The HMT Rohna Disaster: WW2 Vet Tells A Story Classified For Over 50 Years | Remember WWII
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- Опубликовано: 30 сен 2024
- Rohna Classified RUclips Channel: / rohnaclassified
Robert Brewer survived the HMT Rohna attack. The disaster remains the largest loss of life at sea in the history of US war. One of the first radio-guided missiles ever used in WWII sank the Rohna killing over 1100 soldiers and crew. It was classified, forgotten and left out of the history books. There's an upcoming documentary: Rohna Classified
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I was part of a, "You were never here, this never happened" in 1991. No one has ever told me it has been declassified.
I guess it's just a figment of my imagination but I owe my life to a bunch of Marines that let me borrow their "toys".
Semper Fi from an Air Force guy.
Imagine serving your country on this ship, and not getting recognized by the VA for the physical and mental injuries you endured until many decades later! Thanks you dear sir, not only for your sacrifice for this country, but for working hard to get this matter unclassified so that vets could get help and recognition for their horrific experience. On a side note, I'm amazed at how young this WW2 veteran looks🇺🇲. My grandfather served in WW1 with the French Foreign Legion ( was too short and therefore rejected by the US army). He was recognized for his valor with a ceremony and visit from the French Foreign Legion when he was 100 years old ( in 1996). He also looked about 20 years younger than his age. Thanks you for your willingness to tell your story...my great respect!
That's SOP for the VA they are still denying claims for lack of information in your jacket.
Amazing!!
Damn that’s hard core, you know the French fought hard during the whole war!
My dad was in WWII patton's third army 87th infantry division he was a brave man and the va didn't want to help him with his PTSD
It's still happening now
My father was assigned to the 1st Filipino Infantry Regiment as a Reconnaissance Office as the Regiment was put together and trained in California. Shortly before it was due to ship out to the SW Pacific my father was awakened early one morning, told to quietly pack his bags, not wake up his tent mates, and meet a Jeep at the end of the company street. He was taken to the naval base near Oakland, CA and placed on a submarine. Every time he asked where he was going he was told he would find out later. Once out to sea he, and a few others from his outfit, were told they heading for the Fiji Islands. The mission was totally classified. Upon arrival he met with several American officers and enlisted men as well as several Filipino officers and enlisted men. Most were Army but some were Navy. It seems they had escaped Corregidor on several small fishing vessels. They brought with them accumulated Japanese Orders of Battle, a report on how the final battles around Bataan had fared, casualty lists, etc. For about a year they had sailed all the way to near the Fiji Islands, avoiding the Japanese and living off of what they could find or catch along the way, before being picked up by the US Navy. Dad’s job was to interrogate these men, learn all he could about the fighting and then write an intelligence report. All this he did. Once finished he was told to never tell anyone what he had seen or learned. It was vital to the war effort because a lot of what he put together was not something the military wanted the public, or the Japanese to learn. From there he was trained in Jungle Warfare by local Fiji Islanders and the trainers with the Alamo Scouts, a rather famous unit with the 8th Army. After the war he kept the secret up until his later years. He finally told me about the experience and he was upset these guys never received the credit they deserved. He even went so far as to take the issue to our State Senator in Washington, DC who contacted the Pentagon in an attempt to make this voyage known. The Pentagon stated it was still classified. Just before he died I asked him if it was something one could talk about now and he said to go ahead. If it was going to upset anyone this many years after the end of WWII let them get upset. I wonder how many other people carried the same kind of knowledge, most to their graves, and never got the word out?
Too many stories went to the grave with the storytellers. There's a lot of untold stories and time is running out. My experience isn't much.
What a horrific thought. I'm so sorry that they weren't taken care of after they came home. My Dad and Uncles, all WWII vets, got a few business loans and home loans through the VA. Imagine all the help they could have received. It's shameful.
Dear Robert, Praise and Honor to your Father for his heroics in service to his fellow man and the mission of the United States in the age old
attempt to protect Freedom and those who love it also. I lost 2 Uncles (commanding pilots) in WWII and in Viet Nam. The reputation of our
proud Military has been sullied by "evil mis-guided leadership" which is currently running (and ruining) this country BY DESIGN. They are up
to nothing good and it is my hope and prayer that our Military will once again be held in great esteem and respect.
Blessings to You and your Family.
D.S. USAF RET.
Makes you wonder how much secret and vital information he collected and on whom?
@@thommysides4616 All he ever said was the information was about Japanese Order of Battle, allies killed or captured, and what our forces needed to continue the fight. Unfortunately, by the time the information was delivered the Philippines had fallen.
To keep that incident classified after the end of hostilities was shameful and needless. To keep it classified for over half a century is absolutely inexplicable. It's such a betrayal of all the servicemen involved as to be a treasonable silence...
Absolutely unnecassary and a damned shame to the survivors.
Makes you wonder how many events like this are still needlessly classified.
@@scratchy996 Some perhaps not so much classified in technicality, but are definitely suppressed, take the Charles Henderson Disaster (Charles Henderson being a Liberty Ship) for example. Troopship sinkings are awful ordeals, as are the knowledge of enemy transport sinkings when Allied intelligence (namely British) knew the transports were carrying POWs. Another example of a troopship sinking that is (currently) blocked from public knowledge in terms of official documents and inquiries is the sinking of Lancastria in 1940. The documents were to be kept secret for 100 years, only with public pressure can they be opened, as had been done with the documents relating to the sinking of HMS Glorious, Ardent, and Acasta.
Why would you expect better from the government?
@@jeffmellow After the NSA Electronics Eavesdropping vessel, USS Liberty was shot up during the Six day War in '67 I wouldn't. And some of that remains classified. The Israelis have declassified some things their US Ambassador had said to them about it at the time.
I imagine a lot of the Cold War incidents also probably remain classified. What the Japanese troops did to George H W Bush's fellow Squadron Airmen they had captured at the Island of Chichi Jima in WW2 remained classified until 2004. He was also shot down (for the second time) but evaded capture by milking as much distance from the Island as he could before bailing from a burning "Avenger" Torpedo Bomber just before fire reached the fuel tanks. The IJA Commanders at Chichi Jima were tried and executed after the war.
They just leave stuff classified when politics is involved sometimes. I haven't a clue what the hell this remained classified for that long for though.
I’m so very sorry that it took 50 years to acknowledge this tragedy and the trauma that these men had to continue to endure by being silenced past the time of war. It’s shameful that this silencing was allowed to continue. They should have at least gotten the care they needed. These men deserved better. I’m so very sorry Sir. I’m so thankful for your service and for your testimony, thank you so much. ❤️
It didn’t take 50 years. The basic details of the incident including the massive loss of life were reported a few months later in February 1944, and within two years the “big secret”, the Nazi technology used (the radio-guided missile), was being openly reported. Still, the US government kept a few details classified until 1967 when the rest of the info was released. There was a war still going on for two years after the incident and they had their reasons for keeping Nazi technological breakthroughs classified. Being “silenced” is an important part of winning wars, loose lips sink ships any sailor can tell you. Don’t act like these heroes were oppressed by the government, don’t lump these heroes into your weak woke agenda.
1776 stay in your lane. All she is saying these soldiers deserved recognition long overdue. Take your woke bs elsewhere.
@@samrumade9429 Sorry man, but to try to make it look like the US government and military brass covered up this incident for 50 years is factually wrong and makes it seem like the United States doesn't care about our WW2 soldiers. Simply not true and there seems to be a total ignorance in a certain section of American society about why military secrets need to be kept sometimes.
@@SpaceTravel1776 Excellent point, but why let the truth stand in the way of a good story? Only kidding. Secrecy, bluff, denial, double blind claims, disinformation and misinformation are essential in warfare. Sun Tzu came up with these ideas 2500 years ago in ‘The Art of War’ (Now part of the curriculum at West Point and Sandhurst), and it most certainly goes back farther than that. Having said all that, bless all those vets who died in the pursuit of freedom 🇬🇧🇺🇸
Take a moment to look up what happened to the USS Liberty as well.
I once thought I was fairly knowledgeable about WWII, the older I get the more I find I didn't know. There is so much I never knew and don't know and never will. May the Good Lord bless these men and honor their contribution
It’s almost impossible to imagine the size of that war and all the incidents which took place. All the unknown heroes because no-one survived to tell the tale.
Never again.
Remember, that when you know that you truly don't know that much, that is how you know that you know a lot more than most others. I still know jack diddly, and I'm STILL more knowledgeable than most at my school on the subject! Always remember the fallen, and never stop trying to learn about those who have been forgotten, for that is how their memory is honoured.
@@airplanemaniacgaming7877 some secrets are bound for 100 years
evan daddy biden only knows 1/10 of secrets
a nation cant aford to let its leaders know
because they can brag and its all out.
.. people who follow their politicians into war face the consequences - those taking up arms and loving violence will receive judgement not blessings. All soldiers who serve in the military machines of the nations have been fooled by the deception of false nationalistic pride. God does not bless nor support the wars of the nations - the clergy of Christendom and their chaplains that pray for victory are not heard by God because they serve the god of war - their master is Satan the Devil.
My father was torpedoed on a troop ship, everything this gentleman has voiced in this video, mirrors what he said, he was saved by a Canadian minesweeper
Thank you for your story. After spending 54 months deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan I have come to the realization the brotherhood of combat spans generations. I have more in common with veterans of war regardless of the time period then people of my own generation that have never seen combat.
I think you'll appreciate this video then - ruclips.net/video/uSTdUqgIdyk/видео.html
Thank you for your service. YOU are the reason I am proud to be an American. Your willingness to sacrifice so that others may taste freedom speaks volumes, but not all appreciate your dedication. Again, thank you.
@@thomream1888 words without actions as empty as can be. Tens of thousands of veterans need your help while your busy running around with pride. Better to be humble and help those in need than be running around with pride. Maybe you do your part the best you can to help, I don't know, but certainly the majority fat and obese running around with noses stuck up in the air and chest puffed up and out in false pride. Pride cometh before the fall. Followed by shame and humbleness. Drive by's thanking veterans for their service and turning and looking the other way at the hundreds of thousands veterans and civilians begging for help on the streets of America a shame and a disgrace and certainly nothing to be proud of. Sad, pathetic and delusional. A little less pride and a lot more action or shame and a disgrace and treason against Americans in need. China Disney Walmart psychotic delusional and illusional nation fattened up like hogs for the slaughter.
What a story! The government hid the reports for 50 years...crazy! The men deserve our support and thanks for suffering this attack for our freedoms that we enjoy today...God bless you, Sir!
The use of an "aerial glider bomb" was first reported publicly on 14 November 1945 in an account of the battle in the Salt Lake City Tribune. On 9 March 1947 the Chicago Tribune published a complete account of the attack, including the use of a "radio-controlled glider bomb." In 1948 a history of British India Line in the Second World War was published, stating "the missile was one of the new glider bombs guided by wireless". The US Government officially released the remaining details of the incident, specifically that a radio-controlled glide bomb had been used, in 1967 after the passing of the Freedom of Information Act
It was hidden during the War so that the Germans would not realize how successful their new weapon was. It was made public right after the war.
Hell!! Our government still denies our military presence in Cambodia and Laos during the Vietnam war.
its a pattern -ive seen - in us vidoes you see only us do victorios things but not the enemy since this could have given enemy heads up -so its covered then forgotten on purpose since revealing would have no purpose -the mentality were differnt -no purpose means discharged and thrown away basicilly -my grandfather fought against germans and that backwater place were 20 years after in progress -mentality and yes new cars but a grass matress with it -ww2 traktors -so anyway all gone now
@@ButcherBird-FW190D Also, because it could have been de-moralizing to Allied troops that the Germans have developed a wonder weapon.
Pardon my language but these guys had balls so big they must of dragged on the floor.
Both my parents were medical officers in WWII, the slaughter will never be accurately recorded. This man is a real hero to have kept fighting for the real rights long after the hype was over. Such quiet strength. 👍
Our current generations have no clue what "total war" and "war on humanity" means.....not the slightest inkling. Lets hope we don't have to put another generation through what that generation did by repeating the same mistakes.....or by inaction, letting others make those mistakes on our behalf.
No,.. we do have an inkling. We have the many stories of survivors of that conflict and tonnes of evidence of the barbarity that is war and still we proceed to wage wars and end up surprised by the fact that it devolves into brutality again. Anyone who has ever read about history can easily find the not so rosy realities as described by those involved in their diaries or later recollections of such events. People just tend to reject reality if it doesn't fit their narrative or makes them feel bad.
@@chubbymoth5810 i agree with most of what you say. WE may have a clue.....but 99% of people under 40 in the Western World are pretty ignorant of the World Wars....which is a real shame
@@chubbymoth5810 I can assure you that the majority of people under age 40 have absolutely zero knowledge of what happened in the war. For that matter, Viet Nam to them is like the Civil War to my generation. This is the problem, our youth are not being taught these things. I know, because I was a public school teacher for 39 years.
Where i live the war was the majority of what we learned in history class
The entirety of the final year was dedicated to world war 2
We even had veterans come to our school to tell of their experiences
Imo it was the middle ages that got the short end of the stick regarding history teachings
More people in New Zealand have been killed by the convid fauxine than WW1 and WW2 combined.
240 thousand Iraqi Army troops were buried in their trenches in the middle of the night by US jet powered tanks with bulldozer blades in desert storm.
I think we have some idea.
Another unsung hero of America. Thank you sir.
Great story, glad this Vet finally got the recognition that he deserved.
Thank you for these interviews. Great job!
My dad was on the sister ship Banfora. The rocket flew over the stern of his boat where he was stationed. His job was to throw life boats off the back of the boat if and when ordered to do so. He said he watched it approach the Banfora and suddenly it pitched up and over their boat and plowed into the side of the Rohna. He said it made a huge hole and it was red with the blood of the troops inside. Immediately troops started jumping overboard before being ordered to abandon ship. Many with their helmets on snapping their necks as they plunged into the water. He said survivors were stretched out for many miles as they had jumped with the boat still underway. He went to a few Rohna reunions prior to his death.
That is ridiculous, keeping it quiet even after the war. Had to go to Congress to be recognised so you could finally get the medical aid you deserved.
I hope life was good to these guys after the war unlike there country.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE
How come it these military men's get forgotten about.
It's up to the department of defence to remind the people of their sacrifice for them
Parce qu'ils pensent politique et pour leur évolution personnelle , les militaires et soldats sont juste des outils sans trop d'importance ,pour le prestige du gouv et élites , qui eux ne se mouillent jamais et ne vont jamais au front !
It was kept a secret during the war to keep the success from the Germans so they would not keep on with their program. They dropped it. The information was made public right after the War. I've read re: WWII since the 1970's, and I assure you this is not news to me. I've known about it for over 50 years.
@@ButcherBird-FW190D your right I've known about this for many years it was wire quided I read about this weapon in a history book probably in the late 1970s
@@thomasshepard6030 Thx, Boss. Yes, it was made public right after the war. Kept quiet during the war, though. Just like the E-Boat that sank a troop carrier that was practicing for D-Day. I forgot how many died, but I think about 1,000 drowned. Massive loss of life. But, the training even was right before D-Day, and it was kept quiet so the Germans would not clue in to the topography/land characteristics for the actual invasion. Ultra intercepts indicated the E-Boat commander reported it as having sunk a cargo vessel and we left it at that. It was announced after the war ended, and was a huge and grievous loss of life. Somewhat akin to the anti-ship missile on this RUclips clip in composite re: keeping things quiet.
@@ButcherBird-FW190D slapton sands off the Devon coast exercise tiger 27th April 1944 just under a thousand American troops and seamen died I used to read a lot of WW2 HISTORY books as my father fought through the second World War and his brother my uncle was captured at St Valery he was with the black watch 51st Highland division that was another disaster covered up by Churchill
Makes me wonder how many other stories like this one are out there that may never see the light of day and be lost to history for ever. The stories of brave people and their actions.
My father was in the OSS in the Pacific theater. He too was told not to reveal details, which promise he honored. I will probably never be able to get verification, as I was told there are no records.
These secrets continue still today. Veterans are constantly refused recognition and medical treatment after having been involved in classified operations. I served 31years and saw a lot. Some is still not disclosed by the military, events that happened almost 25 years ago and I doubt will ever be admitted to. But that's the military and the State Department bs we're forced to endure.
Amelia Earhart story comes to mind. She may have been requested to do a secret mission to be slightly off course to get a Heads Up, for the Gov't to see what Japan was doing near Solomon islands before WW2. Had engine trouble and got captured.
The USS Indianapolis was a cover up also.
Can't imagine seeing an unknown weapon...like that, then to deal with the impact and aftermath!!!
Can you imagine the Japanese who saw Fat Man or Little Boy coming down by parachute?
Moment of silence for those who fought for our free world
Thank you Mr. Brewer for your service and my freedom. My Grandfather served in Africa. He wouldn’t talk about the war. The horrors you men must have gone. Thank you fr the account sir. You, and the ôthers that served are heroes to me and true treasures!
When you told your story it reminded me of my father, he fought in the Korean War and he could never tell us what he did. He wasn't supposed to, he said. Other then his plane went down. Before they landed the navigator traded seats with him which interned saved his life. He was the only one to survive the crash. This is all he said. So not only could he not talk about the job he did tslk about it. So he didn't talk about the war. We, the family believe it was survivors guilt. He just couldn't and didn't talk about the war and I think he suffered becauseof it; I know he suffered. I wish we could have talked about it more, I think it might have helped him. It's ironic because during the Gulf War I was injured and had issues, later bad dreams and such. My experiences were mild compared to my dad and I was able to get help and talk about it. I can't imagine going through what you went through and nothing ever said till now, no help, no medical, etc...am happy for you because you now can get help; if needed, recognized, and pass down your story. Plus the people need to here these stories from you and me...it's important. It's what we choose to do for our country. I made it though the war, but years after here I sit getting treatment, while writing to you, for cancer because of the chemicals I was exposed to. And it's absolutely fine, I'm not angryabout it I choose to serve because I love my country. Good luck and God bless...
Thank you Moe
As young as we are I’m 51 and I remember my uncles and grandfather talk about WW2 the stories of heroism and being scared and the senseless loss of life, gives me chills. It really makes me wonder why we as humans even want to war with one another. Nobody really wins in a war, only some politician gets to say I was the leader whom lead thousands of miles away from the front lines. I won with my generals and admirals. Which they normally don’t fight either. So it comes down to the average men and women whom probably would be friends if we weren’t killing each other. Wouldn’t that change the world?
Not politicians! The elites and bankers with stakes in both outcomes at no risk.
@@timcross2510 but think about how plenty of them are also politicians......*coughs at the Trump Family*
Yeah, when you think about it the soldier at the front is a farmer or laborer or tradesman(on BOTH sides of the line) If only the GENERALS or Kings led like they did in other wars(once they are dead) then the war is over. (only the Leaders should fight it out in the square circle).
. The farmers go back to plowing their wives or fields(it always depends on the time of year) and trademen build houses and towns and other schit. They are not angry at the other guy. Hell, they do not even talk to him as he is thousands of miles away and speaky in different language. The only thing they have in common is their TRADE SKILLS & INVENTIONS ARE INVENTED BY ANYONE everywhere.
We would be in deep space or to the bottom of the oceans if resources were not wasted in weapons. "Trial by Combat" NOT PAY PER VIEW. NO WEAPONS. Just bare knuckles.
We bore easily so 3 knockdowns and you are Out of Here.
@@airplanemaniacgaming7877 Try *coughs at the clintons, or husein oblowme, or the joe bidet families. ALL criminals, and all commie turds.
John Lennon. IMAGINE. Say's it all. Just think of all the money human life what some of people could have found the cure for cancer. Solved energy problem etc just how far mankind could have advanced yet we still haven't learned. I have a glimmer of hope as I watch the nation's band together telling Russia to stop. My hope is the would do so to any nation be it America Britain Turkey etc one can hope it will happen someday that we as a species learn
God bless this man for his courage and bravery serving in WW2, Had family that served in that war, and it's shameless the stuff they keep classified until they want it exposed.
Thank you so much for this story. My father’s younger brother Herman was on this ship. I knew it was bombed, and he lost his life but that was about it. I am glad but sadden to know the facts.
Thank you for your service Robert Brewer and thank you for recounting your experiences of WWII. Thank you for taking the time to record Robert Brewer's testimony for us.
I recently researched my Uncle who we thought was in Europe during WWII. We could not ask him because he took his own life after the war.
My discovery was that he was in Singapore in 1942 and was a prisoner of the Japanese until the end of the war , then he was transported back to England and hospitalised for over 3 months before he was allowed to go home. Many of these boys never shared their experiences, survived the war, but did not survive the memories.
not a sole came here hoping to find out that A Walk did research, not a sole... this video isn't about you adn your search for attention and accolaides.
@@slowery43 Many of these boys never shared their experiences, survived the war, but did not survive the memories.
Happy to see they are taking care of anyone that was there.Semper Fi!
God bless this man, and all associated veterans with this event. British people are still very very grateful for all our Allies in all wars.
@Julian Jules. The Americans and Russians should be more grateful to the British and Commonwealth who resisted the might of Germany for two years; for USA and USSR did nothing militarily until Germany declared war upon them. Were it not for the resistance and heroism of the British and Commonwealth people the USA would have had nowhere from which they could fight THEIR war and become the superpower they are today.
RIP to all the brave soldiers/sailors that lost their lives on the Rohna & all that died since then. Our heroes!♥
How was this the 'Greatest Disaster' of WWII? This was a relatively small incident. I guess that notion sells to folks that don't know jack-shit about WWII.
thank you for your service sir!
This is the first time I've heard this story. I read a lot about WW II. My father served at D-Day and was injured.
Thank you for sharing this very important piece of history. We appreciate your strength, your sacrifice, and may those that are no longer with us Rest In Peace. Thank you all for your service.
Thank you for your service, sir. I’m glad you’re here to tell your story.
The "Greatest Generation"! Thankyou for your service!
In all my years, I never heard that the Germans had developed anti shipping missiles. Incredible!
Brave men indeed, many lives lost on this ship. R.I.P.
They sinked the battleship Roma with another model, Friz X.
Me neither! They were definitely cutting edge back then. Good thing hitler was crazy and they were never able to use these weapons to their potential.
The German use a glide bomb HS-239 for this attack.
The US also developed and deployed ASMs during the war, used to good effect against Japanese ships.
@@mikearmstrong8483 Yes, I know this ASMs too. The engeniers from ASM was amazed about the much better solution of the german design HS-239 after the war.
None of us today could imagine going through something like these hero's did. It's unimaginable. Yet men like this- many still kids at that point, went through it, helped their comrades with tremendous heroism & it gladdens me to hear about it first hand & to know for as long as human beings are on earth it can be watched & heard on the internet. What makes me uneasy is that the way the world is still, many more can go through a far worse war because of greater weapons & militaristic capabilities. Hopefully men like this can be honored & no war like that will ever happen again.
I'm pretty sure there are plenty of people who are war veterans living right now and plenty of people displaced by the various conflicts right now who don't have to imagine anything. And there are wars right now.
@@logon235 ok I'll be more specific... "A very high majority of us in the U.S. today could never imagine"... I've lived a hard life, some of it the fault of my own, some not. No matter how hard it gets, I think of what veterans of the Greatest Generation went through & realize what I'm going through isn't shit. For instance, one time in jail people were complaining about the food. I said, "it's better than eating seeds" and went on to explain to them stories I've read about American POW's picking undigested seeds out of horse manure to get any food possible. No one I've ever known could imagine doing something like that. Its unimaginable.
@@graffics7665 American POW's in the European theatre of war were relatively well treated due to the Red Cross. Russian POW's were starved to death or executed. There were stories of American POW's smuggling food to the Russian camp.
The ones in the Pacific were treated horribly along with all the other POWs.
I'm not trying to take anything away from the sacrifices back then, but don't think it is so remotely in the past that it could not happen or if you can find something like it today.
Think about the battles in WW1 or before that when medical treatment was even worse.
@@logon235 i agree. There were some stories of atrocities happening to Americans in German camps. German soldiers that were sent to the U.S. had it MADE. They'd be able to hang out with the townsfolk. Going to the theaters & everything. WWI warfare was worse in alot of ways. Having to live in trenches, worrying when poison gas, bombs or being ordered to move forward for a suicide attack at any moment. I've been shot through the arm when I was 17 & remember how scary that was. I'm sure it wasn't anywhere near the fear that they had to endure.
In the last 20 years or so, previously classified information has been coming to light and, I suspect, a lot more will be declassified soon. For those who find this interesting, I would recommend reading James Bradley's Flyboys.
Indeed! Good book. Stories of George Bush Sr. in there.
@@e-curb Exactly. He got lucky. Rescued within sight of others who got captured. I'm looking for another good read like that, any recommendations?
@@seaninness334 "Zero Fighter" is the story of the development of the Zero in the mid 1930s. It is crazy how the factory was nowhere near any air strip, so they had to transport the major bits by oxen cart at night!
"Operation Mincemeat" by Ben Macintyre is the story about how the Brits fooled Hitler to believe the invasion from North Africa would land on Corsica and Greece, and not Sicily. Well researched. One of the pieces of evidence was a fake letter from Lord Mountbatten to Monty with clues to the decoy landing point. For authenticity, they actually got Lord Mountbatten to write it in his own hand!
"Agent Zigzag" also by Ben Macintyre is about a British double agent. The guy started out as a two-bit bank robber in the spring and summer of 39. Because the cops were hot on his tail, he absconded to Jersey. Then the war started. Then the cops in Jersey nicked him. Then the Germans occupied Jersey. He convinced the Germans that he hated the English (which was why he was in jail) and wanted to spy for them.
"The Counterfeiters" Story about how the Germans produced perfect £20 notes to try to destabilize the British economy. This ties in with Agent Zigzag because he was paid by the Germans with stacks of £20 notes.
"Catch That Tiger" Noel Botham & Bruce Montague. This is the account of the mission to capture an intact Tiger in North Africa so it could be brought back to England.
@@e-curb Wow. Thanks! All sounds great. I really appreciate it.
Appreciate what you’re doing.
Wow what a impressive story as I have never heard of this happening at all. The video of the German weapon and interview has me in awe as this Great American soldier is part of the greatest generation ever in United States.I watched it twice!
When was this interview conducted?
This man has an excellent memory.
Brave German pilots! 😎👍💪✌️What did the Americans here in Europe?!?!?!
Yes, yes.... but it was hardly anywhere near the worst disaster. The sinking of the MV Wilhelm Gustloff by a Russian submarine in the Baltic with the loss of over 9,000 lives, mostly women and children certainly claims that dubious award.
Thank you Sir for that story and your service. So they were using those in the late 30's. WOW we kept it hidden to this day so to speak. Makes you think of all the other stuff still classified. I saw a picture of a german attack gun with paintings on the front plate indicating how many kills of what they had taken out. Top was what looked like bunkers/kills, under that they had tanks/kills and under that was a pictogram of a flying saucer which one kill was indicated. Yea. Not sure on the gun size but I think it was an 88.
That picture would be a rare and historic example of Germans having a sense of humor
@@frostedbutts4340 - The German believe that the American or Russian build this flying saucer so that they can spy.
The American and Russian believe that the German build this flying saucer.
At the end ... build did it.
That picture is notoriously photoshop.
Thank you for your service. Thank you for telling us this story.
When large numbers of men are jammed tight in a tin can, casualties tend to be high.
The loss of RMS LANCASTRIA comes to mind - an estimated 5,00 to 7,000 were lost that day - around one third of British losses in France in 1940
Churchill kept this tragedy of the Lancastria quiet because he wanted Dunkirk seen as a successful evacuation and a moral boost to the public.
@@chrispigott6913 Most British wars start with defeats, a learning-curve, then victory.
Dunkirk was both a defeat, and an amazing feat of seamanship and organisation
Thanks for your service and it is amazing that you survived. Frightening to float alone in the Med.
Thank you for sharing your painful story with us. War seems to be full of unrecognized heroes. It is like being wounded twice when no one will admit it ever happened.
The truth is vital so that correct actions can be taken, for accountability, fairness and the public good. We need a federal law that says that all classified information must be declassified as soon as practical, and that nothing may remain classified for more than 15 years. -- Corey Chambers, veteran U.S. Air Force data and communications
Huge Accolades to these BRAVE MEN!! I too, lost an uncle who was commanding a B-26 Bomber on D-Day over Germany.
(We also lost a Pilot in Viet Nam. Our Uncle flew 98 missions in an RF4D. (No weapons, he only shot film and camera)
The townspeople later helped gather the remains to be picked up. There has been a Monument erected there (by the very
grateful Townspeople) to give homage and credence to those who died in behalf of CITIZENS who Love FREEDOM.
(also many relics of the aircraft are there). We are a true Military Family in which all males who were able bodied have
served the United States of America. All men (and women who desire) SHOULD serve. We must make America Great Again
and erase the travesty of "inept leadership" that has sullied the reputation of our Proud Forces. This must change, immediately.
They were the best of the best, especially the so called "cannon fodder." My dad was a 4th division marine, expeditionary.
This is what makes me A PROUD AMERICAN!! Thank you to all who served, or serves
Im truly sorry for the way our military has treated all the men in this unknown attack. Seems we cover up things they think were a bad decision or mistake.
I see our nation now acting just like Nazi Germany in the thirties. Segregation , speech attacked, our guns wanting to be registered , books being restricted . Are we going to wake up and see before its too late or is it already to late.
Sir I thank you for your service , ill add prayers for all.
Colonel, thank you for serving us during WW2, we are glad you lived to tell your story and help fellow shipmates get their just recognition they deserved.
Thank you for your service. That is just unimaginable.
Just when I think I know everything about WWII I hear a story like this. Truly amazing event involving young men tested to their limits. Had the Germans ceased their attacks after the fall of Western Europe to develop and mass produce such weapons, history might have turned out very differently.
This Veteran can really tell a story well. I’m very pleased to have come across this video today to hear of the sacrifice and heroism that resulted from this horrific event. Even though there has been a great passage of time since the events of this harrowing story took place, you can still both see and hear how tender his emotions are as he speaks about those events. Of course in telling his story the images, sounds, and smells of that day come rushing back to his memory. I know it must have been difficult knowing that you couldn’t speak about it with anyone, nor could you write home. Essentially the official stance was that the attack never happened. I’m so grateful that this gentleman and others pursued help in getting it officially recognized. I hadn’t even thought of the implications that an officially non-sanctioned event could or would result in not getting medical attention from the VA. That is disgraceful. That our government would continue to leave this event lost to the history books is just plain disgusting to me. I heartily and gratefully thank this gentlemen and his fellow sailors aboard the HMT Rohna.
Great story sir. God Bless all you men of that generation that endeavored to save the world from fascism and tyranny. God Bless you all!
Germany wasn't alone in developing these weapons,, the US fielded the BAT glide bomb in the Pacific in 1944-45 and sank several Japanese ships with it. It was the world's smart bomb, self-guided by its own radar after release.
Anyone know of a way to get info on my great grandpa he was a medic in the Philippines during wwii but that is about as much I know he never liked to talk about the war, any help would be appreciated
That german Henschel HS293 missile was the most modern TV signal guided missile! P.S. I am German and I am glad that this gentleman survived, I am sorry for the war we caused....Now we have again a war in Europe because of this idiot in Moscow.
I was aware of the weapon program, but unaware it had ever been deployed successfully. My heartfelt thanks and respect for you and your mates. I'm so glad you received the recognition that was due, and am pleased to hear that Congress did its duty so splendidly. Sigh...
My mothers only brother died in this attact.The planes were HE177s.My namesake/Edward.
Awfull history.
Shamefull.
Wasnt there also a big explosion in the port of Bari during WW2 when a ship with allied mustard gas granades exploded? (also caused by german secret TV guided Henschel missile bombardment)
I am grateful to you for this, for it all, for everything. Love and gratitude to everyone, those who died, and those who yet live. Love and honor to you.
I have never heard of this incident.
Thank you to all who helped bring this to light.
And Thank you to all of those that Served.
Best Wishes from Montana M.H
The most embarrassing disaster for the Allies “you never heard of” was the air raid on Bari, in Italy, that caused mustard gas to envelop the entire harbor and most of the town. The gas was stored on a ship that was hit hard, among others. Immediately classified, most of the medical personnel ashore had no idea how to diagnose and treat the service men and civilians affected, initially. A “success” for the Luftwaffe, and a dirty secret for a long time…
I m3t a guy who was on this ship. At a sub shop a few years back. D7de wS a bad ass
The Gentleman Veteran couldn't talk about it.
For 50 years.
HALF a CENTURY.
"Tells Dramatic Story for First Time"? He shared it many times to everyone patience enough to listen to him. He just didn't tell you yet! 😂
His time on in the sea floating away gave me shudders…….I was thinking the USS Indianapolis.
First radio guided missile that sunk the ship rohna during ww2(1943) with over 2,000 on board. It was classified for over 50 years and NO service men received VA benefits until after declassified
VERY SAD,United states needs to OWN ITS MISTAKES and set examples to other nations that mistake happen, BUT YOU MUST OWN THEM and correct it so it doesn’t happen in future and do what can be done to help fix the past(giving the dead and surviving the Honers and help they need)
I Wish I could thank this man face to face for all he and his generation did.
In the same year 1943 and area was the mission of the Army air corps with their B-24 bombers that they sent to bomb Naples . One of them was the Lady Be Good that got lost on the way back to Libya and ended up 450 mi. Into the desert. In 1960 I was part of operation climax sent to locate and retrieve the remains of the crew.
*HMT = HIs Majesty's Trawler*
It means it was a civilian vessel that was pressed into service for the Royal Navy.
Thank you for your service! These are pieces of history that we need to know. We are loosing our history, thru forgetting and not being recorded in the books. Students today just aren’t being taught these facts, and patriotism is weakening as a result. Thank you!
Bless you Sir and thank you for your service! And this is why they remain the Greatest Generation.
A remarkable story. Thank you so much for sharing.
My late Step Father was on HMS Warspite of Italy when it was hit by the Fritz-x … I believe this is the same weapon that hit HMT Rohna. This is the only other ship that I have heard about being attacked in this way. Thank you for your service, thank you for sharing your story.
The Rhona was hit by an HS-293, similar to the Fritz X but the HS-293 was designed to take out smaller ships like transport ships and the Fritz X was designed to take out heavy warships.
@Duke Craig Thanks for that, I had no idea that there were two such weapons in use. The HS-293 did enough damage ....
Fritz X was a guided bomb without own propulsion;HS-293 was a guided missile.
Amazing. Thank you.
How old is this interview, why are there so many video's not dated on youtube anymore. i'm running into them all the time.
That's how we get treated to this day. National Security over the lives of its military.
An American hero! Thank you so much for your service... God bless you and all the men on that ship.
Cliche' I know, but....the Greatest Generation.
How many other ships were lost that way ? We'll probably never know.
Another nearly forgotten battle among the many that occurred during WW II. Thank you.
A BIG THANK YOU ROBERT FOR YOUR LIFE STORY ON THE BOAT AND WHAT HAPPENED. WOW.
God bless you Sir, and all the other heroes who lost their lives! Much respect to you all!
What an awesome story and one I haven t heard. I'm glad to hear the survivors got recognized and the help and benefits needed. Thanks so much for sharing. God bless all the WW II vets.
This is the kind of crap that just makes me hate the government even more.
Thanks for telling this, and thanks to the channel for doing the vids. God bless.
At least he didn’t have to worry about sharks.
The Greatest Generation!
Thank You for Your Service and May God Give Rest to the Souls that did not Return!
Imagine going to the VA and trying to explain what's wrong and how it got that way. What's wrong? Where did it happen? We have no record of that event. We gonna have to reject that claim ...meanwhile 50 yrs of your life slip by. They should have de-classified that right after the war..but the ole...'it fell thru the cracks' syndrome strikes again.
Wars are between governments, but the people fight and die.
Happy I was never forced to participate.
What a Guy outstanding magnificent.
i salute you sir!
I read a book recently about operation paperclip, the US recruitment of german scientists after ww2 etc they took about 2000 to the US, top of the list was the guided anti ship missile scientists, this was news to me that the germans had developed such a weapon, a quick wiki search showed the list of ship causalties of this weapon in ww2 , about 20 battleships, destroyers , war ships and not merchant ships mainly US, and mainly in the med sea around anzio etc, amazingly such a powerful weapon was not used more by the germans especially d day,
"The Germans were rascals." Great understatement from an impressive man