I think the reason they changed it to Sink reminding Winters of his responsibilities to the battalion as a whole, rather than just to Easy Company, is because Winters' realisation, as described in the book, would be very difficult to convey on the silver screen, where we can't tell what the character is thinking. If they had depicted Winters as first rushing in to help Easy, but then suddenly stop and turn back, I am sure people who understand the chain of command will understand his motives, but the casual audience member might perceive it as Winters being cowardly or leaving his men to their fate. By having Winters being ordered to remain at the rear by his superior officer, more members of the audience are able to understand him not going in, as he doesn't really have a choice when ordered by Sink.
My Great Uncle was in Bastogne when it got surrounded. He told my Grandmother (his Sister) about sleeping under a fresh German kill to keep from freezing to death.
Back in 2018 on my Band of Brothers Tour, we spend 1.5 days in Bastogne and toured the wood where Easy Company took a beating from the German 88, the original fox holes are still there, we also stood in the woods where Spiers took over the company, it's hard to compare January 1945 to May of 2018 but it looked like 400-500 yards of open field, regardless it was special being there and appreciating what happened...
Ronald "Sparky" Speirs continued to serve, with distinction, for years after WW2. He was appointed governor of Spandau Prison for a time, he then went on to serve in Korea. He was also involved in Operation White Star during the Laotian Civil War, serving with the MAAG Laos. He retired in 1964 a Lt. Colonel.
Veteran of the RCN here.... we, too, say "leftenant" but I reckon that I became used to saying "lootenant" when I served with our US allies. Speirs was an absolute badass!
It was good that you explained what direct-fire artillery is like. I was fortunate that when I first watched this I did so with a friend of mine who was Royal Artillery and he highlighted this for me, otherwise I would not have appreciated just what Easy were facing.
As always I really enjoyed this incredible video. I'm glad to see that your eye is getting better. Thank you for sharing such an amazing story. Definitely looking forward to your next video. I can't wait to see what's next.
Thanks for sharing your reactions! Totally agree about Dike, and everything. I was serving in the army when the show was airing, so I used to tape the episodes, and then watch them over the weekend coming home. And this was the episode I rewatched more than any other, because of Speirs and his amazing leadership and courage under fire.
Great commentary. Winter was still a captain at Foy. He didn’t get promoted to major till they entered Germany I believe. Another great point is thee one you made about Lt. Dike. He a human being. Those who never faced an enemy as formidable as this will never know how they would react. Enjoyed this.
The series indicates Lt Dike was killed, which never happened. Dike was not killed at Foy. He survived his wound and became the aide to General Taylor. Dike remained in the Army for the remainder of the war, served in Korea, and eventually attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserves. He also went back to Yale and earned his law degree.
Great video and thank you for your service! There's a channel called Reel History that's made some great vids about Band of Brothers and Easy Company. My daughter just joined the Army as a combat medical technician and I couldn't be more proud
React to the old movie called "To hell and back". It's the story of Medal of Honor recipient Audie L Murphy starring Audie L Murphy as himself ( he became a pretty good actor after the war...)
If I’m not mistaken, totally possible I am, I’m not sure 1st Sgt Lipton went to Speirs. He may have but I recall from the series Lipton speaking to Winters, the then Battalion CO, about Dike being ‘an empty uniform.’ I don’t recall if this was before or after the Foy attack. As you pointed out, S
Speirs was a Company Cmdr of a different Company, not Easy. My impression, based on the descriptions of Lipton and his portrayal in the series, it would be odd for Lipton to bring Easy’s problems to an officer outside of his own chain of command. Lipton went to an Easy soldier, the one good at voice impersonations, not to mimic Dike in a derogatory way to the other men of East. Lipton even justified it on the basis not that the im
Impression wasn’t accurate but precisely because it was spot on. Airing grievances, completely justified though they were, to anyone not in his chain of command amounts to nothing more than gossip. Even if Speirs is in complete agreement, there’s literally nothing he can do and Lipton just never struck me as someone to air Company dirty laundry to no effect. If this episode is supported in the available literature, then I would assume that, given Speirs’ close relationship with Easy dating back before D-Day, Lipton didn’t view him as an outsider at all and may have had the thought of seeking advice for possible further action. As good of a leader as Lipton was, he was still an enlisted Non-Commissioned Officer. Though he clearly conceptualized the threat Dike’s lack of leadership posed, he may not, in his experience, known what avenues were open for relief. I think I read the book ages ago and have researched the events covered in some small way. Is my memory failing me or was Dike a West Point graduate? I do recall in the series Winters saying, to Nixon, “We can’t get rid of Dike,” without explaining precisely why. Were Dike a West Point grad, it would perfectly ex
Winters’ comment. I’m not sure what it’s like in the British Army but there is an unwritten, pervasive and well-known practice in the American Army dating back centuries, that the upper Brass, very over-represented by West Point grads, themselves, of enacting protective measures of all sorts to protect the careers and reputations of other West Point grads ranging from re-writing or suppressing reports demonstrating shocking levels of incompetence or even cowardice. Similar to the Vatican, the ‘Hudson High Protective Society,’ as it’s sometimes called will transfer an officer away from trouble if said trouble can’t be swept under the rug. Incidents so egregious that, for instance, the media becomes involved have caused the worst behavior of West Point grads to be subject to the same justice as anyone else but the incidence of enlisted, NCO’s or non-West Point officers having their careers ruined so as to protect a West Point grad, though that grad may have been clearly at fault, are too numerous to list.
Does the, from my understanding, very class-conscious British Army suffer from the same malady? Your military academy is Sandhurst, is it not? Are Sandhurst grads protected even from their own misdeeds, even if assigning blame ends or ruins the career of non-Sandhurst grads?
If the actions of Lt. Spiers, depicted in this battle, doesn't give you goose-bumps, go to the Emergency Room immediately ..... Because you're obviously dead!
Thank you for your service and sacrifice. As an American, I appreciate the steadfast alliance of the United Kingdom in nearly two decades of continuous combat since September 11th. I'm not the only fan of band of Brothers who calls Ronald Speirs the real Captain America. The show and especially this clip is unfair to Lieutenant Dike, who is decorated for his leadership at Bastogne. Steven Ambrose relied heavily on Captain Winters, who didn't realize that Dike had been shot. We see him confused and frankly in shock as he crumples behind cover. He didn't do so because he was scared or generally unable to lead men. If you haven't already reacted to it, I'd like to see your reaction to the assault on the artillery pieces in episode 2.
I hope it’s not taken the wrong way and read this comment in it’s entirety...what happened happened. I don’t thinks it’s productive to linger in the past and, while it’s justified to seek proper discipline, my question is how to bring these heroes, all of them, into society to be leaders. Imagine if these people were CEOs...politicians...presidents. I will forever be anti-war...anti-government...but I am beside myself when I hear these stories and try to honor individuals who serve and protect. I appreciate the insight into their lives...the books they write...but how come these people aren’t the “influencers” of society...of companies...of the youth. Are the days gone where generals lead...actually lead...their men into battle? The most valiant soldiers are promoted into leadership roles? The most competent leaders lead nations? Or have they been replaced with lawyers and community organizers?
The leaders in the military are a different kind of "team player" than the ones they are looking for in civilian life. They get the job done for the team. The civilian team player repeats the same lie the company spokesman chose to protect the team.
Dick Winters always said that when he referred to Speirs as "a natural killer" he meant it as a compliment not a derogatory term.
And Bill G. I loved his reference to wartime psychopaths. Normal people in normal life but killers in the right environment
Make no mistake we Americans love our fellow warriors in Britain. You are some great allies and warriors. Some hard men for sure.
I think the reason they changed it to Sink reminding Winters of his responsibilities to the battalion as a whole, rather than just to Easy Company, is because Winters' realisation, as described in the book, would be very difficult to convey on the silver screen, where we can't tell what the character is thinking. If they had depicted Winters as first rushing in to help Easy, but then suddenly stop and turn back, I am sure people who understand the chain of command will understand his motives, but the casual audience member might perceive it as Winters being cowardly or leaving his men to their fate.
By having Winters being ordered to remain at the rear by his superior officer, more members of the audience are able to understand him not going in, as he doesn't really have a choice when ordered by Sink.
My Great Uncle was in Bastogne when it got surrounded. He told my Grandmother (his Sister) about sleeping under a fresh German kill to keep from freezing to death.
Unbelievable. Shows how little support they had
Back in 2018 on my Band of Brothers Tour, we spend 1.5 days in Bastogne and toured the wood where Easy Company took a beating from the German 88, the original fox holes are still there, we also stood in the woods where Spiers took over the company, it's hard to compare January 1945 to May of 2018 but it looked like 400-500 yards of open field, regardless it was special being there and appreciating what happened...
I was checking out the foxholes online mate, a few of us are thinking of visiting
Not a lot of people talk about this direct action that Speirs took part in at foy simply amazing
I love the courage of the troops to talk about a failure in leadership. These things were often covered up but need spoken out loud to learn lessons.
I love your reaction to Lt. Dyke. That kind of humanity is vital and much needed.
Ronald "Sparky" Speirs continued to serve, with distinction, for years after WW2. He was appointed governor of Spandau Prison for a time, he then went on to serve in Korea. He was also involved in Operation White Star during the Laotian Civil War, serving with the MAAG Laos. He retired in 1964 a Lt. Colonel.
That scene when spiers connects with I co always gives me goosebumps.
Incredible.
I love this series, and this moment in particular. Thank you for your insights!
Veteran of the RCN here.... we, too, say "leftenant" but I reckon that I became used to saying "lootenant" when I served with our US allies.
Speirs was an absolute badass!
It was good that you explained what direct-fire artillery is like. I was fortunate that when I first watched this I did so with a friend of mine who was Royal Artillery and he highlighted this for me, otherwise I would not have appreciated just what Easy were facing.
As always I really enjoyed this incredible video. I'm glad to see that your eye is getting better. Thank you for sharing such an amazing story. Definitely looking forward to your next video. I can't wait to see what's next.
Thanks for sharing your reactions! Totally agree about Dike, and everything.
I was serving in the army when the show was airing, so I used to tape the episodes, and then watch them over the weekend coming home. And this was the episode I rewatched more than any other, because of Speirs and his amazing leadership and courage under fire.
Outstanding way of breaking down this moment...one of my favorites moments in the series and the book!
Great commentary. Winter was still a captain at Foy. He didn’t get promoted to major till they entered Germany I believe. Another great point is thee one you made about Lt. Dike. He a human being. Those who never faced an enemy as formidable as this will never know how they would react. Enjoyed this.
Sausage of death is one of the greatest things I've ever heard in my life
Your insight on this battle let me see more than the show. I didn't read the book. Keep up the good work!! Always keep moving forward!!!
Definitely recommend the book.
Glad ya feeling better bud.
Cheers will
very glad your doing well man, fantastic video also
Thank you mate, hope you are well
Imagine if they had gone through that war with Sobel.
Speirs was such a stud!
The series indicates Lt Dike was killed, which never happened. Dike was not killed at Foy. He survived his wound and became the aide to General Taylor. Dike remained in the Army for the remainder of the war, served in Korea, and eventually attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserves. He also went back to Yale and earned his law degree.
You looking good G. Good man great video as per normal 👏👏👏
Cheers Bry, always checking in mate. Hugely appreciate your support
Great video and thank you for your service! There's a channel called Reel History that's made some great vids about Band of Brothers and Easy Company. My daughter just joined the Army as a combat medical technician and I couldn't be more proud
I wish that you would recant the action that you did to be awarded your Gallantry Award.
Great review!
Cheers Thomas
React to the old movie called "To hell and back". It's the story of Medal of Honor recipient Audie L Murphy starring Audie L Murphy as himself ( he became a pretty good actor after the war...)
" Battleground " as well. It's an earlier ( 1954 ) look at the life and times of the 101 Airborne Division.
Great review. Thanks.
Thank you
What they didn't know was that LT Spears was a Tom Cruise elemental.
If I’m not mistaken, totally possible I am, I’m not sure 1st Sgt Lipton went to Speirs. He may have but I recall from the series Lipton speaking to Winters, the then Battalion CO, about Dike being ‘an empty uniform.’ I don’t recall if this was before or after the Foy attack. As you pointed out, S
Speirs was a Company Cmdr of a different Company, not Easy. My impression, based on the descriptions of Lipton and his portrayal in the series, it would be odd for Lipton to bring Easy’s problems to an officer outside of his own chain of command. Lipton went to an Easy soldier, the one good at voice impersonations, not to mimic Dike in a derogatory way to the other men of East. Lipton even justified it on the basis not that the im
Impression wasn’t accurate but precisely because it was spot on. Airing grievances, completely justified though they were, to anyone not in his chain of command amounts to nothing more than gossip. Even if Speirs is in complete agreement, there’s literally nothing he can do and Lipton just never struck me as someone to air Company dirty laundry to no effect. If this episode is supported in the available literature, then I would assume that, given Speirs’ close relationship with Easy dating back before D-Day, Lipton didn’t view him as an outsider at all and may have had the thought of seeking advice for possible further action. As good of a leader as Lipton was, he was still an enlisted Non-Commissioned Officer. Though he clearly conceptualized the threat Dike’s lack of leadership posed, he may not, in his experience, known what avenues were open for relief. I think I read the book ages ago and have researched the events covered in some small way. Is my memory failing me or was Dike a West Point graduate? I do recall in the series Winters saying, to Nixon, “We can’t get rid of Dike,” without explaining precisely why. Were Dike a West Point grad, it would perfectly ex
Winters’ comment. I’m not sure what it’s like in the British Army but there is an unwritten, pervasive and well-known practice in the American Army dating back centuries, that the upper Brass, very over-represented by West Point grads, themselves, of enacting protective measures of all sorts to protect the careers and reputations of other West Point grads ranging from re-writing or suppressing reports demonstrating shocking levels of incompetence or even cowardice. Similar to the Vatican, the ‘Hudson High Protective Society,’ as it’s sometimes called will transfer an officer away from trouble if said trouble can’t be swept under the rug. Incidents so egregious that, for instance, the media becomes involved have caused the worst behavior of West Point grads to be subject to the same justice as anyone else but the incidence of enlisted, NCO’s or non-West Point officers having their careers ruined so as to protect a West Point grad, though that grad may have been clearly at fault, are too numerous to list.
Does the, from my understanding, very class-conscious British Army suffer from the same malady? Your military academy is Sandhurst, is it not? Are Sandhurst grads protected even from their own misdeeds, even if assigning blame ends or ruins the career of non-Sandhurst grads?
If the actions of Lt. Spiers, depicted in this battle, doesn't give you goose-bumps, go to the Emergency Room immediately ..... Because you're obviously dead!
Thank you for your service and sacrifice. As an American, I appreciate the steadfast alliance of the United Kingdom in nearly two decades of continuous combat since September 11th.
I'm not the only fan of band of Brothers who calls Ronald Speirs the real Captain America.
The show and especially this clip is unfair to Lieutenant Dike, who is decorated for his leadership at Bastogne. Steven Ambrose relied heavily on Captain Winters, who didn't realize that Dike had been shot. We see him confused and frankly in shock as he crumples behind cover. He didn't do so because he was scared or generally unable to lead men.
If you haven't already reacted to it, I'd like to see your reaction to the assault on the artillery pieces in episode 2.
From now, until the rest of my life, I will find reasons to use the term "sausage of death".
From a combat veteran. Speed is vital.
I hope it’s not taken the wrong way and read this comment in it’s entirety...what happened happened. I don’t thinks it’s productive to linger in the past and, while it’s justified to seek proper discipline, my question is how to bring these heroes, all of them, into society to be leaders. Imagine if these people were CEOs...politicians...presidents. I will forever be anti-war...anti-government...but I am beside myself when I hear these stories and try to honor individuals who serve and protect. I appreciate the insight into their lives...the books they write...but how come these people aren’t the “influencers” of society...of companies...of the youth. Are the days gone where generals lead...actually lead...their men into battle? The most valiant soldiers are promoted into leadership roles? The most competent leaders lead nations? Or have they been replaced with lawyers and community organizers?
I think most men who you describe as heroes (and they are) don’t like politics.
The leaders in the military are a different kind of "team player" than the ones they are looking for in civilian life. They get the job done for the team. The civilian team player repeats the same lie the company spokesman chose to protect the team.
At the time of the attack on Foy Winters was a Captain.
I've heard of Speirs, but who's Lieutenant Spheres? 🤔
a sausage of death?? uuuum sausages uuuum
Love your videos dude. Check out a fellow by the name of Ed Eaton. His story while in Vietnam.
I'll give it s go buddy. Thanks for checking in
Wasn't winters a major at that point? Excellent upload 👍 it's earned you a sub
Edit :captain... My bad lol
If you didn't say it was an infection I would have asked if you left one on the other guy as well.
You incorrectly gave Winters the rank of Lt. Colonel in your video. He was a Captain in Bastogne and rose to the rank of major at Hagenau.
Loving your channel man.
You shiukd check out Lt. Fick from Generation Kill.
Or anything from Generation Kill for that matter.
Wasn't Winters a Major?
Not until February 1945, when they were leaving Hagenau. So, another month yet.
speirs mvp, ultimate bad man, they say chuck norris looks under his bed for speirs at night
I’m American but I’m trying to place your accent. West Country?
He is from Northern Ireland.
Beware the "sausage of death", only the Germans would have a sausage of death.
The only thing that would have made this video better is if you didn’t make the video so small next time make yourself small and the video big. Thanks