Why A Bayonet Charge Was The Only Solution (Normandy, 1944 Documentary)

[@jphaesen3860]

I live in the village of Vroenhoven where the WW2 started on 10th of May 1940 but also only 15 miles from Margraten where Col. Cole is resting. Thanks to your documentary I can put a face and a person on the name. I will go to him and pay my respect but also to the other guys that died for our freedom.

[@BattleGuideVT]

Our team were filming in Margraten and commented on how busy the cemetery was with local visitors. We are glad you learnt something from our documentary.

[@ibeetellingya5683]

Amazing. Please take along the spirit of respect and gratitude from us other viewers with you. We salute him from afar, and thank you for standing before him for us.

[@ausniannative3055]

Yes, they died to have Europe flooded by the world’s browns, the thanks jews give us. FREEDOM! Amarite?

[@nomidubidabi]

WWII started on September 1, 1939

[@PauloPereira-jj4jv]

WWII started in Poland. September 1939, officially.

[@jimreilly917]

Your integration of original footage, computer enhancement and modern satellite mapping overlays make this one of the best battle explanation videos I’ve ever seen…and I’ve seen dozens upon dozens if not hundreds..top stuff. More please.🇺🇸🇬🇧

[@BattleGuideVT]

We are glad you enjoyed the video! Be sure to subscribe!

[@JACB006]

Well said. HEAR HEAR.

[@Indubb]

Well said. The other technique that I like is small animations. Some of the pacific ship battle videos by other channels use simple top down animation so that you can see how the ships tried to turn to evade torpedoes and dive bombers.

[@WilliamMoore-p4g]

It's refreshing to see a documentary on YT that's actually well made. There are only a handful.

[@rambonatorrrr6694]

Not if you look better, there are plenty of good channels like armchair historian or kings&Generals, Mark Felton, etc.

[@WilliamMoore-p4g]

@@rambonatorrrr6694 I believe I do. There IS a 10/1 ratio. Way too much garbage, that makes elementary school level fallacies. You don't have to look to hard for that stuff. Much of it oozes on the shorts. YT just throws it at you. BTW: you named less than a handful, that I already subscribe.

[@thewatcher5271]

I Always Hope I'll Get A Glimpse Of My Dad In One Of These Videos. 60 Years Ago, He Told Me About Seeing Colonel Cole Fall, In Holland. Thank You.

[@BattleGuideVT]

Wow thats something... keep looking you never know where an image might pop up. I once stumbled across an image of my father disembarking from a troop ship with the Royal Ulster Rifles... that was a shock!

[@ndunwoodie]

What company was he in?

[@thewatcher5271]

@@ndunwoodie I Think He Said Headquarters Company But I Was Pretty Little Back In The '60's When He Was Telling Me About It. Thank You.

[@thewatcher5271]

@@BattleGuideVT I Am Glad For You & I Am Still Hoping! Thank You.

[@renatosureal]

29-year old LTCol ?! In today's rank ... that would be a mid level CAP.

[@titanguy9992]

This unbelievable work the cameraman charging the old farmhouse while narrating keep this up ill definitely be checking your videos out more.

[@BattleGuideVT]

Thanks so much... we are delighted you liked the video!

[@michaelallison1255]

as an American i say thank you for remembering our fallen soldiers- no matter what the world says about us today there is no doubt about the unselfish courage of our fallen sons- brothers-husbands-sisters😪

[@ericyeo26]

Thanks to the Americans in the Vietnam war, Korean war, South east Asia had a 10 year margin to develop. Else we would be communist now and very poor. Thanks to the Americans' sacrifice again and again all over the world rule of law prevails. It is all by God's mercy ❤️🎉.

[@bradr2142]

Me too could careless about what others think about us it's none of my business. I will never forget what my family did in the war over there. And big thanks to all Americans that fought there.

[@dave8323]

Yeh, now big business and global organisations like the who and wef can flourish, and it doesn't really matter that nuclear war is a constant threat, the climate is collapsing, economic inequality is the worst it's ever been etc. Us hegemony is obviously akin to the empire in star wars, and I appreciate propaganda is pervasive, but it doesn't take a lot of intelligence to realise that the US is against the interests of everyone, including it's own population

[@JC-sd3vh]

Take no notice of others.We know what you did. Respect from UK .

[@christophercook723]

What Country in the Continent are you from? Do you know what 'of' means?

[@colin7073]

Superb unvarnished account of events. Excellent history telling. Thank you is just not enough for the bravery of the soldiers. Lest we forget.🇬🇧

[@BattleGuideVT]

Thanks Colin!

[@ProfessorM-he9rl]

Thank you for this post. There were 5 beach landings, yes 5. All those that did so and the defending soldiers should be respected and remembered for their courage. Thank you RIP x

[@dave8323]

Everyone knows that there were 5 landing beaches.

[@At-07461]

I very much appreciate the way you blend the old and new terrain images. It makes for much easier comprehension of what is being described. 👍

[@BattleGuideVT]

Thank you... glad you found value in the production.

[@MichaelEllison-jr4wg]

Great informative story. The original aerial footage and views the soldiers faced while explaining the mission was incredible. Thank you for the documentary and look forward to more content.

[@BattleGuideVT]

Thanks so much for the kind words... we enjoy digging deep into these actions and sharing it here on YT.

[@cgross82]

I was watching your video until the end, when I realized that I had the honor of sounding Taps from that very tower at Margraten Cemetery in 1977, when I was a member of the U.S. Third Armored Division Band. Major General Maurice Rose, Commander of the U.S. Third Armored Division, and the only U.S. General Officer killed in action in WWII, is also buried there at Margraten Cemetery. Thank you for your video and the inspiring account of the Soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division!

[@BattleGuideVT]

Wow...thanks for your kind words!

[@cpointon95]

Absolutely brilliant documentary. The sheer bravery.. just.. humbling. Thankyou.

[@BattleGuideVT]

Thanks for the kind comment!

[@harryshriver6223]

A wonderfully accurate and true telling of the Forgotten battle for Carentan. So many brave heroes who survived and died on Purple Heart Lane should be remembered forever. Vaya con Dios y en paz descansen. 😢

[@BattleGuideVT]

Thank you for the kind words Harry we are glad you enjoyed the video.

[@jonmajarucon51]

Well done. Thank you. Incredibly brave soldiers!!! God bless our Vets

[@ibeetellingya5683]

It seems that the farmhouse still stands, and the video of approaching it up close with the action narration took my breath away.

[@BattleGuideVT]

Thanks... it really added to the story in our opinion.

[@armyvet8279]

Awesome video thanks! We owe everything to those men who fought and died for the freedoms we enjoy

[@cheesenoodles8316]

That was pretty good. A map of Purple Heart Lane, the first hand account is great, the end sobering.

[@BattleGuideVT]

Thank you... glad you enjoyed it.

[@johannes7059]

Great video, amazing job with mixing the old and new footage Also i am still a big fan of the podcast, i look forward to every new episode, thanks for that

[@BattleGuideVT]

Thanks so much @Johannes7059 for your support here and as a podcast listener!

[@KCODacey]

Very nicely done. It's important to me, when reading history, to be able to orient myself on the battlefield. You fellows did a wonderful job. Thank you.

[@BattleGuideVT]

Thanks... glad you enjoy our style.

[@jgonzalez101]

Thank you for sharing this important part of our Military History of these brave determined and courageous Soldiers during some of the most ferocious battles of WW2. ❤️🇺🇸

[@BattleGuideVT]

Thanks for watching.

[@TomasMartinoLlamas-xf4xx]

What an incredible video! I love how you put this amazing story into such an intimate perspective! Thanks

[@BattleGuideVT]

Thanks for watching!

[@theenigmaticgamer]

Thank you for another superbly presented video. Your ability to blend historical images with those of today really brings the story to life. Thank you for also sharing the story of Col. Cole and his courageous men. They deserve to be remembered.

[@BattleGuideVT]

Thanks very much glad you enjoyed it!

[@danflores8445]

These men accomplished an incredible job. As a Paratrooper and Combat Veteran I salute these Men on the 101st Airborne with the utmost respect, gratitude and appreciation. God Bless these courageous souls, past and present.🫡

[@sclarsen86]

Fantastic video, thank you for putting this together.

[@BattleGuideVT]

Our pleasure!

[@rambonatorrrr6694]

For a detailed layout for some of these battles, such as Purple Heart Lane and Carentan I suggest Hell let Loose, it's a video game in which these maps are portrayed on a 1:1 scale and created from satellite footage and air photographs from 1944.

[@Lawesp]

What an amazing retelling of a brutal battle and such great courage. Truly spell binding stuff. Thank you for making this so intricate and real.

[@Taff67]

Wow.. one of the best videos I've seen regarding WW2 actions. Very informative and excellent referncing to historic and present day so that the viewer can assimulate what happened.... Many thanks for this!

[@BattleGuideVT]

Glad you liked it!

[@TDurden527]

Great work on recreating this action. Excellent compilation of film, some of which I have never see and I'm 76yo having watched ww2 vids all these years.

[@waltermatthews1155]

We are off to Normandy this Thursday 30th this has been my go to channel, thank you for your amazing presentation.

[@BattleGuideVT]

Thank you for your comment! Have a great trip!

[@charliebryce3783]

This is so well researched, explained with superb graphics.

[@mccleod6235]

These videos are great! Descriptions of company level actions with a solid explanation of the tactics are really very interesting.

[@wjmoretz8279]

This is excellent, thankful for the algorithm for putting this in front of me

[@-jk-2580]

I’ve visited the Purple Heart Lane years ago and this bring me good memories. Just really excellent video!

[@BattleGuideVT]

Thank you.

[@dflamm210]

never knew about Cole, what an amazing man. from another San Antonio native thanks for telling part of his story with such an amazing video🙏

[@BattleGuideVT]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Andy-co6pn]

Is there no memorial to him in San Antonio ?

[@dflamm210]

@@Andy-co6pn unfortunately none that I know of, though my grandfather who also served in WW2 is buried at the cemetery on Fort Sam, I’ll be sure to check for some info about Cole the next time I’m there!

[@hughbarton5743]

Thank you for a well-told presentation of a tiny pivot point that likely changed the world. Nice work!!! PS : thank you for a narration by a person who speaks properly, including(in my high school opinion....) a perfectly correct French job of place names, etc. Just subscribed today. Thanks!

[@BattleGuideVT]

Thank you for the kind words and for subscribing and becoming part of the community here!

[@derksforeal7960]

You guys are absolutely keeping the history of these mostly forgotten people, places, and events alive. 80 years and a million lives separate us but y’all are doing the impossible, bringing the past to the present and reminding everyone that it could be worse 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@BattleGuideVT]

Thanks for the kind words, and we are delighted you enjoyed the documentary!

[@paulvarn4712]

Unique and captivating presentation style.

[@kenherrington274]

Thanks

[@BattleGuideVT]

Thanks so much Ken!!

[@stevepritchett6563]

An excellent video on something I knew little about. Found this video by accident, but have now subscribed 👍

[@flavio_meneses]

As usual, stupendous research and even better storytelling. Thanks for the great video.

[@BattleGuideVT]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@geodes4762]

My uncle had served with the 101st 326th AEB and made the jump i to Normandy and Holland. He visited me at West Point in July 1970. I recall him bringing up the names of two individuals he had served with and who did not live to make it home. Both of these were USMA grads. One was LTC Robert Cole and the other was Cpt Thomas A. Norwood both killed during Market Garden. He told me he had not thought about those two men in almost 30 years and what they had done until he came up to West Point where both of them had graduated from.

[@raymondtonns2521]

thank you for this tale of fortitude under fire .

[@BattleGuideVT]

Our pleasure!

[@Wilett614]

Outstanding Video and Narration !! Many Thanks for Sharing this Very interesting Story of the Fight for Normandy

[@BattleGuideVT]

Thank you for your comment!

[@sailordude2094]

It's great that I found your channel around the D Day date in 2024. Remembering their sacrifices 80 years later. Thanks for the in depth, excellent history video.

[@ShirleyMalia]

Me too

[@billotto602]

What an outstanding video. Your mixture of old pictures, modern pictures & computer overlays is stupendous ! "A truce to retrieve the wounded", or something to that effect, struck me as an incredible act of civilization in a very uncivilized time. It never would have happened in the PTO, but say what you like about the Germans, they had their moments. God bless all the vets of that war. I pray for peace all the time. RIP to the heros who saved the world, of which my father & uncle were 2. 🙏♥️🙏♥️🙏♥️ 🫡 🇺🇸

[@fcon1350]

Incredible video of an incredible piece of history. Keep up the great work man 💪

[@BattleGuideVT]

Thanks for the kind comment.

[@bristolfashion4421]

Gee Whizz - I’ve stayed on Carentan, in the peaceful campsite next to the canal. I was cycling through to tour the peninsula and wotnot… I’ve cycled up and down many of the roads shown in the vid. 😮 It’s so hard to imagine the trauma and the bravery, on both sides and all I can say is its such a blessing that it all stopped back when it did. Even at this distance I can readily tell that War is Hell…

[@alex4833]

Excellent video. I'm taking time to learn more about WWII and wish I had learned about Col. Cole in school. The maps and images were helpful. Hearing Col. Cole's recollection is helpful too. Excellent work, Battle Guide. Take care.

[@BattleGuideVT]

Thanks very much Alex. Glad you found it interesting.

[@alex4833]

@@BattleGuideVT Sure thing! Your videos are all informative and helpful :).

[@aperson7754]

Love these videos

[@BattleGuideVT]

Thanks for watching!

[@bennett9117]

Great narration. Have you heard of Michel Hollard and the V1 ? True and great story.

[@FranciscoElizalde1955]

¡Gracias!

[@SeatSniffer1944]

Purple Heart lane is also one of my favorite hell let loose map

[@DARTY132]

I hate it 🤣

[@LoneWolf051]

yes! was also a great map in Forgotten Hope 2 and Brothers in Arms

[@Frank-jg4tq]

Yeah mine too, it's crazy how accurate it is compared to real life. Incredible

[@keesie75]

@@LoneWolf051 Still is a great map in Forgotten Hope

[@Mangolorian-je3eo]

“Look out Jacques, it’s another WWII nerd running across the road” 😂 Very well told, love the map matchups.

[@danielreichert2025]

Absolutely astonishing. Prayers to the fallen 🙏

[@BattleGuideVT]

Thanks Daniel

[@seegurke93]

Ever since Brothers in Arms (I think it was Road to Hill 30) I loved this story! Sadly the farm is not whole anymore. But I loved the place when I visited last year. Wish that it was possible to walk the purple heart lane but you are foreced to use your car since there is no sidewalk :(

[@BattleGuideVT]

It's amazing how computer games influence our understanding of history.

[@jamesellis2784]

Run thrust . Crazy .

[@C.Fecteau-AU-MJ13]

It's crazy to think a 29yo could lead such a crucial part of the most important military operation in history... I not long got done watching "Masters of the Air" and it took me a little while to get used to just how relatively young those commanding officers at the time actually were.

[@BattleGuideVT]

Yes great point... we look up to these individuals sometimes as elders and then realise we are twice their age... LOL

[@pablopeter3564]

Thanks for your service heroes and service men.

[@mairiconnell6282]

A 29 nine year old Lt Col. Wow not normal until 44 years old. Respect.

[@BattleGuideVT]

Yeah he was something else.... just sad that he didn't live to be any older than 29.

[@dennisseah9403]

If I recall, I think he died in Market Garden.

[@earlofdoncaster5018]

War greatly enhances promotion opportunities.

[@bgroovin1343]

Actually, in the modern Army...given a typical commissioning and promotion timetable...a LTC will be approximately 38. Full Colonel is about 44-45.

[@mairiconnell6282]

@@bgroovin1343 I can only speak about my husband’s timeline. He was on fast promotion and hit Major at 34 years old. UK Forces.

[@benstallard9924]

another superb video

[@BattleGuideVT]

Thanks Ben

[@andybobandy641]

I love the frame rate corrected footage. It just adds a little bit more realism to an awful nightmare of a era. I still don't understand how ANYONE survived that war.

[@BattleGuideVT]

Thanks!

[@marcusaetius9309]

I remember reading about a true bayonet charge carried out by a German army that was trapped by the Soviets. The German commander insisted that only bayonets be used in the nighttime breakout and it worked as Soviet units only heard sporadic Soviet gunfire and were unaware of the push through a section of the encirclement. Balls of steel!

[@johnhewett9483]

excellent video thank you

[@Glen.Danielsen]

This channel is a gem. Incredible graphics, and original film of Col. Cole’s narration! I wonder though: where was air support, P-47 heaven? (I am just ignorant armchair observer.) 😶

[@BattleGuideVT]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@agiboa]

Great quality. I have also seen those aerial photos and many of the historical ones as well as the Lt Cole newsreel. Putting them together like this is exactly how I would do it if I had the skills and time. Awesome job.

[@BattleGuideVT]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@chrisfield9777]

Wow just wow. Great work! Much appreciated.

[@BattleGuideVT]

Glad you liked it!

[@bhut1571]

Nicely done. Cheers from Canada.

[@BattleGuideVT]

Glad you enjoyed it thanks!

[@martinjaspers7859]

Thank you for this great video, truly incredibly well done! I live close to were Lieutenant Colonel Cole was killed and I always stop at the memorial which is raised in his honor, I just cannot pass it without thinking about what happened there...

[@BattleGuideVT]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@robinfowler9477]

i never heard of this action, thank you

[@rhoff523]

Your production value and narration are phenomenal and these history snippets are a great testament to those Americans and our Allies that fought and spilled their blood in a just war against reprehensible foes, in this case the Fascist Nazis. Thank you. It is a shame that so many Americans, ignorant of their own country's history and government, would willingly install a fascist government now and are working toward that goal. For our own sake, the world's sake and the country's I hope we have a record turn out of voters in November.

[@rainmanmainplan4421]

This is why i play Hell let loose because they use satellite imagery on their map purple heart lane and other maps..... I like how authentic the game is because it's true to history.

[@BattleGuideVT]

Have you tried Post Scriptum?

[@rainmanmainplan4421]

@@BattleGuideVT nope I've watched reviews and gameplay looks awesome ww2 for some reason always has a place in.my heart, when I joined the military in phase 1 training they took to us to normandy i ran across omaha beach saw the bunkers even went to point du hoc amazing experience

[@rainmanmainplan4421]

@@BattleGuideVT even walked across the original Pegasus bridge it's riddled with bullet holes, went to the German cemetery very depressing and went to the American cemetery

[@gs637]

Thanks you, and Respect!

[@BattleGuideVT]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@mitchbeckett8140]

Thank you, great job!

[@BattleGuideVT]

Thank you too!

[@GaveMeGrace1]

Thank you; well done.

[@johngrissom9147]

Thank you so very much to all for your Courageous Service Sirs !!!!!

[@StormBlessedxo]

12:57 when I go to this spot I will do the same, love the videos.

[@markdidsbury3626]

The last thing a soldier wants to hear from their CO is "Fix Bayonets!"

[@carlgreisheimer8701]

This is why he got a MOH and Winters got a DSC

[@kenwest6300]

Market Garden was a terrible screwup. Thank you Monty.

[@senseofthecommonman]

Not as bad as the Hurtgen Forrest, you Americans always seen to keep quiet about that one.

[@oceanhome2023]

The view of those 2 Cemeteries really brought home the loss of the Airborne troops . Operation Market Garden a meat grinder , a disaster !they should never have let Montgomery do this operation !

[@jimgandee2570]

Thank you men! Thank you!

[@larryspiller6633]

Where was the armor for the initial attack? Not part of the plan? What a rough start to a battle.

[@madebyruud]

Incredible footage mixed with recent videos and tools while greatly narrated. I enjoyed this documentary a lot keep it up!

[@BattleGuideVT]

Thank you very much!

[@quantumdog_enlisted]

Who played the Brothers in Arms: Road to hill 30?

[@BattleGuideVT]

I did... and I sucked at it... LOL

[@DARTY132]

Loved it! Even hells highway

[@guts-141]

​@@BattleGuideVTit's pretty easy once you get the gist of it. The 4F tactics, aiming takes a bit of time to stabilize, do not approach MG42 or Tanks with MGs, if you see white flashes then take cover, the attacks will reset & banzai charge the shit out of enemy Mortar crews when in range

[@MrTuftynut]

Excellent documentary andeven better with the old photo overlays and 1944 video footage!

[@BattleGuideVT]

Thanks glad you enjoyed it!

[@robinc6324]

I was just in Carentan. I wish I had seen this video before i got there.

[@jsardi56]

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. Jn 15:13

[@007JHS]

The battle of Itter Castle is quite fascinating where allied troops joined forces with Wehrmacht troops and fought against fanatical SS

[@charlesfiscus4235]

He was a full Col. when he was killed during Market Garden

[@lyonknives1784]

Reason number six billion why they were the greatest.

[@Sugarmountaincondo]

Top notch video. I really like your usage of original ariel pictures used in an overlay fashion. The bayonet charge signaled by a whistle instead of popping smoke is unusual. The most interesting fact for me was the bombing by 2 Stuka's as the only German Air usage I have ever read about were the 2 fighters (FW190's?) that flew over Gold & Sword Beaches on June 6th and a few occasional night raids on shipping off the coast of Normandy. I wonder what became of those 2-daylight daredevils? Of course I subscribed 👍

[@BattleGuideVT]

Thanks for joining the community.

[@theuntoldhistoyofiranandthemid]

It was great, I enjoyed it. I am really interested in history, especially the history of any country. I will be happy if you support the history of my country, Iran.

[@BattleGuideVT]

Good luck with your channel!

[@theuntoldhistoyofiranandthemid]

Thanks 😊

[@charlesfiscus4235]

Lt. Col Cole was nominated for the CMH for his actions during this battle , specifically the bayonet charge he led.

[@damntravis6056]

Man just imagine how terrifying it would be to just march forward under direct fire with no cover. Men dropping all around you. Yet you must keep marching. Absolutely terrifying

[@HiTechOilCo]

I find that a horrific and unnecessary loss of life. To throw soldiers into almost certain death I find very irresponsible.

[@ElderTobias]

@@HiTechOilCo What would you have done?

[@garage3022]

Epic content. Too bad it is supressed by YT

[@Babalouie59]

Great presentation. Well produced with good use of flying cameras. (drones) Lt Col Robert Cole was a real live super hero. I love his familiar Texan accent, from growing up there. That bayonet and knife charge was more cinematic than any Hollywood movie. And then, to hold the position, after so much. OMG

[@HiTechOilCo]

"OMG"? On my gonads? Only Monday golfing? Orbiting my galaxy? What is this secret code? Surely it's not blasphemy?

[@joeypinter9011]

very cool.

[@BattleGuideVT]

Thanks

[@neilcrowesongs9768]

Where was the air cover and artillery?

[@nightjarflying]

There had been artillery fire, but it wasn't effective - hence Cole laid smoke & initiated the bayonet charge. German radio jamming was a problem throughout - it ruled out air support, but Cole's artillery observer eventually managed to break through radio jamming that evening & called down fire by the entire Corps artillery to drive off German counterattacks. Getting 'taxi cab' air support was difficult that first week of D-Day as there were no Allied airfields in Normandy yet, so 80 miles of front relied on fighter-bombers flying from England & waiting to be called in by specialist controllers in Normandy.

[@ndunwoodie]

My dad was in H co, 502 that was involved in this bayonet charge.Fortunately, for him, he had been injured in a nightitme practice jump just prior to D Day and missed the invasion. He said that most of his company did not return to England after being withdrawn from France having been killed or wounded.

[@stevefuller6499]

Awesome!!

[@BattleGuideVT]

Thanks Steve

[@paultiller6766]

My uncle Frank was in the 101st and made this jump.

[@thetimetraveller6550]

Absolutely as always incredible impeccable work from the whole team at Battle Guide, there entire research is "The Best" Nothing else on the entire web comes close. I emplore everyone subscribe 👍 thumb up and smash the 🔔Bell share, share, share, tell family friends👭👬 and everyone else thank you.

[@BattleGuideVT]

HAHAHA... thanks very much for the very kind endorsement!

[@thetimetraveller6550]

@@BattleGuideVT don't worry am determined to get all the buggers I know to subscribe it really is amazing the in depth research you guys do as far as am concerned it's definitely number 1 nothing else is as good I researched my relative who was a sniper in ww1 and I know how difficult it is to find information that's still an ongoing project but am just an amateur compared to you guys.