Enemy Pilots Become Friends After Strange Encounter | Tales From the Bottle

A tale both beautiful and strange emanating from WWII - but lasting for decades afterwards.
"The Charlie Brown and Franz Stigler incident occurred on 20 December 1943, when, after a successful bomb run on Bremen, 2nd Lt Charles "Charlie" Brown's B-17 Flying Fortress (named "Ye Olde Pub") was severely damaged by German fighters. Luftwaffe pilot Franz Stigler had the opportunity to shoot down the crippled bomber but did not do so, and instead escorted it over and past German-occupied territory so as to protect it. After an extensive search by Brown, the two pilots met each other 50 years later and developed a friendship that lasted until Stigler's death in March 2008. Brown died only a few months later, in November of the same year."
More on Wikipedia:
en.wikipedia.o...
Second Channel: / @qxir2
Merch: teespring.com/...
Patreon: / qxir
Twitter: / qxiryt
Discord: / discord
Twitch: / qxiryt
Subreddit: / qxir

[@Qxir]

Yes, before you say it - I know Sabaton did a song about it Second Channel: kzbin.info/door/t93hxFmjppL5nLRAX94UrA Merch: teespring.com/stores/qxir Patreon: www.patreon.com/qxir Twitter: twitter.com/QxirYT Discord: discord.gg/jZzvvwJ Twitch: www.twitch.tv/qxiryt/ Subreddit: www.reddit.com/r/Qxir/

[@brokenpotato438]

people still commenting about it lol

[@arkansasdaddyproudfatherha3800]

👁👄👁

[@josephschutkin4851]

This Is honestly one of my favorite KZbin channels

[@skytronixgaming8724]

theres some wars in this house if you know what i mean

[@nottherealcaboosex5708]

Wow this story has not been done out of death like the white death story....

[@Oogaboga]

“I also have more light hearted stories like a Finish solider overdosing on meth”

[@AxxLAfriku]

I don't have any friends because they are ashamed of the videos I upload. Are they really that bad, dear asoe

[@meanmeng1950]

@@AxxLAfriku pretty weird

[@ImTheCrew]

You can’t overdose on meth.

[@ImTheCrew]

I’ve shot so much meth in my life... no problems.

[@UrMom-sb4lj]

@@AxxLAfriku OFMG not you again, why are you everywhere.

[@adamestes5227]

No matter how many times I watch Franz say “I love you, Charlie”, I always get hit in the feels.

[@copeharder7554]

Yeah he spared Charlie just so he could bomb more civilians could've of been one of franz's family or friends dead. Charile is grateful to be spared but all those preventable deaths from cruel bombings runs aren't

[@TheGreg6466]

@@copeharder7554 Yeah, good point, i wonder if franz had thought of that? you'd think that it would be hard not to think about the B17 crew probably just killed franz's fellow country men, yet he still thought above that and empathised, i suppose franz thought these men are just following orders.

[@SteezyMPeezy]

@@copeharder7554 who gives a shit? They were nazi’s.... you absolute fucking idiot

[@curbyourshi1056]

@@copeharder7554 How about go forth and attempt to multiply? When you've been in a disgusting war like that, come back and comment.

[@matthelfrich4528]

@@copeharder7554 easy to pass judgment from your armchair. At least he had the humanity to spare defenseless enemies. Plenty of other men would've just killed them.

[@harveyholmes9533]

Incredible courage from Franz, knowing the consequences if he’d been spotted not only not firing on them, but escorting them to safety, and then living without telling anyone about it and continuing to fight in the war, what an incredible pair of men

[@Poopshit420]

Poooossssibly … just possibly… also a little bit of a nazi supporter

[@arthurfleck629]

Absolute heroes

[@2puffs770]

I just cried when Franz stated " I love you, Charlie ". So incredible these two pilots were able to meet after so much time. Franz never again had to wonder if those American's made it and survived. And Charlie, well he got the chance to thank Franz for the escort instead of making them history. Positively, one of the best war stories to ever go down.

[@tommynorthwood]

There was a battlefront between two trenches, at Christmas, someone poked out a white flag with a messenger, the messengers met and came back with a 24 hour ceasefire, soldiers came together to celebrate Christmas together

[@palomaelegante]

​@@tommynorthwood That is hard to believe, can you give more detail? perhaps cite a source?

[@tommynorthwood]

@@palomaelegante It's impossible to believe, but when you hear the story, you'll understand no one wanted to kill,no one wanted to be in a cold trench, but the higher ups in comfy forts didn't care, so for the night, neither did the soldiers. Allowing a moment between firing. It was the Germans vs us. Google more to find more. German American Christmas cease fire.

[@CT-1035]

@@palomaelegante Sabaton did a song about it, it was during WW1

[@The_Tiritakid]

He made them history

[@davidcross1984]

"I love you charlie" some of the most powerful words I've ever heard spoken by an old man.

[@lemondrop8203]

How bruh

[@somerand0mpers0n]

@@lemondrop8203 i hope you know who your pfp is attributed with

[@lemondrop8203]

@@somerand0mpers0n no

[@somerand0mpers0n]

@@lemondrop8203 basically just the worst person ever

[@huggleskuishy]

Makes me tear up

[@mitchzurbrigg2403]

You can hear the pain in the German man's voice, war is a tough whench to stifle.

[@BenHughes81]

Possibily remorse and/or regret as well, considering which side he was on and events which occurred leading up to the war.

[@grizzlycmmg9578]

@Jasta 2 LOL You do realize the Nazi Germany forced young men into military service right? yes most were rotten people but obviously some of them never truly knew what they were fighting for.

[@Zoroaster4]

It must also be tough thinking about all the men you killed. Reminding you that on both sides the people fighting were just that, people. I mean someone he was contemplating killing when he could choose not to, was at that point they were friends in their words a long lost brother. It probably reminded him how many lives he snuffed out. How many parents he made go through the death of a child. How many wives he made widows. It's got to be tough, most likely not being able to hold up a defensive shield your mind creates thinking that the other side deserved it. If I where him I would have kept flying straight to Britain and never looked back. I wonder if they would have shot at him thinking he was hostile?

[@darknes4150]

@Jasta 2 are you seriously supporting nazi germany here? do i have this correct?

[@spooniiboii]

@@grizzlycmmg9578 you seem like a dick ngl

[@nava4057]

the fact that they died months apart really got me

[@toeseater2855]

Fun fact: at the time of the event Franz Stigler was 1 kill away from getting the Knight's Cross, the most valuable award in Germany at the time, Ye Ol' Pub was supposed to be his last kill, yet he didn't do it, which makes the story even better, Franz never get the Knight's Cross before the war ended Bonus fact: Franz Stigler has a brother (sorry I don't remember the name of the brother), which was also an Ace pilot, in 1940, he crashed in his Junker88, killing him instantly, Franz was devastated by the news. When he sees Charlie for the first time on the plane, he later said "the plane was so damaged it was a wonder that it's still flying, the pilot, Charlie Brown is to me as precious as my brother"

[@CarolineBearoline]

Even though I know this story, hearing you tell it with your signature humor makes it like I'm just discovering it for the first time again

[@OriginalNortad]

The same with me

[@AcePhantom01]

Indeed

[@512adms7]

Same here

[@mikelmorrow4681]

Totally agree

[@Jamarcus-uf6ym]

Dudes rock

[@theuntitledpodcast2404]

That "I love you, Charlie" gets me every time. What an honorable man

[@History_animations_OFFICIAL]

Nice

[@samreid6010]

Can we take a second to appreciate the wonder of engineering these planes were? It withstood a concerted, concentrated effort by a squadron of fighters and several anti air batteries to bring it down. It received critical damage to almost every system aboard but was able to still make it home. Combined with the fact these planes were cranked out as fast as possible, this is some impressive stuff

[@blueguy2128]

It's incredible, what a time it must've been to live thru and experience these events and marvels of engineering

[@moos5221]

True. The planes must have had a very low speed though, todays planes would be ripped apart from their speed if they sustained half the damage.

[@visassess8607]

There's a reason it's called the Flying Fortress.

[@oi-cj1pz]

Chad B-17

[@fedcab4360]

All the crew were almost dead.

[@Jake_Ro_X]

This made me tear up as soon as Franz said "It wasn't easy" & "I love you Charlie". They truly are brothers bound by blood and honor.

[@KowboyUSA]

P.S., Putting Capt. Charles Brown in a Charlie Brown sweater and hair was a very nice use of artistic license.

[@dontask8979]

The "Good grief" and I lost it.🤣😂🤣

[@Yeeter000]

"The closest thing is a lad using a drone with an xbox controller only killing half of someone's family" As an Iraqi, this hits close to home, *litteraly*

[@gnomad3143]

This comment, brought me so much joy. Thank you

[@laa0fa502]

@@gnomad3143 joy?!

[@kos2919]

Sadly, it will be the kind of war that will happen in near future

[@tonypeppermint5329]

Wow.

[@patjohn775]

Kos 291 it’s what modern warfare is. Anywhere there is war and conflict this will be the case. Really sucks

[@rileyatkinson6737]

Brothers, heroes, foes. The fact that sabaton is pretty much what brought this story into the mainstream is just awesome and is another reason they’re my favorite band of all time

[@josephhelliwell9938]

No Bullets Fly, Spared by his mercy

[@yayeetmeoffacliff4708]

@@josephhelliwell9938 escorted out, out of harms way

[@niirvekshah9095]

What song is this in?

[@yayeetmeoffacliff4708]

@@niirvekshah9095 no bullets fly - sabaton

[@Davi.Abraham.Millman]

Homies

[@GutterDruid]

"You are bad guy, but this does not mean you are bad guy."

[@lumberc]

Fun fact: Ye Olde Pub still flies today and I’ve personally caught it. Unreal to see now

[@rockymountainlifeprospecti4423]

Yes it does! A flying memorial to those who lost their lives in it, and to hope in all despair.

[@stomper2888]

Stfu

[@tigerkill420]

That's crazy.

[@huntsgt]

@@stomper2888 what

[@stomper2888]

@@chiefbungalow stfu

[@sirsleeps-a-lot9376]

I've actually read the book about this event, Its called "A Higher call" and It goes into great detail about the feelings of the pilots in "ye old pub" before and during seeing the German pilot. It also talks about the lives of Charlie brown and Franz Stigler before they joined the army. I highly recommend it.

[@nicholastomczak1874]

A Higher Call by Adam Makos I highly recommend the book as well to anyone who wants to learn more about the life of Charlie and Franz.

[@quest-fish]

I finished it recently. Knowing the full background of this story makes it so much more impactful, and I also highly recommend it.

[@Chrischi3TutorialLPs]

Theres also a song about it, its called No Bullets Fly

[@airplanemaniacgaming7877]

@@Chrischi3TutorialLPs From the Heroes album by Sabaton, a Swedish power metal band with historically themed lyrics. they never glorify war, but will tell of those who fought, lived, and died through what many call "hell on earth".

[@Chrischi3TutorialLPs]

@@airplanemaniacgaming7877 Plus, their singer has a kneecap made of steel (at least judging by how much punishment its survived despite him repeatedly punching it in concert)

[@RedstoneGamerYT]

When the Old German Man Said "I love you charlie" My heart sank to my toes and the tears wouldnt quit. I love this story.

[@warcrimesmorelikefuntimes6808]

Even though there was pretty much 20 seconds of them talking about their experience, you can feel so much emotions from that small amount. Knowing the fact that he saved his life was incredible

[@Luke_H98]

Man those onions are potent, you've got me crying too

[@disgruntledwelsh3817]

Fly, fighting fair It's the code of the air Brothers Heroes Foes

[@jessespoelman4143]

Killing machine Honour in the skies B17 Flying home Killing machine Said goodbye to the cross he deserved

[@thekommunistkrusader3921]

What's this from it sounds familiar

[@NeputuniaNepp]

@@thekommunistkrusader3921 sabaton-No bullet fly

[@thekommunistkrusader3921]

@@NeputuniaNepp I listened to it... I'm now crying damn it

[@hachipanki8634]

He risked his life two times that day

[@gerhardschoschdinger1434]

"Fly, fighting fair, it's the code of the air "

[@realhawaii5o]

Knowing there are already plenty of Sabaton comments... "Fly, fighting fair, it’s the code of the air Brothers, heroes, foes!"

[@flukyloler9299]

My favorite WW2 story. Beautiful tale of humanity that never fails to bring a tear to my eye. May these gentlemen rest in peace

[@waskawiiwabbit4465]

First time I've heard this story. Kudos to Herr Stigler for letting his humanity govern his actions that day - a reminder that even though our govts send us to war, we are still fellow human beings, potential friends outside of war.

[@TrickiVicBB71]

Flak gunners on the ground did see the incident happen. But there is Luftwaffe squadron that flies captured allied aircraft. They didn't shoot cause they didn't want to get in trouble

[@j_jizzle_69]

I love these stories of humanity and empathy in war, it’s so reassuring that even when you’re ordered to kill someone some men can’t push themselves to do it

[@fallendeus5641]

There is a big difference between killing someone that is firing back and trying to kill you.. and killing people that don't even have the capability of fighting back. Had the americans fired even 1 bullet i'm sure he would have shot them down but doing that to soldiers incapable of continuing to fight is just murder.

[@m.anthonyc.8761]

I think the end of this story is the greatest part.... No matter what race, nationality, or religious upbringing anybody is, when old man Stigler wipes his eyes as he's getting choked up and says "I love you Charlie" That's straight up grown man tear fuel.

[@nine552]

"When No Bullets Fly" moment

[@snadas]

Sabaton

[@luwi5972]

Beat me to it

[@18joshuab98]

Fly, Fighting Fair, It's The code of the air, Brothers Hero's, Foes.

[@HMSBreadnought]

@@18joshuab98 KILLING MACHINE HONOUR IN THE SKIES

[@18joshuab98]

B-17, FLYING HOME!

[@tecumsehcristero]

Funny I got tearful too when hearing Stigler say "It wasn't easy"

[@pc-cy3od]

He was probably terrified if he was witnessed sparing ye old pub he probably faced a firing line

[@tecumsehcristero]

@@pc-cy3od Possibly

[@Aztesticals]

@@tecumsehcristero at the very least he would be put into a suicide mission as punishment. Depends on the officer but some of the most "loyal" (to the ss) German officers would control their soldiers under threats that their families could be found under suspicion of hiding jews at anytime. Basicly if you don't do what I say your family goes to the camps.

[@MM-vs2et]

@@tecumsehcristero If the Nazi party caught wind that one of their ace pilots it actively helping the enemy, Franz would absolutely be made an example.

[@Hannibalkakihara]

Its a truly amazing story. A similar story happened on Dday omaha beach. A german machine gunner Heinrich Severloh, fired tens of thousands of rounds for over 9 hours and inflicted up to 2000 causualties. He was first disturbed when he used his mauser 98 rifle on a soldier and got to truly feel what its like to kill. He retreated back eventually anf survived. Decades later he had an odd friendship with an American soldier, David Silva on omaha who had a bullet wound, likely from Severloh himself. And they met again on omaha beach and struck a friendship together as they fought valiantly for their own country, but outside the battefield, were just human beings.

[@phil7622]

"HE RISKED HIS LIVE TWO TIMES THAT DAY, TO SAVE AN UNKNOWN ENEMY! ESCORT TO SAFETY PUT OF THE KILLZONE! A SHORT SALUTE, AND DEPARTED!"

[@anastasiaphan4202]

FLY, FIGHTING FAIR. IT’S THE CODE OF THE AIR.

[@dms-f16]

@@anastasiaphan4202 BROTHERS HEROES FOES!.... KILLING MACHINE! HONOR IN THE SKY!

[@thecatdragon589]

@@dms-f16 B-17, FLYING HOME! KILLING MACHINE, SAID GOODBYE TO THE CROSS HE DESERVES

[@Xpwnxage]

CAPS IS STUCK

[@yellotheepiko]

​@@dms-f16 B-17! FLYING HOME!

[@sovietunion9916]

" professionals have standards" Said sniper.

[@ztxmariano2376]

sniping is a good job m8

[@trainsandstuff1021]

yes quite literally. An appropriate quote for this.

[@no0d13s]

s i n p e r

[@Fugginshidmypant]

SINPIN

[@Fugginshidmypant]

S i n p / S i m p

[@pand3mic942]

If your girl doesn't tear up at this, it means she is actually a reptile

[@acamaro5648]

Lol

[@acamaro5648]

I just shared this video with my girl.. I'll see what kind of reptile she'll turn out to be..

[@gillriet773]

man thankyou, Ive been seeing this woman and I was trying to find some sort of test for that before things get too serious! lolol

[@piper636]

Even I teared up at this and I /am/ a she-lizard

[@Meowface.]

My gecko licks it's own eyeballs, drinking his tears So even reptiles tear up:) The name for a woman like that is a succubus

[@OrdinarilyOrdinaryGoose]

“I have some lighthearted stories, like a Finnish soldier overdosing on drugs in the wilderness and nearly dying and having to battle for survival while under attack by the red army”

[@icegiant1000]

I can only imagine that the german pilot, looking back over the entire war, very few actions were ones he could feel good about, but this one he could. So nice to see human beings rise above the inhumanity of war.

[@234er]

Oh what a "but we where the good ones" bullshit you are talking. Franz was there to defend his home, whilst Charlie was there to destroy it. All Franz did was killing people, that invaded his fatherland and killed his own kind. He was just so emotional about it, because he personally pulled the trigger and knew that he had killed. He killed for his country, lost a war and later found out that they used and manipulated him. That's when you get remorseful about your actions. Charlie just dropped the bombs and never got to knew what he did to the people. His actions where not personal. Does that make them better? If at all they are worse. There is nothing glorious about killing for your country especially not in a foreign one and when you hit old ones, women and children. Considering that and the fact that someone still let him get away with it, Charlie should be the one who should have been even more remorseful. When you are a grunt fighting in a war, then there are no winners, theres only losers. Winning is for politicians and generals only. Thats the message people should send. Not "one of the bad guys did something right, because he let go one of our good guys".

[@ThePursuitofHappiness1988]

Different times make different individuals. When I was serving in the US Army I saw some great men and women I’d be proud to fight with, and others whom I wouldn’t trust with a bottlecap. I believe it boils down to a condition of the heart and what lies within.

[@stevenkelby2169]

Most people have some inherent decency. Some people are just cunts.

[@ThePursuitofHappiness1988]

@@stevenkelby2169 you can say that again

[@ggoddkkiller1342]

I guess you are talking about those people who shoot at civilians, mock and threaten children or even throw grenades to stray dogs etc?? Because their videos are pretty public im hoping US army discharged them all. But on the other hand i think nothing happened to them and they served ''honorably''...

[@ThePursuitofHappiness1988]

@@ggoddkkiller1342 it depends on the character of their chain of command, honestly. Soldiers I served with wouldn’t tolerate that shit and neither would a lot of NCOs I served under. I am disgusted by that kind of behavior.

[@griffingamer8624]

One story that can make me tear up. Two soldiers, one terrible war, but one everlasting friendship formed through common Humanity.

[@Ronin4614]

Retired US career military officer here. I served in the last century ( I kinda like that phrase) from ‘69-’91. I really enjoy your videos and your drawings are pretty darn good. You select great stores, research them, and relate them quite well, with great viz-aids. I loved hearing from both the German fighter pilot, and the USAAF B-17 pilot. There is always a bond between war combatants and it does transcend the divide of sides. There really is no way to adequately translate it. Sure the wavering voice and even tears are universally understood, but there is much more involved. Thanks for the video, and keep ‘em coming.

[@tavi9598]

This is undeniably one of the most heartwarming stories of the war. It's so incredibly easy to paint your enemy as evil, and that applies to both sides. The Americans were there to drop bombs, and the Germans were there to stop them. Ordinarily it would just that simple. But in this extremely extraordinary case, the wounded bomber that could not fight back was not a victory in the eyes of fighter ace Franz Stigler. Instead he saw a plane, and the crew aboard it, just fighting to stay alive. Shooting it down would be so easy...and yet he would have had to live with shooting a defenseless plane with a wounded crew. The crew and plane were no threat to him, and they were even less of a threat to their intended target. So Franz Stigler, content in knowing this, summoned his honor and did the morally right thing to do.

[@bennettleffew]

People: The perfect duo doesn't exis- Me:

[@freshspringwaterboy9239]

man Qxir, this channel is 100 percent worthy of 1 million subscribers, i think it is just a matter of time.

[@mikethetowns]

The bit about Franz seeing the grandkids was one of the most touching things ive heard in a while.

[@daviejay5326]

That's unbelievable the guy was still alive just long enough for them to meet before passing away

[@LysLovesAlpacas]

thankfully they got 18 good years of close friendship and brotherhood before they both passed, within the same year. i don’t know if a higher power exists, but if it does, they were definitely bonded and attached by the soul. 🖤

[@thothtahuti5509]

Oh thank god, you're cutting onions... I thought for a second my manly eyes were sweating

[@_JayRamsey_]

"Worst of all, Charlie Brown had been hit in the shoulder" Didn't you just say a man had been decapitated?? Haha

[@guyrations9635]

He got better though

[@jozzzlyn]

a pilot being down is worse than one man unfortunately killed

[@stevenkelby2169]

Yeah but he got shot in the shoulder! That's much worse than being decapitated.

[@terbaikyes9679]

@@stevenkelby2169 you know what decapitated means right?

[@stevenkelby2169]

@@terbaikyes9679 Yeah, it's fine.

[@benisaten]

Respects to everyone who made it thru and gave their all. I wish the world today had more respect. From you boy in 🇨🇦

[@roguescape]

8:48 I never get teary eyed over thing but this was just heart warming

[@doctormahrio5226]

I mean imagine going to your whole life unknowing if the people you spared would've even survived the broken down airship. But not only that, but seeing the people you spared have so many family members and touch on other's lives.

[@bigfish821]

I have heard of this story so many times, I have even read through the book. And yet I can't think of a better person than Qxir to make a vid about it

[@Ginkoman2]

i wonder how many storys like this stay untold cause of military secrets etc and the people who experienced it passed away.

[@Xpwnxage]

The part about Charlie showing him pictures of his grandchildren that wouldn't exist if Stigler did what he was ordered to do hits deep.

[@Saltiren]

Every time a channel covers this, I gotta fight back the tears. It never gets easier, this is awesome. Thanks Franz and thank you Charlie.

[@unofficial_computer]

Listen to the Sabaton song No Bullets Fly.

[@thetexan1011]

Here is a link to it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWS6m6mYj6dkbpo

[@davidcleveland8528]

I was thinking the same thing

[@josephconway1526]

The moment I saw this video I started singing it in my head.

[@NapalmStrike802]

KILLING MACHINE

[@jorgenajar9407]

Thos is the only comments do far that talks about sabatons song about this incident

[@grandmaashley]

grandma approved

[@olliegoria]

thank you grandma

[@Lontonce_]

thank you grandma

[@tylerchann]

thank you grandma

[@fangus3272]

Thanks gee

[@5_qm610]

Thank you Grandma.

[@gsigs]

You handled this with respect, intelligence and a little loving humor. A rare achievement. + infinity.

[@dangle0921]

I've heard this story many times and I must say, you added a wonderful touch to it. Thank you.

[@Pensive_Scarlet]

I feel like stories like these are a rare source of hope these days. It's clear living in the US that war is in our nature even when we're not going off to it, yet stories like these are proof that, for a truly decent few, it is against their nature.

[@dinolover]

Soldiers are merely products of the military machine. Remove that and you'll find humans underneath

[@Pensive_Scarlet]

@@dinolover I don't think humans are intrinsically all that noble, though. We have no more or less a capacity for nobility than any other creature with a sufficiently advanced brain. Over the years I've just seen too many cases of bad people who *chose* war as a venue for hurting and killing others without legal repercussions. Within the US, I'm also seeing more and more people hijack political causes as a cover for acting out on their own violent passions. There are still good people who end up being forced to do bad things, though. I think the original response to the 9/11 attacks was actually similar to the Nam drafts. Instead of a conflict throwing unsuspecting civilians into war, we had people who joined the military for security, only to suddenly find themselves forced to continue a conflict (Gulf War, etc.) they thought had ended. So, I agree and disagree. I know someone personally who joined the Navy expecting to serve at home only to end up in a hot zone after 9/11, so I can't deny what you've said, but I also know that the military machine is just an extension of an element of human nature that would still remain a problem even if world peace were literally achieved.

[@thelitmango6333]

@@Pensive_Scarlet humans aren't noble when you deprive them of the basic necessities they need for survival, other than that its rare.

[@williamvonbaskerville8275]

@@Pensive_Scarlet The trauma of WW1 and WW2 created a lot narcissists and sociopaths on all sides, exactly like planned by the globalist families who caused both wars. These personality disorders are passed on to every new generation and it's getting worse in these decadent times we now live in. I think that's the people you recognized. They have no empathy, they're driven to embody political roles or other high offices where they can feed their demand for power and control over others.

[@Luigi-is-a-spy]

The raw emotion in Franz' voice makes me choke up myself. Thanks for telling such a beautiful story.

[@TBDF12]

It takes a lot to even get me teary eyed but this story always manages.

[@lukycharms9970]

I’ve seen so many retellings of this story and no matter how many times I watch, I still will watch every new video I see about it haha. It’s such a heartwarming story. I love it every time, it just never gets old haha :) the footage of them meeting is just incredible. When Stigler says “it wasn’t easy” it seems like he’s just gonna leave it at that. the first time I saw this footage I figured “eh well German people and a lot of Europeans aren’t super comfortable sharing emotions with people they don’t know like a camera man” and then a few seconds later he goes “I love you Charlie” I lost it hahaha just so emotional. I can’t even imagine what that meeting must have been like. Oh man I’m not crying, you’re crying!

[@plastic1353]

Did anyone else think he was about to say "war, war never changes"

[@sarasotauptoseattle]

Another awesome story, with great narration. I love what you're doing kiddo! Keep it up!

[@hawyadoin1175]

What an amazing story. Just goes to show how awful war can really be when you see the impact taking one life can have.

[@bearable3089]

I'm really glad I found your channel, I genuinely enjoy your sense of humor and I like listening to you tell stories, keep up the fantastic work mate :)

[@simon3818]

There’s a song about this called no bullets fly

[@taquitoburrito]

FROM DOWN BELOW AN ENEMY SPOTTED.

[@jeroenluchinger8400]

@@taquitoburrito so hurry up, rearm and refuel

[@gerritrookworst3701]

@Vesting see wounded men scared to the bone

[@mandyellis876]

This is one of the most phenomenal stories of WWII. That the men eventually met one another again and became the brothers they always were must’ve gone a long way to reconciling them to their wartime experiences. Franz Stigler’s courage and integrity and Charlie Brown’s determination is something that you don’t see in people so often these days. As I type this, it’s exactly 78 years and a day since Franz Stigler spared the life of these men.

[@nickdottcom]

this is a story I needed to hear, we all deserve kindness and we are always going to feel that urge in the bottom of our heart when we do something wrong. bless these two men, thank you for bringing this to my attention

[@JangoF12b]

My heart isn't rubbed to make me cry over a lot of things. WW2 stuff is what I love to research and look into on my own time just due to how odd that war really was, and what we're not told in school. This story, I've just picked back up this week by being recommended an animated video of Sabaton's "No Bullets Fly". I listened into the song a lot this week, then this visual story comes around. I love Qxir's videos, and this one, I love the most. This story really brings a tear to my eye over knowing how deadly being an air-man was, especially a bomber crews' daily life. And to know these two unlikely men came together and worked together through fear and the unknown during that flight, is nothing you'd see or hear about today. The respect Franz had to be fair to this very damaged, though deadly plane; is something amazing since it'd never really happen. Like Qxir said too, the fact that the humanity came out during this time of darkness, is another huge factor that makes the tears roll to my eyes. Humanity isn't fully lost, even in the darkest moments or years, it never has left. It's just something super rare or super hard to find. I hope those two, if there be an after life, are flying on and having a joyous time wherever they may be. I think by his illustration of the 109, it looks like a F2 or an F4 due to the small canon pods. Though, I hope Ye Olde Pub and this 109-F2 or 109-F4 continues to fly. Fly on Franz, Charles, and the rest of Ye Olde Pub's crew, fly on.

[@Vinichki]

Your animation style and the way you produced this, gave me chills man, seriously brought this story to life. This has gotta be your best one yet!

[@adenkyramud5005]

One of my favorite stories ever. And I'm glad you put in the clips of them. I had heard the story before but never knew those clips existed, and hearing them talk, especially the "I love you Charlie" was... Strange. I'm not good with emotions, and there was so much that even my extremely analytical brain couldn't keep up with it. I'll have to go through that a few more times until I fully understand it, but it still made me smile. Such wonderful men... Rest in peace you men of honor.

[@Berubium]

All of your Tales From the Bottle videos are amazing, but wow this one really hits you in the feels!!! Thanks for sharing this amazing story! Wish I would have known that Mr. Stigler was such a short distance from me. I would have been honoured to meet him.

[@solidacid1337]

PERFECT TIMING! It's always awesome to get some more content from my absolute favorite KZbinr!

[@thatguy3750]

I think I know you

[@solidacid1337]

@@thatguy3750 I think I love you ❤️

[@thatguy3750]

@@solidacid1337 who there buddy. No need to get horny

[@KytexEdits]

"THEY ARE THE PANZER ELITE!-" oh shit, wrong song...

[@zeze3305]

Lol

[@rentalitalian3337]

“ FOR THE GRACE AND THE MIGHT OF THE LORD “ My bad wrong song too

[@kaden4659]

“FROM THE DEPTHS OF HELL IN SILENCE CAST THIER SP-“ oops wrong song

[@weeerazer3099]

DRRROOOPPED ON TO A WOR- ah shit wrong song

[@gnas1897]

"THEN THE WINGED HUSSARS ARRIV-" Oh crap wrong song again

[@RanmaSyaoranSaotome]

Fantastic sound effects and pacing on this video Qxir!

[@_nines8270]

[killing machine], HONOR IN THE SKY, [B-Seventeen], FLYING HOME

[@lanswyfte]

ayo, I already have heard this several times, but, I'll hear your version of it

[@jacob_90s]

Dammit, I've heard this story many times over the years. Why is this video the first time it's made me tear up.

[@fergalfarrelly8545]

Beautiful story. We need more people like these two.

[@visassess8607]

I've heard this story several times but it's still so amazing and heartwarming

[@KowboyUSA]

Been married 4 times. I'm a veteran of many wars.

[@dolphinerofachero3159]

A veteran of 4 uphill battles lmao

[@GeminiS...]

You see me now a veteran, of a thousand psychic wars.

[@Yodumeee]

You do know the definition of insanity, no?

[@SlowLude]

I’ve heard this story 100 times but I’m still crying

[@Charlielizard]

This is one that really brings out a code of conduct which contains valour, chivalry, honesty, and compassion. Brought tears to my eyes.

[@dolorousjohn5499]

This is one of those stories that no matter how many time i hear it it gives me chills. Just to see the humanity of Franz, its awe inspiring. Risked his own life for the enemy. god I get chills just typing this.

[@roxthedumbhyena]

More of these amazing stories please!!

[@tsardudebroii]

“From down below an enemy spotted...”

[@TheGhostbuster1989]

"Hurry up rearm and refuel."

[@Lewd-Tenant_Isan]

"But through the bombers damaged airframe"

[@juicedrinkingknight8207]

@@Lewd-Tenant_Isan SEE WOUNDED MEN, SCARED TO THE BONE.

[@chrisreed3929]

Such a heart breaking yet heart warming story. God bless you both, Franz and Charlie, may you be the best of friends in the afterlife. We are all just brothers in arms.

[@Seawolf.Gaming]

I don't know why but I half expected to hear "War, war never changes" after you said war at the start.

[@majormojo9830]

Seen this story a lot Ill see it again happily

[@anto687]

I've known this story for a few years, but I'll never not sit through a telling of it

[@JaniceGhostHunter13]

As a fellow Airman I can confirm that yes... the amount of onions in your Ireland home is so great its fucking up my eyes all the way down here in Texas.

[@temper5971]

"December 20th 194🌲"

[@enclavesoldier8893]

Man’s going faster than a Finn on Pervitin with his uploads, keep it up!

[@The_Republic_of_Ireland]

Qxir could you chance a Tales From The Bottle about the SS Werewolves after WWII? The special resistance group set up to resist allied occupation only to resort to the deadly tactics of graffiti after Berlin was occupied

[@kos2919]

So their tactic is to spray paint things like "Winiston Church hill succ dicc!" stuff like that? (typo was intentional)

[@The_Republic_of_Ireland]

@@kos2919 more like Ado waz here! 😂

[@LTPottenger]

They still executed like 10,000 people for that though lol

[@Sax_Banana]

How the fuck did the Nazis lose when they had werewolves!?

[@titus4440]

@@Sax_Banana Simple. The Allies had silver bullets

[@epsilonarcaneresearch1945]

World war 2 was a time and war unlike any other. So many stories of brave men and women, both the soldiers and civilians. Stories of the darkest atrocities humanity has committed and those who were courageous enough to defy them. The stories of hope in dark times and stories of just people being strange, and the saddest part for me at least is there's so many unique stories we will never hear, simply because they've been lost to time.

[@WheresIsNancy]

For anyone who wishes to learn more about their story, the book "a higher call" is about their encounter and how they found eachother

[@ianrowell2183]

This is absolutely my favorite channel. I’d pay to have more content!

[@kalebk817]

Keep up with all the awesome stuff! (Already heard it but your stuff is still some of the coolest)

[@bedeckt]

its very impressive that not only franz stigler was found, he still remembered every detail AND spoke english well enough to recount the whole thing. To me he seems like a highly intelligent man. That would also explain his survival against brutal odds. Very interesting story.

[@starky4352]

I love this WWII story! Please tell more in the future!