American Reacts to Know Your Ally: Britain

In this thought-provoking KZbin video, join us as we delve into the historic bond between two formidable nations during the tumultuous era of World War II. With an American perspective, we explore the pivotal relationship between the United States and Great Britain, and how their alliance shaped the course of history.
As an American, I couldn't help but be captivated by the deep-rooted camaraderie that developed between the two nations in their fight against a common enemy. From the darkest days of the Blitz to the iconic speeches of Winston Churchill, the video unfolds the extraordinary tale of sacrifice, determination, and unity.
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay tuned for more enlightening content about history, culture, and global connections.
Thanks for suggesting, @SweetBrazyN and @deandavies9576
Original Video: • Know Your Ally: Britain
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#WWIIHistory #USUKAlliance #HistoricalAllies #RememberingVictory #SharedCourage #americanreacts #AmericanReactstoGreatBritain

[@UMBRELLAAGENT]

Portugal is Britain's longest and most loyal Ally of which i personally to this day believe they are still the greatest ally. Treaty of Windsor 1386. An alliance born out of mutual agreed necessities. Long live Great Britain, and long live the Kingdom of Portugal. 🇬🇧 🇵🇹

[@MargotDobbie]

100% the Portuguese are the British closest friends Many people don't understand our relationship. I love my Portuguese brothers

[@weemonsterbtw]

I knew it preceded the Napoleonic wars but that's fascinating🇵🇹🇬🇧

[@lukefowler9740]

True, aside from the fact that Portugal is now a republic not a Kingdom... but unfair to compare the alliance between England (now the UK) Portugal with the US which didn't even exist when it was forged ;) The US is the UK's most important friend, but Portugal gave Britain tea and for that reason alone will always be Britain's best friend ;)

[@MrnintendoSEGAfan1]

As an Englishman myself I never knew Portugal was our ally at all!

[@UMBRELLAAGENT]

@MrnintendoSEGAfan1 I know, it is crazy right. They are true fighters too.

[@andrewlaw]

Worst thing as an American you can say to a Brit is "we saved your ass in WWII". It will elicit a very heated response because as you found out we were the only ones to stand and fight against Germany for a year. If it wasn't for the Japanese bombing Pearl Harbour it's unlikely the US would have even entered the war. Yes you did supply weapons to the UK but we were still paying for those weapons until 20 years ago.

[@devincook1396]

Actually in 1934 Britain defaulted on a debt from WW1 that it has never repaid a penny of since. Maybe now that they paid the WW2 debt, they can start paying the WW1 debt. Good thing the U.S decided to not press the matter and instead issue more loans and aid.

[@chrissampson6861]

​@@devincook1396 At the start of WW1 Britain had the accumulated riches of about 1/4 of the world - from India, Africa, Australia, Canada, for about a century, four years later we were up to our eyeballs in debt spending over 40% of national expenditure on repayments. We financed the war effort of the British empire, Italy and most of France and Russia as well as smaller allies, as well as producing vast quantities of equipment. America has never seen real war, not in the way the rest of the world has - you've never had to hand your children off to strangers to protect them from the bombing, you've never seen firestorms raging through your cities, you've never had to survive on food rations, or huddle in subway stations praying your home and family will be there in the morning, the rest of the world has so be thankful all you have to worry about is 100 year old debt.

[@johnmc128]

A few days after Japan bombed Pearl Harbour, Germany declared war on the U.S.

[@Cyb3rFck]

Regardless: cost vs the continuation of individuality? I'd pay for freedom any day.

[@devincook1396]

@@chrissampson6861 doesn't really change anything about what I said though. It's commendable for sure, but my reply is to the original comment who mentioned repaid war debts as if to imply that favors weren't given. I wouldn't say "we saved your ass in WW2" to a Brit, because it's insensitive and kind of beside the point in the grand scheme. To not work with Britain would have been to cut off your nose to spite your face, but the phrase is also not untrue. Do you get my point? The idea that "we paid for those weapons, so it's not a favor" is just silly. From the low interest rates to the time to pay it off was at the very least generous. Not to mention the discounts for the lend lease act with no delivery cost so that Britain could focus resources on fighting and not shipping. American sailors died sending supplies, and the attitude of "well we paid you for it so it wasn't a favor", kind of flies in the face of all that good will.

[@pipsiscroudel3847]

My Grandmother was 1 of 8 children, all 7 of her brothers went to fight Hitlers Nazi Germany in the British Navy. None of them came back home. The sacrifice Great Britain gave was immense.

[@Lew99900]

We will remember them.❤

[@nodiggity9472]

My Nan fought off the Luftewaffe with half a housebrick and a breadknife in her handbag.

[@colin6372]

I was born in the shadow of the aftermath of this conflict. Huge respect for those faced this, British to the core, and proud.

[@peakyblinder4511]

My great grandfather would moan about the yanks all the time he said they allways turn up late for wars and they were like fish out ov water in wars

[@ryanparker4996]

​@@peakyblinder4511yeah and all the soldiers in the Britisy army had a saying When you hear a German plane, duck When you hear a British plane, the enemy will duck. If you hear an American plane, Everybody duck!

[@wineandwaistcoats]

As a Brit, it's really lovely to see Americans react to British culture - you guys really wear your heart on your sleeve. It's very heartwarming.

[@OLDSKOOLRAVER1]

Hearts on thier sleeves??? WTF you on about? They are mushrooms, kept in the dark and fed shit. 98% of them don't have a passport and have never travelled. They believe the shit that they are fed. The Retards Havnt worked out that there would be less shootings if there was less guns. Deliverance says it all.

[@yeahman147]

British culture lol. What is that, war? 😂

[@The_Stranger1986]

​@@yeahman147Grow up.

[@Phytem]

@@yeahman147 ignorance

[@pegaz6529]

Besides the statues in London, when 9/11 happened, it was the British royal guard band that stood outside Buckingham palace and played the American national anthem by order of the queen. Never happened before, and hopefully never needed again.

[@michaelt2939]

Indeed this. I was in the Guards at the time and, though I knew we wouldn't be asked or needed, I was ready to go over the sea to help, as were my mates. In this current world, we should all be very aware of who our allies are, have been and always will be.

[@thisthat283]

You mean the US national Anthem. The US is NOT America. America is three separate places the US is merely a small part of the Americas. Basic Map and Compass brother.

[@pegaz6529]

@@thisthat283 The US is literally called "The united states of AMERICA" what you're talking about is the Americas, as in both continents, north and south America. But when people say America, if they don't include north, south or say it as a plural, they're talking about the country.

[@ninamoores]

Can I recommend to you a British series called The World at War…..it was made 30+ years ago and largely consists of genuine footage and covers all areas of the war explaining how it came about and how it was finally ended. It is absolutely brilliant

[@DawnSuttonfabfour]

@@ninamoores We watched that as a family every week and cried together. It also made us very proud. My mum is a war child and has the perforated ear to prove it. The bomb that did it wiped out half of her street.

[@LiKwId-Plays-Games]

Average life expectance of a lancaster bomber crewmen during the war was 2 weeks. Spitfire was 4 weeks. When you put it into perspective as to how long Britan held out, its a scary statistic.

[@hardywatkins7737]

Fun fact i learned recently: a spitfire had 11 seconds worth of bullets.

[@MonkehMittens]

my grandad was in a Lancaster during the war shot down twice, and survived by some miracle. we have his letters to my nan and a photos of the other lads in his squadron labelled which makes it more brutal when he updates on who died and how empty the canteen became. just looking at those brave men's faces on that photo knowing they never got home. and seeing the face of the man who my grandfather said saved his life. the guy had 1 mission left till he could go home for a bit so he took the dreaded rear gunner position on my grandads plane. the absolute legend is the reason my grandad and other lads got home.

[@PhattyBolger]

I read your comment in the narrator's voice lol

[@NidokingOtsutsuki]

The spitfire is essentially what stopped us being conquered. They were so fast and manoeuvrable that Germany couldn't win the air battles. Fun fact, during the war, the army went to everyone's houses and took everything you owned that was made of a certain set of metals. We needed more spitfires so we melted down our belongings and made more.

[@hardywatkins7737]

@@NidokingOtsutsuki That and radar, yes, although credit to the Hurricane also. I think the Mosquito was such a great idea because it was primarily made out of wood. and didn't require such an investment of metal parts.

[@user-gn2wp8wp2i]

As a New Zealander we were all in with our commonwealth brothers, my grandfather said as a 2nd Lieutenant, we were holding ground but hoping the Yanks would come to assist in the fight. 😢. And the rest is history 💪😌

[@raphaelbruceday5157]

From the shores of Gallipoli to the hills of Italy new zealand 🔛🔝 (from another kiwi)

[@user-qr3jr1nc1x]

That is why we didn't inform them about pearl harbour lol

[@colin6372]

He's right, so much given by our NZ brethren.

[@ejakeulater4990]

When we asked for help New Zealand, Australia and Canada you all put on your hats and traveled the world to have our backs. The three best allies the uk could ask for

[@B-A-L]

This is why CANZUK must become a reality! 4 great nations that always have each others backs!

[@shininglightphotos1044]

In 1982, while the Falklands Conflict was still taking place, and our newspapers had stories of Spanish people putting glass in British tourists' food, I went to tour Greece. It was my first trip abroad like that, and I have to admit I got a bit frightened as to what to expect, reading reports like that. What I didn't expect was the Greek people coming up and shaking my hand, saying they were pleased that we were helping the Falkland Islanders, as they remembered what we did for them during WWII. I felt very humbled by their comment, as I hadn't undersrood the magnitude of what the British soldiers had done for Greece at that time. I will never forget that pride in my ancestors, or the gratitude of those Greek people, who still remembered three decades after the event, and wanted to share their thanks with me.

[@tonyves]

Same thing: When my fiancee and I went to France in '63 we were addressed by a Frenchman who bought us dinner (we were kids, sans cash) and he said he was doing so as thanks for the British in '44.

[@chrismackey9267]

On holiday in Germany at the same time the Falklands War started, and not following the news from home or the rest of the world, our family were surprised by the number of people who, first had to tell us what had happened, and then congratulating us as if we had supportrd the Falklands inhabitants personally! It showed how much support Britain had at the time,

[@KingDomsKingdom85]

I was treated wonderfully in Portugal, too. This was over 20 years ago.

[@user-vh7uo2su3h]

The above comment reminded me that not mentioned in this film is that Hitler had 'allies': Mussolini's fascists in Italy and declaring war in Africa and Moseley's Brownshirts in the UK established as a copy of Hitler's Blackshirts and Franco in Spain with the Spanish Civil War. (He is still hero worshipped by some Spanish people who visit the site of his grave.) Outside of Europe there is also Japan, a relative of mine fought the Japanese in the Burmese jungle. We were not just fighting Germany, we were fighting her allies as well.

[@MrNifts]

'How did John Britain get on our Team!. I think you will find you joined our Team after we held them for 2 years! Only jesting, Grateful that you joined us.

[@JJLAReacts]

LOL You're right, actually!!

[@herstoryanimated]

I was on a plane to Florida from UK, and an American man was loudly discussing WW2 (about how awesome America was) and said "from the start in 1942..." - when a louder English voice from the back piped up "I think you mean 1939." Whole plane laughed and American chap suddenly had a lot less to say, LOL!!

[@Butterfly54684]

@MrNifts, I'm glad to see your comment as I sit thinking how I can nicely say the same. Obviously just found this site and I`m binge watching.

[@philiprowney]

@@JJLAReacts AL Murray does do a bit about 'America got surprised 2 years into a world war!', it's quite funny. Hey Y'all! [ thinks about getting a new tea mug ] Love your vids.

[@paulc2689]

.... this is just one piece of history that I wish would be taught in both US and UK schools.

[@JJLAReacts]

Agreed!!

[@frankhyland6333]

You are so so right.

[@SusseBo]

This is just a part of the story. Propaganda.

[@vcrossCelticfc]

@@SusseBo Agreed.

[@Riku-Leela]

​@@SusseBoI did have some ww2 teachings in school (I'm british)

[@helenagreenwood2305]

My dad was a Polish national who escaped to the UK during the war - his entire family was killed apart from a sister who he was reunited with 60 years later - they were featured on local TV - he passed away in 1990 - my youngest son is in the Navy and is doing a tour of the East coast of USA right now on HMS Prince of Wales ⚓🇬🇧 he was in Florida last week and is now on the way to Norfolk Virginia 🇺🇲 one of my nephews served in the army in Afghanistan and Iraq and another nephew is in the Marines - I'm sure my dad would be proud as punch of his grandchildren 🇬🇧⚓ another video you could look at is the Tower of London Poppies made to mark 100 years since WW1 commenced it was 2014 I think - each poppy represented a life lost during the war

[@user-vh7uo2su3h]

You are rightly very proud of the service that your family has given to the UK people over more than one generation in war and peace time. This kind of experience gives you a very special kind of understanding of War in History so that when people like you speak, you talk with authority of having lived it not just read it. All UK citizens continue to owe a debt of gratitude and more.

[@norahdenovan8658]

Britain did indeed stand along against Hitler, try& imagine what that would be like, the Blitz was unbelievable . We truly were the best 🙏👍👍❤️

[@davidwatts-hw2dh]

This old film should be shown in ALL UK schools, to show the modern kids, who the hell they are as Brits and how their brave grandparents were!

[@patricialewis1464]

I think it’s more important to show it in American schools. They are taught that they saved us. 😡

[@gabe2968]

That's not allowed for obvious reasons. Plus, not many children in UK school's had Grandparents that lived through it now

[@trevorbromidge2076]

It should be shown in Parliament as well, and it might put some spine back in them as they have lost their way.

[@davidwatts-hw2dh]

@@gabe2968 My kids did. Spent time with their old grandparents from WW2.

[@dylanmartin9190]

​@@patricialewis1464well they did, and their leader would have done more sooner if he was a dictator or a tyrant. Roosevelt was very smart and compassionate in my opinion, he did the best he could.

[@lindamerrett6600]

As a Brit nice to have you on our side,🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@JJLAReacts]

❤️

[@jordizee]

🇬🇧❤️🇺🇸

[@EuropeanQoheleth]

America has no permanent allies or enmies, only interests. Remember that.

[@OLDSKOOLRAVER1]

You melt, we don't need them. We lose more troops from so called friendly fire than we do enemies. The Yanks do not have a clue. Stop arse licking.

[@marycarver1542]

I agree. You are great ! I think you have British blood in there somewhere ! Love you !

[@MatthewOlney]

I think many Amercians think Britain just cowered and held on for that year not realising that the British Army was fighting and winning against the Italians and Nazis in North Africa. My great grandfather was in the North African campaign.

[@mr_c_magic6655]

Great Britain says you're welcome anytime, much love

[@simonn5651]

the big thing is that the british (of which i am one) have the balls and the backbone to stand up even when all odds are against us even when we have no choice but to stand alone , EVEN when we have to sacrafice everything including ourselves we'll do ... in the end what needs to be done regardless of the cost.

[@JJLAReacts]

Yes! All with the British style of modesty at the same time! I salute your balls and backbone, good sir! Cheers!

[@misterbonzoid5623]

When we have no choice it's not really so noble though is it. And I'm a Brit who thinks the Battle of Britain was our finest hour.

[@gmdhargreaves]

We shall fight them in the streets and on the beaches, we shall NEVER surrender 😊

[@simonn5651]

@@misterbonzoid5623 and yet they sent invitation after invitation to join them and even sent a high ranking emmisary to try and persuade the british to join the germans and everytime it was refused even after all the bombings and yet the british people of that era stood strong and defiant in the face of overwhealming odds , stood alone for an entire year and didn't give in. there are many points in history you can say is the british finest hour so so many and i do think this is one , they could have easily given up and they had ample opportunity to do so but didn't ......the people back then where tough even if they didn't know -hardship either makes or breaks you in most cases. nowdays only a very very small fraction would be able to stand against impossible odds and the rest would cower behind them, too many pansies these days.

[@pd8066]

@@misterbonzoid5623 We would rather die than to sit down and shut up about what's wrong. However now I believe that has changed.

[@Trek001]

The lady to the right of shot at 37:00 is Private Joan Dixon, later Joan Sharpe, of 517 Mixed Heavy Ack Ack Battery, Royal Artillery. I know this because that was my Grandmother who died aged 94 in 2019 and, being the last of her unit to pass away, was afforded a full military funeral with colours, bugles and a Guard of Honour with fixed bayonets, drawn swords and reversed arms

[@TriggaFatigue]

"To no one will we deny or delay right, or justice." How far we have fallen.

[@tonyves]

To whom have we "denied or delayed right, or justice"? Please post your sources. Thank you.

[@TriggaFatigue]

@@tonyves The Magna Carta.

[@tonyves]

I'm not asking from whence our duty originates, just how we have denied it. How then?@@TriggaFatigue

[@fionaparkinson3821]

I think a lot of people, British included don’t understand how much the blitz affects the uk to this day. So many people think it was just London. Actually, places like Plymouth, Portsmouth, Swansea, Cardiff, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Birmingham, Belfast, Liverpool, Coventry, were virtually flattened. They were bombed so much there was no recognisable landmarks anymore. All of those 1960s shopping centres exist because they were built where the city centre had been bombed into dust.

[@seldom_bucket]

😅 i couldn't agree more. I grew up in small villages in cornwall and came across old war comics/magazines in a charity shop, they ended up giving me the worst nightmares i remember. Also the stories you learn are heartbreaking and a lot of us have family who were still alive through that and some even remember the blitz

[@fionaparkinson3821]

My husband grew up in Cornwall and so much of it was bomb damaged. Falmouth, Padstow, etc. I understand completely why it was hidden at the time but isn’t it time we acknowledged how much British people outside of London had to deal with bombs?

[@zaboo4241]

I've grown up in a town called barrow (north west) which was also caught in the blitz due to it being a shipbuilding town, we have a section dedicated to this is our museum,which terrified me as a kid

[@ryanparker4996]

Even more peoppe don't realise that the Blitz was A: retalliatory, Britain bombed Germany first and B: pails into almost insignificance when compared to what the Allies did to German cities such as Dresden, for example. Barely even comparible.

[@richardanderson8696]

That's all true. An interesting fact though - around four times more people died in the UK during the Coronavirus crisis (up to 160,000) than died across the UK from German bombs (40,000). Not to diminish the latter, just to give some historical perspective to the former.

[@frankgunner8967]

I'm surprised the Battle of Britain wasn't talked about more it was a very critical time in the war.

[@lawrenceglaister4364]

A lot of Americans believed that the UK just fought in Europe so this film was to inform them exactly how many places in the world that the UK was actually fighting in and how it was able to do so because of the families back home , and they were still short of mentioning the South Atlantic , North Atlantic , Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean

[@Simon-hb9rf]

dont forget this is a propaganda piece to pump up the troops as well as inform them, the reality of the battle of Britain was probably a bit to bleak to show to soldiers about to ship off

[@fomoran]

The tune playing in the title card intro wax heart of Oak a naval victory song popular when Wellington and Napoleon were Button heads in the peninsular war... there's already far too much info needed to be packed into this bid that there is no time to spare

[@alanmackie7012]

Especially as American pilots were involved in the BoB too.

[@colinpearce5856]

At the end of the movie the liberty bell was shown. This was cast at the Whitechapel foundry in London, the same foundry where Big Ben 2nd re-cast bell was made. 🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@damienlcfcoldsworth1308]

Big Ben as in Benjamin Franklin

[@gherkinisgreat]

@@damienlcfcoldsworth1308 No the bell in the Houses of Parliament.

[@alanthomas2064]

REALLY ?

[@colinpearce5856]

@@alanthomas2064 en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitechapel_Bell_Foundry#:~:text=7%20External%20links-,History,the%20Great%20Fire%20of%20London.

[@scorch1968]

Both are cracked too. Probably not the best advert 🤣

[@aidencox790]

Thank you young man for your good heart, your humanity and your deep emotional understanding of the awful reality of that war and what we, as a people, are really like. There are differences between our two peoples and that is as it should be, for you left Britain to forge your own destiny as a country and world power. On a personal note I want to thank you for the many tins (cans) of food that were marked USA and which helped keep us alive through those years of conflict. I'm lucky for I was born in England just after the outbreak of WWII. I didn't have to fight (the RAF told my dad I was too young to be a pilot - smile), my dad was in a reserved occupation, my mam knitted superb sweaters that were exported to the USA and brought in money for the war effort (knitting for export), and I got well fed most of the time. Now I live in the US and at 80+ (and with a terminal illness) will die in the US and be buried or have my ashes scattered here. My American wife died here when she was aged just 50 and I could never leave her. Good luck for your future and every success.

[@JJLAReacts]

Thank you for your kindness!! Your comment swells my heart. It really is beautiful what people will do for each other during hard times. I can't imagine the things you must have seen and experienced over such a potent time to be alive! That's something to be proud of. I hope you continue to feel love and kindness through to the end. I don't know what your spiritual beliefs are but I hope to see you on the other side! Much love to you, my friend! ❤️

[@ryand.3858]

I visited England last year and had a great time. Everyone was very accommodating and helpful to this American (and my family) on my trip abroad. I’ve visited quite a few countries now and I believe the Brits have been my favorite group of people I’ve visited as a whole (although the Scots are hot on their heels haha). Thanks for showing me a good time fellas, I’m looking forward to visiting your sardine can again in the future. 😂 🇺🇸🤝🇬🇧

[@kevinwhite981]

According to the Japanese over 40% of all inventions came from our little sardine can, America you are great friends.

[@tomblet9359]

As a heads up, Scotts are technically Brits. All the United kingdoms would count as Brits and a fair few of the crown dependencies would likely consider themselves Brits too. You may be thinking of the English vs Scotts distinction

[@Oddballkane]

Some people who lived through this time said they used to listen to bbc radio and listen for the bells of big ben chiming at the end it made them happy to know that there was still one country free and while that bell rang there was still a hope.😊

[@MrDaiseymay]

A Hungarian man , speaking about life during the German occupation of his country, said, his family used to risk prison, and even death, by listening to the BBC radio programmes. Sometimes they could hear roars of laughter , winging accross occupied Europe, as Radio Comedy shows could be heard. We wondered what it was all about he said. Post war we discovered it was one of several shows the British liked, such as, the Iconic, I.T.M.A ( it's that man again ) starring Tommy Handly. Amongst all that horror and destruction. Laughter

[@TheCardiffgirl]

All of the men in my family fought during the whole six years of the war. My gran had all three of her sons in different theatres of the war. One was in north Africa at El Alamein, one was in Burma against the Japanese, my father was in the merchant navy and was torpedoed in the atlantic, their dad, my grandfather, used to set fires in a large local park to confuse the german planes who were trying to bomb the steelworks and docks. Of my other two uncles, one was taken prisoner at Arnhem and his brother who was in the navy, was bombed on the russian run. None of them ever spoke about it, unless amongst themselves, but they all survived.

[@samanthapateman8054]

I’m glad they all made it.

[@SusseBo]

Exactly. They never spoke of it. That was the hallmark of the great generation. They never bragged. They were only pleased it was over. My parents were both Danish freedom fighters, working with the Brits supplying us with war material. My Father would never tell his story. Never. And then when one hears Americans of today claiming that they almost single handed won WWII. I admire the oldies who did that war. British or my country folk. My mother received canisters from Britain thrown out from planes at night. She was very young and very unafraid. Only 5 % of our Jews were taken due to good Intel from Britain.

[@TheCardiffgirl]

@@SusseBo Thank you for your response. The danes and dutch were renowned for their quiet bravery in the face of an impossible situation. They always had the utter respect of the british and still do. We´ll never forget what they did for us and the jewish population during this horrible time.

[@mikeharper5587]

Indeed. My grandad was in Burma. He never spoke about what happened there. He had a tattoo when he returned which read 'Never Again'.

[@markrainford1219]

My uncle was in Burma, he's 98 now.

[@benjin0311]

As a Brit this made me get a bit of a lump in my throat. My Nan and Grandad were involved in WW2. The footage and film were awesome.

[@Adam-hs9ft]

As a guy from yorkshire the easiest way to describe us (Brits, English specifically) is that we dont give a shit about odds, if something needs doing we will throw whatever we have at it. Even as far back as our origins. The romans never fully conquered our lands, we pushed out the vikings after a while, its always been this way and i dare say it always will be, bring war to us and as much as we disagree with eachother we'll show u exactly what every other would be conqueror has recieved Or in short, give us a task, show us the odds (or dont, we dont care anyway) and we'll get it done one way or another. Literally, if aliens invaded or ww3 started tomorrow id put money on it that our flag would be raised high and our boys would be up and ready to put down any threat cos in the end, come what may, we just get it done Edit: also to answer your question yes the nazis were in Africa, there were a few German colonies and they wanted more but we basically told them to get fucked there too

[@matthewthomson980]

Yes, the British Army helped by Australian Companys and even Gurkhas Regiments fought off the German master tactician Rommel and his fearsome Afrika corps, World War 2 was fought in the middle east, Russia, Italy places where you would'nt think it reached, places like Turkey and India weren't neutral.

[@dperson9212]

The Vikings weren't pushed out out at all. They settled here and integrated.

[@ejakeulater4990]

@@dperson9212some did but largely the vikings were kicked out. Stamford bridge 1066

[@MargotDobbie]

​@@dperson9212the vikings got messed up bro wtf u talking about. Learn your history

[@dperson9212]

@@MargotDobbie the irony of what you've just posted. I do know it thank you, and I know many settled here and integrated, hence the many place names that have viking origins, the names we have now that descend from them, Danelaw and then the Normans who were originally vikings themselves of course.

[@simonbeaird7436]

40:00: Rationing continued after the war until it was gradually phased out from 1952 to 1954, except for coal which was still rationed until 1958. This was when most British homes used coal fires for heating.

[@SusseBo]

So did it in Denmark. Denmark was pillaged by Germans. They were thieves.

[@tonyves]

Yup. Was there: What is that thing? A banana? What's that?

[@cketts8128]

And us Brits begged for help from the States and got turned away…..only Pearl Harbour happening got you folks moving. Whenever I hear Winston Churchill I get very emotional…..and remember he was half American! 🧡💚🧡💚

[@Papa_Meow_Meow]

We share a close common ancestry and set of beliefs. Its once again more important that ever we remian close allies. Both our countries should share footage like this to educate and remind new generations of who and what we both stand for and why. 🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@SASMacDroid]

Yes exactly ! And that goes for every nation that has a ancestry with either the US or the UK and so on you never know when we need to watch our backs

[@mitchverr9330]

An interesting "difference" thing to look up on this is how black people were treated as well, its easy to think how it was all nice etc, but there were dark incidents and issues that happened between the US troops and UK forces/civilians. For example black US soldiers were treated as 2nd class in the US and US armed forces, but when stationed in a British CW nation they often would be treated as equals because these countries had equal rights/didnt have serious racial issues at the time (though some like South Africa would of course be an outlier). This would often lead to tension as US white soldiers would demand black people not be served in pubs/be treated poorly or be served after them. This would boil over into multiple incidents where white British/Commonwealth soldiers and civilians would get into fights with white Americans on behalf of the black soldiers as the black soldiers could not defend themselves due to the racism in the army, sometimes there were deaths involved also. Its actually suggested to have helped fan the flames of the civil rights movement as many of these black soldiers would return to the US having been treated as equal and thus, demand that right at home too. This of course is on the "low level" of the common Brit/Canadian/Aussie for example, not government policy in these countries/the Empire, which sadly was still very racist at the time and struggled to shrug off their own issues on that front, though they did not adopt the US policy/attempts to enforce racial segregation across the British army as well.

[@daintydinah7648]

My great uncle served in the Royal Navy and spent the whole 6 years sailing escort to North Atlantic convoys and Russian convoys He rarely spoke about the war except to curse Hitler because he messed up his retirement He had served during WWI as a boy sailor at the Battle of Jutland and his naval career was due to end 3rd September 1939😂😂 Seriously took it very very personally truly lovely man

[@gutinstinct4067]

The Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial site in England, 30.5 acres in total, was donated by the University of Cambridge. It lies on a slope with the west and south sides framed by woodland. The cemetery contains the remains of 3,812 of our war dead; 5,127 names are recorded on the Walls of the Missing. Rosettes mark the names of those since recovered and identified.

[@JJLAReacts]

Nice to hear U of Cambridge did that. I imagine hose memorials are not only a place to honor the fallen but also to reflect on the lessons of history and the importance of striving for peace. I'm learning so much about the British ways beyond the quirky cultural differences. The British sense of courage and generosity never fail to impress.

[@stevetheduck1425]

@@JJLAReactsNear Cannock Chase in England is the 'Soldatenfeindhof' where all Germans who died on British soil during WWII are buried. They were mostly crews of shot-down or crashed 'planes, some sailors captured wounded, and even those soldiers who had been captured, stayed in prison camps in Britain, but died in accidents and due to illness before the end of the war. There's a similar one for the captured Italians. Many Germans, Italians, Poles and men from other nations who found they could not return to their home countries for all kinds of reason (such as Poland being under the Soviets, or Palestine changing status) and a large number of these stayed, became naturalised British subjects or citizens, and many remained here for a very long time. Some lived to see Poland eventually become it's own country again, return home and access their bank accounts and regain their land and property. It was the end of the debt we had to the Poles, as we had entered WWII to guarantee Polish freedoms according to treaty, but were unable to prevent the Soviet Union from keeping what they took without starting another war. The you could look up what happened to the 'Chetniks' who joined with us hoping to keep Czechoslovakia free from invasion, something else we could not do. WWII's ragged bits are still affecting people today.

[@Aengus42]

@@JJLAReacts You'll enjoy this JJ. "Visit America without leaving Britain" by Mark Felton Productions. It's a brilliant channel for you considering your interests. He has the "The time when Britain nuked America, twice!" too... I'd've posted a link but KZbin can be finicky with links.

[@MargotDobbie]

My father made me go and read the ages on the graves. Very moving. Very somber

[@reaperhusk313]

Felt so good to hear my country being talked about in such high esteem. Thank god for the gritty and good british people of those times.

[@tonypoole9493]

Must not forget the Australian and New Zealand soldiers ❤

[@grahamfrear9270]

Hearing Britain we will never forget what Australia in New Zealand did in the words with Great Britain. 🇬🇧❤️🇦🇺❤️🇨🇦❤️🇳🇿❤️🇮🇳. In fact all the commonwealth at that time

[@caractacusbrittania7442]

Absolutely agree, Here's a true quote, "if I had to take hell, I would use new Zealanders, If I had to hold hell, I would use Australians" General feldmarshall, Erwin rommel.

[@Edd25164605]

Nor our Canadian Brethren 🇬🇧 🇨🇦

[@tonypoole9493]

@@Edd25164605 so sorry I knew as soon as I sent it I'd missed a lot countries 👍

[@Paul-hl8yg]

"They're just like us" .. No, You're just like us lol. 🇬🇧❤🇺🇸

[@JJLAReacts]

Haha, you are correct! 😂

[@Paul-hl8yg]

@@JJLAReacts I need to say.. Despite how Americans are taught differently about the birth of the Usa... It was British subjects fighting their fellow British subjects to make a new nation not governed by British Parliament. An "American" did not officially exist until the declaration of independence was signed by both parties. It was not only the taxation issue costs in itself that started the problem. It was not having representation in Parliament & paying taxes to it. The colonists wanted their MP's (members of Parliament) as representatives for the 13 colonies. Although many agreed with that in Parliament, it unfortunately wasn't allowed. Many in the new world did not want to break from the mother nation, having family/genetic, commercial links & still wanting British governorship, even the monarchy. It shows in many ways: The American flag was copied from the flag of the British East India company, complete with its 13 red/white stripes representing the 13 English (later British) colonies. Also keeping the "good ole red, white & blue" of the British Union flag. The British East India company was the biggest trade network to the colonies & on that fateful day in Boston (when they had a party ;) The vessel that tea was taken from, was a British East India ship. The Liberty bell was also cast in Britain. Also the American national anthem is sung to an old English pub tune lol. Quote Wikipedia: " Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania once gave a speech endorsing the adoption of the Company's flag by the United States as their national flag. He said to George Washington of Virginia, "While the field of your flag must be new in the details of its design, it need not be entirely new in its elements. There is already in use a flag, I refer to the flag of the East India Company." 🇬🇧❤🇺🇸

[@Paul-hl8yg]

@@JJLAReacts ? Please reply to my last comment with your views 👍🇬🇧❤🇺🇸

[@lewistaylor1965]

@@Paul-hl8yg Thank you Paul...I learned something...I knew about the 'star spangled banner' pub song but not the flag

[@Paul-hl8yg]

@@lewistaylor1965 Thank You Lewis for Your reply & interest. It is a shame more people do not know about this, instead believing those in the colonies were treated very badly. It was an economic/political move by the British colonists, not a 'freedom & liberty' issue at that time. The whole sentiment of 'Americans getting their freedom from the big bad British' is a way of thinking that developed much later. The true facts are that also, Britain continued to send trade to the new nation & helped build it into the nation we see today.

[@alisonrodger3360]

I, born '68, learnt so much of this history from watching 1940/50 & 60's war movies on rainy, Scottish Sunday afternoons. There's a wealth of based on fact British movies out there but my favourite is actually the fictional Went The Day Well. There's nothing like the sound of a Spitfire or Hurricane flying overhead to bring a tear to the eye.

[@shininglightphotos1044]

I will hopefully see (and hear) a couple at this weekend's Ayrshow, as part of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. The most I have seen and heard in the air, at any one time, was 16. They were at Duxford several years ago. It certainly made the heart stir.

[@olwens1368]

Me, born 57, also war films on rainy Scottish Sunday afternoons- but also from my parents who served; Father in the Army, Mam in the WRNS and various Uncles who fought in Burma and in the RN. Where I live now we sometimes see aircraft of the Battle of Britain flight low overhead on their way to and from air shows- the sound of those Merlin engines still brings a tear to the eye- and agree completely, Went the Day Well is an excellent film.

[@Basslessonsuk]

That's a great film - and surprisingly violent.

[@cartmanbraahnd6660]

Bro i felt like i was going to tear up at the thiught of an american tearing up over the the british at the times lone effort lol..thank you bro fornyour kind words means alot 🇬🇧🇺🇲

[@idcgaming518]

The Nazis were in north africa because the Italians were. You know, one of their major allies. The Italian forces outnumbered the British Africa Corps 10-1 and were still running with their tails between their legs. It wasnt until the Nazis showed up with an armoured force of equal size to the British forces, and with Rommel at the helm, that the Axis forces in northern Africa even stood a chance. Let me put it another way: the British Africa corps were going toe-to-toe with a force ELEVEN TIMES THEIR SIZE, equipped some of the most advanced equipement in the German and Italian arsenals. And they not only held the line, but for a while even singlehandeely pushed the Axis forces nearly out of Africa. And then, when about another 2x their number (half British, half American) arrived to reinforce, they completely wiped the Axis out of Africa. And then went on ti be crucial in the invasions of Sicily and Southern Italy.

[@grahamgresty8383]

Also look at 'the battle of Bamber Bridge' which will open your eyes! Plus there are more of these films by the same narrator on how to live with the British for example.

[@JJLAReacts]

Nice, I'll check that out! Thanks for the suggestion.

[@Paul-hl8yg]

​@@JJLAReacts Hi .. I have mentioned 'the battle of bamber bridge' in response to another video of yours. By watching these films, you will understand who really has shaped the world, spread freedom & Democracy. I would also love you to react to: 'when Britain nuked America twice', just for the fun aspect lol. 😉 🇬🇧❤🇺🇸

[@grabtharshammer]

Yes Bamber Bridge, where the people of the UK and Black US soldiers fought the mostly white US Military Police, because the US told the UK not to serve Black soldiers in our Pubs where white people were. Sadly some of the US was still very backward about segregation, more so than the Brits. I believe you have come on a little since that time and become more civilised

[@primalengland]

I’m from Chorley. The Battle of Bamber Bridge was taught to us as kids. I was also born in the last year of rationing, so it was still fresh in my parents memories.

[@MargotDobbie]

​@@primalenglandfrom Wigan. Very familiar with the story

[@danielferguson3784]

Remember, all the basic principles of the American constitution come from Britain. It was British people who founded your USA. In Britain the American Revolution was seen as a revolt by some British colonials, not a war against a foreign country, nor was a war of conquest, for the territory was already British. Therefore it was British rebels that invented themselves a new country, & not all it's population agreed, many remained loyal to Britain, their mother country.

[@tumblej8890]

It all stemmed from the Magna Carta back in 1215. It stated that a government should be constitutional, that the law of the land should apply to everyone, and that certain rights and liberties were so fundamental that their violation was an abuse of governmental power. All concepts later found in America's version.

[@smir421]

It was British people who lost their USA privilege when you lost the war.

[@joeysausage3437]

Stop it.

[@joeysausage3437]

@smir421 The brits invented everything and the greatest... Just ask them.

[@user-lb3hd7ip4o]

@@smir421 Sorry without French could not win on your own, gone downhill since, old sleeping BIDEN WAKEY WAKEY lol.

[@beth3541]

Thank you for this and your fantastic, genuine & emotional reaction. You looked so very proud. You, my man, can call yourself British!

[@robertlangley1664]

We the British will all ways defend our islands just like we have done for one thousand years and at any cost . My father and his father fought in two world wars for King and country

[@johndonson1603]

Are you kidding ? We’re being invaded every day across the channel, the Britain your father fought for is long gone .

[@robertlangley1664]

@@johndonson1603 so it’s down to all british people to put a stop to this

[@AmethystDew]

@@robertlangley1664 Then we get called xenaphobic and racist!!!!

[@johndonson1603]

@@robertlangley1664 They won’t , next election they’ll vote Labour again and so it goes on , slow drip of replacement.

[@robertlangley1664]

@@johndonson1603 I am a fighter and no one who is British should give in

[@lindamerrett6600]

My Dad was a prisoner in Germany and I never heard him speak about it , he was only 55 years old when he died ,🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@JJLAReacts]

Oh wow. I can only imagine what he went through!

[@eddiehawkins7049]

My dad was a POW in Germany too and he spoke very little about his war. Mum heard a thing or two when he spoke in his sleep though.

[@vMaxHeadroom]

As a Brit, I am so proud and we owe all those who gave there lives for our freedoms everything, but now also sad, as I fell this generation seem to have forgotten what a great, great country this is and how lucky we are....great video...

[@pricey1635]

People forget, the British people had to send their children off, away, to strange families in the countryside, so the children didn’t die with their parents during the bombings. How many never saw their parents again? How many grew up not knowing who their families were? Because of somebody else’s war. The parents had to stay in the cities, awaiting the next bombardment. Such is the resilience and strength of the British people. Or so it was.

[@elainecampbell8227]

Great reaction, JJ, and I very much enjoyed this film - I'd not seen it before. Interesting about the quiet modesty of the British. My dad defused sea mines in the shipping lanes (in the English Channel, and in the North Sea between Scotland and Norway). He never said a word about it, and I only found this out when he died in 2003, aged 92, and I came across a little box, with a handful of medals, documents and photographs of the lads he had served with. Loving your new channel. Keep going.

[@JJLAReacts]

Wow! Much thanks to, and admiration for your Dad. We can learn a lot from the greats like him. Thanks for your kind words and encouragement!

[@paulbantick8266]

@@JJLAReacts My dad told me! I was the only one of my brothers and sisters interested to ask and ask I did throughout my youth and late teens. He was in the A.R.P from 1939-41. Royal Artillery from 1941-42 (Home defence) and the Hampshire Regiment 1942-47). I was about six years old when I first asked him. His recollections he told me at this time were mundane and not very detailed. but as I got older and would sit down and listen to experiences, his recollections got more detailed and more darker...I listened. I listened so hard that I can remember most of what he recalled. They weren't all harrowing though. Many incidences were comical, sometimes detailed about weapons, kit, vehicles, the peoples and places of the countries he 'visited' like Libya, Palestine, Sicily, Italy and Austria. It wasn't just about his Military experiences though! I also asked about his time in the ARP. And what I heard about his experiences in that alone was terrible. He was a London East-Ender. He was on duty throughout the blitz and what he recalled about that time really brought it home to me. Which makes me so angry these days as to the state of the Capital and the county today. I'll say no more on this matter. I had already had a fascination with History. What my dad told me only cemented that interest. RIP dad 11/1/1910 to 20/6/83...Love you and miss you.

[@2opler]

The American soldier is played by Burgess Meridith who was 'The Penguin' to Adam West's 'Batman' in the 1960s TV series.

[@jamesharris7341]

Didn’t he also train Rocky?

[@j9lorna]

​@@jamesharris7341yeah, Micky

[@Tam19399]

And Rocky's trainer.

[@RagnarokiaNG]

I love the tutorial video they made for how to act when in Britain, that included how to survive the horrors of old ladies inviting you in for a cuppa tea. The most dangerous part of the war.

[@bigkuriboh3814]

This actually made me very emotional, thank you for reacting to this 😊

[@lindarennie1708]

My Father was in six compaigns a medal for each one,He was a paratrooper in France and eventually got captured there. He spent the rest of the year a pow. He met some Americans before he was captured, Some of them signed a dollar bill that he kept in his wallet until he died.Never complained in fact after the war he would meet up with a person that had been a guard in a concentration camp at the pub on a Sunday morning. The guards wife being LATVIAN was a prisoner in the same camp as him, after the war they came to England and married and had three children.

[@jjwtj95]

This video is a great summary of WW2 from the British perspective. I highly recommend you look into the Battle of Britain, known as our “Finest Hour”, when the fear of Nazi invasion was at its highest. “Eagle Day: the RAF’s last stand against the Luftwaffe” on the Timeline history channel is a great video about what we were up against. The movie “Darkest Hour” is also a must watch to understand the political turmoil that was happening at that time.

[@JJLAReacts]

Great recommendations, thanks! The way you described the Battle of Britain as the "Finest Hour" really intrigues me - it must have been such a significant event. I hadn't heard of "Eagle Day: the RAF’s last stand against the Luftwaffe" before, but it sounds like an interesting video to watch and learn more about what the British were up against during that time. I saw "Darkest Hour" a few years ago, but I would like to re-watch it knowing what I know now. Thanks for watching!

[@MJacquelineJ]

​@@JJLAReacts Churchill said Britain's finest hour. You should also check out Winston Churchill funeral

[@fenellainnis7216]

And don’t forget the Aussies,kiwis Gurkhas,Indians and Canadians who fought for Britain too ,certainly wasn’t just the English

[@iriscollins7583]

As British person, (Welsh). We remember them all, how could we forget.

[@totalplonker824]

​@@JJLAReactsthe movie 'Darkest Hour' followed by Christopher Nolan's 'Dunkirk' great double bill for a Sunday afternoon.

[@jordonatkinson824]

Makes me proud to be British watching that

[@tonester09]

As the greatest human ever to walk the planet, Sir Winston Churchill observed "the late M Venizelos observed in all her wars, England always wins one battle-the last!"

[@777petew]

I have a cd of Churchill's speeches, and one night I listened to them, trying to pretend I was living at the time. I started to feel pretty scared listening to the implications of what he was saying. He didn't dress anything up. What he said were brave words, but that's what Britain had to do.

[@mudageki]

Whether or not you consider Churchill a hero or a villain, he had a preternatural sense of time and history.

[@SusseBo]

And that is how we feel in Europe every time there is a mad man shaking his sword. We are presently giving to Ukraine, because we know that we will be next if he has his way. I have lived through the cold war that was generated by old men, who couldn't get along and mind their own countries. Now we are in a hot war that can spread and would spread if Europe/Nato hadn't said no. America will withdraw their support via Nato once they get a new president. The world is a hot mess. And scary.

[@deandavies9576]

This video deserves waaay more likes, great reaction mate u speak so much sense. From your cousin across the pond. keep up the good work

[@JJLAReacts]

Thanks a ton for the kind words and all the support! It means a lot. Let's continue spreading positive vibes, and shoutout to my cousin across the pond! Cheers and thanks to you, my friend! 🙌

[@deandavies9576]

@@JJLAReacts Quickly becoming my fav channel mate fairplay

[@deandavies9576]

That union jack flag is in your blood too bro, hope your keeping well

[@microcastleVS]

we were never truly alone thanks to the incredible sacrifices of our brothers and sisters throughout the commonwealth

[@PunkersTV]

Man as a Brit I found that a really emotional film.

[@tedroper9195]

Control of North Africa meant the control of the Mediterranean & therefore access to Oil

[@michaelprobert4014]

and the Suez , so supplies and communication with India , Australia and so on.

[@JJLAReacts]

I see, of course, makes sense. Resource networking seems to be at the root of it all!

[@GarthKlein]

@@JJLAReacts Another aspect of the Mediterranean that the American military never seemed to comprehend is that it is very wide from east to west but not from north to south. With control of the Mediterranean, the whole of southern Europe was laid open to invasion. This forced the Germans to station troops that could have been used elsewhere to be stationed in places the Allies had no intention of attacking, thus spreading themselves out very thinly. On the day the day of the Allied landings in North Africa, the Germans occupied Vichy France, and called off a planned attack in Russia so armoured troops could be moved into the Balkans.

[@throwback19841]

More specifically, it DENIED the nazis access to middle east oil. The Nazis never had enough oil. Imagine how hard they would have been to defeat if they had had unlimited oil.

[@fredact]

That's a bit misleading to modern readers. It was not the oil in the Middle East, as that wasn't developed until after the war, but the oil in the Caucasus that Hitler was after.

[@SeeDaRipper...]

Good show! Really rather rousing and makes me proud to be British.

[@hellbent1234]

I know we are looking at this 'propaganda' clip, but as a Englishman, I feel that the Polish pilots who lost their country, came and flew for the RAF should get a mention. We were running out of pilots . Your enemy is my enemy - philosophy

[@Scaleyback317]

Not quite alone. Canadian troops arrived soon after the declaration of war. Australia/NZ/Rhodesia/South African/India all upped their game and supplied men. They came from all over the commonwealth and Empire. We also took large numbers of French/Poles/Belgians/Czechs/Greeks etc into our numbers to contribute.

[@joeysausage3437]

What is your point?

[@Scaleyback317]

@@joeysausage3437 A very simple one. Re-read the post and maybe replay the film. If Britain stood alone it was only for a matter of days maybe weeks. We had a large empire and commonwealth willing to assist where it could and after the near disaster at Dunkirk we had over a hundred thousand Europeans taken off the beaches and by other means with which to fill in gaps and create whole new units with. Easier to see through history than those present could possibly have seen is that Britain was never at risk of being invaded or conquered through an amphib operation. The submarine war pushed Britain closer to defeat than anything prior to it and again with the passing of the years even though it looked dire at the time was also inevitably going to be overcome. Suggest you read Britains War Machine - Edgerton. Give another angle of looking at the war and raises other questions maybe but certainly answers a few and opens further debate. Serves as a useful counterbalance to what has been taken hitherto as, "The real story". Picks holes in that narrative. If you're not interested, that's fine - you have the wherewithal to just scroll on by should you wish.

[@shininglightphotos1044]

It means the British Isles, and the people within it, stood up against the might of Germany, as it trampled over all of the other landmass in its path. The incredible people of the Commonwealth, and those displaced from their homes that fled to Britain, joined that fight., shoulder to shoulder with the British people, but make no mistake, the Beitish sense of honour meant we would stand up against our enemies, whatever the cost. If that hadn't been the case then Churchill would have had a mutiny on his hands. He didn't. Our Royal Family remained, when they could have fled to a place of safety, knowing Germany was grooming the former Edward VIII to become a puppet King. The rest of the nation also bravely took a stand against Germany, even knowing the constant bombardment & loss of life they were facing.

[@Scaleyback317]

@@shininglightphotos1044 What that man says!

[@BertSmithLondon]

As Scaleyback says. we were alone certainly in Europe, but we had allies prepared to help us in the fight. To forget the very brave men from the commonwealth, would be a big injustice. We owe a massive thank you to all who united to fight Germany.

[@purplefood1]

Look up Nicholas Winton, he didn't talk about what he did for 50 years and was eventually knighted when it came out.

[@sarahradford9822]

There's a really moving video of him in a TV audience as an older man..surrounded by people who had been children he'd instrumentally rescued from nazis.. it's so emotional 😢 ❤

[@purplefood1]

@@sarahradford9822 yeah that makes me tear up pretty much every time I see it, there's been a few shortish documentaries about it which are frankly astonishing.

[@scottcollinson2831]

What a great video and I thought you hosted it perfectly. I’m a Brit by the way, all the best young man!!!

[@dorianwylie9000]

a video you should watch if not seen before is that story in the local pub in 2nd ww i think where african american soldiers were in there and the british welcomed them in but the american mp's didnt like that, the Battle of Bamber Bridge it was called

[@JJLAReacts]

Ooooh, yes that sounds good. Thanks for suggesting!

[@B-A-L]

Don't forget to check out the real story of the black American fighter pilots known as the Tuskagee airmen who were treated like heroes by the white USAF bomber crews they protected over Europe but treated like scum when they returned to America.

[@mjonesmotorsportsbarcharts]

​​@@JJLAReactswhat ever to you this not real history I cal, It propaganda big time ywan

[@ndboulton]

Jesus this gave me goosebumps... "the sleeping lion `wakened" just like Ukraine now

[@Anglo-Saxon-96]

😂 yes pretty much hope they win

[@DrasticSkuba]

You're awesome, bro. I love how attentive you are and you seem to have this natural desire to learn new facts. You display a modesty that British people (for the most part) value. Thanks for the reaction

[@1firwood]

I hope we be allies always 👍

[@linkedinfred]

As a Brit thanks for reacting to this. Very interesting. Lots of history there. Coventry was bombed pretty bad when my mother was growing up. She remembers when the sirens went off everyone heading for under the stairs of the house. The whistling sound then boom. The whistling and boom was a lot louder one day. The bomb hit the last three houses of her street destroying them. America is Britain’s greatest alley.

[@FACup-eu2dt]

There seems to be an astonishing amount that you didn't know about WWII, and Great Britain in general. WWII lasted from 1939-1945, and not 1942-1945 when you joined in. France and Great Britain declared war on Germany and her allies on the same day. If a French woman became pregnant on the day they declared war on Germany, she was expecting the same baby, when France surrendered.

[@johnridgeway5265]

France had no sea and bordered Germany who had the new blitzkrieg and a new way of fighting. It came quickly unlike WW1. Germany's invasion plans were eventually stopped because of the navy and control of the sea lanes

[@ianoo23]

My grandfather was a spitfire pilot during world war 2… he died when I was around 10 and not once as a kid was it mentioned nor did he display anything in his home that we as kids would have asked questions about! I only found out years and years later when my grandmother died and we had the awful task of going through the belongings in the house, in the loft in a box was flight logs and photographs and some handwritten letters, medals etc… would have loved to have asked a ton of questions about his experiences but it does bring home how proud we all should be of the people of Great Britain for what they endured and what they achieved against huge odds and huge gratitude to those that died fighting for freedom! We shall never forget them x

[@annvirco7308]

My dad was nine when the war broke out and living in Manchester,he said when the famous announcement was made on the radio that Britain was at war he ran out in the garden excited that he might see some aircraft ( aircraft engineer in later life and ended up in the RAF regulars then commercial aircraft until retirement) however he said the novelty wore off when they started getting bombed and then he sadly lost a school mate ,he said when he saw the empty desk and the teacher told him it actually registered with him the enormity of the situation.

[@michelleclarke8264]

We are still the World's greatest allies. Your affinity towards the United Kingdom is probably because it's in your DNA. We are distant brother, sisters and cousins. As Countries, we sometimes have our differences, but all families do !!!

[@paulbantick8266]

Not the longest though! That belongs to our staunch Allies...The Portuguese. About 650 years

[@michelleclarke8264]

@@paulbantick8266 Maybe very longterm friends but not really 'staunch Allies'. During WWII, for instance, the Portuguese dictator declared neutrality and continued to trade with both the UK and Germany, which boosted their economy considerably. I can't recall Portugal fighting alongside us

[@paulbantick8266]

@@michelleclarke8264 Portugal had Fascist Spain and Vichy France on their doorstep. She didn't have any liking for Germany, she just kept walking the neutral line with the blessing of the UK while at the same time giving Britain favourable trade consessions. Even Wiki gets it just about right: "At the start of World War II in 1939, the Portuguese Government announced on 1 September that the 550-year-old Anglo-Portuguese Alliance remained intact, but since the British did not seek Portuguese assistance, Portugal was free to remain neutral in the war and would do so. In an aide-mémoire of 5 September 1939, the British government confirmed the understanding.[1] As Adolf Hitler's occupation swept across Europe, neutral Portugal became one of Europe's last escape routes. Portugal was able to maintain its neutrality until 1944, when a military agreement was signed to give the United States permission to establish a military base in Santa Maria in the Azores and thus its status changed to non-belligerent in favour of the Allies." So, Portugal was still Britain's Allies. Britain did not call on Portugal to join them in the war.

[@B-A-L]

We've been allies with our greatest enemy France longer than our 'greatest ally' America!

[@shelleyphilcox4743]

Although it was the UK being bombed in the Blitz, it should be understood that the war was fought by men and women from across the British Empire and without them the story would have been very different. I am deeply, deeply grateful to the many that volunteered, and often its not understood that they volunteered and were not conscripted...from the Carribbean, Africa, India and beyond and they fought across the theaters of war. My grandparents, uncles, aunts were in the armed forces, land army, factories. My father was born during the Blitz, bombed out of their home in London the night he was born. My mothers family were also bombed out of their home near the London docks and were lucky to find a little house to move into shortly after, but they all had nothing after being bombed. My fathers family lived in an office whilst waiting to find a house or flat, which took some time.

[@brianboru62]

Britains fate was on a razors edge, with seconds to spare .Pilots who could barely stay awake ,Spitfires with the last reserves of ammunition,the battle of Britain and (there were other examples of single heroism that are incomprehensible) never fails to make the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.That sums up to me FORTITUDE beyond normal human understanding .To all those who died,and toiled we are forever in debt to you ❤️🙏🙏😢🕊🕊

[@baztweed]

Brits and Americans will always be greatfull to one an other and brothers in arms, i pray forever on the freedom and right side of history

[@johntomlinson6849]

Just to make clear, in case you didn't know, the little girl on the right at 23.22 is Queen Elizabeth II.

[@Hamburger-Gaming86]

thought it was

[@pokeybloke7237]

Newly subscribed. Love your persona. You let things ride and interject most eloquently. As a 61 yr old ex-forces Welsh/British person, I was also overwhelmed by the fact that this footage was made by an American company. Kudos for that! I also cried tears of joy watching this and look forward to binge watching more of your content. Respect! ❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@adamgaunt186]

This is great. My nan was in the blitz in Liverpool. I have all her stories in my head she told me plus she wrote them down. We was Great Britain back then!

[@dawn5227]

My Grandad signed up and joined the Royal Artillery in WW1, he was just 14yrs old at the time, he lied about his age so that he could do his part then, he also served with the royal Artillery again in ww2 where he then met my Grandmother while she worked in the bomb factories. I wish I could have got to ask him about his story but he died when I was just 5 and I didnt even think about it at that age.

[@lonestar2779]

Finalllllly a section of history told true by Americans... so nice to see

[@victoriaoliver4324]

Beautiful reaction. I'm from the UK and WW2 buff, so even though there was big parts of the history you didn't know, which can be surprising to some, your heart felt reaction was great.

[@jameshiggins1990]

It's unbelievable the scale of everything the British have achieved

[@badgershands]

There's something ingrained, everytime i hear Churchill's "we shall never surrender" speech. It raises the hairs on my neck.

[@paulewen387]

Always smile at the ‘Britain stood alone’ comment. Just us and a global empire consisting of 25% of the worlds population.

[@hach2023]

Actually. If you look at the British and Commonwealth & Empire. Then .... see the early war when the USSR was allied to Germany. When the decision was made to continue to fight the expectation was that the USSR was going to attack South into Iran and India ! Add both enemies together 😮 Now do you get it. ? 😢

[@memkiii]

The whole series of these films is really worth a watch, and surprisingly accurate for the time.

[@elunedlaine8661]

You might enjoy these YT vids - 'Welcome to Britain Starring Burgess Meredith!!'- 'World War II: The 13 Hours That Saved Britain | Free Documentary History' - 'Jeremy Clarkson's The Victoria Cross: For Valour - the FULL documentary' -'Jeremy Clarkson's the Greatest Raid of All - the FULL documentary | North One' - 'The Tower of London Poppies'

[@JJLAReacts]

These are great recommendations! Thanks!

[@tusker4954]

Great video and supporting comments. Brought a tear to this old Brits eye too!

[@aidjoHD]

My great uncle is buried in Knightsbridge War Cemetery in Libya. Most of the people who knew him are gone now, but I will never let his memory and sacrifice be forgotten as long as I draw breath. I’m 29 years old and we will never forget.

[@geoffmarr7526]

British meaning British Commonwealth. UK+Australia+NZ+SA+Canada. America was not there til after Pearl attack. 1939-41 Italians and Germans were everywhere in Africa.. Rommel cut his teeth there and earned his terrible reputation. Montys forces eventually stopped him with huge losses. Australian forces were huge part of campaign. Most were brought back to face Japan late 1942. They stopped them at Kokoda Track, while US was facing off at Guadalcanal. 1942 were dire times here in Australia.. my late father told me all about it.. his uncle, my great uncle Stewart, died as prisoner of Japanese mid 1945.

[@weeddegree]

My grandad was a gunner during the navy, couldn’t hear a word you said when he came back. Ear drums were destroyed. Just enjoyed a drink 10 minutes from where I live.

[@JJLAReacts]

Oh wow, yeah, my stepfather was a gunner in Vietnam and his hearing is basically gone from it. I guess earplugs weren't a thing? Or maybe not practical? Congrats on having a local pub! Very cool!

[@Radio478]

We in UK are 100% with you ❤

[@SP-eo1vl]

Never ceases to amaze me how unaware of history a lot of people are

[@christinelow8167]

We fought together

[@Ryan-pc8od]

It’s still in our blood I know most would still defend our country with there life if it came to it it’s in our roots🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@stashstanton]

thanks for showing sympathy towards my country and people, friend.

[@steamdean100]

Churchill summed up the British sprit so well in his fight them on the beaches speech. "we shall prove ourselves once more able to defend our island home, to ride out the storm of war, and to outlive the menace of tyranny, if necessary for years, if necessary alone."

[@KnowzsPenge]

Romal, ever heard of him? One of the great defeated by the British

[@JJLAReacts]

Hmm, never heard of Romal. I did a web search and couldn't find anything. Any insights?

[@KnowzsPenge]

@@JJLAReacts Ah, I got the name wrong. "Rommel". Germany's best General or one of. Rommel took command of German forces in North Africa in February 1941. He earned the nickname the “Desert Fox” after achieving stunning early victories there. After the Allied victory in North Africa, Rommel returned to Europe and took command of the defenses in Normandy.

[@trampertravels]

The North African conflict was fought for a few reasons, firstly, it was to decide who controlled the Mediterranean Sea, then it was to prevent the link up between the German colonies and the Axis Forces and it was to prevent the Axis Powers from getting their hands on the oil supplies owned by British Companies in the modern area of Iraq and Iran and Kuwait.