Thank you that’s very kind of you to say so. I just hope it helps keep the memory of this amazing generation alive for the next generation so they’re not forgotten.
Former trooper from the 82nd here. Thanks for your hard work tracking down the pictures and the places. My Grandfather landed on D-plus 6 and survived the war. But he never spoke of it. All I know I found out when my Gram died, and all his service papers turned up. Much respect to that generation. Again, thank you.
Frenchman, here. Thanks for this very interesting video. It is so important to remember history. Big respect for all the allied soldiers who fought to liberate my country.
Thank you for letting the world know that it just wasn’t the 101st airborne fighting in Normandy. With the movie Band of Brothers, it has been forgotten that the 82nd airborne had a very pivotal role on D-Day.
Very much so. And that’s not to take away from the 101st but the 82nd fought equally as hard and their role needs to be seen in the same light as that of their sister division. Thank you for watching!
@@WW2Wayfinder I didn't forget even way back then. I looked them up because of the various paperback histories and especially with the video game, Medal of Honor Vanguard, that specifically features the 82nd All-American, and Operation Husky, Neptune,Varsity (17th), Market Garden (out of order, of course, off the top of my head with one of em being the Italian campaign.) We even learn how massive the Battle of the Bulge alone was, as featured in BoB, with several different units, companies, divisions, so forth, involved and fighting on the ground, on the map.
Thank you! It’s my pleasure to be able to share these stories with others who enjoy them and like the detail I go to! Thanks again for taking the time to watch.
The 325th is clearly lacking in recognition for their efforts in clearing the causeway at La Fiere. I was honored to know and attend several 325th reunions. What wonderful stories I learned from them about Normandy, Holland and their advance into Germany.
I hope this video goes some way to redress that balance for the men that were there that day. The 325th were an amazing unit, and I can only imagine what those reunions must have been like, getting to hear their stories from the very men themselves!
Right, the only account giving recognition was from SLA Marshall. My Grandfather was Cpt. John Sauls. I felt they did not get enough recognition nor did he get the proper medal.
Another outstanding video. I have seen a few other videos about the La Fiere Bridge but not with the depth of knowledge and storytelling. You are a master of WW2 knowledge. Thank you for all your efforts in keeping these stories from being forgotten!
RIP to the heroes, an excellent description of the battle that claimed so many lives. Total respect for the effort and work you put into this work Jon.
No worries! Glad you enjoyed it and hope it provided a good understanding of what those men had to endure during those first few days of the invasion in one small corner of Normandy!
Thank you. My first regiment in the Army (1985) was the 3/325 Airborne Infantry Regiment. Even being in the regiment, we knew about the Battle for La Fière, but not in detail. You have brought much clarity and respect.
Hello Jon - greetings from Poland. Your knowledge is exceptional. Your story telling technique is incredible. A fabulous video telling the story of this vitally important battle and the bravery of all those American troops. Thank you so much.
Thank you so much for those kind words! I just hope it goes some way to highlighting this key battle and the men who fought there during those first few days of D-Day. Thanks again for watching!
I’m so impressed how you can remember all those regiments names, their leaders, etc. 😳and you don’t falter one step. I remember doing news reports, I was a news cameraman, where the reporters battled to get a sentence out. Over and over again…. Well done!
Love how you incorporated original photos, maps, and drone footage to give us as realistic idea of what it looked like during the battle. Keep up the great videos 👍🏼
Thank you! I hope it conveyed some of the scale of the battle there. It’s a stunning part of Normandy and hard to believe it saw such violent combat there all those years ago.
Absolutely outstanding work. I visited La Fiere in 2019 and it has stuck with me since about the bravery and sacrifice young men gave over such a small, but important, slec of land. The video really helps you visualise just how fierce the fight was and how much we owe to those men. Thankyou
Thank you Richard, glad you enjoyed it. And I agree the area around the bridge is relatively small but was so crucial to the wider strategy for exploiting movement into the Cotentin and north towards Cherbourg. Had the bridge fallen back into German hands it would likely have been a good week or two of solid fighting to re-establish that bridgehead again!
Yeah it really puts it all into perspective of how every inch was so crucial to the whole Normandy campaign. And the sacrifice given for every one of those inches. Thanks again for the work you do. Hopefully a real labour of love for you.
Thank you that’s very kind of you to say so! I just hope my videos go some way to helping keep the memories of that amazing generation alive for people to learn from.
I visited La Fière recently during the 80th Commemorations. A moving experience at the time although your excellent explanation has greatly enhanced my understanding of the action there and its significance. Thank you for this and your many other educational videos. Respect and gratitude to those who served their country. Every one a hero.
Thank you! As we move further from that time it’s vital we keep the memory of what these men achieved for the next generation and I hope this goes a small way toward that! Thank you for watching!
Great video. Thank you so much. On a humorous note I got a good laugh out of a conversation we had with 'Wild' Bill Guarnere, of the 506th PIR, while traveling through Europe in 2004. He and others in the 101st, having an eagle shoulder patch, were teased by the 82nd guys that their patch looked like a "Puking Eagle". Conversely, when someone would ask about the difference between the 101st and the 82nd Divisions Bill said they joked the 82nd's "AA" patch stood for "Almost Airborne". Explaining they were still in training... He also told me, seriously, that they had the greatest respect for the men of the 82nd Airborne and loved them dearly. So many memories.
Oh wow I’ve never heard of the Almost Airborne before! The Puking Eagle I knew of but that’s made me chuckle! And I can image regardless of unit patch they were all part of the Airborne Brotherhood!
Bonjour, magnifique vidéo sur ce lieu historique du débarquement et plus particulièrement le parachutage, tout les ans j'allais voir le parachutage pour les commémorations du D-DAY, que de souvenirs avec les vétérans. Merci à vous pour ce travail de mémoire 👍
Merci! c'est une partie merveilleuse de la Normandie et leur histoire reçoit si peu d'attention par rapport aux autres opérations aéroportées américaines que j'ai dû raconter leur histoire ! J'y suis aussi allé pour les anniversaires du jour J et ils sont incroyables, n'est-ce pas ?! Merci d'avoir regardé
@@WW2Wayfinder plus qu' incroyable, ils resteront à jamais dans mon cœur, ces hommes que j'ai la chance de rencontrer ont changé ma vie à jamais, moi aussi je suis ancien parachutiste, mais jamais je n' ai connu ce que eux ont connu, des hommes qui sont restés humbles malgré leurs fait glorieux.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it and hope it provides some elevation in the public mind of what these men achieved during those crucial days following the invasion!
Incredible tour and presentation. Your historical research is top notch. I am slowly working my way through all of your videos and so far this is one of my favorite episodes. The elan and achievements of the 82nd Airborne around La Fiere are for the ages. I visited Normandy in 2017 but sadly for only one day and spent most of my time at Pointe du Hoc. I hope to visit again for an extended period of time. Your videos are giving me an overdose of motivation! Cheers, Paul
Thank you Paul! Glad you’re enjoying the channel! If you need any pointers on places to visit and think I might be able to help when you’re next heading that way drop me and email as I’m always happy to point people in the right direction if I’m able to! Time in Normandy is always fleeting so you have to make every second count when you’re there!
Absolutely ace mate, i used to travel round these areas before social media reading books etc, your TH-cam input is exceptional and i’ve learnt so much more watching your channel over the last couple of months than i ever did visiting myself, big thumbs up for your dedication and time…awesome, Robbo 👍👍
Robbo thanks for that, really kind of you to say so! I used to do the same going to Normandy with a car laden with books! As much fun as it was it’s definitely a bit easier these days!
I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with many of the veterans who returned for the 49th anniversary in 1993. Their first-hand accounts at La Fiere were amazing, and I will never forget the time I was able to spend with them. I was lucky to return last May, almost 30 years to the day, for a visit and this is the first place I returned to walk the ground and tell their story to my father and his friend. Being a former member of the 2nd battalion, 505th PIR this is a special and hallowed place. I hope to return again soon. Thank you for an outstanding presentation. I'll make sure to pass this along.
Thank you! It must have been amazing to spend time with the veterans all those years ago and hear their strories first hand. I'm glad you've been able to get back there and see it again and tour the area. It remainss one of my favourite areas in Normandy. Also to have been in the very battalion that fought there and carry on that legacy, it must be a truly special experience to walk the ground there. Thanks again for watching!
@@WW2Wayfinder It was an experience I'll always remember. My first battalion commander when I arrived at 2-505 was LTC Keith Nightingale, later COL Retired. He was a great influence on me with his unending knowledge of military history. He helped me out before my follow-on trip last year to Normandy, and I was able to meet some great people in the Ste Mere Eglise area, specifically JP Fav and his family at the Manor House. JP sat down with me, my father, and his friend and discussed the history of the Manor house. He gave us a tour around the property, and we got to see some great relics of the battle that took place. During my trip in '93, I was assigned to the 3/325th ABCT in Vicenza, Italy, and we supported the 49th anniversary with a jump into La Fiere. I was a combat medic and was part of the DZSO party to set up the DZ and provide medical coverage, so we arrived a few days early to coordinate with the SME mayor for the jump on the 5th and ceremonies on the 6th. Unbeknownst to us, about 100-150 veterans of the 82nd and 101st were there for a reunion since they knew the 50th was going to be packed with tourists. I met CPT Harvey Zeigler, Bob Murphy, LTG Jack Norton, and dozens of others while I was there. I met many of the veterans of the 1-505 PIR at La Fiere on the day of the jump on our way to the DZ and got an impromptu tour of their positions on the 6th. Later that evening, I was the only member invited to a dinner honoring them in SME. I spent the evening with CPT Zeigler and many others and heard their stories. I only wished I had a video camera! A night I'll never forget. I only recently found your channel after you appeared on WW2 TV's Masters of the Air discussion. I immediately subscribed, and now I am a huge fan! Thank you for what you are doing and for keeping these heroes' stories alive! It has truly been a pleasure watching and learning from your shows.
Oh wow! I can’t imagine what it was like to spend the evening in the company of those men! And to have the opportunity to tour the Manor House and area around it! I’ve seen the jump at La Fiere a few times now and always enjoy it but sadly with fewer Veterans each year. It’s my biggest regret that I didn’t start trying to document stuff as an early teenager when they were still around.
@@WW2Wayfinder@WW2Wayfinder Yes, that night, I sat with CPT Zeigler, a retired COL from the 506th, and his wife and an older Jewish couple who lived in the SME area. The gentleman was a holocaust survivor and was liberated from Buchenwald. All of their stories were amazing, and I wish I had had a recording device. Also, many other veterans came and spoke with me, and I was able to hear all these amazing tales, mostly funny ones but also harrowing ones. We capped the night off at the local English pub, I think it's the Stop Bar now, and drank with the veterans until about 0400. A great time was had by all. When I stopped at La Fiere in '93, the owner had been there on June 6. His father was running the farm at the time, and he was three years old, I believe. He took us into the houses and barns and asked if there were any medics in our group me and my junior medic stepped forward, and he took us to the 507th aid station in the cellar of what is the main house now. It was like a time capsule; everything had been left as is since June 9, when the Americans left and advanced across the causeway. Old bloody bandages, uniforms, boots, and medical materials were strewn about this tiny space that, as a medic, I couldn't believe you were able to treat as many people as they did in that small space. Unfortunately, one of the previous owners took most of the items out and sold them. However, the current owner is in the process of restoring the entire compound to use as a place for veterans to come and learn and heal from their own combat experiences. I do hope to go back again later this year; it's an amazing place for sure.
I love WWII history in detail. Understanding combat actions at all levels is necessary to understanding the whole picture. Your dedication to the details of historical fact and video illustration must be applauded. I have read Lt. Gen. Gavin's book ("On To Berlin") and this is an excellent visual companion to that narrative.
absolutley fantastic in the highest order !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! that was brilliant from start to finish thank you so so much for all your hard work ....Shaun.
Thank you Shaun, it’s an incredible area to visit and receives such little attention compared to that of the 101st so I’m grateful I was able to tell their story.
I'm planning a trip to Normandy next year for the 80th anniversary of D-day..I'll be travelling via motorbike from the UK , your video guides will be invaluable on this trip , thanks for posting them 👍
No worries! Hope it helps you find some of these amazing places that rarely feature on TH-cam but are so important to the D-Day story! I’ll also be there for the 80th with camera in hand so if you see me in a field talking to myself make sure you say hi!
My father was with first Battalion of the 507th. However because of a misdrop he ended up with Lieutenant Colonel Timmes. He was wounded and spent time on the farm behind the orchard . I was able to visit their last March when was surprised to find many of the fighting positions are still visible in the orchard
Thank you for sharing that, and wonderful that you were able to travel back there and see the orchard and surrounding area. I think the memorial to the men of the 507th there is a wonderful tribute. Thank you for watching.
Another terrific job of storytelling. Drone work, maps and photos of the men who were there all add context to a very complicated series of actions. And it's great to see the number of plaques and memorials there to recognize what happened at specific locations. A huge amount of research must have been done beforehand to make these presentations.
Thank you! It’s a fascinating battle and I hope it goes some way to explaining what those young men did during those first vital days following the invasion. It’s also a wonderful area of Normandy but the weather was so bad I had to sadly limit the amount of drone footage I could get as the winds speeds were horrendous!
Outstanding presentation! Thank you. I have visited the US landing sites at the beaches of Normandy and St. Mere Eglise on three separate occasions. Unfortunately, time didn't allow for visiting the La Fere bridge and surrounding areas. I knew about these actions but not in any great detail. Now I have another good reason to visit Normandy again.
Hope you're able t get back there soon and see it again! The area on the far side of the causeway around TImmes Orchard is great to wander around and take in the history of the area.
You’re most welcome! Glad you enjoyed it. La Fiere is a fascinating part of Normandy to visit and I’m grateful I could tell the story of the story of what these men achieved!
Jon. Just wanted to let you know i think youve made a fantastic video here, highlighting a lesser known but vital action near D Day. You should be on mainstream tv with your sincere delivery and huge knowledge of the facts. These guys were so brave. Thanks, Brian
Thank you Brian that’s very kind of you to say so. I just hope it serves as a tribute to the men who fought there and ensured that causeway could be used. It’s a story that needs to be in the spotlight far more than it is currently!
Thank you! I’m passionate about the La Fière story and really wish it received as much publicity as say the attack at Brecourt as it was equally if not more significant.
on the ambrose 'd-day to the rhine' tour summer 2019 this stop was one of the most impressive and really showed how it was the small unit actions that made the invasion succeed .. the display and view from the monument was well done and impressive .. thanks for bringing this the attention it so rightly deserves ...
Great that you’ve been able to see La Fiere and walk the ground there! I bet it was a fantastic tour and I hope my video brought back some good memories from it!
Oh wow, I hope it helped to see it as it is now. It’s a lovely area of Normandy and hard to imagine the ferocity of the fighting your Father witnessed there. Thanks for watching.
Thanks Shawn! Glad you enjoyed it. It’s a fascinating battle and I hope this episode helps to keep the memory of what those men from the 82nd achieved there!
Thank you! I’m really grateful I was able to document this battle as it was so vital to the success of the invasion in that part of Normandy but it receives such little attention so hopefully it helps bring this a bit more to the forefront of peoples minds.
I've been going to Normandy for years and have told the story of Sauls at La Fière many times. I'll be there again this Aug and using notes taken from this I'll certainly spend more time there visiting the other places you've described in this video. Great video, as are all your others.
Hope you have a great trip there next month! It’s a wonderful area to spend the day walking around and it’s so much more than the bridge. Definitely try and get to Timmes Orchard if you can as the memorial there is wonderful.
Thank you SO MUCH for making this historical video presentation. My Grandpa Fred a.k.a. Maj. Frederick C.A. Kellam 4th is my Grandfather. I love him dearly, and have done so much research. I am attempting to "recruit," my veteran, "Brother," Ret LTC Arthur "Ben" Powers to co-author an autobiography about my Grandpa Fred. Maj. Frederick Kellam was CO of 82nd Airborne 505th, 1BN A CO PIR who originally with his men, seized La Fière Bridge a.k.a. "Kellam's Bridge." I wish I had met him. Not a day goes by when I think about him and my live for him, every waking hour. And, I will see him again someday, with our Lord. God Bless you for making this video! ✝️🙌❤️🙏
Oh wow! That’s amazing, I hope it did your Father and the men he served and fought with justice, remembering the actions that were fought at La Fiere during those vital and momentous days! And keep the pressure on your brother as I would love to have a copy of that book!
@WW2Wayfinder Hi! I am unsure your name(s) who are the FB administrators of this group. I just sent you an email regarding my Dad and I receiving DVD copies, which I can pay for! And yes, Ben and I can send you a copy once it's finished!!! It's a forwarded email from my Dad, and the pertinent part is the middle passage...I'm unsure why it ended up there! Lol! Nor do I know why this msg is skipping lines!!! "Whatever!" Technology is crazy! BTW, my name is Christie Michelle Kellam
I just realized you said my Dad. Actually Frederick Kellam was my Grandpa. My Dad's old, but not that old! He couldn't serve as the one (and only) surviving son/child of my Grandparents! Please read my email...address starts with christiekel33. I'd put the entire address, but that should be enough for you to find. I don't want to be bombarded by mashers! LOL
This is a true representation of the D-Day objectives for the 82nd. I can tell you, IT is correct that the General never used that fox hole. He Said he might have jumped in it to escape German counter attacking but then got back to the part of the farmhouse barn area they could occupy. A couple things, Gen Gavin preferred to carry an M-1 rather than the M1 Carbine. One of the biggest obstacles the 82nd had was all radios were lost in the flooded area which forced the General to use runners, many of whom were killed. He then moved as close to the farm once it was cleared and made many runs himself to have a clear picture of the battle. The bridge changed hands so many times the full frontal assault finally allowed the bridge to be taken. The cost was great and he never forgot losing around 650 men in 3 days of brutal fighting - killed, injured, missing or captured. Thank you so much for covering this essential objective so that troops and equipment could move off of Utah beach.
Thank you! It’s an incredible story and the men who were there during those crucial days deserve far more recognition than they currently receive in my opinion.
Nice piece, well done and thorough. Thank you. You are fighting the battle to preserve these important events in a manner which should engage future generations and you are doing an excellent job of it. Coming from an old guy who was raised by the WWII generation: what you do is vital. It’s ironic that the quick release used on British parachute harnesses were actually manufactured in Buffalo, NY by the Irving Air Chute Company. We didn’t get them to our own people until later in ’44 and unfortunately some guys drown because of it. One correction, if I might: you mentioned that some of the paratroopers with the 82nd were draftees and not volunteers. You had to be a volunteer to go through Airborne training. They could have been drafted but then volunteered for Airborne. Also, in Band of Brothers, they have a guy saying he can’t swim when he falls into the river. Being able to swim was a pre-requisite for the Airborne, unless they were just letting them through anyway, but I doubt it. Like UDT and Marine Raiders, the Airborne and Rangers were special forces of their day, and they were good. Hubba, hubba; one more time. Thanks again, job well done. I must also say that you go that extra mile and answer the people who leave comments, which is impressive besides being importantly engaging. Keep up the good work.
Glad you enjoyed it, La Fiere is such a fascinating place to explore and the surrounding area. Most get hung up on the bridge but I wanted to get into the real details of the battle and ensure everyone who fought there was recognised.
Glad you enjoyed it! La Fiere and the fight around the bridgehead area is incredible and probably the most important strategic fight in that sector of the invasion front that occurred in those first few days post the landings but rarely gets any coverage!
a great summary of those events I was lucky to be there once when there was a large group of US airborne on a tour and able to earwig their guides words. Do those kind of people exist around us who would stand up in front of a hail of bullets knowing their likely fait such that heir brothers can get away. Well done to you for reminding us of the sacrifice of so many in a far off land of marshy fields and a stone bridge, should imagine thats all it was to most of them at the time. .
Superbly well done. On a side note, apparently La Fière Manor was the first building liberated on D Day by the Americans. I’ve used the brilliant guest house which was back then the Manors barns. A good book to read is “No better place to die” by Robert M Murphy who fought there and even had a street named after him in St Mere Eglise. Keep up the excellent work and I hope you’re feeling better by now.
Thank you! Bob Murphys book is excellent and while I never met him I know several who were lucky enough to and they always said he was a great man to listen to! I’ve not stayed at the manor but would love to one day! Must have been a great trip with that as your base!
군경력자로서 볼때 이 채널에서 제공하는 당시 전투상황에 대한 생생한 설명은 매우 전문적이며 실제적이고 군사평론으로서 최고라고 생각합니디. 그리고 실제 전적지에서의 설명은 마치 내가 2차대전 당시 유럽의 전장에 있는 것과 같은 착각을 불러옵니다. 매일 즐겁게 감상하고 있습니다. 계속 좋은 에피소드를 만들어 주세요. 감사합니다.👍👍👍
Thank you, that’s kind of you to say so and I’m glad you enjoyed it. La Fiere was such a vital engagement it really deserves far more coverage than it currently gets.
Great video mate, remember staying over in timmies orchard with pratts lot one time, a number of us took a walk at midnight june 8th around the merderet swinging around through cauquigny to get back. Then being ambushed by manny dressed up as FJ around the corner on a lane. Shat myself pretty much. Then patroled back under the fall moon over the farm fields back into timmies orchard. Very surreal that evening
🤣 I’ve spoken with Manny about that on a few occasions mate and it always makes me chuckle. I did a similar event there in 2013 and we reached Timmes orchard around 4am after walking the sunken lane. We made it to La Fiere for 6am on the 6th and it was such a memorable trip.
Excellent detailed coverage and analysis. The map at the beginning was most helpful, maybe one or two more along the way would have aided visualisation? Not a criticism, just a suggestion. Thanks for what you do, and please keep them coming!
Thank you! I’m working on some new mapping stuff for future videos so more will definitely feature in future videos to try and paint as clear a picture as possible as actions amongst the hedgerows can be very confusing to follow!
both a factual and inspirational story of the actions which took place in this area of a 3 day period. Many personal stories of grit, determination, professionalism, self-sacrifice and bravery. It's notable that on both flanks (east and west) of the D-Day landings bridges play such an important part of securing the beaches and flanks. Both the securing of both flank being tasked to airbourn forces.
Thank you! It's an incredible place to visit and I hope this encourages more to read up on what those men achieved during those crucial days at La Fiere!
Excellent video as always, its great what you do and the info and knowledge you have but I was wondering will you be doing any videos the British perspective and what they did on and around D-Day..
I've already covered my Grandfathers experinces on Gold Beach on D-Day but will be focusing on numerous British aspects next year, I'm a one man band so it all takes time and money to do!
Hi, I will have a look at the video about your Grandfather, I appreciate you're on you own and things take time and money and whenever you do the videos about the British im sure like all your videos they will e full of great content and info...
great video. have been to this spot and other Normandy sites s on US Army OPDs (Officer Professional Development) rides. Also known as boondoggles. You do a great job breaking down the action. On a completely unrelated topic, which Arcteryx jacket is this? Looks like a great midweight layer.
It’s a great place to visit isn’t it! And normally a lot quieter than other sites in Normandy so you really get a chance to explore it without the crowds! Also nice you’ve been able to go on the Army’s time too 😉 As for the jacket, I’ve had the thing for years now, and you’re right it’s great for most conditions in Europe but I can’t remember the name of it sadly!
it's amazing how all the little battles fought in the area added up to the overall success. For the US, i think all of the scattered drops worked out to our advantage. never under estimate the power of luck. the brit airborne forces had very many similar fights in their sector. the Merville Battery attack for one. have you read "If Chaos Reigns" by Flint Whitlock? a great book that covers the fight well. cheers. @@WW2Wayfinder
Well Donezk, thank you for that! Informative als always. I never heard of La Fiere until 2014 when I went to Normandy for the first time. So many small and less known storys down there! What type of Drone do you use?
Thank you! La Fiere and that area is so interesting! My drone is a DJI Mini 2. I got it when I started the channel and it’s been really good. Does everything I personally need it to and was a good compromise on cost vs. Performance. From what I’ve seen bigger and more expensive DJI a type drones (for the price) don’t deliver much better results, but that’s just my personal opinion. If someone gave me a bigger DJI drone I wouldn’t refuse it!
@@WW2Wayfinder I had the Mavic Mini One,I still do...but I bought a second Hand Mavic Pro two years ago...due to it's bigger weicht,the Wind resistance is better... and in your La Fiere -video,there was quite a lot.... Drones can just add to the experience in discovering history...!!
After the horrific wind in the Normandy this year (2 weeks straight of a south westerly at around 20mph) I’d look for a bigger one if it was like that consistently! It really did limit what I could film sadly, but also the USAF operations also limit the flying during that time because of NOTAMS etc. In your opinion is the heavier drone a better option?
@@WW2Wayfinder One of the main reasons to buy a bigger one was the fact,that the connection between the controller and the drone itself was just more stable and secure,especially when there are obstacles and thick vegetation. Another advantage is the wider range.But the Mini II has the same connection type as the bigger ones,the Mini I was based on another connection zype And, the wind resistance is much better i.m.o.,the Mini is sometimes fighting against the Wind very much,which is decreasing the duration of it's battery. So yes,I think weight is a difference in terms of Wind...
Good evening Sir, I have driven over that bridge numerous time to do my washing at Picauville, even stay overnight in the layby on the west side of Merderet river. Been to PFC Charles DeGlopper memorial but never once been to 325th Glider Infantry Memorial or Iron Mike Memorial. So thank you for a wake up call. I will adjust my trip to enjoy this, thanks to you informative video. Two questions for you have you considered doing a video on the Wormhoudt Massacre 27th May 1940, this is a Dunkirk incident? 2nd question I see you have a Patreon setup, do you post regular on there or mainly on YT?
It’s well worth the time there if you have the opportunity to take a look around. It’s very atmospheric especially at dusk! I’m hoping to cover Dunkirk in 2025 as realistically it’ll be the earliest I can film in there due to other commitment but I plan to cover as much as possible of that area as those battles in May 1940 have intrigued me for years. I post every couple of days on Patreon and have plans to add a lot more on there, I just need a couple more hours in the day at the moment to get that work done!
Fortunately, my uncle pvt Kenneth L Harris 82nd 505 para inf Co G. After this battle was able to send us his map of the Cherbourg area that he carried. I have had it restored as good as possible. With little info in his letters,we would be interested in it.
I’ve not filmed at Pointe Du Hoc. I had planned to but sadly whoever runs the place has ruined the site with fences and leaving the wildlife to take over there. I went back for the first time this year and the place is a mess and looks uncared for. It was very sad to see how badly it’s being looked after given how well all the other sites of similar importance are cared for in Normandy
@@WW2Wayfinder Yes I’ve noticed that whoever the f ing moron is taking care of pointe du hoc probably should have a “accident” out looking at the cliff side (just kidding…..or am I 😆 it ENRAGES ME to see the PATHETIC RIDICULOUS site of Omaha beach (the overgrowth of bushes & weeds) & now pointe du hoc U kw used to blame the preservationists but I blame the French president who’s not concerned or not caring about Omaha he keeps spending the money on ANOTHER memorial instead of PRESERVING Omaha he’s letting it all go to crap
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Your videos are head and shoulders above the rest of the WW2 videos. Well done
Thank you that’s very kind of you to say so. I just hope it helps keep the memory of this amazing generation alive for the next generation so they’re not forgotten.
@@WW2Wayfinder my Opa was in the 8th Panzer Division from February 40 to May 45
Former trooper from the 82nd here. Thanks for your hard work tracking down the pictures and the places. My Grandfather landed on D-plus 6 and survived the war. But he never spoke of it. All I know I found out when my Gram died, and all his service papers turned up. Much respect to that generation. Again, thank you.
Frenchman, here. Thanks for this very interesting video. It is so important to remember history. Big respect for all the allied soldiers who fought to liberate my country.
Glad you enjoyed it! It’s a beautiful area of Normandy and it’s wonderful to see how the memorials are cared for there.
Thank you for letting the world know that it just wasn’t the 101st airborne fighting in Normandy. With the movie Band of Brothers, it has been forgotten that the 82nd airborne had a very pivotal role on D-Day.
Very much so. And that’s not to take away from the 101st but the 82nd fought equally as hard and their role needs to be seen in the same light as that of their sister division. Thank you for watching!
@@WW2Wayfinder I didn't forget even way back then. I looked them up because of the various paperback histories and especially with the video game, Medal of Honor Vanguard, that specifically features the 82nd All-American, and Operation Husky, Neptune,Varsity (17th), Market Garden (out of order, of course, off the top of my head with one of em being the Italian campaign.) We even learn how massive the Battle of the Bulge alone was, as featured in BoB, with several different units, companies, divisions, so forth, involved and fighting on the ground, on the map.
Who thought that? Anybody with just the slightest interest in WWII should know.
Thank you for telling this story. We need to hear more stories like this.
You’re most welcome. I hope it helps to elevate what these men achieved during those vital first days of the invasion!
Thank you for watching!
Your channel is a treasure for ww2 historians. The depth and detail you go to is top notch. Great work.
Thank you! It’s my pleasure to be able to share these stories with others who enjoy them and like the detail I go to! Thanks again for taking the time to watch.
The 325th is clearly lacking in recognition for their efforts in clearing the causeway at La Fiere. I was honored to know and attend several 325th reunions. What wonderful stories I learned from them about Normandy, Holland and their advance into Germany.
I hope this video goes some way to redress that balance for the men that were there that day. The 325th were an amazing unit, and I can only imagine what those reunions must have been like, getting to hear their stories from the very men themselves!
Right, the only account giving recognition was from SLA Marshall. My Grandfather was Cpt. John Sauls. I felt they did not get enough recognition nor did he get the proper medal.
Another outstanding video. I have seen a few other videos about the La Fiere Bridge but not with the depth of knowledge and storytelling. You are a master of WW2 knowledge. Thank you for all your efforts in keeping these stories from being forgotten!
An elegant and beautifully comprehensive presentation. Thank you for your dedication to this history.
Thank you and I’m glad you enjoyed it. I hope it shines a light on what these men achieved during those vital first days in Normandy.
Thanks for the great video and info, my wife's Uncle was thereunder was wounded ,died on the 9th ,325 th Glider Inf. He is lying in Normandy .
Thank you for sharing that about your Wife’s Uncle. The men of the 325th GIR were exceptionally brave and instrumental in securing that causeway.
RIP to the heroes, an excellent description of the battle that claimed so many lives. Total respect for the effort and work you put into this work Jon.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it and hopefully it pays homage to the men who fought there over those vital few days. Thanks again for watching!
Wow. Your knowledge is in depth and the detail of the battles is incredible. Thank you for an amazing episode of WW2WayFinder.
No worries! Glad you enjoyed it and hope it provided a good understanding of what those men had to endure during those first few days of the invasion in one small corner of Normandy!
Thank you. My first regiment in the Army (1985) was the 3/325 Airborne Infantry Regiment. Even being in the regiment, we knew about the Battle for La Fière, but not in detail. You have brought much clarity and respect.
Hello Jon - greetings from Poland. Your knowledge is exceptional. Your story telling technique is incredible. A fabulous video telling the story of this vitally important battle and the bravery of all those American troops. Thank you so much.
Thank you so much for those kind words! I just hope it goes some way to highlighting this key battle and the men who fought there during those first few days of D-Day. Thanks again for watching!
@@WW2Wayfinderwow! I really admire your great work!
@@bettylaselli2048 thank you!
I’m so impressed how you can remember all those regiments names, their leaders, etc. 😳and you don’t falter one step. I remember doing news reports, I was a news cameraman, where the reporters battled to get a sentence out. Over and over again…. Well done!
Thank you Marion!
There’s plenty of clips on the cutting room floor I can assure you! Probably enough to make a bloopers reel one day!😃
Love how you incorporated original photos, maps, and drone footage to give us as realistic idea of what it looked like during the battle. Keep up the great videos 👍🏼
Thank you! I hope it conveyed some of the scale of the battle there. It’s a stunning part of Normandy and hard to believe it saw such violent combat there all those years ago.
Absolutely outstanding work. I visited La Fiere in 2019 and it has stuck with me since about the bravery and sacrifice young men gave over such a small, but important, slec of land. The video really helps you visualise just how fierce the fight was and how much we owe to those men. Thankyou
Thank you Richard, glad you enjoyed it. And I agree the area around the bridge is relatively small but was so crucial to the wider strategy for exploiting movement into the Cotentin and north towards Cherbourg. Had the bridge fallen back into German hands it would likely have been a good week or two of solid fighting to re-establish that bridgehead again!
Yeah it really puts it all into perspective of how every inch was so crucial to the whole Normandy campaign. And the sacrifice given for every one of those inches. Thanks again for the work you do. Hopefully a real labour of love for you.
What an absolute gem and major contribution to TH-cam your channel is becoming. Please keep it up!
Thank you that’s very kind of you to say so! I just hope my videos go some way to helping keep the memories of that amazing generation alive for people to learn from.
Brilliantly researched. Expertly explained.
Thank you! Hopefully it painted a clear picture of what is a very confusing and long battle!
I visited La Fière recently during the 80th Commemorations. A moving experience at the time although your excellent explanation has greatly enhanced my understanding of the action there and its significance. Thank you for this and your many other educational videos.
Respect and gratitude to those who served their country. Every one a hero.
Nice one it's great guys like you keep history alive we all had someone that fought in the two world wars , well done
Thank you! As we move further from that time it’s vital we keep the memory of what these men achieved for the next generation and I hope this goes a small way toward that! Thank you for watching!
Great video. Thank you so much. On a humorous note I got a good laugh out of a conversation we had with 'Wild' Bill Guarnere, of the 506th PIR, while traveling through Europe in 2004. He and others in the 101st, having an eagle shoulder patch, were teased by the 82nd guys that their patch looked like a "Puking Eagle". Conversely, when someone would ask about the difference between the 101st and the 82nd Divisions Bill said they joked the 82nd's "AA" patch stood for "Almost Airborne". Explaining they were still in training... He also told me, seriously, that they had the greatest respect for the men of the 82nd Airborne and loved them dearly. So many memories.
Oh wow I’ve never heard of the Almost Airborne before! The Puking Eagle I knew of but that’s made me chuckle!
And I can image regardless of unit patch they were all part of the Airborne Brotherhood!
Exactly... @@WW2Wayfinder
You do a terrific job with your storytelling and descriptions. You deserve kudos. Thanks.
Thank you! Just hope it gives the men who fought there more recognition for their actions on those first few days of the invasion!
Fella, your videos are nothing short of excellent.
Thank you thats very kind of you to say so!
Great job Jon at breaking down those 3 important days in early June that were so vital to the overall success of D Day and the battles beyond.
Thank you! Hope it helped give some context to what was a pretty confusing few days!
Learning all the time. Brilliant explanation/video. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it. The action at La Fiere and the surrounding area are so important to the Normandy story!
Thanks for taking the time to watch 😃
Bonjour, magnifique vidéo sur ce lieu historique du débarquement et plus particulièrement le parachutage, tout les ans j'allais voir le parachutage pour les commémorations du D-DAY, que de souvenirs avec les vétérans.
Merci à vous pour ce travail de mémoire 👍
Merci! c'est une partie merveilleuse de la Normandie et leur histoire reçoit si peu d'attention par rapport aux autres opérations aéroportées américaines que j'ai dû raconter leur histoire ! J'y suis aussi allé pour les anniversaires du jour J et ils sont incroyables, n'est-ce pas ?! Merci d'avoir regardé
@@WW2Wayfinder plus qu' incroyable, ils resteront à jamais dans mon cœur, ces hommes que j'ai la chance de rencontrer ont changé ma vie à jamais, moi aussi je suis ancien parachutiste, mais jamais je n' ai connu ce que eux ont connu, des hommes qui sont restés humbles malgré leurs fait glorieux.
What a master you are! 🤯🤯🤯 You make awesome videos! Thanks for that detailed content!
As usual another outstanding video. Thanks for honoring the memory and exploits of our WWII Veterans.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it and hope it provides some elevation in the public mind of what these men achieved during those crucial days following the invasion!
Incredible tour and presentation. Your historical research is top notch. I am slowly working my way through all of your videos and so far this is one of my favorite episodes. The elan and achievements of the 82nd Airborne around La Fiere are for the ages. I visited Normandy in 2017 but sadly for only one day and spent most of my time at Pointe du Hoc. I hope to visit again for an extended period of time. Your videos are giving me an overdose of motivation! Cheers, Paul
Thank you Paul!
Glad you’re enjoying the channel!
If you need any pointers on places to visit and think I might be able to help when you’re next heading that way drop me and email as I’m always happy to point people in the right direction if I’m able to! Time in Normandy is always fleeting so you have to make every second count when you’re there!
Absolutely ace mate, i used to travel round these areas before social media reading books etc, your TH-cam input is exceptional and i’ve learnt so much more watching your channel over the last couple of months than i ever did visiting myself, big thumbs up for your dedication and time…awesome, Robbo 👍👍
Robbo thanks for that, really kind of you to say so! I used to do the same going to Normandy with a car laden with books! As much fun as it was it’s definitely a bit easier these days!
So informative and well put together, thanks.
Thank you! I hope it helps to highlight what these men achieved under the toughest of conditions! Thank you for taking the time to watch!
BEST episode ever! Well done John 👏👏
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with many of the veterans who returned for the 49th anniversary in 1993. Their first-hand accounts at La Fiere were amazing, and I will never forget the time I was able to spend with them. I was lucky to return last May, almost 30 years to the day, for a visit and this is the first place I returned to walk the ground and tell their story to my father and his friend. Being a former member of the 2nd battalion, 505th PIR this is a special and hallowed place. I hope to return again soon. Thank you for an outstanding presentation. I'll make sure to pass this along.
Thank you!
It must have been amazing to spend time with the veterans all those years ago and hear their strories first hand. I'm glad you've been able to get back there and see it again and tour the area. It remainss one of my favourite areas in Normandy. Also to have been in the very battalion that fought there and carry on that legacy, it must be a truly special experience to walk the ground there. Thanks again for watching!
@@WW2Wayfinder It was an experience I'll always remember. My first battalion commander when I arrived at 2-505 was LTC Keith Nightingale, later COL Retired. He was a great influence on me with his unending knowledge of military history. He helped me out before my follow-on trip last year to Normandy, and I was able to meet some great people in the Ste Mere Eglise area, specifically JP Fav and his family at the Manor House. JP sat down with me, my father, and his friend and discussed the history of the Manor house. He gave us a tour around the property, and we got to see some great relics of the battle that took place.
During my trip in '93, I was assigned to the 3/325th ABCT in Vicenza, Italy, and we supported the 49th anniversary with a jump into La Fiere. I was a combat medic and was part of the DZSO party to set up the DZ and provide medical coverage, so we arrived a few days early to coordinate with the SME mayor for the jump on the 5th and ceremonies on the 6th. Unbeknownst to us, about 100-150 veterans of the 82nd and 101st were there for a reunion since they knew the 50th was going to be packed with tourists. I met CPT Harvey Zeigler, Bob Murphy, LTG Jack Norton, and dozens of others while I was there. I met many of the veterans of the 1-505 PIR at La Fiere on the day of the jump on our way to the DZ and got an impromptu tour of their positions on the 6th. Later that evening, I was the only member invited to a dinner honoring them in SME. I spent the evening with CPT Zeigler and many others and heard their stories. I only wished I had a video camera! A night I'll never forget.
I only recently found your channel after you appeared on WW2 TV's Masters of the Air discussion. I immediately subscribed, and now I am a huge fan! Thank you for what you are doing and for keeping these heroes' stories alive! It has truly been a pleasure watching and learning from your shows.
Oh wow! I can’t imagine what it was like to spend the evening in the company of those men! And to have the opportunity to tour the Manor House and area around it!
I’ve seen the jump at La Fiere a few times now and always enjoy it but sadly with fewer Veterans each year. It’s my biggest regret that I didn’t start trying to document stuff as an early teenager when they were still around.
@@WW2Wayfinder@WW2Wayfinder Yes, that night, I sat with CPT Zeigler, a retired COL from the 506th, and his wife and an older Jewish couple who lived in the SME area. The gentleman was a holocaust survivor and was liberated from Buchenwald. All of their stories were amazing, and I wish I had had a recording device. Also, many other veterans came and spoke with me, and I was able to hear all these amazing tales, mostly funny ones but also harrowing ones. We capped the night off at the local English pub, I think it's the Stop Bar now, and drank with the veterans until about 0400. A great time was had by all.
When I stopped at La Fiere in '93, the owner had been there on June 6. His father was running the farm at the time, and he was three years old, I believe. He took us into the houses and barns and asked if there were any medics in our group me and my junior medic stepped forward, and he took us to the 507th aid station in the cellar of what is the main house now. It was like a time capsule; everything had been left as is since June 9, when the Americans left and advanced across the causeway. Old bloody bandages, uniforms, boots, and medical materials were strewn about this tiny space that, as a medic, I couldn't believe you were able to treat as many people as they did in that small space. Unfortunately, one of the previous owners took most of the items out and sold them. However, the current owner is in the process of restoring the entire compound to use as a place for veterans to come and learn and heal from their own combat experiences. I do hope to go back again later this year; it's an amazing place for sure.
Very well done. I had the privilege of visiting the site in 2006 and your work helped clear up some questions I had from that visit.
Thanks! It's a great area to visit and such an underated one given the significance of the actions that took place there.
Thanks!
Thank you so much Pam, I really appreciate your support and I hope you enjoyed the episode!
I love WWII history in detail. Understanding combat actions at all levels is necessary to understanding the whole picture. Your dedication to the details of historical fact and video illustration must be applauded. I have read Lt. Gen. Gavin's book ("On To Berlin") and this is an excellent visual companion to that narrative.
Thank you! I really must get a copy of On To Berlin at some point as I'm a big fan of Gavin.
absolutley fantastic in the highest order !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! that was brilliant from start to finish thank you so so much for all your hard work ....Shaun.
Thank you Shaun, it’s an incredible area to visit and receives such little attention compared to that of the 101st so I’m grateful I was able to tell their story.
@@WW2Wayfinder your quite right it doesn't get the attention !!! absolutely fantastic again and look forward to the next one !!! all the best Shaun.
I'm planning a trip to Normandy next year for the 80th anniversary of D-day..I'll be travelling via motorbike from the UK , your video guides will be invaluable on this trip , thanks for posting them 👍
No worries! Hope it helps you find some of these amazing places that rarely feature on TH-cam but are so important to the D-Day story! I’ll also be there for the 80th with camera in hand so if you see me in a field talking to myself make sure you say hi!
@@WW2WayfinderI'll keep an eye out for you..
If I’m not rambling to myself in a field I can be found around sources of beer 🍻
My father was with first Battalion of the 507th. However because of a misdrop he ended up with Lieutenant Colonel Timmes. He was wounded and spent time on the farm behind the orchard . I was able to visit their last March when was surprised to find many of the fighting positions are still visible in the orchard
Thank you for sharing that, and wonderful that you were able to travel back there and see the orchard and surrounding area. I think the memorial to the men of the 507th there is a wonderful tribute. Thank you for watching.
Another terrific job of storytelling. Drone work, maps and photos of the men who were there all add context to a very complicated series of actions. And it's great to see the number of plaques and memorials there to recognize what happened at specific locations. A huge amount of research must have been done beforehand to make these presentations.
Thank you! It’s a fascinating battle and I hope it goes some way to explaining what those young men did during those first vital days following the invasion. It’s also a wonderful area of Normandy but the weather was so bad I had to sadly limit the amount of drone footage I could get as the winds speeds were horrendous!
Outstanding presentation! Thank you. I have visited the US landing sites at the beaches of Normandy and St. Mere Eglise on three separate occasions. Unfortunately, time didn't allow for visiting the La Fere bridge and surrounding areas. I knew about these actions but not in any great detail. Now I have another good reason to visit Normandy again.
Hope you're able t get back there soon and see it again! The area on the far side of the causeway around TImmes Orchard is great to wander around and take in the history of the area.
Great episode Jon. Thanks .
You’re most welcome! Glad you enjoyed it. La Fiere is a fascinating part of Normandy to visit and I’m grateful I could tell the story of the story of what these men achieved!
Jon. Just wanted to let you know i think youve made a fantastic video here, highlighting a lesser known but vital action near D Day. You should be on mainstream tv with your sincere delivery and huge knowledge of the facts. These guys were so brave. Thanks, Brian
Thank you Brian that’s very kind of you to say so. I just hope it serves as a tribute to the men who fought there and ensured that causeway could be used. It’s a story that needs to be in the spotlight far more than it is currently!
What a brilliant and complex video. I remember when we visited Normandy being told about the flooded low lying areas causing havoc.
Thank you!
Great job. Filming and speaking in a way to maintain context, scale and orientation is a tactical action in itself; Well demonstrated here, once more.
Thank you! I’m passionate about the La Fière story and really wish it received as much publicity as say the attack at Brecourt as it was equally if not more significant.
on the ambrose 'd-day to the rhine' tour summer 2019 this stop was one of the most impressive and really showed how it was the small unit actions that made the invasion succeed .. the display and view from the monument was well done and impressive .. thanks for bringing this the attention it so rightly deserves ...
Great that you’ve been able to see La Fiere and walk the ground there! I bet it was a fantastic tour and I hope my video brought back some good memories from it!
Thank you.
Very imformative..
R.i.P none but the brave
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
So glad I found your channel a few months back. Great work as always.
Thank you! Hopefully it provided a solid explanation of the events that unfolded there during those crucial few days.
Good job! The old man used to tell me stories of the battle there he was in the 507th he used to travel with my mother and walk those roads.
Oh wow, I hope it helped to see it as it is now. It’s a lovely area of Normandy and hard to imagine the ferocity of the fighting your Father witnessed there.
Thanks for watching.
Beautiful places, love your vids :)
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it and hope it gave a good idea of the terrain and various locations that were key to this vital action!
You are so knowledgeable, it's pretty amazing, Shawn from Miami Florida 🎉
Thanks Shawn! Glad you enjoyed it. It’s a fascinating battle and I hope this episode helps to keep the memory of what those men from the 82nd achieved there!
Another brilliant episode. You speak with such clarity and knowledge
Thank you! I’m really grateful I was able to document this battle as it was so vital to the success of the invasion in that part of Normandy but it receives such little attention so hopefully it helps bring this a bit more to the forefront of peoples minds.
What map did you show on the video?
Its the standard IGN Map of the area in 1:25,000 scale. IGN is the French equvilant of the Ordanance Survey here in the UK.
I've been going to Normandy for years and have told the story of Sauls at La Fière many times. I'll be there again this Aug and using notes taken from this I'll certainly spend more time there visiting the other places you've described in this video. Great video, as are all your others.
Hope you have a great trip there next month!
It’s a wonderful area to spend the day walking around and it’s so much more than the bridge. Definitely try and get to Timmes Orchard if you can as the memorial there is wonderful.
Thank you SO MUCH for making this historical video presentation. My Grandpa Fred a.k.a. Maj. Frederick C.A. Kellam 4th is my Grandfather. I love him dearly, and have done so much research. I am attempting to "recruit," my veteran, "Brother," Ret LTC Arthur "Ben" Powers to co-author an autobiography about my Grandpa Fred.
Maj. Frederick Kellam was CO of 82nd Airborne 505th, 1BN A CO PIR who originally with his men, seized La Fière Bridge a.k.a. "Kellam's Bridge." I wish I had met him. Not a day goes by when I think about him and my live for him, every waking hour. And, I will see him again someday, with our Lord. God Bless you for making this video! ✝️🙌❤️🙏
Oh wow! That’s amazing, I hope it did your Father and the men he served and fought with justice, remembering the actions that were fought at La Fiere during those vital and momentous days! And keep the pressure on your brother as I would love to have a copy of that book!
@WW2Wayfinder
Hi! I am unsure your name(s) who are the FB administrators of this group. I just sent you an email regarding my Dad and I receiving DVD copies, which I can pay for! And yes, Ben and I can send you a copy once it's finished!!! It's a forwarded email from my Dad, and the pertinent part is the middle passage...I'm unsure why it ended up there! Lol! Nor do I know why this msg is skipping lines!!! "Whatever!" Technology is crazy! BTW, my name is Christie Michelle Kellam
I just realized you said my Dad. Actually Frederick Kellam was my Grandpa. My Dad's old, but not that old! He couldn't serve as the one (and only) surviving son/child of my Grandparents! Please read my email...address starts with christiekel33. I'd put the entire address, but that should be enough for you to find. I don't want to be bombarded by mashers! LOL
Well done,great description of the battle. Well done, well done
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
Yet another brilliant video, keeping history and their memory alive
Thank you!
Another Excellent Video ! Keep em Coming 👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thank you!
As usual brilliant content!!!👍🇺🇸
Thank you!!!
Very well done!!!
Thank you! And thank you for taking the time to watch.
Excellent Narrative i really enjoyed it thank you
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
This is a true representation of the D-Day objectives for the 82nd. I can tell you, IT is correct that the General never used that fox hole. He Said he might have jumped in it to escape German counter attacking but then got back to the part of the farmhouse barn area they could occupy. A couple things, Gen Gavin preferred to carry an M-1 rather than the M1 Carbine. One of the biggest obstacles the 82nd had was all radios were lost in the flooded area which forced the General to use runners, many of whom were killed. He then moved as close to the farm once it was cleared and made many runs himself to have a clear picture of the battle. The bridge changed hands so many times the full frontal assault finally allowed the bridge to be taken. The cost was great and he never forgot losing around 650 men in 3 days of brutal fighting - killed, injured, missing or captured.
Thank you so much for covering this essential objective so that troops and equipment could move off of Utah beach.
Thank you! La Fiere is so important to the D-Day story but sadly it’s overshadowed by other Airborne operations that day.
You are exceptionnal ! Thx very much for your work and for us 👍
Thank you! I just hope I’m able to tell these stores at the level the men who fought these battles deserve.
Amazing job! Thankyou for keeping our history alive. "We will remember them" ;)
Thank you! It’s an incredible story and the men who were there during those crucial days deserve far more recognition than they currently receive in my opinion.
Once again an amazing video !
Thank you!
Nice piece, well done and thorough. Thank you. You are fighting the battle to preserve these important events in a manner which should engage future generations and you are doing an excellent job of it. Coming from an old guy who was raised by the WWII generation: what you do is vital.
It’s ironic that the quick release used on British parachute harnesses were actually manufactured in Buffalo, NY by the Irving Air Chute Company. We didn’t get them to our own people until later in ’44 and unfortunately some guys drown because of it. One correction, if I might: you mentioned that some of the paratroopers with the 82nd were draftees and not volunteers. You had to be a volunteer to go through Airborne training. They could have been drafted but then volunteered for Airborne. Also, in Band of Brothers, they have a guy saying he can’t swim when he falls into the river. Being able to swim was a pre-requisite for the Airborne, unless they were just letting them through anyway, but I doubt it. Like UDT and Marine Raiders, the Airborne and Rangers were special forces of their day, and they were good. Hubba, hubba; one more time. Thanks again, job well done. I must also say that you go that extra mile and answer the people who leave comments, which is impressive besides being importantly engaging. Keep up the good work.
Great narrative on the battle. Thank you
Glad you enjoyed it, La Fiere is such a fascinating place to explore and the surrounding area. Most get hung up on the bridge but I wanted to get into the real details of the battle and ensure everyone who fought there was recognised.
These get better and better! Thanks for doing these so well!
Thank you!
A absolutely fantastic video well presented. 👏👏
Thank you!
Once again wonderful content. Was not aware of battle. 👍
Glad you enjoyed it! La Fiere and the fight around the bridgehead area is incredible and probably the most important strategic fight in that sector of the invasion front that occurred in those first few days post the landings but rarely gets any coverage!
Great video my friend
Thank you!
Loved this vid. Great work.
Thank you!
Man that was spectacular work. You definitely deserve to have more subscribers! They will come.
a great summary of those events I was lucky to be there once when there was a large group of US airborne on a tour and able to earwig their guides words. Do those kind of people exist around us who would stand up in front of a hail of bullets knowing their likely fait such that heir brothers can get away. Well done to you for reminding us of the sacrifice of so many in a far off land of marshy fields and a stone bridge, should imagine thats all it was to most of them at the time. .
Great video , could watch your video's all day.
Thank you! That’s very kind of you to say so!
Salute to the men who gave their lives for us❤
Normandy would have been far more costly without their efforts! Thank you for watching!
@@WW2Wayfinder you're welcome😊
Hard to imagine a bridge that small was such a big thing
It’s an incredible place, and as you say hard to think how a small part of Normandy was so vital to the success of the operation
Superbly well done. On a side note, apparently La Fière Manor was the first building liberated on D Day by the Americans. I’ve used the brilliant guest house which was back then the Manors barns.
A good book to read is “No better place to die” by Robert M Murphy who fought there and even had a street named after him in St Mere Eglise. Keep up the excellent work and I hope you’re feeling better by now.
Thank you! Bob Murphys book is excellent and while I never met him I know several who were lucky enough to and they always said he was a great man to listen to! I’ve not stayed at the manor but would love to one day! Must have been a great trip with that as your base!
My son and I stayed at the Manor about15 yrs back.
군경력자로서 볼때 이 채널에서 제공하는 당시 전투상황에 대한 생생한 설명은 매우 전문적이며 실제적이고 군사평론으로서 최고라고 생각합니디. 그리고 실제 전적지에서의 설명은 마치 내가 2차대전 당시 유럽의 전장에 있는 것과 같은 착각을 불러옵니다. 매일 즐겁게 감상하고 있습니다. 계속 좋은 에피소드를 만들어 주세요. 감사합니다.👍👍👍
Thank you, that’s kind of you to say so and I’m glad you enjoyed it. La Fiere was such a vital engagement it really deserves far more coverage than it currently gets.
Brilliant 👍 👏
Thank you!
Très bien détaillée la vidéo 👍👍👍👍
Merci!
Incredible video. I like hearing about the 82nd Airborne
Thank you!
Excellent video! Well done!!!!!
Thank you very much!
Excellent vid yet again
Thank you!
Great video mate, remember staying over in timmies orchard with pratts lot one time, a number of us took a walk at midnight june 8th around the merderet swinging around through cauquigny to get back. Then being ambushed by manny dressed up as FJ around the corner on a lane. Shat myself pretty much. Then patroled back under the fall moon over the farm fields back into timmies orchard. Very surreal that evening
🤣 I’ve spoken with Manny about that on a few occasions mate and it always makes me chuckle. I did a similar event there in 2013 and we reached Timmes orchard around 4am after walking the sunken lane. We made it to La Fiere for 6am on the 6th and it was such a memorable trip.
certainly a special place around there
Great video with great detail. Thanks I have also subscribed to watch more.
Thank you, I'm glad you enjoed it and hopefully it helps to highlight what these men achevied over those crucial 3 days!
Excellent detailed coverage and analysis. The map at the beginning was most helpful, maybe one or two more along the way would have aided visualisation? Not a criticism, just a suggestion. Thanks for what you do, and please keep them coming!
Thank you!
I’m working on some new mapping stuff for future videos so more will definitely feature in future videos to try and paint as clear a picture as possible as actions amongst the hedgerows can be very confusing to follow!
So many brave men gave so much to make this a free world. I salute them. From a busted up veteran
both a factual and inspirational story of the actions which took place in this area of a 3 day period. Many personal stories of grit, determination, professionalism, self-sacrifice and bravery. It's notable that on both flanks (east and west) of the D-Day landings bridges play such an important part of securing the beaches and flanks. Both the securing of both flank being tasked to airbourn forces.
Thank you! It's an incredible place to visit and I hope this encourages more to read up on what those men achieved during those crucial days at La Fiere!
Excellent video as always, its great what you do and the info and knowledge you have but I was wondering will you be doing any videos the British perspective and what they did on and around D-Day..
I've already covered my Grandfathers experinces on Gold Beach on D-Day but will be focusing on numerous British aspects next year, I'm a one man band so it all takes time and money to do!
Hi, I will have a look at the video about your Grandfather, I appreciate you're on you own and things take time and money and whenever you do the videos about the British im sure like all your videos they will e full of great content and info...
Tremendous video.
Thank you!
great video. have been to this spot and other Normandy sites s on US Army OPDs (Officer Professional Development) rides. Also known as boondoggles. You do a great job breaking down the action. On a completely unrelated topic, which Arcteryx jacket is this? Looks like a great midweight layer.
It’s a great place to visit isn’t it! And normally a lot quieter than other sites in Normandy so you really get a chance to explore it without the crowds! Also nice you’ve been able to go on the Army’s time too 😉
As for the jacket, I’ve had the thing for years now, and you’re right it’s great for most conditions in Europe but I can’t remember the name of it sadly!
it's amazing how all the little battles fought in the area added up to the overall success. For the US, i think all of the scattered drops worked out to our advantage. never under estimate the power of luck. the brit airborne forces had very many similar fights in their sector. the Merville Battery attack for one. have you read "If Chaos Reigns" by Flint Whitlock? a great book that covers the fight well. cheers. @@WW2Wayfinder
lastly, i wonder if most people know that this bridge battle was the inspiration for the end battle scene in Saving Private Ryan. @@WW2Wayfinder
Well Donezk, thank you for that! Informative als always. I never heard of La Fiere until 2014 when I went to Normandy for the first time.
So many small and less known storys down there!
What type of Drone do you use?
Thank you! La Fiere and that area is so interesting!
My drone is a DJI Mini 2. I got it when I started the channel and it’s been really good. Does everything I personally need it to and was a good compromise on cost vs. Performance. From what I’ve seen bigger and more expensive DJI a type drones (for the price) don’t deliver much better results, but that’s just my personal opinion. If someone gave me a bigger DJI drone I wouldn’t refuse it!
@@WW2Wayfinder I had the Mavic Mini One,I still do...but I bought a second Hand Mavic Pro two years ago...due to it's bigger weicht,the Wind resistance is better... and in your La Fiere -video,there was quite a lot....
Drones can just add to the experience in discovering history...!!
After the horrific wind in the Normandy this year (2 weeks straight of a south westerly at around 20mph) I’d look for a bigger one if it was like that consistently!
It really did limit what I could film sadly, but also the USAF operations also limit the flying during that time because of NOTAMS etc.
In your opinion is the heavier drone a better option?
@@WW2Wayfinder One of the main reasons to buy a bigger one was the fact,that the connection between the controller and the drone itself was just more stable and secure,especially when there are obstacles and thick vegetation. Another advantage is the wider range.But the Mini II has the same connection type as the bigger ones,the Mini I was based on another connection zype
And, the wind resistance is much better i.m.o.,the Mini is sometimes fighting against the Wind very much,which is decreasing the duration of it's battery.
So yes,I think weight is a difference in terms of Wind...
Is the photo at 3:36 of the La Fiere causeway from June 1944?
I think it may have been taken later that year or early in 1945 but it doesn't appear to have been taken around the time of the invasion.
Good evening Sir, I have driven over that bridge numerous time to do my washing at Picauville, even stay overnight in the layby on the west side of Merderet river. Been to PFC Charles DeGlopper memorial but never once been to 325th Glider Infantry Memorial or Iron Mike Memorial. So thank you for a wake up call. I will adjust my trip to enjoy this, thanks to you informative video. Two questions for you have you considered doing a video on the Wormhoudt Massacre 27th May 1940, this is a Dunkirk incident? 2nd question I see you have a Patreon setup, do you post regular on there or mainly on YT?
It’s well worth the time there if you have the opportunity to take a look around. It’s very atmospheric especially at dusk!
I’m hoping to cover Dunkirk in 2025 as realistically it’ll be the earliest I can film in there due to other commitment but I plan to cover as much as possible of that area as those battles in May 1940 have intrigued me for years.
I post every couple of days on Patreon and have plans to add a lot more on there, I just need a couple more hours in the day at the moment to get that work done!
Fortunately, my uncle pvt Kenneth L Harris 82nd 505 para inf Co G. After this battle was able to send us his map of the Cherbourg area that he carried. I have had it restored as good as possible. With little info in his letters,we would be interested in it.
Oh wow that’s incredible! Have you considered having his map framed as it would make a wonderful display I bet.
That was a great story but just wondered if uve covered the story of the 155mm German guns from pointe du hoc that were at the orchard
I’ve not filmed at Pointe Du Hoc. I had planned to but sadly whoever runs the place has ruined the site with fences and leaving the wildlife to take over there. I went back for the first time this year and the place is a mess and looks uncared for. It was very sad to see how badly it’s being looked after given how well all the other sites of similar importance are cared for in Normandy
@@WW2Wayfinder Yes I’ve noticed that whoever the f ing moron is taking care of pointe du hoc probably should have a “accident” out looking at the cliff side (just kidding…..or am I 😆 it ENRAGES ME to see the PATHETIC RIDICULOUS site of Omaha beach (the overgrowth of bushes & weeds) & now pointe du hoc
U kw used to blame the preservationists but I blame the French president who’s not concerned or not caring about Omaha he keeps spending the money on ANOTHER memorial instead of PRESERVING Omaha he’s letting it all go to crap
Hi Jon great work. Could you possibly do an episode on Major Winters with then and now photos?
Thank you! There's a coupple of photos that I know of that could be used but would likely form part of a bigger episode so watch this space!
Are there any photos of Easy company's stay in Aldbourne Jon?
Not that I’ve seen off the top of my head. I’ve seen lots of 3rd Bn though in and around the Ramsbury area though
Great! 🎉
Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed it!