The Canadian Retribution at Normandy | History Traveler Episode 196
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- Опубликовано: 15 фев 2022
- Throughout the Battle of Normandy, the Canadians of the 3rd Infantry Division and the Germans of the 12th SS Panzer Division found themselves locked in a battle of attrition that would mark some of the most vicious fighting of the entire campaign. After suffering a blow at Buron and Authie (as seen in the last episode) the fight shifted over to a place that has now become legendary in Canadian military history: Bretteville-l'Orgueilleuse. In this episode, we're joined by Paul Woodadge of @WW2TV to show a small part of one of the most epic fights in the battle to take Normandy.
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Other episodes that you might enjoy:
- Juno Beach: The Fighting Canadians on D-Day | History Traveler Episode 194: • Juno Beach: The Fighti...
- The 12th SS Massacre of the Canadians in Normandy | History Traveler Episode 195: • The 12th SS Massacre o...
- Holdy Battery: The Sister Gun Battery of Brecourt Manor | History Traveler Episode 187: • Holdy Battery: The Sis...
- German Bunkers of UTAH BEACH (D-Day!!!) | History Traveler Episode 190: • German Bunkers of UTAH...
- The Private Collection of Major Dick Winters (EP 151): • The Private Collection...
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I really enjoy your videos, Keep up the good work
Sub'd back at the beginin of the pandemic. Have watched ALL your newest and previous to sub videos. LOVE how you are about history, good bad or indifferent and doesn't matter the nation.
Done. Great channel
Don't forget to go to Michael Wittman 's grave
My grandfather was a Regina Rifle. I'll be tracing his steps this summer. Thank you for doing this!
As an aussie, the Canadians punched well above there weight in both world wars,like the Australian and new Zealand forces,not enough has been written about the contribution of these very proud and efficient troops ,especially Canada
In WW1, the Canadian Corps ( comprised of just 4 divisions) met in battle and defeated 25% of ALL German divisions that fought in this horrible conflict-which amounts to 62 German divisions. While our losses were prohibitive, our reputation preceded us in WW2- German Commanders in Italy knew that where the Canadians were, that is where the attack would follow; as well as the Kiwis and Aussie to a lesser extent. My grandfather served in Italy and NW Europe.
Nicely said sir! I am a Canadian and an amateur historian and I too believe that the commonwealth forces don't get nearly their just due for their contributions. We didn't have the largest army but we were among the very best trained troops in the world. It's a proud history that very few so called 'Canadians' know today.
Thats because the americans took credit for most of what our Soldiers did!
Craig, search the net and will find that the Aussies are ALWAYS banging on about how brave they are. You never mention the Aussies that ran away at Singapore and went on the rampage. Shameful.
Don't forget to mention the absolute savagery shown by Canadians in WW1 as well though. They were known to execute pows regularly and engaged in trench raids with handmade bludgeons/ blades far more often than most. They had an anger in their fighting that was above and beyond many other forces and the Germans were very scared of them and their war crimes. Not to dishonor the Canadians, but it's worth mentioning.
As an Englishman, I thank our Canadian brothers for their sacrifice 🏴🏴🇬🇧🇬🇧
No thank you, my friend, for allowing us to fight along side you. Many of us are ancestral English folk ourselves, not discluding myself-with Anglo-Norman descent. So It was nice to see English & French on the same side for a dam change, lol.
American here...We love our neighbors to the north. Although we may not think about it often, having Canada as our ally and sharing a very long border with them has had a profound effect on American history and our development. Put in simple terms, we don't have to worry about Canada, and in fact the US wouldn't be the military superpower able to project force worldwide...if we had a northern border with a less solid, or god forbid, an unfriendly nation up there.
America loves you guys and we have the utmost respect for your history of bravery in battle. Thank you.
Never forget the commonwealth troops including Indians (including Sikhs), South Africans, the magnificent Australians in North Africa(as well as other destinations) the incredibly brave Canadians and all the other nations that came to our assistance. We give thanks to all of you. 🌟🌟🌟🇬🇧
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And many Irish men and women....
As a rugby loving Aussie I’m amazed at the life of SAS Paddy Maine. Be it charging on the rugby field for Ireland, standing on the back of a jeep firing into the German lines while leading the troops plus a hundred other fearless assaults. Oh and by the way, a trained lawyer. Modern day Knight.
'100 Days to Victory' does a great job of explaining the importance of their collective contributions to winning The Great War.
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What makes it very sad is the Canadian army was not even given a zone of occupation in Germany.. and I'm quite sure the British government had something to do with that to freeze out the colonials at the end of the war.
My father was a Canadian soldier in ww2 and he told me stories in his later years about actions the Canadians were involved with. We were prized as shock troops and had been battle tested. We may be a small nation in population but we are proud of our soldiers, then and now, and we honor those memories every November 11.
Also Cannada has the best snipers! Thanks are due to your dad's efforts never to be forgotten
My uncle died in Italy sweeping mines along the Gustav line. Buried near Rimini.
Well put
@@edwardgatey8301he died as he lived a warrior and a hero my gratitude to him and his generation is endless
Being British I'm very proud of what our forces did during the second world war, the trouble for me is that it's nearly always the Americans and British that's mentioned. The Canadians are always over looked as far as I'm concerned. Let it be said,what a great fighting nation they was and still are.
I totally disagree, it's always the Americans that are mentioned in world war two, those pesky yanks won it single-handed
I can assure you the canadians are not overlooked in The Netherlands. They are the ones who liberated most of the Netherlands and they are remembered as such. Offcourse we also wont forget the British, Americans and Polish but they pushed into Germany after market garden and left the liberation of the Netherlands to the Canadians
Im proud of my Canadian ancestry. My mother was born in Canada and her family immigrated to the US in the1920's. My Canadian paternal and maternal ancestry has been traced back to the 1700's. Again, i am proud of my Canadian ancestry!
Yes, I agree. I'm an American and am with you. The Canadians are true warriors. They're contribution has been overlooked. I'm doing my bit to make that up. I tell every American about them. However, anyone who has served with or near the Canadians, know their excellent qualities.
Canada in the 21st century is nothing like it was in WWII. Successive governments have refused to spend the agreed upon 2% of GDP on defense since the Korean War. Their military contribution to the western alliance is simply pathetic…
As a very proud Canadian, one who is very proud of what our men accomplished, I am very greatful that you are presenting these vlogs of Canadians in Normandy. Thanks very much, well done
Our pleasure! You all have much to proud of. Those were some hard fighting men.
Canadians were some of the fiercest soldiers of both world wars. You are right to be proud of their contribution to fighting the Nazis
@@jayfron6012 The Canadian Corps at the end of WW1 was considered the "best of the best". After Vimy Ridge in April 1917, they never lost a battle.
@@kfandrey9 Starts earlier then Vimy. If you count stabilizing the line at Mount Sorrel in spring 1916 then that’s when the streak starts.
Still proud with your buddy Trudeau's decisions on smearing truckers?
“Free men from all nations, remember that in June 1944 brave soldiers from the Regina Rifles died here in this village for your freedom” wow…that’s beautiful.
I knew to blame the A1 when I read the caption “the Vagina Rifles” attacked and destroyed some Panzer tanks!
I mean they are wonderful and crucial for human life but as a guy from the USA it was an amusing excercise for my imagination to contemplate such a regemental name!😊 We have some fine neighbors here!
Peace!
I dont think there is enough coverage of the brave Canadians who gave their lives in WW2. I remember as a kid traveling France and seeing the massive cenotaph at Vimy ridge and asking my dad what it was for/who it was for and this was in WW1.
Canadian blood has been spilled in Europe for over 100 years yet we never mention them. As an Englishman I for one salute them and will never forget them, RIP.
Appreciate that.
Im an American and for years only researched the Americans and their fights in the hedgerow country, and of course ran into the "theory" that Montgomery took so long fighting the Germans in the armored warfare around Caen to keep German armor pinned down until the American's could break out of the hedgerow country. A lot of historians are very critical of Montgomery for taking so long, discounting the "theory" but I did find in the book that General Bradley wrote that this was the plan indeed.
When I turned to the British sector, it became clear that the Canadians possibly had more fighting against the Germans and especially the Baby Brigade (hitler youth SS) than any other nation involved in D-Day. So to the Canadians, my hat goes off to you!
Mr Wilkel, thank you for your recognition of our country's efforts
Dear Mr Leverette, as a Canadian thank you so much for your recognition of Canada's war effort.
Vimy: where Canada became a country!
Many congratulations on a very well constructed documentary. As an Englishman, I don’t think Canada has ever been given the proper recognition it made in both WW1 and in particular WW2. My father was in the British infantry during WW2 and always described Canadian troops as ‘first class’!
So cool J.D, an American doing a Canadian story! We really appreciate all your videos thank you!!🇨🇦🇱🇷
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Very interesting video. Would have been also interesting with maps showing units and fighting to get a better overview. Also the German perspective would have added to the understanding of the fighting.
Hey JD, As a Canadian, I appreciate your coverage of the contributions that our forces added to the overall invasion efforts. Population-wise we are a much smaller country than the U.S. but our men fought just as hard & valiantly as any of the other Allied countries. My father fought in Italy, at the raid on Dieppe and then later in Holland. My uncle was a bombardier flying out of England until being seriously injured in a crash landing. There are many great & heroic actions taken by soldiers of all the various forces. Thank you for touching on them all.
My pleasure! Hopefully, people are sharing these videos to make these stories more widely known.
Hi. Over the years, I've learned more and more about Canadian involvement, in both World Wars. As one in the "States", I argue, those men often fought harder, with less; and, were often used as the "lower caste" expendables.
Semper Fidelis, Canada.
Thank you!
Hi. Over the years, I've learned more and more about Canadian involvement, in both World Wars. As one in the "States", I argue, those men often fought harder, with less; and, were often used as the "lower caste" expendables.
Semper Fidelis, Canada.
Thank you!
My Grandfather was a Canadian soldier based in Newhaven.He survived Dieppe,but sadly was killed in the battle of Rimini,one of his brothers was also killed in Normandy in the same week,another brother fought in Normandy & Holland and survived the war.
America remembers. Keep up the good work.
Every year the town of Courseulles celebrates the bravery of the Canadians who landed there. A few years back I actually spoke with villagers who witnessed the landings, although sadly these will be decreasing in numbers. It’s a heartwarming day.
I'm from Normandy about 1h of driving from Courseulles, a couple of friends bought and renovated a house there in the old town, I love going there to pay tribute to the allies and I always learn from it, it's a special atmosphere that reigns there and D-Day is always celebrated as it should be
I served 25 years in the Canadian Army, my Father served WW 2 as a Canadian Soldier, as well as my 2 Nephews both served in the Canadian Army, I am so grateful for finding your channel, thank you so much for what you do. I will pass on to my brothers in arms that your channel is a must watch and that they should subscribe. Wow so well done.
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What regiments?
@@daveyboy_ Myself I was PPCLI, my nephews were both, RCR, and my dad was with the 4th Anti-Tank regiment RCA
@@jonvee7014 sorry Jon , im no good with acronyms . Can u help me out . Thanks
@@daveyboy_ no problem… I served with the PPCLI (Princess Pratricia’s Canadian Light Infantry) My Nephews served with the RCR (Royal Canadian Regiment) and my father served in ww2 with the Canadian 4th anti-tank regiment RCA( Royal Canadian Artillery) . P.s. if you have anymore questions I would gladly answer them, thank you for your interest.
Our "friendly" neighbors to the north weren't so friendly when it came to dealing with the SS.
They've always been excellent soldiers. Good people to have on your side in a fight. They don't run.
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Not friendly on a hockey rink if it comes to it. 😇
The SS dropped the gloves first. They came to regret it. 🍁
The American admiral and former Navy seal said that during the Afghan war whenever it just had to get done his first phone call was the Canadian Forces JTF2 operators
Good - damned good - people any time.
I am in awe of the great Canadians that volunteered to come to Europe and fight the Nazis. I salute you guys!
Something that's worth noting about the Canadians in Normandy: They were all volunteer (this would change as the NW Europe campaign went on). You see the battle honors for the Regina Rifles dating back to Vimy and Paschendaele. Many of these Canadians had family who fought in WWI, and the desire to live up to that history and do it again 20 years later was absolutely a motivation for some of these Canadian troops.
Tough men, for sure.
Indeed. The achievements of WW1 weighed heavily on Canadians during WW2, sometimes it led to disastrous results.
@@OTDMilitaryHistory I've got John English's critique on the inter war years, and the Canadian Normandy campaign. My late dad likely replaced an officer lost on the right of the Caen Falaise Road.
@@boxwoodgreen Wow! Thank you for sharing your father's story. I don't really agree with English's conclusions particularly in his new book about Monty.
There were about 60,000 Canadian men conscripted into service. Apparently, if you didn't volunteer you did risk getting forced in, just like in the US.
I had the privilege of knowing a number of the Regina Rifles who fought there. They were fine men. You have honoured their memory, the memory of our Regiment and our Country. Thank you for your efforts. Up the Johns.
Wow! Thank you. I appreciate that.
Thank you for honoring the Canadians of WW2 by making this video. We appreciate hearing their stories. 🇨🇦
I am glad your last video on the Canadian story in Normandy didn't end with Kurt Meyer. The Canadian Army fought many battles that most Canadians barely know ...but the people of France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Denmark know....
Yeah, I really didn't want to end with that. I have Paul to thank for continuing to tell the story. This place wasn't originally on my itinerary.
… and Sicily/Italy - don’t forget the “D-Day Dodgers”
@@dashcroft1892 Yes, agreed not to forget Sicily and italy. I had an Uncle who fought there in 1943 in the battle for Ortona... he served there with *_The Loyal Edmonton Regiment, 49th Battalion._*
@@dashcroft1892 oh so true. And the Devil's Brigade and their unique Canadian/American roots in what was the first "Special Forces" Regiment
@@marklittle8805 and those Black Watch snipers…. they were a select bunch of soldiers who would shiver your Timbers … just pure tough and relentless
A tremendous contribution by Canadian soldiers including these from Regina and the Black Watch group. Its refreshing to see these brave men get some recognition. We all owe then greatly.
Hi there my name Nicholas...I am a 60 year old South African...a veteran...who is interested in history and two wars in particular....WW2 and Vietnam....and war/s generally....I have found this whilst surfing...started with the Canadian revenge against the tanks just after the Normandy landings...I am very impressed with this concept of history documentaries....it brings battle sites to life and almost creates the feelings of the soldiers in those kind of
circumstances...most veterans would understand what I'm trying to say...thanks for this.
Thanks! Appreciate that!
Thank you for some Canadian content! Always nice to be recognized by our American friends for our contributions through the years.
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When my mother was in her mid 80's, she mentioned how "we" (U.S.) won WW2. I shocked her by saying that 80% of German soldiers killed were on the Eastern Front. She seemed puzzled at first as though learning something for the first time. I told her Pacific War was pretty much U.S. led, which later I found to my chagrin just how little I knew about how much British/ Aussie/New Zealanders etc etc. contributed. The Germans feared the Canadians after the way they massacred them in Normandy, for good reason too. Sadly, I think many in U.S. still don't appreciate how our brothers and sisters from other countries send their sons and daughters to fight alongside our own sons and daughters! I do though, thank you brother's sisters for always standing by us, and even when our arrogance forces a well deserved rebuke from you!
Trying to give a more rounded view of the war here. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for your recognition that indeed we were and still are ALLIES .
I hope that all Anglo-Saxon and English speaking nations maintain their strong connection and friendship .
As it is a cruel dark world out there and we need to maintain our bonds of kinship .
Indeed the price of freedom is constant vigilance !
Wow I really like these guys from History Underground, their responses to arrogant messages such as yours show how professional they’re. On the other hand I’ll gladly go back and fourth.. you claim to be “American” sure.. we appreciate all of our partners and Allie’s.. people make jokes, soldiers especially make jokes it’s not our fault you can’t handle them. Americans respect everyone of there Allie’s. The French we give them shit for not fighting but we respect them for regrouping and coming back to fight another day even though some French took up arms against us in French Algeria, the British they held out after bombardment and all the beatings they took, the Greeks which beat the Italians which forced hitler to suspend his invasion into the USSR in May pushing it to June, which also brought on the early winter that year.. please don’t forget to tell people when you are shit talking Americans how many Germans were lost to the cold and how if it wasn’t for General Winter AGAIN.. Russia would have been gone, at which we appreciate The Russians ( Russian soldiers/civilians not there politicians) for finally entering the war even though it was due to being invaded, let’s not forget the Lend-Lease act which gave Russia funds and material to stay in the fight. I’ll say thank you to the Italian soldiers and civilians who after Mussolini was expelled joined in on the fight. I’ll continue on with the Polish, the Chinese, the Canadian, Australia, New Zealand.. We appreciate you.. we also appreciate the merchant marines who were made up of multiple countries who sustained numerous casualties, they kept everyone in the fight. We appreciate anyone that made the ultimate sacrifice fighting. But then there’s you, your itching to make this conversation about politics.. at which it will never be. US got dragged into both world wars but we will leave that alone for now, the jokes you hear that I’m assuming is what has your panties riled up are just jokes.. when we joke with the French about dropping there weapons that have never been fired, a Mussolini joke, saving Englands life joke .. or whatever it is that is stuck up your ass, that joke was made by a service members years ago just to bust the balls of fellow service members from different countries.. your over here taking it seriously and the typical “ I’m offended “ manner.. Stop being disrespectful.
@@Christo613 Geez Louise, hope you feel better after your rant!!!!
The 80% figure is kind similar in respect to the Japanese in China. It was a constant tug of war between the IJN and IJA, the Navy wanted to fight the US but the vast majority of the Army was in China. It's arguable that it was the US fleet cutting Japan from the continental Asia, together with the Soviet lightning capture of Manchuria that bought the Japanese to surrender, not so much the A bombs.
Japan was used to firebombing, it didn't even sink in for a couple of years the difference nukes meant. The Japanese high command's meeting records show that it was the loss of mainland Asia that made them realize there would be no resources to keep fighting and the Soviets were not going to allow Hirohito to survive easily, much less continue to rule. So yeah, important to remember how the Chinese took the brunt of the shock in Asia and how it was all sped up by the combined offensives in mainland Asia.
My father was in the canadian military during ww2 fought in france and after what happen in the abbey arden although never spoken or written they knew the 12th ss were never to be taken as prisioners just dead bodies. When i asked him about this all he would say it was kill or be killed .he never answered the question directly thank you for showing what our brave men did
Thanks for sharing the story of our brave boys who fought and died to rid the world of tyranny and fascism.
As a Canadian never heard this story and it makes me proud to be a Canadian
Great video thank you for sharing. I had several family members taking park in the Normandy campaign and in later life I got to be the photographer for the local branch of the Normandy Veterans Association. My mum’s brother my Uncle Tom with the York and Lancs Regiment was wounded and buried alive in a cellar on the outskirts of Caen for over a week. After his recovery he went on to be part of Market Garden. My mum’s cousin Jack was with the Airborne and later dropped into Arnhem. My wife’s uncle Ron with the Green Howards was one of the first waves on D Day. He was also wounded. All of them had great respect for our Canadian allies. Thank you for all our Commonwealth and other allies, my generation owes you a great debt.
My Neighbor Russ landed at Normandy. What A great guy. He lived to 97. Never talked about the fighting, just the funny things that happened and when they got something good to eat.
Excellent stuff. It seems to me that the Canadians got a real rough deal during and after D-Day. They got thrown in to some of the most savage engagements when the odds were often stacked against them and very often against the cream of the German opposition. They certainly shouldered more than their fair share of the fight.
And they prevailed in spite of the long odds stacked against them. The Germans thought they were bringing their 'A' game to Normandy, but the Canadians proved them wrong.
As a veteran and Canadian its great to see our tremendous military history getting some love from this great channel. Keep up the excellent work and respect.
Thank you for this excellent presentation. We Americans need to know more about our Canadian brothers.
Thanks for covering the heroic actions of our great Canadian forces during the war. So often we seem to get left out of the story, or misslabled as British forces. As a kid in the late 70's my family was stationed in Germany for several years. I remember going to Caen on a hockey trip (of course), and even 30+ years after the war, everywhere you looked you could see walls and buildings still peppered with bullet holes.
I live in Regina & didn’t know about this battle. Thank you for showing us a proud piece of Canadian history
Another great video Paul, from a proud Canadian, I consider my self an amateur expert on Canadian WW2 history and your videos are right on. My father in law, Roy Saunders landed in the first wave with the North Shore, New Brunswick Regiment at St Aubin and he told me some stories of his experiences. Truly all these men, all the allies were from the greatest generation. No generation since would give up so much for a common cause as these unselfish men and women. I am truly proud of him. Keep up the great work.
The video JD used in a previous video, showing Canadian soldiers landing on Juno beach, is the only known film of Allied soldier landing in an initial assault wave. It was of soldiers from New Brunswick's North Shore Regiment. Be proud!
As a proud Canadian with a strong family military history I very much appreciate you doing the odd video about Canadas contribution during WW2. Keep up the good work! 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
An excellent video. As per their SOP's- the Canadian's got the job done- outstanding soldiers. The Canadian's performed superbly throughout the campaign in Europe, and their contribution was essential. Canadian's ought to be extremely proud of the military history, they have a fine record and are greatly respected by the British. The Canadian's were stalwart allies throughout the duration of WW2, and their contribution was pivotal to Britain's survival- without Canada, there is no doubt Britain would have lost the battle of the Atlantic- which would have seen Britain defeated and forced to come to terms with Hitler's Germany. As a Brit, it's an absolute privilege to have Canada as an ally. RESPECT!
1939 - ENGLAND ALONE
2017 - ENGLAND ALONE; BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR.
As a very proud Canadian (son of two WWII veterans and grandson of a WWI veteran and later WWII padre) I cannot thank you enough for highlighting the contributions and sacrifices of the Canadian soldiers, sailors and airmen and airwomen. Because of my parents and grandparents I am very familiar with some of the battles they dealt with but you are certainly bringing even more of the Canadians history to light. Thank you very kindly sir
Being Canadian,ex military,and history buff,really appreciate your contribution to the Canadian efforts in Normandy.
Thank you for doing the Canadian battles. Had a great uncle killed by a sniper at Caen. August 1944, HLIC
I'm from Canukistan and I'd never heard of this battle. Thank you so much for this video!
I look forward to watching more of your videos about all the allies during Normandy. So important to keep their stories alive. Well done.
You mean the Peoples Democratic Republic of Canuckistan under the Benevolent Guidance of Chairman Trudeau. LOL
@@rogerauger7766 I have always been proud to be Canadian. But after Feb 18, 2022, the day Canada probably died. Unless Canada’s laws and freedoms get resurrected some how. More power to Alberta independence.
@@savagemax9091 oh please...
@@Shmerpy I know. Separate now.
@@ricardomax224 dream on, bud. Ain't happening. Be a proud Canadian.
Battle honour is the equivalent to a regimental citation In the US Military.
I was taught in m training that as a Canadian soldier we do what we can with whatever we can to complete the mission or at least make it as hard as possible for the enemy to complete theirs.
From Beaumont Hamel, to Vimmy Ridge, to D day, to battle of Normandy, to Korean War, to Afghanistan. We are a Nation that doesn't start conflict...but we're not shy of it when it's time to be apart of it.
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As a Canadian from the Royal Canadian Regiment, I appreciate your video.
I just can’t get enough of these Normandy vlogs.
Thanks!
Another great video about the Canadians in Normandy. Thank you again for telling their story. And thank you for the shout out! If anyone wants to see the video that JD showed it is under the title "Bretteville l'Orgueilleuse June 1944".
Our pleasure! Appreciate the contribution that you're making on your channel.
@@TheHistoryUnderground Thank you for saying so!
Great video! Being a Regina Rifle myself, and having visited those same places, it was great to see this and to see our veteran’s stories being told.
Swift and Bold
My interest in Canadian and British involvement with Normandy has increased as well thanks to you. Very well done.
Awesome! Thanks!
You should read “The Guns of Normandy “. There are 2 volumes. It’s a great piece of history.
@@californiadreamin8423 I'll locate them
@@skimmer8774 The Guns of War….George G Blackburn.
Thank-you. Canadians are irritated by the ignorance of Americans regarding the Canadian contribution during WW2. Thanks for putting this out. 5 beaches at Normandy. 3 American. 1 Canadian - with 1/10th the population.
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One of the best episode so far, thanks for taking us back to the village of Rots and showing us that alleyway with the 12th SS soldiers.
The Canadians did brilliantly here, thank Christ for the Sherman Firefly!
Glad you enjoyed it! And yes, that Firefly was a beast.
American commentators will criticise the ergonomics of the Firefly, but that can be overcome by training and familiarity with the weapon. It took two months for the US to field an M4 in Normandy with an improved high velocity gun, which was still less powerful than the 17 pounder.
I'm dual Swiss/American but as a ww2 history nut, I'm always interested to hear the Canadians experiences, which sometimes get glossed over in the bigger picture.
Just curious if you’ve read any of Mark Zuehlke’s books? He’s done a fantastic job about our Canadian troops in Italy and Normandy. Just for Juno, he has three books about it.
Thank you for telling these stories about Canadians, can't tell you how many times I've had Americans and Brits online downplay what Canadians did in WW2 or just fully ignorant. There are so many other stories like the Battle of Hong Kong, Ortona, The Sheldt that people do not know that were important battles and where so many of Canadas young men died forgotten, I hope others can look these up.
Maybe because they are undereducated, especially the Americans, they ligit tell each other they won the war by themselves.
Do you not know that the English won ww11 on their own. That's why they have brexit
Thank you, this has been so great to learn about what Canadian force accomplished in the Normandy invasion.
For years I've been exposed to what the US forces did in the airborne invasion, Omaha Beach and the Rangers at Pointe Du Hoc mostly because I'm American. I do have a connection with Canada, in that my parents were born in Canada and as a kid every summer we'd go and visit the grandma's.
Excellent. Thank you for focusing on my country's contribution in Normandy.
As an American I've not read / heard about the fighting done by soldiers from other countries - in ww2 . Such as you all - Canadians, free French forces ,free polish forces, and im sure soldiers from many other countries . All have my respect and I appreciate any information that is shared !
It's not too late. If you want to educate yourself on the Canadian contributions in WW2, look for books by David O'Keefe, Marc Milner or Dave Bercuson.
Damien Lewis has written extensively about Paddy Mayne and the Irish in the SAS ,and the London Irish in Italy...
Awesome to hear the stories of our allies as well. Love the matching up of the photographs. To walk the streets of such an important time in history must have been surreal.
My uncle was KIA near there in July ‘44 and is buried in the Bretteville sur Liaze Canadian War Cemetery. He was with the Black Watch out of Montreal.
AS ALWAYS... AWESOME 👍🇨🇦👍thanks for another epic video. You guys rock when it comes to telling us true and intricate tellings of the war. All soldiers were a huge team sacrificing life to bring freedom where freedom was viewed as a lost cause.Thank you to our neighbors for sharing our war stories and my gratitude is as always way up there for you as I'm sure you already know lol. I was a cub scout, scout, cadet and then reservist with the Montreal RMR (Royal Montreal Regiment) but I was quickly dismissed due to asthma attacks and allergies on the field. Don't matter because I still have so much respect for every soldier who risks themselves for our comfort and Freedom. Thanks again for another great WWII history fact. 👍🇨🇦👍
Thanks for that! Glad that we could tell a few of these stories.
I think its wonderful that you are discovering so much about Canada's and Britain's part in WW2. You are showing us more reasons to be proud of what our soldiers did. I had no idea of the different honor sites in France. You are doing an amazing job and are so lucky to see these places in person. Thank you for all the hard work you do. It is very much appreciated.
Once again JD...Thank you sir for all that you have shown us, from a Proud Canadian X-Serviceman
Thanks for watching! The Canadians were certainly a hard fighting bunch there.
From Saskatoon (3 hours away from the city of Regina), thank you! I had no idea this stuff happened there!
As a Canadian, whose Granfathers and Grandmother served in WW2, from Italy onward. I would like to thank you for taking the time to show that Canadians played an important role in the invasion of Normandy and the Second World War. I hope you can include more Canadian content. Again, thank you!!
Thank you for the history. As an American I don't know much about the allies in the war. I think it is very important to learn about everyone involved since it is a world war.. This was very interesting about the Canadians. I enjoyed learning about it and would love to learn more.
Just for fun research Leo Major.
The war was won by the allies, not by America and her allies.
You don't know much because you weren't looking for much.
As an Aussie I found this story compelling. I both admire & respect the Canadian military and wonder just how extra motivated they were to defeat this particular group of Nazi.
Canadians engaged the 12th. SS several times all the way to Germany inflicting huge losses. No prisoners were taken.
Thanks very much for this Video.!! Im Canadian had a Uncle who fought in WW 2. He never talked much about the War. Which is a shame cause History is always better when you talk to The guy that was there.
Thanks so much .
The Canadians never got the credit they deserved in WW2 .
The Regina rifles were a bunch of tuff prairie boys .
The only reason they joined the army was they would be able to wear a brand new pair of boots .
A lot to be said living threw the depression in the Canadian west .
Man I can almost feel the history ooze out of those places in Normandy. Having been there and stood in a few places where WW2 photos were taken its just breathtaking when you are there on the ground.
Pretty amazing place.
I served alongside Canadians in Afghanistan. Never met a Canadian that was NOT proud of being Canadian. And rightiously so. Great nation, great people.
My great grandfather lost his leg in WWII. I met him as a child. He always smiled at me, but I never ever heard him speak a single word in my life. I think that war affected him greatly, and yet he bottled it up and just kept taking care of his family until his death. A very stoic man came back from Europe.
I think I learned from being around him, that you don’t have to be the favourite to win…you just have to be the favourite to never quit.
I think he either learned to be that way as a Canadian soldier, or else the Canadian soldier learned to be that way, because those Canadian army volunteers already were that way.
I want to thank you as an American for showings some interest & respect for what we Canadians, as well as the British & others ( Free French, Polish etc) did in WW 2. Also want to thank the U.S. for it's absolutely phenomenal contribution to the Allied victory, couldn't have done it without you, thank you & cheers!
I have visited the Gettysburg Battlefield twice and enjoyed learning more of the history of that historic battle. As a former Canadian Forces Gunner, I want to personally thank you for telling the story of the Regina Rifles at Normandy. It's vitally important that we don't lose the memory of the brave actions that men took long ago.
Very interesting and well done. These stories are both wonderful and sad and need to be shared. Truly a band of brothers moving forward during Normandy. Thank you. Be proud of your heritage, but, let us remain united, this material is so important!
Glad you enjoyed it
I am Canadian and history lover. Thank you so much for presenting these fine descriptions of our military's actions during the war.
It’s brilliant that you guys are keeping the memories of the greatest generation alive. I love watching your videos.
God bless these brave Canadians. As an American, it makes me love Canada even more than I do.
As a Brit and a massive ww2 historian i've always felt the Canadians got over looked. I like to see these stories. The Canadians where with us from day one and i think deserved a seat at the table instead of France at the end. France got defeated and occupied and big parts of the nation joined the Axis. I never understood why they got to sit at the table and divided a part of the spoils. The Belgians Dutch Danes etc etc didn't why France?
I would reason that it’s because the French gave the West the philosophy of the enlightenment, were and are hosts of the fine and performing arts and a few other things that define the European identity and historical hegemony.
It was to divide the Europeans. It took away power from the Soviets, the British and the Germans. It was also symbolical, the French were the historical rivals of the Germans and officially declared war in 1939 with the British, instead of being declared upon. But the reapolitik was that the US plays each nation against each other. The French actually did when Napoleon lost, Talleyrand got every friendly nation he could on the table and used them to negotiate a lesser penalty for France.
@@luiszuluaga6575 they also wrecked the western world in the 19th century, destroyed segments of religious and moral heritage, and laid the groundwork for WWI in the 20th century.
Once again beautiful stuff. I’m a Canadian and love your work as it’s so diverse and informative. I wish the ppl in Ottawa could step back and realize these men are the reason you should be proud to be a Canadian not the reason there fighting for now. ❤️
Thanks 🇨🇦
I work with a man from Holland. He was a boy during WW2 and said when the Canadians liberated his town they found people with no food a lot were sick. He said the soldier s came door to door giving them their rations.
Thanks again for a great tribute to Canadian soldiers.
I love the way you explain the action and visit the sites, relating with the buildings, streets, etc that still exist today, I do the same! Reminds us of the reality of what happened and the fact that this wasn't really a long time ago.
we are always ready to fight for the freedom of our mother country. and the world. as a canadian i am very proud of our fighting spirit. great footage in this episode and i loved the use of the word carnage.
I thank you for spotlighting the Canadian contribution and their efforts on June 6th and after.
JD.... Again you have given to your viewers a superb vlog. Thank you for all of your efforts to keep the Battle of Normandy alive for future generations
Our pleasure!
Thank you JD for your fantastic videos. I have a very personal connection with the areas you covered as my father landed on D-Day with the Regina Rifle Regiment, and participated in the night action at Bretteville. Dad's company was partially overrun at Norrey-en-Bessin, and one of his stories I remembered as a kid was that he concealed his Bren Carrier so well that a German tank drove within three feet of it without noticing the machine. Keep up the great work that you're doing!! Cheers! - Mark
Norrey and the Cardonville Farm were bitterly fought engagements, within _easy_ walking distance of Bretteville and all defended by elements of the Regina Rifles. My hometown regiment! 👍
You know, I was born in Regina in 1958 and I never heard a single word about Bretteville until about five years ago. I've lived in Calgary now for 45 years. Sometimes you'd come across vets talking about the war but they didn't like talking about anything other than the funny incidents. Now I can understand why. But the fighting at Bretteville and area was worthy of a major movie! The fighting there was what the whole Normandy campaign turned on at that moment in time. I do remember that the vets I met had no use for Hollywood war movies. They'd just make a sour face, wave their hand and say it was a bunch of baloney. They knew what they were talking about. Ninety-five percent of Hollywood war movies _are_ a bunch of baloney!
I had an uncle who was in the Rocky Mountain Rangers and invaded Kiska in August 1943. He was there until January 1944. The Japanese had thankfully left a couple of weeks before they landed but left a whole lot of booby traps. He described how one of his lieutenants picked up a phone headset in an abandoned Japanese cave bunker. It blew up and smeared him all over the ceiling of the cave. I think he was only about 20 at the time. They then pieced his regiment out as replacements to units in northwest Europe throughout 1944-45. He fought in Belgium and the Netherlands. He only ever told me the one story about the cave in Kiska, and he was close to 80 when he told me that. My cousins told me a few other stories but they were not very detailed. Being strafed by a German fighter as they were going on leave in an army bus. The armour plating on top of the bus protected them completely, but it is never pleasant having someone shoot at you with machine guns. Another time they were fighting German troops holed up in a barn. Somehow the barn caught fire and a number of the Germans came out flaming like torches. Terrible things to remember.
As a proud Canadian!!! Thank you Regina Riflemen!!!
My father served his entire war years stationed in England as a Air Traffic controller. He lost so many comrades who flew off on a mission and never returned home.
When I visited England and Normandy in the 90s I was humbled by what I experienced.
Being a Canadian who has lived on a continent that has never seen a world war, the reminders and stories were very evident everywhere.
I used to be so proud to be a Canadian but lately, those in power have been ruining our great nation's reputation.
While I honour the past of my countrymen and fathers' sacrifices, I am ashamed of the country I also served in.
Amen brother
My dad fought in the 80 th inf under Patton, was wounded in Bastogne during the Bulge. He always commented on yhe job the Canadians did. He said they were the fightingest SOB's. They were at times out numbered. But, always put a hurting on the Germans and beat them back.
It's funny how the soldiers from the "colonies", Canada (where I'm from), Australia, New Zealand, India (think Gurkhas ) were well known as ferocious warriors. So many stories of heroism. One of my faves is the Aussie coast watchers in the southwest Pacific, who spent months observing and reporting on Japanese movements at great peril to their own lives. They may not have fired a shot, but the intelligence they provided while moving around in enemy territory was invaluable. They make video games about this stuff now, but these remarkable people lived the template, and there was no replay if they died.
NZ Coast watcher as well.
My FIL was an RCAF tailgunner who was ceded to the RAF and flew 67 missions over Europe and the far east. His stories of getting Sikhs drunk enough on Whiskey he kept in the ammunition trays for his rear turret so they'd willingly slide down and out of a belly hatch of a Liberator bomber behind Jap lines to act as agents provocateurs were spell binding. My own father's, (a troop sgt with the GGHG's armoured) stories of the Liri Valley in Italy and the liberation of Holland were the icing on that cake. Later life for both of them, my brother and I (both of us ex-RCN) would get them both a little blitzed on Haig & Haig & Pinch just to hear them tell these tales while they'd both eventually mist up remembering old comrades who were either KIA or had passed away later in peace time. The best generation by any metric you can choose.
One of the best men I have ever met was on D day 2.
A candian lad, 19 from Winnipeg.
He told me the consensus amongst the chaps..from the beach to Berlin was that the five day sea crossing from Canada to Blighty was the worst part!!
He was in the Royal Winnipeg Rifles..we met in Dieppe in 2004.
A very brave man.
Nice, concise story that is likely largely forgotten.
👍🏻
Shrapnel dug up in his garden???? Oh that’s incredible
He had just dug it up that morning. You can see that it still has wet mud on it in the video. Pretty amazing.
@@TheHistoryUnderground yes….THAT DAY? Wow! I’m sure that will be among your treasures
My grandfather was in France - 1915. A Canadian. A Highlander, a bride from hell - as they were called by the other side. He was a man of very few words, but at times would tell a story. He was 20 or so when he arrived. When WW2 kicked off, he was above the age to serve overseas, but was given orders to help supervise and train them. There was a lot of carnage. There needs to be some way to educate youth about why certain things happened. Maple Leaf up - as an acquaintance says. Cheers!
Wow! Thanks for sharing that.
Da muss ich ihnen Recht geben die Geschichte des 1 und 2 WK darf man nicht vergessen! Es würde viele Menschen Unrecht getan ! Mein Großvater war Vizefeldwebel im 1 WK kam gesund zurück und mein Vater , Schwiegervater und meine beiden Onkels waren im 2 WK! Kamen gesund zurück! Grüß aus Brandenburg 🇩🇪 bleibt gesund
Thanks for sharing this story. What the criminals of the 12th SS did to our troops was disgraceful but what we did to them in return was just payment. As the man said…it couldn’t happen to a nicer bunch of guys.
Can we just give this guy the full credit he deserve, so refresh to see a American take interest into other forces. Thanks for the amazing videos
Thank you. I appreciate that.
@@TheHistoryUndergroundLeft a comment just now. Hope you get to read it.
If you see any value in exploring any of the 'well researched - documented' family stories presented let me know. I'm old and hate to see what I feel to be of value lost.
One of my uncles was lost on his 22nd 'Op' in May '44. Studies of him and all other shot down that night led me to 'False' escape lines operating in Belgium that netted many would-be evaders. That led me to the story of evasion aka un-Authorised Allied Military Tourism in Occupied Europe 1940-1945. Over 35 years of pure 'amateur' and intense study of all the evasion lines, all the helpers, all the betrayers and all the interesting German Security forces working closely with the latter against them, you might find some stories worth telling and offering an opportunity to visit the places those old ghosts were familiar with. I have rarely met a ghost I didn't like and can understand if not like others . . .
From MT, USA...
Thank you Canada.
Semper Fidelis!
A thanks to all countries who helped in bringing freedom to France, Belgium,
Poland,Holland and many more🇺🇸
I really like the combination of JD and Paul in these videos, the style, emotion and knowledge of these guys is excellent. Would love to see you do a full length history video. Really enjoy your channel JD and I thoroughly recommend WW2TV.
Thanks!
I’ve been in Normandy and it’s great to see that the villages not much have changed sinds WW2.
The French are very proud of their history!
Greetings from Holland!
Very much so. Thanks!
As a very proud Canadian thanks for the great work.
🇨🇦
JD and Paul, Thank you for educating me and I am sure others of the heroic efforts of the Canadian army!
Our pleasure!
Awesome content and very educational. Maybe you can visit Bataan one day. My great uncle was captured by the Japanese at Bataan and survived the death March. He NEVER talked about the war, hated guns and the Japanese until the day he died. He suffered with mental illness from the time he was liberated until the day he died
Another just amazing story, this time it’s the Canadians. Ty.