D-Day Veteran Fred Bates' moving story.

[@lukeh3183]

This man, like thousands of others, put their lives on the line so we can live free today. Thank you Fred. Rest in peace.

[@ericharmon7163]

Who are the ten wastes of oxygen who gave thumbs down to a man telling his story? Thank you Fred. RIP.

[@Speedy-qf4ql]

Now there's 27 wastes of oxygen.. Thanks Fred for your humanity..

[@Rab_1967]

Now 28. 28 morons. Let's hope this nation never goes to war again. Thank you Fred. Be at peace.

[@jonathanwalker8730]

Such an articulate, humble, interesting, honest and and genuinely good man. At the time of writing we are now up to 29 oxygen thieves. Funny how thumbs-downers never explain their reasons for voting thusly.

[@jamesgriggs9863]

As i write THIS there are now 30 waste off oxygen who gave a thumbs down MY FATHER WAS RAF SEAC 1943 - 1946 RIP Fred AND DAD

[@Rab_1967]

@@jamesgriggs9863 My Father served on HMS Tuna - T-class Submarine 43 to demob. My respect for the war generation at home and serving is off the chart. Bless them all.

[@jorisbohnson4051]

My grandad was killed in 1943 fighting for our freedom. My dad grew up from the age of 3 without his dad and he was immensely proud of him and so am I. These men are braver than I ever could be.

[@j0nnyism]

You should be proud of your grandma too. To lose her husband and bring up your dad takes tremendous courage too.

[@TSG3051]

Those men and their fathers of ww1 are far braver than any of the melts that walk the earth today 18 yo today loading dancing videos on TikTok for likes and subscribes Over going to war like they did back then 🤦‍♂️

[@ozzmanzz]

@@j0nnyism Absolutely correct!

[@shawnbennett8006]

Rest in peace Fred. God bless you.

[@maxmoore9955]

I'm in Tears as I watch this .We owe that Generation so much .

[@bobbyuk5866]

We stand in the shadows of giants. What a man. Thank you Fred! ❤

[@pennylane9730]

Rest in peace Fred. Britain's greatest generation. Thank you for you're service Bless you ❤

[@Impailer67]

MR Bates did not glorify war , he gave an honest ,human perspective ,. thank you for sharing your experience and helping save the freedom we know today.

[@67Jazzmaster]

I have nothing but deep admiration and love for people like Fred. Fred may have not known why he was still here on earth and why he survived the war but I know why I am here, it is because of people like Fred. Thank you!

[@neiltappenden1008]

Very well said

[@jamesgriggs9863]

WELL SAID

[@dazz180]

Well said ! This is exactly what the younger generations don’t get or care for 😞

[@lawenda2099]

@@dazz180 Cute generalisation, just isn't true.

[@dazz180]

@@lawenda2099 and you must be the font of knowledge Please do tell as my opinion is mine but you must know the exact answer

[@Claymore62]

Can't believe people who gave this Lovely Gentleman a thumbs down. Shame on them you don't know how much that hurts.

[@jeffsmith2022]

They are ignorant asses...

[@Topper_Harley68]

Are you all new to YT? Every god damn video in this place has thumbs down, complaining about it doesn't make any difference.

[@brazilianbhoy]

@@jeffsmith2022 howihmhgmgnorantwe were. norabn

[@brazilianbhoy]

How ignorant we were

[@lordmonty9421]

You're embarrassing yourself.

[@jamielishman1405]

I’ve just watched this and not been able to stop sobbing since a few minutes in, Fred sir, you were a true gent and a hero...I won’t forget this video till I draw my last breath. This should be shown in schools today to show the kids how a person should strive to be...Respect, humility I could go on. Rest easy Fred, your tour is done x

[@awentimes]

Absolutely. This made me cry as well. Looking around at Britain these days and the people in it just breaks my heart. The sacrifice these sort of men made (and women and children back at home) seems like a million miles away from what we are now.

[@liquidhighway]

What a softly spoken man Fred is. A comfort in voice and a kind heart who has seen and been through horrors nobody could imagine. A generation we all owe so much to today

[@robertdainty6491]

Such a nice interview with a real gentleman who i had the pleasure to know.

[@naui_diver9290]

Uh huh

[@Bigfatslim]

You’re a lucky man, real life hero he is

[@Bigfatslim]

@@naui_diver9290 spacka

[@matoska4744]

“Had” .. he passed away?

[@Bigfatslim]

@@matoska4744 yes

[@SKMusic1985]

My Great Grandad survives Gold Beach. He was injured crossing the Rhine & brought back to the UK in April 45. He never spoke of the war. Ever. I wish he could’ve experienced the privileged life I have done. He was an amazing man.

[@nathanportlock-allan5891]

They all gave so much, didn't they. Very special people.

[@samuel10125]

He may not think so but he's a damn hero he was the best of us he sacrificed so much and it will never be forgotten I promise you.

[@EldenGod666]

What a gentleman. He's seen more than any person should. Something which remains a constant is being lied to by the people at the top. We all deserve better than this. The people at the top dont value human life at all. RIP Fred. A proper brummie lad.

[@truthtriumphant]

Yep!! Totally agree!!

[@johngrosshans1040]

These damn sure aren’t “Lost Voices” at my house, they are coming through loud and clear. Truly the greatest generation. I spent 10 years in the Navy. Viet Nam and all, how can I compare my service to what these gents went through, there is just no comparison. When this gentleman asks “why am I still here?”. The answer to that question is to tell the story!

[@jonathanwalker8730]

Credit to you too though for your service.

[@antonymcneil4612]

Thats it, tell the story, incredible story too.

[@SK-do3um]

Absolutely incredible to to see this comment from a Vietnam vet thank you Sir, I've always wondered how the two generations would compare their war experiences, although I'm sure you also had a lot of experiences to be in a war for 10 years is something in itself

[@dave23486]

Your here watching the best generation to have ever lived..THE BEST

[@CamtheMac]

You may be right about that. Except for Hitler and Stalin.

[@kylewoodward7078]

Dave, your damn right. This generation is in bad shape compared to them.

[@markcynic808]

The last generation before drugs, contraception and the welfare state destroyed the morality and responsibility of those in the western world and paved their way to hell.

[@macgonzo]

@@markcynic808 bollocks. Drugs, contraception and a welfare state system have all been available since the Romans ruled the Mediterranean. Hell, the modern welfare state system was created before the first world war, so this idea that people that fought in WW2 were "the last generation... Blah blah blah" is complete and utter fucking nonsense.

[@markcynic808]

@@macgonzo Yeah? That's why all these war veterans talk about being out of work bums or the children of single parents. Except none of them ever does. The modern welfare state started in the years immediately after WW2 and included the forming of the NHS. In the 1960s the introduction of the contraceptive pill changed the western world and its demographics forever. Nowadays it's so lucractive a lifestyle on welfare that many choose to become and remain career single mothers until age and "mental health" problems allow them to become lifelong sickness benefit recipients; their offspring accounting for the majority of jailed criminals in the UK and over 75% of jailed criminals in the USA. Not that living this lifestyle has increased the birthrates. In the early 1970s birthrates were at 2.2 - 2.3 in the UK. The average age of first time mother's being 23 years. Now those figures have fallen to 1.7 and 31 years - 30% of which are born to mothers who were not born in the UK. Now, not only are we not able to sustain our populations, but we've had to bring in ever increasing numbers of immigrants to fill the void. A generation being 23 years then meant you'd be a grandparent before you were 70 years old, now you'll need to live to 93. Not only a decreasing birth rate, but three generations now take 93 instead of 69 years. Do you believe that the absence of children playing outdoors is down to them hiding away on their computer games? How ridiculous. It's due to them not existing. Thanks for expletive ridden, willfully ignorant rant. I'll look forward to laughing and talking down to you in future. Take care, schmuck.

[@dennisrobinson7587]

What a very honest and moving story from an ordinary foot soldier.Thank you Fred for your service ❤.

[@cherylhagler8500]

You are a hero sir and I salute you! Thank you!

[@marcusjohnson6412]

If this doesn’t touch your heart you aren’t human

[@ricky4145]

Ill show my kids this generation over and over again. Real men. Brave courageous men. To no that this kind of human existed at one moment in time gives me hope and faith in humanity. Because at one time human beings gave there today for our tommorow. I often wonder how they would feel to see it all now.

[@youknow227]

Even the WW1 generation felt that they had fought for nothing At the least that they weren't appreciated

[@antonioperez2623]

"I feel as though I'm drawn back to them. I've been left behind." Those words gave me tears.

[@user259169]

Thank you for preserving his story. What a wonderful man.

[@NetzarimAntoecie]

How could anybody thumbs down this. I'm so ashamed of this generation. Sorry Fred. You are amazing. Its transfixing watching and hearing you speak Sir.

[@tycorcoran6965]

I am a veteran, I have done a great deal, but nothing like this man

[@Dabadabadoobie]

Thank you for your service BROTHER!

[@thetraveller869]

Me too mate.

[@dobiem1]

Never underestimate contribution, no matter how small. Be proud.

[@jonny7491]

I know he’s not of this world anymore. But God bless you sir and thank you.

[@abestm8]

What an honest, no bull account from someone with such deep feelings. This brought me to tears as I could feel the emotion in his memories. R.I.P. Fred

[@philippegrebert1188]

At a time when anger, hatred and fear is growing across Europe it feels even more important to remember such individual stories so it never happens again. Thank you for putting this together Nathan. RIP Fred Bates.

[@nathanportlock-allan5891]

Thank you, Philippe. You are completely right, it really puts the current problems into perspective. I'm pleased you enjoyed it.

[@kevinkibble8342]

Hitler would have supported the EU

[@realwealthproperties5671]

You’re totally missing the point about the “anger, hatred and fear”. You should probably think about this more in a totally different context instead of what you’re being spoon fed.

[@realwealthproperties5671]

Turn off the news. Open your ears. And stop being such a lemming.

[@mikefuse8064]

Poor man living with them scares for the rest of his life, what a hero he was. Rip sir we salute you!!

[@junglistdave8432]

Much respect to u fred my grandfather norman neininger was in the 1st dorsets from 1938 wounded in normandy 8th june 1944. Sadly he died in 1983 year before i was born 😪

[@ULHIS]

He didn't die, he was called up to protect the heavens with the rest of the brave souls who guaranteed our futures. Nollaig Shona🎄💚

[@kbudhiarta]

Your using a wrong emoji

[@kbudhiarta]

It’s suppose to be like this 😔

[@kbudhiarta]

But he was a legend, he protected us until he died to give us freedom And he fought to give you and your parents freedom

[@langski84]

I could listen to him talk every day. You are a force of nature Fred. RIP.

[@maureencimochowski824]

Another wonderful, humble, brave man from the greatest generation. Thank you sir, RIP.❤

[@dalj4362]

Wow... So honest Fred. No ego what so ever. Just the truth of how it really was. R.I.P Now with your wife and comrades.

[@claireputtock]

A hero. A gentleman. My husband is in the paras. He is away. Fred helps me remember why we need to need to preserve our army and our way of life. God Bless our veterans from the horrors of war. 🙏🏽

[@danfinch4434]

Rest in peace Fred, a true gentleman and super hero 🙏

[@333FT]

What a lovely, kind, humble and intelligent man

[@chrisneedham5803]

My Dad was 1 day younger than Fred and he also landed on Gold Beach(D day). He got between Bayeux and Caen on day 1 holding the ground for the arrival of the 7th Armoured Division (Dessert Rats). He also took part in the Battle of Nijmegen (Market Garden) and the liberation of Burgen Belson.

[@nathanportlock-allan5891]

Wow! He saw some action then. Amazing breed of men.

[@MsRedwings23]

@@nathanportlock-allan5891 thanks for your dad and your uncle for their freedom my uncle serve in world war 2 and Vietnam

[@jensz9360]

I salute your dad..... A real American.

[@johnburns4017]

My uncle landed on the first wave on Sword Beach. He also took part in the Battle of Nijmegen (Market Garden) and the liberation of Bergen Belson death camp.

[@pfcsantiago8852]

My dad was with the North Staffs and got as far as Holland before being wounded and sent back.In the 80s we would chat over a few beers and he told me some of what happened If I asked him,tough times.

[@frankobrien1371]

Eloquent recollection and emotional re-telling of his experiences in the British Army. Hard to believe they dropped off 19 year olds on that beach with little training and zero combat experience and expected them to perform under those brutal circumstances. You did your duty Fred. God Bless you.

[@chrisneedham5803]

My Dad was 19 when he landed on Gold Beach on D-day, he was in the first wave. He was sent out to sea everyday for 6 weeks in a landing craft to attack a beach in Norfolk (training). One day he said to me while I was digging a hole "you'd be surprised how fast you can dig in sand when people are shooting at you"

[@borisjohnson1473]

The training was more than adequate along with lots of practice landings.

[@chrisneedham5803]

@@borisjohnson1473 ......... My Dad did 6 months combat training then 6 weeks landing craft training. A third of the troops in the landing craft were very hardened combat troops and the rest were trained like my Dad. He never complained of insufficient training.

[@frankobrien1371]

@@borisjohnson1473 that was what I thought as well, just not what this vet remembers. Thrown into that situation for real, training may have been thrown out the window.

[@johnburns4017]

Fred said they were mixed with experienced veterans.

[@eggfriedrice4495]

My granddad was in the Dorset’s. Joined under age in ‘38, was 16.. just to play pool and drink lol. Went through the whole war. Never injured, but in Arnhem in 1944, Xmas day (his bday) he got so drunk he had to have his stomach pumped lol. De-mobbed in ‘46 at age of 23. 23 with 6 years of war behind him, just cannot fathom what that generation went through. Nothing but utmost respect for all veterans, whatever branch, or role they played.

[@nathanportlock-allan5891]

That's amazing. 16 years old was so young.

[@geralldus]

Honest, compassionate and intensely human, thank you for your story.

[@Jamison1888]

I'm glad I got to hear this man's story very moving.......

[@chiefteefteefreturns3320]

I served US army in Iraq and lost 3 irreplaceable friends and my brother lost in Afghanistan. I can totally empathise with Fred, every time I wake up and go to bed I cannot stop thinking of them and they have been mostly forgotten by people. Utterly heart breaking all the time, I feel Fred’s hurt.

[@ronkeefe9048]

sorry for your loss my friend

[@Muldoon93]

Thank you for your service sir and god bless you. I hope one day you will see your friends and your brother again I also hope you know that no matter what they will always be with you at your side as guardian angels.

[@kevinstonerock3158]

God bless you Fred Bates. May God take away the hurt and reunite you with your friends. Such a kind soul.

[@Peter-or8oc]

What a true and honest gentleman RIP

[@underalions2023]

RIP Fred . You are a true hero. Thank you for risking your life and the many many more who fought in this war. For me to enjoy the way of life I live today... From a very greatfull Australia

[@mrwippy3112]

A serviceman never ever forgets his number.

[@DietrichMikowski]

25126699.

[@geraldmahle9833]

Or his weapon number. I could remember mine from 1967 up until a few years ago.

[@cedric9839]

I am a combat wounded Vietnam Veteran, Fred is honest, we never forget

[@wilhar6120]

Real men. Thank you

[@xochitl9161]

Bless you and all the other heroes and Thank You.

[@crystalheart9]

Thank you Mr. Bates for your story and service. Much respect. It made me cry listening to this sweet man tell his story. My dad served he was in the 82 Airborne.

[@inajames3160]

Such a sweet man. Thoughtful person and simple telling, no embellishment just his truth. God bless him .❤

[@getore100]

Fred, THANK YOU sir. There are millions of us that are SO GRATEFUL to you and countless others as yourself.

[@GeeniusReviews]

Honest, humble and bears the scars of his past. What a hero. Men of a different breed one solid generation. Rest in peace. Glad to see he lived life to the fullest afterwards. Now he can be with his wife and his comrades! Rip Fred your a hero

[@arthurengelbert788]

I’m amazed at how well composed and well spoken Frederick was during this interview. Complete recall of things that happened to him 76 years ago, as if it happened last week. I don’t remember what I had for lunch yesterday. Rest In Peace sir. You are not forgotten.

[@Grumszy]

What a man... A down to earth legend... RIP Fred.

[@marktemperton2574]

You are a diamond sir,, nothing but respect for you and your comrades who fought for our freedom.. From all my genoration,thank you.. 🇬🇧..💯

[@julianoble224]

Just ordinary working men, put in extraordinary circumstances , that’s true heroism. Well done Sir, I’m so glad you made it.

[@davethompson2881]

Thanks Fred, I salute you.

[@shawnpa]

These stories are profound, and beyond history books.

[@jackmillward9985]

All proper men, massive respect to the lot of them, their generation saved the world 🌎

[@darioraschi230]

Tears in my eyes listening to a lovely gentle man who obviously suffered the traumas of war and what he saw God bless you Fred honest and sincere all way through

[@alancoates5653]

Up most respect to every man and woman how gave the lives to protect our freedom today a carnt put in to words what a felt watching this made me sod my heart out what a bloke and thank you for your service fred ❤

[@steventaylor4298]

As a ex service man myself who served in Ireland and Germany in the late 70s and 80s. I am humbled by how this brave, eloquent man describes his experience, which far exceed anything I had to face in my time in the service i.e. being spat on and occasionally shot at in Ireland. A true hero and gentleman in my book

[@cunkmusic8748]

What a wonderful humble human being Fred was. His mind seemed as sharp as a tack too.

[@Firekeeper61]

This man along with many others. Are the real superheroes. Thank you for your service! My love to you all.

[@robertsuch3614]

Fantastic and heartfelt story, thank you for sharing. Deepest respect to Fred, RIP sir 😔

[@npc77107]

What a nice gentleman, a true hero with a big heart, caring about the animals like he did really got to me! What an Angel.

[@realwealthproperties5671]

What a great interview and great man. So many bing and honest. I feel for what he and all the others lived with for so long.

[@neilcussons4744]

Bless his heart such a gentle modest man.

[@serenityflies1462]

Bless you Fred, you are everything the true Brits are! Self effacing, humble, quiet, reserved and brave as hell! YOUR VOICE AND OTHERS WILL LIVE FOREVER! Thankyou, rest in peace, lovely gentleman!

[@RathwulvenBushcraft]

Thank you for sharing these interviews. I am from Germany, studying history and sociology - such footage is priceless. We can always learn about history from schoolbooks, but I think that such testimonies have a way bigger impact. The memories of a gentleman like this make all the entire horrors of this war feel more real and vivid. What I fear from the German perspective: My generation had the privilege to talk to survivors, but the upcoming generations will only here stories without the immediacy my generation experienced. So we must remember the horrors these men went through to never let history repeat itself again. Here we say: "Wehret den Anfängen!" That translates as: "Oppose the beginnings!" May this man be safe and healthy. His achievements (and those of many other brave men) are the reason we are now living in liberty and peace - for that I can only thank him.

[@nathanportlock-allan5891]

I completely agree with you. It is so important to record these stories. We all grew up hearing these men and women speaking about their wartime experiences and now, sadly, there are very few left. That is what spurred me on to record as many of these as possible. I am pleased that you enjoyed Fred's story.

[@jensz9360]

A REAL Hero!

[@heidelbergsteel7670]

A good and decent man rip old fella and god bless you

[@allannorman2359]

Brilliant what a lovely chap, well done Fred..

[@tararuaman]

Those of you who gave the thumbs down on this interview must surely be devoid of all emotion, bereft of the milk of human kindness, ungrateful for the sacrifice made by these men in the bloom of their youth. It is through them that enables you to have the freedom to use that keyboard that sits before you. How dare you to insult them you faceless wonders .They gave their tomorrow so you can enjoy today. REST IN PEACE FRED and THANK YOU

[@aldo321]

How I wish with all my heart right now that those 37 people who disliked this video traded places with some of the lads who fell during the ww2, who never got the chance to grow old. And yet these 37 zeros who unfortunately share the same privilege of being a human being, sit there in their cosy homes and press a dislike button to such a wonderful thing, like this veteran telling his story about an event that changed the course of history. Idiots! Thank you for posting this video! I am often very touched by the fact that the more time passes by, the more of the veterans pass away, and I wonder how many stories we lose because of that. I wish we have documented more. I do not know this old gentleman personally, but I wish I was in that room with him now and just gave him a hug. I bow to this man! ❤️ I was really touched by this! Thank you! ❤️

[@tonydean2541]

They dont come much better than this fella, you could tell by some of the things he said he was a truly decent person. He had me welling up there a couple of times but I could sit and listen to him all day. Hes definately on my list of true heroes. What a great man. God bless him.

[@nathanportlock-allan5891]

He was a decent person, one of the best. A true kind soul.

[@tonydean2541]

@@nathanportlock-allan5891 Yes i could tell he was. Hes an inspiration. Thanks for sharing. Subbed to your channel

[@nathanportlock-allan5891]

@@tonydean2541 That's great, thank you. Keep your eyes on it as I have the next in this series being uploaded in the next week.

[@tonydean2541]

@@nathanportlock-allan5891Ok will do, thanks. 👍

[@KathrynLiz1]

Thank you for your service Fred.... my Dad was there in Normandy too...and oddly enough his name was Fred..... Bless you...

[@SasquatchOmega]

God bless him.! A truly beautiful human being. I am very glad I was able to see this video. 🥲

[@davideades9588]

‘Take these men, then, for your example. Like them, remember that prosperity can only be for the free, and that freedom is the sure possession of those alone that have courage to defend it”. Extremely moving, what a wonderful man he was, it makes me want to weep for a gentle human being who loved animals and his fellow man, and was traumatised by the horrors he experienced.

[@user-bl2ty9lm3b]

You'll always be the highest form of hero in our eyes, Fred. Thank you. Rest in Peace.

[@robdickie9215]

Fred must of been an angel sent from heaven- I've watched many war stories but this one really touched me!! What an incredible man. He even mentioned his sorrow for the animals let alone his fallen comrade's

[@markden21]

What a gentleman, so unassuming yet did something I would be terrified to do. RIP Fred. Thank you.

[@1951timbo]

My parents generation. Both fought in the war. My mother was a military nurse evacuated at Dunkirk, at Tripoli and liberation of Belsen. This man and so many others; Brave honest and a credit to the world. Never forget.

[@nathanportlock-allan5891]

Well said, he truly was. Look out for my next film in the next few days. It has a section on the liberation of Belsen.

[@margaretroselle8610]

Amazing story! Thank you so much, Sir.

[@FightingThroughPodcast]

Awesome piece of work - just exquisite.

[@nathanportlock-allan5891]

Thanks, Paul. I'm pleased you liked it. I'm off filming two more veterans tomorrow so keep a lookout for new vids soon.

[@jonmajarucon51]

Truly a gentle-man Thank you for your Service. So compassionate and unselfish.

[@mrblue193]

God bless you Fred and thank you.

[@arnhemseptember2009]

Makes you quiet and think a lot.. Great man.

[@danferguson7593]

This man was a true hero and brave beyond belief and I thank him for his service and I would like to thank the writers and producers of this show awesome job indeed...✝️✝️✝️

[@onioncutter6847]

Thank you Mr Frederick Bates and the many whom fell. To give us this life which I’m truly appreciative of and make the most of.

[@kathymarik1932]

You are here Fred to relate to others what war was like.God Bless You sir

[@fredflintstome6532]

Such a lovely and quiet unassuming man. So humble but he did so much. RIP Fred.

[@johnnybforbacon1097]

Thank you for uploading this. What an incredible man. Rest easy Fred, you are sorely missed.

[@thomasweatherford5125]

Very touching testimony. Rest easy Fred.

[@namcat53]

Thanks for this; we must always remember what happened back then and pay respect to these heroes sacrifices when they were defeating fascism. Death to fascism.

[@judd0112]

Seems like some of the young naive American democrats need to get a history review I can’t stand hearing that trump was comparable to Hitler and Stalin was not such a bad guy. Blows my mind. The worst is when I hear some neophyte say world war eleven…. That’s just ridiculous. World war 11(2). Not eleven. Or that they think it’s no big deal to take on Putin and set up a no fly zone. They just musta forgot what a nuclear exchange is like and that Putin when cornered will do anything like a wild animal. Such as launching his nuclear arsenal. And that will destroy their whole climate change progress try to explain it to them that way.

[@FrenchFarmhouseDiaries]

WOW god bless you Fred 🙏

[@peterhall728]

God Bless you Sir. You really were of the finest. 19 years old. Rest In Peace with your mates now and have a brew, you've earned it.

[@michaelcollins869]

RIP Sir. Your generation and those sacrifices you all made are the reason I could sit and watch this today. TY we shall never forget.

[@markdewdney9370]

A wonderful ordinary man who had an extraordinary life. Bless you Fred.

[@chel3SEY]

What a sweet man. Honest, humble and decent.