Colditz TV Series S02-E04 - The Guests

"The Guests"
A Hauptsturmführer of the SD arrives at the Colditz town jail with three British commandos. He intends to keep this fact a secret, but it leaks both to Colonel Preston and the Kommandant. Preston, aware of Hitler's order that all commandos are to be shot, pressures the Kommandant to take the commandos under his jurisdiction. He tries, but the SD overrules him. In an unusual bout of helpfulness, Mohn suggests to the Kommandant that he could use his high connections to have the commandos transferred to the castle. This is done, but Mohn has ulterior motives. He predicts correctly that the British contingent would attempt to help the commandos escape, and use their best escape plan, the one used by Pat Grant and Phil Carrington to make their home run. Ulmann, anxious to rectify his embarrassment, goes along with Mohn's plan to trap the prisoners while the Kommandant is away.

[@W.A.T.P...55]

I only wish there was more programmes like this,,,,,I could watch this kind of tv all day everyday lol,,,,,,,,,classic television

[@patreidcocolditzcastle632]

derek check out secret army.its made by the same team some of the same actors.its about the escape lines set up by mi6 and the french/Belgian resistance.its very accurate and great performances as well.and yes why dont they make tv like this anymore?

[@COIcultist]

@@patreidcocolditzcastle632 What it's full of white men and it doesn't even point out their toxic masculinity.

[@patreidcocolditzcastle632]

@@COIcultist wish i was smart enough to work out this comment,i guess being a old man has its bonus,s ......

[@patreidcocolditzcastle632]

@@COIcultist im in trouble for suggesting to someone a program,very strange unless your comment is a joke i dont get,btw im not the type to protest in the middle of a pandemic,and i also dont believe trump is a lizard alien

[@raflaughter3474]

@@patreidcocolditzcastle632 I think COIcultist means this isn't wrecked by over the top political correctness standards and American hyperbole. Today, shows need a range of races to be represented so they don't get complaints. The women would get insulted for not having a heroine. And if this was made in America today, they'd probably have to include a steamy sex scene between a POW and a German nurse called Helga.

[@cameron120587]

21:51 "That's all very well old boy but first you steal my shoe and then you tell me you are an officer in the Royal Air Force. I mean you don't look like one. You're dressed up as some sort of Froggie and your fingernails are filthy!" Love that line!

[@patreidcocolditzcastle632]

hans meyer cant help himself,everytime he does a scene his enjoying theres this little smile on his face.his very cool in his role

[@arthursteven5601]

He's great actor

[@alansimpson7886]

Steals every scene he is in ...great actor

[@raykhetab4890]

He lived to the great age of 95. A great actor, he was one of the highlights of this series. RIP

[@patreidcocolditzcastle632]

@@raykhetab4890 awesome quality from these guys back then

[@dfsengineer]

I love how Mohn cuts Ullmann off just when he's about to say the Kommandant's name.

[@hannahfox5422]

Amusing but I wish we'd known his full name, we know all the others...

[@rodericksloan1255]

Hannah Evans Well the barbers name is Herr Cutt.

[@DarkLight753]

His first name is Karl. His last name is never revealed.

[@BumMcFluff]

@@DarkLight753 Well we can guess that its not Klink.

[@patreidcocolditzcastle632]

@@DarkLight753 i think it is in one brief moment in or im might be thinking of its review on idbm .they say all there full stage names on the review

[@francisconolly9310]

Superbly acted by men of real talent. Superbly written. Superbly produced on a shoe-string budget. 21st century people have no idea what kind of quality media existed in the 1970's. It was the best decade in human history by a country mile.

[@ryanelcock948]

Sure lol

[@gillesguillaumin6603]

There was very good movies (stories), this time was in agitation after the Vietnam war. All was changing, a new freedom in life, it was like coming out from a dark âge. The aftermath of WW2 was paid. One shadow, the cold war but it didn't stop this new happyness; impossible. The great difference was tecnical. In 10 years health, made 40 years of progress, and it was the same thing in all, cars, homes, PC's, planes, furniture, etc... except may be education, wich was and is a strong castle from middle âge for old beards. 😂 WE WERE HAPPY ! ❤🎉, very more than now. A mood of happyness. (You can see than the quality of pictures is pure shit if you compare with today)😢😮😅❤🎉 (Remember than in France 🇨🇵 , we had not 2 WWars but 3, 1870,1914, 1939. And the top of happyness, we didn't have any army since 1873. YOOOPYYYYYY !!!🎉

[@gillesguillaumin6603]

By the way, what is this shitty greeting given by the sentinel to the officer (at 1mn 38 sec). I have never seen that ? 😮😮😮

[@lordeden2732]

No shoestring buget there

[@DavidHarvey-po9le]

And now look what the BBC has become - Champaigne socialists - they couldn't do this now - I don't own a television thanks to you Stalinists.

[@aujay]

I urge everyone to search YT for "Enemy at the Door", which at first i thought couldn't come close to Colditz (which i personal think is one of the best TV programmes ever) in both quality writing and acting; but i can says comes pretty damn close! Well worth your time. : ) Ps: Both Colditz & Enemy at the door feature 3 excellent actors (Ronald Lacey, Patrick Durkin and John Rhys-Davies) who all went onto playing characters in Raiders in the Lost Ark. Amazing!

[@arthursteven5601]

A lot of great character actors in enemy at the 🚪

[@malcolmclements9254]

Checked. Only bits on UT and a general search on Google comes to nothing (deleted) shame I remember it

[@AudieHolland]

I watched while it was still on-line. Then I found at that one of the former islanders who had gotten out in time, then returned as a British Commando, was none other than a very young Rupert Giles!

[@bazthehandyman]

Watched 18 episodes ....some good acting until now !!!

[@mkrbrtsn1]

The way the SBO turns around at 46:08 and looks at Mohn!

[@petermitchelmore2592]

Quite something to see Willie Rushden.

[@Davidudka]

Old Willie Rushton... what a great multi-talented man. They don't make many like him anymore. He died in 1996 much too young at the age of 59. God Bless him!

[@MrDavey2010]

He was so talented.

[@kevcaratacus9428]

Loved watching colditz when it was first on tv, Love utube for making tbis and other old ( pre digital era ) shows available again. UFO , another great series . We only had 4 channels so next day at school everyone talking about what happened. Nowadays so many choices , I thought everyone watched game of thrones , Try talking about it & only a couple of mates had watched a few episodes. Not into star-trek-wars or anything about super heroes Marvel DC , in my day it was Victor or commando .

[@123TauruZ321]

My point of view is, 99% of modern series and movies is vastly inferior to series like Colditz. Even with hundred million pound/dollar budgets and "talented" actors. Everything is so flat and boring. It looks good but lacks depth. At least the very most of it.

[@kevcaratacus9428]

@@123TauruZ321 I completely agree with you

[@DavidHarvey-po9le]

Colditz - great - UFO - crap - agree with you on superhero films. UFO - men running around in string vests with their nipples sticking out looking like Englebert Humperdink - no thanks.

[@kevcaratacus9428]

@@DavidHarvey-po9le lol i never took much notice of the men in vests in that underwater vessel, i preferred the women in short skirts and the wacky cars I loved the ufo the green liquid they breathed. I was a kid when it was on tv I had a toy interceptor with the missile And one of the tank tracked vehicles with a flip over roof full of missiles. We only had 3 channels in those days . I hated space 1999 it replaced ufo i just thought it was boring and full of old people Lol .

[@VillyVassel-eo3qo]

Mr Mole.aka John Rapley as an SS officer great actor player comedy and Drama, 50 years on l am still hooked by Colditz great series

[@MegaWilmington]

Valentine just brilliant,

[@ellenthorne818]

Anthony and I hare a birthday but not a year.

[@ellenthorne818]

Anthony and I hare a birthday but not a year.

[@ellenthorne818]

Anthony and I hare a birthday but not a year.

[@ellenthorne818]

Anthony and I hare a birthday but not a year.

[@ellenthorne818]

Anthony and I hare a birthday but not a year.

[@zabdas83]

The 3 commados in the Police cells - hilarious. 'We shall remove ourselves!'...

[@leilal8053]

I was NOT expecting that ending!

[@patreidcocolditzcastle632]

the ending is a nod to the real instances of that law hitler bought in.the SS did do this.i think there was a commandos trial in 1946 against the perpetrators

[@markfryer9880]

@@patreidcocolditzcastle632 The SAS also had people searching for perpetrators in Germany after the war.

[@johnking5174]

45:30 - Oflag 17 was located near Danzig around 450 miles from Colditz.

[@susanbeaumont6063]

Thank You.

[@W.A.T.P...55]

This program is very well thought out and as realistic as possible but why didn't they hire 3 actors that could pass for being commandos,,,,a commando is extremely fit,,,,not like the 3 unfit actors in this episode lol,,,,,,other than that another great episode

[@patreidcocolditzcastle632]

derek it is realistic ,commandos btw back then were not as fit as we think,basically commandos were a new thing in 1940,they did train hard but one thing they all had was a lack of fear or care for there own life.so its actually accurate.like they would be crazy enough to do those dangerous missions,well the guy playing the commando leader is a perfect example.but in this the commandos are to british to be realistic.in reality they would be quiet determined men.theres some good reading in the british war files on the type that made a commando.a lot of them had lost family in the blitz.i found that fascinating but obvious.anyways just thought you might be interested in the topic

[@AudieHolland]

So in essence, commandos were the British version of Kamikazes, only they pretended they'd back in time for tea and biscuits.

[@patreidcocolditzcastle632]

@@jackshit71 i did,nt word that right what i meant was the training regime was not like the modern commandos,mind you if you look at the manuals from back then and nowadays commandos you will notice the old manual has a lot more hand to hand permanent elimination techniques

[@aujay]

gallery.commandoveterans.org/cdoGallery/v/units/ (Not sure if there is a Scottish unit here)

[@darkknight1340]

The commando Major looks to have been modelled on Lord Lovatt who held the rank of Major and commanded a detachment of 4 commando,he sometimes wore a kilt and carried a broad sword into battle.The demise of the commandos as depicted was also accurate,Hitler ordered that any commandos captured by the Germans were to be shot as spies.

[@matthewquigley240]

Did anyone notice the German Major got in to sidecar of the motor cycle very easily?

[@STEPASAUR]

Yes, as you vould say errm 'very assletically'

[@hannahfox5422]

Especially for a man who doesn't have as much of his stomach left as most people.

[@matthewquigley240]

I might watch this again it was a good show.

[@brain8484]

MATTHEW QUIGLEY he had got better

[@mikeedwards6162]

When they overpowered the guards, why did they not take their weapons that would have changed the situation in the favour of the commandos immensely

[@DavidHarvey-po9le]

They still had to make it over four hundred miles to safety - how many bullets do you think you would need - a Hollywood magazine?

[@Goatboysminion]

Personally I would have thought that any Soldier worthy of the name, let alone a British Army Commando. Knowing what was about to happen. Would have made a grab for a weapon or put his thumb through some bastards eye socket, rather than just running.

[@lordsummerisle87]

Agreed, especially how handy they were in the town jail at the start of the episode. Judging by the build of the officer and sjt I would guess them better brawlers than runners 😆

[@malcolmclements9254]

This is the episode where the Major (Anthony Valentine) forgot his bad back jumping into that sidecar.

[@Britishrailer]

Wasn't a bad back. He had stomach wounds from being bayoneted by Russian soldier.

[@malcolmclements9254]

Acting aside. A stomach wound would not affect his sitting In chairs etc. Thank fxxx. Your not my GP.

[@tungstenkid2271]

Willy Rushton was hopelessly miscast in that role, the chap had been a roly-poly comedian on the Brit broadcasting scene for many years, hardly a commando type..:)

[@johnking5174]

There were these gung-ho idiots in the commando units and in the army back then. Many of them were drafted into the commando unit by force.

[@malcolmclements9254]

I knew a fella who worked at a pub some years ago fit but quiet 5ft4 10 stone if he's a day wouldn't hurt a fly. One day he came to work and revealed he was leaving to train as a Royal Marine, there was much laughter, one big mouth lout said " you'll be back in a week" between jokes. Last time I heard he was a officer....never judge a book.

[@tungstenkid2271]

@@malcolmclements9254 Yeah height ain't important as long as somebody's got the heart of a lion..:)

[@malcolmclements9254]

@@tungstenkid2271 Absolutely Tungsten, his about the SAS? Nearly all the Iran Embassy SAS were short and wiry.

[@Rick-ve5lx]

Rushton’s TV persona at that time was as you say but in fairness he wasn’t bad as Trumpington.

[@melissakrauss1266]

Anthony Valentine was a great actor. I really couldn't stand him in this series, and I loved him in Raffles. When he sat down to talk to the Kommandant, you could tell that he was in pain by the way he stiffly sat due to his wound.

[@DavidHarvey-po9le]

Listen to Queensryches Operation Mindcrime - he's in it - and The first episode of Robin of Sherwood.

[@jimmason1072]

Ah the guy Karen Allen out drinks in Raiders of the Lost Arc......(one of the commandos)

[@moonpawooe7134]

How'd he get in the commandos if a woman can out drink him😊

[@patreidcocolditzcastle632]

im biased but pretty good storys hey,shows how german efficiency can be there weakest link

[@richardhancock2771]

Who played Mohn in colditzs

[@johnking5174]

Anthony Valentine, who died in 2015.

[@PaulInPorirua]

I don’t see why the fake attempt would give away the route when Grant’s escape didn’t. It *might* expose the route, but Player gets all huffy about Simon’s plan, and I don’t see why.

[@A_10_PaAng_111]

31:42 Kaiser Wilhelm after he was deposed.

[@neilmiller3220]

met Rushton he was rude git

[@JesusChrist-ir1td]

Nacht und Nebel Diese Männer sind gefährlich

[@zenoist2]

The commandos look like the wurzels.

[@Stokecity242]

Don't insult The Wurzels

[@COIcultist]

Ou ar ou ar ay. Ou ar ou ar ay!

[@canuck_gamer3359]

Not that it this series didn't go to the wall in terms of being sticklers for realistic details....but that curly haired chap among the commando's, quite a bit too big (and too old) to be taken seriously as that type of soldier. Certainly very strong looking but imagine a man with that body type hoisting himself up a rope for example lol. I can't picture that man getting more than 2 feet off the ground!

[@waltertaljaard1488]

Mohn could have stopped this easilly. Contrary to the Kommandant not an officer and a gentleman.

[@pod831]

What could Mohn have done?

[@MegaMkmiller]

@@pod831 Mohn could do nothing. If he tried they would stop him. He might even be arrested later on. But with his connections maybe not. But still he couldn't have stopped them. The orders are from SS or SD authorities far higher than a Major.

[@JL999k]

He couldn't stop an official transfer but he could have insisted on getting the transfer recorded on his orders with a signature from the SD officer (effectively a signed receipt for his prisoners) The SD weasel already showed himself paranoid about records being kept. To work it would have required Mohn to have refused to handover his prisoners without that receipt and the SD to crack under the pressure and not insist on the transfer. Very unlikely to work and even if it did - a guaranteed end to Mohns career?

[@MegaMkmiller]

@@JL999k It think the guy was SS. At any rate, war hero or not, Mohn would find himself in a great deal of trouble. Especially when Himmler hears about the goings-on. That is a direct challenge to his power. He probably would not have Mohn shot but he would be charged with insubordination, I think. No firing squad but it will get you right next door. Probably have him confess to obstructing an order (no public trial) and have him retire due to his war injuries. When the war is over, that would work out quite well for Mohn.

[@AudieHolland]

I think it is fairly well established that Mohn is a fanatic Nazi. He was on Hitler's personal staff for a brief time and still thinks of Hitler as his saviour, as any fanatic Nazi at the time. Why do you think he cited the example of how the war was fought on the Eastern Front? Giving no quarter and receiving none. So he thinks he is escorting the prisoners to their next camp, then is confronted by the SD and he puts up token resistance. However, the 'Commando Order' was written by Hitler himself after the daring Commando Raid on Saint-Nazaire (Operation Chariot). Hitler ordered that any British Commando taken prisoner was to be shot. Do you really think Mohn would have refused such an order, coming from his beloved Fuhrer himself? You can see that he isn't that bothered, or even not bothered at all. I do not doubt that upon arriving back at Colditz, he would confirm that the prisoners safely arrived at their camp.

[@organicpaul]

..."this isn't suitable at all, sgt we shall remove ourselves" ..........brilliant!

[@louismarucci9056]

Good series but clean uniforms and groomed fingernails on the POWS?

[@johnking5174]

Colditz in reality was an excellent camp to be a POW in - they had excellent food and drink (not as portrayed in the TV version) - Red Cross sent them grooming kits, including soaps, aftershaves and cleaning kits.

[@busterbiloxi3833]

British camera angles: Too many close-ups and upper body shots. Odd. Fucked up.

[@johnking5174]

This was all filmed in TV studios, with a multi camera set up used, so this was the style at the time for British drama on videotape.

[@majorhorstmohn709]

It will come as no surprise to you that this is one of my least favourite episodes, when I was transferred to this series I was unaware I would be at times placed in these impossible situations, I was to be as you would say an erm.. "bit of a dick" yes this is to be expected but the arc of this episode goes against everything I've done so far in my alloted air-time to prove myself honourable, it isn't enough that my recommendations for the British to receive two board games 'Mouse Trap' and 'Der Hungry Hippos' have twice been declined? Even after I'd - in my own personal time - put in a call to the right quarters of Waddingtons if you understand? You must realise I was only following the orders of the producer of the show if it's any consolation I didn't speak to the film crew for weeks after, I barely clicked a heel even in to the make-up girl

[@terrortorn]

To be fair you were a "bit of a Dick" in Robin of Sherwood and Lovejoy too, but nevertheless good to see you managed to find a life after escaping slung under the cart.

[@spankflaps1365]

The steam loco at the beginning looks suspiciously like GWR tank engine 1466, which also featured in the 1972 film “Young Winston”.

[@VillyVassel-eo3qo]

They couldn't make a show like this now because of all the Woke shit ,👎 thank goodness we can watch it on KZbin,

[@DavidHarvey-po9le]

Yes the escape officer would be the bravest, gayest and brownest man in the castle - oh I mean woman, telling the men how it's done. Forget history and realism push your marxist agenda BBC.

[@MichaelSmith-tp1pj]

Commandos would,nt look like that, too obvious.

[@rodericksloan1255]

Michael Smith You being a expert on these matters tell us how they would look.

[@Londonfogey]

I'm pretty sure the kilt wasn't worn on active service in WW2, although it was in WW1.

[@DavidHarvey-po9le]

@@rodericksloan1255 Two are too fat to pass the assault course, are you fat Roderick Sloan?

[@trouserpressguy]

For a man who has to ease himself down into a chair due to his injuries, Major Mohn jumps into the sidecar in a very spritely fashion.

[@gazza2933]

He was probably having a good day.

[@leilal8053]

I have always found his looks repellent and repulsive...the more so the older he got....looks th ed part of an SS officer though; the classic "Bad Nazi" as opposed to those who were always the Good Nazis.

[@dindinprivate3477]

@@leilal8053 No such thing as ''good' Nazi.

[@COIcultist]

Both times I was so shocked he always eases himself into seats normally.

[@leilal8053]

@@dindinprivate3477 There were 2 two actors....canal girls 4 bg the life of me bv remember their names who always played the part [often in the same movie] of just of that....SS officers who disapproved of the Nazi regime and cruelty but were caught up in i. They were always the "good guys" helping the hero escape. etc.

[@billhiers4171]

"My headquarters are in Berlin!" "I believe the telephone still stretches that far..." Kommandant Karl - Like a boss.

[@patreidcocolditzcastle632]

ye i loved that line to.the actual security officer eggers was dead against the nazi regime,he was a classic Wehrmacht man who stuck strictly to the Geneva convention.i dont see isis doing this...

[@Infernal460]

@@patreidcocolditzcastle632 I don't see American black sites doing this either.

[@DavidHarvey-po9le]

Good writing - not like now - blacks are good and whites are evil - where is your evidence?

[@RobertLocksley385]

Willie Rushton on top form in an unexpected role as a Commando officer. Completely and utterly brilliant.

[@alundavies1016]

Bernard Cribbins as an SOE operative next episode!

[@kaikito7662]

@@alundavies1016 Why not? Bernard served as a para.

[@alundavies1016]

@@kaikito7662 I am sure he would have been spectacular!

[@DavidHarvey-po9le]

How the world changes - Willie Rushtons accent didn't represent the real commandos - had the BBC done it now the would have made him muslim - perhaps the world doesn't change - the BBC are liars.

[@andyrowlands50029]

The bug Scots guy with curly hair was the guy who was out-drunk by Marion in the first Raiders of the Lost Ark film :-)

[@f.dmcintyre4666]

Tyneside Irish, Patrick Durkin RIP......

[@malcolmclements9254]

Very good, never have got that one.

[@ArmyJames]

What a lightweight, being outdrunk by Marion Ravenwood.

[@moonpawooe7134]

Which is nice

[@DavidHarvey-po9le]

And the bloke who pissed himself laughing at ET in Supergrass.

[@MattMcKimmie]

The shoe that gets taken from the camando and when they look at the inside it says Andersons of Aberdeen well that was a shoe repairer in Aberdeen until he retired a few years ago.I stay round the corner from the old store

[@lloydmatthews6967]

Mohn seems to have no difficulty in jumping into the sidecar.not bad for a person who finds very hard in sitting down on a chair.

[@glen7318]

Adrenalin...

[@eddiefaccioni2453]

Amphetamines.

[@ArmyJames]

Meth.

[@neville132bbk]

@@eddiefaccioni2453 Pervitin, perhaps

[@DavidHarvey-po9le]

People can live with pain - have you tried it?

[@CharlesNewY0rk]

Even prisoners in World War 2 dressed better than most Americans now.

[@DavidHarvey-po9le]

Do you judge people on their dress - the German officers uniform was designed by Hugo Boss. The reason why lot of Americans are badly dressed is becuase they are obese - it's not their clothes but their inflated body, Hugo Boss can't make a ball look good. Do you think?

[@johnking5174]

17:45 - Take a shot of whisky every time the Kommandant says "Paragraph" in this short part of the scene here.

[@emmetthegarty2991]

I really am with Mohn on this one. The Kommandant takes escape attempt after escape attempt with laconic indifference. These brits are running rings around them , compromising security and they STILL treat them with kid gloves.

[@ArmyJames]

I suspect that the Kommandant is secretly an anti-Nazi.

[@BC-qb2if]

This episode reminds me of the real life killing of escaped allied POW's by the SS as told in the movie "The Great Escape".

[@DavidHarvey-po9le]

That movie was innacurate - read history - it's better.

[@11Kralle]

Those commandos looked like bavarians; well-fed, stubborn and eager for the next binch...

[@123TauruZ321]

Dumb comment.

[@bobstevens9040]

A pedant writes... the lorry and motorcycle combination carry the insignia of the SS Das Reich division but have standard wehrmacht number plates prefixed by WH. Shouldn't they be prefixed SS

[@peppertrout6102]

Another inaccuracy is the poster in the hallway at the beginning. It was a campaign poster from before Hitler became Chancellor, a full ten years before. BBC put up something with a bunch of Nazi flags just to be seen. I doubt there would have been such a campaign poster from pre-1933 placed in Colditz Castle at any time. There was better propaganda material during the war for the Germans to feel at home with.

[@johnomahony9205]

We shall remove ourselves.

[@sylvester-jb3lj]

imho this episode is by far the worst...Willy Rushton's character is so over the top ! 3 commandos far to old to be commandos and one of them goes on a mission in a kilt and brogue shoes !!!

[@malcolmclements9254]

An escort by the SS was not good.

[@Kelly14UK]

14:42 Photoshop BBC 1970S. Nicely done : )

[@johnking5174]

Not done on any computer. It was simply taking two pictures, one with Anthony Valentine and the other one of Hitler. They cut the two together, photocopied it, and pasted it into the frame. All done by hand and not a computer used.

[@Kelly14UK]

@@johnking5174 I know. Probably thought they were being clever. Which they were lol

[@DavidHarvey-po9le]

@@Kelly14UK Good comment apart from saying lol - lollipop off.

[@Londonfogey]

Did commando sergeants in WW2 have 1970s curly perms?

[@brain8484]

Londonfogey and i doubt they were fat twats too

[@patreidcocolditzcastle632]

the idea [which is very deliberate] was that commandos did,nt keep well groomed etc as they were always on the job.this is what the directors trying to say,regulation was different for a commando

[@BumMcFluff]

@@brain8484 The perfect disguise!

[@neilreading3552]

"you don't look like one, you're dressed up as some sort of Froggy and your fingernails are filthy"!

[@jamesadams6009]

A couple of those lads were a little overweight for commandos, weren't they? I thought this was a kind of 'jokey' episode... until the ghastly ending.

[@canuck_gamer3359]

I was thinking the same thing about the one guy. He looked big & strong but a little too big, that type of body would have a hell of a time pulling himself up a rope.

[@dermottjohn6809]

DLA stopped for major mohn. 😀

[@stardaddyo9]

Why bother to take prisoners?

[@johnking5174]

The SS treated the commandos very differently to regular POWs.

[@DavidHarvey-po9le]

@@johnking5174 On orders From the Nazi Government - as they caused them too much trouble. Kier Starmer - are you Listening - are you going to bring back the death sentence - it won't stop us, you paedophile panderer.

[@TenementFunster.74]

my mate had the board game signed by pat reid himself,saying "good look ian hope you escape"

[@mkrbrtsn1]

I love this series but there's no way the 2 big guys would be in an elite Commando unit.

[@lmc4964]

they seem to have a no Nazi salute on this show, even the SS guy just gives normal salutes and a German soldier at the start had a rather non conventional salute (im not an expert)? curious what was behind it?

[@johnking5174]

This episode's story and scenes does not require Nazi salutes. There is no scene in this episode where it would be required. However if you look at later episode Very Important Person, when the newly appoint SS chief Berger arrives for a visit with the Kommandant, they greet each other with the Nazi salute. Wehrmacht officers and Luftwaffe officers preferred not to give a full Nazi salute, there was always tension between the SS and the Wehrmacht.

[@lmc4964]

@@johnking5174 I have probably seen too many Hollywood movies over the years. Had a read around at the time and the military did get an exception. There was something that military salutes werent to be given if not in proper uniform so they might have given a HH salute in these cases.

[@iandenyer2372]

Different types German military perform the Heer salute in this episode (as is correct) and one soldier does what I guess is meant to be the "breast pocket" salute (seemingly a variant on the US "shoulder arms salute"). The SD man (in glasses - he is not Waffen SS) indeed salutes military with the Heer salute (and is given a "hand vertical" Nazi salute by the SS "corporal". What he, he glasses guy, is doing here could be a sloppy raised hand or a sloppy Heer salute. Not clear ) but you will note he salutes Major Mohn (49:18) with the Party Salute (and gets that back in return) - presumably because they are both Party members.

[@jerrysummers5971]

They did Nazi salutes in some programs....

[@DavidHarvey-po9le]

The German Army gave a military salute - the "heil Hitler" salute was for Nazi members. Stop listening to Hollywood bullshit.

[@veronicawhatley5044]

Willy Rushton as a commander you must be joking.

[@mioufie23]

@@bazthehandyman Willy Rushton as a Scotsman you must be joking.

[@cacampbell3654]

Rooster Cockburn: had fun figuring out what a "Poncey wankfest"is! :D

[@allmac7504]

I was bank manager who approved loans for what turned out to be SAS soldiers although on application form they all had very “boring” “normal” roles within Hereford Barracks. The ones I met where mostly small wirey solid extremely ordinary looking soldiers except ! There was just something different about them in manner and tone they just seemed out of place

[@rolfagten857]

At 2:20 in the video a light Opel Blitz truck.

[@wendynadin3685]

I am really enjoying this series👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@tonysargent1699]

Probably the one episode that sticks in my mind the most from when I first saw it. Those damn brogues!

[@fredsalfa]

Great episode

[@lloydmatthews6967]

wouldn"t the Major have to turn around to go back to Colditz.

[@rogerpattube]

Good Himmler look alike.

[@johnking5174]

Although it wasn't Himmler being portrayed.

[@Biggles2498]

Preston was a Lieutenant Colonel Chaps NOT full Colonel !

[@damianclark1763]

yes... and he has the rank insignia to denote that (1 pip and a crown)... and Lieutenant- Colonels are usually referred to and addressed as _"Colonel"_ . for the sake of ease... just as Lieutenant-Generals, Major-Generals and Generals are all usually addressed as _"General"_ unless there is any particular need to differentiate or it's in a full introduction.

[@Biggles2498]

@@damianclark1763 Just for your information but I am sure you already know; a Lieutenant General is one step higher than Major General you would possibly think it was the other way round but it isn't !

[@ajones747]

Oh Willie Rushton!!

[@douglastaggart9360]

Where did he get his kilt from

[@frankhernandez6883]

so the Germans STILL haven't fixed the broken window that leads to the kitchen? EVEN after the last escape??

[@majorhorstmohn709]

Have you ever tried to obtain the services of a reputable glazier in the height of wartime? ...last escape? Are you saying this window is linked with the disappearance of Carrington and the others?

[@SOffenbach]

It's always the little people that act like a tough guy when given a higher rank.

[@DavidHarvey-po9le]

I agree with you, but that didn't happen in this series only in my experience in the NHS - you know who you are crick.

[@Amethyst_Friend]

Karl liked his paragraphs...

[@christianpatriot7439]

Why would the Brits give their commandos footwear that was meant only for commandos? Once the Germans figure it out, any commando who was captured had little hope of getting the Germans to believe he isn't a commando.

[@lordsummerisle87]

Because the pattern was damned effective when the main alternatives were hobnailed leather, plain leather or a thin smooth rubber. Most military, work and hiking boots since are variations of the commando sole pattern. It wasn't exactly a secret that they were a Commando when they jumped out a boat onto an occupied port town, lobbed a pineapple into the nearest pillbox, emptied an SMG at the searchlight, set a few dem charges and had "commando" written on their shoulder flashes. Going home was always preferable but far from guaranteed. Commando raids were to harass the enemy, tie down resources away from the main fronts and to make lightning fast surgical strikes against high value targets.

[@christianpatriot7439]

@@lordsummerisle87 If a commando could elude capture long enough to get away from the scene of his attack, wouldn't he prefer to be counted as a non-commando if he were confronted by Germans elsewhere?

[@lordsummerisle87]

@@christianpatriot7439 A lot of Commando kit was non-standard so stood out like a sore thumb anyway, and AIUI most raids were so far from regular troops that any other explanation wouldn't have washed. Often not even in the same country as regular Allied troops or in the case of the earlier raids on Norway technically not even on the same continent. I don't know how commonly WW2 Commandos wore commando pattern soles, or whether they were actually unique to them. However I think that even if every Commando wore commando soles, and nobody else, it wouldn't be the point on which their "I'm just a typist who got lost 300 miles from my desk" fell apart.

[@DavidHarvey-po9le]

They didn't - they had standard issue boots - as with their uniform - apart from they could wear different caps - that could easily been disposed of.

[@AudieHolland]

The reason Mohn is allowing Ulmann to sit down while he remains standing is a great point of detail. Mohn is more comfortable remaining standing because of his war injuries.

[@johnking5174]

No, it was a power play move. By having Ulmann sitting down, Mohnn enforces his authority by standing. He is centre of attention, Ulmann has to look up to him. By standing and walking around Ulmann, Mohn is imposing his authority over him.

[@josephgodbout3622]

Another great episode.

[@veronicawhatley5044]

Mohns in pain and suffering - he's visibly ageing due to the painAnthony Valentines is a very good actor as he shows this but gets no sympathy.

[@dindinprivate3477]

Except perhaps when he hopped into and out of the motorcycle side car lol

[@patreidcocolditzcastle632]

his what i call a genius actor,they dont make them like this anymore

[@keithashley6298]

I often wonder what happened to Colonel Preston’s Batman, Corporal Baker.

[@johnking5174]

Some POWs were transferred to other camps when room was needed at Colditz.

[@DavidHarvey-po9le]

The Germans were too efficient to feed someone to carry his clothes for him. I wish the British were.

[@carolecarr5210]

Ending poor - Commandos played right into their hand, pushing & running rather than fighting for guns while incapacitating Officer. Had no chance running.

[@shaneobrien2257]

One of the commandos plays the villager who loses the drinking contest to Marion Ravenwood in Raiders of the Lost Ark. 😀 🥃

[@maclennylucas2248]

The name caught my attention something familiar from my youth I remember reading Escape stories in World War from all over the world there was an amazing one from colditz long time ago don't remember the details

[@arnenelson4495]

So long as we learn from this, for history repeats itself and tyranny is in advanced stages here in the U.S.

[@callithowiseeit5806]

Join us here chaps facebook.com/Colditztvseries

[@BumMcFluff]

If Sergeant Arbuckle had spent less time drinking with Marion Ravenwood, he might not have been caught in the first place.

[@alan-sk7ky]

Incredible! Sgt Arbuckle recovered from being shot by Paddy Boyle on Gallowshields station...

[@Albertanator]

Can someone explain to me why after this episode that the Allied prisoners held Colonel Mohn responsible for the deaths of these commandos? I don't get it....Mohn seemed that he had no idea that these men were being led to their deaths? It was the SS that killed these men....why are they blaming Mohn for these men's deaths.

[@johnking5174]

The prisoners had no idea what Mohn encountered on that journey and how he was forced to turn back. The prisoners had no reason to trust what Mohn said, going by his previous devious attitude towards them.

[@johnking5174]

Mohn was as closest to the SS of any Colditz guard, because of his high party contacts in the Nazi Party, Mohn had served on the general staff of Hitler before being transferred to Colditz.

[@chrisholland7367]

Soon after the British commandos had been established Hitler issued the infamous commando order any SF captured such SAS ,SBS ,commandos or US rangers they would have been subjected to interrogation, torture and execution as saboteurs.

[@Albertanator]

@@johnking5174 That makes some sense John....so Mohn was actually being accused of something he really didnt' do but because of his previous reputation, he was deemed guilty.

[@dindinprivate3477]

@@johnking5174 Remember what Mohn said to the Commandant? There are no rules, in Russia they shot us and we shot them...

[@misternewoutlook5437]

Total disaster. Their best escape route was uncovered. The "commandos" were murdered. Mohn isn't as steel-spined as he makes out to be.

[@Rhubba]

This episode is where Mohn starts to change. He was used and misled by the SD and in a few episodes time he will lose faith in the regime.

[@majorhorstmohn709]

I took no pleasure from this episode I assure you

[@northdevonpictures826]

The three musketeers/commandos here are a bunch of nackers. Note the daft perm, for one thing. At least Willie Rushton had served, sort of, but it's hard to believe any of that lot were even commando material.

[@ArmyJames]

Maybe Churchill sent them to the slaughter, as decoys.

[@davesfilmingservices4377]

No sound

[@justininfrance]

Willy Rushton as a commando, lol. I think commandos would have tried to overpower the guard and go down fighting rather than running away like little girls, but they must have read the script.

[@ianmcclellan7695]

The fact is that they were incredibly brave men in real life and they were murdered by the SS when captured. Go make stupid comments elsewhere.

[@stephenasbridge878]

Blasted Bosch!

[@DavidHarvey-po9le]

They stuck to the Geneva convention - muslim countries can't even read it let alone understand it. By the way Japan didn't either - anti white anyone?

[@mackenshaw8169]

The waffen ss bloke does the Army salute all the time.

[@iandenyer2372]

The guy in glasses? He's not Waffen SS. He seems to be marked up 's an SD Hauptsturmführer, and referred to as SD in the script, so basically paramilitary security services with an SS rank, not military. We have a lot of different salutes in this episode. Different types of German military perform the Heer salute and one soldier what seems to be the "breast pocket" salute - seemingly a variant on the US "shoulder arms salute". The SD man (non military) indeed salutes military with the Heer salute. The "Waffen SS corporal" (- ? No rank marks, not even an Oberschütze - so this is odd) gives a clear vertical hand Nazi salute, but the Hauptsturmführer's response is sloppy - and could be anything. However, note that the SD man salutes Major Mohn with the Party Salute. Now, I SUSPECT he is "playing soldiers" when with the military (despite formal protocols I understand that before the attempt on Hitler's life the Heer salute was often, apparently, used by both Waffen SS and Heer combat within and between services) - OR there is an inter-service protocol I'm not aware of - but he then switches to the Party Salute with Mohn because they are both Party members. I'd be more concerned with Rushton's rather sloppy salute; but it's in character and real life is very often not like "the book"...

[@royfr8136]

Couldn't they have found a better actor for the SS officer? And commandos in operations don't wear kilts. Also it's very convenient for the writers to write out every reference to the previous episodes.... Where is the OSS officer from the last episode... Oh, no mention of him ever again....

[@DavidHarvey-po9le]

The actor might have got another job - join the real world.

[@victorcross5949]

What revolting oafs (the commandos).

[@MrSlitskirts]

At the end, wouldn't have made more sense to attack the SS / grab their weapons, isn't that what Commando's would do, rather than run away unarmed, at least you could take some with you. And the German Major (Paratrooper) must be in the Engineers, as he has black collar badges, usually they are yellow, interesting why they chose to give him black ones.

[@ironponis8943]

Film & TV 366e

[@stvdagger8074]

No his Waffenfarben (corps colours) are Dark Green, not black. That is used for the Militärverwaltung (military administration) of the Luftwaffe. See en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corps_colours_of_the_Luftwaffe_(1935-1945). Colditz gets that right, unlike Hogan's Heroes, where Klink and Schultz have Yellow collar badges, which would make them Paratroops or Aviators, not prison guards.

[@patreidcocolditzcastle632]

but then we would not have a plot or story