Europe's Last Victoria Cross: The Actions of Guardsman Edward Charlton | April 1945

In April 1945, troops of the Guards Armoured Division were ordered to capture the small village of Wistedt, in Northern Germany. Within an hour of securing this objective, however, the British troops came under a heavy German counter-attack, with Guardsman Edward Charlton acting entirely on his own initiative to single-handedly hold the German advance, whilst his colleagues withdrew from the village. His actions would see him recognised with the Victoria Cross, the last to have been awarded in Europe.
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Music licensed from Artlist.io
- The Pilgrimage, Ck Martin
- Reflection by Oliver Michael
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NO PART OF THIS VIDEO MAY BE REPRODUCED IN ANY FORM (REACTIONS OR RE-UPLOADED) WITHOUT THE PRIOR PERMISSION OF THE CREATOR
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[@livethforevermore]

I am super proud to announce the release of an eBook project I have been working on over the past few months! This book is part one of a series that will cover the histories of every Division that was active in the British Army from September 1939 - January 1947. Part one covers the Armoured & Cavalry Divisions. The histories in the book cover a Divisions full story, from its formation to disbandment, and everything in between, including movements, actions, planned moves, key dates, commanders etc. Also included is a full outline of a Divisions movement in the U.K. and in the post-war period, two topics that are often overlooked in the historiography of the British Army. For some of the Divisions, such as the 9th Armoured, 10th Armoured and the 1st Cavalry, this is the first time in over 80 years that their war chronicle is told in full. If you are interested and would like to purchase a copy of the book, be sure to check out the link below: payhip.com/livethforevermore

[@justhuman3977]

Awesome .. surely interested.. Keep it going.. you've showed me many battles in Europe I've never heard of.. I live in Oosterbeek, the famous site of the Battle of Arnhem.. There are many awesome stories from this battle.. From both sides.. Although many has been written and published I'm sure many are still to be found..

[@johnd2058]

Editorial note: considering circumstances, you might have been well to phrase this more like "the most recent Victoria Cross on the continent".

[@jgonzalez101]

I would be very much interested in a printed book, but not an eBook.

[@EvoHoax]

You won’t see him, but he will be there. Hit me right in the feels

[@0Zolrender0]

That line knocked me out of the park.

[@pablopablo3834]

Such a powerful line for all the men who died. Rest in Peace

[@peterclark6290]

Ditto to all above. The commemorative marches we still hold today should include a separate cohort carrying the posthumous medals, possibly on white wooden crosses held high to reinforce to the crowds the extent of the bravery that helped to keep victory in the balance. The base carried either by surviving family or serving soldiers of their regiment. Lest we never forget.

[@user-rf9mx4qf7z]

@@peterclark6290 The Immortal Regiment movement in Russia in the past few years is very much along those lines, people are invited to march with pictures of their relatives who served.

[@eddie3258]

ex irish guardsmen here. very good video, very interesting as we had to learn about Edward Charlton in training so its nice to see it in video form. thankyou

[@kbbarton1]

Thanks for doing what you are doing with this channel; keeping the memories of brave men and women alive. The way you present their stories with the background music, photos, award citations, rolls of honor, etc., are very moving. Very well done, sir.

[@roybennett9284]

Of people of all time low and simmer and

[@susandavison169]

Edward Charlton was my nannas nephew. We are all incredibly proud of him. R.I.P. xx

[@nickalina]

Eddie (as my late maternal grandmother called him) was her cousin. So we are distantly related. My father has the newspaper cuttings that my grandmother kept about Eddie.

[@woodybenjam]

Imagine knowing that you are going to die, but carrying on firing. What a Warrior, Beast, Hero.

[@JamesSmith-cm7sg]

I have no doubt he knew he'd die. Real life hero. RIP

[@paratrooper7340]

I doubt death ever enter his mind.

[@markscouler2534]

Yet these days you are classed as a hero if you score a bloody goal 🤔

[@fugu4163]

A real man rarely consider his own safety but feel the responsibility to save others.

[@garethjames1300]

Oh he knew he made the choice that's selfish bravery what a soldier!

[@garethjames1300]

What a soldier not only brave but saw quickly what was needed and gave his life to provide it.

[@pablopablo3834]

"You won't see him, but he'll be there." That is such a powerful quote, Not just for Edward Charlton but all the brave men that were lost fighting against Pure Evil.

[@richardford7322]

The nazi regime was evil, but most of the German soldiers were were just that, soldiers, same as our lads!

[@uncletiggermclaren7592]

@@richardford7322 No. ALL of them, and the german civilians, were complicit right from word go. They ALL thought they were better than many races, they ALL thought their culture was better, and they ALL wanted a "farm in the East" even though they knew that meant mass murder. Any that didn't actively resist every aspect of the nazis were guilty.

[@DanielMcAteer]

Pure evil? We were worse by far.

[@ulovemymum2963]

@@DanielMcAteer ok adolf

[@richardford7322]

@@DanielMcAteer How were our soldiers any worse or better than the German regular soldiers? Please explain.

[@johnallen7807]

An exceptionally brave man, rest in peace.

[@SI-Hobbs]

Thank you to all who have served, and to those who are currently serving. Your friends from across the pond will always have your back 🇺🇲🇬🇧

[@henry9406]

🇬🇧💜🇺🇸

[@larrytodd3667]

Thank you for your comments. Both countries have shed blood to try and maintain the freedoms we now have. A shame so many want to take them away.

[@jude_the_apostle]

Last line made me tear up. RIP Edward Charlton, you will never be forgotten

[@stevekay5486]

My father was in the guards armoured division. He was wounded on 5th august 1944 at la marvindiere. It took over a year for him to recover from his wounds and was sent to germany after the war on policing duties. He was discharged as medically unfit and received a war pension for his wounds. He started in the 2nd battalion coldstream guards before the war but moved to the 5th battalion when it was formed.

[@H4CK61]

My Grandfather was Coldstrem Guards 3rd Battalion he joined the LRDG and was a memeber of G patrol in north africa captured december 1941 rest in peace Mac you are my Hero.

[@utrinqueparatus4617]

@@H4CK61 Too little is generally known about the Long-Range Desert Group and the contribution they made to the war in North Africa and to the subsequent success of the SAS. Any man who was a member of the LRDG is to be admired.

[@AdanClark-zx7pw]

I think my grandfather was in the same battalion KIA about the same time your father was wounded near mount pecon during operation bluecoat RIP gaurdsman Bretherrick

[@stevekay5486]

my father was in 5th battalion and was wounded at La Marvindiere on 5th august 1944. @@AdanClark-zx7pw

[@garrythompson2110]

It's a tragedy that this story isn't well known. It typifies the bravery and selflessness that so many servicemen and women showed during this war. Every person who lives in this country should be proud should acknowledge this history and remember all of those who fought for their freedom.

[@h7283]

These brave men's actions certainly benefited our trusted leaders,and ensured they live in the lap of luxury,only 70 years on. Whilst they've given our freedoms away to their narcissistic psychopathic chums.

[@neilward5968]

"Every person who lives in this country should be proud should acknowledge this history and remember all of those who fought for their freedom" Unfortunately, and sadly, there are too many selfish, self absorbed idiots, gluing themselves to paintings, or pouring faeces over statues for them to even think of those attributes 7

[@anselmdanker9519]

Thank you for honouring the memory of this brave man. God save the King!.

[@davesherry5384]

I had a wee tear in my eyes listening to this. So close to the end as well. Such bravery is hard to find now and even then it was unique.

[@alexanderleach3365]

Great video. He is a true hero. RIP Guardsman VC Edward Charlton.

[@ricardokowalski1579]

Bravery that is enough to impress even the enemy must be remembered by all.

[@Trillock-hy1cf]

Brave chap, standing his ground against all odds, before being captured, hospitalised, but despite medical treatment by the German medics, he sadly died from his wounds. First visit to this channel, and liked the story, so have subscribed.

[@Mewithabeard]

Absolute legend! Earned his VC and it's a tragedy that he didn't live to see his award. RIP Guardsman Edward Charlton, you're not forgotten 🇬🇧

[@michaelcannon3172]

An amazing story. I served in the 2nd battalion Grenadiers between 1956-61.

[@neddyseagoon9601]

You might have known my dad. That's around the time he was in The Models.

[@Lokster71]

It's always interesting to hear the stories of VC winners particularly when the eye witness testimony comes from the enemy. I'd be interested to know how many others there were.

[@monza1002000]

One of the MTBs took on a destroyer at St Nazaire. One gunner stayed at his post and so impressed the German capt he made a report saying the gunner should be given a VC.

[@iatsd]

6 instances in WW2 where the Germans (and 1 from the Italians) recommended to the British that their opposition be awarded a VC. All 7 instances were awarded, including 1 where a German navy submarine captain recommended an RAF pilot that sank him.

[@Kaiquintos]

@@iatsd I find it baffling that war can be fought in such a drastically different manner. Compare war stories from the Great War or the 2nd world war with one from 1960's and onward and acts of chivalry or opponents admiring the enemies qualities as Soldiers will just be so few.

[@michaelrooks4030]

​@iatsd the German u boat captain recommended a kiwi pilot named Lloyd Trigg for a vc and was posthumously awarded...it was also the last vc awarded to a kiwi ..they are now vc for nz

[@goodshipkaraboudjan]

Very brave man. Honorable of those Panzergrenadiers to make his heroism know.

[@richardbool4232]

Men like Edward Charlton made a special commitment to hold the Germans back and he stood his ground until death and utterly deserved the Victoria Cross. A real Man, Hero and Warrior.

[@rogerkay8603]

Love your work mate, keep it up! RIP Ed, best of the best,

[@paulrichards2350]

Braver than brave, and what a brilliant epitaph you won’t see him but he’ll be there ❤

[@ADB-zf5zr]

This Man was a warrior to the end.!!! . Rest In Peace.

[@neilwilson5785]

You won't see him, but he will be there

[@bigblue6917]

I was about to say that it is rare for for a VC to be awarded when the only evidence was that which came from the enemy. Make you wonder how many were less fortunate.

[@benwilson6145]

Lieutenant Commander Gerard Broadmead Roope, of HMS Gloworm was another awarded after the Captain of the Hipper wrote to the British telling of his actions

[@bigblue6917]

@@benwilson6145 Thanks for the reminder, Ben. I knew about that event but the details would not come to mind.

[@mattsmith5421]

Also a gunner in the nazair raid was awarded the VC after the enemy found a Captain and reported his bravery

[@adventussaxonum448]

@@mattsmith5421 Sergeant Durrant.

[@TheStrathmoreChannel]

FO Lloyd Trigg's Liberator was shot down by U468 just before the U boat was itself sunk by depth charges. The VC citation was based on the U boat Captain's testimony.

[@ropeburnsrussell]

Thankyou for remembering these heroes, so that we may honor them. How heroic do you have to be for your enemy to honor you.

[@gordonfrickers5592]

I asked my Father (who served with 21 Army Group) about this sort of heroism. He said "I saw a lot of men try, very few succeeded". A quiet and sincere tribute I think, to the courage and determination of British & and Canadian (he was not attached to American or Frenchmen) soldiers.

[@valstevenson9070]

My uncle. My dad, his younger brother (he’s in some of the photos!) died in 2022 but lived to see this film. Thank you. My name is Stevenson now but I was Valerie Charlton, so VC, in honour of Ed.

[@nickalina]

We have spoken, Eddie was my late maternal grandmother's cousin.

[@tonyryan229]

The most recent was awarded to Lance Corporal Joshua Leakey of 1st Battalion The Parachute Regiment, whose VC was gazetted in February 2015, following an action in Afghanistan on 22 August 2013.

[@JoshuaC923]

Amazing bravery, i wish that if the time comes and i need to be brave, i can be as brave as him

[@hughfranklin4002]

A very brave man indeed.

[@AgentGB1]

Really is quite difficult to find the words to comment whenever the deeds of such men are told through these videos. Think awe struck is one.

[@nickgoodwood4812]

Very well done, never forget. RIP Edward Charlton.

[@user-dv8ge8hf1o]

Such bravery! It speaks volumes that the Germans where so impressed by his courage that they were eager to recollect his actions! Semper Fi Sir!

[@SmilingIbis]

These small scale stories of bravery in the face of overwhelming odds are truly inspirational and speak well of the best among us. Though gone, these tales live on. Raise a glass to Edward Charlton!

[@AadamSaleem390]

Great video man and the quality keep it up

[@pablopablo3834]

Rear Guard action in Warfare is the bravest job you are essentially sacrificing yourselves so that the rest of your men can retreat/evacuate safely. Your job is to slow the enemy at all costs.

[@kaptnneemo6248]

Absolutely amazing. Keep up the good work.

[@stuartkcalvin]

Great history lesson, keep these pieces coming.

[@MrW582]

Shows the respect all these young men had for each other when your enemy is instrumental in getting you the highest medal for bravery. Stand easy solider 🕊🙏🏽

[@lex1945]

Always great content, always!

[@xFFSx]

love these amazing stories. thanks mate.

[@jonwills9160]

Amazing. Thank you for sharing.

[@The3Lego3Freak]

Thank you for your amazing work

[@jonmeek3879]

Amazing! Great video

[@asl333]

Great vid...!

[@bobbrown5529]

I wonder how many of these acts of heroism occurred through history and have been lost through time . Keep doing what you do to keep these memories alive .

[@twothreebravo2374]

Fantastic content as always

[@bobbrown5529]

I think there is Honour between these troops . The Germans did not need to tell this story , but it showed how they saw the courage of this Soldier & needed to tell it .

[@jellesmaling887]

Aside from the utter bravery and sacrifice which I want to acknowledge and the emotional quote in the video I want to take the time to also paint the picture of a man who fired a friggin Browning M2 30cal from the hip for 10 minutes(!!). Imagine the size of his bloody balls. What a hero.

[@nickalina]

Eddie (as my late maternal grandmother called him) was my grandma's cousin. My father has newspaper cuttings that grandma kept about Eddie.

[@scottjoseph9821]

All I can say is thank you and total respect 🙏

[@superfrycook6360]

A one man army against an entire battalion.

[@TrickiVicBB71]

What a great Sunday. You, The Volgun, Drach, Operations Room and Spartacus on WW2 Real Time all upload

[@Spitfiresammons]

Great video of the last stand of Edward Charlton VC it remind me of the scene from the movie fury.

[@davidrussell8689]

Hard for normal people to understand such bravery . We should always remember men like him .

[@markwebster5749]

We will remember them 🇬🇧

[@richiewong1]

This had me tears.

[@djm24able]

Thinking about his thought process when deciding to sacrifice his self for the withdraw. Ugh what a brave selfless man. Rip.

[@gabethomas2633]

Wistedt is only a few miles North of Westertimke where 4,800 Allied Merchant Navy prisoners and many RN pows were held . The Guards Armoured Division liberated the Milag camp suffering heavy losses as the Germans had installed heavy artillery behind the camp using the PoWs as cover. In the heavy fighting, unable to use their heavy guns, the Guards lost more men that at any time since the bocage in Normandy. Their sacrifice is still remembered by the MN families and the very few pows still alive. At every .mN reunion a Guards Officer was an invited guest of honour Gabe Thomas, Emeritus Registrar General, President of the Milag POW Association

[@christopherlewis791]

Beautiful touching story and well spoken thankyou

[@finallydone8640]

there is no disrespect in this but the phrase "Tis but a scratch" really springs to mind a true winner of the VC

[@audiosurfarchive]

This channel always reminds me--I'll paraphrase, IIRC: _War is chaos such that: the unlikely is everyday; the improbable is all around you, and the impossible becomes reality._

[@Kyleinasailing]

Amazing story, very correctly told. Such men are never looking for VCs or recognition. They're men with temparement who have an atitude to a situation they feel is not right, Such people act by themselves and do anything to help their comrades. Pure gold.

[@TechnikMeister2]

You never know going into battle, who will stand firm or not. Courage is a fleeting and fragile thing and more often than not, it's the most unexpected who rise to the defence of their comrades without regard for their own safety. And it goes to the credit of the British command that they respected the testimony of the Germans who witnessed such a heroic act. Lest We Forget.

[@JamesLaserpimpWalsh]

My best pal from school was in the Irish Guards. They are tough hombres now as they were then. Cheers for the vid mate. Quis seprabit.

[@koneko-2562]

Makes you wonder, how many tales like this will forever go unheard

[@jamiemcdonald1904]

Massive jump in views, well done ❤

[@robbietoms3128]

Thankyou Edward Charlton and all the brave men and women who fort and died so we can all be free. Every Anzac they March even though we don't see them. They march in the hearts of their loved ones and all that wholed in reverence for what they gave. God bless you all and rest in peace. Never to be forgotten. God bless you all

[@Leeroy6572]

What a man, could've seen war out I reckon, it being nearly over but still went all the way to protect his pals etc, proper British hero first class🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@chrisevans2686]

thank you

[@hughdemorville5864]

Incredible

[@kc9602]

" 'Beast'-Mode Enabled!!" Rest In Peace, Brother

[@grahamtaylor6883]

Goosebumps! What a guy.

[@samrodian919]

RIP Edward Charlton. A very, very brave man.

[@markchapman2585]

Thank you for your service 🙏

[@ValerieprimcessAmanda]

Outstanding

[@huntingarete9214]

LFE how many VC's have been awarded in the British Commonwealth based on the accounts of enemy soldiers? I am thinking this one is unique in that respect. This VC also shows the respect of the German Soldiers involved in the fire fight. I'm lost for words on that.

[@benwilson6145]

Lieutenant Commander Gerard Broadmead Roope, of HMS Gloworm was another awarded after the Captain of the Hipper wrote to the British telling of his actions

[@adventussaxonum448]

At St Nazaire, Sergeant Tom Durrant of the Commandos took on a German destroyer with a machine gun, was wounded 17 times, and finally passed out. The German destroyer captain recommended him for the VC.

[@user-rf9mx4qf7z]

Flying Officer Lloyd Trigg was awarded the VC posthumously on the recommendation of the captain of the U-boat he sank in the action, the last VC awarded to a New Zealander. Incidentally, the sinking of HMS Glowworm was the first action for which a VC was awarded in the war.

[@J-2121]

So he's the reason why all the guardsmen have british accents in warhammer 40k

[@Lassisvulgaris]

Maybe. In "Panfilov's 28" dubbed version, Russians speak Yorkshiere dialect (the reason I prefer movies in original language, with sub text)......

[@sb859]

I hope we all can recognize the freedoms we enjoy, at the price of the lives of Men like this.

[@tormid100]

We owe a tremendous debt to our brave soldiers like Guardsman E. Charlton. Thank you sir.

[@advforops]

Always so sad when a brave man gives his life for his fellows!

[@grantcook5376]

Fantastic story let’s hope it never forgotten RIP

[@trevorhart545]

These snippets of the local heroes are so important often overlooked by the Big advances and campaigns.

[@worstchoresmadesimple6259]

The picture on the cover of the Video, isn't that a Soldier shooting a Bren from the Durham Light Infantry?

[@joeconnolly89]

my grandfather joe Connolly was in the 2nd battalion irish guards, he was on the norway campaign and then the Italian, he was captured and ended the war in stalag 7

[@philmuskett265]

Bravery personified.

[@70stunes71]

Excellent. RIP fellow warrior. 👍🌠💪

[@anglosaxon5874]

Soltau. Remember it well. My dad was stationed there [Hohne] with the living quarters at Soltau. I was 11-14yo at the time. Loved the town, had some good walks in forested areas. Those where the days.

[@johnparr5879]

Very moving..... In these so called modern times..... Such men shine a brilliant beckon of..... Light* that even today has the power to... Remove the darkness of... Lesser..... Men*

[@JCinerea]

Respect, sir!! Thank you for our freedom!!

[@highgreen6452]

Incredibly sad he didn't make it what a hero though 😑😑

[@timcubison9832]

Guards units both Household Cavalry and Foot Guards are well known for there bravery and standing firm when most other units withdraw. If memory serves me correctly a Brigade of Guards stood firm a few miles from Dunkirk and sacrificed itself so that the evacuation at Dunkirk could happen

[@_Richard_F___]

The OG Rambo A selfless act I'm sure saved many

[@markrunnalls7215]

An incredible story to an incredibility brave man..

[@slobmarley9070]

This one got me emotional