My Dad was a pilot much later in the war. He led a crew into battle in their Lancaster. They were a happy crew and my father thought lucky. One night over Epinal in the Voges of North East France their luck ran out. My father survived, well perhaps some of him did, but his happy crew were gone. They rest in Chaumousey, six young men, forever young, my father's friends. Dad passed in 75, he was a good man, but his letters and life reflect a troubled conscience, why should he have survived. None return unscarred, all pay a dreadful price. They do not grow old as we grow old, forever in clear, peaceful, skies they fly, full of youth and all its promise. And we old fools who have squandered their gift of peace, become decrepit with the passing of lives less well lived. We will remember them.
Thank you for sharing your history and thanks to your fathers brave actions that gave me a life an English life not Nazi….. Thank him and all who were flying like him in the name of freedom without them we would be German Nazi ,I even refused to do German lessons at school as I felt it was not British and was supporting the Germans in someway…. And that was not the reason my great grandad died in the Great War and my grandad and uncle in the second….so young so brave thank them all and please if you visit your farther grave please thank him for me and everyone like me who joined the ATC,,,,,,after seeing films about these flyers ,,,, thanks for letting me thank your Dad……I’m now 63 and that’s because of men like your farther…….so brave
I am 93 years old, every day I am grateful to our boys who took part in the Battle of Britain. Our freedom was saved. I am having a good life because of their bravery. Thank you everyone.
Cecil my father went straight from Prior Park College in Bath to join the RAF in 1940. He served on Mosquitoes, but while in the service he had met many Battle of Britain veterans, who educated him about the greatness and great service of particularly the Poles. He and they felt sick to the stomach when the Polish survivors were deported from Britain instead of being treasured. It was terrible for moral.
Brian....... Mosquitoes did not enter service until 1941 and no Poles were deported. Any Pole wishing to remain in the UK was allowed to do so. Some returned home, some remained, some migrated to USA and Canada etc. Rationing continued in the UK for years after the war, jobs were scarce and times were certainly not easy. Indeed many German POWs chose and were allowed to remain here and raise families. Please spare us the constant Polish lies and whinging, it's getting old 🥱
This is by far the best historical film l have seen about the Battle of Britain and the people involved. Thank you for try to get todays people to understand the the life people have to undertake during this times.
Leslie was my great-uncle and his family are for ever indebted to Phillip for his dedication, skill and hard work in the making of this documentary. Thank you.
My grandfather was lost over he Dover cliff in this incredibly important battle - I am so proud of him, he answered the call from NZ - fighting for freedom.
At 74, almost 75, I am no longer young man. My dad was always my hero. He and my godfather would always talk about the war whenever my godfather visited. My godfather was Dad's Wing Commander of a squadron of Halifax 4-engine bombers that Dad piloted during WWII. But this video brought tears to my eyes because of my Uncle Gerry. He was a pilot also, a fighter pilot, lost over England during WWII. Watching this video is the very first time I have cried for Uncle Gerry in all my life because before now he was always a distant memory of someone in my parents' generation. Thank you sincerely for this video. You made me think of him personally for the first time and of the extreme sacrifice he made for our freedom. The quote. "Freedom is not free and there is always a price to pay" is one that everyone should remember.
I too feel a sense of thanks and sadness.I was doing a family history,and found out that my late father had a cousin,who had joined the RAF. After research,I found his service record and he had joined 640 squadron flying Halifaxes from Leconfield. After training,he was posted there on 6/02/45,and his first and last trip was over CHEMNITZ.He was shot down in flames on the 14/02/45.All the crew were killed and are buried in Durnbach war cemetery in Bavaria.I have since met his son who is approaching 80,but he has now moved to Norfolk.I have put a cross of poppies on his grave,and knelt in silence when we visited Bavaria.Such a debt we cannot repay,only never to forget
Absolutely correct Duncan, the sacrifices of all of those young men, because they were all young then, can never be repaid, only remembered, as I always do and especially on every November 11th each year.
One of the finest documentaries I've seen on WWII in general and the air war in Britain in particular. The storytelling and use of restored footage was very, very powerful and impactful.
Two of those courageous pilots who helped save Britain and, in fact, the world from Nazi tyranny, because, had Britain fallen, then probably no one and nothing would have stopped Hitler and his henchmen. Being German myself, I never had any illusions whatsoever about the evilness of the Nazis. Les and Jack must be praised for their sacrifice. Their story must be preserved for generations to come, for Germans as well as for the British. Thank you for this indeed very touching piece of history.
An absolutely wonderful documentary. I stumbled upon it and watched, completely enthralled, to the end. So beautifully made and a pleasure to watch. So sad neither survived. God love their poor family to lose such wonderful young men. This should be on the BBC on Remembrance Sunday to really bring home the true cost to and the absolute heroism of the people in wartime Britain. We shall not see their like again.
To give this documentary a simple “Like” seems so inadequate. I will save this for my young adult grandchildren who seem surrounded by young people seeking “safe spaces”. NEVER FORGET!
Wasn't sure at the beginning but by the end I had a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. Thank you for a riveting production but... thanks the most to all you young brave men that paid the ultimate price so that we can have our freedom today.... you are not forgotten ❤
There are numerous Battle of Britain documentaries that have been televised over the years. This man makes better documentaries than those that have been produced by major media and film corporations which were far better financed and staffed by those major media corporations. There needs to be an Oscar for the best individual TH-cam documentaries and when that happens this one is my nomination.
When people talk about the Battle of Britain and say how many young were men lost we tend to overlook that these were not just a number, but a real person. This Documentry does such a wonderful job of putting a face and a life to these young men. Well done.
This is by far the most moving documentary about the Battle of Britain I have ever seen in my life. Being a former professional soldier in the Belgian Army for 36 years and an aviation history addict for decades, I find this tribute to a few of "The Few" a real monument… I once fell silent when I visited Capel -Le - Ferne in the 1990's; this documentary moved me even more... They gave their lives for us to be free...I salute you Mr Day, with the utmost respect!
Wow, you sound like my Belgian Paratrooper mate, Lucas !!!!! I met him on a 'Geneaology' website (English), where he was researching an RAF Bomber crew. 1943, Short Stirling from 218 Sqdn, Downham Market, Norfolk, shot-down upon it's return by a German Nightfighter - Since 1943, Lucas' family HAD been tending the graves, even postwar (after CWGC stepped in), laying flowers in deep regular remembrance - He even refers to them as "his crew" & is writing a book (in Flemish) about their background, how they came together & also, inevitably, about their tragic loss. He knows ALL the details about "their plane" (LK.???) & even has photographs of it (before loss) As I'm "in Blighty" (England), he asked me to visit the base (Bexwell), provide him with the base (airfield) layout & dispersals AND take fine photographs of ANYTHING still left there, particularly buildings. Luckily & thankfully, I stumbled (by chance), across the airfield's current owners & was given an unexpected (impromptu), "guided tour" (along with my Nikon camera) around the base & INSIDE the navigation room & living quarters of each flight ('A'-flight, 'B'-flight etc) & also the Parachute drying room ! I'm GLAD you mentioned Capel Le Ferne - It's a great setting for a memorial Finally, lastly, my name & internet 'callsign' has always been "Hornchurch" (it's where "Hawny Fox" comes from I took an interest in the "ZD" codes (Spitfire), as 222 Sqdn are//were one of Hornchurch's most famous 'home based' squadrons operating from there (even "if" not during the brief timespan//month of THIS video shown) Spitfire Mk.IX, serial number "MH.434" (which I've seen all my life), still proudly carried her "ZD" squadron codes & there ARE still pix available, of her wearing those self-same fuselage codes (at RAF Hornchurch), taken on the airfield, during Fab/March 1944, in colour - They WERE used by Hobbymaster I believe, when that company made a 1/48th scale replica of her, fairly recently - Along with the local IPMS Hornchurch (of which I used to be a member of for 10+ years), who produced an American made "Microscale" 1/48th decal sheet, to represent MH.434 - and other RAF Fairlop & Hornchurch Spitfires
I have never cryed so much till I saw this , just bits of kids man just kids ...thank you Paul , I could have watched this for hours ..thank you thank you ....kind regards Shaun.
This was brilliant, Here in New Zealand I am lucky to live ten minutes away from Spitfire MkIXc -PV270 flown by Kiwi ace Alan Deere when he was wing leader at biggen hill 1943. It flys several times a year and is always a stop, watch and listen to a machine born to fly. Truly awesome machines when standing up close and touching a true bird of Prey.
Men from all walks of life , all had one thing in common , outstanding bravery , we salute you all , thank you for your supreme sacrifice , never to be forgotten .
An excellent film, portraying the lives of two men killed in WW2. For me it highlights the bloody pointlessness of war, the lives lost, the suffering, the stupendous amount of material & effort expended to kill and maim people the same as ourselves. But still it goes on.
What a wonderfully made video. Clearly a lot of research has gone into making it. Huge respect to all those brave fighter pilots. R.I.P. you brave souls.
Heroes all!. Lest we forget!. Thankyou to all those who have fought for the freedoms we have and enjoy today!. RIP to those who are no longer with us, gone but! Never forgotten!. Nuff said!.
Wow!!! What a film and a fantastic tribute to the "Greatest Generation"....this should be shown on mainstream TV, one of, if not THE best BoB docus I have ever seen. My own uncle was a Mosquito pilot with 605 sqn, killed on 26th June 44, when his craft broke up over Margate Railway station....You have done a fantastic job with this film...VERY well done... RIP to all our Greatest Generation...
Now that's an emotional and beautiful documentary on the Battle of Britain and it's going to be enjoyed by anyone else who is interested in the pilots defending England against the German luftwaffe. Beautifully made including the accompanying music. Thanks to everyone involved. You are appreciated for the dedication to details that are missing in other documentaries.
My dad was a sergeant pilot throughout the war in fighter command and outlived lots of university and reserve pilots, he was 31 years old in 1940 and had experience which probably saved him to become a dad and grandad into the 70's/80's. Sadly we lost him in '82
What a heartbreaking, yet heartwarming, documentary. As the wife of an US Army veteran, this episode really touched my heart. First for a 12 yo girl to take the initiative and interest in a young pilot, with no family ties, is amazing. Even more importantly, she realizes that freedom is never free. To ensure this young man, and others who sacrificed as well, is never forgotten gives me hope. How many folks today even think about their freedoms? Some seem ready enough to give them up for climate change or not to hurt someone's feelings by using the wrong words is terrifying. I am 69 and never had a safe word zone in school or work. Knowing that one pilot was finally returned home after 50 yrs of being missing, cut me to the core. I know families where their loved ones never came home. Some folks died just waiting for them to come back. How many are lost on some Pacific island? At the bottom of the ocean? Or buried in a field somewhere? People should always remember those who served. Thank you for doing such outstanding work. Freedoms are never free and just as easily lost. Please remember that. May GOD bless
Another masterpiece. The human side of war that, just like the men who fell from the sky, was completely enthralling for both the missus and myself. Once again, thanks for keeping the memory of these brave men who gave their all; alive.
It is marvelous to realize that those beautiful children who gathered around Leslie's crash site were able to do so only because of the sacrifice Leslie (and all the others involved in the war) made in defending England (and the rest of the free world) from Tyranny. This is a first-class documentary. The site of the Hurricane when it appeared over the school during the memorial service brought me to tears.
Moving, incredible and humbling. Happy that all the details fell into place, revealing the pilots lives loves and dreams and of course their understated courage and bravery. God bless em all... top drawer documentary
An utterly profound documentary!! The courage shown by these young men - who all died prematurely - must never be forgotten!! As it is due of them and their sacrifice, to which we owe our freedoms today. This is their legacy to us: so we owe it to them to make them proud in return!! 👍
100% Sadly what we've become makes me glad that those brave young men and women can't see the utter shambles political correctness has turned their sacrifice for this once great nation and Commonwealth into.
What an excellent retelling of the life and bravery of two or more men who fought to help save this country from Nazism. I found this recall fascinating. Thank you so much for once again reminding us that war is really ordinary folk willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for their country. I hope this country never forgets the cost of remaining free as a country.
Left me in tears. I have watched many but few if any struck me, moved me like this and underlined how brave these boys were and how they saved Britain from Nazi tyranny. RIP all.
The litany of the dead at the end brings tears to my eyes. An essential tribute to the people of that time that gave us a chance to live in freedom. We must not forget.
Thank you for all your efforts in putting this fantastic film together!!!! Now whenever I see footage from world War 11 it will a much great sense of what went on in the lives of those soldiers!! Thank you.
Sir, your presentation of Jack and Leslie's sacrifice are worthy of their sacrifice. As well, the quality of your production in research, sensitivity, editing, music choices, etc. are of a very high standard, I feel. Fortunately though my family fought in WWI and WWII and did not loose a family member I feel I can feel the pain and pride of the families that did and those involved through you. My countrymen (Aussies) had the honour to be part of this part of history. Please keep up your very valuable and informative work. I have only today discovered your work and am very pleased to have done so. It gives a fresh breath of air(view) of this history.
Lovely and utterly compelling, great Hull/ Bev connection, those accents take me back to happier and innocent times. My dad was evacuated from Hull to Holme on Spalding Moor in 39. Ironically, Holme became a bomber base, so, not so safe after all!! He spent VE day on Luneburg Heath with an RAF MU, where he met my German mother. How tragedy and conflict create destiny and families.
Watched from start to finish, fascinated. Quote at the end summed it up. " freedom is not free, there is always a price to pay " They sacrificed their lives for our freedom. We shall never forget
Those now in power go out of their way to see that we DO forget, and British youngsters now have virtually NO knowledge of the sacrifices this country made in the name of freedom.
My late adoptive father flew both Mosquitos and Lancasters during WW2 and belonged to a local group of former RAF pilots, some of whom flew in that epic struggle in the skies above Britain. A couple flew Hurricanes, one a Spitfire and each was very partisan about the plane they flew. This film was superbly made, respectful and well researched. I have my childhood memories of the war in Europe and have always been aware of the huge efforts and sacrifices of the men and women of the Allied forces. They battled against a brutal dictatorship to guard the freedoms we have today. The Red Air Force contributed to victory at a tremendous cost. We must never allow war and it’s horrors on this scale again and be vigilante against elements in our nations who still follow the dogma that caused the downfall of Germany.
can't tell you how great that was - extremely sensitive story telling - I will watch this again and again - just one of the best I have seen - please do more.
I have just shared this superb piece of documentary film makingto a group I am in called Spitfire!. I am sure they will all appreciate it as much as I did. Thankyou Mr Day and your team for all of your efforts. RIP brave young men 🙏🙏
That was fantastic and very moving. Several great-uncles of mine left a small caribbean island in 1940 to serve in the armed forces of the commonwealth. Two were on the RAF and one served in the desert with Monty.
One of the best videos of this type I have seen in a long time. My cousin joined from Canada going through the Empire Flying School first in Canada then shipped to the UK and then to Palestine where he was killed in a mid air collision. He is buried at Wayne's Keep Military Cemetery. He grew up to a single mom from a town on Prince Edward Island. Normally at that time he would have lived a pretty hard life but he came from a better off family so he had lots of support. His uncles were community manically involved and owned a local Chrysler dealership among other things. In many ways he was everyone pride and joy as he did well at everything he tried. I still have his log book for much of his flying right from his first flight until flying training in the UK. Families must love having their loved ones stories told especially how far away that time period seem now. I much say i use the term cousin a little loosely, it would be my mothers first cousin and of course I was born about 22 years after he was lost. Just something about how those young boys looked so proud in their uniforms getting their formal picture taken it must have been more than any of them imagined they would do in their lives just a few years before.
some other comments stating this is a magnificent work and I'm here to say I agree. It actually really moved me and I'm almost speechless. When you bring the real-life story of the people it hurts. What a shame that freedom is not free there's always a price. When will civilization be civilized… Thanks for this great work
Thank you I have always been invested in the Battle of Britten my grandfather came over from New Zealand fought in the first world war was injured married the nurse that looked after him they had six kids I am one of the offspring one of the sons John Ferguson was a wellington pilot was killed during the war. A lot of the New Zealand pilots used to stay with my grandad in Oxted I was fortunate to meet two of them.
I was lucky enough for a period of my life to be a flying instructor in the UK. A lot of my teaching was in what I think of still as hallowed airspace, the skies over Kent and Sussex, the field of the Battle of Britain where most of this is set. This is a most moving tribute to a couple of the Few. Leslie and Jack are brought to life, described and laid to rest within the hour of this video. it is recounted with grace, dignity and without some of the fanfare that accompanies other histories of the Battle of Britain. Watching this was an hour well spent as we learnt about two pilots, not the most successful but both typical of the young men that freely gave their lives in the first major defeat of the Nazis in WW2.
I`m struggling to find words to describe this documentary. Although the Battle of Britain was centred around the South East, and as usual, nowhere else exist in people vision. !`m sooo glad you even mentioned that RAF ST.EVEL even featured in the Battle.
Respect to all our armed forces and this once great country at 63 former combat vet of my country which l love so much these documentaries of real heros is humbling thank you
As a former AF Fighter Pilot with three combat tours in Viet Nam, shot down, and remember the hollow feeling I felt when so many of my fellow band of brothers failed to return from a mission your remarkable effort to tell the stories of this brave young men really tugged at my heart and brought back many memories. Time has a way of dulling the sorry and horror of war. As the late George Santayana is quoted as saying, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
I was born in 1948. If it wasn't for these blokes defending England to their last, I wouldn't be here. Thanks mates! I am forever in your debt. I will defend England to the end ...as you did.
It's just boggles the mind as to how brave these men were to get in their respective machines with the possibilty that the next time they touched the earth it would be the result of their death.It was the reality of every mission.So young and heroic and I would like to give thanks to all who served in the armed forces then and now.A fabulous documentary!
This has great significance for me. I was born in Tunbridge Wells, Kent on Dec 2nd 1940 probably with in 20 miles of where Sgt. Pidd came down. This was a beautifully done documentary. I was spellbound through it all. Thank you for doing this. By the way I was one of the British kids who was sent off to Canada to work on a farm.
An amazing and moving story. What these young men did was nothing short of a miracle and we need these stories recorded lest we ever forget the sacrifices they made.
@MarkHarrison733 ....Hitler absolutely intended to invade and occupy Britain to capitalized on his gains in France and the British withdrawal at Dunkirk. His plan was to complete the invasion by late summer 1940 in order to eliminate opposition to the north and prevent America from having a staging location that close to "Fortress Europe." A win for Germany would have been catastrophic for the allies and America's entry into WWII. The Battle of Britain was as highly significant in that it made the Normandy invasion possible and successful while preventing Germany from being ready for the eastern campaigns against the Soviets.
I can't imagine the hours of research done to produce such a masterful piece. Absolutely fabulous. The drone shots are stunning and give a fantastic perspective of the geography over which such acts of selflessness took place. Rest now gentlemen, your work is done, and the world a better place for your efforts.
Once again Phillip Day delivers a moving and honest documentary. This time highlighting the sacrifice of two of the ordinary young men who gave their lives in the most difficult of circumstances. The work, research and delivery is impeccable. What got me most was the fact that the school in Kent still honour one of these young men annually and helps to keep the memory alive and educates the local children as to something that could slowly be forgotten in the mists of time. I have to admit to a lump in my throat when the memorial service was happening and when the Hurricane flew over It really did get to me. Once again sir, I congratulate you on your excellent work
Great, great, moving video on one of the greatest deeds of WWII. A handful of young guys fighting back a ruthless invader. Those pilots have saved the free world. A lot of names are familiar to me as I am never tired to hear their story. Respect and gratitude to them. Thank you from France for posting.
Phenomenal documentary. Extremely well done. Having been stationed in England twice, I so appreciate what the British did to repel Germany and keep freedoms light burning.
Wonderful wonderful presentation. Can’t tell you how much these mean to me, a 79 year old. Thank you so very very much. Xxx
My Dad was a pilot much later in the war. He led a crew into battle in their Lancaster. They were a happy crew and my father thought lucky. One night over Epinal in the Voges of North East France their luck ran out. My father survived, well perhaps some of him did, but his happy crew were gone. They rest in Chaumousey, six young men, forever young, my father's friends. Dad passed in 75, he was a good man, but his letters and life reflect a troubled conscience, why should he have survived. None return unscarred, all pay a dreadful price. They do not grow old as we grow old, forever in clear, peaceful, skies they fly, full of youth and all its promise. And we old fools who have squandered their gift of peace, become decrepit with the passing of lives less well lived. We will remember them.
Thank you for sharing your history and thanks to your fathers brave actions that gave me a life an English life not Nazi…..
Thank him and all who were flying like him in the name of freedom without them we would be German Nazi ,I even refused to do German lessons at school as I felt it was not British and was supporting the Germans in someway….
And that was not the reason my great grandad died in the Great War and my grandad and uncle in the second….so young so brave thank them all and please if you visit your farther grave please thank him for me and everyone like me who joined the ATC,,,,,,after seeing films about these flyers ,,,, thanks for letting me thank your Dad……I’m now 63 and that’s because of men like your farther…….so brave
Brilliant! This is how history should be told. Congratulations.
I am 93 years old, every day I am grateful to our boys who took part in the Battle of Britain. Our freedom was saved. I am having a good life because of their bravery. Thank you everyone.
Cecil my father went straight from Prior Park College in Bath to join the RAF in 1940. He served on Mosquitoes, but while in the service he had met many Battle of Britain veterans, who educated him about the greatness and great service of particularly the Poles. He and they felt sick to the stomach when the Polish survivors were deported from Britain instead of being treasured. It was terrible for moral.
Churchill despised them and treated them extremely badly. American DNA!@@briancamacho1343
You and all of us, long long life to you my friend.
Ceciliafloren
I feel the same I served in RAF National Service .
God Bless ❤
Brian....... Mosquitoes did not enter service until 1941 and no Poles were deported. Any Pole wishing to remain in the UK was allowed to do so. Some returned home, some remained, some migrated to USA and Canada etc. Rationing continued in the UK for years after the war, jobs were scarce and times were certainly not easy. Indeed many German POWs chose and were allowed to remain here and raise families. Please spare us the constant Polish lies and whinging, it's getting old 🥱
Unbelievable... the high standard this documentary is... really upthere with the best!
One of the best bob documentaries I have ever seen .Needs to be shown to wider public .Beautifully told ,made me cry.
This is by far the best historical film l have seen about the Battle of Britain and the people involved.
Thank you for try to get todays people to understand the the life people have to undertake during this times.
Leslie was my great-uncle and his family are for ever indebted to Phillip for his dedication, skill and hard work in the making of this documentary. Thank you.
A superb documentary which ought to be compulsory viewing to everyone who loves their country and those who fought for it's survival.
LEST WE FORGET THE SACRIFICES THAT THESE GALLANT YOUNGSTERS MADE TO RID OUR SKIES OF NAZI FILTH.
My grandfather was lost over he Dover cliff in this incredibly important battle - I am so proud of him, he answered the call from NZ - fighting for freedom.
Stay and be very proud!
White Cliffs cock, only 15 New Zealand fighter pilots were lost during the Battle, I have family in Dover.
You and your family deserve to be proud and deserving of credit and honour for your Granddad's deeds.
Well.. Sir Keith Park said he needed the best and your ol 'pop answered the call. Hearty.
At 74, almost 75, I am no longer young man. My dad was always my hero. He and my godfather would always talk about the war whenever my godfather visited. My godfather was Dad's Wing Commander of a squadron of Halifax 4-engine bombers that Dad piloted during WWII. But this video brought tears to my eyes because of my Uncle Gerry. He was a pilot also, a fighter pilot, lost over England during WWII. Watching this video is the very first time I have cried for Uncle Gerry in all my life because before now he was always a distant memory of someone in my parents' generation. Thank you sincerely for this video. You made me think of him personally for the first time and of the extreme sacrifice he made for our freedom. The quote. "Freedom is not free and there is always a price to pay" is one that everyone should remember.
Priceless comment Good Sir, I am thinking on Uncle Gerry and all the other young men of my father's generation who went to war and never returned.
I too feel a sense of thanks and sadness.I was doing a family history,and found out that my late father had a cousin,who had joined the RAF. After research,I found his service record and he had joined 640 squadron flying Halifaxes from Leconfield. After training,he was posted there on 6/02/45,and his first and last trip was over CHEMNITZ.He was shot down in flames on the 14/02/45.All the crew were killed and are buried in Durnbach war cemetery in Bavaria.I have since met his son who is approaching 80,but he has now moved to Norfolk.I have put a cross of poppies on his grave,and knelt in silence when we visited Bavaria.Such a debt we cannot repay,only never to forget
Absolutely correct Duncan, the sacrifices of all of those young men, because they were all young then, can never be repaid, only remembered, as I always do and especially on every November 11th each year.
Similar feelings, father in law was 102 Sqn RAF
Hi from Oz👍🇦🇺
One of the finest documentaries I've seen on WWII in general and the air war in Britain in particular. The storytelling and use of restored footage was very, very powerful and impactful.
Two of those courageous pilots who helped save Britain and, in fact, the world from Nazi tyranny, because, had Britain fallen, then probably no one and nothing would have stopped Hitler and his henchmen. Being German myself, I never had any illusions whatsoever about the evilness of the Nazis. Les and Jack must be praised for their sacrifice. Their story must be preserved for generations to come, for Germans as well as for the British. Thank you for this indeed very touching piece of history.
The royal navy wouldn't exactly have been a pushover. Kind of relevant when plotting an invasion across water.
An absolutely wonderful documentary. I stumbled upon it and watched, completely enthralled, to the end. So beautifully made and a pleasure to watch. So sad neither survived. God love their poor family to lose such wonderful young men. This should be on the BBC on Remembrance Sunday to really bring home the true cost to and the absolute heroism of the people in wartime Britain. We shall not see their like again.
To give this documentary a simple “Like” seems so inadequate. I will save this for my young adult grandchildren who seem surrounded by young people seeking “safe spaces”. NEVER FORGET!
Wasn't sure at the beginning but by the end I had a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. Thank you for a riveting production but... thanks the most to all you young brave men that paid the ultimate price so that we can have our freedom today.... you are not forgotten ❤
There are numerous Battle of Britain documentaries that have been televised over the years. This man makes better documentaries than those that have been produced by major media and film corporations which were far better financed and staffed by those major media corporations. There needs to be an Oscar for the best individual TH-cam documentaries and when that happens this one is my nomination.
When people talk about the Battle of Britain and say how many young were men lost we tend to overlook that these were not just a number, but a real person. This Documentry does such a wonderful job of putting a face and a life to these young men. Well done.
Always lovely to hear the South African connection - Yes, Saffa's where there and did their bit
This is by far the most moving documentary about the Battle of Britain I have ever seen in my life. Being a former professional soldier in the Belgian Army for 36 years and an aviation history addict for decades, I find this tribute to a few of "The Few" a real monument… I once fell silent when I visited Capel -Le - Ferne in the 1990's; this documentary moved me even more... They gave their lives for us to be free...I salute you Mr Day, with the utmost respect!
Wow, you sound like my Belgian Paratrooper mate, Lucas !!!!!
I met him on a 'Geneaology' website (English), where he was researching an RAF Bomber crew.
1943, Short Stirling from 218 Sqdn, Downham Market, Norfolk, shot-down upon it's return by a German Nightfighter - Since 1943, Lucas' family HAD been tending the graves, even postwar (after CWGC stepped in), laying flowers in deep regular remembrance - He even refers to them as "his crew" & is writing a book (in Flemish) about their background, how they came together & also, inevitably, about their tragic loss.
He knows ALL the details about "their plane" (LK.???) & even has photographs of it (before loss)
As I'm "in Blighty" (England), he asked me to visit the base (Bexwell), provide him with the base (airfield) layout & dispersals AND take fine photographs of ANYTHING still left there, particularly buildings.
Luckily & thankfully, I stumbled (by chance), across the airfield's current owners & was given an unexpected (impromptu), "guided tour" (along with my Nikon camera) around the base & INSIDE the navigation room & living quarters of each flight ('A'-flight, 'B'-flight etc) & also the Parachute drying room !
I'm GLAD you mentioned Capel Le Ferne - It's a great setting for a memorial
Finally, lastly, my name & internet 'callsign' has always been "Hornchurch" (it's where "Hawny Fox" comes from
I took an interest in the "ZD" codes (Spitfire), as 222 Sqdn are//were one of Hornchurch's most famous 'home based' squadrons operating from there (even "if" not during the brief timespan//month of THIS video shown)
Spitfire Mk.IX, serial number "MH.434" (which I've seen all my life), still proudly carried her "ZD" squadron codes & there ARE still pix available, of her wearing those self-same fuselage codes (at RAF Hornchurch), taken on the airfield, during Fab/March 1944, in colour - They WERE used by Hobbymaster I believe, when that company made a 1/48th scale replica of her, fairly recently -
Along with the local IPMS Hornchurch (of which I used to be a member of for 10+ years), who produced an American made "Microscale" 1/48th decal sheet, to represent MH.434 - and other RAF Fairlop & Hornchurch Spitfires
Beautifully stated! Respect, Sir! 👍
Agree. Very good use of real combat footage, movie clips and CGI in a great production.
A beautifully researched and dignified presentation of the end of these 2 young men. Fascinating detail sympathetically narrated. Thank you.
One of the best I have ever watched. We owe so much to them .
Thank you for a beautiful, and sad, documentary.
May the warriors of the West rest in peace, and we all hope to see them again.
This is one of the most moving documentaries about the Battle that I have ever watched. I hope this remains here for all to see.Thank you
Magnificent Doco!!! History NEVER to be forgotten. They died doing what they Loved flying Spits and Hurricanes. God Bless them ALL!!!
I have never cryed so much till I saw this , just bits of kids man just kids ...thank you Paul , I could have watched this for hours ..thank you thank you ....kind regards Shaun.
This was brilliant, Here in New Zealand I am lucky to live ten minutes away from Spitfire MkIXc -PV270 flown by Kiwi ace Alan Deere when he was wing leader at biggen hill 1943. It flys several times a year and is always a stop, watch and listen to a machine born to fly. Truly awesome machines when standing up close and touching a true bird of Prey.
'Once we had the mk.9 it reigned supreme until the end.' Douglas Bader. I hope Al Deere has a statue somewhere, like his fellow Kiwi, Keith Park.
Men from all walks of life , all had one thing in common , outstanding bravery , we salute you all , thank you for your supreme sacrifice , never to be forgotten .
Well said.
An excellent film, portraying the lives of two men killed in WW2. For me it highlights the bloody pointlessness of war, the lives lost, the suffering, the stupendous amount of material & effort expended to kill and maim people the same as ourselves. But still it goes on.
What a wonderfully made video. Clearly a lot of research has gone into making it. Huge respect to all those brave fighter pilots. R.I.P. you brave souls.
Heroes all!. Lest we forget!. Thankyou to all those who have fought for the freedoms we have and enjoy today!. RIP to those who are no longer with us, gone but! Never forgotten!. Nuff said!.
Wow!!! What a film and a fantastic tribute to the "Greatest Generation"....this should be shown on mainstream TV, one of, if not THE best BoB docus I have ever seen. My own uncle was a Mosquito pilot with 605 sqn, killed on 26th June 44, when his craft broke up over Margate Railway station....You have done a fantastic job with this film...VERY well done... RIP to all our Greatest Generation...
Now that's an emotional and beautiful documentary on the Battle of Britain and it's going to be enjoyed by anyone else who is interested in the pilots defending England against the German luftwaffe. Beautifully made including the accompanying music. Thanks to everyone involved. You are appreciated for the dedication to details that are missing in other documentaries.
My dad was a sergeant pilot throughout the war in fighter command and outlived lots of university and reserve pilots, he was 31 years old in 1940 and had experience which probably saved him to become a dad and grandad into the 70's/80's. Sadly we lost him in '82
😊
What a heartbreaking, yet heartwarming, documentary. As the wife of an US Army veteran, this episode really touched my heart.
First for a 12 yo girl to take the initiative and interest in a young pilot, with no family ties, is amazing. Even more importantly, she realizes that freedom is never free. To ensure this young man, and others who sacrificed as well, is never forgotten gives me hope.
How many folks today even think about their freedoms? Some seem ready enough to give them up for climate change or not to hurt someone's feelings by using the wrong words is terrifying. I am 69 and never had a safe word zone in school or work.
Knowing that one pilot was finally returned home after 50 yrs of being missing, cut me to the core. I know families where their loved ones never came home. Some folks died just waiting for them to come back. How many are lost on some Pacific island? At the bottom of the ocean? Or buried in a field somewhere?
People should always remember those who served. Thank you for doing such outstanding work.
Freedoms are never free and just as easily lost. Please remember that.
May GOD bless
Another masterpiece. The human side of war that, just like the men who fell from the sky, was completely enthralling for both the missus and myself.
Once again, thanks for keeping the memory of these brave men who gave their all; alive.
It is marvelous to realize that those beautiful children who gathered around Leslie's crash site were able to do so only because of the sacrifice Leslie (and all the others involved in the war) made in defending England (and the rest of the free world) from Tyranny. This is a first-class documentary. The site of the Hurricane when it appeared over the school during the memorial service brought me to tears.
Moving, incredible and humbling. Happy that all the details fell into place, revealing the pilots lives loves and dreams and of course their understated courage and bravery. God bless em all... top drawer documentary
An utterly profound documentary!! The courage shown by these young men - who all died prematurely - must never be forgotten!! As it is due of them and their sacrifice, to which we owe our freedoms today. This is their legacy to us: so we owe it to them to make them proud in return!! 👍
100%
Sadly what we've become makes me glad that those brave young men and women can't see the utter shambles political correctness has turned their sacrifice for this once great nation and Commonwealth into.
What an excellent retelling of the life and bravery of two or more men who fought to help save this country from Nazism. I found this recall fascinating. Thank you so much for once again reminding us that war is really ordinary folk willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
I hope this country never forgets the cost of remaining free as a country.
I love history and compliment you on this video. Well done. My father was RCAF, flight sergeant and he made it through.
Fascinating and very moving video, a fitting tribute to the brave few, many who gave their all.
Very moving! You do a great service to the country and to the memory of those brave young men! Thank you.
Left me in tears. I have watched many but few if any struck me, moved me like this and underlined how brave these boys were and how they saved Britain from Nazi tyranny. RIP all.
The litany of the dead at the end brings tears to my eyes. An essential tribute to the people of that time that gave us a chance to live in freedom.
We must not forget.
Overwhelmed by these beautiful stories and production. 💝
Thank you for all your efforts in putting this fantastic film together!!!! Now whenever I see footage from world War 11 it will a much great sense of what went on in the lives of those soldiers!! Thank you.
Sir, your presentation of Jack and Leslie's sacrifice are worthy of their sacrifice. As well, the quality of your production in research, sensitivity, editing, music choices, etc. are of a very high standard, I feel. Fortunately though my family fought in WWI and WWII and did not loose a family member I feel I can feel the pain and pride of the families that did and those involved through you. My countrymen (Aussies) had the honour to be part of this part of history. Please keep up your very valuable and informative work. I have only today discovered your work and am very pleased to have done so. It gives a fresh breath of air(view) of this history.
Thank you. You do a wonderful job . With compassion and tacked . Bless you. Ps. Thank you to all that made this possible and sharing.
Lovely and utterly compelling, great Hull/ Bev connection, those accents take me back to happier and innocent times. My dad was evacuated from Hull to Holme on Spalding Moor in 39. Ironically, Holme became a bomber base, so, not so safe after all!! He spent VE day on Luneburg Heath with an RAF MU, where he met my German mother.
How tragedy and conflict create destiny and families.
Another brilliant documentary again, Thank you.
A very moving true story about a few of the Few! God speed gentleman and thank you.
A truly outstanding piece of work, thank you
Very moving…probably the best Ive seen on the Battle of Britain….
An outstanding piece of work this is better than the drivel they dish up on TV I was captivated from start to finish, well done
Watched from start to finish, fascinated. Quote at the end summed it up. " freedom is not free, there is always a price to pay " They sacrificed their lives for our freedom. We shall never forget
Those now in power go out of their way to see that we DO forget, and British youngsters now have virtually NO knowledge of the sacrifices this country made in the name of freedom.
My late adoptive father flew both Mosquitos and Lancasters during WW2 and belonged to a local group of former RAF pilots, some of whom flew in that epic struggle in the skies above Britain. A couple flew Hurricanes, one a Spitfire and each was very partisan about the plane they flew. This film was superbly made, respectful and well researched. I have my childhood memories of the war in Europe and have always been aware of the huge efforts and sacrifices of the men and women of the Allied forces. They battled against a brutal dictatorship to guard the freedoms we have today. The Red Air Force contributed to victory at a tremendous cost.
We must never allow war and it’s horrors on this scale again and be vigilante against elements in our nations who still follow the dogma that caused the downfall of Germany.
can't tell you how great that was - extremely sensitive story telling - I will watch this again and again - just one of the best I have seen - please do more.
Magnificent. We pilots never die but live on in tribute… flying into eternity
Absolutely 👍
A magnificent piece of work that deserves far more than the few ‘likes’ it has at the moment.
What a beautiful and moving tribute to the brave young men.
I have just shared this superb piece of documentary film makingto a group I am in called Spitfire!. I am sure they will all appreciate it as much as I did. Thankyou Mr Day and your team for all of your efforts. RIP brave young men 🙏🙏
Completely agree with L. Rijt: A truely professional feature and great historic exercise. Thank you very much, Mr. Phillip Day.
That was fantastic and very moving. Several great-uncles of mine left a small caribbean island in 1940 to serve in the armed forces of the commonwealth. Two were on the RAF and one served in the desert with Monty.
One of the best videos of this type I have seen in a long time. My cousin joined from Canada going through the Empire Flying School first in Canada then shipped to the UK and then to Palestine where he was killed in a mid air collision. He is buried at Wayne's Keep Military Cemetery. He grew up to a single mom from a town on Prince Edward Island. Normally at that time he would have lived a pretty hard life but he came from a better off family so he had lots of support. His uncles were community manically involved and owned a local Chrysler dealership among other things. In many ways he was everyone pride and joy as he did well at everything he tried. I still have his log book for much of his flying right from his first flight until flying training in the UK. Families must love having their loved ones stories told especially how far away that time period seem now. I much say i use the term cousin a little loosely, it would be my mothers first cousin and of course I was born about 22 years after he was lost. Just something about how those young boys looked so proud in their uniforms getting their formal picture taken it must have been more than any of them imagined they would do in their lives just a few years before.
What a fantastic documentary
some other comments stating this is a magnificent work and I'm here to say I agree. It actually really moved me and I'm almost speechless. When you bring the real-life story of the people it hurts. What a shame that freedom is not free there's always a price. When will civilization be civilized… Thanks for this great work
What a wonderful tribute to the brave young men who gave all in defense of their country, may they all Rest In Peace.
Thank you for your services...
❤FATHER❤ be with you all..
Thank you I have always been invested in the Battle of Britten my grandfather came over from New Zealand fought in the first world war was injured married the nurse that looked after him they had six kids I am one of the offspring one of the sons John Ferguson was a wellington pilot was killed during the war. A lot of the New Zealand pilots used to stay with my grandad in Oxted I was fortunate to meet two of them.
That's Britain, old chap.
I was lucky enough for a period of my life to be a flying instructor in the UK. A lot of my teaching was in what I think of still as hallowed airspace, the skies over Kent and Sussex, the field of the Battle of Britain where most of this is set. This is a most moving tribute to a couple of the Few. Leslie and Jack are brought to life, described and laid to rest within the hour of this video. it is recounted with grace, dignity and without some of the fanfare that accompanies other histories of the Battle of Britain. Watching this was an hour well spent as we learnt about two pilots, not the most successful but both typical of the young men that freely gave their lives in the first major defeat of the Nazis in WW2.
I`m struggling to find words to describe this documentary. Although the Battle of Britain was centred around the South East, and as usual, nowhere else exist in people vision. !`m sooo glad you even mentioned that RAF ST.EVEL even featured in the Battle.
Awesome story. Semper Fidelis.
Fantastic History we will never forget these young men and the sacrifice made by them Known as the Few . Fantastic Vid Production.
Respect to all our armed forces and this once great country at 63 former combat vet of my country which l love so much these documentaries of real heros is humbling thank you
It is because of so many we are still here and lived our lives as we did, for better of for worse.
An excellent and moving tribute to the “Few” who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
History will always remember them.
As a former AF Fighter Pilot with three combat tours in Viet Nam, shot down, and remember the hollow feeling I felt when so many of my fellow band of brothers failed to return from a mission your remarkable effort to tell the stories of this brave young men really tugged at my heart and brought back many memories. Time has a way of dulling the sorry and horror of war. As the late George Santayana is quoted as saying, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
I was born in 1948. If it wasn't for these blokes defending England to their last, I wouldn't be here. Thanks mates! I am forever in your debt.
I will defend England to the end ...as you did.
It's just boggles the mind as to how brave these men were to get in their respective machines with the possibilty that the next time they touched the earth it would be the result of their death.It was the reality of every mission.So young and heroic and I would like to give thanks to all who served in the armed forces then and now.A fabulous documentary!
total respect AND thanks for your service lesley, GOD BLESS....
What a amazingly thought provoking production. Incredibly meaningful and emotional.
This has great significance for me. I was born in Tunbridge Wells, Kent on Dec 2nd 1940 probably with in 20 miles of where Sgt. Pidd came down. This was a beautifully done documentary. I was spellbound through it all. Thank you for doing this. By the way I was one of the British kids who was sent off to Canada to work on a farm.
An amazing and moving story. What these young men did was nothing short of a miracle and we need these stories recorded lest we ever forget the sacrifices they made.
@MarkHarrison733 ....Hitler absolutely intended to invade and occupy Britain to capitalized on his gains in France and the British withdrawal at Dunkirk. His plan was to complete the invasion by late summer 1940 in order to eliminate opposition to the north and prevent America from having a staging location that close to "Fortress Europe." A win for Germany would have been catastrophic for the allies and America's entry into WWII. The Battle of Britain was as highly significant in that it made the Normandy invasion possible and successful while preventing Germany from being ready for the eastern campaigns against the Soviets.
Magnificent. I was born in Pembury Hospital, not long after this event. Well done!
Magnificent documentary-truly gripping.
I can't imagine the hours of research done to produce such a masterful piece. Absolutely fabulous. The drone shots are stunning and give a fantastic perspective of the geography over which such acts of selflessness took place. Rest now gentlemen, your work is done, and the world a better place for your efforts.
Bravo 🙌🏿 well done marvelous job,, you did your ancestor proud!! Rest in peace Ancient Ancestors!!
Great documentary. Many thanks
Once again Phillip Day delivers a moving and honest documentary. This time highlighting the sacrifice of two of the ordinary young men who gave their lives in the most difficult of circumstances. The work, research and delivery is impeccable. What got me most was the fact that the school in Kent still honour one of these young men annually and helps to keep the memory alive and educates the local children as to something that could slowly be forgotten in the mists of time. I have to admit to a lump in my throat when the memorial service was happening and when the Hurricane flew over It really did get to me. Once again sir, I congratulate you on your excellent work
Great, great, moving video on one of the greatest deeds of WWII. A handful of young guys fighting back a ruthless invader. Those pilots have saved the free world. A lot of names are familiar to me as I am never tired to hear their story. Respect and gratitude to them.
Thank you from France for posting.
Incredibly well researched and produced, congratulations!
I feel so humble to be walking this Earth in freedom due to the heroism of our RAF airmen.
God bless u,your nation and all those that served so loyally and faithfully.
Jack and Leslie's stories beautifully told.
Excellent production. Salute to those brave men. Regards from Brazil.
This is a superb , moving documentary. Thank you so much for all the effort you put into its creation.
Lest we forget. RIP Lesley thank for what you did.
Phenomenal documentary. Extremely well done. Having been stationed in England twice, I so appreciate what the British did to repel Germany and keep freedoms light burning.
Takes my breath away. A great piece of work. Thank you
Fantastic programme my uncle was a pilot in 74 fighter squadron in ww2 respect to all these men..
Thank you for bringing the past to life with these moving accounts of brave people giving their all.