Ardennes Alamo 1944 - Last Stand at Clervaux Castle

[@canoeman42]

My wife's uncle was one of the few who made it out the third floor window to the hillside as the tank blew in the front door. Some trapped in the basement were captured, and some escaped to Bastogne and then north from there. We stayed in the hotel a few years ago, checked out the escape route, and visited with the present owner (who is a grandson of the original owner). The owner's uncle had been forced to the Eastern Front by the Germans, was injured and returned to Berlin, I think, and then "disappeared" from the German army. I told him I was glad that our uncles had never met. We went to the military museum that is currently a part of the Castle. When we told them that we were there because of the uncle, they would not take any money. There is still a great deal of respect for what the GI's did there. Worth seeing, thanks for the video. Bill S.

[@vanscoyoc]

This was great! My dentist as a kid Carole Frawley was a cook and given a rifle to fight with at Clervaux. His platoon made it west for a day or two. His Lieutenant had them dig in and told them to fight to the last man and then the Lieutenant LEFT! When the Germans approached they all surrendered. It was a long and hard trip east by foot and in boxcars to a Stalag. He told this story while cleaning your teeth. As a kid I thought it was great! Best dentist ever! I loved going to the dentist! I also think the movie Castle Keep is very loosely based on the Clervaux Castle.

[@c14n_]

What a nice anecdote. Bits of history like this get rarer by the day.

[@rascallyrabbit717]

What about the nazi zombies? oh wait that was wolfenstein

[@TheWilferch]

Would be interested in hearing about any after-the-fact reunion of the departing Lieutenant and the remaining surviving men led to the Stalag.....yep.......

[@ChurchHatesTucker]

:> He told this story while cleaning your teeth. As a kid I thought it was great! Jeebus. Sounds like the beginning of a Stephen King story.

[@mcmoose64]

I bet you have awesome teeth! I think my dentist was an ex Gestapo interrogator.

[@lancetennenbaum2509]

My Great Grandfather fought in the Battle of the Bulge. I remember asking him for war stories when I was a kid. I only got a few tidbits, but here they are. The first time he ever came under German artillery fire he recalled and I quote, "I was fucking shitting my pants I was so scared." He also told a story about how during the Winter men would often keep water in their helmets to use for cooking or drinking or shaving or whatever. My Grandpa did the same thing, just like the rest. He soon regretted his decision when German artillery came pouring onto their position, they all had to dump often still freezing cold water onto their heads and dive into their foxholes. This is all I can really recall with certainty. He served from 1944-1946 before being discharged honorably. He was also awarded a bronze star for his valor, though unfortunately all of his war relics were mishandled by my family and now are missing. But I cherish the memories of Grandpa Tom, and I can always be proud of what he did. Mark's excellent videos help bring history alive, and for that I cannot thank him enough. Even just thinking that my Grandpa was somewhere mixed up in Belgium in winter 1944, it is truly amazing to learn about all the brave men who fought and died at his side. Sorry for the long post, but please subscribe and support Mark Felton Productions if you can!

[@diegosu9349]

This is better than the History Channel

[@BELCAN57]

You mean the "Ancient Aliens Channel" ?

[@zogzog1063]

We are blessed with both.

[@BadSkeelz]

This is what the History Channel used to be, decades ago. Mr. Felton does an admirable job of recapturing the look and feel of the old documentaries and specials.

[@kathycaldwell7126]

BadSkeelz The History Channel is a shadow of its former self. It must be working for them financially, but what a way to destroy a brand.

[@MarkSmith-to7xi]

Its amazing how the French claimed that it was impossible to get tanks through the Ardennes, even after French tankers used the Ardennes forest to circle around another French unit to win the french war games between the wars, and it was hushed up

[@omnipitous4648]

I grew up in post-war Germany. My German mother married my father, a U.S.soldier in Germany in 1957. I lived in Stuttgart and Straubing. Just south of Regensburg. Signs of the war were everywhere. I went to Berchesgarten and OberSalzberg. It's a very insane part of history.

[@wesleybickel2869]

One hell of a story. These men had real grit. Thank you for telling it.

[@theprofiler8531]

I never knew about these brave men fighting til the end. This battle is overshadowed by Bastogne but shouldn’t be. BTW thanks Dr. Felton your videos should be used in high school lessons on what the war was truly like.

[@sosteve9113]

BASTOGNE is most known for several reasons,but I been many times in Clerveax myself but also many little towns around,they all have very intriguing stories. Hopefully we don't have to experience it again,you still see all the scars in the landscape and the stories are still alive.

[@leroyaiken4199]

A movie was made about it with Burt Lancaster called Castle Keep.

[@leroyaiken4199]

Is this the same Gen Cota who is known for his action at Omaha?

[@Ash007YT]

fantastic another video. Its Fascinating learning something new everyday from you Mark.

[@scourgex1479]

Nice to see you here Ash

[@Loup-mx7yt]

Ash Hello there

[@aussie870]

I see you all over lol, first on Shadowfrax and now here. I don't judge though, both very interesting and entertaining with their content.

[@KellingtonDorkswafer]

Ah, spotted yet another gamer of culture. Very nice 👍

[@stavrosdom92]

I live in Luxembourg and I ride my bike to Clervaux at least once a month. The history of the region is really amazing and for anyone interested you can find one of Europe’s best museums of military history in Diekirch ( a few kilometers south from Clervaux) where you can see the vehicles, equipment, arms, uniforms, supplies that were used by both sides during the batte of the Bulge.

[@Sedan57Chevy]

I am continually amazed at just how massive WWII was. With Battles like this, it makes me sad that so much of the easily found 'history coverage' covers the same handful of events. That's why I love your channel, finally getting to learn about some truly forgotten history!

[@DrWoodyII]

Stories like this magnify my admiration for the "Greatest Generation." There seems to be no end to the dedication and sacrifice of U.S. WWII veterans that makes this generation sound so amazingly resilient. Tales of their exploits will literally survive forever, while we merely walk in their shadows.

[@JohnDoe-cd1yy]

I'm loving the new long format videos Mark, keep it up!

[@jethawk9941]

I love how you always remind people Canada helped a lot in the way

[@jimmibuffe4819]

I just realized why I love this channel so much, its everything the history channel used to be and should have been. another great upload by far one of the best history channels on this site

[@JoeOvercoat]

The men who built that castle exceeded all expectations, if they only knew.

[@tomjustis7237]

I'm a major history buff, especially regarding World War Two, and although I've read several books regarding the Battle of the Bulge, I've never before heard of this gallant last stand. It's a shame that the dedication, courage and sacrifice of these soldiers has been so overshadowed as to be forgotten due to the publicity given to the larger hold out battles such as Bastogne. Thank you, Mark, for bringing this heroic action to light and finally giving these warriors the recognition they deserve. And thank you for all you do to preserve and teach true and important history.

[@osgkillerzzz3879]

I swear Mark is the only history channel where it comes down to actually knowing what he’s talking about love your videos Mark!

[@jamesbeckstein5556]

The detail and facts mixed with Mark story telling makes his channel and facts of wars and battles 2nd to nobody....the best on KZbin

[@drivesafely12]

And Major-General Norman Coda couldn’t be disturbed because he was having dinner...

[@sugarnads]

Mark Wakefield an over officious aide most likely

[@AudieHolland]

Cota, best remembered by his decisive and examplary leadership at Omaha Beach. Yep, Robert Mitchum's portrayal was spot on. Unfortunately, Cota's reputation was destroyed when he ordered the ill-advised assault through the Huertgen Forest. What followed was WW1 style meatgrinder, ending in utter defeat for the Americans. If you want to get feeling what it must have been like, watch the 'When Trumpets Fade' movie from HBO. The Huertgen Forest disaster was completely overshadowed by the Battle of the bulge that took place two weeks later.

[@forbeshutton5487]

He should have been tried for dereliction of duty and shot.

[@alexandermelbaus2351]

I thought it was reported, "...couldn't be reached because he was having dinner" in reply when it was requested to speak with him.

[@Mark-et8vh]

Thank you so much Mark for keeping alive stories that many of us have never heard. My eyes are constantly opened each time I view your presentations. So often, we were presented a nery 'sterilized' version of history - I appreciate your straightforward and unsanitized documentaries.

[@stephenmichalski2643]

WOW! What a in depth and totally riveting presented video on a little known action.Truly exceptional work.......seriously way above the best I've seen in decades.

[@michaelsestak8383]

I first read about this battle in John Toland's book Battle: The Story of the Bulge. Toland interviewed Col. Fuller so you quickly find out how desperate the situation was in Clervaux. That scratch force Fuller arranged really fought tooth and nail for that town.

[@Flow86767]

Are we blessed by heaven, a 17 minutes video by Mark?!

[@SuperDiablo101]

As an American I honestly think we often have this over biased view of WWII that the U.S. goes in and kicked German ass without losing a battle however your cover of this and the hurtgen forest proves otherwise and I'm thankful for the true history you provide

[@8rikki8]

Thanks from New Zealand Mark! Thoroughly enjoy your films over my morning coffee.

[@travis9611]

I was born in South Africa 1985, my Grandparents on my fathers side came from Austria after WW2, I enjoy your channel

[@volvo1354]

when fed good food, for no apparent reason, the Infantry knew something was amiss

[@MrEvanfriend]

In the Pacific, the Marines always knew that a landing was imminent when they got steak and eggs.

[@volvo1354]

Evan Friend feed the common soldiers well, then they know something soon will be expected from them. a common practice in every army throughout the ages.

[@positivelynegative3260]

Mark Felton is The History Channel. Thanks you so much for the extra long video!

[@SNP-1999]

One cannot believe that the beautiful castle as seen today in the footage was so completely wrecked just 75 years ago, during the heroic defence by the American soldiers stationed there. Great story, great video, as always ! 🌟🌟🌟

[@Gideonthestargazer]

This reminds me of the movie 'Castle Keep'; it stars Burt Lancaster and other actors, it's a movie worth watching. Thank you for another enjoyable video. Continue to keep up the good work.

[@oveidasinclair982]

Great video today Mark, that was the shortest 17 minutes I can remember in a long time.

[@evilfingers4302]

Wow, the battle at the castle reminded me of the 1969 movie "Castle Keep" with Burt Lancaster, based on a novel written by William Eastlake who served as platoon leader during the battle of the bulge.

[@martenk5370]

I love this place! I visit the castle about once a year to take a picture with the Sherman which is on display there. Same pic every year for about 25 years now!

[@geraldhannibal7654]

Dear Sir. Once again I'm educated and enlightened. Thank you so much. Bless you and yours.

[@evilpimp2475]

Being a Texan, the word Alamo brings very strong feelings of patriotism and pride. It's in our blood to never back down, even if outnumbered. This is very inspiring.

[@truthsearcher596]

Excellent footage, information, content and commentary once again. The research you put into these videos Mark is fantastic. From all these battles that are not common public knowledge, to even the biggest battles, I look forward to watching each and every one. Again, thanks for your time and work. Amazing channel.

[@EchoKilo]

My wife and I stayed there a few years ago. A wonderful little town with a great museum in the castle.

[@yoda5565]

The 28th Inf. Div is the Pennsylvania National Guard (Territorial Army). Pennsylvania is called the "keystone" state since it was geographically placed in the middle of the 13 colonies (six north and six south). The divisional patch of the 28th was a red keystone as can be seen on the jacket of the General pictured in Dr. Fenton's presentation. To the present day in remembrance of their fight in Hurttigen and the "Bulge" along with the red keystone patch the divisions nickname and patch are refereed to as the "Bloody Bucket". It is the United States oldest division tracing their lineage to a battalion formed by Ben Franklin in 1747, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 28th fought as recently as Iraq.

[@readhistory2023]

That fighter pilot sure showed that field of wheat who was boss. @2:34

[@charris5700]

Someone has to keep that wheat in line before things get out of hand. There's alot more wheat than soldiers and if that wheat were to gang up and get any crazy ideas it could cause a real problem.

[@fidus868]

Lol what an idiot pilot

[@AudieHolland]

General Chuck Yaeger flew strafing missions over 1944/1945 Europe before becoming a test pilot and breaking the Sound Barrier. He commented: the war was very dirty at that time and both sides committed atrocities. During strafing missions without a preset objective, Allied fighter pilots were ordered to shoot up towns and horse carts to 'break the enemy's morale' (terrorize).

[@gizzymeows5847]

Please continue to share more. What sacrifice and courage, I will be forever grateful for their service.

[@jamesmichael3607]

The winter pics and videos especially with the panzers and Sherman’s are incredible and exceptionally well edited.

[@peterpiper_203]

You sir amaze us You continually amaze me with the history you bring forward to us Thank You sir

[@chriswatson4430]

I learn something new, everyday from this channel, and I thank you for that.

[@tobyfiver4117]

Notice at 7:23 the logs strapped to the Shermans. Gen. Patton would go berzerk when he saw this as his whole tning was speed. The GIs were trying to beefup their thinly armoured tanks. My Dad was a tank commander with the 14th armoured div. and got chewed out by old blood and guts for having sandbags (North Africa 1942) on his tanks. He removed them as ordered, then after the General moved on, replaced them. He survived and came home in November 1945.

[@alswann2702]

And he raised ya to be a stinkin' fiver? Hmmm.

[@henryk1031]

Sherman’s got logs. Panzers got sand bags. t 34s got troops on them for extra armor.

[@coolface998]

7:21 Off-topic from the video but amazing to see the creativity of these Sherman crews to strap on whatever they could find as means of additional armor and camouflage Edit: I think this would make for a nice video topic for Mark to cover, 👍🏼 if you agree :)

[@TheWilferch]

Goes for both sides...see 9:09.....

[@insideoutsideupsidedown2218]

Side skirting was typical fir German armor. But they as well as the allies would add many different items to help up armor their tanks.

[@hatman4818]

The sherman jumbo in particular had A LOT of makeshift armor. The tank was already overloaded well past what the tracks could handle with a ton of extra steel on the turret and frotal armor, and the crews threw sandbags on top of all that anyway. Very odd tank. Frontal effective armor rivals even that of a king tiger. Impressive for a sherman that was never meant to be a tank. destroyer or heavy tank.

[@mikeschultz6383]

That might have been the best 17 minutes I’ve ever spent on KZbin

[@MMORPGmusic]

Thank you for all your hard work Dr Felton

[@sonnyburnett8725]

Oh Boy, thank you Mark. This one was the best ever.

[@DolphLongedgreens]

Amazing how Felton can deliver suspense without dramatic narration. Content is king.

[@jeremygreen3392]

Great job again Mr Felton. I would love to see Australian involvement in WW2 and especially SAS in Vietnam. My great uncle was killed in Vietnam serving as SAS training the south.

[@johnd4875]

Yet another intriguing installment from history, this has been the best one to date!

[@microtonalmilio5233]

Wow my heart is still raising from you explaining the mission as it unfolded.

[@laurensvdw]

This is the best channel i've been subscribed to in my KZbin time so far. Every time good narrated videos! Keep up the good work Mark, you are a real addition to KZbin ! I still can't imagine that people down vote these really good videos.

[@MrGouldilocks]

Absolutely fantastic video and narration. This is the first video I've seen on the channel and I'm glad to have found it. Looking forward to checking out other content, great job.

[@andrewmagdaleno5417]

Thanks for the hard work on these videos Mark!

[@VS-et4pn]

This channel satisfies my cravings for the glory days of the history and military channels

[@TheWilferch]

Another fantastic report from Mark Felton..... they just keep on coming, and we're all glad for it.

[@jtns2845]

my maternal uncle was in the 112th infantry reg, 28th infantry div and captured on christmas eve 1944 in the ardennes. he was sent as a pow to berga labor camp and murdered there in april 1945. my grandmother, an army nurse in ww1, became a double gold star holder: my grandfather never recovered and died of ww1 causes in 1928 and her eldest son was killed in ww2.

[@jenisbetzke6228]

it is a miracle that you made it out alive. hope you appreciate GOd's plan for you. stay strong.

[@branon6565]

JTNS 28 ....damn....I'm a 3rd generation Army combat vet, my Grandfather was a radioman on D-Day at Utah Beach, my Dad was an E5 in Vietnam, and I served two combat tours in Iraq....many families have sacrificed and suffered much pain not only in the defense of America, but also for the good of her allies....much respect to your family, from the sound of it, they served with honor and distinction, just like me and mine....Hooah

[@scroch6512]

I just can't get enough of these Video's. Great Stuff

[@em1osmurf]

just looked dr. felton up in wikipedia. what an astounding individual. his bibliography is quite a fascinating "re'sume'". no wonder these vids are so well done!

[@FG-ww8rc]

Without a doubt the best military history channel.

[@standardalias]

I was literally watching one of your videos when this was uploaded 😂, love your content mark 👍

[@deniseroe5891]

Awesome video and a little-known battle. God bless our WWII vets, or which, my dad was one. So few are left.

[@jungle_cs]

Idk how anyone can dislike the videos.... They're put together good and are easy to understand

[@corylemons7242]

I’m surprised the Americans didn’t allow a retreat.. Another great video. I love how you capture ever little detail to how many tanks by the Americans were even in the battle.

[@Indylimburg]

COL Hurley Fuller was relieved of command of the 23rd Regiment, 2nd ID, in Normandy after the 23rd took heavy loses and failed to take Hill 192. General Gerow, commander of V Corps, fired Fuller during butt kicking meeting when Fuller (likely exhausted and stressed) failed to answer Gerow's questions about why the 23rd didn't press the attack (192 was a meat grinder and it was an impossible task). Fuller was escorted out by his aids and reassigned to the 28th ID in England. I believe that his stubborn defense at Clervaux was partly to regain his reputation after his humiliation in Normandy.

[@T3hderk87]

This I have never seen! Thank you Mark!

[@Trek001]

Never knew this battle took place - always thought the only time in history American troops have defended a medieval castle was Itter in '45... Thanks, Mark, for a very interesting film

[@steveshoemaker6347]

l am 75 now l had no idea of this till now.....Thanks...Mark....Super well done as usual...!

[@EastLancashireJohn]

Your best video yet. Superb story telling.

[@beigethursday1352]

Brilliant video, probably my favourite so far

[@TheFreshman321]

It was the same at St Vith American 7th Armoured Division being surrounded by 5th Panzer and about to be enveloped and destroyed. I think Monty ordered their withdrawal to more defensible position against the wishes of Hodges and Ridgeway. Monty said they can come back with honour. The question i have is how the hell Bradley wasn't fired after the Hurtegen and the Ardennes fiascos. That needs explaining.

[@alswann2702]

'Ol monty woulda been fired years before for his African fiascos if he wasn't a cousin of the royals!

[@hatman4818]

With 20/20 hindsight, it's easy to judge. Macarthur squandered his airpower in the Philippines, letting his planes get shot to pieces on the ground in the first few days of US involvement. Rommel's aggressive armored pushes without infantry support nearly ended in not only disaster, but nearly cost him his own life multiple times. And Halsey fucked up quite badly costing 7-8 unnecessary US warship losses, over 1400 men, and almost 150 aircraft, between Leyte and a typhoon, and I think the only reason he wasn't handed his own ass was because the heroism and sacrifice of 4 of those ships lead to one of the most unbelievable outnumbered and outgunned naval victories in human history, keeping an even longer death toll off his tab by keeping an invasion force safe from japanese warships... Despite his best efforts to fuck up his one and only job of keeping said force safe. Point is, generals and admirals are people too. They make mistakes, sometimes they learn, and they have highlights... But above all else... Never forget... Patton's sidelining for 2 years over slapping a GI was completely retarded XD Truth is, the world of military leadership is rife with politics, those who make it to those positions often abuse their power, and who is held accountable for what boils down to who licks whose boots. And it's a lot worse today than I think it was back then.

[@Roller_Ghoster]

Die Wacht Am Rhein amazes me to this day how the germans were able to stealthily mobilise 300,000 troops and two full panzer armies just miles from the front line. The Americans called the Ardennes the "ghost sector" due to it being so quiet.

[@AudieHolland]

TheFirst actual warning the Americans received was in an extremely quiet part of The Ardennes, where guard duty was carried out by a single jeep patrol every hour. Fortunately, the patrol escaped enemy attention long enough to radio back that the area was "crawling with Germans."

[@NicWalker627]

Quality like this requires no comment. Keep up the good work!

[@xboxisbetta]

You have to do the 551 PIB at the bulge. one of two known fixed bayonet charges on the western front. Unit was annihilated.

[@dmgill83]

I had no idea that I'd stayed in a town with Battle of the Bulge history. I stayed in the Hotel du Commerce in Clervaux in a room that looked directly at the back side of the castle. I was staying there on my way to go to the museums in Bastogne. Thank you Mark for this video.

[@nostradamusofgames5508]

Ardennes Alamo you have my attention as a texan!

[@goldenhelmet3251]

Another Brilliant informative video!

[@RonaldReaganRocks1]

It's nice that Mark pays tribute and is respectful to America and our contribution to the war, instead of being one of the Brits who tries to downplay America's role in WWII. Everyone contributed a hell of a lot.

[@mkilner]

Superb!...i knew nothing of this heroic standoff by these brave soldiers and i was lucky to see the world at war on tv when it aired, this is a very nice follow up in HD with quality content and narration! 👏🏻🌟

[@slowbotdrone]

Those men are unknown hero's! Thanks for telling their story.

[@gfx2943]

Currently my favorite WWII/History channel!

[@banarne71]

This was really interesting. Liked the longer format with more in depth information. Well done!

[@SuperDiablo101]

Mark you certainly have a way of telling a detailed story and putting pictures put in our minds it's dying art

[@nstrube226]

As always, absolutely amazing Mark. By far the best history channel in the web!!!

[@asheland_numismatics]

This channel is growing! 👍

[@zogzog1063]

Wow! What a story! Thank you for sharing

[@vetere0599]

Love it. Thank You Dr.

[@jjpbdm]

Really an excellent summary. Great use and timing of clips. Thank you, Mark!

[@Whitelightnin76]

My great grandfather was in the 106th. He got to the forest like two or three days before the offensive started. St Vith isn’t talked about nearly as much as Bastogne. Props to you sir

[@DebdeK]

thank you, i agree this should be mandatory viewing for high school students, too quickly we forget history and are brainwashed by social media & "news" agency that we are invincible. Thank You again.

[@ericmcquiston9473]

Wow ! another battle that I never knew about until today ! Thanks Mark for another great video.

[@Pierluigi_Di_Lorenzo]

I've watched many of your videos, all very good, but this one is amazing.

[@thekameleon9785]

Iam Dutch and grew near the Ardennes. Visited the place many times in both winter and summer. Its beautiful but here and there you can find traces of the battle. Lots of museums and tank wrecks.

[@andrearlieth2711]

Thank you Mark! For so many little known war stories, I for one, have never heard of. Just goes to show history is indeed written by the conquerors. But all the intricate facts regarding WWII, such a vital part of human history, should be exposed. You have helped to this end. So thank you!

[@jamesvanderpoel2135]

Great video as always

[@secularforme6377]

Yet again,amazing work Mark

[@mbabist01]

Gen. Bradley was right: the Germans SHOULD HAVE used those forces to good effect on the Eastern Front, driving the Soviets from Germany, rather than squandering them in the Ardennes.

[@Lerxstification]

They would have made even less of a lasting impact on Ostfront.

[@edgein3299]

Patton was right. The US was fighting the wrong enemy.

[@christosvoskresye]

I doubt that would have worked either. Sometimes there is NO right answer.

[@saltymonke3682]

@@edgein3299 both are correct enemy. One is a National Socialist dictatorship the other one is a Pan-Socialist/Communist dictatorship.

[@Not_An_Alien]

I think the idea is not to win, but to slow down the commies, so the West grabs more territory. Which makes sense, from Bradley's perspective.

[@paulclayton5153]

Can I just say you are my favourite channel on KZbin you have nailed it