D-Day +1: No 47 RM Commando and the Battle of Port-en-Bessin of WW2

The morning of June 7, 1944 the men of the Number 47 Royal Marine Commando were fighting a desperate battle against a superior force to take a vital port connecting the Gold and Omaha beaches.
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Script by THG
#history #thehistoryguy #DDAY

[@dirtcop11]

When I was a child there were many veterans of WWII. Now there are very few left alive. Soon, there will be none. Preserving their acts of bravery and sacrifice is very important. No matter where they served or how they served, they deserve to be remembered and honored.

[@tygrkhat4087]

I'll be 62 in August. It is within the realm of possibility that before I leave this life, there will be no more WWII veterans, no Korean War vets and very few Vietnam vets.

[@aliciaholborn6748]

@Jesse Oaks in 1981 I was in a hotel lobby waiting for friends. As I stood there, 2 men began to talk about their WWII experiences. One was beginning to tell of going to the Solomon Islands and heading down the “slot.” It was so fascinating and unfortunately my friends arrived before I could hear the end of his story. So many have gone on and their stories too. ❤

[@vlmellody51]

​@tygrkhat40 my dad served in Vietnam. He passed away 7 years ago. I still miss him.

[@TrickiVicBB71]

​@@tygrkhat4087 I am 29. I remember watching the news of the last WW1 vet passing away. I definitely will see last of WW2 and Korea

[@tygrkhat4087]

@@vlmellody51 My dad was a Marine DI during the Korean War. He'll be gone 15 years on Halloween. Before she passed, Mom asked me if I missed my father. I said until the day I die.

[@manuelacosta9463]

To think that everything that could go wrong did, yet the Commandos went on and won. They are a unique breed indeed. The fact that the Victoria Cross was denied is bewildering and just plain disheartening but at least his deeds and that of the others are remembered.

[@your_royal_highness]

Brits were more parsimonious in handing out the VC than the stingy Yanks with the MoH. Ridiculous. I have read lots of amazing battle accounts where NO medals were given.

[@glenns5627]

@@your_royal_highness Yes, the politicians who send our men into these wars are quick to ignore them afterward, at every opportunity.

[@theofarmmanager267]

There is no reflected glory but my father was in 47RM in that attack. Wounded and brought back to the UK. Our family’s service to the Corps started around 1880 with my great grandfather (Opium Wars), grandfather (WW1), then my father and now a son in 40RM. I didn’t have a great relationship with my father - very different generations - and he never talked about the War. In fact, I learned more from his papers and medals after he died. That’s life. But my admiration for him and his colleagues is unbounded

[@navret1707]

My father was fire control officer on a tin can providing gunfire support for D-Day. Miss you dad! Excellent evidence that “No Plan Survives First Contact with the Enemy” and “The Enemy has a Vote on Your Plan”.

[@deepdragon2]

Many plans do not survive contact with reality.... let alone the enemy.

[@robinblackmoor8732]

Or as Mike Tyson said it, " Everybody has a plan, until they get punched in the mouth."

[@stevewixom9311]

Also i would add Murphey's law of combat #8 If the enemy is within range.... so are you

[@RetiredSailor60]

Good morning History Guy and everyone watching. Never forget those who gave their lives in service to their country to defeat the Nazis and Japan.

[@tigertiger1699]

We literally live in their shadow 🌹🌹🌹

[@alitlweird]

The Nazis weren’t defeated. Germany was. The Nazis were gathered up and brought over here to show DC how it’s done. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@bretfisher7286]

I consider WWII to be the last virtuous war in which Americans fought, and therefore I join you in sacred memory of the heroism and sacrifice-- by the British, the Australians, and others as well-- demonstrated in countless battles like this one.

[@MrTaxiRob]

@@alitlweird and the veterans continued to support Jim Crow

[@ianwatson129]

We have a house in Port en Bessin. 47 RM Commando charged over my garden on D-Day plus 1. There is still a German trench just at the end of my garden.

[@1murder99]

I was watching a documentary with my father about Operation Torch when the announcer said that the opposition at Casablanca was light. I asked my father if that was true. He said it was only light if you weren't there.

[@tango6nf477]

There must have been thousands of acts of incredible bravery and sacrifice that day which went unnoticed and unrewarded. These men just did what had to be done, no fuss or fanfare, and probable no expectation of recognition. Great men, good men, they should never be forgotten.

[@johncoffey4206]

They were the Greatest generation.

[@HemlockRidge]

My Grandfather, a flyer, was in Stalag Luft 1 during D-Day. They heard about the landings on contraband radios. He said that a distinct shift in the attitudes of the guards was noticed.

[@efnissien]

I love the bootneck with the PIAT on the extreme left giving his appraisal of the situation at 14;26!

[@jkilby27able]

Excellent... June 6, 1944, the day the allies counted on (an average of) 24 year Olds to save the world!!

[@korbell1089]

It's hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that D-Day was 79 years ago. I grew up with friends who's fathers and grandfathers who fought in WW2 and listening to them is where I got my love of history, but for the most part those men are gone. So thank you Lance for keeping their memories and achievements alive!👍💪

[@goldgeologist5320]

Yes it still lives for me as my father waded ashore in the first wave to liberate Europe as an very young man! All his locks were coded with Pearl Harbor date 1207. He said that date impacted his entire life.

[@cbroz7492]

...same here.. born Nov 49

[@cbroz7492]

...there was a guy who owned a luncheonette a few doors diwn from my dad's store in Fort Lee, NJ, and had his right arm mostly missing...he was in the first wave at Omaha

[@tygrkhat4087]

@@cbroz7492 The father of my best friend growing up was in the 4th wave at Iwo Jima. That's all I know about it, and I suspect that's all his children know about it, as well.

[@neilperry2224]

I’ve seen the valves for the P.L.U.T.O on the Isle of Wight, and they’ve just got a basic placard telling you what they are, and when they were used. I was 11 years old, but not now lol might not be there anymore 😢

[@johnpinder8121]

My late Father was with 47 RMC his name was Jack Pinder. God bless him and all them that went with him, they will never be forgotten

[@chrislondo2683]

My grandfather was at Gold Beach when his LST unloaded there.

[@iansinclair7581]

Probably one of the most vital objectives because it was the terminal for PLUTO (pipeline under the ocean). I can recommend John Forfar’s book From Omaha to the Scheldt. Good video.

[@iam62goinon63]

I have the book , my friend attended his funeral in Edinburgh

[@nemo6686]

I don't know if it was the same in 1944, but modern booties have a convention that Commando units not ending in zero just have the numbers enunciated - so 40 Commando would be 'forty', but 47 Commando would be 'four-seven'. They love that sort of thing.

[@chrissheppard5068]

Correct and you can ping a Walt when he says he was in Forty Two and not Four Two.

[@ColinH1973]

​@@chrissheppard5068Plenty of walts about, unfortunately.

[@bofoenss8393]

It's the same with RAF squadrons. You say "Three-oh-Three Squadron" for the famous Polish of BoB fame. not "threehundredandthird". No.617 Squadron, the Dambusters is "Six-one-seven".

[@carolynmanning5959]

I was a child but at 88 I still relive June and D day.

[@glennkeller5171]

History that deserves to be remembered is the Vosges Mountain Campaign of 1944-45. I do not want to take away from those that landed on Normandy but the Vosges Campaign is never talked about and probably never heard of. My grandfather was a Medic attached to the 499th Armored Field Artillery Battalion who landed in Marseille, France and advanced toward Germany through the Alsace plain into the Vosges mountains. It would be great to see and episode of this campaign!!

[@Essexyeoman]

My grandfather served with the 147th Essex Yeomanry and provided the 47th Royal Marine Commandos with fire support as the Commandos moved cross country behind enemy lines during the attack of Port-En-Bessin. Great video. Thank you for posting 👍

[@JJ-of1ir]

Thank you for telling us of this little known Royal Marines Mission. Half the men lost at the start of the operation and still they managed to complete it despite lost equipment. The more I learn of the bravery and grit of the British and all our Allies, the more humble I feel. Every subsequent Generation owes them so much. I watched this video on the 'Mark From the States' channel and, despite subscribing to your channel many months ago I have only just realised that I have not notified for a long time when you release a new video. I have re-subscribed so I hope that will put things right. Thanks again for all the hard work you do putting videos like this together. It's appreciated.

[@barrylarking8986]

Much appreciated - British pronunciations and recording this overlooked action among many more.

[@DRFelGood]

Thank you “THG” ❤

[@tomkey7120]

I stayed in Port-en-Bessie last year when visiting the D-Day sites. It’s a nice little town we’ll located for seeing the entire invasion area. The view from the fortifications for the western feature is spectacular. Even at dockside, you could see the mulberries at Arromanches-les-Bains in one direction, and Omaha Beach in the other.

[@Lee-70ish]

The two things that my dad remembered well as an Able Seaman on one of the LCAs was an LCT that ran full ahead infront of his little flotilla of LCAs exploding the tella mined obsticals to create a clear path . When it backed out all that was left was the loading deck bulkhead back to the stern The front two thirds had been blown to bits. He landed the ramp went down and an officer ran out shouting follow me. There was a bang in front of him . He stopped and looked down at where his foreams had been and just said my god . Two crew grabbed him dragged him back aboard and wrapped his stumps as they went back for another load of marines

[@richardmourdock2719]

As a baby-boomer, now 71, it saddens me that my generation has forgotten or disregards the importance of our parents in WWII. Thank you HG for keeping it front and center.

[@jp-um2fr]

NO - I haven't.

[@goldgeologist5320]

Me either!

[@Pseudonym-aka-alias]

I’m 70 and presently staying in Longues-sur-mer for the d-day commemorations….I’ll never forget✌️

[@stevek8829]

​@@jp-um2fr I don't think those of us with parents in that war have forgotten.

[@sullivanspapa1505]

perhaps other generations have diminished appreciation as they would of any long passed sacrifice but for myself never! However, I am sorely disappointed in veterans who allow the sacrifices of men such as Senator John McCain go ridiculed by coward and traitor Rump and say nothing!

[@alanmoffat4454]

AGAIN THANKS TO THE HISTORY GUY , NEVER HEARD THIS ONE THANKFULLY WE ARE NOT ASKED TOO DO IT NOWADAYS 😮.

[@joegordon5117]

When I was a very young boy, there was a semi-retired old chap at my dad's workplace, George. Lovely, quiet old chap with a ready smile. George had been a Commando during the war. I only knew him as an old man, god alone knows what he saw and had to do when he was young, along with his incredibly determined comrades. I often wish I'd been older when I knew him, to ask him, maybe record some of his memories, but I was just a boy, and I doubt he would have talked much about it, most of those men rarely do. He's been gone many decades now, but every time I hear "commando", I think on old George and his pals, and what they must have endured for the sake of the generations that followed them

[@carywest9256]

Well, you can tell your countrymen that you knew a true hero of Great Britain. Greetings from Texas.

[@alansmith3327]

My Father was a "Royal " ( commando) in WW2. Joined up 1939 but unfortunately had a accident on the firing range making him deaf in one ear and removed from Combat service. Much to his annoyance. He only spoke to me once about MANY of his friends serving and not returning!! At his Funeral in 1992 the Marines sent a Bugler in full dress to play the "Last Post" during the service. ONCE A ROYAL ALWAYS A ROYAL !!

[@tigertiger1699]

Incredibly humbling… still🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@martiniv8924]

Glad you did this, I stopped here (port en Bessin) on the long way back from ‘Classic Le Man’s ‘ Tough job to secure the port 🙌🏻

[@51WCDodge]

I am lucky enough to know Goldbeach and Ver Sur Mer. I have friends there. I can assure all that none who fought and died to free France are forgotten. Few now survive, but over the years I have hasd the Honour and Privilige to escort various of D-Day vetrans in France. They Will NEVER be forgotten. I recomend Storm From The Sea by Peter Young. One of the first 'Commandos'

[@aliciaholborn6748]

This was an amazing story. I’m so glad you shared it, as I’ve never heard anything about it before. Thank you.

[@PeterOkeefe54]

Fantastic narrative!!! so much for the story of how easy english men had it on D-day

[@frederickpotthoff8893]

Thank you for an amazing informative article.

[@geodes4762]

Something perhaps not well known. In the movie the Longest Day, the Battle of Ouistreham was actually filmed at Port-en Bessin. The present day parking lot that abuts the shore line is where a large mock casino was built to replicate the Ouistreham Casino. This is the scene where French Commandos come under withering fire from the rooftop of the casino and the fire from a large caliber gun in the lower level. The commander of the Commando unit goes for tank support by crossing a small footbridge that the Germans put under fire, destroying it. All of the landmarks are still there from the time of the movie. Last visited there in 2002. The guns of Longue are close nearby.

[@andyharman3022]

That scene is one of my favorites in the movie. The long continuous tracking shot at the opening of the scene is marvelous.

[@geodes4762]

@@andyharman3022 That was filmed in the days before drones using a helicopter. There was a complete discussion of how and where various scenes in the movie were filmed in a British publication called “After the Battle”. I read it over 40 years ago so I do not know if it is still being published

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

Thank you Hi Guy🤓👋 for your brilliant narration and top Shelf content. As usual!

[@Tiger313NL]

I've been in Port-en-Bessin in 2009.

[@OrionBlarg]

The guy in the lower part of the picture around 3:45. Man I know exactly how he feels.

[@Dad_Life_Marine_Vet]

Excellent stuff, a story that not many know about.

[@richardthornton3775]

Great video about an often forgotten action, thank you. Just a little detail🙏 when one is describing the units of the RM Cdo, it’s said as ‘Four Seven’ Commando, not as the number 47. It’s the same for all RM Cdo units, Four Five, Four Two, Four Three etc. Never as the number numerically 😁👍

[@fabiosplendido9536]

True! With the exception of 40. 👍

[@kendrickpi]

My father’s father was a combat medic in X-Troop 47RMC, I took my father to the beaches and PenB to see for himself that the French never forget, show their gratitude, and know what it means to be liberated. Let we forget. This story deserves a film!

[@johnpinder8121]

Please can you tell me who your grandfather was ?.

[@Solhai]

Thank you for a continuation in another detail of Operation Overload. I watched many videos and speeches yesterday thinking it's Tuesday today in 2023 as it was in 1944. The weather was warmer though this year than then. And peaceful. It is not taken for granted.

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

Back in the Saddle Again Naturally

[@chucksmith465]

The best channel of its type on KZbin

[@JackLowry1313]

I spent 10 days in Normandy in Oct, 2021 visiting all the beeches and drop zones but didn't see anything about this. Thanks for the history.

[@chrisgramza8582]

I had to turn this off for a while... knowing that the men who fought there couldn't. Thank you History Guy. This will not be forgotten. Semper Fi.

[@shawnr771]

Thank you for the lesson. Not to detract from this story. For those interested who may not have heard. The WW2 channel Time Ghost History did a 24 hour presentation about DDay. Thank you again History Guy for bringing history to life.

[@adequatemagic]

First Like! ❤ Wow! That is an impressive and tragic story! Thank you for sharing this treasure! I'm a USNavy veteran and I tried for the SEAL team but didn't make it through BUDS. Deepest respect for the badasses of the Royal Marines. ❤️🇬🇧❤

[@tomtheplummer7322]

Lance, I was wondering why you didn’t cover D-Day yesterday, but a +1 makes sense. 👍🏻

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

I post on Monday/Wednesday/Friday. This year June 6 didn't happen to be a posting day. kzbin.info/aero/PLSnt4mJGJfGiRitPDNunBd3GaA03jy2Vm

[@elizabethhoward7774]

My Dad was in 47 RM Commando, he died in 1979 so my brothers and I never had the opportunity to find out more about his experiences. I worked at the D-Day Museum in Southsea and had the opportunity to meet some real life heros.

[@seasoldier3902]

Do you know that there is a 47 Royal Marine Commando Association? Sadly there are now no known veterans alive but their relatives enjoy membership of this association. We annually visit PeB and have strong links with the town and the 47 Raiding Commando Royal Marines as well as the Royal Marines Association.

[@elizabethhoward7774]

@Sea Soldier Hi, yes I knew, my brother has visited PeB and met some wonderful people.

[@jp-um2fr]

Fighting for your homeland and family is quite an incentive.

[@jeffbangkok]

Good morning

[@MarshOakDojoTimPruitt]

thanks

[@terrancecoard388]

World War2 Channel dropped an hour by hour recount of D-day on the anniversary. As much as I watch stories of the war...within an hour I learned two new things...23 hours left of this epic retelling of the day. I highly recommend.

[@raytrevor1]

Thanks for this video and for using British English terminology and pronunciation! Suprisingly there are now many on British TV that use the American pronunciation of lieutenant even when referring to British army officers.

[@robb1068]

Toured the Normandy area in the spring of 2000 and dragged my family from one D-Day site to another. It was a retired British army tour guide that brought me to Port-en-Bessin though. I was aware it had been captured by the British Commandos on D-Day (a map of the beaches with RM 47 so close to Omaha looks unusual), but didn’t appreciate the significance of the port being the site for the PLUTO pipeline until we began to discuss how the Allied armies were supplied for Overlord and beyond. Good stuff to learn!

[@garywagner2466]

Very interesting and timely. As usual, the mainstream media more or less ignored the D-Day anniversary (again). Very few of us care any more, and these stories are not being told in school. They are worried about kids transgendering, which is much more important apparently. What a bizarre world this is!

[@cdjhyoung]

What happened in WW II are the stories our parents taught us. For the current generation of students, the equivalent would be the conflicts the US has been involved in in the Middle East. History IS worth remembering, but it is to educate us, not to revel in and seek past glories. Try not to criticize current classroom curricula if you are also unwilling to step and do some teaching yourself. A lot of history has occurred since 1944, quite a bit of it more relevant to current students in discovering their place in the world.

[@garywagner2466]

@@cdjhyoung, who is “revelling in it and seeking past glories?” You must be hallucinating. I pay taxes so teachers teach history that is important to the growth of my country, not to make up bullshit issues, confuse developing minds, and lie to the students. I taught my kids about WW 2 because their great grandfather fought there, and because nobody else was doing it. That’s what I am responsible for. Maybe you should give your head a shake.

[@geodes4762]

@@cdjhyoung The criticism of the last poster is legit. This generation of educators has very little interest in teaching the basics of math, English, government and history. They are tied to a broken ideology that favors teaching things like self esteem, racism and transgenderism. You best believe that is what is going on. When a school system puts out a cat box because one of their young students identifies with being a cat, something is drastically wrong! These guys who freed Europe would roll over in their graves if they ever knew their sacrifices were squandered for this crap!

[@Roadglide911]

@@geodes4762 exactly and those who forget history are destined to repeat it. Without those brave men giving all for their countries all the sicknesses being thrust upon children today would not be possible. Some obviously think the past has no influence currently or in the future. Our society has a sickness of which I’m afraid there is no cure. Our educational systems in this country are a joke. Long gone are the days of just receiving an education that’ll help you succeed in the world. It has been replaced social engineering which seeks to normalize mental illness.

[@cdjhyoung]

@@geodes4762 Stop with the cat box lie. Do you really want to know why a class room would have a bag of kitty litter in it? The reason is how frequently grade schools suffer shelter in place orders where the students are locked in their rooms for hours. How long do you think an eight year old can go with out using a bathroom? So some schools proactively place a bag of kitty litter and a pail in the classroom closet. Most also include a case of bottled water and some type of snacks. I'm directly in contact with teachers currently. They don't teach racism. Teaching students that everything in the past concerning race was not great is not teaching racism. Most adults would call that the truth. If you are not in a class room to actually observe what is going on, don't be repeating the crap you hear on Fox news here. They don't really know, and are only telling you what you want to hear to be upset.

[@josephnardone1250]

Great video. An untold heroic story of WWII that everybody should know. Those were men of "The Greatest Generation."

[@HootOwl513]

The troops pictured at frame [1:35] are Americans. While they are wearing the Brodie Helmets, this was GI Issue until the M1 steel pot came on line in 1942. Gas mask bag is US GI. And so is the US Rifle, Cal .30, M1917 [Enfield]. Probably a Chemical Warfare unit, as they were issued the WWI vintage Enfields when a shortage of M1 Garands meant they went to infantry units first. Fatigue coveralls are consistant with chemical unit issue.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

You are correct that this photo is misplaced, and these are not commandos. I apologize for the error. The photo description says that these are men of the Royal Army Service Corps in 1942.

[@kennyhagan5781]

The actor DAVID NIVEN was involved in building the Commandos, along with a bunch of other very notable people. I'm a fan of his and was amazed to find this tidbit in his autobiography, I never realized what a badass he was outside of acting... Christopher Lee, him I knew about, and he's a personal hero of mine.... Hey, how about a video on what the enlisted movie stars accomplished in that war? I think that it would be a surprise for those viewers who don't know that Jimmy Stewart was a pilot, or that Jack Palance landed his fighter on a carrier while he and it were on fire. Whaddya think?

[@chrissheppard5068]

David Niven did not help in building the Commandos. Fine man and officer tho he be.

[@ColinH1973]

​@@chrissheppard5068Also Christopher Lee was known to exaggerate his exploits and experiences behind enemy lines during the war. Fine actor and good man that he was.

[@Bronco46tube]

That was quite a fast wardrobe change there at the end! Interesting material. I've done a lot of reading on this subject. But, I had missed mention of this unit's exploits. Thank You.

[@colvinator1611]

Great, if sobering history with excellent presentation. Thanks a lot.

[@MiketheMadness]

An assault force attacking while outnumbered 4 -1, suffering over 50% casualties, and still taking enemy position after enemy position to achieve the objective. The absolute brass balls on those men, I'm shocked they could drag themselves off the beach at all. The denied VC takes the cake though, British military has always had a weird thing about awarding medals. We will remember them.

[@sicks6six]

My science teacher was a commando and was on the beach the first day of invasion. He wss 6'3'' 15 stone solid muscle shaven headed always sleeves rolled up and neat as could be. He took no s**t from the kids and if you worked your ticket he would thrash the living daylights out of you. He had 3 grades of belts to lash you with and a cane tipped with a brass cartidge shell. I liked him and loved his lessons. He used to say if anyone didn't want to be in his class leave and sit in the corridor. Some did and it bother him one bit. It was a boy's only class I don't think he could have coped with girls. He was to gruff and didn't do nice very well. Sid Towns RIP.

[@honodle7219]

They rose up and got the job done in the face of determined resistance and terrible losses. The U.K. is rightly proud of them.

[@BasicDrumming]

I appreciate you, thank you for making content.

[@steveshoemaker6347]

Sad but had to be done all those years ago.....Thank THG🎀

[@seasoldier3902]

There is a Utube channel dedicated to 47 Royal Marine Commando. Some 48 videos on this channel show the good times during their annual reunions in Port en Bessin each June. It wasn't all about commemoration but celebration as well. Their families, retired and serving Royal Marines also attended the June events with full support from the townspeople. We even have a German whose father was garrisoned in the port at the time of the invasion. There is a book written by Doctor John Forfar, the units medical officer, that tells the story From Ohmah to the Schedt, It is worth a read, Thanks for producing this video.

[@wwiibuff9862]

Another great video! Port-en-Bessin is one of my favorite places to go when I visit Normandy. Besides the intense action there of 47 RM Cmdo., it was also a filming location for The Longest Day movie. It stood in for the Riva Bella Casino in Ouistreham.

[@yt.personal.identification]

RIP Leo Kelly I grew up hearing about this story. The last time I heard him tell it, there were some rather dark details that had been omitted when I was younger. Those boys went through too much.

[@unclenogbad1509]

Excellent video, and you're right: a key fight that's not well enough remembered. On a lighter note, one quick detail from the UK. In the photo you show at 14:23 , the soldier on the left, standing next to the bicycle, is not showing a V-for-Victory salute, and I'm betting he was perfectly aware. In the UK, the two fingers with the palm outward is 'victory'; but with the back of the hand outward, it's the same as a single finger in the US. Took Churchill a while to figure that one out, as can be seen in various famous photos. I'm guessing the soldier here is directing it at Hitler, or maybe sussed that the photographer was as posho, and therefore wouldn't spot the difference.

[@jimmyyu2184]

If anyone is wondering what PLUTO stood for, Petro Line Under The Ocean. =)) No, it was not named after W. Disney cartoon character. (Or at least that's what I was told...)

[@jackmcgonegal8728]

Close. Pipeline Under the Ocean.

[@jimmyyu2184]

@@jackmcgonegal8728 Well, I'll be doggone... Thanks for the correction.

[@jjohnsonTX]

Lest We Forget.

[@glendaquick9290]

I appreciate hearing the Sacrifices other countries made and the way that everyone worked together to accomplish the German defeat.

[@derekbowbrick6233]

The 352nd of the German army was not at the time of the D-Day invasion considered a first class unit. Many of the soldiers were Russians, old warriors, or brand new recruits. Very nice recap of the Royal Commandos raid and the portrayer's of the story.

[@adventussaxonum448]

Wasn't it the same unit which defended Omaha?

[@ashergoney]

Green Rolls in the Region definitely Grassos From Before Went Out Fishing..

[@infoscholar5221]

My father was fighting half a world a way, in the South Pacific, but he told me, in 1984, on the 40th anniversary of D-Day; "When we heard the news (about the Normandy landings) we all knew, that, one day, before too long, if we could just stay alive, we'd all be going home." for him, it would be long year and a half, but John Phillips would finally come home to DeArmanville, Alabama, I would be born, to my older parents, over twenty years later.

[@berthalloway8182]

Let’s never forget what was done in our past. Then never repeat it again

[@exmoorfarmer4880]

I was there yesterday! A quick heads up - the Commando Units are pronounced 4,7 not forty seven. It's important to ex RM. Cheers for a great video.

[@jmevb60]

There is no such thing as "light activity" if someone is shooting at you in particular !

[@chrisholland7367]

The Duke of Albanys Maratime regiment of foot was established on the 28 of October 1664 to counter the threat from the Dutch. The Royal Marines traditionally were employed as ships security, as sharpshooters ,boarding parties and cutting away crews in the days of sail. Although they've fought all over the globe in many land and sea battles during their 359 year history the Royal Marines have the battle honour Gibraltar as part their corps emblem. Gibraltar was captured by Dutch and British Marines in 1704 . They also served with distinction during ww1 on the western front as part of the Royal Naval Division and at Gallipoli. Until the 1920s the Marines had served as two separate branches the Royal Marines Light Infantry and the Royal Marines Artillery (costal defence gun battery's) The Royal Marines were based at great naval ports in the UK. Plymouth, Portsmouth Chatham and Woolwich. There based primarily now in Plymouth.

[@jeffw1246]

We really need this history taught in schools so kids understand how precious and precarious freedom is. Now they're being taught only the dark chapters and that America is bad. Who was it that said "Freedom is only one generation from being lost"?

[@ddraig1957]

I've seen that film clip of that calm looking Commando in the front of that landing craft many times. I always wonder who he was and what became of him.

[@Hew.Jarsol]

The Commandos created the US Rangers in 1942 (1st and 29th Rangers). These were the predecessors of the US green Berets, SEALS marine raiders etc.

[@Jarrosnshajahwh]

Brilliant video, although it was pronounced four seven commando not forty seven 😂👍👍👍👍

[@Guangrui]

👏👏👏

[@davidgray3321]

Just for the record old boy, when the RMC fight the enemy they are never repeat never fighting a superior foe, the foe may be more numerous, but never superior. By sea and by Land.

[@HM2SGT]

I don't actually have anything to say, no facts or trivia to contribute- I am simply writing something to have written something, contributing nothing except my participation... like most posts.

[@ROBERTN-ut2il]

Churchill had a fit when he read in the news that British "SS" Brigades (Special Service) were fighting in Europe. They were hurriedly renamed Commando Brigades.

[@jamesbrown4092]

In almost every documentary I've seen about D-Day has had a clip of the young man in this video's thumbnail. I'm curious if anybody knows who he is.

[@F4Insight-uq6nt]

Proof of all Claims are Required.

[@bobf.8403]

At 4:04 of the video there is a picture of a commando in the very front looking to his right. I remember his picture since I was a little kid. Does anyone know who he is and if he survived?

[@mildandbitter]

Yes he looks so calm and relaxed unlike the rest his comrades in the boat!

[@bobf.8403]

I suppose the Commando Association in Great Britain might have lead on this fellow.

[@merlinwizard1000]

69th, 7 June 2023

[@know-body2519]

"Mr. T.H.G." Would you do a video about the "Treaty of Delaware" and it's ramifications please & thank you? (Not covered in my H.S. civics-programming)

[@j.dunlop8295]

As of this posting less than 1% of the veterans of WW2 are left, of 14 million. Mainly those soldiers who joined young at the end of the war! I had two uncle's who were paratroopers WW2, Olen 82nd and Jesse 101st., They never talked about it, except to tell two younger brothers survival tips for the front lines. 1.) Don't group up, it'll make you a bigger target and men will distract each other! 2.) You can't say "no" to an order, but you can tell why it shouldn't be done. Officers can shoot you for saying "no!" Olen was ordered to set his MG up in the clear on a MG nest. He told the new officer, "I'll killed if I do, no cover!" The officer, ordered another G.I. MG to set up there, he was cut in half. The officer stepped back out of defelade, top of his head was blown off! Late in the war, in Germany.

[@alanwhittle8247]

can anyone tell me the name of the soldier in the thumb nail of this episode, i must have seen his face a hundred times in this news reel clip (time stamp 4:10) and often wonder if he survived the war

[@TheTunnellTake]

That wasn't so hard video recording this to go along with the audio was it?

[@southernloff1494]

It is often forgotten that the designated beach landing areas, " Sword, Gold, Omaha, & Utah ", were widely separated by distance, as well as the nationalities involved. Sword & Gold were, as I remember, British & Canadian, while Omaha & Utah were American.

[@Dave_Sisson]

There were five beaches, the fifth was Juno which was also British.

[@southernloff1494]

@@Dave_Sisson Oops! Forgot that one. Thanks.

[@hughledger7835]

Technically 6. Band beach was not used

[@martyhardman3892]

😢