Excellent! Of course the UK is grateful. Following the declaration of war in 1939, it was only a matter of weeks, before Canada did the same, in support. Without Canada, the UK would have starved to death or been forced to surrender. God bless Canada.
i think it was a week...the govt of the day was making a point to the population and to the UK that we were not following like colonial sheep,that we had thought about it and made our own decision...it probably could have been done the same day, the actual decision was probably already made in truth..there would have been back channels to London,our governments were still intertwined in some ways then
Hello, Steve. As you have a foot in both countries, will you tell me if Canadians really think the UK isn’t grateful for all they did during the war? John sort of implied doubt on the subject so I’m keen to know. I thought John was Canadian but it seems he’s American??? Genuinely interested. Thanks👍🏻
@@Roz-y2d Hi, thanks for your comment. Let me clarify. Since this was an unscripted vlog, I could have been clearer with what I was thinking when I made that comment. First, as a student of history, I can say confidently that Canada’s contributions to the world wars does not get the attention it deserves. Of course this is only a generalization and does not apply to all people. Second, when I was looking online for this monument, I came across a photo of parents letting their kids climb on and splash around on the memorial. There was a caption that said this was enough of a problem so that the managers of the monument had to place a sign at the memorial to keep off as a sign of respect. That was sort of the context for my comment. I know without doubt that well informed British people and, especially the older generations, know and appreciate their commonwealth brethren and their contributions to the wars. I was wondering about the younger generation as it is somewhat natural for historical memories to fade with time and throughout generations. I hope I didn’t imply any disrespect. Certainly that is not what I intended. Thanks for your comment.
I have seen the Canada gate when we were visiting family in England but never knew about the memorial till around 4 years ago during the heat wave in Europe when it was reported in our news that people were layng on it and sliding down it to stay cool. I know after that they did their best to keep people off of it. It's a beautiful memorial which brought a tear to my eye. Thank you for showing us the memorial and the Canada gate , just beautiful
There is an American War Memorial in Cambridge UK, spread over a large area, and it is absolutely beautiful.. Worth a visit if you come back to the UK..
@@raven3212 thanks so much. I wish we could have visited Cambridge but there was only so much time and we were traveling with kids. I appreciate the tip friend.
There is also a Memorial Chapel to fallen American Service men and women of WW2, in St Paul's Cathedral. General Eisenhower offered financial help from the US, but the offer was declined as it was felt that the Chapel should be a tribute from the People of Britain to Americans based in Britain who had died during the conflict, a national appeal was made and the money was raised through individual, and company donations.
Thank you. As a Canadian, I appreciate your touching snapshots of Canada through the eyes of a sympathetic American. Please know that in return I pray sincerely for America regularly and with a sincere wish for the best for America.
Thank you so much John for the video on the War Memorial and the Canada Gate. I haven’t been to London to see them in person but appreciate your solemn tribute. Having three uncles who served in Europe during the War and both my parents in the Canadian Army during the War made this video very special to me. 👏👏👏❤️🇨🇦
Nice to see you again John. Thanks for shooting this, I didn't even know it existed. The water in the memorial reminded me of the ocean from Canada to the UK and the maple leafs represent all our boys who sacrificed themselves in the wars away from home.
Ahh London, one of my favourite cities in the world. I found the peacefulness at this monument similar to how I felt at the Vietnam Memorial some years ago. Welcome back brother, you were missed.
Do you know, I was unaware about this memorial, and had never seen it. It is quite lovely and peaceful with the running water and the maple leaves looking as though they are washing up on the shore. Thank you for bringing it "home" to us. I appreciate you taking the time to think of such a thing and to investigate. A great example of how we continue to learn every day. Hope you're well and that you've settled back in at home. Thanks. :)
I was not aware of this monument and will certainly pay my respects next time I’m in London. Where I live in England is where the Canadian troops were stationed before D day.
My family has lots of strong links to Canada. My cousin Georgina never knew her Canadian soldier father as he died in the attack on Dieppe in August 1942. He is buried in a cemetery on the outskirts of Dieppe, with too many of his comrades. She and her mother emigrated to Canada during WW2. My maternal grandfather embarked from Halifax NS in 1915, when he joined the Expeditionary Force and spent WW1 in France and Belgium, with brief returns to England for medical, or injury reasons. Britain is very, very grateful for all the Commonwealth countries who came to our aid in world wars, and who stepped up to the plate in other conflicts, as in Korea, Vietnam etc. They are never forgotten by most of us who know and appreciate their sacrifices.
Thanks for this. I went to see it few years ago when I was in London but it was under repair at that time. I believe the slanted flowing water is designed so that if you view from a certain angle it appears as though the leaves are floating down a river.
@@shannonshirreff5945 thank you for this. Yes, if that was the intended effect, they did it well. It does look like that. I was also thinking that the maple leaves flowing down river is meant to symbolize the lost soldiers that never came home but passed gently on. I dunno. Just a thought.
Thank you for this video, John. Like some other posters here, I somehow wasn't aware of this memorial. I admire the balance it strikes between a simplicity of design and a depth of symbolism. I'll be visiting it next time I'm in London.
Awesome vid John so happy your back missed ya 👍🏻 good video really informative. 🇨🇦❤️ 7:40 What a beautiful memorial for those Brave Canadian boys who left Canada to serve the mother country in WW1 and WW2 🇨🇦🌹❤️.
The Canadian Army had the UK's back right at the start of both world wars. They were amongst the first troops into France along side the Indian troops to help relieve the badly mauled British Army. Also after the Dunkirk debacle, the Canadians were the only fully equipped Army in the UK in 1940 and had actually attempted to disembark in France to help the French Army before the capitulation. God Bless Canada!
I just came back from a London holiday and made a point of going to see this memorial. I had no idea that the gate or memorial even existed. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.!
@7:06 the impression of the Maple Leaf carved into the Stone tiles, and the backing music, Immediately bought a tear to my eye, I'm a 70yr old Brit ex-Squaddie, So am fully aware, Britain could not have done half that it Did without Canada at our back, From one Nation to another Thank you for your service,
Hi friend. It’s nice to hear from a Brit on this subject. When I made my comment, which was unscripted, I really didn’t doubt that people of your generation would be aware and appreciate what Canada and other commonwealth nations did to support Britain in those wars. I really sort of had in mind the younger generation. When I made the comment I had in mind that I saw pictures of parents letting their children splash around in the water on the monument such that they had to put a sign asking people to stay off it. I think it’s natural that generational memories fade. Thats why I strongly believe in taking Remembrance Day (here in the US, Veterans Day and Memorial Day) seriously. Lest we forget. And may I say as a citizen from allied nation, thank you for your service.
Thank you for this video! I am living vicariously though your videos on Vimy Ridge and the memorial in London, England. Both my husband and I are on fixed pensions, so travelling anywhere is beyond our means. Your videos mean the world to us! Thanks for all you do! ❤😊
I’m so glad you are enjoying them. Although the internet can be a dark and toxic place and has hurt our societies in certain ways, there is much about it that is good. I can “travel” to places I probably will never go and can learn new things that even a trip to the local library would not be able to teach me. Without the internet, I would have continued my life not knowing enough about my wonderful neighbors to the north. So I’m glad you can “travel” even if you can’t.
In my home town in Folkestone in Kent there is a cemetery known locally as The Canadian Graves. As primary school children once a year we would walk to the cemetery and lay flowers on the graves during a service of remembrance. One year we were given a badge depicting a Maple leaf. I am 69 years old and I still have mine.
This is so great! I pride myself in knowing about stuff like this but had no idea about these sites. I was right there when visiting London a few years ago and missed them. Thanks for this information - now I know for next time. That the memorial points towards Halifax...what wonderful and understated symbolism. I'm glad I know now.
I have a long standing FB friend from Canada with the Surname Ritchie. In 2016 I visited the Canadian memorial at Vimy Ridge, France. As I approached I mused, I wonder if there are any Ritchies on here... I veered to the right of the steps and as the names carved into the stones revealed themselves I was shocked to see the first one appear in my vision "Ritchie" I happened to spot the first one and there were a total of five Ritchies. I have never been religious, but that was the closest I came to a religious experience!
Hi John that was wonderful to see! Thank you for taking the time to visit, show your respect and filming to share with us. Good to see you back. I enjoyed watching, take care🫶
To be clear, we are extremely grateful for the invaluable assistance from our Canadian brothers, and the many others that helped in fighting an evil force. There are many memorials around the Uk, not least of which is the JFK memorial to the fallen President of the US. It’s close to Runnymede where the Magna Carta was witnessed and signed. The land there was made US soil by our late Queen, and you can visit whenever you wish. 👍🏻❤️
Of course the British know of Canadian help. My dad was in WW2 and 2 grandfathers in WW1 and like most children of those brave men, they never spoke of the horrors of those years. But would talk of their mates with pride, dad was army and a pow on D-Day, but was annoyed with the film the longest day because Juno beach and the Canadians where hardly mentioned. Most conversations of the war would happen when a war film came on telly, he told me that many of the Dam Busters where Canadian. Dad would say, that Canada, Australia and New Zealand gave a lot because they had small populations and sent so many to help Britain for 5 long years. They were there from the start, and without them helping to hold back the Nazi's for so long on their own, the world would look very different.
Yes so true. You always hear historians say that after France was defeated and the BEF was saved from Dunkirk, Britain stood alone. It never really did because of the Dominion forces. Thats not to say Britain wasn’t courageous and tough not to give up the fight (it was for sure), but it was never truly alone.
There's a renowned regiment of the Canadian Forces named Lord Strathcona's Horse. Originally aunit of mounted riflemen, Lord Strathcona's Horse helped turned the tide of the Boer Wars because they were excellent marksmen, even and especially while mounted and riding. Anecdotally it's said that the British general that recieved the LSH regiment in Africa was shocked by how large and burly the Canadians were and commented about their size to their officer. The Canadian replied simply that these were the smallest men he could find. 😂
Good to see you back! Thanks for another interesting informative video. I had no idea there was a Canada Gate or the beautiful War Memorial dedicated to Canadians in London, and I appreciate you taking the time and effort to make this video about them. They are both absolutely spectacular, in my opinion! John, are you aware of the repatriation to St. John's of a Newfoundland "Unknown Soldier" from France, and the placement of his remains at our National War Memorial on July 1st, 2024? The War Graves Commission has declared that this will be the last time there will be repatriation of an Unknown Soldier from World War 1. The Royal Newfoundland Regiment had been petitioning for the honour repeatedly for quite some time, but had been denied, as the War Graves Commission stated there was already an Unknown Soldier repatriated to Canada and entombed at the Canadian National War Memorial in Ottawa. The Royal Newfoundland Regiment challenged the argument in that, as the Dominion of Newfoundland was not part of Canada during World War I (and World War II, for that matter) and our soldiers had answered the call as a nation separate and equal to the Dominion of Canada at the time, and our own National War Memorial in St. John's had been erected and dedicated years before our confederation with Canada. The permission was finally granted, and a Royal Newfoundland Regiment soldier's remains were returned to Newfoundland and placed in a newly-built tomb, on the 100th Anniversary of the erection and dedication of the National War Memorial of Newfoundland on July 1, 1924. It was quite a moving Memorial Day observance, broadcast live across Canada by the CBC. As you have shown such an interest in the military history of Canada, and your knowledge of the separate Royal Newfoundland Regiment, I thought this incredible honour might be of interest to you.
There's also a small memorial to the RCAF in the Holborn area of London, unveiled in 1998. The memorial in Green Park was lobbied and paid for by Canadian expats living in London, most notably Conrad Black. It fell into disrepair in the 2000s with the repairs eventually being paid for by the Canadian government.
Thanks for the info. Also, people used to let their kids walk in the water on the memorial and not treat it with the respect it deserves. I’ve seen pictures. That’s why the put the signage all around it. You’d think they wouldn’t have to, but people will be people I guess.
First, let me begin by, as always, thanking you for this video. Second, you mention wanting to know about the Boar Wars. I have recently started to volunteer at the Canadian Tank Museum here in Oshawa, Ontario (also the home of GM Canada) and what is known as the Ontario Regiment. The Ontario Regiment has existed since the 1700's (even before Canada was Canada). I will attempt to get you some video of the museum (just not great at the techie parts), and if you come up to the Toronto area, I would be more than glad to show you our great cities and maybe treat your family to some real Tim Horton's (LOL) Your Canadian Friend Brian Clabby
There are many different memorials to Americans also, from Pocahontas to newer Americans throughout history. The main new one as in war is the Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial. There are also a few tributes and such to former Presidents. For the life of me I can't remember if you've visited them or done a video, but if you have.👍
@@gavingiant6900 Hi Gavin. I wasn’t able to get to Cambridge but I did see a few notable American tributes in London. Right across from the Palace of Westminster is a park with a number of statues, including Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela and Ghandi.
@johnf-americanreacts1287 Manchester also has a statue of President Lincoln as he wrote a letter of thanks to the weavers of Lancashire for refusing to use cotton from the South even though it caused hardship and starvation. There is an acre of land given to the US dedicated to JFK as a memorial at Runnymede
Excellent! Of course the UK is grateful. Following the declaration of war in 1939, it was only a matter of weeks, before Canada did the same, in support. Without Canada, the UK would have starved to death or been forced to surrender. God bless Canada.
i think it was a week...the govt of the day was making a point to the population and to the UK that we were not following like colonial sheep,that we had thought about it and made our own decision...it probably could have been done the same day, the actual decision was probably already made in truth..there would have been back channels to London,our governments were still intertwined in some ways then
I will never Forget the Contribution Canada Gave to the Wars for both our Freedoms. All the Canadian Fallen. Brave Brave Men .LEST WE FORGET..
🇬🇧❤🇨🇦
God bless our Canadian family .
Forever grateful to the People of Canada.
Amen to that !
British born Canadian proud of both my country's
Hello, Steve. As you have a foot in both countries, will you tell me if Canadians really think the UK isn’t grateful for all they did during the war? John sort of implied doubt on the subject so I’m keen to know. I thought John was Canadian but it seems he’s American??? Genuinely interested. Thanks👍🏻
@@Roz-y2d Hi, thanks for your comment. Let me clarify. Since this was an unscripted vlog, I could have been clearer with what I was thinking when I made that comment. First, as a student of history, I can say confidently that Canada’s contributions to the world wars does not get the attention it deserves. Of course this is only a generalization and does not apply to all people. Second, when I was looking online for this monument, I came across a photo of parents letting their kids climb on and splash around on the memorial. There was a caption that said this was enough of a problem so that the managers of the monument had to place a sign at the memorial to keep off as a sign of respect. That was sort of the context for my comment. I know without doubt that well informed British people and, especially the older generations, know and appreciate their commonwealth brethren and their contributions to the wars. I was wondering about the younger generation as it is somewhat natural for historical memories to fade with time and throughout generations. I hope I didn’t imply any disrespect. Certainly that is not what I intended. Thanks for your comment.
I have seen the Canada gate when we were visiting family in England but never knew about the memorial till around 4 years ago during the heat wave in Europe when it was reported in our news that people were layng on it and sliding down it to stay cool. I know after that they did their best to keep people off of it. It's a beautiful memorial which brought a tear to my eye. Thank you for showing us the memorial and the Canada gate , just beautiful
When I was in the UK I saw this. It is peaceful to hear the water.
There is an American War Memorial in Cambridge UK, spread over a large area, and it is absolutely beautiful.. Worth a visit if you come back to the UK..
@@raven3212 thanks so much. I wish we could have visited Cambridge but there was only so much time and we were traveling with kids. I appreciate the tip friend.
@@johnf-americanreacts1287 you’re very welcome. 😊
@@johnf-americanreacts1287 It can be viewed online, some lovely pictures..
There is also a Memorial Chapel to fallen American Service men and women of WW2, in St Paul's Cathedral. General Eisenhower offered financial help from the US, but the offer was declined as it was felt that the Chapel should be a tribute from the People of Britain to Americans based in Britain who had died during the conflict, a national appeal was made and the money was raised through individual, and company donations.
As a Newfoundland sub and now Canadian thank you so much for this. Thank you and thank your for all you have done for your country!
Thank you for taking the time during your holidays to visit this beautiful memorial.
as a Canadian you showed me something new Thanks
What a beautiful gift, thank you Canada!❤
Thank you. As a Canadian, I appreciate your touching snapshots of Canada through the eyes of a sympathetic American. Please know that in return I pray sincerely for America regularly and with a sincere wish for the best for America.
My great grandfather served in the Royal Horse Artillery in The Great War. Thank you for posting this footage of this memorial.
Yes, it's so good to see you again John! I really missed you, your girls, and your very well researched content. Glad you're back. Cheers from 🇨🇦.
Same here John. Really good to see your handsome face again! Best to you and your family.
You're the best, my American cousin!
Thank you so much John for the video on the War Memorial and the Canada Gate. I haven’t been to London to see them in person but appreciate your solemn tribute. Having three uncles who served in Europe during the War and both my parents in the Canadian Army during the War made this video very special to me. 👏👏👏❤️🇨🇦
Nice to see you again John. Thanks for shooting this, I didn't even know it existed. The water in the memorial reminded me of the ocean from Canada to the UK and the maple leafs represent all our boys who sacrificed themselves in the wars away from home.
Hiya John. I missed you. So good to se you once again with your amazing Canadian content.
You have no idea how good it is to see you again! 💓
@@EllieRuben thank you. 😊 I missed you all too.
@@NeveDavis-u2j thanks so so much. I’m very glad to be back. 😊
Thank you for sharing this; it's stunning. And it brought tears to my eyes.
I have been to London several times but did not know about the Canada Gate. Thank you for sharing!
There are gates gifted by Australia and South Africa
Ahh London, one of my favourite cities in the world. I found the peacefulness at this monument similar to how I felt at the Vietnam Memorial some years ago. Welcome back brother, you were missed.
Totally agree!
The fallen maple leaves were very moving❤
Wow! I'm Canadian and I did not know about this memorial . Thank you my American friend .
Wow, I'm 58 and never knew about the beautiful Canada gate or that awesome monument. Thanks John and hope to see more of your videos.
As A Canadian Thank You
Do you know, I was unaware about this memorial, and had never seen it. It is quite lovely and peaceful with the running water and the maple leaves looking as though they are washing up on the shore. Thank you for bringing it "home" to us. I appreciate you taking the time to think of such a thing and to investigate. A great example of how we continue to learn every day. Hope you're well and that you've settled back in at home. Thanks. :)
Thank-You !!!
I was not aware of this monument and will certainly pay my respects next time I’m in London. Where I live in England is where the Canadian troops were stationed before D day.
My family has lots of strong links to Canada. My cousin Georgina never knew her Canadian soldier father as he died in the attack on Dieppe in August 1942. He is buried in a cemetery on the outskirts of Dieppe, with too many of his comrades. She and her mother emigrated to Canada during WW2. My maternal grandfather embarked from Halifax NS in 1915, when he joined the Expeditionary Force and spent WW1 in France and Belgium, with brief returns to England for medical, or injury reasons. Britain is very, very grateful for all the Commonwealth countries who came to our aid in world wars, and who stepped up to the plate in other conflicts, as in Korea, Vietnam etc. They are never forgotten by most of us who know and appreciate their sacrifices.
Thanks for this. I went to see it few years ago when I was in London but it was under repair at that time. I believe the slanted flowing water is designed so that if you view from a certain angle it appears as though the leaves are floating down a river.
@@shannonshirreff5945 thank you for this. Yes, if that was the intended effect, they did it well. It does look like that. I was also thinking that the maple leaves flowing down river is meant to symbolize the lost soldiers that never came home but passed gently on. I dunno. Just a thought.
what a beautiful tribute thank you
Thank you for this video, John. Like some other posters here, I somehow wasn't aware of this memorial. I admire the balance it strikes between a simplicity of design and a depth of symbolism. I'll be visiting it next time I'm in London.
Awesome vid John so happy your back missed ya 👍🏻 good video really informative. 🇨🇦❤️
7:40 What a beautiful memorial for those Brave Canadian boys who left Canada to serve the mother country in WW1 and WW2 🇨🇦🌹❤️.
The Canadian Army had the UK's back right at the start of both world wars. They were amongst the first troops into France along side the Indian troops to help relieve the badly mauled British Army. Also after the Dunkirk debacle, the Canadians were the only fully equipped Army in the UK in 1940 and had actually attempted to disembark in France to help the French Army before the capitulation. God Bless Canada!
Thank you, from a proud descendant of many Canadian soldiers.
Thank you John I likeD both of the memorials... The water feature was quite contemplative, reflective
I just came back from a London holiday and made a point of going to see this memorial. I had no idea that the gate or memorial even existed. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.!
@7:06 the impression of the Maple Leaf carved into the Stone tiles, and the backing music, Immediately bought a tear to my eye, I'm a 70yr old Brit ex-Squaddie, So am fully aware, Britain could not have done half that it Did without Canada at our back, From one Nation to another Thank you for your service,
Hi friend. It’s nice to hear from a Brit on this subject. When I made my comment, which was unscripted, I really didn’t doubt that people of your generation would be aware and appreciate what Canada and other commonwealth nations did to support Britain in those wars. I really sort of had in mind the younger generation. When I made the comment I had in mind that I saw pictures of parents letting their children splash around in the water on the monument such that they had to put a sign asking people to stay off it. I think it’s natural that generational memories fade. Thats why I strongly believe in taking Remembrance Day (here in the US, Veterans Day and Memorial Day) seriously. Lest we forget. And may I say as a citizen from allied nation, thank you for your service.
Cheers and thank you John🇨🇦❤️🇺🇸
When the old lion calls, the young lions come to its defense!
Thank you for this video! I am living vicariously though your videos on Vimy Ridge and the memorial in London, England. Both my husband and I are on fixed pensions, so travelling anywhere is beyond our means. Your videos mean the world to us! Thanks for all you do! ❤😊
I’m so glad you are enjoying them. Although the internet can be a dark and toxic place and has hurt our societies in certain ways, there is much about it that is good. I can “travel” to places I probably will never go and can learn new things that even a trip to the local library would not be able to teach me. Without the internet, I would have continued my life not knowing enough about my wonderful neighbors to the north. So I’m glad you can “travel” even if you can’t.
Beautiful. Also check out the Canadian memorial at Vimy ridge.
That thing will make you cry. Well, it did me and I'm not Canadian.
Like your Pink Floyd Tee-Shirt! Welcome back
@@dennisdwyer6500 thanks. I’ve been a Floyd fan for 40 years.
Glad to see you're ok, and things are well. God bless you and your family ATB from Yellowknife 🇨🇦
In my home town in Folkestone in Kent there is a cemetery known locally as The Canadian Graves. As primary school children once a year we would walk to the cemetery and lay flowers on the graves during a service of remembrance. One year we were given a badge depicting a Maple leaf. I am 69 years old and I still have mine.
Thanks for sharing this memory.
Thank you for sharing. Three of my Canadian uncles were in the RAF in England
This is so great! I pride myself in knowing about stuff like this but had no idea about these sites. I was right there when visiting London a few years ago and missed them. Thanks for this information - now I know for next time. That the memorial points towards Halifax...what wonderful and understated symbolism. I'm glad I know now.
I have a long standing FB friend from Canada with the Surname Ritchie. In 2016 I visited the Canadian memorial at Vimy Ridge, France. As I approached I mused, I wonder if there are any Ritchies on here... I veered to the right of the steps and as the names carved into the stones revealed themselves I was shocked to see the first one appear in my vision "Ritchie" I happened to spot the first one and there were a total of five Ritchies. I have never been religious, but that was the closest I came to a religious experience!
Thank you for this, John.
Hi John that was wonderful to see! Thank you for taking the time to visit, show your respect and filming to share with us. Good to see you back. I enjoyed watching, take care🫶
Thanks Melody. I’m glad you liked it.
Welcome back, and for the informative material. I have been to London and somehow never knew this existed.
To be clear, we are extremely grateful for the invaluable assistance from our Canadian brothers, and the many others that helped in fighting an evil force. There are many memorials around the Uk, not least of which is the JFK memorial to the fallen President of the US. It’s close to Runnymede where the Magna Carta was witnessed and signed. The land there was made US soil by our late Queen, and you can visit whenever you wish. 👍🏻❤️
Thanks for this comment and for the info.
Of course the British know of Canadian help. My dad was in WW2 and 2 grandfathers in WW1 and like most children of those brave men, they never spoke of the horrors of those years. But would talk of their mates with pride, dad was army and a pow on D-Day, but was annoyed with the film the longest day because Juno beach and the Canadians where hardly mentioned. Most conversations of the war would happen when a war film came on telly, he told me that many of the Dam Busters where Canadian. Dad would say, that Canada, Australia and New Zealand gave a lot because they had small populations and sent so many to help Britain for 5 long years. They were there from the start, and without them helping to hold back the Nazi's for so long on their own, the world would look very different.
Yes so true. You always hear historians say that after France was defeated and the BEF was saved from Dunkirk, Britain stood alone. It never really did because of the Dominion forces. Thats not to say Britain wasn’t courageous and tough not to give up the fight (it was for sure), but it was never truly alone.
Good to see u back!!
I can't speak for the UK as a whole, sadly, but I love Canada for saving us, twice.
At a guess, the maple leaves being at the bottom of the memorial honour the dead, as “fallen leaves”.
Yes, that’s what I was thinking too. The way the water ripples over the leaves is beautiful.
There's a renowned regiment of the Canadian Forces named Lord Strathcona's Horse. Originally aunit of mounted riflemen, Lord Strathcona's Horse helped turned the tide of the Boer Wars because they were excellent marksmen, even and especially while mounted and riding.
Anecdotally it's said that the British general that recieved the LSH regiment in Africa was shocked by how large and burly the Canadians were and commented about their size to their officer. The Canadian replied simply that these were the smallest men he could find. 😂
@@Ottawajames love it. Thanks for the funny anecdote and for the info about the Boer war. Officially on my list. 😊
@@johnf-americanreacts1287 LSH is still around today and served nearly a decade in Afghanistan. Obviously they're not still on horseback though lol.
Good to see you back!
Thanks for another interesting informative video. I had no idea there was a Canada Gate or the beautiful War Memorial dedicated to Canadians in London, and I appreciate you taking the time and effort to make this video about them. They are both absolutely spectacular, in my opinion!
John, are you aware of the repatriation to St. John's of a Newfoundland "Unknown Soldier" from France, and the placement of his remains at our National War Memorial on July 1st, 2024? The War Graves Commission has declared that this will be the last time there will be repatriation of an Unknown Soldier from World War 1. The Royal Newfoundland Regiment had been petitioning for the honour repeatedly for quite some time, but had been denied, as the War Graves Commission stated there was already an Unknown Soldier repatriated to Canada and entombed at the Canadian National War Memorial in Ottawa. The Royal Newfoundland Regiment challenged the argument in that, as the Dominion of Newfoundland was not part of Canada during World War I (and World War II, for that matter) and our soldiers had answered the call as a nation separate and equal to the Dominion of Canada at the time, and our own National War Memorial in St. John's had been erected and dedicated years before our confederation with Canada. The permission was finally granted, and a Royal Newfoundland Regiment soldier's remains were returned to Newfoundland and placed in a newly-built tomb, on the 100th Anniversary of the erection and dedication of the National War Memorial of Newfoundland on July 1, 1924. It was quite a moving Memorial Day observance, broadcast live across Canada by the CBC.
As you have shown such an interest in the military history of Canada, and your knowledge of the separate Royal Newfoundland Regiment, I thought this incredible honour might be of interest to you.
Wow, I had no idea. Thanks so much. I will certainly check it out.
Vemy Tidge is amazing but emotional
@@cathymacdonald1469 that you Cathy. It is on my list for sure if I ever get back there.
thanks
There's also a small memorial to the RCAF in the Holborn area of London, unveiled in 1998. The memorial in Green Park was lobbied and paid for by Canadian expats living in London, most notably Conrad Black. It fell into disrepair in the 2000s with the repairs eventually being paid for by the Canadian government.
Thanks for the info. Also, people used to let their kids walk in the water on the memorial and not treat it with the respect it deserves. I’ve seen pictures. That’s why the put the signage all around it. You’d think they wouldn’t have to, but people will be people I guess.
Great Britain we owe you nothing you owe us everything God bless canada!!!!!!❤❤
As a British person I have always had a deep respect for Canadian people. Usually a polite country and I certainly enjoyed my time there. But not you.
First, let me begin by, as always, thanking you for this video. Second, you mention wanting to know about the Boar Wars. I have recently started to volunteer at the Canadian Tank Museum here in Oshawa, Ontario (also the home of GM Canada) and what is known as the Ontario Regiment. The Ontario Regiment has existed since the 1700's (even before Canada was Canada). I will attempt to get you some video of the museum (just not great at the techie parts), and if you come up to the Toronto area, I would be more than glad to show you our great cities and maybe treat your family to some real Tim Horton's (LOL)
Your Canadian Friend Brian Clabby
Hi Brian. Thanks for this. I’m sure I would geek out at your museum. 😊
*Boer
There are many different memorials to Americans also, from Pocahontas to newer Americans throughout history. The main new one as in war is the Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial. There are also a few tributes and such to former Presidents. For the life of me I can't remember if you've visited them or done a video, but if you have.👍
The Cenotaph is a given for all that served.
@@gavingiant6900 Hi Gavin. I wasn’t able to get to Cambridge but I did see a few notable American tributes in London. Right across from the Palace of Westminster is a park with a number of statues, including Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela and
Ghandi.
@johnf-americanreacts1287
Manchester also has a statue of President Lincoln as he wrote a letter of thanks to the weavers of Lancashire for refusing to use cotton from the South even though it caused hardship and starvation.
There is an acre of land given to the US dedicated to JFK as a memorial at Runnymede
The Canadians and others are represented for excellence of sorts, basically common respect through common grounds and such.
Canada was the first of the great dominions to declare war.
The Canadians declared war on Japan the day the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor too.
Aha. I was beginning to wonder where you been
Hi James. Still here my friend. More to come.
US took the little stones idea, from UK Kennedy Memorial..
1994 = 50th anniversary of D-day