My father served under Conne Symthe (Leafs) in the artillery during WWII. Conne told my Dad to look him up after the war, being they were both from Toronto. On my Dad's return, he paid a visit to Conne where he was given lifetime seasons tickets for the Leafs. My father went on later to become an air gunner on a Lancaster bomber with the RCAF. Thanks so much for bringing to light the contributions of Canadian forces during WWII.
John F....you included the Red Ensign. How thoughtful to do this. Many who fought under this flag in WW2 were upset when this flag was replaced. Most are gone now but those who came later heard about this change/loss. Thank you for including it here. Young Canadians need to know about it.
You brought a smile to my face as I remember along standing feud between my parents. My Dad was never happy over the " new : flag. He always recognized the Red Ensign as our " true " Canadian flag, , as it was under the Ensign that we fought. ( He volunteered for the Essex Scottish ). My Mom though was always after him to fly a Maple Leaf. It was not until after 9/11 when he had 2 grand sons serving in the Gulf and one grand son law serving in Afghanistan that he finally relented. When visiting their farm , my Mom noticed that I was looking at it with curiosity, my Mom grinned and did the shush signal to me .
The unspoken training of the front line observer was covering him with red juice in the training field while giving information to the dispatch riders . Some left because of the training.
Americans always get all the glory when it it comes to both world wars even though Canadians were involved years before the US military got involved. In films especially you would think only Americans and British soldiers did all the fighting.
Unfortunately too true, and equally true for servicemen from New Zealand, Australia and elsewhere who fought very tough battles. And (one of my two personal gripes) the who Japanese invasion of Burma & India, and their subsequent utter defeat by Gen. Bill Slim and the XXX (30th) Army - an enormous campaign over a huge area, and it's rarely mentioned. But it was a very significant defeat for the Japanese, and an amazing campaign by the Allies. To see modern history, "Pacific Island Hopping" was the only battle against Japan, and it's just not true. There are other examples, not pretty. Gen. Eisenhower said in one account, of the Canadians' action in the battle of the Falaise Gap, "I could walk for literally hundreds of yards down an enormous broad path, stepping on nothing but layer after layer of dead German troops." It's not a pleasant mental picture, and is all the more terrible because of how it was done, and by whom. All those "nice guys". . . who don't get so much as a footnote. Just. A.B.C. - Anybody but Canada.
Both my grandfathers were there from Africa to Europe Egypt and ended up in Germany dads father was hit by morter in France woke up 4 months later plates in both sides of his head one ear missing and he went back to his unit he didn't want to let his mates down good man
My grandad was wounded in Sicily during that liberation. He was a Lance Corporal. He came back to Canada with a metal plate in his head and pretty much no memory. He had to relearn how to tie his shoes. RIP Burt Tennant.
The commentator made passing reference to the “Edmonton’s,” more specifically the Loyal Edmonton Regiment. As a teenager I joined that unit, by then a militia unit, for a brief period. Thankfully the experience paid off later when I served for 6 years in the regular forces. All these years later my posture still stiffens with pride whenever I hear them mentioned. On another note, I was born in 1953, so for my early years in school all of the classrooms sported the Red Ensign. The vast majority of my life has been spent with the maple leaf flag, ( which I love), but whenever I cast back to my days in school all I remember is that Red Ensign. Anyway, in closing I just want to say that I’m a huge fan of you and your videos. Thank you for all you do.
There are countless stories of the Canadians that could be turned into movies or TV mini series, as you say in this video "they always get thrown into the shit" that's because they knew most of the time they'd get the job done, they were extremely tough and were the most feared fighting force on the Western front in WW1 and the reputation carried over into the second world war.
Hi John, Thanks for presenting this video. It's definitely one of the best short-medium documentary pieces that's been put together w.r.t. the Canadian Army, and their roles in the Sicily and Italian campaigns. When I was growing up, I knew several men whose first major combat was in this campaign. You mentioned Churchill's view that many British, many of the newly-arrived Canadian Infantry artillery and tanks, and the "Fresh Green" U.S. Army troops simply hadn't the experience to successfully take and hold the Normandy beachheads. Some British Army and RCAF fighter units who'd been battling the Afrika Corps for months, which gave a leavening of experience in a hard school. There's one story that's too funny (!) not to pass along, but I should write it down before posting. In retrospect, it's actually kind of a funny story, the sort that front-line troops swapped about various Allied commanders. I've heard various versions, from different Artillery units, so it may be true. Those guys were given the job of shooing the Germans off of the mountain-tops, while the Germans replied with "Moaning Minnie" mortars (the multi-barrel Nebelwerfer) as well as direct fire with the famous 88 and equally nasty 75mm guns. But, that's a post for a bit later. Thanks for showing this - I had never seen this one before.
During the Hasty P's assault on Assoro and the Battle started, my father with the RCR was part resupply column. It should be pointed out that every Canadian soldier was a volunteer. Draftees didn't arrive in Europe until after the Normandy and very few saw combat.
They all did their part and no one soldier, no matter what nation they fought for or what campaign they were in deserves any less credit than any other. I’m so proud of all of our allied forefathers. Peace my friend and I commemorate your father’s services
Canadians were the equal has fighting men of any I saw on the battlefields anywhere. The part they played was magnificent and it was a honor to have them under my command. General Dwight Eisenhower. My uncle severed with the loyal Eddie’s .He got his commission in 1939.
I have the same shirt ☺️. My gramps fought with the Calgary Tanks. Was a tank commander and lost his fingertips by dropping the hatch whilst being shot at. Also survived Dieppe. Way to go Canucks!
My oldest uncle was in the lead tank of 9 Troop of the Calgary Tanks at Dieppe. Wounded and spent rest of the war as a POW. There is a book by Hugh G. Henry published in 1993, "Deippe through the lens of the German War Photographer". It is excellent. My uncle is in 2 photos plus in the centre photo on the dust jacket. Have a look at the book, can be found used or through Interlibrary Loan.
@@samsimpson5657 I tracked down the author through the little publishing company in England. They had relocated to a building at one of the old airfields from the war. They had an email for the author who I found had relocated in Ottawa, possibly with Veterans Affairs or something of that sort. There are 2 pics of my uncle in the book. If you look at the tank Burns of 9 troop on the beach, he is lying beside it with his leg bandaged. He is the closest wounded man lying on the big pic just inside the cover. Never said much, had enlisted in the Seaforths right at the start of the war, got fed up with waiting so transferred to the tanks. He said as a POW they played chess and all during the day and tunneled at night. He also had 2 Lugers and a Beretta Brevettata while there and came home with his Luger. Given his nature and character I would think the Germans had their hands full. My Dad and cousins went on to Italy and Ortona, etc. Dad nearly died from pneumonia in the cold wet mud of the east coast in winter. Was Invalided to Malta which he hated; my Gran got 2 telegrams, first said he was unexpected to live, second said he made it. He saw Vesuvius erupt in 44 and had a girlfriend Rosa in Naples(they kept in touch after the war).
@@Sharon-bo2se That is a fantastic story - I will have to check out those pictures! My grandfathers tank never made it to the beach. Apparently he and his crew took a dip in the channel until they got picked up by a british destroyer. He was a captain going into Dieppe but got promoted to major before Italy. Finished the war in Holland. Brave men indeed!
@samsimpson5657 always love to hear about others who served. Had family and friends in a number of theatres in most of the services, on both sides. It's important to remember the cost of what we take for granted these days. One of my best friends from Ontario never had any family serve due to either age or their jobs. When I tell her how strange that is to me, I get the why nots. I do understand but it always feels odd and she doesn't really understand the connection. The funny thing is my family tended to show up in pictures or news reels. My Dad is in the picture of the Seaforths Christmas dinner during Ortona; a cousin popped up during his enlistment check up on CBC one night in the early 70s. My Dad and Gran spotted him and perked up so I learned a bit more(he was also in the Seaforths). 13 and 14 Troop of the Calgary Tanks supported those in Ortona but the streets were too narrow for them.
Thank you for this, John. The "War Story" episodes from the History channel are very good and I always watch them when they come on. I really appreciate the personal accounts of the heroism and sacrifice from the veterans who were there. My Grandfather was there and never spoke of his experiences in the war. Thank You to all the troops who fought for our freedoms!
Extraordinary actions, undertaken by ordinary men. It is indeed a privilege to hear the words of the soldiers who survived the horrors of dodging bullets and watching their family and friends be blown to pieces before their eyes. Yet it didn't destroy them; if anything, it seemed to embolden many of them, as they continued to advance. They have certainly earned our utmost gratitude and respect, and I thank you for showing that in your reaction. 😢❤😢
Again, John, thank-you very much for your heart-felt presentation of another piece of Canada's history. If I had the power, I would grant you honorary Canadian citizenship! In my books, however, I will always consider you a Canadian in a patriotic American's body.
To answer your question in another video. The m10 tank destroyer was considered a self propelled anti tank gun. Thin but sloped armor, couldn't confront something like a Panther except for a well placed shot from ambush
I learn so much from your videos. These first hand accounts are riveting. I don't think all of the Italians were totally enamoured of Mussoloini nor eager to die for their dictator. We all know what finally happened to him. A friend's father was made to go into the Italian army and ended up a POW with life altering effects on his health. When I was in Monte Casino viewing a graveyard full of Canadian and Commonwealth soldiers I heard an American woman (of an age where one would think she should know better) say, "Oh, was Canada in the war? The Americans were probably buried where the big battles were". It made me very sad. Looking forward to your next episode. PS - As a piper for over 60 years since I was a kid, thank you. Mind you, a bad piper (and there are many of them) is a horrible thing to hear, a cry for help!
Canadian Army fought amazingly well in Italy. They were very close to liberating Rome but were told to stand down and allow the Americans to get the glory. I had an Uncle who stood down. When the Americans drove past, the Canadians turned their backs. Totally understandable.
I've always wondered how many Canucks got into Rome before that American general.(Mark Clark, he threatened the other countries if they dared enter Rome before him)
My Dad told me the same story about the liberation of Rome many times , my Uncles were in North Africa , Sicily , Italy . Then they were sent to England to prepare for D-Day , from there they fought their way down the coast to Holland , they were in hell there . They all survived the war , one died when I was ten , but the oldest brother I knew , when you asked about his wartime experience he would only say , you never want to see it . 🇨🇦👍
Yes. That is true. Also happened in North West Europe. My dad said they would take village or town and Americans would have the victory parade, all dressed up and the Canadians who took the place would still be in their battle dress uniforms.
Dieppe, Sicily, Anzio, Ortona, Monte Cassino, Juno Beach, the Scheldt Estuary. Montgomery had almost been canned because of high British losses so he started using colonial troops, particularly Canadian, to spearhead tough assaults. Through the latter part of the war, Canadian losses were much higher than British per capita.
Hey John great video. Its unfortunately true that the Canadians were told to stand down when they were 26 miles outside of Rome with a clear run. General Mark Clark wanted the glory of liberating the city instead of going after and encircling the retreating army which were his orders. The Germans subsequently got away and the war continued due in a large part to vanity. He stated that any units other than American units that tried to enter Rome would be fired upon. So to observe political/wartime niceties Montgomery ordered us to stand down. The next day was D-Day and his triumph was overshadowed. After that the Canadians kept fighting in Italy but were sadly forgotten about back home and Lady Astor called us the D-Day Dodgers. So a song was written by these soldiers called "We are the D-Day Dodgers" (Hamish Imlach). Give it a listen. My dad belonged to the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada, another D-Day Dodger. LOL
My Dad and 2 cousins were Seaforths over there. We had family in it since they were raised just before WWI, including 2 pipers and a drummer. Grew up hearing the pipes over in the Seaforth Armoury in Kitsilano.
As always a great reaction. Thank you for creating this content. The Italian campaign generally is lesser known about than the Normandy/ Europe campaigns. It’s hard to sit and watch and know that this “greatest generation has pretty much all but passed. Makes me nostalgic. The Canadian contribution is also something I think an other of people outside of Canada overlook as well. Thanks for the interest!
Thank God for our brave Grandpa's. It's hard to believe that my sweet Grampa fought in both world wars and rumor has it the Geneva convention was created because crazy Canadian soldiers in the first world war. So proud of our soldiers they must have literally been terrified but I never saw it in my Grampa he was always so quiet . Thinking back I wonder if it stayed with him cause he never talked about it when we asked he just said be grateful for all your freedoms child.❤
Husbands Gwansdather flying war ace ..head of his squadron .. was in Battle of Britain .... was caught by Germans put un internment camp with 2 broken legs .... dutch underground got him out ..... he wrote a book, theeenis a statue of him in Poland... Canadian mint mad a coin of him, he owned a fkying school in eastern canada ....AMAZING brave brave man ....😮
Kesselring thought they were fighting elite mountain troops! Little did he know they were just a bunch of farm boys from Canada. Famous Canadian author Farley Mowat served with the "Hasty P's" (Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment) and would later write about his experiences.
There were also some BC loggers (BC Dragoons) that were great road builders. On several occasions they built roads that the Germans thought impossible and suddenly tanks and artillery showed up where the Germans least expected them. One such road across the spine of Italy is still a major truck road today. A good Cat operator can build over a mile a day.
Farly Mowat was a junior intelligence officer and went to German HQ with a white flag with another officer to negotiate a cease fire with their German counterparts in Holland.
@@davidweum Farley also negotiated and arranged for a humanitarian food drop for the starving Dutch. Lancaster bombers flew over and dropped food unmolested by German forces.
It seems to me that many Canadians involved in the liberation of the Netherlands had fought their way up through Italy but I've never known much about the invasion of Sicily. I visited Sicily a few year ago and wish I had know all this back then. Another great one, John!
The other “theatre” of operation Canadian were facing in Italy is the fortress of Monte Casino where we lost numerous men. That win was, I believe, the greatest of the Italian campaign!
My father was in the first division and served in Sicily. His best war stories are set there. He was there long enough to learn conversational Italian.
My Uncle served in the Sicily campaign. I have some pictures of his regiment during their off time from fighting. You should check out the Essex Scottish Regiment, Windsor, Ontario. Many Americans joined this regiment during WW2, they suffered the most casualties in Dieppe.
Thank you John for this. 1 or maybe 2 of my uncles fought in the Italian campaign. Wishing you, your family and the Islanders well ! (My Jets are in a tough position right now too.)
Love the t-shirt! Great video, as always, I really enjoy your channel. Cheers from Port Perry, Ontario Canada...This is active farm country, some local farm boys made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of freedom as happened in most rural towns in Canada and cities as well. Consider me subscribed!
Loved watching this. The footage was great as well as the interviews! God bless our military and especially our veterans 🙏🏻 without some of these wars the world sure would look different. My Mother played the bag pipes as a little girl also had them at her funeral most love the pipes! Have an awesome week 🫶
Oh by the way they were from Newfoundland which was a Dominion like Canada. Proud and sad Newfoundlander here and so glad that you take so much interest in our history. You should check out the Royal Newfoundland Regiment.
Another good one, John. Listening to these men tell their stories was a real experience. They reminded me of a scene in the old film The 49th Parallel. This film was made in 1941 in Great Britain, as a tribute to Canada and with the hope of influencing an American audience, since the U.S. was still not in the war. It's entirely fictional, but loosely based on an incident where a German U-boat came into Canadian waters. The cast is almost all British, playing Canadians as best they could (Lawrence Olivier playing a French Canadian fur trapper is quite something!). The one Canadian in the cast was Raymond Massey. Massey had served in the trenches in WWI, and had seen a lot of nasty stuff, as well as acquitting himself with honour. In this film, he plays the Canadian soldier, a raw recruit who still hasn't been sent overseas, who confronts the Nazi in the last scene. Massey came from Toronto's wealthiest family, but was a farm boy at heart, more at home with horses than people. He knew the Canadians he had grown up with, and he poured everything he had into this performance. You'll recognize the men in this documentary when you see it. The Criterion print of the film is available on TH-cam: //th-cam.com/video/AtEtMUXjuKw/w-d-xo.html Massey's scene starts at 1:48 in the film.
Thank you for writing that with the link. I can confirm that German U-boats were right up the St. Lawrence. My Uncle served the entirety of WW11 by some miracle, surviving and doing overseas bombing and Canso missions. One day, I was standing on his balcony overlooking the Northeast arm of the Halifax Harbour on their 18th floor apartment, and he casually told me that the Germans had been up the St. Lawrence. I had already heard decades of his fabulous and fascinating war stories, but not that one, and I remember suddenly falling silent as the reality of the situation came home to me. He came from a privileged family and had just finished University, about to start his banking life, but he decided to join the war the moment Canada did. He figured if there was a draft, he wanted to choose his mission, and there was this matter of factness as displayed by the veterans in John's video, about duty and what needed doing. I will look the film up, so thank you.
@@deborahhennessey The film was "inspired" by an incident with a German U-boat in Canadian waters in 1940, at the beginning of the war. But the film tells a completely fictional story. When your uncle spoke to you, he was probably referring not to that, but to far more serious stuff, what is known as "the Battle of the St. Lawrence" --- which is a name given to fairly large-scale German probing and disrupting attacks on the Maritimes and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, which occurred in 1942, 1943 and 1944. This was serious warfare, and the Germans sank 20 Canadian cargo ships and 4 warships over the course of it. In the beginning, Canada barely had a navy, and it was overwhelmed, but by the end of the war we had the third largest navy in the world (we built ships almost as fast as we built bombers and fighter planes). In the end, Canadian naval forces defeated all these attacks and then went on, with some help from the Brits and Yanks, to clear the North Atlantic of the enemy, an achievement that made D-Day possible.
My deceased father in law was a Polish 15 year old who made his way from a Russian internment camp to join the fight in Italy. I forget the name of the monastery they were trying to take but he said the Germans could look down and see what they were eating for breakfast.
My Father fought through Sicily and Italy. He was wounded in Italy was captured and was a POW.My Father said to me after I had join that every time he went into battle that he was a dead man walking, so that he wasn't disappointed when it was over. My Father said the Germans called the Canadians McNaughton's Traveling Circus.
Also John, just an FYI, 'Come from Away' is having another run in Ottawa this summer (iirc) in the last half of August. Specific details are surely available on the National Arts Center website, if interested.
Bagpipes are a love or hate thing. I personally dont mind good musicians with them, as i (not so much anymore) spent many years learning how to play them. They really are very loud when they're next to your ear. Lol. I'm incredibly proud of our soldiers, very much respect their sacrifices, and achievements. Words alone cannot describe it. Hope everyone is taking care.
Canada got the tough trail in the north advance in Italy too. Nothing ever came easy for us in Italy. Or France either. Or the Netherlands either. Its why Remembrance Day November 11th at 11am is such a sombre occasion in Canada. We remember what the cost of war really is.
Maybe look at Canada’s involvement in the battle of casino and the entry into Rome. The Canadian troops were spearheading the assault to Rome and were pulled back to allow the Americans to march into Rome.
Hi, John. I am a Canadian woman born in Regina. Saskatchewan 1961. My mother Betty Lou Sears was born to harry and Louise Sears. They had 13 kids. My mom being the youngest. She was born in 1940. Apparently I had 7 uncles go into World War 2 I think we were Guinea pigs. I really do because I believe war made money for countries such as England who was in control of as Commonwealth countries. Italy did not watch Germany.That's why they had an upheaval, no one wanted war, just higher ups.
@@drew8305 sorry my hand is screwed up right now so I talk into the microphone. I have to check it for grammar mistakes and I did not do that so thank you for responding I'm so sorry this did not come out without the mistakes. Thank you God bless❤🙏
The Canadians used the Red Ensign when they were going into battle with the British. The ensign allowed the soldiers to determine who was who on the battlefield. If the British weren’t involved the Canadians used the Union Jack.
Do you suppose that after the great successes Canadian shock troops gained at Vimy Ridge and elsewhere, in the Great War, that a sort of jealousy arose from the brass of Great Britain and the USA that carried on into the Second World War and led to Canadians getting only really bad assignments, like Hong Kong, Dieppe , Juneau Beach, Caan, and the flooded Netherlands without air support? This was much like the Newfoundlamders had been treated in WW1 too!
Thanks John, my grandfather was there, then the Italian campaign, France, Belgium and the Netherlands. Odds are very small, but loved watching that video, hoping I'd maybe spot him.
My Dad and 2 cousins were there in Sicily and Italy including Ortona with the Seaforths. The Sicily invasion is mostly unknown these days. Thank you for showing this.
My father drove a tank during the liberation of Sicily and Italy. He was with the Canadian Grenadier Guards. Calgary Regiment. Went on to the liberation of the Netherlands. He didn’t talk about it much.
Good work, great T-shirt, love the Tragically Hip. RIP Gord, you are missed. I have friends whose dads were fighting in Italy. There were scores to settle with the SS Divisions.
Don't be afraid to say it.. we were thrown into the meatgrinders.... and came out as Triple AAA Alberta Beef... the opponents were the the hamburger.. So, the map... Americans up one side, British up the other, but the obviously strongest defended, the point down the middle... (The Americans said.. we can handle this side, no worries... the British said... we got this side, no problem... then they said to each other.. what about the middle point? send the Canucks, the meat for the grinder.. we proved 'em wrong!!! Amazing their memories are so clear... I think not.. put yourself in that position and see how clearly you recall all the little details.... as much as you may wish and pray to forget, that's not to be your lot. I am no literary giant on this stuff.. but your comment about Italians maybe not being the best fighters.... it occurs to me, they didn't want to fight,,, it wasn't their war, and yes, "liberation", meant they were done, and happy to be conquered/SAVED, by any force from any side, who let them keep their lives.. it wasn't cowardice.... it was self preservation in a situation that they felt they were forced into, against their actual thoughts/beliefs... 👍🏼to those smart enough to stay true to themselves.... I'm Canuck, and I love Italians! As I said.. we got the short straw.. we had to deal with the well trained and experienced Germans... meanwhile, the Brits and Americans tackled Italians who had no will to fight this war, since it wasn't theirs. In the end, most of those very few remaining vets we still have.... they are proud, of what they did for others, they are proud to serve.. but they hate war.... If there was any use of this term that is most appropriate................. The World Needs More Canada!👍🏼✌🏼🇨🇦 (Peace, My Friend)
The Red Ensign is the REAL flag of Canada, under which so many brave souls fought and died for the freedom that our "leaders" are giving away wholesale.
Thanks for sharing and highlighting the importance of some of these battles that are to often forgotten. Might I suggest a book written by Farley Mowat titled, And No Birds Sang. It covers Farley's years in the Canadian infantry including front line fighting in Sicily and Italy. As a Canadian literary icon I was surprised to learn about this unlikley part of his life.
Next Monte Casssino, Ortona and clearing the way to Rome. After D-Day the 2nd Canadian moved north to link up with the 3rd Canadian who had landed on Juno Beach. They gained the good-natured title of "D-Day Dodgers" by the rest of the Canadian forces in Europe in 1944.
Thanks for all these good videos friend, all done with understanding kindness and respect! Always looking forward to new reactions. Still waiting for history hit- black watch snipers!! If you can do that I’d appreciate it. Its amazing and means a lot to me ❤️👊
I know my friend. What can I call you other than Jerky? Lol. The only reason I haven’t done it yet is it’s over an hour. I’m an amateur with a demanding day job and kids in sports and music so my time is very limited. I have been hoping to have the time to film and edit a vid that long. I promise I’ll get to it. And I thank you so much for your support.
@@johnf-americanreacts1287 I know my friend! And I appreciate you sharing all these videos. If you have time in parts or if not I still appreciate you acknowledging my request! Cheers my American cousin 👊
I think you're a great spokesperson. You do a lot of great videos. I'm just curious about your position on Ukraine, and you think the Western World should be given more militar? I guess it's a little off-topic about stuff you usually talk about. y@johnf-americanreacts1287
Hey John, just a suggestion brother but you should post yourself a mailing location for us, your subscribers. Maybe not your home address though if you're not comfortable with that. Reason being is I have a "care package" for you but have nowhere to send it. Oh yeah, if you are still going to Halifax this summer ensure you get tickets for The Royal Nova Scotia Military Tattoo in July I believe. Tickets go fast. Lots of military pipes and drums and the U.S. is generally well represented yearly by the Marines, Army, Navy or Airforce. Great show you'll never forget
I agree with you that the Italians never had their hearts completely in the war. By 1943 they were starving and literally occupied and dominated by the Germans. They just wanted it all over.
Your recognising the Italians surrendering wasnt because they were poor soldiers is significant. Their political leaders lost their legitimacy and the army surrendered to the Allies. The Brits, Canadians and Americans were there to rid the nation of Germans and Fascists and not for conquest. They made the right call. When motivated the Italian army could fight. They were often just poorly led
I have an interest in the Italian campaign. I have read many of the books about Ortona, including some from my grandfather’s who was in Sicily. There are many good videos on TH-cam about the Battle of Ortona. If you want to go deep into this important conflict I highly recommend the American Army University press video only released about 4 months ago. 50 minutes long, excellent graphics from the American Army and excellent analysis from Jayson Geroux of the Canadian military who is a specialist in the study of urban warfare.
Re: Italians My Dad, uncle, and great uncle fought Italians and Germans and said the biggest difference was the Italians generally had poor leadership. This wasn't always the case of course but when the Italians were fighting poorly their leaders would be found to be puffed up martinets. Poor leadership undermines morale, fighting spirit, and unit cohesion. Some Italian units were amongst the finest fielded anywhere during the war and my relatives who faced them respected the soldiers, sailors and airmen.
We cannot begin to imagine what these men went through mentally, physically, and emotionally, not just during active service, but for the rest of their lives. This is why I get so irritated with today's crop of "freedom fighters" and "patriots" sitting in the safety of Canada griping about nonsense.
Aquino was another in the mountains of central Italy fighting Germans sent to stop the allied advance google The Ontario Regiment RCAC Museum here in Oshawa Ontario , their tanks were there in Italy museum is amazing
The ridicule these troops got from our Allied troops who landed in Normandy had the temerity to call those who landed in Italy, D-Day Dodgers. Not realizing that if Italy had held their own, more German Forces would have been available to defend Normandy.
You are so right. Especially since the allies never really broke through all the way into northern Italy and into Austria until Germany was collapsing anyway. It was a brutal campaign
My father served under Conne Symthe (Leafs) in the artillery during WWII. Conne told my Dad to look him up after the war, being they were both from Toronto. On my Dad's return, he paid a visit to Conne where he was given lifetime seasons tickets for the Leafs.
My father went on later to become an air gunner on a Lancaster bomber with the RCAF.
Thanks so much for bringing to light the contributions of Canadian forces during WWII.
John F....you included the Red Ensign. How thoughtful to do this. Many who fought under this flag in WW2 were upset when this flag was replaced. Most are gone now but those who came later heard about this change/loss. Thank you for including it here. Young Canadians need to know about it.
You brought a smile to my face as I remember along standing feud between my parents. My Dad was never happy over the " new : flag. He always recognized the Red Ensign as our " true " Canadian flag, , as it was under the Ensign that we fought. ( He volunteered for the Essex Scottish ). My Mom though was always after him to fly a Maple Leaf. It was not until after 9/11 when he had 2 grand sons serving in the Gulf and one grand son law serving in Afghanistan that he finally relented.
When visiting their farm , my Mom noticed that I was looking at it with curiosity, my Mom grinned and did the shush signal to me .
The unspoken training of the front line observer was covering him with red juice in the training field while giving information to the dispatch riders . Some left because of the training.
My grandpa loses his voice, and his left hand trembles whenever he tries to speak of it.
I served for 36 years under our MAPLE LEAF. I appreciate that you recognized the difference and, you are quite correct to do so.
Loved this show
We need to see more of his ❤❤❤
Thank you for remembering and respecting our dead sir. You are a good neighbour and I sure don’t mind being there to help when you need it.
Love seeing the old flag; and you're right, that is the flag we fought under and for. It's important to remember.
Americans always get all the glory when it it comes to both world wars even though Canadians were involved years before the US military got involved. In films especially you would think only Americans and British soldiers did all the fighting.
Unfortunately too true, and equally true for servicemen from New Zealand, Australia and elsewhere who fought very tough battles. And (one of my two personal gripes) the who Japanese invasion of Burma & India, and their subsequent utter defeat by Gen. Bill Slim and the XXX (30th) Army - an enormous campaign over a huge area, and it's rarely mentioned. But it was a very significant defeat for the Japanese, and an amazing campaign by the Allies. To see modern history, "Pacific Island Hopping" was the only battle against Japan, and it's just not true. There are other examples, not pretty. Gen. Eisenhower said in one account, of the Canadians' action in the battle of the Falaise Gap, "I could walk for literally hundreds of yards down an enormous broad path, stepping on nothing but layer after layer of dead German troops." It's not a pleasant mental picture, and is all the more terrible because of how it was done, and by whom. All those "nice guys". . . who don't get so much as a footnote. Just. A.B.C. - Anybody but Canada.
Very touching. Makes you very proud to be Canadian. Thank you to our Canadian solders.
My dad was there and he told me about having to take Normandy 3 X's after giving over to the U.S. twice!!!#
Both my grandfathers were there from Africa to Europe Egypt and ended up in Germany dads father was hit by morter in France woke up 4 months later plates in both sides of his head one ear missing and he went back to his unit he didn't want to let his mates down good man
My grandad was wounded in Sicily during that liberation. He was a Lance Corporal. He came back to Canada with a metal plate in his head and pretty much no memory. He had to relearn how to tie his shoes. RIP Burt Tennant.
Love the old red duster as grandad would call it!
Your reaction videos are by far the best! They are educated, insightful and respectful. Thank you!!
You’re quite welcome. It’s been and honor and a pleasure
The commentator made passing reference to the “Edmonton’s,” more specifically the Loyal Edmonton Regiment. As a teenager I joined that unit, by then a militia unit, for a brief period. Thankfully the experience paid off later when I served for 6 years in the regular forces. All these years later my posture still stiffens with pride whenever I hear them mentioned. On another note, I was born in 1953, so for my early years in school all of the classrooms sported the Red Ensign. The vast majority of my life has been spent with the maple leaf flag, ( which I love), but whenever I cast back to my days in school all I remember is that Red Ensign. Anyway, in closing I just want to say that I’m a huge fan of you and your videos. Thank you for all you do.
There are countless stories of the Canadians that could be turned into movies or TV mini series, as you say in this video "they always get thrown into the shit" that's because they knew most of the time they'd get the job done, they were extremely tough and were the most feared fighting force on the Western front in WW1 and the reputation carried over into the second world war.
Hi John, Thanks for presenting this video. It's definitely one of the best short-medium documentary pieces that's been put together w.r.t. the Canadian Army, and their roles in the Sicily and Italian campaigns. When I was growing up, I knew several men whose first major combat was in this campaign. You mentioned Churchill's view that many British, many of the newly-arrived Canadian Infantry artillery and tanks, and the "Fresh Green" U.S. Army troops simply hadn't the experience to successfully take and hold the Normandy beachheads. Some British Army and RCAF fighter units who'd been battling the Afrika Corps for months, which gave a leavening of experience in a hard school. There's one story that's too funny (!) not to pass along, but I should write it down before posting. In retrospect, it's actually kind of a funny story, the sort that front-line troops swapped about various Allied commanders. I've heard various versions, from different Artillery units, so it may be true. Those guys were given the job of shooing the Germans off of the mountain-tops, while the Germans replied with "Moaning Minnie" mortars (the multi-barrel Nebelwerfer) as well as direct fire with the famous 88 and equally nasty 75mm guns. But, that's a post for a bit later. Thanks for showing this - I had never seen this one before.
Those are memories that no matter how much you may want to forget, you never will. I have plenty of those.
During the Hasty P's assault on Assoro and the Battle started, my father with the RCR was part resupply column.
It should be pointed out that every Canadian soldier was a volunteer. Draftees didn't arrive in Europe until after the Normandy and very few saw combat.
They all did their part and no one soldier, no matter what nation they fought for or what campaign they were in deserves any less credit than any other. I’m so proud of all of our allied forefathers. Peace my friend and I commemorate your father’s services
Canadians were the equal has fighting men of any I saw on the battlefields anywhere.
The part they played was magnificent and it was a honor to have them under my command.
General Dwight Eisenhower.
My uncle severed with the loyal Eddie’s .He got his commission in 1939.
I have the same shirt ☺️. My gramps fought with the Calgary Tanks. Was a tank commander and lost his fingertips by dropping the hatch whilst being shot at. Also survived Dieppe. Way to go Canucks!
My oldest uncle was in the lead tank of 9 Troop of the Calgary Tanks at Dieppe. Wounded and spent rest of the war as a POW.
There is a book by Hugh G. Henry published in 1993, "Deippe through the lens of the German War Photographer". It is excellent. My uncle is in 2 photos plus in the centre photo on the dust jacket. Have a look at the book, can be found used or through Interlibrary Loan.
@@Sharon-bo2se I also have that book - highly detailed and a great reference to the Calgaries. Sorry to hear he was a POW, at least he survived!
@@samsimpson5657 I tracked down the author through the little publishing company in England. They had relocated to a building at one of the old airfields from the war. They had an email for the author who I found had relocated in Ottawa, possibly with Veterans Affairs or something of that sort. There are 2 pics of my uncle in the book. If you look at the tank Burns of 9 troop on the beach, he is lying beside it with his leg bandaged. He is the closest wounded man lying on the big pic just inside the cover. Never said much, had enlisted in the Seaforths right at the start of the war, got fed up with waiting so transferred to the tanks. He said as a POW they played chess and all during the day and tunneled at night. He also had 2 Lugers and a Beretta Brevettata while there and came home with his Luger. Given his nature and character I would think the Germans had their hands full.
My Dad and cousins went on to Italy and Ortona, etc. Dad nearly died from pneumonia in the cold wet mud of the east coast in winter. Was Invalided to Malta which he hated; my Gran got 2 telegrams, first said he was unexpected to live, second said he made it. He saw Vesuvius erupt in 44 and had a girlfriend Rosa in Naples(they kept in touch after the war).
@@Sharon-bo2se That is a fantastic story - I will have to check out those pictures! My grandfathers tank never made it to the beach. Apparently he and his crew took a dip in the channel until they got picked up by a british destroyer. He was a captain going into Dieppe but got promoted to major before Italy. Finished the war in Holland. Brave men indeed!
@samsimpson5657 always love to hear about others who served. Had family and friends in a number of theatres in most of the services, on both sides. It's important to remember the cost of what we take for granted these days. One of my best friends from Ontario never had any family serve due to either age or their jobs. When I tell her how strange that is to me, I get the why nots. I do understand but it always feels odd and she doesn't really understand the connection.
The funny thing is my family tended to show up in pictures or news reels. My Dad is in the picture of the Seaforths Christmas dinner during Ortona; a cousin popped up during his enlistment check up on CBC one night in the early 70s. My Dad and Gran spotted him and perked up so I learned a bit more(he was also in the Seaforths).
13 and 14 Troop of the Calgary Tanks supported those in Ortona but the streets were too narrow for them.
Thank-you for showing the " ENSIGN " That meant SO MUCH TO SO MANY !!
What I still find amazing is the intestinal fortitude it took these boys to fight a war on foreign soil amazes me.
Thank you for this, John. The "War Story" episodes from the History channel are very good and I always watch them when they come on. I really appreciate the personal accounts of the heroism and sacrifice from the veterans who were there. My Grandfather was there and never spoke of his experiences in the war. Thank You to all the troops who fought for our freedoms!
I have been so glad to find these stories
Extraordinary actions, undertaken by ordinary men. It is indeed a privilege to hear the words of the soldiers who survived the horrors of dodging bullets and watching their family and friends be blown to pieces before their eyes. Yet it didn't destroy them; if anything, it seemed to embolden many of them, as they continued to advance. They have certainly earned our utmost gratitude and respect, and I thank you for showing that in your reaction. 😢❤😢
Again, John, thank-you very much for your heart-felt presentation of another piece of Canada's history. If I had the power, I would grant you honorary Canadian citizenship! In my books, however, I will always consider you a Canadian in a patriotic American's body.
To answer your question in another video. The m10 tank destroyer was considered a self propelled anti tank gun. Thin but sloped armor, couldn't confront something like a Panther except for a well placed shot from ambush
Btw, this is footage taken from an amazing documentary called 'War Story" A great documentation of WWII.
I learn so much from your videos. These first hand accounts are riveting. I don't think all of the Italians were totally enamoured of Mussoloini nor eager to die for their dictator. We all know what finally happened to him. A friend's father was made to go into the Italian army and ended up a POW with life altering effects on his health. When I was in Monte Casino viewing a graveyard full of Canadian and Commonwealth soldiers I heard an American woman (of an age where one would think she should know better) say, "Oh, was Canada in the war? The Americans were probably buried where the big battles were". It made me very sad. Looking forward to your next episode.
PS - As a piper for over 60 years since I was a kid, thank you. Mind you, a bad piper (and there are many of them) is a horrible thing to hear, a cry for help!
Canadian Army fought amazingly well in Italy. They were very close to liberating Rome but were told to stand down and allow the Americans to get the glory. I had an Uncle who stood down. When the Americans drove past, the Canadians turned their backs. Totally understandable.
thats because the Canadians where relieving themselves along the side of the road, and we did not want the Americans to feel small
@@joeydepalmer4457😋
I've always wondered how many Canucks got into Rome before that American general.(Mark Clark, he threatened the other countries if they dared enter Rome before him)
My Dad told me the same story about the liberation of Rome many times , my Uncles were in North Africa , Sicily , Italy . Then they were sent to England to prepare for D-Day , from there they fought their way down the coast to Holland , they were in hell there . They all survived the war , one died when I was ten , but the oldest brother I knew , when you asked about his wartime experience he would only say , you never want to see it . 🇨🇦👍
@John F - thank you. Some of your clips are brand new to me so I’m learning as well. Also thank you for being respectful…unfortunately not everyone is
Yes. That is true. Also happened in North West Europe. My dad said they would take village or town and Americans would have the victory parade, all dressed up and the Canadians who took the place would still be in their battle dress uniforms.
Dieppe, Sicily, Anzio, Ortona, Monte Cassino, Juno Beach, the Scheldt Estuary. Montgomery had almost been canned because of high British losses so he started using colonial troops, particularly Canadian, to spearhead tough assaults. Through the latter part of the war, Canadian losses were much higher than British per capita.
Hey John great video. Its unfortunately true that the Canadians were told to stand down when they were 26 miles outside of Rome with a clear run. General Mark Clark wanted the glory of liberating the city instead of going after and encircling the retreating army which were his orders. The Germans subsequently got away and the war continued due in a large part to vanity. He stated that any units other than American units that tried to enter Rome would be fired upon. So to observe political/wartime niceties Montgomery ordered us to stand down. The next day was D-Day and his triumph was overshadowed. After that the Canadians kept fighting in Italy but were sadly forgotten about back home and Lady Astor called us the D-Day Dodgers. So a song was written by these soldiers called "We are the D-Day Dodgers" (Hamish Imlach). Give it a listen. My dad belonged to the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada, another D-Day Dodger. LOL
My Dad and 2 cousins were Seaforths over there. We had family in it since they were raised just before WWI, including 2 pipers and a drummer. Grew up hearing the pipes over in the Seaforth Armoury in Kitsilano.
thank you
As always a great reaction. Thank you for creating this content. The Italian campaign generally is lesser known about than the Normandy/ Europe campaigns. It’s hard to sit and watch and know that this “greatest generation has pretty much all but passed. Makes me nostalgic. The Canadian contribution is also something I think an other of people outside of Canada overlook as well. Thanks for the interest!
Thank God for our brave Grandpa's. It's hard to believe that my sweet Grampa fought in both world wars and rumor has it the Geneva convention was created because crazy Canadian soldiers in the first world war. So proud of our soldiers they must have literally been terrified but I never saw it in my Grampa he was always so quiet . Thinking back I wonder if it stayed with him cause he never talked about it when we asked he just said be grateful for all your freedoms child.❤
Canada lost a ship full of vehicles intended for this operation, which were not replaced. That is why the footage shows columns of marching men.
Thanks for the info. Like it wasn’t hard enough. Wow.
Husbands Gwansdather flying war ace ..head of his squadron .. was in Battle of Britain .... was caught by Germans put un internment camp with 2 broken legs .... dutch underground got him out ..... he wrote a book, theeenis a statue of him in Poland... Canadian mint mad a coin of him, he owned a fkying school in eastern canada ....AMAZING brave brave man ....😮
Kesselring thought they were fighting elite mountain troops! Little did he know they were just a bunch of farm boys from Canada.
Famous Canadian author Farley Mowat served with the "Hasty P's" (Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment) and would later write about his experiences.
There were also some BC loggers (BC Dragoons) that were great road builders. On several occasions they built roads that the Germans thought impossible and suddenly tanks and artillery showed up where the Germans least expected them. One such road across the spine of Italy is still a major truck road today. A good Cat operator can build over a mile a day.
@@johnkidd1226 Good ol Rocky Mountain boys.
Farly Mowat was a junior intelligence officer and went to German HQ with a white flag with another officer to negotiate a cease fire with their German counterparts in Holland.
@@davidweum
Farley also negotiated and arranged for a humanitarian food drop for the starving Dutch. Lancaster bombers flew over and dropped food unmolested by German forces.
My grandad was there. Cowichan man . Duncan bc. Vancouver island Canada 🍁 ❤
The street fighting in Italy was brutal too
I am so happy to be learning new things about canada along with you .
It seems to me that many Canadians involved in the liberation of the Netherlands had fought their way up through Italy but I've never known much about the invasion of Sicily. I visited Sicily a few year ago and wish I had know all this back then. Another great one, John!
That’s PTSD “ even today whenever I smell that licorice, I see that body
The other “theatre” of operation Canadian were facing in Italy is the fortress of Monte Casino where we lost numerous men. That win was, I believe, the greatest of the Italian campaign!
My father was in the first division and served in Sicily. His best war stories are set there. He was there long enough to learn conversational Italian.
My Uncle served in the Sicily campaign. I have some pictures of his regiment during their off time from fighting. You should check out the Essex Scottish Regiment, Windsor, Ontario. Many Americans joined this regiment during WW2, they suffered the most casualties in Dieppe.
I believe this was where my Grandpa Bailey was stationed. He was a Sapper with the Calgary Engineers.
Thank you John for this. 1 or maybe 2 of my uncles fought in the Italian campaign.
Wishing you, your family and the Islanders well !
(My Jets are in a tough position right now too.)
Love the t-shirt! Great video, as always, I really enjoy your channel. Cheers from Port Perry, Ontario Canada...This is active farm country, some local farm boys made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of freedom as happened in most rural towns in Canada and cities as well. Consider me subscribed!
Loved watching this. The footage was great as well as the interviews! God bless our military and especially our veterans 🙏🏻 without some of these wars the world sure would look different. My Mother played the bag pipes as a little girl also had them at her funeral most love the pipes! Have an awesome week 🫶
Great job
Oh by the way they were from Newfoundland which was a Dominion like Canada. Proud and sad Newfoundlander here and so glad that you take so much interest in our history. You should check out the Royal Newfoundland Regiment.
My father treated many from the Italian Campaign.
If you haven’t already you should look at the 1st Special Service Force, a joint U.S./Canadian unit in WW2.
Thanks for all of this...your the BEST...thanks for all your work to get this out there.
Another good one, John. Listening to these men tell their stories was a real experience. They reminded me of a scene in the old film The 49th Parallel. This film was made in 1941 in Great Britain, as a tribute to Canada and with the hope of influencing an American audience, since the U.S. was still not in the war. It's entirely fictional, but loosely based on an incident where a German U-boat came into Canadian waters. The cast is almost all British, playing Canadians as best they could (Lawrence Olivier playing a French Canadian fur trapper is quite something!). The one Canadian in the cast was Raymond Massey. Massey had served in the trenches in WWI, and had seen a lot of nasty stuff, as well as acquitting himself with honour. In this film, he plays the Canadian soldier, a raw recruit who still hasn't been sent overseas, who confronts the Nazi in the last scene. Massey came from Toronto's wealthiest family, but was a farm boy at heart, more at home with horses than people. He knew the Canadians he had grown up with, and he poured everything he had into this performance. You'll recognize the men in this documentary when you see it. The Criterion print of the film is available on TH-cam: //th-cam.com/video/AtEtMUXjuKw/w-d-xo.html Massey's scene starts at 1:48 in the film.
Thank you for writing that with the link. I can confirm that German U-boats were right up the St. Lawrence. My Uncle served the entirety of WW11 by some miracle, surviving and doing overseas bombing and Canso missions. One day, I was standing on his balcony overlooking the Northeast arm of the Halifax Harbour on their 18th floor apartment, and he casually told me that the Germans had been up the St. Lawrence. I had already heard decades of his fabulous and fascinating war stories, but not that one, and I remember suddenly falling silent as the reality of the situation came home to me. He came from a privileged family and had just finished University, about to start his banking life, but he decided to join the war the moment Canada did. He figured if there was a draft, he wanted to choose his mission, and there was this matter of factness as displayed by the veterans in John's video, about duty and what needed doing. I will look the film up, so thank you.
@@deborahhennessey The film was "inspired" by an incident with a German U-boat in Canadian waters in 1940, at the beginning of the war. But the film tells a completely fictional story. When your uncle spoke to you, he was probably referring not to that, but to far more serious stuff, what is known as "the Battle of the St. Lawrence" --- which is a name given to fairly large-scale German probing and disrupting attacks on the Maritimes and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, which occurred in 1942, 1943 and 1944. This was serious warfare, and the Germans sank 20 Canadian cargo ships and 4 warships over the course of it. In the beginning, Canada barely had a navy, and it was overwhelmed, but by the end of the war we had the third largest navy in the world (we built ships almost as fast as we built bombers and fighter planes). In the end, Canadian naval forces defeated all these attacks and then went on, with some help from the Brits and Yanks, to clear the North Atlantic of the enemy, an achievement that made D-Day possible.
My deceased father in law was a Polish 15 year old who made his way from a Russian internment camp to join the fight in Italy. I forget the name of the monastery they were trying to take but he said the Germans could look down and see what they were eating for breakfast.
It was Monte Cassino. Apparently the Americans bombed the hell out of it even though they were told it had been cleared.
My Father fought through Sicily and Italy. He was wounded in Italy was captured and was a POW.My Father said to me after I had join that every time he went into battle that he was a dead man walking, so that he wasn't disappointed when it was over. My Father said the Germans called the Canadians McNaughton's Traveling Circus.
Also John, just an FYI, 'Come from Away' is having another run in Ottawa this summer (iirc) in the last half of August.
Specific details are surely available on the National Arts Center website, if interested.
The flag is appropriate.
My kids once saw a map of D Day with a maple leaf flag, and they said, "This is wrong."
They like flags.
Bagpipes are a love or hate thing. I personally dont mind good musicians with them, as i (not so much anymore) spent many years learning how to play them. They really are very loud when they're next to your ear. Lol.
I'm incredibly proud of our soldiers, very much respect their sacrifices, and achievements. Words alone cannot describe it.
Hope everyone is taking care.
Canada got the tough trail in the north advance in Italy too. Nothing ever came easy for us in Italy. Or France either. Or the Netherlands either. Its why Remembrance Day November 11th at 11am is such a sombre occasion in Canada. We remember what the cost of war really is.
Maybe look at Canada’s involvement in the battle of casino and the entry into Rome. The Canadian troops were spearheading the assault to Rome and were pulled back to allow the Americans to march into Rome.
Hi, John. I am a Canadian woman born in Regina. Saskatchewan 1961. My mother Betty Lou Sears was born to harry and Louise Sears. They had 13 kids. My mom being the youngest. She was born in 1940. Apparently I had 7 uncles go into World War 2 I think we were Guinea pigs. I really do because I believe war made money for countries such as England who was in control of as Commonwealth countries. Italy did not watch Germany.That's why they had an upheaval, no one wanted war, just higher ups.
I know you're upset love ❤❤
@@drew8305 sorry my hand is screwed up right now so I talk into the microphone. I have to check it for grammar mistakes and I did not do that so thank you for responding I'm so sorry this did not come out without the mistakes. Thank you God bless❤🙏
The Canadians used the Red Ensign when they were going into battle with the British. The ensign allowed the soldiers to determine who was who on the battlefield. If the British weren’t involved the Canadians used the Union Jack.
Do you suppose that after the great successes Canadian shock troops gained at Vimy Ridge and elsewhere, in the Great War, that a sort of jealousy arose from the brass of Great Britain and the USA that carried on into the Second World War and led to Canadians getting only really bad assignments, like Hong Kong, Dieppe , Juneau Beach, Caan, and the flooded Netherlands without air support? This was much like the Newfoundlamders had been treated in WW1 too!
As a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces (Princess Louise Fusiliers and RCAF) thank you for bringing this back to light.
The Canadian uniforms in the black and photos blended into the British action films resulting into a margialized efforts of our young men.
Thanks John for making this for all to see
The best soldiers in the world ! i T IS SO SAD THAT COMRADE TRUDEAU AND SINGH HAVE DESTROYED THE CANADIAN ARMED FORCES .
thank you for another great video. I love watching these clips, never having to go to war. keep up the good work John.
Thanks John, my grandfather was there, then the Italian campaign, France, Belgium and the Netherlands. Odds are very small, but loved watching that video, hoping I'd maybe spot him.
Many of the towns you mentioned are now streets on Canadian Garrisons
Just think about our resources, we have less than other Countries. But WE do not QUIT. and do not forget.
My Dad and 2 cousins were there in Sicily and Italy including Ortona with the Seaforths. The Sicily invasion is mostly unknown these days. Thank you for showing this.
My father drove a tank during the liberation of Sicily and Italy. He was with the Canadian Grenadier Guards. Calgary Regiment. Went on to the liberation of the Netherlands. He didn’t talk about it much.
Good work, great T-shirt, love the Tragically Hip. RIP Gord, you are missed. I have friends whose dads were fighting in Italy. There were scores to settle with the SS Divisions.
My brother-in-law was in Sicilian, Ital and France.
A lot of Italian Canadians help and we’re interpreters, they were able toco communicate with the locals
As a soldier, always loved the pipes
Don't be afraid to say it.. we were thrown into the meatgrinders.... and came out as Triple AAA Alberta Beef... the opponents were the the hamburger..
So, the map... Americans up one side, British up the other, but the obviously strongest defended, the point down the middle... (The Americans said.. we can handle this side, no worries... the British said... we got this side, no problem...
then they said to each other.. what about the middle point? send the Canucks, the meat for the grinder.. we proved 'em wrong!!!
Amazing their memories are so clear... I think not.. put yourself in that position and see how clearly you recall all the little details.... as much as you may wish and pray to forget, that's not to be your lot.
I am no literary giant on this stuff.. but your comment about Italians maybe not being the best fighters.... it occurs to me, they didn't want to fight,,, it wasn't their war, and yes, "liberation", meant they were done, and happy to be conquered/SAVED, by any force from any side, who let them keep their lives.. it wasn't cowardice.... it was self preservation in a situation that they felt they were forced into, against their actual thoughts/beliefs... 👍🏼to those smart enough to stay true to themselves.... I'm Canuck, and I love Italians!
As I said.. we got the short straw.. we had to deal with the well trained and experienced Germans... meanwhile, the Brits and Americans tackled Italians who had no will to fight this war, since it wasn't theirs.
In the end, most of those very few remaining vets we still have.... they are proud, of what they did for others, they are proud to serve.. but they hate war.... If there was any use of this term that is most appropriate.................
The World Needs More Canada!👍🏼✌🏼🇨🇦 (Peace, My Friend)
The Red Ensign is the REAL flag of Canada, under which so many brave souls fought and died for the freedom that our "leaders" are giving away wholesale.
Thanks for sharing and highlighting the importance of some of these battles that are to often forgotten. Might I suggest a book written by Farley Mowat titled, And No Birds Sang. It covers Farley's years in the Canadian infantry including front line fighting in Sicily and Italy. As a Canadian literary icon I was surprised to learn about this unlikley part of his life.
Next Monte Casssino, Ortona and clearing the way to Rome. After D-Day the 2nd Canadian moved north to link up with the 3rd Canadian who had landed on Juno Beach. They gained the good-natured title of "D-Day Dodgers" by the rest of the Canadian forces in Europe in 1944.
My dad was in the Royal Winnipeg Rifles 3 div. He fought in Holland too.
Great John Moving video Im llearning
Thanks for all these good videos friend, all done with understanding kindness and respect! Always looking forward to new reactions. Still waiting for history hit- black watch snipers!! If you can do that I’d appreciate it. Its amazing and means a lot to me ❤️👊
I know my friend. What can I call you other than Jerky? Lol. The only reason I haven’t done it yet is it’s over an hour. I’m an amateur with a demanding day job and kids in sports and music so my time is very limited. I have been hoping to have the time to film and edit a vid that long. I promise I’ll get to it. And I thank you so much for your support.
👊
@@johnf-americanreacts1287 Jeremy
@@johnf-americanreacts1287 I know my friend! And I appreciate you sharing all these videos. If you have time in parts or if not I still appreciate you acknowledging my request! Cheers my American cousin 👊
I think you're a great spokesperson. You do a lot of great videos. I'm just curious about your position on Ukraine, and you think the Western World should be given more militar? I guess it's a little off-topic about stuff you usually talk about. y@johnf-americanreacts1287
Hey John, just a suggestion brother but you should post yourself a mailing location for us, your subscribers. Maybe not your home address though if you're not comfortable with that. Reason being is I have a "care package" for you but have nowhere to send it. Oh yeah, if you are still going to Halifax this summer ensure you get tickets for The Royal Nova Scotia Military Tattoo in July I believe. Tickets go fast. Lots of military pipes and drums and the U.S. is generally well represented yearly by the Marines, Army, Navy or Airforce. Great show you'll never forget
I agree with you that the Italians never had their hearts completely in the war. By 1943 they were starving and literally occupied and dominated by the Germans. They just wanted it all over.
Your recognising the Italians surrendering wasnt because they were poor soldiers is significant. Their political leaders lost their legitimacy and the army surrendered to the Allies. The Brits, Canadians and Americans were there to rid the nation of Germans and Fascists and not for conquest. They made the right call. When motivated the Italian army could fight. They were often just poorly led
I’m embarrassed to say I really don’t know much about the Italian campaigns :( 🇨🇦
love the Ted Ensign :)
I have an interest in the Italian campaign. I have read many of the books about Ortona, including some from my grandfather’s who was in Sicily.
There are many good videos on TH-cam about the Battle of Ortona. If you want to go deep into this important conflict I highly recommend the American Army University press video only released about 4 months ago. 50 minutes long, excellent graphics from the American Army and excellent analysis from Jayson Geroux of the Canadian military who is a specialist in the study of urban warfare.
Is it 360p for anyone else?
Graphic things are forever imprinted on your mind
Re: Italians
My Dad, uncle, and great uncle fought Italians and Germans and said the biggest difference was the Italians generally had poor leadership. This wasn't always the case of course but when the Italians were fighting poorly their leaders would be found to be puffed up martinets. Poor leadership undermines morale, fighting spirit, and unit cohesion. Some Italian units were amongst the finest fielded anywhere during the war and my relatives who faced them respected the soldiers, sailors and airmen.
We cannot begin to imagine what these men went through mentally, physically, and emotionally, not just during active service, but for the rest of their lives. This is why I get so irritated with today's crop of "freedom fighters" and "patriots" sitting in the safety of Canada griping about nonsense.
Aquino was another in the mountains of central Italy fighting Germans sent to stop the allied advance
google The Ontario Regiment RCAC Museum here in Oshawa Ontario , their tanks were there in Italy
museum is amazing
The ridicule these troops got from our Allied troops who landed in Normandy had the temerity to call those who landed in Italy, D-Day Dodgers.
Not realizing that if Italy had held their own, more German Forces would have been available to defend Normandy.
You are so right. Especially since the allies never really broke through all the way into northern Italy and into Austria until Germany was collapsing anyway. It was a brutal campaign
@@johnf-americanreacts1287 On the contrary, it was this campaign that had Italy over throw Mussolini and join the Allies.
Well said Into The Shit!!
What about Brazilian army!! Nobody knows but Força Expedicionário Brasileira (FEB) was a brilliant army in Italy.
Very good point. I k ow a little about it but I should learn more.