were a number of "observers" from the Soviet army who had been there for the entirety of the battle. They had been sent by Stalin to see if the fighting was vigorous enough and that the Allies were not slacking off while the Soviet armies bore the brunt of the German ability to resist. Apparently the Soviet observers were quite satisfied that the fighting was vicious enough. They were impressed that the Allies attacked with only a 3 to 1 advantage, while their Soviet forces always made sure to have a 5 to 1 superiority. And perhaps this is why the Three Rivers tank commander was very dissatisfied with his own commanders tactics in Ortona. It may very well have been somewhat reckless in order to make their Soviet observers happy, and gain the town with whatever numbers of dead and casualties made for the fastest victory. 🤔🤷♂🤨
Merry Christmas, Indy, to you and your team. Thank you for this year's superb coverage, and for all the hard work, humour, and humanity that gone into it.
I would have three dimes if I got a dime for every time Churchill launched a dangerous amphibious landing. This isn't much, but as an Allied commander, you have gotta ask are you really gonna let the man who orchestrated Galipoi have another go at planning amphibious landings.
Thanks a lot to all your team!!! Guys, you are implementing a unique project that no one has ever done before. Good luck and of course Merry Christmas! 👏
Merry Christmas to the makers of this show. Thank you for the many years of footage. I have been with Indy and team since the Great War. I would love Hotzensocks this christmas or some Mussolini-mittens.
That outro came hitting right on the feels, man ~. I was going through a rough spot; feeling at the brink of hopelessness. However, that montage shook me enough to make me reflect on how tiny and superfluous my supposed problems really are. Now I just feel a tad embarrassed by the glass of water I was drowning in. Thank you and happy holidays!
Very poignant ending, Merry Christmas everyone and thank you for your hard work in making this brilliant series. If only there was peace on Earth this Christmas.
Happy Holidays to the team. A huge thank you for the outstanding work you have done for your viewers this year. I hope everyone is happy and healthy, and that you get some good rest in 🎄🎄🎄
God this episode was AWESOME! The detailed breakdowns of the Eastee Front were fantastic! Thank you for this great piece of content and Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas. A long term gift is that you started the great war and now we have this :) indie your guys work is one of the greatest feats I've ever witnessed.
THANK YOU INDY, AND A VERY, MERRY, CHRISTMAS TO YOU, YOUR FAMILY, AND THE REST OF THE TIME GHOST GANG!! AND THANK YOU ALSO, FOR THE MANY GREAT EPISODES YOU MADE FOR US DURING THIS LONG, SAD, WAR AND DISEASE FILLED YEAR!! CHAS ORVIS, PLAINVILLE, CT.
As 1943 is coming to a close it is a utmost pleasure to follow you guys by doing this project in a time where we still see major political wars you the timeghost army tells us to 'never forget'. Those that have died in Italy or in Ukraine should have their actions talked about and tell us that all wars lead to only despair. Cannot wait what the year 1944 bring to the table.
Indy, I’ve been watching The Great War and can’t help but notice how good you’ve become at your craft. Now with WW2 you are just so good (and your support staff) at what you do, I feel completely spoiled with how entertaining and educational the channel has become. Just the best. Thank you!
Merry Christmas everyone, merry Christmas to my favorite channel. I tell everyone I meet how much I love this channel and encourage them to watch it with me!!!!
Merry Christmas to you all, Indy, Spartacus, Astrid, and the entire TimeGhostarmy. And thank you for your continuing amazing work for us all watching this, and following you :). This episode and week is also special in another way also for you all. Bechuse even do mention last week it is now official, this channel WW2 has been around longer then the Great War. Coungratulation and Happy holyday to you all. Best Regards/ your TimeGhostarmy member Peter Sveronius :) 🎄✨
Happy Holidays to all there at the channel. Thank you for a year of hard work and amazing dedication. Your epilogue at the end was so touching and reminds us that that history has a way of repeating itself, no matter how horrible it is. When will we learn?
1944 was definitely the year for the allies! So many offensives and victories, it sealed the fate of the axis for good! Late 1943 was the great preparation for that overwhelming pounce in all theaters of the war! Also I hope to see a detailed video on the last major battleship vs battleship battle of the war off the north cape of Norway!
True, the Germans had 23 divisions in Italy at the end of 1943, but they were very understrenght. They were equivalent to only ten divisions: about 150 thousand men.
This channel is absolutely AMAZING. Besides the usual efforts about places and forces - and besides the touching ending - it was very interesting to know the numbers of men and materiel in the eastern front. I would never imagine a tank parity - and almost that in men - at this point of the campaign.
Surprised you didn't mention the Charlie Brown Franz Stigler incident. Anyway, 1943 really couldnt have gone worse for the Wehrmacht. The Soviets are already almost back to their prewar borders. Happy Holidays to you and every member of the Timeghost Army! Somber ending to the video but important to keep things in perspective.
December 23/24 1944 was the night on which the Lancaster, flown by my grandmother's older brother (and my father's namesake) P/O Richard Rhys-Hughes, was shot down. Bomber Command lost 16 planes during that raid, which was a relatively light casualty rate for the 'Battle of Berlin' that winter; but a grievously heavy burden for my grandmother's family that Christmas.
Merry Christmas to all of you at the Time Ghost team and the Time Ghost Army. It's already the 5th Christmas in this war and no end in sight. May the wars of 2022 be shorter and less brutal.
From the bottom of our hearts here at TimeGhost we want to wish you all a Merry Christmas, and a very happy Hannukah and New Year!
Thanks, y'all!!!
And to you
Merry Christmas to you to
Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah and New Year to all!
Happy Christmas
An interesting thing to note this week on December 20 1943 is that German Luftwaffe fighter ace Oberleutnant Franz Stigler will decline to shoot down the heavily damaged American B-17 Flying Fortress bomber Ye Olde Pub and instead would escort the plane until it left German airspace. The B-17 bomber, which was piloted by 2nd Lieutenant Charlie Brown and was on its first mission, managed to land safely at its base at RAF Seething. Fourty-seven years later in 1990, Brown would locate Stigler and both of them would become close friends until the death of both of them in 2008.
I'm assuming snoopy was still flying the -doghouse- Sopwith camel and was unable to make the range
@@pnutz9010 Snoopy was in Italy fighting Richtofen (Red Baron's nephew)
No Bullets fly
I love that story so darn much ever since I found out about it
I read "A Higher Calling" long time ago. It's really good book.
I highly recommend it to everyone
That was a powerful ending. Brought me to tears. War is hell.
Me too.
A lesson we just can't seem to learn.
From 1920 to 1943, J.R.R. Tolkien wrote and illustrated a series of letters to his children from Father Christmas (Santa Claus in America). The last one was in 1943, the last Christmas his youngest child, Priscilla, hung her stocking:
Cliff House,
North Pole,
Christmas 1943
My dear Priscilla
A very happy Christmas! I suppose you will be hanging up your stocking just once more: I hope so for I have still a few little things for you. After this I shall have to say “goodbye”, more or less: I mean, I shall not forget you. We always keep the old numbers of our old friends, and their letters; and later on we hope to come back when they are grown up and have houses of their own and children.
My messengers tell me that people call it “grim” this year. I think they mean miserable: and so it is, I fear, in very many places where I was specially fond of going; but I am very glad to hear that you are still not really miserable. Don’t be! I am still very much alive, and shall come back again soon, as merry as ever. There has been no damage in my country; and though my stocks are running rather low I hope soon to put that right.
Polar Bear - too “tired” to write himself (so he says) -
*I am reely*
sends a special message to you: love and a hug! He says: do ask if she still has a bear called Silly Billy, or sometimes like that; or is he worn out?
Give my love to the others: John and Michael and Christopher - and of course to all your pets that you used to tell me about.
As I have not got very many of the things you usually want, I am sending you some nice bright clean money - I have lots of that (more than you have, I expect; but it is not very much use to me, perhaps it will be to you). You might find it useful to buy a book with that you really want.
Very much love from your old friend,
Father Christmas.
I was always told in Canadian history classes that the Axis holding on Ortona was never really understood or was senseless defense with no other reason than to inflict casualties, but thanks to your series i now understand the wider Italian Campaign, and the delaying actions the Axis were taking that made Ortona the fight it became.
The Battle of Ortona with Jayson Geroux
ruclips.net/video/06qfyRyEG0A/видео.html
On some level the whole Italian campaign was pretty senseless for the axis, the whole thing was a huge delaying action. Necessary in the minds of German leadership, but there was no strategic victory to be gained there.
That is probably because the Allied Command thought the germans would abbandon Ortona without a fight.
@@florianbraun1492 When Italy pulled out of the war, it created a vacuum that Germans had to fill just to prevent the Allies from marching up the Italian peninsula and establishing ports and airbases which would have complicated the ground and air defenses of the Reich. That said, Churchill's "soft underbelly of Europe" thesis was always a bit lame, it is a very long way from the River Po over the mountains and into Austria and Germany.
Canadians at peace: "I'm sorry."
Canadians at war: "You're sorry."
they are more like "you better be sorry"
That Christmas rendition at the end of the video is sober yet beautiful and meaningful at the same time, Indy and the World War Two Team. Wishing everyone happy holidays and a Merry Christmas to all of you here! 😊
Gave me flashbacks, haven't seen one like that since the barbarossa kickoff
It was probably one of their best outros.
I hate X-mas music. Silent Night...Jingle Bells, Rum pa pum pum...makes me puke.
Do you know who sang the ending?
My father in law did six combat patrols in the submarine service and had many great stories. His favorite happened this week in 1943 while on the USS Gato. They attacked a Japanese convoy and then survived numerous depth charges from two escort vessels. After the engagement he was the first man out of the hatch and saw a depth charge resting on the deck of the boat. They put the deck awash, rolled the charge onto a rubber dinghy, floated it away from the boat, shot the raft and watched the charge explode at its set depth.
The submariners did an inordinate amount of damage in the Pacific theater.
Respect.
Interesting that Churchill's legendary stubbornness, which was so valuable in 1940, is now more of a hindrance to the Western Allied war effort.
Dude sure liked his ambitious amphibious assaults (Burma and Anzio spring to mind from recent episodes).
Recently my grandmother passed. She was born in 1938 so she was a survivor of WW2 which occurred during her childhood. Miss you very much granny. R. I. P☦️☦️🙏🙏😭😭. Her mother (my great grandmother) was one of the women fighters of the Greek resistance forces. (EAM ELLAS). She died merely 7 months after I was born.
Thank you for your work. Keep educating us dear Time Ghost team. Merry Christmas and a happy NEW Year once again.
BATTLE OF ORTONA (17-28 December) Part 2
Ortona was fought for street by street and house by house in actions that were more often the work of sections or platoons rather than companies or battalions. First into the town on 21 December were the Edmontons, supported by some Three Rivers’ tanks, making their incursion on a 500-yard front along the axis of the central streets. But this was too much for a single battalion and so Brigadier Hoffmeister of 2nd Canadian Brigade deployed a company of Seaforth. On the 23rd the entire Seaforth battalion was committed. German defensive measures were, as ever, scientific with demolitions aimed to funnel the Canadians into a killing ground in the Piazza Municipale. But the Edmonton commander chose not to advance by the route desired by the Germans. He allowed the tanks to use that approach, having ensured that it was clear of mines, while his companies made parallel approaches.
The German paratroopers, fresh, well trained and equipped and thoroughly imbued with Nazism, fought like disciplined demons. Each sturdy Italian house that they elected to defend became a strong-point, from every floor of which they opposed the Canadian advance with fire from a variety of weapons. They left other buildings booby-trapped or planted with delayed charges; and if these faced houses which they were holding, they demolished the front walls in order to expose the interiors to their own fire from across the street. Every obstructing pile of rubble was covered by machine guns sited in a second storey,* and the litter of shattered stone and broken brick usually concealed a liberal sowing of anti-tank and anti-personnel mines.
The Three Rivers’ Sherman tanks proved invaluable with tank and infantry commanders devising tactics on the hoof as the tanks switched from being mobile pillboxes, providing covering machine-gun fire for the infantry, to being assault guns with their 75mm shells ‘smashing gaping holes in the walls of enemy-held buildings’, to bringing forward ammunition and evacuating wounded. All the while they faced the constant threat of ‘German anti-tank guns sited to cover the obvious approaches and often concealed close behind the barricades so as to catch the attacking tank’s exposed underside as it climbed over the rubble’.
Further invaluable support was provided by the 6-pounder anti-tank guns of the infantry battalions and the 6- and 17-pounders of 90th Anti-Tank Battery. These weapons proved much more suitable than field artillery for fighting in a built-up area and provided devastating support as well as very accurate fire against buildings concealing snipers. As the battle progressed the infantry devised a method of moving from house to house without appearing outdoors. This was an improved version of the ‘mouse-holing’ already taught in battle schools which involved breaking through a dividing wall with a pick or crowbar. Now the pioneers used ‘Beehive’ demolition charges to achieve the same result much faster. While infantry sheltered in a ground floor, pioneers set charges against the wall in the top storey and when the explosive blew the infantry section charged through the gap to clear the enemy from the neighbouring house. Thus did the Canadians clear entire rows of houses forcing German paras to pull back ever more.
On 28 December the Canadians emerged victorious at the northern end of Ortona and with ‘an enhanced reputation, and a technique of street fighting which was to be closely studied by training staffs in all the Allied armies’. They had, however, paid a heavy price with 650 casualties.
As the Germans withdrew from Ortona the struggle continued elsewhere. Santa Nicola and Santa Tomassa were taken by 1st Canadian Brigade on 31 December before 3rd Canadian Brigade took over to push forward to Torre Mucchia which was reached on 4 January 1944. On 23 December 5th British Division took Arielli in an attack co-ordinated with a New Zealander thrust against the Fontegrande plateau. The latter attack aimed to isolate Orsogna but the German garrison there still held out. An attack on Christmas Eve had also been rebuffed and by the afternoon of Christmas Day it was clear to General Freyberg , the veteran New Zealand Division commander that there could be no further advance for the time being. He commented that it was now more a question of being able to hold what the Division had rather than making any further gains.
Eighth Army in Italy , Long Hard Slog - Richard Doherty
Doesn't matter which war, the Canadians always get assigned the toughest jobs by the British.
@@chaptermasterpedrokantor1623 Let's not get ahead of ourselves. Except Dieppe raid and a battalion in Hong Kong , Canadian Army was not fighting so far. Since the beginning of war Royal Canadian Air Force and Royal Canadian Navy were all fully deployed plus Canadian volunteers in RAF and RN but at this stage of war when British themselves were having shortage of manpower for land war , rather fresh Canadian army forces were logical (if cruel and cynical) pick for fighting on land.
@@merdiolu Actually 2 battalions at Hong Kong, but otherwise true. Vokes thought the Germans would have abandoned Ortona to take up a more defensible line 2 miles north of the town, so they initially thought Ortona would be a "piece of cake". It didn't take long to realize otherwise. Apparently Hitler wanted Ortona held to keep the port out of allied hands.
My father (Royal Canadian Engineers) helped get the tanks into Ortona and also put his dead comrades into temporary graves. He was a tough, stoic man. The only time I saw him cry was on Remembrance Day.
Because the Aussies were recalled to fight the japs
I just realized this war is now offically longer then WW1
So it begins… the March to year six
World War I ONLY lasted from 1914-1918. But World War II started from 1939-1945.
The decoration for this episode is quite sobering. That shrapnel and bullet riddled helmet and canteen. It only occured to me at the end of the episode that the candle is sitting on a shattered soup plate ...
Indy over here getting text messages on a rotary phone. The man is magic.
Merry Christmas. It's interesting to see the evolution of the frontline maps from 1939 to now where individual commanders have portraits
Silent Night at the end gave me goosebumps. "Sleep in heavenly Peace" while showing graves being dug. Very stirring! A world truly gone mad. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
For those interested about the waste of the 25th Panzer Division, Guderian devotes a number of pages to this story in Panzer Leader, battle of Fastov, late Nov, 1943.
Thanks Trotsky 🚩🚩
Merry Christmas guys. Thank you once again for continuing this series and here’s to a happy 2023/1944.
I wish someone believed in me as much as Churchill believed in amphibious landings 😔
Second time is the charm!
"Success is going from failure to failure without loosing enthusiasm"
These people know how to make my hair spike up when they spice up the endings to each episode, from the start of this war, to the fall of Greece with the radio broadcast, to what we had today...
Here's an interesting fact about the fighting at Ortona. On December 25, 1943 Officers of The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada managed to rotate parts of the battalion off the front line so they could enjoy a Christmas dinner. In the bombed out church of Santa Maria de Constantinopoli the men enjoyed roast pork, mash potatoes, vegetables, wine/beer and some carols before heading back into Little Stalingrad. For some this was their last meal, for others it was a meal they could only dream of as they were killed on their way to the church. The Moro River campaign was the deadliest period of the Italian campaign for the Canadians. It became known as "Bloody December" as a quarter of all Canadian casualties in Italy occurred during this month.
A mourning for those who had and had not gotten the shot to celebrate this most festive of holidays
Thanks Indy and Team. I can’t describe how much I love this whole series. As Sparty says, “ Never Forget”. Big Merry Christmas to you all.
My grandfather landed at Anzio. I don't know much about his experiences but I know he was there.
My father loves history as much as I do and I went to his and my mother’s home the other day and saw he was watching the Great War series on his phone. He loves that channel. Thank you for all you all do. Happy holidays from our family to yours!
Thank you this wonderful episode commemorating Christmas of 1943. Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to all.
My dad fought in the pacific theater
He fought like hell so I wouldn't have to
Nice closing words. One of the things that I have found beneficial about being a casual history enthusiast is that studying history really helps to put the "craziness" of the modern world into perspective.
Great Eastern Front content this week guys! Goes to show just how different a fighting force the Red Army is from only one or two years ago.
Merry Christmas, Indy, Spartacus, Astrid and the Time Ghost staff and army.
May your holidays find you safe and warm.
I am quite hyped for next week's episode, as 2 mighty battleships will face off in the cold seas near Norway
Beautifully done Neidell and Team, particularly the sobering ending. I sat here at my screen, contemplative quietly taking it all in. Merry Christmas/ Happy Holidays, YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST! Will be joining Army 1st of '23...
Watching this November 2023. Looking forward to seeing December 1944 this year. Christmas had to be so somber with the Bulge on. Thank you to all who have a part in this channel. So we'll done!
Incredible closing sequence. Thank you for this project.
Once again, a wonderful production. Mele Kalikimaka to the Time Ghost team!
My great uncle was at Anzio. Had some severe mental health problems, due to what he saw 👍
Merry Christmas 🎅
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to the Time Ghost crew and fellow Time Ghost Army members. ❄️🎄
I saw an interview with a tank commander from the Three Rivers regiment and he bitterly lamented that there were 1300 Canadian graves at Ortona, and that the prize had _not_ been worth all these lives. I think he was not impressed with the Allied command in the region and how it fought the war in Ortona in particular.
After Ortona was taken, a Canadian film crew found a surprise when they congregated at the Canadian command HQ outside of Ortona. They discovered that there were a number of "observers" from the Soviet army who had been there for the entirety of the battle. They had been sent by Stalin to see if the fighting was vigorous enough and that the Allies were not slacking off while the Soviet armies bore the brunt of the German ability to resist. Apparently the Soviet observers were quite satisfied that the fighting was vicious enough. They were impressed that the Allies attacked with only a 3 to 1 advantage, while their Soviet forces always made sure to have a 5 to 1 superiority. And perhaps this is why the Three Rivers tank commander was very dissatisfied with his own commanders tactics in Ortona. It may very well have been somewhat reckless in order to make their Soviet observers happy, and gain the town with whatever numbers of dead and casualties made for the fastest victory. 🤔🤷♂🤨
Merry Christmas, Indy, to you and your team. Thank you for this year's superb coverage, and for all the hard work, humour, and humanity that gone into it.
Merry Christmas Indy! Thanks!
We are now just one year away from the most legendary line spoken in this war: "NUTS!"
Merry Christmas, thanks for what you do
I would have three dimes if I got a dime for every time Churchill launched a dangerous amphibious landing. This isn't much, but as an Allied commander, you have gotta ask are you really gonna let the man who orchestrated Galipoi have another go at planning amphibious landings.
Thanks a lot to all your team!!! Guys, you are implementing a unique project that no one has ever done before. Good luck and of course Merry Christmas! 👏
You never fail to end on a thought provoking yet somber note. Never forget.
Merry Christmas to the makers of this show. Thank you for the many years of footage. I have been with Indy and team since the Great War. I would love Hotzensocks this christmas or some Mussolini-mittens.
That outro came hitting right on the feels, man ~.
I was going through a rough spot; feeling at the brink of hopelessness. However, that montage shook me enough to make me reflect on how tiny and superfluous my supposed problems really are.
Now I just feel a tad embarrassed by the glass of water I was drowning in.
Thank you and happy holidays!
Hope the new year is much better for you. Hang in there.
Strength and hope friend.
Very poignant ending, Merry Christmas everyone and thank you for your hard work in making this brilliant series. If only there was peace on Earth this Christmas.
What an ending. Merry Christmas and happy new year!
Man. The knowledge you possess to bring up Stalingrad.
Happy Holidays to the team. A huge thank you for the outstanding work you have done for your viewers this year. I hope everyone is happy and healthy, and that you get some good rest in 🎄🎄🎄
Merry X-mas to you guys. Thx for the updates!
A 2 minute count down…. This has got to be good
🍿
Merry Christmas to my favorite team and host ❤️
I enjoy your narration of the weeks developments, glad I found your channel. God Bless, and Merry Christmas.
The Time Ghost team inspire us to show respect to the fallen, whatever their nationality.
Thanks for adding a new term to my vocabulary-Mouse Holing! One thing about those Canucks, they sure use their imaginations! Well done, lads!
God this episode was AWESOME! The detailed breakdowns of the Eastee Front were fantastic! Thank you for this great piece of content and Merry Christmas!
Thanks guys and a festive season to you all.
Merry Christmas to you, and the whole Time Ghost Army!
Merry Christmas. A long term gift is that you started the great war and now we have this :) indie your guys work is one of the greatest feats I've ever witnessed.
Thank you Mr. Expert for your expertise!
I love the "props" and netting that broken plate. You all are so cool.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas Indy and crew from Canada :D
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone in the Time Ghost Army. Cheers!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2023.
THANK YOU INDY, AND A VERY, MERRY, CHRISTMAS TO YOU, YOUR FAMILY, AND THE REST OF THE TIME GHOST GANG!! AND THANK YOU ALSO, FOR THE MANY GREAT EPISODES YOU MADE FOR US DURING THIS LONG, SAD, WAR AND DISEASE FILLED YEAR!! CHAS ORVIS, PLAINVILLE, CT.
Happy Holidays to the whole crew. May you have a wonderful New Year...!
Happy Christmas Indy and Team ..It's still Mad .Lets hope for sunnier uplands!
As 1943 is coming to a close it is a utmost pleasure to follow you guys by doing this project in a time where we still see major political wars you the timeghost army tells us to 'never forget'. Those that have died in Italy or in Ukraine should have their actions talked about and tell us that all wars lead to only despair. Cannot wait what the year 1944 bring to the table.
Thanks for another great video and merry christmas to you all
It is impossible to imagine the hardships that troops endured during the Wars 1 & 2. Thank you for the Faith-ful Merry Christmas. Peace.
Same to yall and yours. Love your Saturday reports.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year to everyone! Stay warm and safe!
Thank you and yours for your wonderful contributions through this channel…it’s very very important!! Never forget
Merry Christmas to all the team
Merry christmas timeghost crew. I am really looking forward to 1944 on your channel.
1944… the year that shall shatter for sure the Third Reich and the Empire of Japan, onward to victory!
Merry Christmas, and thank you for all your work.
Indy, I’ve been watching The Great War and can’t help but notice how good you’ve become at your craft. Now with WW2 you are just so good (and your support staff) at what you do, I feel completely spoiled with how entertaining and educational the channel has become. Just the best. Thank you!
Truly spoken in closing, touching music... Merry Christmas 🎄 and happy holidays to u all..❤️ 🙏
Merry Christmas everyone, merry Christmas to my favorite channel. I tell everyone I meet how much I love this channel and encourage them to watch it with me!!!!
Merry Christmas to you all, Indy, Spartacus, Astrid, and the entire TimeGhostarmy. And thank you for your continuing amazing work for us all watching this, and following you :). This episode and week is also special in another way also for you all. Bechuse even do mention last week it is now official, this channel WW2 has been around longer then the Great War. Coungratulation and Happy holyday to you all. Best Regards/ your TimeGhostarmy member Peter Sveronius :) 🎄✨
Happy Holidays to all there at the channel. Thank you for a year of hard work and amazing dedication. Your epilogue at the end was so touching and reminds us that that history has a way of repeating itself, no matter how horrible it is. When will we learn?
Merry Christmas Time Ghost!
Merry Christmas to everyone in the Time Ghost Army!
1944 was definitely the year for the allies! So many offensives and victories, it sealed the fate of the axis for good! Late 1943 was the great preparation for that overwhelming pounce in all theaters of the war! Also I hope to see a detailed video on the last major battleship vs battleship battle of the war off the north cape of Norway!
True, the Germans had 23 divisions in Italy at the end of 1943, but they were very understrenght. They were equivalent to only ten divisions: about 150 thousand men.
Merry Christmas! And thanks again for putting this together for us all to enjoy and learn.
Merry Christmas Indy & co
Thank Indy and all the staff on this channel Merry Christmas and happy holidays
Merry Christmas to the whole team! You're doing a really great job.
This channel is absolutely AMAZING.
Besides the usual efforts about places and forces - and besides the touching ending - it was very interesting to know the numbers of men and materiel in the eastern front. I would never imagine a tank parity - and almost that in men - at this point of the campaign.
Surprised you didn't mention the Charlie Brown Franz Stigler incident. Anyway, 1943 really couldnt have gone worse for the Wehrmacht. The Soviets are already almost back to their prewar borders. Happy Holidays to you and every member of the Timeghost Army! Somber ending to the video but important to keep things in perspective.
More like 1939 borders, as their 1941 borders, including Eastern Poland, Moldova and the Baltics, were much more westwards.
@@chaptermasterpedrokantor1623 True
Happy holidays Indy & team!
Stalin broke a 3 Year streak of Nazis being on the Christmas Thumbnail.
Anyways merry christmas! Thank you for the amazing work this year.
I spent way too much time watching the flame of candle on Indy’s desk move in response to his hand movements. Merry Christmas everyone!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 👍👍👍!!!🌲🌲🌲
Merry Christmas to the entire time ghost team. Wishing you all a happy and prosperous new year.
Indy is, has always been and always will be an absolute treasure.
December 23/24 1944 was the night on which the Lancaster, flown by my grandmother's older brother (and my father's namesake) P/O Richard Rhys-Hughes, was shot down.
Bomber Command lost 16 planes during that raid, which was a relatively light casualty rate for the 'Battle of Berlin' that winter; but a grievously heavy burden for my grandmother's family that Christmas.
Incredible episode
Merry Christmas to all of you at the Time Ghost team and the Time Ghost Army. It's already the 5th Christmas in this war and no end in sight. May the wars of 2022 be shorter and less brutal.