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The DEVIOUS mission the government tried to HIDE...

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 มิ.ย. 2023
  • 📲 Go to my sponsor aura.com/mrballen to get a 14 day free trial and see if your personal information has been leaked online
    Time Stamps:
    #1 -- "Cloak and Dagger" -- 1:29 -- There are many unbelievable stories that have come from WWII, but today's story might be the single-most influential event that happened in the entire war.
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    For educational, documentary and entertainment purposes only. Based on actual events. The authoritative sources used for this story include interviews, newspaper articles, and TV news reporting meant to educate and memorialize notable cases in our history.
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ความคิดเห็น • 8K

  • @just_some_bigfoot_hacking_you
    @just_some_bigfoot_hacking_you ปีที่แล้ว +5334

    The fact that the British acknowledged the poor homeless man as a military officer, and gave him an honorary mark on his grave as a sign of respect is so wholesome that I shed some tears.

    • @Delicate_Disaster
      @Delicate_Disaster ปีที่แล้ว +198

      Right? I thought the same thing. They easily could have claimed one of their own did it, but to properly credit Glyndwr shoud how much respect they had for him.

    • @savebandit1017
      @savebandit1017 ปีที่แล้ว +112

      The grave is in Spain, not sure the British had anything to do with it.

    • @thebigdentist251
      @thebigdentist251 ปีที่แล้ว +158

      @@savebandit1017 The Spanish buried him with full military honours as William Martin, but he was only identified as Glyndwr Michael in 1996. I'm assuming the updated headstone inscription a couple of years later was down to the UK Government.

    • @Ryan1234Mansfiel
      @Ryan1234Mansfiel ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Realy

    • @dirtypawsgoldadventures
      @dirtypawsgoldadventures ปีที่แล้ว +63

      That's the least they could do after being likely the ones to poison him. Research it more. It's sad.

  • @Asteroid2050
    @Asteroid2050 ปีที่แล้ว +3639

    The amount of stuff that might have happened during the world wars but went completely unnoticed and is forgotten still baffles me… so much history and suffering 🥺

    • @marvincezair5254
      @marvincezair5254 ปีที่แล้ว +96

      Can you imagine wat some of them folks went through and had to live with after they were raped and beaten and watch their family get killed infront of them??Lived with it and never said nothing about,,,took it to their graves.

    • @eileenpritchard9154
      @eileenpritchard9154 ปีที่แล้ว +30

      ​@@marvincezair5254
      ABSOLUTELY DISGRACEFUL.

    • @Asteroid2050
      @Asteroid2050 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      @@marvincezair5254 so true , it gives me the creeps

    • @Sorchia56
      @Sorchia56 ปีที่แล้ว +60

      Couldn’t agree more. Everyone in a government position that starts a war needs to be in active combat of what they produced, front line! That would make them think twice. Combat is HELL.

    • @sticksnstonespatriot1728
      @sticksnstonespatriot1728 ปีที่แล้ว

      Many lies, propaganda and psychological warfare....
      "We defeated the wrong enemy "

  • @Housesider
    @Housesider 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +360

    The fact that they paid Glyndwr such great respect even after his passing is easily one of the most legitimate, genuine examples of 'real love' that humans could give to one another. Rest in paradise, my brother.

  • @joannewilson1162
    @joannewilson1162 ปีที่แล้ว +410

    This was a very interesting story. The details they added…the backstory… and the honor they gave that homeless man❤ I enjoyed the story

    • @thomasschwarting5108
      @thomasschwarting5108 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Love the way the operation was put into action, very cool,

    • @bingefox4056
      @bingefox4056 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      There was a movie released a short time ago. Operation Mincemeat.

    • @Crosshatch1212
      @Crosshatch1212 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      It’s not all it makes out to be .beilieve that .

  • @jessib2dope790
    @jessib2dope790 ปีที่แล้ว +2544

    It's crazy to think this homeless man believed his life had no purpose in his final days, yet because of him the war changed tides. Salute to him.

    • @skipbaymore4418
      @skipbaymore4418 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Salute to mrballen for stealing whyfiles content 2 days after its posted
      Update:whyfiles just posted a Roswell video..he should copy that one too😭😭

    • @d-s_94
      @d-s_94 ปีที่แล้ว +117

      @@skipbaymore4418 He didn't "steal" anything and whoever tf whyflies is was certainly not the first person to cover this story..

    • @Mostlymid
      @Mostlymid ปีที่แล้ว +110

      ​@@skipbaymore4418you do realize WWII was over 80 years ago, yes?

    • @daveantonio3701
      @daveantonio3701 ปีที่แล้ว +53

      @@skipbaymore4418 what would you like Mr Ballen to do then? Turn himself to the authorities?? You comment like he did a serious crime.

    • @mboshu5551
      @mboshu5551 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@skipbaymore4418 lolz this nigga pissed about another mans success, everything that exists now is a copy, paste and improvement of another

  • @KingJamesIX
    @KingJamesIX ปีที่แล้ว +1163

    I'm glad we got more info about the fisherman that found the body. Telling the story from this angle really brings it to life.

    • @Jmorkio
      @Jmorkio ปีที่แล้ว +32

      I could be wrong but it’s an assumption of mine that he kind of adds in a lot of bonus details that aren’t actually in the stories you read on the news to make it a better story but I’m not sure it’s always entirely the story

    • @hetrodoxly1203
      @hetrodoxly1203 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      This bit is completely mad up.

    • @kristenscarlett8316
      @kristenscarlett8316 ปีที่แล้ว

      This angler heh

    • @SystemofaDowns
      @SystemofaDowns 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Fisherman... Angle..

    • @cupofsadge8359
      @cupofsadge8359 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      IMO the homeless man, if he actually was homeless, was more likely murdered.

  • @toxicity42
    @toxicity42 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +102

    As someone who has researched weird WWII history and regards Operation Mincemeat as a personal favourite, I was so excited to hear your version of the story. In fact, I knew exactly what it was by the word “fisherman.” Fantastic work, sir!

    • @7owlfthr
      @7owlfthr 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      Likewise.

  • @Sailrjup12nh
    @Sailrjup12nh 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +56

    First time I heard this years ago I thought it was an amazing operation to trick the axis. I am also glad this man got honored for being part of something that insured the success of Invasion of Sicily.

  • @stevenellerbee686
    @stevenellerbee686 ปีที่แล้ว +301

    I've read about this operation many many times. But when MrBallen tells the story out loud, it makes the story almost come to life. I've been subscribed for over 2 years now and tune in every single Sunday without missing a video even once, and still to this day I eagerly wait to hear MrBallen tell a story. At this point, it's not even about the story, it's about how he tells it. Very special talent that everyone in the world can relate to. Everyone loves to hear a good story that's told extremely well. Great job John. I'm a 34 year old man and I feel like an interested curious little boy again every Sunday for about 20-30min lol. Thank you Sir.

    • @jasonstaples4364
      @jasonstaples4364 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Same here, what a great listen

    • @kimkaykae
      @kimkaykae ปีที่แล้ว +9

      I agree with you totally. I understand he's very busy with other work, his podcast and charity but I still miss when he used to upload 3 to 4 times a week. Those were good times...

    • @missmissy_90
      @missmissy_90 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Agreed except this weekend we got the story today, Saturday.
      Now, 8 more days : (

    • @raymondtorres-gy8uj
      @raymondtorres-gy8uj ปีที่แล้ว +8

      @@kimkaykae Me too, wish he would do some more stories about paranormal,criptid, like he used to... My first story of him happens to be his personal story about the trip to the cabin in the mountain's ...I was hooked right there and then,that was about 4 years ago i think not sure but he had just started with this channel... Blessings to you all from Puerto Rico with lots of love

    • @Evocati-Augusti
      @Evocati-Augusti ปีที่แล้ว

      Operation Mincemeat..I heard this a few years back..

  • @SomeRandodude222
    @SomeRandodude222 ปีที่แล้ว +4989

    MrBallen is that one guy who gathers everyone around the campfire and then tells a scary story about the forest and then makes everyone not want to go camping anymore 😂

    • @chantalmegson5862
      @chantalmegson5862 ปีที่แล้ว +160

      His kids are super lucky, all the stories he will tell them

    • @Dollarkat
      @Dollarkat ปีที่แล้ว +24

      Haha

    • @chalky_white
      @chalky_white ปีที่แล้ว +57

      I've listened to hundreds of his stories and I've never sat by a campfire with him. What am I missing?

    • @f.mitchell5247
      @f.mitchell5247 ปีที่แล้ว +36

      The why files is also great

    • @chiapets2594
      @chiapets2594 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      No cause I'll still go and nothing will happen cause his stories aren't good or scary

  • @rmanoa7685
    @rmanoa7685 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +223

    Mr Ballen’s storytelling is unrivaled. I am beyond impressed.

    • @scottbubb2946
      @scottbubb2946 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Same. There are stories I've heard before (like this one) but I will still listen to Mr.B tell them because he's so good at it. In fact, I've shared links with people to his stuff and, they said they've already heard it, I'll say, "You haven't heard HIM tell it." Then they will message me back and say, "You're right, he's a great story teller."

    • @bonhamsghost6798
      @bonhamsghost6798 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Best stories on the tube.

  • @YashesLP
    @YashesLP ปีที่แล้ว +67

    I got so excited when I realized what you're talking about my workout went by like a breeze!
    Though you left out one of my favorite detail: Because of this event the nazis didn't trust intel found on corpses anymore. When they later got their hands on legitimate information regarding D-Day thanks to Major Martin they decided "no, this is definitely fake" and continued with shoring up the wrong place. Cue surprised pikachu when the Allies landed.

  • @EveryDayArtist94
    @EveryDayArtist94 ปีที่แล้ว +290

    The fact that the name of the man whose body was used is memorialized is just a small thing in the overall scope of this historical event but really touched me. This does sound like a plot that I'd roll my eyes at if they made a movie out of it but knowing it did happen just reinforces that sometimes fact really is stranger than fiction.

    • @duringthemeanwhilst
      @duringthemeanwhilst ปีที่แล้ว +10

      it's worthwhile reading Ben McIntyre's excellent book about this operation. the sheer minute steps that were taken to pull this off were frankly amazing. and the human aspect is touching

    • @chrissywales6575
      @chrissywales6575 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      They have made it into a movie.

    • @mickymondo7463
      @mickymondo7463 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      It was made into a movie in the 50s The Man who never was

    • @duringthemeanwhilst
      @duringthemeanwhilst ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@mickymondo7463 the book goes into far more detail. even how they invented and doubled down on intricate back stories for him, along with their concerns of being rumbled. it really is an excellent read

    • @jcfh19981
      @jcfh19981 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      It was made into a movie again recently.

  • @tomsbrainhurtsalot
    @tomsbrainhurtsalot ปีที่แล้ว +520

    As soon as he started this story I wondered if it was this! One of my primary school teachers (elementary school for Americans) was the daughter or granddaughter of a member of the submarine crew that dropped the body into the water, so I learned about this at a really young age. Mr Ballen just stirred up a memory I thought I'd forgotten long ago

    • @Reed_Gibby
      @Reed_Gibby ปีที่แล้ว +17

      Wow that’s really cool I wonder why this doesn’t have more likes

    • @geezerp1982
      @geezerp1982 ปีที่แล้ว

      you do relise that the term elementary school orginated in the UK and NOT IN THE USA ! once again the USA COPIED THE UK !

    • @garrettbays6942
      @garrettbays6942 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      I had the same reaction. I had seen the Ronald Neame film The Man Who Never Was (1956), so as soon as "Martin's" name was mentioned, I knew it was this story. I intend to see the 2021 version of this story (Operation Mincemeat) soon.

    • @OlavUnngar
      @OlavUnngar ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Not be annoying, but many Americans do in fact call it primary school. Even some schools call themselves primary schools.

    • @user-cd7uf7to5m
      @user-cd7uf7to5m ปีที่แล้ว +2

      😳😳😳🤯🤯🤯 LIKE, "WOW!!"
      (SMALL AND WONDROUS WORLD WE LIVE IN, HUH?!)...

  • @sulyokpeter3941
    @sulyokpeter3941 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +33

    There is actually a film about this, called Operation Mincemeat. :D But you told the story better, than the film itself. Thats something. Best storyteller in the world! Love your TH-cam videos!

    • @LilyZerep
      @LilyZerep 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      As I was listening to Mrballen tell this story, I kept thinking, "Wasn't a movie made about this?" Lol 😂

  • @cryptomancer2927
    @cryptomancer2927 ปีที่แล้ว +75

    As soon as you said the single most influential event of WWII I started screaming at the screen. I wasn't disappointed.
    My history teacher (a man who genuinely loved history) had told us this story.
    Was always my favorite story of the era.

    • @thesteviejade
      @thesteviejade 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I wish I learned about this in school! I wonder why they didn’t teach it in my school at least.

  • @AnyoneCanSee
    @AnyoneCanSee ปีที่แล้ว +181

    I'm English and my dad lived through the war and was only a couple of years too young to fight. My grandfather fought and my dad's sister made fighter airplanes. So I've always been interested in it as it played such a role in their generation's lives.
    So I know this story very well, having seen the British movie about it as a child and it was still very exciting to hear how MrBallen told the story.
    You have a great talent for bringing the listener along with you and unfolding the stories like a movie and not a new report. Yet you still keep it respectful to the victims. You do a better job of entertaining than many movies that cost millions.

    • @patriciamurphy6559
      @patriciamurphy6559 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Yes, l agree! Very good story teller!

    • @SeeDaRipper...
      @SeeDaRipper... ปีที่แล้ว +1

      What was the movie called mate?

    • @AnyoneCanSee
      @AnyoneCanSee ปีที่แล้ว +12

      @@SeeDaRipper... - There is a great old black and white movie called "The Man Who Never Was" (1956) based on a great book of the same name.
      There is also one called "Operation Mincemeat" (2021) which I haven't seen yet.
      A cool fact not mentioned here is that Ian Fleming the creator of James Bond played a small part in this plan. He was the assistant to Britain's director of naval intelligence the man who greenlit this plan and who was also the real-life inspiration for M in the Bond Books.

    • @christinemonte3477
      @christinemonte3477 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      In addition I believe Mr Ballen did a much better job talking about the Cocaine Bear story than the movie

    • @harleyquinn3589
      @harleyquinn3589 ปีที่แล้ว

      ​@Christine Monte sure, for true story style. But that movie was fun af.

  • @bryntendo
    @bryntendo ปีที่แล้ว +152

    This is such a crazy example of 'it takes all sorts'. It really does. He was the perfect man for the job. The job happened to be helping end WWII, and he happened to be an unmissed vagrant, and that's somehow exactly what the world needed at that moment. That's mind-blowing, this story is just nuts. I love that they memorialised him and his, albeit unknowing, contribution. Very touching

    • @masixchell
      @masixchell ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Right!! We never know how important we can be. Ppl prob walked over him, threw trash, laughed at him - all the things ppl do to homeless ppl today… And this man was the one who changed a whole world war 🔥🔥🔥🔥

    • @keyrarodriguez5432
      @keyrarodriguez5432 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      I teared up when they mentioned his memorial. What an honor. I hope he's proud if beyond the grave exists.

  • @incrediblebulk5091
    @incrediblebulk5091 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Funfact : The driver who carried the dead body in a coffin through the roads in dark night of Britain into the submarine , was also a major inspiration for the character of James Bond. As his favourite car was Aston Martin, and he was a very fast and efficient driver.

  • @brookehinckley8030
    @brookehinckley8030 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +20

    Such a cool story! I’ve never heard it before. My husband was an MP with the Army, and loves war history. Thank you for an incredible story, and I’m going to have my husband watch this video!

  • @ericd6781
    @ericd6781 ปีที่แล้ว +406

    Operation Mincemeat was a masterpiece. With so many moving parts and a few wildcards that had to fall the right way, it's nothing short of a miracle that it succeeded.

    • @NEngler
      @NEngler ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Such a good movie!! Ben Kingsley was amazing.

    • @ericd6781
      @ericd6781 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@NEngler - Yeah, it was excellent. Kingsley has a lot of great work out there.

    • @Yippeee5959
      @Yippeee5959 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Mind blowing

    • @nainmayoudavich7541
      @nainmayoudavich7541 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      and it opened the worse era of warfare we have ever lived in, we're paying the price for this today.

    • @zaphodbeebleprox5043
      @zaphodbeebleprox5043 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yeah, but puttin mince to meat is a crime... ;)

  • @Zombie_Trooper
    @Zombie_Trooper ปีที่แล้ว +157

    I work as a Production Designer/ Art Director and one thing I've always loved about this job is that you create lived in worlds. The audience will never see half of it, or care, but when I dress sets and fill them with history it just adds a layer of realism that makes it feel so much more real and it comes across in the final films/shows. This is proof that details can really bring it all together and sell the illusion.

    • @Dharzjinion
      @Dharzjinion ปีที่แล้ว +9

      I see those things in movies and I do care and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the amazing work 🤩

    • @weslittlereptilefamily3418
      @weslittlereptilefamily3418 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Thats an awesome job. The most underapretiated part of film making. My favorite art director/set designer is Ken Adam. I hope you have great success

    • @spiritmatter1553
      @spiritmatter1553 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      That’s so cool. Your vision is in every frame of the film. 🎞 I’m another who acknowledges and appreciates it.

    • @Zombie_Trooper
      @Zombie_Trooper ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@weslittlereptilefamily3418 Thank you, my friend 🙂 Ken was a big inspiration to me too, I used his Bond work as a starting point for a couple projects.

    • @afternoononthebeach6818
      @afternoononthebeach6818 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      What are some examples of projects that you have done?

  • @annreeves77
    @annreeves77 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    I'm so ignorant to a lot of history that I wish I wasn't! I love that you do stories like this and I welcome more. ❤

    • @7owlfthr
      @7owlfthr 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      At age 79, I have seen American education fail us exponentially from what it was when I was a child. DEEPLY saddening. There are many fascinating stories out there. And though not all as so interesting as this, many are. Enjoy your exploration of history!

  • @tracemiller1519
    @tracemiller1519 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    My great grandfather was there on D-Day on the beach of Normandy. He was extremely lucky to have survived although an explosion left him basically deaf in one ear. He saw so many people along with most of his friends die. I could only imagine.

    • @IbrahimHaddad-pq9zg
      @IbrahimHaddad-pq9zg 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I got to know a Canadian soldier who experienced the same as your dad. He was scarred for life, seemingly incapable of joy, but a real gentleman.

    • @tracemiller1519
      @tracemiller1519 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@IbrahimHaddad-pq9zg he was actually my great grandfather. He passed in 2001 and I was only 5 at the time so unfortunately I didn’t get to ever ask him a lot about it. But it truly is amazing and crazy at the same time. People don’t realize how close in history this actually was!

  • @elizabethdautremont
    @elizabethdautremont ปีที่แล้ว +357

    My 10 year old daughter and i both looked up operation Mince Meat. It got her into a little bit of history about WWII. Thank you for making WWII a little more interesting to learn about. She is now on a mission to find other secrwt operations they used in WWII and looked up the Uship andnother submarines. Science, history, and math. A perfect story. 👍👍

    • @andidevlin3361
      @andidevlin3361 ปีที่แล้ว

      the British intelligence and counter intelligence was a masterclass in WW2.
      Even Hitlers most trusted spy was a british spy feeding incorrect info especially on the lead up to D-Day.
      even creating false battalions of men and equipment / tanks etc on the other side of the country making and using inflatable tanks, tents and atillery.

    • @blackhawk3777
      @blackhawk3777 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Exactly how I starting becoming Hella interested in wars and their stories with my dad, that’s really wholesome to hear 👍

    • @gwenoberhauser4696
      @gwenoberhauser4696 ปีที่แล้ว

      Tell her there was an unacknowledged mission by the US through Scotland that was to locate and clean up a secret Nazi spot. A friend told me of this and said they were expendable and had only 24 hours to get it done. I wonder how many more of these missions happened. ?!

    • @BigSmokeLV
      @BigSmokeLV ปีที่แล้ว +3

      She will only find what other men can do to each other. A lot of honorable and unnecessary death.

    • @stanettiels7367
      @stanettiels7367 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Read a book called Agent Zigzag. It’s about a guy named Edward Arnold Chapman who was a double agent. Absolutely fascinating story that not many are aware of.

  • @Derek-Barbosa
    @Derek-Barbosa ปีที่แล้ว +237

    Are you freaking kidding me? Never heard of this before... Mr. Ballen your research and retelling is superb! No one can tell these stories quite like you. It's obvious you care deeply about them and the people involved in them and that passion comes through your videos and it makes listening to them all the more intriguing. This channel is one of a kind!

    • @sammymartin7891
      @sammymartin7891 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      I was required to read the book in high school
      The Man Who Never Was.
      there's a movie by the same name

    • @peter-radiantpipes2800
      @peter-radiantpipes2800 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      The why files just did an in depth one on it this week too.

    • @juniorr2646
      @juniorr2646 ปีที่แล้ว

      lmafaoo. lay the meth pipe down!!

    • @kylieknight2365
      @kylieknight2365 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      It was made into a movie

    • @bradsanders407
      @bradsanders407 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Reading Wikipedia pages is superb research?

  • @EddIeClark-jt7zm
    @EddIeClark-jt7zm ปีที่แล้ว +20

    This story was absolutely great. I love military history. Especially WW2 history. John Ballen never disappoints. 👍👍

    • @nolanhd5929
      @nolanhd5929 หลายเดือนก่อน

      John Allen

  • @Lorie336
    @Lorie336 ปีที่แล้ว +31

    I knew about this story because my grandpa served in WWII as a Marine in the Pacific theater, but when he got out of the war and they had those community centers for vets someone told him this story. He said at first he didn't believe it, but then he said he thought about and believed it because he saw some things in war that most people wouldn't believe either.
    Love this story and thank you for sharing, you gave a little more detail than my grandpa. 😊💕💕💕

  • @jasonwebb1882
    @jasonwebb1882 ปีที่แล้ว +177

    The Why Files covered this story Thursday. It's a great story and I remember Major Martin story in school. The more channels that cover this great story, the better. This is probably one of the very few times that I'm happy to hear it twice in 1 week. The best part is hearing a detail that I hadn't heard before. Thank you for covering it Mr. Ballen.

    • @ballngm64
      @ballngm64 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      Yeah, I was so confused like I don’t think I’ve seen this episode, yet know the details 🤔

    • @ThatOneRyanGuy
      @ThatOneRyanGuy ปีที่แล้ว +16

      Same sponsor too.....

    • @spangly_J
      @spangly_J ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Hey I watched both as well. Both were well told and unique.

    • @User45124
      @User45124 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      But literally 1 day after the why files upload ..

    • @danielcisco
      @danielcisco ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Yeah one day after The Why Files ....

  • @CrystallizedbySparkle
    @CrystallizedbySparkle ปีที่แล้ว +293

    It's a good day when I get to hear the strange, dark and mysterious delivered in story format 🥰

    • @LavaCreeperPeople
      @LavaCreeperPeople ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The DEVIOUS mission the government tried to HIDE...

    • @uno-rg6is
      @uno-rg6is ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Facts

    • @damianmoscetti9999
      @damianmoscetti9999 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      And me toooo

    • @Apathetik
      @Apathetik ปีที่แล้ว +4

      The thirst is real

    • @reddog6415
      @reddog6415 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Mr Ballen is the best story teller on the internet.

  • @joro4117
    @joro4117 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    The Man Who Never Was - Clifton Webb (1956). Great story! Thanks for making it available to younger generations.

  • @MimiJoys
    @MimiJoys ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I LOVE THE WWII STORIES!
    THANK YOU THANK YOU! 💞‼️
    Mr. Ballen, you definitely need an award for the GREATEST Story Teller of ALL TIME! Your efforts are APPRECIATED and your hard work is NOTICED BY ALL who are blessed to hear you! 💞 May you in return be richly blessed!

  • @chrisa8415
    @chrisa8415 ปีที่แล้ว +31

    That was an amazing story. My grandfather was in WW2. He passed away in the early 90s. Not to long ago my aunt and uncle gave my mom personal things from my grandfather that they held on to for years. We found out he received a purple heart from that war

    • @bonzo6826
      @bonzo6826 13 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Ya my grandfather also died in early 90's, 94' to be exact....73 yrs old (born in 1921) but them purple hearts, they gave them things out like you would Halloween candy back in the 70's, in a very big neighborhood when Halloween was still a big eventful cherished night....😮 BOO !!!

  • @TheBaileyandashlyn
    @TheBaileyandashlyn ปีที่แล้ว +493

    G. Michael may have lived a lonely life, but in death he is adored and honored by all who hear his story. And the fact they made him military and buried him like one is such human compassion. They didn't just treat him like a dead prop. He was a human being whose death, unknowingly, was crucial to the war. So thank you, G. Michael. 🙏🏻

    • @johncox2865
      @johncox2865 ปีที่แล้ว +24

      One has to hope that, somehow, he is aware of the large role he played in the ultimate Allied victory.
      Thank you, Sir!

    • @jwst8
      @jwst8 ปีที่แล้ว

      thanks for what? he was a bum who killed himself by eating rat poison, lol

    • @Taydrum
      @Taydrum ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Except they did just treat him as dead prop

    • @TheBaileyandashlyn
      @TheBaileyandashlyn ปีที่แล้ว +29

      @@jwst8 you don't know, and even if he did, that's sad, but that doesnt take away the fact that his death allowed a turning point in the war. Even if it was not his intentions, and even though he knew nothing of it, his death, and therefore his body, was still crucial to the war.. and he deserves compassion and respect for it.

    • @TheBaileyandashlyn
      @TheBaileyandashlyn ปีที่แล้ว +11

      @@Taydrum I know. I said they didn't *just* treat him as a dead prop. They showed him compassion afterwards.

  • @MuslimConvertGirl
    @MuslimConvertGirl ปีที่แล้ว +4

    This poor homeless man who lived a horrible life and (possibly) thought he didn't matter - only to posthumously go on to quite literally save millions of lives and generations of families, changing the course of history and of the world. This one got me.

  • @damonperry8937
    @damonperry8937 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    This doesn't sound quite like science fiction but damn, your research & ability to find these incredible stories is phenomenal. Even the more popular stories we might've heard, you provide detail, yes, but your emotion behind all of it creates a perfect atmosphere for listening. I love your work because you do a great job.
    Also, everytime you tell me to smash that like button in a different way each episode makes me laugh like I just heard a Dad joke. Good stuff. ALOT of people would binge watch you on Netflix

  • @Kal-El-2134
    @Kal-El-2134 ปีที่แล้ว +171

    Hearing this story first from AJ & The Why Files yesterday, made this episode all that much better. You both told it in your own way, and it was almost like you were completing each others sentences... if that makes sense😆 You guys should collaborate on a 2 part story sometime, share your fan base 😃 It was amazing timing, that worked out so well. Thank You Mr. Ballen.

    • @sarahsample4984
      @sarahsample4984 ปีที่แล้ว +36

      This!! I'm so glad I found a comment about The Why Files with AJ and Hecklefish. Lol

    • @BPMKEV
      @BPMKEV ปีที่แล้ว +13

      Same!! When he mentioned the engagement ring receipt I thought "this sounds familiar" lol

    • @sarahsample4984
      @sarahsample4984 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      @Kevin Rivera as soon as he said "briefcase" I was like no waaay.

    • @ashleyashley9405
      @ashleyashley9405 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Such a good idea

    • @UsmanAhmed83
      @UsmanAhmed83 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I thought I was tripping. Thanks for confirming thats where I heard this recently.

  • @bhargavipba
    @bhargavipba ปีที่แล้ว +147

    Damn this operation was a work of genius! The fact that they knew exactly the steps that the Spanish and Germans would take is absolutely amazing!
    And I love the fact that Glyndwr Michael got credited for his role in defeating the Nazis and turning the tide for the Allies 🥺

    • @troyfitzsimmons
      @troyfitzsimmons ปีที่แล้ว +4

      You did not give a warning you just told me the story in one sentience thanks bud now I don’t need to hear the rest lol

    • @novamorph
      @novamorph ปีที่แล้ว +8

      ​@@troyfitzsimmonsdon't read comments before you watch?

    • @geewhiz5926
      @geewhiz5926 ปีที่แล้ว

      ​@Troy Fitzsimmons I'm still going to watch the entire show lol

    • @garybarr2023
      @garybarr2023 ปีที่แล้ว

      ​@troyfitzsimmons you should just watch the movie operation mincemeat 2021 or the original black and white movie

    • @troyfitzsimmons
      @troyfitzsimmons ปีที่แล้ว

      @@garybarr2023 thanks

  • @ClassicRiki
    @ClassicRiki ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love this Operation. It was listed as an option for a plan of deception and it was listed as “Suggestion 28 (and not a very nice one)” - the creator of James Bond wrote this by the way. Churchill loved what he called “corkscrew thinkers” (out of the box to the US) and he knew that “Hitler thought in a straight line”. They even wore the uniform for weeks to make it seemed used. We also placed an eyelash in the envelope seal to confirm that once it was handed back, the Spanish hadn’t placed the eyelash back in the seale and so they knew it had been opened. That’s where the eyelash technique in James Bond came from.

  • @Agreed255
    @Agreed255 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Mr. Ballen, the way you tell the story makes me on my toes! I’m a new subscriber and I’ve been binge watching your videos for the last 2 weeks. I sit on my bed while eating popcorn listening to you tell your stories. It’s amazing!

  • @jasondesselles9168
    @jasondesselles9168 ปีที่แล้ว +85

    Ballen, I've spent my life scouring for the kind of stories you present. There have been a few that you've told that I have known of already but for the most part they're fascinatingly obscure. Whomever is on your staff, they are doing a phenomenal job.

    • @InteriorDesignStudent
      @InteriorDesignStudent ปีที่แล้ว +3

      His momma writes the stories. 😍

    • @pippa3150
      @pippa3150 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      No she doesn't. She writes his podcasts.

    • @b-dub6865
      @b-dub6865 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I often think about that. Where does he get this stuff from? Most people repeat what others are saying, but not Ballen! I’m sure Amazon has helped him find good topics. Then again, Ballen is a former Navy Seal, so I’m sure he has excellent investigative skills!

    • @b-dub6865
      @b-dub6865 ปีที่แล้ว

      Ballen finds the content & his mom writes the podcast script to make it a compelling story. He doesn’t use a script for his YT videos. I’ve always wondered where he gets this stuff from. Most people repeat what others are saying, but not Ballen! I’m sure Amazon has helped him find good topics. Then again, Ballen is a former Navy Seal, so I’m sure he has stellar investigative skills!

  • @2puffs770
    @2puffs770 ปีที่แล้ว +286

    Let's celebrate the joy this man has brought in to our lives, all with stories about the strange, dark, and mysterious. When you think about it, that's not really easy to do, especially when you bring stories with sadness. What makes him so successful is that he talks to us like we're a lifelong friend that is valued and appreciated, and WE LOVE IT!!!!

    • @orleypowell5018
      @orleypowell5018 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      So true. When I am eating and want to relax, I listen to Mr Ballen's stories.

    • @malikhill9533
      @malikhill9533 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      And his attention to details

    • @user-cc9vw4mo6g
      @user-cc9vw4mo6g ปีที่แล้ว +4

      First i thought you were talking about hitler 😂

    • @Dillory123
      @Dillory123 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Love him too. Wish he was nicer to the poor LIKE button though😂

    • @BlueEyedMomof378
      @BlueEyedMomof378 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      It's not just that. He also speaks with so much compassion about the victims. It's clear he deeply cares about his work.

  • @blacksaiyantrevor
    @blacksaiyantrevor ปีที่แล้ว +3

    They really pulled off a "YOU ACTIVATED MY TRAP CARD!" on Germany.

  • @maryanncarpenter3060
    @maryanncarpenter3060 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I knew this story but didn’t realize until the fisherman found the briefcase. But I listened anyway because you told it so much better than I’d heard it before.

  • @lacylaizure6540
    @lacylaizure6540 ปีที่แล้ว +117

    Fascinating story. I always hated history as a subject in school, but if Mr Ballen was my teacher, I would have loved it!

    • @Tyler45nilbog
      @Tyler45nilbog ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I totally agree. Never liked history either but now love it cause it repeats itself

    • @TheChipmunk2008
      @TheChipmunk2008 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Decent teachers are ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL... Mr Ballen would make a good teacher

    • @hazelknapp8584
      @hazelknapp8584 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I would never miss a day if he Was my teacher

    • @TheChipmunk2008
      @TheChipmunk2008 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@hazelknapp8584 I can confirm, enthusiastic teachers made me love science and tech.... it's a pity the modern world cripples teachers' ability to actually teach, from not being allowed to discipline rowdy pupils (sorry, they're not students till college) to not being allowed to have certain chemicals/books/whatever. Idiocracy was a documentary from the future

    • @lacylaizure6540
      @lacylaizure6540 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @TheChipmunk2008 that is the truth. My middle school history teacher was awful and had a hateful aggressive personality. From then on, I HATED history.

  • @jordanreed9131
    @jordanreed9131 ปีที่แล้ว +216

    It’s not mentioned in this video but the Nazis did acquire real intelligence about D day and where it was going to start later in the war. But because of the incident in Sicily they didn’t believe it and were less prepared because of it. I absolutely love Mr. Ballin’s videos.

    • @rachbee8033
      @rachbee8033 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      I knew about Operation Mincemeat, but not this part - thanks!

    • @Pscilisyoshi47
      @Pscilisyoshi47 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Holy… wow imagine the bloodshed if they were fully prepared

    • @peterf.229
      @peterf.229 ปีที่แล้ว

      actually , this info was also fabricated . they let it slip that Patton was in the UK and was going to attack France in a different area further north .

  • @midnightmadness5307
    @midnightmadness5307 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Wow, thanks so much John! This one was fascinating, I know quite a bit about history and the War but never had I heard of this awesome and brilliant 'set up' until now. Incredible.

  • @kmhanratty
    @kmhanratty 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    The fact that the homeless mans body remained unclaimed so long, as if he had no family or friends that cared or knew he was dead, is sad. Then to have the British utilize him in death in a way to alter history so profoundly is amazing and even if the homeless guy thought he had little or no worth, to only become very much worth, is profound. They really should make a movie about this invasion of allied forces at Sicily and to include this British "Officer" and the operation he unknowingly was involved with, is actually very inspiring as his body changed the tide of the war by two real British intelligence officers. This is an epic true story that not many know of, because the schools just do not teach these things anymore. These are definitely events that should be known and remembered.

  • @juliesykes6121
    @juliesykes6121 ปีที่แล้ว +60

    Being British, I knew this story, but the way Mr Ballen tells it, is so good. Really brings it to life.

  • @AnitaRose2212
    @AnitaRose2212 ปีที่แล้ว +197

    I am greatly IMPRESSED that you knew how to correctly pronounce Cholmondeley. Being Australian I am proud that Charles Cholmondeley was an Australian RAF officer seconded to MI5. You didn't mention the fact that one of the two officers who came up with this brilliant ruse was Ian Fleming, the author of the James Bond series of books.

    • @lil_wrizzle
      @lil_wrizzle ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Whats link

    • @Galbereth
      @Galbereth ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Haha me too! Hardly anyone knows how to correctly pronounce that! 😁

    • @rmhartman
      @rmhartman ปีที่แล้ว

      There are three names like that that are famously not pronounced as they are spelt.

    • @danjagger4313
      @danjagger4313 ปีที่แล้ว

      Now if he can learn to say Shasta correctly, lol. Love listening to his stories.

    • @Lame.....
      @Lame..... ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Because he saw the why files cover this a few days ago and decided to do the same story

  • @LittleAnn666
    @LittleAnn666 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Lol I would have never imagined Mr Ballen telling a story based on Spain. Great job doing so!

  • @romanavolny1040
    @romanavolny1040 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I read a lot of books about WW2 but missed this story. You are the BEST story teller MrBallen. Keep up the great work!

  • @mountainmover777
    @mountainmover777 ปีที่แล้ว +112

    What are the odds that two of my favorite TH-cam channels cover the same crazy story in the same week? Double treats! A Mr. Ballen and The Why Files collaboration would be awesome.

    • @RC-tn3xo
      @RC-tn3xo ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Odds are there's a copy cat making vids

    • @DoCyberCrime
      @DoCyberCrime ปีที่แล้ว +10

      naw this is like the 2nd time hes done this

    • @daliaflanders6598
      @daliaflanders6598 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      Truly!!! Greetings fellow WTFer!!

    • @BosoxPatsfan603
      @BosoxPatsfan603 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      Hell yeah! I love The Why Files!!!

    • @charlottelambert2963
      @charlottelambert2963 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      I just came to say that these guys are also my favourite🙌- and if you have any other recommendations for this type and standard of content, I would be SO grateful - I just wait for new uploads from Mr B and AJ 😂 🤷‍♀️👏

  • @bigmike8564
    @bigmike8564 ปีที่แล้ว +160

    My Grandfathers were both in WWII and they told a few unbelievable stories about their journeys, although not that often. I can’t remember loving these accounts of battles and missions that are a part of our countries history

    • @user-ev3zn4pp1p
      @user-ev3zn4pp1p ปีที่แล้ว +14

      Because there's nothing to love about war.....😢

    • @pawwalker3492
      @pawwalker3492 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      We never really knew that my grandfather was a Battered Bastard of Bastogne until two weeks before he died.
      Saw what I thought was his look-alike in an episode of G.I. Diary and said, "but it couldn't be you because you weren't there..." "The hell I wasn't! ..." And that's the only time he told us the whole story. He came home an alcoholic (PTSD?) and would talk about places like the Ardennes, and St Vith. And Malmedy. But we never realized. SO glad we talked before he passed away.

    • @shanegraham2500
      @shanegraham2500 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Both my grandfathers were in WWII also. Maternal grandfather was a medic at Pearl Harbor. Paternal was a Marine sniper. Neither talked much about their experiences.

    • @bigmike8564
      @bigmike8564 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@shanegraham2500
      Yo Shane
      I know you’re proud of your grandfathers. There were nothing in this world comparable to those stories that they told, when they actually did tell them, which wasn’t a lot. Thanks for sharing that with us and I hope you have a blessed July 4 th

    • @bigmike8564
      @bigmike8564 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@user-ev3zn4pp1p
      I couldn’t agree more
      I was just speaking on the stories. Thx for your reply! Have a great July 4

  • @leannedowd4964
    @leannedowd4964 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What an incredible story and a touching legacy for that unfortunate homeless man.

  • @thrownsofaraway9978
    @thrownsofaraway9978 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    One of my favorite operations made even better having Ballen give it life. Rest in peace Glyndwr Michael, a man who lived a life of nothing yet making one of the biggest dents in all of history as well as both Montagu and Cholmondeley assisting in ending the bloodiest war of all(as of now).

  • @Elevendyeleven
    @Elevendyeleven ปีที่แล้ว +149

    What were the chances you and the Why Files would both do the same story in the same week? Its cool to hear it by starting with the body and the perspective of the Spanish and revealing the story by working backwards. As a writer, I am always so impressed with your writing!

    • @hallievanoutryve3109
      @hallievanoutryve3109 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      It was cool two hear their different takes on the event. Mr. Ballen has a way of telling familiar stories in unique ways.

    • @amyglover2872
      @amyglover2872 ปีที่แล้ว +23

      I was looking for anyone in the comments that watched both channels as well! I agree, hearing two different types of story telling of one story by these two greats has made for an awesome week!

    • @LynnAgain83
      @LynnAgain83 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      🤔 I'll have to check that out! Never heard of the why files! Ty :)

    • @markmark63
      @markmark63 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      And both videos had the same sponsor! The mystery deepens...

    • @electronicshaman
      @electronicshaman ปีที่แล้ว +12

      My two favourite channels, I feel like I’ve entered the singularity

  • @TheCosmicLibrarian
    @TheCosmicLibrarian ปีที่แล้ว +153

    You and AJ from the Why Files are so good at your jobs that even though you posted the “same story” within 24 hours of each other, it only made it come alive for me even more. Felt like Christmas today. 😌❤️

    • @BBAMEG
      @BBAMEG ปีที่แล้ว +27

      I knew this was that same story as soon as he started. Just watched this on Why Files, as well.

    • @jjtruelove119
      @jjtruelove119 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Wow that’s a major spoiler right there. I won’t read comments before the story from now on

    • @jayjay-71
      @jayjay-71 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      ​@jjtruelove11 so you would rather listen to the same story twice??? Your statement makes no sense

    • @Liz-cmc313
      @Liz-cmc313 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Yep, I watched it on the Why Files.

    • @fourpuma138
      @fourpuma138 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      me too i was looking for this comment what a shitty coincidence they are the best😊

  • @LollipopXI
    @LollipopXI ปีที่แล้ว +2

    0:45 you underestimate how lazy I am lmao

  • @Lucy_M_Fenton
    @Lucy_M_Fenton 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    8:05
    Honestly… you and “old Seagull Lung” are the only ones on TH-cam who will have me sit and actually watch an advert and not skip through it… not only that but I actually LOVE them
    I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again.. I’ll say it till the day I croak it… you’re a deadset legend 🙌🏻🐸

  • @BSJ-Unparalleled
    @BSJ-Unparalleled ปีที่แล้ว +79

    Mr Ballen is so expressive when he tells stories. You somehow manage to get lost in the moment, and I love that.

  • @Gruesome_Chuck
    @Gruesome_Chuck ปีที่แล้ว +53

    Even though I've recently watched this story on Why Files, MrBallen still has a great way of telling a story. Definitely keeps me intrigued

    • @dont-touch-mepg1392
      @dont-touch-mepg1392 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Yea it def wasn't taken. Mr ballen isn't so busy now I'm days that he finds TH-cam videos to get scripts from and just does that.

    • @yourname6555
      @yourname6555 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I was about 3 minutes in and came to the comments wondering if someone else noticed

    • @nobody1a
      @nobody1a ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Operation Mincemeat

    • @crou8040
      @crou8040 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      It's like in comics how you have the main storyline, then you have all the tie-ins. This was a perfect tie-in.

    • @Magik160
      @Magik160 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I felt they compliment each other perfectly! MrBallen tells the mystery and the why files tells how they got away with it.

  • @The_Modeling_Underdog
    @The_Modeling_Underdog ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Montagu: "Say, old boy. Can it be done?"
    Cholmondeley: "I have a cunning plan..."

  • @melodiejohnston9528
    @melodiejohnston9528 ปีที่แล้ว +431

    The Brits were, and still are brilliant at this. I love that we are still researching and learning about one of the most significant events in history, and I especially love that these contributions are being acknowledged and recognised in a respectful manner. Thank you.

    • @jcreedy20
      @jcreedy20 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      Yep those Brits are damn sneaky. Should watch out for those hahaha.

    • @user-pr5is9fe2t
      @user-pr5is9fe2t ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Us brits are the best always will be don't be so negative and learn from us

    • @keztukariri
      @keztukariri ปีที่แล้ว

      ​@@user-pr5is9fe2ta few hundred years ago you were the wealthiest country on earth and now you literally ant sh*t 😂 so very greatful my grand parents left that sh*t hole.

    • @lillial245
      @lillial245 ปีที่แล้ว

      ​@@user-pr5is9fe2tbest at stealing stuff from other countries. Never gonna learn shit from thieves

    • @caliciajohnson9861
      @caliciajohnson9861 ปีที่แล้ว

      ​@@user-pr5is9fe2tyou went from ruling a third of the world to being an obsolete little island. You're pretty irrelevant at this point

  • @grungepen
    @grungepen ปีที่แล้ว +19

    Happy early fathers day to you mr ballen !! Your kids are so lucky to have you as a dad 😊

    • @MrBallen
      @MrBallen  ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Thank you!!!

    • @grungepen
      @grungepen ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@MrBallen no thank you ☺️❤️!

    • @karmas_coming
      @karmas_coming ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Imagine what bedtime stories are like in his house.

  • @tabithae3679
    @tabithae3679 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    This is the first time I heard an ad about a product that I would buy. Thank you for sharing, Mr. Ballen.

  • @kellyxiong8739
    @kellyxiong8739 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Mr. Ballen, you tell this story so well. You make the story so fascinating, not boring. I would rather listen to how you tell it than reading textbook history.

  • @chaseyoung7795
    @chaseyoung7795 ปีที่แล้ว +93

    Seeing MrBallen's account gain more and more recognition is awesome. You're my number one favorite story teller but also just come off as a great guy. Thank you for entertaining us with the strange, dark, and mysterious MrBallen and the podcasts are amazing. Anyone who hasn't checked them out yet should give them a go

    • @SAMIAMFNX
      @SAMIAMFNX ปีที่แล้ว +1

      yea im a og sub 2020

    • @shutupandwatch69
      @shutupandwatch69 ปีที่แล้ว

      🍆🚴

    • @JesserDaddy
      @JesserDaddy ปีที่แล้ว +5

      He stole this from The Why Files who did this exact story 3 days ago with the same exact nigerian prince ad read for Aura

    • @JustColleen
      @JustColleen ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Is there a person in existence that has actually heard one of MrBallen's stories that didn't go directly to his channel to binge watch everything he ever put out? It is truly unbelievable to me that a person of the sort could be real!!!

    • @JustColleen
      @JustColleen ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@JesserDaddy I don't believe he "stole" anything! How can one steal a historical fact? There are several people out there that present these types of stories and this is not the first time where their timing to tell a common story has coincided. Also, they all basically have commercials for just about all the same companies because those companies search out these platforms to run ads on and they give a basic format for the channel owner to design their ad around. I highly doubt the other channels "same Prince ad" featured good ol Lungy and a handicapped eel with a walker. Purely bad timing on both parties account.

  • @The_Atomic_Skunk
    @The_Atomic_Skunk ปีที่แล้ว +41

    Mr. Ballen and The Why Files doing the same story on the same week!?!. I feel like this story is complete for me. Love both channels and how they tell their stories!

    • @elizabethvos1380
      @elizabethvos1380 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      I thought the same! Watched the Why Files one yesterday, which spoiled the twist in Mr.Ballen's for me, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it none the less. They also had the same sponsor 😅

    • @vanillatwilight7646
      @vanillatwilight7646 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      I wonder how many people watch both shows weekly lol

    • @butters0u1
      @butters0u1 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      I thought I was the only one who noticed. Really awesome hearing it told by 2 great story tellers in totally different ways!

    • @jacopot4824
      @jacopot4824 ปีที่แล้ว

      Why files version said that Spanish informed English the found the body and took out and back in letters from inside the case without opening.. MrBallen say the case was opened Spanish did autopsy and never informed English...
      Im just saing that the Whyfiles story about Spanish joined autopsy with English cutting short offering launch and the MI5/007 aston martin runs total dark no lights look like fiction for the episode...i'll check

    • @toddfluhr4655
      @toddfluhr4655 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      The fact both did the same story in the same week makes me wanna borrow Hecklefish's tinfoil hat.

  • @wcosgrove1
    @wcosgrove1 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What. A. Story. Another classic Mr. Ballen video to send to any history buff.

  • @user-qk9yh1zp4u
    @user-qk9yh1zp4u 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Imagine dying homeless then coming back to life like, “Oh crap, I’m a highly regarded British officer with movies and documentaries about me? I helped save the world?” It’s unfortunate he wasn’t alive to see how much he helped change the world, he played a crucial role in the turning point of the war, and if I had to pick what happens to me after death that’s damn sure at the top of the list

  • @keeranimal8
    @keeranimal8 ปีที่แล้ว +58

    I absolutely love these WWII stories…used to beg my grandad and his friends to tell me everything! One of my favorite stories, and one to definitely look into if you’re into this stuff, is the Norwegian raid on the Nazi held heavy water plant…just insane!!

  • @MelanieNeland-dj7pz
    @MelanieNeland-dj7pz ปีที่แล้ว +66

    By far, one of my absolute favorite stories by MrBallen. I definitely would of paid attention in my history classes back in the day if he were my teacher 🙌

    • @shellyweiers121
      @shellyweiers121 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      You and me both Melanie I would have looked forward to it 😊

    • @patriciamurphy6559
      @patriciamurphy6559 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Yes, a good teacher makes all the difference!

    • @bradsanders407
      @bradsanders407 ปีที่แล้ว

      Quit lying

    • @Amy-qe7ti
      @Amy-qe7ti ปีที่แล้ว

      Wouldn’t we all?????

  • @ZacharyBeamz
    @ZacharyBeamz 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    ive heard this story a few times but the angle you took from the Spanish side made it a lot more immersive. Keep killing the game

  • @loonielonnie
    @loonielonnie ปีที่แล้ว

    This is the ONLY yt channel I don’t skip the ads on, I actually look forward to them lmao

  • @Just8akitkat
    @Just8akitkat ปีที่แล้ว +29

    This story is so nice and it is probably my new favourite video by you. It's so sweet that they made Glendor an official military officer, he didn't die in vain and he saved millions of lives and generations to come

    • @joalyincontroly4379
      @joalyincontroly4379 ปีที่แล้ว

      I think they poisoned Glyndwr Michael, the homeless man, in advance while planning this operation.

  • @66Integral
    @66Integral ปีที่แล้ว +56

    I'm from the UK and had heard this story, but your version had details I didn't know, and I loved how you started it from the POV of the fisherman - a great telling, thank you!
    Haven't seen anyone mention this in the comments yet, so for anyone interested, there's a musical about this story currently running in the West End, called 'Operation Mincemeat', and it's absolutely brilliant, very funny and moving - heartily recommend it if you can go!

    • @all13v
      @all13v ปีที่แล้ว +5

      There is also a book called "Operation Mincemeat- How a dead man and a Bizarre Plan Fooled the Nazis and Assured an Allied Victory" by Ben Macintyre, its a really entertaining read

    • @66Integral
      @66Integral ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @all13v ooh that sounds great, thanks for the recommendation! I'll add it to my book pile 😊

    • @theoriginalbluey
      @theoriginalbluey ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Thank you for this, gonna book me a ticket!

    • @66Integral
      @66Integral ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@theoriginalbluey huzzah! Hope you enjoy the show as much as I did :)

    • @willow2vicky
      @willow2vicky ปีที่แล้ว +1

      There's also a film starring Colin Firth, Matthew Macfadyen and Kelly Macdonald. It's really good.

  • @angelawoodward2259
    @angelawoodward2259 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Captivating!
    My father was born in Sicily. A relative from Italy visited our home (while other Sicilians were present); they got into a heated argument when the visitor said she approved of Muselini. Most Italians were on the side of the allies, and were against Hitler. I’ll never forget how fierce and disgusted they became with their relative. By the way, she stood her ground. Prosperina was her name. I really appreciate you and the work you are doing…I’ve often thought you might be Italian ‘cause you use your hands so much!😂

  • @michaelmortag3536
    @michaelmortag3536 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I knew about this since for like almost 40 years. Can't remember the Author. The name of the ordeal was called "Operation Mincemeat".
    My grandfather served with the British and the 82nd Airborne during ww2. He gave me a book and told me it was the best part of WW2. "The Man Who Never Was".

  • @Truthwillprevail1477
    @Truthwillprevail1477 ปีที่แล้ว +297

    The hand gestures, facial expression, tone, and sound effects are phenomenal. You're a god tier in story telling!

    • @freddykrueger7406
      @freddykrueger7406 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Basically describing your photo as well lol

    • @XtCxPAND3MICx
      @XtCxPAND3MICx ปีที่แล้ว

      @@freddykrueger7406m pop on

    • @msm7927
      @msm7927 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Obviously; to each their own but imo it's too much. His natural movements of 2 years ago were very comforting. Today I stopped his video for the first time due to the hand gestures. It has become distracting to me.

    • @notstandingwithukraine9478
      @notstandingwithukraine9478 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      no, too much is too much

    • @CurlyQueen12386
      @CurlyQueen12386 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @msm7927 Sounds like a you problem. If that’s enough to distract you then you’re gonna have a rough time with life.

  • @thehengy3232
    @thehengy3232 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    I’m four minutes in the video and I know EXACTLY what you’re talking about. Idk why but when you tell a story that I’ve heard before I always get excited because even if I know the information I like hearing you recount the story. Just goes to show that good storytelling is a talent.

  • @BreeAnnaMarie
    @BreeAnnaMarie 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    It has been just a little bit since I've been able to watch you mr. Ballen, long story short broke my collarbone and I'm in so much pain. Of course now I have to binge watch so I can catch up! I just wanted to say thank you for giving me something amazing to watch while I'm sitting in here waiting surgery. You sir are a legend!!!!

    • @justaspy5605
      @justaspy5605 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I have never broken a bone in my life but sounds pretty miserable

  • @1AmandaLove1
    @1AmandaLove1 23 วันที่ผ่านมา

    I'm Impressed. I am so impressed that US and Britain came up with such an elaborate fake out. That was a good one! As for them giving that homeless man a proper burial with honors, was very respectful. Unbeknownst to the homeless man, he was about to go down in history for helping to end the war. God bless him! ❤

  • @Wizzz28
    @Wizzz28 ปีที่แล้ว +37

    I do love it when MrBallen let's us know if it's a real photo or not. It's all the little touches that make MrBallen's channel the best

    • @laurenk6741
      @laurenk6741 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Can't there be a dedicated comment where people can reply with worshipping comments, otherwise the entire comment section is just time wasting spam of no relevance to the content

    • @pippa3150
      @pippa3150 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Perhaps you could skip the comment section? Or put youtube down and get outside for a bit? 🙄

    • @JadeySmithers
      @JadeySmithers ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I literally judge all story tellers on TH-cam by Ballen standards.

  • @oxenrat
    @oxenrat ปีที่แล้ว

    I have always enjoyed learning more about your adventures with Lungey and now hope to hear more about Horace, thanks a bajillion for making your paid adverts fun as well as helpful.
    Oh and all the actual interesting facts and real stuff you bring to light, yeah, that's good too

  • @d7895482
    @d7895482 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Considering that that this is my first time listening to Mr Ballen tell this story I was going crazy trying to figure out where I’ve heard this before,then it came to me, it was The Why Files,the two best storytellers on the net

  • @nancymoon-rush2888
    @nancymoon-rush2888 ปีที่แล้ว +139

    Another great video! As a history teacher, I know this story well, and you absolutely did it justice. So many turning points in WWII, but THIS one was a battle of intelligence and wit.

    • @ewoknroll
      @ewoknroll ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I feel like he should do a video on unit 731 in ww2

    • @lulugallo7032
      @lulugallo7032 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@ewoknroll I back your awesome words up full hearted. Love your profile pic. I have on my back the Shakedown Man from the cover of one of my favorite albums of the Greatful Dead. ❤️✌️Lu

  • @rochellejames8672
    @rochellejames8672 ปีที่แล้ว +92

    This mom always looks forward to her weekly stories to help escape reality. Never stop telling them Mr.Ballen.

    • @purnimaamin4085
      @purnimaamin4085 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      So does this mom. However i really laughed hard when in his commercials he showed a " middle aged eel" with a walker.😂

  • @lorileyrer1065
    @lorileyrer1065 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I have watched you for quite a few years now and I think that that story was one of your best. Thank you for sharing that.

  • @flannelpillowcase6475
    @flannelpillowcase6475 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    this is one of the most epic war stories i've ever heard. utterly remarkable, genius

  • @leeg9292
    @leeg9292 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Glyndwr Micheal was actually welsh, he was living homeless in London at the time of his death but was originally from Bargoed in south Wales. This story has been made into two films.
    There was also another mastermind behind the real operation mincemeat plot. His name was Ian Fleming. Ian Fleming worked in the intelligence agency during the war and took part in helping bring major Martin into reality. After the war he went on to write a very successful spy series know famously as James Bond 007.

  • @WillTeskey-ud1ff
    @WillTeskey-ud1ff ปีที่แล้ว +54

    Heard this story from my grandpa a while back but never quite understood just how significant and complicated it actually was.

    • @sarmadusmani4792
      @sarmadusmani4792 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      A movie 'Operation Mincemeat' was released in 2021 starring colin firth. Summed it all up pretty well

  • @elizabethreinhardt2339
    @elizabethreinhardt2339 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    This is one of my favorite stories Mr. Ballen tells. Bravo again sir! 👏

  • @amytaylor3779
    @amytaylor3779 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love these stories. Mr Ballen always teaching me things!

  • @redsamuraiXIII
    @redsamuraiXIII ปีที่แล้ว +53

    This is the one I immediately thought of when it was brought up how crazy it sounded. It is such a wild story, but it's truly amazing to see the creative ways that both sides went through to get the upper hand like this in the war. Didn't know they made him an offical military officer when it was done however, that part brought a small tear to the eye to know.

    • @srtsef
      @srtsef ปีที่แล้ว +1

      9 likes and no comments? let me fix that!

  • @H-town_BeastMode
    @H-town_BeastMode ปีที่แล้ว +26

    How bizarre...you and The Why Files both did a story on this guy within 24 hrs of one another. If it was recently i could see but its almost 100 year old story ...You both tell it similar but with different details and emphasis...plus your a great orator so very detailed! Pretty cool to see 2 of my favorite channels put their own spin on the same story!

  • @pitchblack4752
    @pitchblack4752 ปีที่แล้ว

    I had to admit,I have never listen any story telling videos like this.I love your stories that it became a habit of mine to listen your videos and work at evening.

  • @flurrimonster8499
    @flurrimonster8499 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is the most awesome story I’ve ever heard thank you, MrBallen.

  • @tashaturner4609
    @tashaturner4609 ปีที่แล้ว +43

    Those British Intelligence officers came up with a damn good plan!
    I LOVE these war stories that I’ve never heard before!
    I hope Glyndwr’s death wasn’t too horrible....but I’m so happy to hear that he became a hero (even in death!) and his body played such a vital role in WW 2! It’s nice to see he even got recognition on his gravestone ❤️.

  • @captainkane1984
    @captainkane1984 ปีที่แล้ว +40

    What an amazing story. I felt bad for G.M. But what a wonderfully wholesome thing they did for him in the end.