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The rail van used to transport the unknown warrior to Victoria. Is at Bodium Station. On the Kent and East Sussex Railway. Known as the Cavell Van. It was used to transport the body of Edith Cavell. In May 1919. When her body was repatriated from Belgium. To be buried at Norwich Cathedral. She was a nurse but was executed by the Germans for assisting over 200 escaped allied POWs. Before she was arrested. In July 1919 it was used to transport the body of Charles Fryatt for his funeral at St. Paul's Cathedral. He was captain of the SS Brussels. He was executed for ordering the attempted ramming of U-33 June 1916. Then in November 1920 used for the unknown Warrior. Warrior to represent all the services. Soldier would be just the army. They are the only bodies to have been repatriated at that time. Have put a link to a photo of inside the van as a reply. Because of TH-cam habit of deleting comments with links. Failed was deleted.
Yes, a tradition started by the late Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, who lost two brothers in the First World War. At the time of her marriage, Elizabeth Boyes Lyon was marrying The Duke of York, the second son of the King, who was not expected to become King. However he did become King, and his wife Queen, after the abdication of his older brother. The King who laid the wreath on the coffin would be King George V. Grandfather of our present Queen.
@@choughed3072 Actually, you are quite right. I misremembered. Just one brother killed, as you say, but two other brothers wounded. Thanks for correcting me.
I was in the UK a few years ago and spent some time in a high school. On the 11th November at 11:00, as apparently the whole country does every year at 11am on 11/11, the whole school came to a stop and all the classes rose to their feet and stood in silence for 2 minutes. It was so moving how the noise of all these teenagers in a school turned to total silence in a moment. All you could hear was the birds outside. It brought me to tears.
My daughter went a minor private school in Surrey England and every 11th November the whole school attended a service at the nearby Anglican Church at which the names of the Old Boys who died in WW1 and WW2 were read out. She said one year " there were an awful lot".
Merchant Sailor here : Song of the Merchant Navy in Wartime You have seen him on the Street, Rolling round on drunken feet, You have seen him clutch the lamp-post for support, You have shuddered in disgust, When he’s grovelled in the dust, ‘Cause he’s just a Merchant Seaman back in port. You have seen his ship in port, When to his sweetheart paying court, You have seen him, when his ship is on the spree, But you have not seen the clip, Of that lonely ‘blacked out’ ship, Ploughing furrows through the mine infested sea. He has brought your wounded home, through the “ Sub “, congested zone, He has carried your troops across the sea by night, He’s a hero and a sport, And when he is not in port, He is always in the thickest of the fight. He has fought your wicked ‘Hun’, With just a 4: 7 inch gun, He has ruined Hitler’s Atllantic Ocean plan, But when he is back in port, He’s no hero, he’s no sport, He is nothing……..but a drunken Sailor man.
Being British I could'nt help but have tears down my cheeks watching the video and of course there's nothing wrong with that. Appreciated So Gal and I think your interest in the British history is great and indeed I have learnt quite a lot of things from some of your videos. Take Care all our American friends over there. 👍
Both of my Grandfathers died in the First World War. My maternal Grandfather was one of the missing, having no known grave. My mother always took comfort from the thought that he might be the "Unknown Warrior" His name appears on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing.
No need to apologise, your silence and respect were much appreciated, silence can say so much more than words. All kings and queens to this day walk around this tomb but walk over past kings and queens tombs as a show of respect to the unknown warrior.
Important to note that in an abbey full of tombs containing 16 monarchs, 8 PM's , the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is the only one you cannot step on. The writing on his tomb reads; Beneath this stone rests the body Of a British warrior Unknown by name or rank Brought from France to lie among The most illustrious of the land And buried here on Armistice Day 11 Nov: 1920, in the presence of His Majesty King George V His Ministers of State The Chiefs of his forces And a vast concourse of the nation Thus are commemorated the many Multitudes who during the Great War of 1914 - 1918 gave the most that Man can give life itself For God For King and country For loved ones home and empire For the sacred cause of justice and The freedom of the world They buried him among the kings because he Had done good toward God and toward His house
To me the unknown warrior represents my Grandfathers Brother who had no known grave in Arras’ so it could just as easily be him as anyone else lying there in that Tomb, I have visited there in my Grandfathers place and it’s very emotional to be there, His Brother was only 17 and it Broke his mothers heart, But this happened all over the country where people had no grave to go to to grieve, So I found this very emotional thank you for posting it and for being respectful.
The face that 100 women who had lost a husband and at least one son were chosen out of 1500 to attend is shocking and so sad to me. No wonder there where sounds of anguish during the service. The unknown warrior wasn't awarded the Victoria Cross, they had 100 recipients of the VC as an honour guard at Westminster Abbey. Ther really pulled out all the stops for this funeral and gave him more than any state funeral for a Prime minister or member of the Royal family. I couldn't help but shed a tear or two. Well done So Gal.
The Menin Gate in Ypres has the names of over 80,000 soldiers who died close by. I was there about ten years ago and saw a name being removed. A hundred years after the war ended and people buried nearby were still being identified. They’ve not been forgotten. The Unknown Warrior still lies amongst kings as the representative of all those still unknown.
The cemetery at Tyne Cot in Ypres also has tens of thousands of names of those with no known grave, engraved on it's wall for those they couldn't fit on the Menin Gate memorial. Such was the scale of loss in the Ypres Salient.
Last year I provided a DNA sample for the Canadian Casualty Identification Bureau for a maternal 3rd cousin killed in 1917, bodies are still being found and relatives still being traced to finally lay these souls to rest after all these years. My cousin is still unfound but they now have DNA to help any possible identification, I was humbled and pleased to help.
My great grandads name is on the memorial at Thiepval…….It’s a huge memorial…. And very humbling to see thousands of names carved…. All men without a grave
my grandfather his three brothers all lost their lives in world war one 1917 the youngest being eighteen and the oldest being twenty nine this was most touching and thankyou for the respect you showed while viewing the film I was so moved thankyou
What an honour for that Corporal, to play at the Royal Albert Hall. I love informational videos like this Sarah, so if you can, please show them, I'm sure that your viewers will appreciate them as much as I do.
As a treble chorister at Westminster for six years, I must have processed around the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at the west end of the Abbey nave over a thousand times between the age of eight and 13, 60 years ago. I never knew this story until now. Many thanks for deepening my well of knowledge.
Since you asked, In Australia we have a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier too. It's at the National War Memorial in Canberra, the nation's capital. it originally held the remains of 4 soldiers, one each for World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam. However the body buried on behalf of the soldiers in Vietnam was later identified by DNA testing and was exhumed and returned to his family.
I don't think that is right, the tomb lay empty until 1993 when a soldier's body was exhumed from Frommel in France and flown to Canberra for internment. The Prime Minister Paul Keating read the dedication. We do not know his rank or his battalion. We do not know where he was born, or precisely how and when he died. We do not know where in Australia he had made his home or when he left it for the battlefields of Europe. We do not know his age or his circumstances - whether he was from the city or the bush; what occupation he left to become a soldier; what religion, if he had a religion; if he was married or single. We do not know who loved him or whom he loved. If he had children we do not know who they are. His family is lost to us as he was lost to them. We will never know who this Australian was. Yet he has always been among those we have honored. We know that he was one of the 45,000 Australians who died on the Western Front. One of the 416,000 Australians who volunteered for service in the First World War. One of the 324,000 Australians who served overseas in that war, and one of the 60,000 Australians who died on foreign soil. One of the 100,000 Australians who have died in wars this century. He is all of them. And he is one of us.
I lost an uncle in WW2 on the Murmansk convoys, and of course the unknown warrior is dedicated to his death as to all others who perished in any war.. Two points. 1. Thank you for your respect SoGal. 2. As a proud Brit I feel no one else does pomp and circumstance quite like us as a nation.
the pomp and circumstance is just to hide the cracks. Like hanging up flock wallpaper and laying patterned carpet to hide the dirt. They go to all this trouble for a dead man, they leave the living to rot. I wonder why?
@@maewest68 I don't agree with what you say but I defend your right to say it, but bear in mind it may just because of the sacrifices of the men and women who lived and died in two world wars you can say whatever you want, freedom comes at a price. and he paid the ultimate price. And so did my uncle Cecil who died in Italy in WW2 My 91 year old mum his sister still misses him. The day the telegram came is still etched in her heart.
I've never seen that, and as an English man (British) I was very moved and it was rather lovely to share it with you and hear your sentiments. Really enjoy your reaction channel, thank you so much for the work you put into to it. x
You're a real darling of England, respect to you for your insight and emotional response to the Great British Warriors from the old empire. History is merely his story, and may his story never be forgotten. Keep calm and carry on. Xx
I'm not ashamed to say this brought a tear to my eye. I think this was a wonderful thing to do. All those millions that didn't come home and the 10s of 1000s that were never identified. That must have been absolutely awful for their mothers and family not having a grave to visit. By setting this brave warrior to rest amongst kings could have and must have brought some form of comfort to families thinking that it might have been their boy buried there and that he might have finally come home. It was great seeing the French escort making sure he left France safely! All the children following to give their thanks for the ultimate sacrifice that was made by this soldier and all the others. And the recipients of the VC stood as guard of honour!! Just superb. I honestly can't think of a better way to have done this.
I didn't know any of this! Can't believe it. This sounds like a hell of an emotional ceremony especially as everyone there would know someone who died in the war.
There was no person in this land who did not lose or did not know someone who was lost. In the patriotic fervour at the start of the war, "Pals" Battalions were formed. That is men from the same town, same occupation even the same streets enlisted in the same Battalion.. With casualty rates as high as 80% KIA, the male population of entire communities were wiped out at in one horrific moment.
HI SoGal.Your sentiments/comments a the end of this blog were right on the money my love. We Brits like you yanks are fiercely proud of our troops. These young men and women who willingly paid the ultimate price, for all the freedoms we enjoy today. God bless and keep them all! We should never forget them.
Firstly, glad that you appreciated this story of the unknown warrior. A few things not mentioned here. When the unknown warrior arrived with the 19 gun salute. That salute is reserved for a Field Marshal, or an admiral of the fleet. The equivalent of a 5 star general in the US armed forces. A salute that is still in use today. The last one to get this salute was Field Marshal Montgomery at his funeral. # The unknown warrior was awarded the highest bravery awards from France, and by US President Woodrow Wilson upon being laid to eternal peace in Westminster Abbey. HIM King George V showed his respect to these awards by presenting both the French & US Unknown Soldiers our highest award ' 'The Victoria Cross' in 1920. # Today there is a tradition within the Royal family of Royal brides leaving their bridal bouquets at the unknown warrior after their service. This tradition was started by the then new Duchess of York Elizabeth Bowe- Lyons, on their marriage to Prince Albert, Duke of York. The request was granted by HIM King George V, as the new Duchess of York had lost brothers in the great war, with no none grave. Of course this proud lady, later became Queen Elizabeth Kings Consort, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen mother. This tradition goes on to this day. When HRH Queen Elizabeth, the Queen mother passed away. They left an instruction that her wreath was to be placed at the Unknown warrior after her service. This duty was done by HM Queen Elizabeth II the next day. # Westminster Abbey is normally the resting place today of the great and the good, as the old saying goes. Earlier Kings and Queens have been placed there in the past. But, the Royal family have their own vault at Windsor Castle to which they place family members today. The late HIM KING Edward VIII & Duchess of Windsor are also buried at Windsor Castle. But, in a private place. You showed a lot of respect watching this. I hope that this clears up a few of your questions. Respect to all the fallen, and all unknown warriors. 🙏
Abide with me a popular hmm and rugby song but for many played a funerals as it means you will always be with you.. This type of remembrance goes on in Holland at the commemoration of Arnhem the school children place poppies on all of the graves ww1 and ww2 is very close to the Dutch. My uncles father was lost over holland in ww2 and Missing in action he body was found with the whole cree in shallow mud as was drained for seawall buildings my uncle went to Holland for the funeral it was full military funeral by the RAF but what he said was most telling was all of the local school children attended and place flowers on his fathers grave and put flowers on all the graves in the war cemetary. The Dutch understand the high price paid by Allies and the Dutch themselves for freedom..
Lest we forget. A nice touch was the coffin was taken from France to Britain on HMS Verdun. (Named after the French Town and battle). The ship also served in WW2 and was bombed in 1940 but repaired. Scrapped after the war in Edinburgh (of all places). Another nice touch is the ship's bell from HMS Verdun resides near to the tomb of the unknown warrior.
I think the same dedicated rail carriage was used for the repatriation of the bodies of Nurse Edith Cavell and the captain of the Harwich packet ship, Charles Fryatt. Both were executed by the Germans under dubious circumstances, at the time the UK declared it murder. Nurse Edith Cavell was found guilty of helping captured allied soldiers escape. The Captain was executed for doing his duty as a RNR officer and defending his vessel by attempting to ram an attacking U boat. He was captured tried as a "terrorist" (franc-tireur) and shot within 24 hours. The fact that both bodies were repatriated and duly honoured demonstrates the feeling of anger and injustice felt at the time.
So good to see this, my grandfather the youngest of four serving brothers was the only one to survive this terrible conflict.two of the other three brothers have NO know resting place the other was lost at sea,so for my family this tomb has very special place in our hearts
You asked whether monarchs are buried in Westminster Abbey, some are but not recently the last one was George II in 1760, now monarchs are buried at Windsor mostly in St George's Chapel. Funeral services, however, are still held in the Abbey. An interesting subject to look at more.
The one thing about the tomb of the unknown soldier is it is inside at the entrance to Westminster Abbey it is right in front of the doors you have t walk around it to get in. You do not have to go looking for it as it is the first thing you see.
My Grandfather was 6 years old when my Great-Grandfather went to war. He never saw him again. He was killed in Action at 'The Somme' in 1916. He now lies in Flatiron Cemetery, Mametz, France alongside many of his comrades... RIP Robert Fisher !
Until recent times (Falklands War onwards) British war dead were buried in the country where they died. During WW1 it was illegal to bring a body home. (Not fair on those families who could not afford to repatriate their relatives). So, this was a special exception.
Jeremy Clarkson also did an excellent doc about the Arctic Convoys. If the bloke is in a programme not about cars he is really good. If its got cars in it avoid at all costs.
Thank you. I have seen the tomb many times, I sung in the Abbey as a treble on a few occasions, and before retiring I could walk around it during my lunch. I have never before seen any of this. I have watched many of your videos and appreciate the lack of interruptions. Very moving, keep up the good work.
Thank you for posting this, it has quite caught me when I wasn't expecting it, I remember last year and you were posting a lot of military/war videos and it was mentioned about remembrance day, I don't mean to come across as nasty or derogatory, but I got the impression that you maybe thought that the UK didn't really do anything much with regards to our military both present and past, but as November approached there was more mentioned about Remembrance Day and you really added so much to the day itself, you found out as much as possible and understood that the British are more reserved yet don't let the memories of those who fought be forgotten, and all we have is the poppy as a symbol of remembering not just the fallen but those who returned but are now gone, you really did add a lot to last years memories for many people, yes of course we do remember, but your input was very much appreciated by many :)
I've known the story of the unknown soldier since I was a child but I have never heard him called " the unknown warrior ", and I've only ever heard of his tomb being referred to as "the tomb of the unknown soldier", I think culturally most of us would call him "the unknown soldier"
I've always known it as the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, with soldier referring solely to the Army. Whereas the Unknown Warrior is inclusive of the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force, with both services losing men on WW1 battle grounds.
The first Armistice or Remembrance Day commemoration was in 1919 and was held in the grounds of Buckingham Palace. The event moved to the cenotaph in 1920 when it was unveiled and the Unknown Warrior was buried in Westminster Abbey. Incidently a French Unknown Warrior was buried under the Arc de Triomphe in Paris at the same time. The British Legion started selling poppies in 1921, the next year.
Thank you for your respectful reaction, the warmth you shown makes me realise how much love you have for the fallen. He had a name but on his death fell silent and his name known only to him and God our heavenly father. November 11th every year I stand silent and pray thank you to all who went into battle so we could live in peace, those who gave everything and too those who gave their all. 🇬🇧I salute you all and thank you all.
Thank you, very solemn event, the Cenotaph where we remember the lost, was only ment to be temporary but was made permanent. Westminster Abbey is the burial place for a selected few. It's near Parliament. Jeremy Clarkson does a good video on the Victoria Cross, may have to break it up into sections though, to stop it being blocked. You have to watch it to the end as there is a remarkable punch line.
TY for covering this event, The Unknown warrior was also buried with a Victoria cross and a 16th Century Crusader Sword from the Royal Collection and General Pershing, on behalf of the United States of America, conferred the Congressional Medal of Honour on the Unknown Warrior on 17th October 1921. The Queen Mother before her death asked for her wreath to be placed on the tomb shortly before her death and Queen Elizabeth 2 did that on her behalf, every Royal Bride also place their wedding bouquet upon the tomb as well after their wedding. Ty Keep Safe Keep Strong 🦘🦘🦘🦘
Talk about getting choked up. I was born at the beginning of WW2 and was never in the intervening years exposed to such a detailed description of the story behind the memorial to the “ Unknown Warrior“ .Thank you so much for defining the story.
Thanks for your beautiful reaction and respect to all service men and women who have served our countrys, Of whome many made the greatest sacrifice for our freedom.
This story all gets me blubbering. After researching Bomber Command in WW2 for the last 10 years or so, where 1 in 5 who died still have no known grave, I feel this story personally. The Runnymede memorial in the UK is a fantastic monument to those in the RAF and Commonwealth Air Forces who have never been found.
Highest % loss rate of any allied formation in WWII - bar none. At 44.4% nearly half the chaps who flew on Operations didn't make it back; all volunteers, to a man.
@@concise707 Yep, not sure on the Russian side of the Allies, but definitely the case on the Western Allies. But even Bomber Command losses pail in somewhat of an "unmeaning" insignificance, when you see the U-boat losses. When you also take into account those taken PoW and injured, it basically meant if you started the war in Bomber Command, you were very unlikely to finish the war still serving. You had a 1 in 4 chance of completing one tour of 30 ops at times. How some airmen managed around 200 ops is just incredible.
Mammy dragged me around westminster abbey to see this tomb as a child,now i get its significance .lucky dad didnt give me a clip.thank you so much Sogal.
When Canada decided to repatriate an unknown for their own tomb of the unknown in May of 2000, one of the requirements from France to allow a soldier to be moved was that Canada would never try to identify the soldier.
Hi SoGal ... your respectful reactions to these ceremonial videos are second to none ... Thank you ... I'd be more than happy & interested to see you react to the equivalent US ceremonies if you get chance at some point.
The Tomb of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey is in the most prominent position, directly in front as you pass through the entrance. General Pershing, on behalf of the United States of America, conferred the Congressional Medal of Honor on the Unknown Warrior on 17th October 1921 and this now hangs in a frame on a pillar near the tomb.
Interesting, isn't it, how well they treat the dead, and yet how poorly they treat the living. Makes you wonder what all the pomp is really for, doesn't it...
@@Ivanhoe076 Abbey* It doesnt have a bishop so isnt a cathedral. Henry VIII drove out the catholics so technically its not an abbey either, its a church.
@@maewest68 Blame the civil servants . Useless people who make most of our lives miserable to justify their lives. In Australia a retired Australian soldier stated more vets have been killed in recent years by the bastardry of civil servants than by any enemy they have faced
Appreciated SoGal - as an ex soldier Remembrance Day and all involved around it means a great deal. We do like our traditions, and it really does give weight and meaning to historical events.
Lovely, and respectful telling of the story regarding the Unknow Warrior. Thank you. The ship's bell from HMS Verdun (scrapped shortly after WWII) hangs in Westminster Abbey, close to the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior.
Thank you for showing and commenting on this video! And a "Well Done!" To HM Royal Marine Band! It was informative and filled a great gap in my knowledge!
As a Brit I feel I should always sit to attention when watching this video. I also learned recently that the Union flag which draped the coffin was the altar cloth of the padre who suggested the concept of the Unkown Warrior, beautiful!!
Thank you for showing this with respect. I always think the unknown soldier was a young man who died in a foreign land far away from loved ones. It makes me want to cry sitting here 102 years later. It was the same sad story for many, including the enemy soldiers who's families I also feel a great deal of sadness for.
What a beautiful reflection, SoGal. Thank you from across the pond; it means so much that you viewed this with such care and respect. 7:23 The involvement of the French is very moving. One of our soldiers had fallen on their soil; seeing that he was to be repatriated, they took care of him for us. 8:25 I'm not sure that the music is anything other than specially composed background music to accompany the film... I heard similar music at the Festival of Remembrance I took part in decades ago, so I suspect they commission the same composer(s) to create scores for such films. 13:20 The first Remembrance Day in the UK was actually a year earlier (1919) though it wasn't marked with much more than a two-minute silence at 11am, during which everything stopped, men removed their hats and bowed heads, former soldiers stood to attention, women were seen wiping tears from their eyes, even horses pulling carts were said to stand still and lower their heads. This interment of the Unknown Warrior was perhaps the catalyst for the more ceremonial acknowledgement now held in Britain and beyond. 16:35 At that point, the King was George V, grandson of Queen Victoria and grandfather of the present Queen Elizabeth II. 23:38 Westminster Abbey is indeed the burial place of many of our kings and queens, although since it ran out of space, St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle has become the final resting place for the current royal family - Queen Elizabeth II will be laid to rest there when her time comes. It is quite an emotional experience to stand at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, a common soldier lying amongst such royal and noble company, representing countless men that have died serving king and country. Something of the interment is preserved to this day at the Abbey, as a little ceremony is held on Remembrance Sunday each year at the Tomb. The choir sings a setting of Laurence Binyon's "For the fallen," to music by Douglas Guest, himself a former soldier who later became Organist and Master of the Choristers at the Abbey. It may be a bit short for you to react to, but in case you want to see it, there's a link here: th-cam.com/video/qOpnRAOxpLE/w-d-xo.html
Such a shame that the 2021 Mountbatten Festival of Music had to proceed without a live audience, but this video was an excellent introduction to the Bands of HM Royal Marines and their fantastic music that can be found on their TH-cam channel.
I want to thank you so very much for making this video. You did it just right. Many of my mates - well, we had to collect them in little bits. Every year, I am privileged to honour them. Westminster Abby is where the royal line are buried. I was happy to be a ‘lifer’ in the RM, it was my privilege to serve.
Thank you so much for posting this. Even I an English person didn't know the full story of the Unknown Soldier. My grandfather fought in WW1 in France and Belgium luckily he did survive.
This was a lovely, and as u say , touching film . Really well done and so moving . Interesting to learn the true story . Yes ,.. Westminster abbey is where many kings , nobleman , important people are buried. Although the royal family I think are laid to rest in Windsor castle crypt.
When home on leave, whenever a Hearst and family drove by, would always stand to attention and salute, as a mark of respect for the dead no matter who they might be.
In the Royal Air Force I was taught how to “reverse arms” by turning my rifle barrel down to rest on my front foot. The other foot was half a pace back, hands on the butt and heed down.
The King was George V. ( 1910 - 1936) he was our Queen's grandfather. The notion of an unknown soldier caught the public's imagination and inspired other countries to do the same. Hence yours in America, the French have Un Soldat inconnu under the arch of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. There are quite a few others now. Not all monarchs are buried in Westminster Abbey, but a fair number are there. Others lie in St George's chapel at Windsor. King John is in Worcester Cathedral, Richard III is in Leicester. Some of the older ones were buried in Winchester, the old capital of Wessex. Henry 1 was at Reading Abbey. A few, William 1, Henry II, Richard 1, are in France.. they ruled chunks of France at the time of their deaths. The tomb of the unknown warrior at Westminster is just inside the main door of the abbey, it's the first thing you see there. It can be made out in the film of royals arriving for state occasion's. Often bordered with posies/ poppies, it is afforded a lot of respect.
The remains were known as "The Unknown Warrior" because as well as the British Army, there were units of the Royal Navy fighting in the trenches known as The Royal naval Division there was a chance that the selected remain could have been a Naval Rating, Royal marine or a Soldier.
The Drumhead Ceremony is the making in the Field an Alter from the Drums of the Military Band with the regimental coulers draped across for a service of rememberance.
I have pictures of the day that the Unknown Soldier was laid to rest. I have two of the coffin going up the North path into the side entrance of Westminster Abbey. It is notable that immediately behind the King and the politicians, including Winston Churchill, are the religious figures which includes the religions of the then Empire. Priests of the Hindu and Muslim religions. One picture I have is of a vast crowd in front of the Bank of England, so I believe, and all the men are bareheaded. Men around 1920's would have worn a hat or cap. The only time it would be taken off would be in respect towards somebody.
Regarding the Muslim & Hindi priests at the funeral? I've found that not many people know now just how strong Brighton's links with India have always been. If it weren't for an Indian man named Sake Dean Mahomed, Brighthelmstone would have stayed a fishing village steadily tumbling into the sea! It would never have turned into Brighton, been visited by a Prince; and the Pavilion would not have been built! And that entire Pavilion Palace, it's magnificent stables (Now The Dome Theatre), grounds, buildings and gardens became a hospital for wounded Indian troops. (Along with the Corn Exchange Their spiritual needs were taken care of by their own priests, ensuring that all the differing funereal rights were observed when patients died. Indian food was cooked & served. and lasting friendships grew up between soldiers families and those who were caring for them. Some of the patients, and their families, came to settle in Brighton and their descendants are now Old Brightonians. Often wonder what George IV would have felt to know that his "oulandish" palace - with it's strange towers & spires - had for two years been inhabited by those who found it rather homely!! .
I greatly appreciated your clearly moved and very touching reaction to the video. There are a couple of addition points about the grave of the Unknown Warrior that might be of interest. Firstly, not only was the oak from tree in the grounds of Hampton Court Palace, but a medieval Crusader's sword was set into the top of the coffin. Also, at her wedding to the Duke of York (the future King George VI) in 1923, Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (the mother of Queen Elizabeth II), who had lost a brother in the Great War, paused when walking down the aisle at the end of the marriage service and laid her bouquet on the tomb of the Unknown Warrior. This practice has continued ever since, with royal brides placing their bouquet on the grave.
I really respect how your army respects you're unknown soldier, I'm 6"2' and your country always respects their dead! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🏴❤️❤️🏴🏴🏴
The unknown warrior was brought in as a mark of remembrance and respect for the family’s of soldiers who never returned so all families could maybe hope that the unknown warrior was their own son! Lest we forget 🇬🇧
Thank you, Sarah, I hadn't seen that and didn't know most of the story - it had me in tears. Don't apologise for showing respect - it does you credit. I would be interested in a similar video about your own Unknown Soldiers.
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George V1 was king at that time
@@lilyliz3071
Wrong George, it was his dad George V.
@@Tractionengine_556 soz,my mistake
@@lilyliz3071
No problem.
The rail van used to transport the unknown warrior to Victoria. Is at Bodium Station. On the Kent and East Sussex Railway. Known as the Cavell Van. It was used to transport the body of Edith Cavell. In May 1919. When her body was repatriated from Belgium. To be buried at Norwich Cathedral. She was a nurse but was executed by the Germans for assisting over 200 escaped allied POWs. Before she was arrested.
In July 1919 it was used to transport the body of Charles Fryatt for his funeral at St. Paul's Cathedral. He was captain of the SS Brussels. He was executed for ordering the attempted ramming of U-33 June 1916.
Then in November 1920 used for the unknown Warrior. Warrior to represent all the services. Soldier would be just the army. They are the only bodies to have been repatriated at that time.
Have put a link to a photo of inside the van as a reply. Because of TH-cam habit of deleting comments with links.
Failed was deleted.
By tradition, every Royal bride leaves her wedding bouquet on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
There's a new channel online called History Hits. Most of the presenters are those from UK TV channels like the BBC and Channel 4.
Yes, a tradition started by the late Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, who lost two brothers in the First World War. At the time of her marriage, Elizabeth Boyes Lyon was marrying The Duke of York, the second son of the King, who was not expected to become King. However he did become King, and his wife Queen, after the abdication of his older brother.
The King who laid the wreath on the coffin would be King George V. Grandfather of our present Queen.
@@sirderam1 I didn't know the queen mother lost two brothers, I know she lost one called Fergus Bowes-Lyon but I thought that was it.
I am 68 years old and did not know that. Thank you.
@@choughed3072
Actually, you are quite right. I misremembered. Just one brother killed, as you say, but two other brothers wounded.
Thanks for correcting me.
I was in the UK a few years ago and spent some time in a high school. On the 11th November at 11:00, as apparently the whole country does every year at 11am on 11/11, the whole school came to a stop and all the classes rose to their feet and stood in silence for 2 minutes. It was so moving how the noise of all these teenagers in a school turned to total silence in a moment. All you could hear was the birds outside. It brought me to tears.
We have Remembrance Sunday every year and its always the nearest Sunday to the 11th of November
Thankyou Boris
Boris. From your lovely comment, you totally understand what we Brits are about! We are fiercely loyal...and we never forget.
Thank you Boris, you're a credit to your family. Not because you cried (as I do every Remembrance day) but because you appreciate the significance.
My daughter went a minor private school in Surrey England and every 11th November the whole school attended a service at the nearby Anglican Church at which the names of the Old Boys who died in WW1 and WW2 were read out. She said one year " there were an awful lot".
British Army veteran... proud to have served my Queen and Country.
God save the Queen
Thank you for your service.
🇬🇧
Thank you for your service
God bless and thank you ❤️
Thank you for your service in keeping us safe and keeping our country 🇬🇧. Safe. God bless you and God save the Queen
Thank you for all you have done to make our cuntries safe, God save the King
Old Soldier from the UK here, always shed a tear when I hear Abide with me.
As a sweaty sock from a band of roughians, it's Black Bear for me, but any does when remembering our lost brothers in arms.
Same here but for a slightly different reason. Abide with me was sung at my mothers funeral.
Merchant Sailor here : Song of the Merchant Navy in Wartime
You have seen him on the Street,
Rolling round on drunken feet,
You have seen him clutch the lamp-post for support,
You have shuddered in disgust,
When he’s grovelled in the dust,
‘Cause he’s just a Merchant Seaman back in port.
You have seen his ship in port,
When to his sweetheart paying court,
You have seen him, when his ship is on the spree,
But you have not seen the clip,
Of that lonely ‘blacked out’ ship,
Ploughing furrows through the mine infested sea.
He has brought your wounded home, through the “ Sub “, congested zone,
He has carried your troops across the sea by night,
He’s a hero and a sport,
And when he is not in port,
He is always in the thickest of the fight.
He has fought your wicked ‘Hun’,
With just a 4: 7 inch gun,
He has ruined Hitler’s Atllantic Ocean plan,
But when he is back in port,
He’s no hero, he’s no sport,
He is nothing……..but a drunken Sailor man.
@@marksadventures3889 Agreed, but as a Welshman give me David of the White Rock.
@@nudal9993 Isn't the March "Heart of Oak" the Merchant Navy's tune?
The coffin having an escort of six battleships shows the importance of it.
And the destroyer selected to carry the coffin was HMS Verdun to honour the French sacrifice
Also being taken by gun carriage… lets us know that if we were to fall, we would be remembered.
Being British I could'nt help but have tears down my cheeks watching the video and of course there's nothing wrong with that. Appreciated So Gal and I think your interest in the British history is great and indeed I have learnt quite a lot of things from some of your videos. Take Care all our American friends over there. 👍
I am right there with you. I recovered then when the Last Post plays the tears start falling again.
Me too, tissue out.
It was very moving.
I did the same
I am a Royal Navy Veteran . This video makes me cry everytime I watch it , so very well made 😔😔😔
I think the term Unknown Warrior was chosen in preference to Unknown Soldier, because he also represents fallen sailors and airmen, not just soldiers.
Exactly. Because the body chosen could easily have been a downed pilot or from the Naval Brigade who fought on the Somme.
a good shout that Chris..and of course he or she may not be even British.
@@59jalex It was the 63rd (Royal Naval) Division who served in various places on the Western Front.
@@rogueriderhood1862 He could have been an airman from the Royal Naval Air Service.
@@peterwhitaker4038 Well he definitely fought for the British given they chose based on uniform
Both of my Grandfathers died in the First World War. My maternal Grandfather was one of the missing, having no known grave. My mother always took comfort from the thought that he might be the "Unknown Warrior" His name appears on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing.
Thank you for doing this with such respect and reverence, it means a lot to us who lost relatives in the Great War.
You were not too quiet at all, thank you. There is a difference, I feel, between reaction and running commentary.
No need to apologise, your silence and respect were much appreciated, silence can say so much more than words. All kings and queens to this day walk around this tomb but walk over past kings and queens tombs as a show of respect to the unknown warrior.
Important to note that in an abbey full of tombs containing 16 monarchs, 8 PM's , the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is the only one you cannot step on.
The writing on his tomb reads;
Beneath this stone rests the body
Of a British warrior
Unknown by name or rank
Brought from France to lie among
The most illustrious of the land
And buried here on Armistice Day
11 Nov: 1920, in the presence of
His Majesty King George V
His Ministers of State
The Chiefs of his forces
And a vast concourse of the nation
Thus are commemorated the many
Multitudes who during the Great
War of 1914 - 1918 gave the most that
Man can give life itself
For God
For King and country
For loved ones home and empire
For the sacred cause of justice and
The freedom of the world
They buried him among the kings because he
Had done good toward God and toward
His house
Not only that, all Kings and Queens have to give way to the tomb, i.e. they have to walk around it!
There's 10 at st George's chapel, including Charles 1 with his head sewn back on
SoGal, you don't have to apologise for showing respect!
To me the unknown warrior represents my Grandfathers Brother who had no known grave in Arras’ so it could just as easily be him as anyone else lying there in that Tomb, I have visited there in my Grandfathers place and it’s very emotional to be there, His Brother was only 17 and it Broke his mothers heart, But this happened all over the country where people had no grave to go to to grieve, So I found this very emotional thank you for posting it and for being respectful.
The face that 100 women who had lost a husband and at least one son were chosen out of 1500 to attend is shocking and so sad to me. No wonder there where sounds of anguish during the service. The unknown warrior wasn't awarded the Victoria Cross, they had 100 recipients of the VC as an honour guard at Westminster Abbey. Ther really pulled out all the stops for this funeral and gave him more than any state funeral for a Prime minister or member of the Royal family. I couldn't help but shed a tear or two. Well done So Gal.
He was awarded the congressional medal of honor
As a former Army veteran, it is with no small gratitude that you made this presentation - & with such reverence & decorum. Thank you.
The Menin Gate in Ypres has the names of over 80,000 soldiers who died close by. I was there about ten years ago and saw a name being removed. A hundred years after the war ended and people buried nearby were still being identified. They’ve not been forgotten. The Unknown Warrior still lies amongst kings as the representative of all those still unknown.
My Great Uncle's name is still there, he hasn't been found
The cemetery at Tyne Cot in Ypres also has tens of thousands of names of those with no known grave, engraved on it's wall for those they couldn't fit on the Menin Gate memorial. Such was the scale of loss in the Ypres Salient.
Last year I provided a DNA sample for the Canadian Casualty Identification Bureau for a maternal 3rd cousin killed in 1917, bodies are still being found and relatives still being traced to finally lay these souls to rest after all these years. My cousin is still unfound but they now have DNA to help any possible identification, I was humbled and pleased to help.
My great grandads name is on the memorial at Thiepval…….It’s a huge memorial…. And very humbling to see thousands of names carved…. All men without a grave
There are lots of videos of the Last Post ceremonies - maybe Sarah could do a reaction to one of those.
The King shown laying a wreath in 1920 at the unknown soldier service was George V, the present Queens grandfather. He had an interesting life.
There’s evidence he was murdered by his doctor there’s a documentary on TH-cam
Lovely reaction Sarah. Showed perfect respect and your words afterwards were spot on :)
One would expect no less from SUCH a lovely lady !
my grandfather his three brothers all lost their lives in world war one 1917 the youngest being eighteen and the oldest being twenty nine this was most touching and thankyou for the respect you showed while viewing the film I was so moved thankyou
What an honour for that Corporal, to play at the Royal Albert Hall.
I love informational videos like this Sarah, so if you can, please show them, I'm sure that your viewers will appreciate them as much as I do.
As a treble chorister at Westminster for six years, I must have processed around the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at the west end of the Abbey nave over a thousand times between the age of eight and 13, 60 years ago. I never knew this story until now. Many thanks for deepening my well of knowledge.
Since you asked, In Australia we have a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier too. It's at the National War Memorial in Canberra, the nation's capital. it originally held the remains of 4 soldiers, one each for World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam. However the body buried on behalf of the soldiers in Vietnam was later identified by DNA testing and was exhumed and returned to his family.
I don't think that is right, the tomb lay empty until 1993 when a soldier's body was exhumed from Frommel in France and flown to Canberra for internment. The Prime Minister Paul Keating read the dedication.
We do not know his rank or his battalion. We do not know where he was born, or precisely how and when he died. We do not know where in Australia he had made his home or when he left it for the battlefields of Europe. We do not know his age or his circumstances - whether he was from the city or the bush; what occupation he left to become a soldier; what religion, if he had a religion; if he was married or single. We do not know who loved him or whom he loved. If he had children we do not know who they are. His family is lost to us as he was lost to them. We will never know who this Australian was.
Yet he has always been among those we have honored. We know that he was one of the 45,000 Australians who died on the Western Front. One of the 416,000 Australians who volunteered for service in the First World War. One of the 324,000 Australians who served overseas in that war, and one of the 60,000 Australians who died on foreign soil. One of the 100,000 Australians who have died in wars this century.
He is all of them. And he is one of us.
@@terryjeisman7550 Well said.
Proud to have served with some of you Aussies to my left and right. Top peeps.
I lost an uncle in WW2 on the Murmansk convoys, and of course the unknown warrior is dedicated to his death as to all others who perished in any war..
Two points.
1. Thank you for your respect SoGal.
2. As a proud Brit I feel no one else does pomp and circumstance quite like us as a nation.
the pomp and circumstance is just to hide the cracks. Like hanging up flock wallpaper and laying patterned carpet to hide the dirt. They go to all this trouble for a dead man, they leave the living to rot. I wonder why?
@@maewest68 Churlish
@@maewest68 I don't agree with what you say but I defend your right to say it, but bear in mind it may just because of the sacrifices of the men and women who lived and died in two world wars you can say whatever you want, freedom comes at a price. and he paid the ultimate price. And so did my uncle Cecil who died in Italy in WW2 My 91 year old mum his sister still misses him. The day the telegram came is still etched in her heart.
@@maewest68 Go away
@@peterheath1216 concur - well said.
I've never seen that, and as an English man (British) I was very moved and it was rather lovely to share it with you and hear your sentiments. Really enjoy your reaction channel, thank you so much for the work you put into to it. x
You're a real darling of England, respect to you for your insight and emotional response to the Great British Warriors from the old empire. History is merely his story, and may his story never be forgotten. Keep calm and carry on. Xx
I'm not ashamed to say this brought a tear to my eye. I think this was a wonderful thing to do. All those millions that didn't come home and the 10s of 1000s that were never identified. That must have been absolutely awful for their mothers and family not having a grave to visit. By setting this brave warrior to rest amongst kings could have and must have brought some form of comfort to families thinking that it might have been their boy buried there and that he might have finally come home. It was great seeing the French escort making sure he left France safely! All the children following to give their thanks for the ultimate sacrifice that was made by this soldier and all the others. And the recipients of the VC stood as guard of honour!! Just superb. I honestly can't think of a better way to have done this.
I didn't know any of this! Can't believe it. This sounds like a hell of an emotional ceremony especially as everyone there would know someone who died in the war.
There was no person in this land who did not lose or did not know someone who was lost. In the patriotic fervour at the start of the war, "Pals" Battalions were formed. That is men from the same town, same occupation even the same streets enlisted in the same Battalion.. With casualty rates as high as 80% KIA, the male population of entire communities were wiped out at in one horrific moment.
HI SoGal.Your sentiments/comments a the end of this blog were right on the money my love. We Brits like you yanks are fiercely proud of our troops. These young men and women who willingly paid the ultimate price, for all the freedoms we enjoy today. God bless and keep them all! We should never forget them.
Firstly, glad that you appreciated this story of the unknown warrior. A few things not mentioned here. When the unknown warrior arrived with the 19 gun salute. That salute is reserved for a Field Marshal, or an admiral of the fleet. The equivalent of a 5 star general in the US armed forces. A salute that is still in use today. The last one to get this salute was Field Marshal Montgomery at his funeral.
# The unknown warrior was awarded the highest bravery awards from France, and by US President Woodrow Wilson upon being laid to eternal peace in Westminster Abbey. HIM King George V showed his respect to these awards by presenting both the French & US Unknown Soldiers our highest award ' 'The Victoria Cross' in 1920.
# Today there is a tradition within the Royal family of Royal brides leaving their bridal bouquets at the unknown warrior after their service. This tradition was started by the then new Duchess of York Elizabeth Bowe- Lyons, on their marriage to Prince Albert, Duke of York. The request was granted by HIM King George V, as the new Duchess of York had lost brothers in the great war, with no none grave. Of course this proud lady, later became Queen Elizabeth Kings Consort, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen mother.
This tradition goes on to this day. When HRH Queen Elizabeth, the Queen mother passed away. They left an instruction that her wreath was to be placed at the Unknown warrior after her service. This duty was done by HM Queen Elizabeth II the next day.
# Westminster Abbey is normally the resting place today of the great and the good, as the old saying goes. Earlier Kings and Queens have been placed there in the past. But, the Royal family have their own vault at Windsor Castle to which they place family members today. The late HIM KING Edward VIII & Duchess of Windsor are also buried at Windsor Castle. But, in a private place.
You showed a lot of respect watching this. I hope that this clears up a few of your questions.
Respect to all the fallen, and all unknown warriors. 🙏
Abide with me a popular hmm and rugby song but for many played a funerals as it means you will always be with you..
This type of remembrance goes on in Holland at the commemoration of Arnhem the school children place poppies on all of the graves ww1 and ww2 is very close to the Dutch.
My uncles father was lost over holland in ww2 and Missing in action he body was found with the whole cree in shallow mud as was drained for seawall buildings my uncle went to Holland for the funeral it was full military funeral by the RAF but what he said was most telling was all of the local school children attended and place flowers on his fathers grave and put flowers on all the graves in the war cemetary.
The Dutch understand the high price paid by Allies and the Dutch themselves for freedom..
Lest we forget. A nice touch was the coffin was taken from France to Britain on HMS Verdun. (Named after the French Town and battle).
The ship also served in WW2 and was bombed in 1940 but repaired. Scrapped after the war in Edinburgh (of all places).
Another nice touch is the ship's bell from HMS Verdun resides near to the tomb of the unknown warrior.
I think the same dedicated rail carriage was used for the repatriation of the bodies of Nurse Edith Cavell and the captain of the Harwich packet ship, Charles Fryatt. Both were executed by the Germans under dubious circumstances, at the time the UK declared it murder. Nurse Edith Cavell was found guilty of helping captured allied soldiers escape. The Captain was executed for doing his duty as a RNR officer and defending his vessel by attempting to ram an attacking U boat. He was captured tried as a "terrorist" (franc-tireur) and shot within 24 hours. The fact that both bodies were repatriated and duly honoured demonstrates the feeling of anger and injustice felt at the time.
I nearly teared up at the bit about the grieving mothers and wives in the abbey
So good to see this, my grandfather the youngest of four serving brothers was the only one to survive this terrible conflict.two of the other three brothers have NO know resting place the other was lost at sea,so for my family this tomb has very special place in our hearts
One of my favourite sites now. I am learning so much about our British history !!!
You asked whether monarchs are buried in Westminster Abbey, some are but not recently the last one was George II in 1760, now monarchs are buried at Windsor mostly in St George's Chapel. Funeral services, however, are still held in the Abbey. An interesting subject to look at more.
The one thing about the tomb of the unknown soldier is it is inside at the entrance to Westminster Abbey it is right in front of the doors you have t walk around it to get in. You do not have to go looking for it as it is the first thing you see.
My Grandfather was 6 years old when my Great-Grandfather went to war. He never saw him again. He was killed in Action at 'The Somme' in 1916. He now lies in Flatiron Cemetery, Mametz, France alongside many of his comrades... RIP Robert Fisher !
Until recent times (Falklands War onwards) British war dead were buried in the country where they died. During WW1 it was illegal to bring a body home. (Not fair on those families who could not afford to repatriate their relatives). So, this was a special exception.
Also, before refrigeration, I daresay it'd be unrecognisable and a bit smelly by the time it got back from the Crimean Peninsula...
Profoundly moving... 🙏🙏. RIP ❤🙏😥
You showed due respect, thumbs up.
If it hasn't already been said, the documentary on the Victoria Cross with Jeremy Clarkson is excellent and you should definitely react to it.
Good shout . Both of them were great. Arnhem and St Nazaire
Just don't leave him waiting for a sandwich. He reacts to that.
And "the Greatest raid of all". He was pretty good at war documentaries. Shame he didn't do more.
Absolutely! An outstanding documentary.
Jeremy Clarkson also did an excellent doc about the Arctic Convoys. If the bloke is in a programme not about cars he is really good. If its got cars in it avoid at all costs.
Thank you. I have seen the tomb many times, I sung in the Abbey as a treble on a few occasions, and before retiring I could walk around it during my lunch. I have never before seen any of this. I have watched many of your videos and appreciate the lack of interruptions. Very moving, keep up the good work.
The ceremonial and symbolic aspect of British Culture is one of its most powerful features.
Thank you for posting this, it has quite caught me when I wasn't expecting it, I remember last year and you were posting a lot of military/war videos and it was mentioned about remembrance day, I don't mean to come across as nasty or derogatory, but I got the impression that you maybe thought that the UK didn't really do anything much with regards to our military both present and past, but as November approached there was more mentioned about Remembrance Day and you really added so much to the day itself, you found out as much as possible and understood that the British are more reserved yet don't let the memories of those who fought be forgotten, and all we have is the poppy as a symbol of remembering not just the fallen but those who returned but are now gone, you really did add a lot to last years memories for many people, yes of course we do remember, but your input was very much appreciated by many :)
Love the respect you show and have for our nation …….your a goodin 👍
I appreciate this so much thank you!
Hi, Sarah, thanks for that, it was very moving and very interesting. I really liked that.
I've known the story of the unknown soldier since I was a child but I have never heard him called " the unknown warrior ", and I've only ever heard of his tomb being referred to as "the tomb of the unknown soldier", I think culturally most of us would call him "the unknown soldier"
Me too. But I do live in my own little dream world.
think it's a term used by other countries, always been soldier to me
Warrior is used as represents all who gave their lives and have no known grave in the Great and subsequent wars and conflicts.
Totally - but what was he called when he was interred?
I've always known it as the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, with soldier referring solely to the Army. Whereas the Unknown Warrior is inclusive of the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force, with both services losing men on WW1 battle grounds.
The first Armistice or Remembrance Day commemoration was in 1919 and was held in the grounds of Buckingham Palace. The event moved to the cenotaph in 1920 when it was unveiled and the Unknown Warrior was buried in Westminster Abbey. Incidently a French Unknown Warrior was buried under the Arc de Triomphe in Paris at the same time. The British Legion started selling poppies in 1921, the next year.
Thank you for your respectful reaction, the warmth you shown makes me realise how much love you have for the fallen. He had a name but on his death fell silent and his name known only to him and God our heavenly father.
November 11th every year I stand silent and pray thank you to all who went into battle so we could live in peace, those who gave everything and too those who gave their all. 🇬🇧I salute you all and thank you all.
Thank you, very solemn event, the Cenotaph where we remember the lost, was only ment to be temporary but was made permanent. Westminster Abbey is the burial place for a selected few. It's near Parliament. Jeremy Clarkson does a good video on the Victoria Cross, may have to break it up into sections though, to stop it being blocked. You have to watch it to the end as there is a remarkable punch line.
Very very special place.. you walk amongst the graves of hundreds years Kings and Queens.. and there is the Unknown🌹
Beyond humbling… go visit kid👍
TY for covering this event, The Unknown warrior was also buried with a Victoria cross and a 16th Century Crusader Sword from the Royal Collection and General Pershing, on behalf of the United States of America, conferred the Congressional Medal of Honour on the Unknown Warrior on 17th October 1921. The Queen Mother before her death asked for her wreath to be placed on the tomb shortly before her death and Queen Elizabeth 2 did that on her behalf, every Royal Bride also place their wedding bouquet upon the tomb as well after their wedding.
Ty Keep Safe Keep Strong 🦘🦘🦘🦘
Thank you for taking such an interest . I think Royal brides leave their bouquet on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier .
Abide with me always brings a tear to my eye whenever its played.
My ex wife often told me I was emotionally stunted ! But the story of the unknown warrior always brings a tear to my eye .
Talk about getting choked up. I was born at the beginning of WW2 and was never in the intervening years exposed to such a detailed description of the story behind the memorial to the “ Unknown Warrior“ .Thank you so much for defining the story.
Thanks for your beautiful reaction and respect to all service men and women who have served our countrys, Of whome many made the greatest sacrifice for our freedom.
This story all gets me blubbering. After researching Bomber Command in WW2 for the last 10 years or so, where 1 in 5 who died still have no known grave, I feel this story personally. The Runnymede memorial in the UK is a fantastic monument to those in the RAF and Commonwealth Air Forces who have never been found.
Highest % loss rate of any allied formation in WWII - bar none. At 44.4% nearly half the chaps who flew on Operations didn't make it back; all volunteers, to a man.
@@concise707 Yep, not sure on the Russian side of the Allies, but definitely the case on the Western Allies. But even Bomber Command losses pail in somewhat of an "unmeaning" insignificance, when you see the U-boat losses. When you also take into account those taken PoW and injured, it basically meant if you started the war in Bomber Command, you were very unlikely to finish the war still serving. You had a 1 in 4 chance of completing one tour of 30 ops at times. How some airmen managed around 200 ops is just incredible.
Mammy dragged me around westminster abbey to see this tomb as a child,now i get its significance .lucky dad didnt give me a clip.thank you so much Sogal.
When Canada decided to repatriate an unknown for their own tomb of the unknown in May of 2000, one of the requirements from France to allow a soldier to be moved was that Canada would never try to identify the soldier.
Hi SoGal ... your respectful reactions to these ceremonial videos are second to none ... Thank you ... I'd be more than happy & interested to see you react to the equivalent US ceremonies if you get chance at some point.
The Tomb of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey is in the most prominent position, directly in front as you pass through the entrance.
General Pershing, on behalf of the United States of America, conferred the Congressional Medal of Honor on the Unknown Warrior on 17th October 1921 and this now hangs in a frame on a pillar near the tomb.
Interesting, isn't it, how well they treat the dead, and yet how poorly they treat the living. Makes you wonder what all the pomp is really for, doesn't it...
It is also the only memorial on te floor of the Cathedral that no-one is allowed to walk over.
@@Ivanhoe076 Abbey* It doesnt have a bishop so isnt a cathedral. Henry VIII drove out the catholics so technically its not an abbey either, its a church.
@@andrewshaw1571 Yes, OK, sorry, I was typing with brain not engaged!
@@maewest68 Blame the civil servants . Useless people who make most of our lives miserable to justify their lives. In Australia a retired Australian soldier stated more vets have been killed in recent years by the bastardry of civil servants than by any enemy they have faced
The last post gets me every time..... God bless those that did not return.
No need for apology. Your silence showed respect and fully appreciated.
Thank you.
The King at that time was George V Sarah . The hymn " Abide with me " always reduces me to tears . 🇬🇧
Appreciated SoGal - as an ex soldier Remembrance Day and all involved around it means a great deal. We do like our traditions, and it really does give weight and meaning to historical events.
Lovely, and respectful telling of the story regarding the Unknow Warrior. Thank you. The ship's bell from HMS Verdun (scrapped shortly after WWII) hangs in Westminster Abbey, close to the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior.
Thank you for showing and commenting on this video! And a "Well Done!" To HM Royal Marine Band! It was informative and filled a great gap in my knowledge!
As a Brit I feel I should always sit to attention when watching this video. I also learned recently that the Union flag which draped the coffin was the altar cloth of the padre who suggested the concept of the Unkown Warrior, beautiful!!
Thank you for your respect & interest in the great story of our unknown warrior. Regards
Excellent presentation. Thank you.
The Royall Marines band are the world's greatest military band.
Thank you for showing this with respect. I always think the unknown soldier was a young man who died in a foreign land far away from loved ones. It makes me want to cry sitting here 102 years later. It was the same sad story for many, including the enemy soldiers who's families I also feel a great deal of sadness for.
What a beautiful reflection, SoGal. Thank you from across the pond; it means so much that you viewed this with such care and respect.
7:23 The involvement of the French is very moving. One of our soldiers had fallen on their soil; seeing that he was to be repatriated, they took care of him for us.
8:25 I'm not sure that the music is anything other than specially composed background music to accompany the film... I heard similar music at the Festival of Remembrance I took part in decades ago, so I suspect they commission the same composer(s) to create scores for such films.
13:20 The first Remembrance Day in the UK was actually a year earlier (1919) though it wasn't marked with much more than a two-minute silence at 11am, during which everything stopped, men removed their hats and bowed heads, former soldiers stood to attention, women were seen wiping tears from their eyes, even horses pulling carts were said to stand still and lower their heads. This interment of the Unknown Warrior was perhaps the catalyst for the more ceremonial acknowledgement now held in Britain and beyond.
16:35 At that point, the King was George V, grandson of Queen Victoria and grandfather of the present Queen Elizabeth II.
23:38 Westminster Abbey is indeed the burial place of many of our kings and queens, although since it ran out of space, St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle has become the final resting place for the current royal family - Queen Elizabeth II will be laid to rest there when her time comes. It is quite an emotional experience to stand at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, a common soldier lying amongst such royal and noble company, representing countless men that have died serving king and country. Something of the interment is preserved to this day at the Abbey, as a little ceremony is held on Remembrance Sunday each year at the Tomb. The choir sings a setting of Laurence Binyon's "For the fallen," to music by Douglas Guest, himself a former soldier who later became Organist and Master of the Choristers at the Abbey. It may be a bit short for you to react to, but in case you want to see it, there's a link here:
th-cam.com/video/qOpnRAOxpLE/w-d-xo.html
Thank you for showing such respect.
Such a shame that the 2021 Mountbatten Festival of Music had to proceed without a live audience, but this video was an excellent introduction to the Bands of HM Royal Marines and their fantastic music that can be found on their TH-cam channel.
I want to thank you so very much for making this video. You did it just right. Many of my mates - well, we had to collect them in little bits. Every year, I am privileged to honour them.
Westminster Abby is where the royal line are buried.
I was happy to be a ‘lifer’ in the RM, it was my privilege to serve.
Thankyou for your respectfullness and reverence you presented this your reaction presentation .
Jeremy Clarkson has done an amazing documentary on the Victoria Cross, a lot of reactors has done it so i'm assuming copyright is not a problem.
Thank you for being respectful, you made a good choice. When needed your comments can come afterwards.
Thank you so much for posting this. Even I an English person didn't know the full story of the Unknown Soldier. My grandfather fought in WW1 in France and Belgium luckily he did survive.
This was a lovely, and as u say , touching film . Really well done and so moving . Interesting to learn the true story .
Yes ,.. Westminster abbey is where many kings , nobleman , important people are buried. Although the royal family I think are laid to rest in Windsor castle crypt.
When home on leave, whenever a Hearst and family drove by, would always stand to attention and salute, as a mark of respect for the dead no matter who they might be.
In the Royal Air Force I was taught how to “reverse arms” by turning my rifle barrel down to rest on my front foot. The other foot was half a pace back, hands on the butt and heed down.
The King was George V. ( 1910 - 1936) he was our Queen's grandfather.
The notion of an unknown soldier caught the public's imagination and inspired other countries to do the same. Hence yours in America, the French have Un Soldat inconnu under the arch of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. There are quite a few others now.
Not all monarchs are buried in Westminster Abbey, but a fair number are there. Others lie in St George's chapel at Windsor. King John is in Worcester Cathedral, Richard III is in Leicester. Some of the older ones were buried in Winchester, the old capital of Wessex. Henry 1 was at Reading Abbey. A few, William 1, Henry II, Richard 1, are in France.. they ruled chunks of France at the time of their deaths.
The tomb of the unknown warrior at Westminster is just inside the main door of the abbey, it's the first thing you see there. It can be made out in the film of royals arriving for state occasion's. Often bordered with posies/ poppies, it is afforded a lot of respect.
The remains were known as "The Unknown Warrior" because as well as the British Army, there were units of the Royal Navy fighting in the trenches known as The Royal naval Division there was a chance that the selected remain could have been a Naval Rating, Royal marine or a Soldier.
I have a relative from the Royal Naval Division killed in October 1917 and known unto god. He is commemorated on the wall at Tyne Cot Cemetery.
The Drumhead Ceremony is the making in the Field an Alter from the Drums of the Military Band with the regimental coulers draped across for a service of rememberance.
Six Battleships as an escort , WOW.
Well it wasn't as if there was a war on at the time, was it...
@@maewest68 No, it wasn't.
Thanks for the video, I knew some of it but you've enlightened me. Only one thing every time I hear abide with me and the last post I get emotional 😢
If you like the british history stuff you may want to check out: what does it take to win the british medal of honour. Its a good watch.
My grandfather always wanted to believe it was his brother Eddie. So very sad.
I have pictures of the day that the Unknown Soldier was laid to rest. I have two of the coffin going up the North path into the side entrance of Westminster Abbey. It is notable that immediately behind the King and the politicians, including Winston Churchill, are the religious figures which includes the religions of the then Empire. Priests of the Hindu and Muslim religions. One picture I have is of a vast crowd in front of the Bank of England, so I believe, and all the men are bareheaded. Men around 1920's would have worn a hat or cap. The only time it would be taken off would be in respect towards somebody.
Regarding the Muslim & Hindi priests at the funeral? I've found that not many people know now just how strong Brighton's links with India have always been. If it weren't for an Indian man named Sake Dean Mahomed, Brighthelmstone would have stayed a fishing village steadily tumbling into the sea! It would never have turned into Brighton, been visited by a Prince; and the Pavilion would not have been built!
And that entire Pavilion Palace, it's magnificent stables (Now The Dome Theatre), grounds, buildings and gardens became a hospital for wounded Indian troops. (Along with the Corn Exchange Their spiritual needs were taken care of by their own priests, ensuring that all the differing funereal rights were observed when patients died. Indian food was cooked & served. and lasting friendships grew up between soldiers families and those who were caring for them. Some of the patients, and their families, came to settle in Brighton and their descendants are now Old Brightonians.
Often wonder what George IV would have felt to know that his "oulandish" palace - with it's strange towers & spires - had for two years been inhabited by those who found it rather homely!!
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I greatly appreciated your clearly moved and very touching reaction to the video. There are a couple of addition points about the grave of the Unknown Warrior that might be of interest. Firstly, not only was the oak from tree in the grounds of Hampton Court Palace, but a medieval Crusader's sword was set into the top of the coffin. Also, at her wedding to the Duke of York (the future King George VI) in 1923, Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (the mother of Queen Elizabeth II), who had lost a brother in the Great War, paused when walking down the aisle at the end of the marriage service and laid her bouquet on the tomb of the Unknown Warrior. This practice has continued ever since, with royal brides placing their bouquet on the grave.
That gives me the shivers, I hope all those who gave their lives R.I.P
I really respect how your army respects you're unknown soldier, I'm 6"2' and your country always respects their dead! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🏴❤️❤️🏴🏴🏴
The unknown warrior was brought in as a mark of remembrance and respect for the family’s of soldiers who never returned so all families could maybe hope that the unknown warrior was their own son! Lest we forget 🇬🇧
Thank you, Sarah, I hadn't seen that and didn't know most of the story - it had me in tears. Don't apologise for showing respect - it does you credit. I would be interested in a similar video about your own Unknown Soldiers.