Hidden Stories of a War Cemetery | Cannock Chase & the German Cemetery

In this video, Kevin Hicks takes you on a tour of the Cannock Chase War Cemetery in Staffordshire, England. In his unique style Kevin tells some of the hidden stories from the cemetery and explains how German and Allied soldiers, including many from New Zealand, have come to be buried side by side. Then just a short walk away, down the hill, explore the German War Cemetery, the final resting place for almost 5,000 German soldiers who lost their lives during the two World Wars.
NOTE: we discovered after filming this video the identity of the photograph we found. Rifleman William Anderson, born in Glasgow 1897, he emigrated to New Zealand as a young boy, enlisted in the New Zealand Rifle Brigade and embarked for the UK in May 1918. Died of pneumonia in the Cannock Chase Military Hospital on 31st October 1918. He is interred in the Cannock Chase War Cemetery.
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IMAGE CREDITS:
German POW Camp Cannock Chase: © IWM HU 75100
Soldiers training at Rugeley Camp: © Chronicle via Alamy Stock Photo
New Zealand soldiers © Jake Whitehouse
Blitz damage © IWM HO 108
William Leefe Robinson © IWM (Q 66470)

[@Aramis419]

I was once told, "If you're in a cemetery, take a moment to read someone's name aloud. After all, isn't that what we all want? 100 years from now, long after we're gone, for someone to take one second out of their day and say our name?"

[@patmillar961]

I do so every time I'm there. I once heard until you're name is spoken for the final time you're never truly dead! To be remembered isn't asking a lot is it.

[@retrac3180]

Kevin Hicks is truly an international treasure. Not only because he shines light on the brutal nature of the struggles between the peoples of this Earth, but also because he does not glorify war in its essence. He brings a much needed air of humanity to the re-telling of our violent pasts and acknowledges the tragedy in loss of life, and somewhat pointless struggles that these men and women faced in their day. God Bless.

[@kirkmorrison6131]

Military Cemeteries are always special to me. War is not Glorious, but men rise to Glorious things. They paid for our freedoms with their sacrifice.

[@calum5975]

​​​@@henningerflatsit's actually pathetic that this is a comment you choose to make on a video about war graves. Absolutely pathetic. Hijacking the memory of the war dead to push your own questionable modern politics.

[@resnonverba137]

@@henningerflats Not falling blindly for the right-wing rhetoric as people like you would like them to.

[@davesheppard8797]

That is really well said Kirk! I couldn't agree more. Dave.

[@kirkmorrison6131]

@@davesheppard8797 Thank you very much.

[@davesheppard8797]

@kirkmorrison6131 I think these things are more poignant if you have parents, etc, who served. My Father and uncle were both in the RAF in WWII. I remember when I was young.....around 10 years old and we were on holiday in Cornwall. Dad took us to St. Eval Air base. At the edge was a little church and cemetery. Dad and I spent a good while going from headstone to headstone, Dad not really saying much. Early in 1940, my Dad was stationed at St. Eval and one night it was attacked by German fighters. This would have been at the very start of the Battle of Britain. The Nissan huts were hit badly and luckily Dad had gone to the local pub. He said that anyone in the huts laying on their bunks were OK, but anyone standing was killed. He said when he got back, he saw that all the greatcoats, hung by everyone's bunks, had been cut virtually in two by machine gun fire. He was probably visiting the cemetery at St. Eval to pay his respects to his old mates. Dad, like most men of that time, never said much about his time during the War. Dave.

[@chriscookesuffolk]

Kev reminding us that if we dont end war, war will end us.

[@davesheppard8797]

So true Chris!! Dave.

[@JZsBFF]

Since the battle at Wadi Kubbaniya (Egypt, approx 17,000 BC, probably conflict over fertile soil along the Nile) there's been approx 12,000 battles/wars. One would expect that we would have learned at thing or two about the pointlessness of conflict solving through violent means.

[@davesheppard8797]

@JZsBFF Yes, and WWI was supposed to be the "War to end all Wars". Wars are started by a few, but it's the many that suffer.

[@JZsBFF]

@@davesheppard8797 I'm not sure (all) wars are started by only a few but truly many suffer. Populists usually fire the sheeple up before being able to make moves. That means the EVERYONE is responsible.

[@FindanDandy]

Class act for remembering ALL casualties.

[@amandaskryweropinion]

South African here: You have the most fascinating channel. Every episode is a learning experience. Thank you.

[@thehistorysquad]

Much appreciated 👍🏻

[@marco-58]

I visited my Grandfathers grave in the Military Cemetery in Aldershot. There were some interesting head stones including a Member of 'The Cape Cycling Corps' who died in 1916.

[@jennybee4870]

I live in cannock.and I'm very proud of the cemetary.its absolutely beautiful.just down the road on the way to Stafford is the Katyn memorial.

[@egallagher41]

If a man be a man, let him be a friend, If I be a man let me be a friend, to you! And when the work is done, and the horror has gone, remember we were once friends. Thank you Kevin

[@thehistorysquad]

How lovely.

[@richardstever3242]

Thank you again and again, Kevin. (Being a German-Scot, respect to the German casualties shows a more enlightened mindset that is encouraging to see)

[@clioflano421]

In Wicklow Ireland (Glencree) there is a German war cemetery in a disused granite quarry the surrounding walls are around 600ft in height. Spectacular to say the least.

[@richardstever3242]

@@clioflano421 I found it on You Tube. Thank you so much for sharing that tip with me. - Peace and respect from Ontario, Canada

[@jts3608]

I've been watching your channel now for just over a week and I absolutely love the enthusiasm and charisma you have in bringing the past to the present. I'm a fellow history lover but other channels don't have the same level of passion as History Squad and the ability to bring it to life. I'm born and raised in Stafford and the Chase I have gone to very frequently throughout my life since I was a boy, I remember visiting the war cemetery with my Dad once, the thing that stood out to me even as a boy was the honour we gave to the fallen Germans not seeing them as the enemy but as humans and treating them with the respect they deserve and buried alongside our British soldiers. It's a privilege to watch your channel.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you so much and welcome to the channel.

[@sarahprice1375]

That was such a lovely unbiased talk and walk thru. Im half English half German. I love both my families. Thank you so much ❤

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@denisegore1884]

Thank you for remembering our New Zealand soldiers. I'm watching your video before going out to a cemetery to clean the graves of those who made it made it home.

[@thehistorysquad]

It was my privilege, thank you for the work that you do. 👍🏻

[@tonywaterhouse5291]

A friend of mine went over to France for the 80th anniversary, he went before Anzac day and asked me to place a poppy cross on his grave, a fallen New Zealand airman, there are about 12 graves in Byley Church in Cheshire. While he is over there he placed a poppy cross for me on my Great Uncles grave..killed in the second battle of Arras 1917.

[@stephen9869]

Great episode Kevin, thank you sir. My grandfather was a RAF radio operator in WW2. (He witnessed the battle of El Alamein). He was on leave from the campaign in Egypt when the November 14th raid came to Coventry where he lived. Before the raid he had volunteered for bomber command, but because his eyesight was damaged by a German bomb that hit his house, he was not allowed to fly. So his life was in all probability ironically saved by a German bomb, given the huge proportion of bomber command fatalities.

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow 👍🏻

[@davesheppard8797]

Hi Stephen, this strikes a chord with me as my father joined up in the RAF as a wireless operator/air gunner. He was too young, so went on deferred service for a few months. It turns out he was slightly colour blind so had to settle for being an LAC Class 1 instrument maker. If he had flown on bombing missions I may not have been born! Dave.

[@justanopinion_really]

Military cemeteries are a testament to the cruelty of mankind. To war against each other for resources, land, or just because they don’t like each other. I grieve for all. I particular the millions that are still missing. How is that possible?

[@D.H.-mg2cz]

Thank you very much for commemoraing my fellow countrymen, Kevin ❤️ Greetings from Germany.

[@richardstever3242]

It is refreshing to hear someone like Kevin speak. Free of embellishment and propaganda. - Greetings from Canada

[@thehistorysquad]

My pleasure 👍🏻

[@danielkarmy4893]

We have the British and the German lads side by side in our cemetery here in Gosport, Hampshire - and thinking of that now, reminds me of my great-grandad, who did his bit 80 years ago next week and who I knew until I was 23. The story was told to me, not that he ever spoke a word of it, that after the end of the Second World War, the order was to shoot any German soldier they might happen to come across; he went over to a bush to answer nature's call, and lo and behold, there hiding in this bush was a German soldier. He aims his rifle, takes a breath as the chap prepares for the inevitable - lifts his hand, and makes a gesture. Neither man understands the other's language, but both know exactly what this gesture says. 'Scarper. Go on, off you go. This never happened.' The other chap does as instructed. He might well have been captured and killed by somebody else at some point, but at least, on that day, one young English man chose humanity over atrocity. At least one young German man had a chance. I visit the local cemetery usually once a week to see my great-grandad - always sure, as we pass the war graves, to give a bow to one side, and one to the other. They were all men, after all.

[@thehistorysquad]

What a lovely comment and story, thank you.

[@allanburt5250]

Brilliant Kevin thanks for sharing this one with us, heartbreaking indeed. God bless the Commission for their work.

[@michaelpage4199]

Sir Kevin thank you for this history and thank you for your service. As a US Army veteran and Free Mason I always remember the forget me not flower. Salute. And my Gods grace keep all the fallen.

[@thehistorysquad]

Absolutely, thanks Michael 👍🏻

[@arthurdoucette1786]

Greetings once again from Nova Scotia, thanks for another great video. I want to say, how informed and respectful you are. Your easy going, and honorable nature shines through. Thank you once again, and as always best regards, Arthur

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you too Arthur, have a wonderful weekend.

[@derin111]

As I have got older, what I have found increasingly moving about these war cemeteries, is to look at the ages that that these men died. The majority are either in their teens or twenties. Then to place that in the context of one’s own life. I am now 61 and count myself very fortunate not to have been robbed of a chance of life that these young men never got.

[@brendadutertre9588]

So sad and such a commentary on human beings as a whole! Lest we forget. Thank you for this.

[@charliebrenton4421]

My Man. Kevin is the grandad we all need to listen to. Don’t forget. Don’t forget. Don’t forget, my dear lads.

[@Godwinson1066]

My uncle John's job was to help Bury,enter some of the german dead in Cannock Chase . He remembered sadly that, strangely, some of them were quite well preserved. John's gone too just like these brave young men. Cheers, Kevin, for this wonderful look .

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for the story, I’m glad you enjoyed the video 👍

[@whitefudge1332]

It’s good day when Kevin uploads! Thank you for your continuous love for history. You make my day every time you upload.

[@thehistorysquad]

😊 thanks

[@andrewmcfarlane5040]

An incredible tribute to ALL the fallen sir. Well done.

[@that8bitgamer82]

God bless all those men that gave their lives for our freedom. Their bravery will never be forgotten, still it's sad that so many men died. Thank you, Kevin, for taking us on the tour you're an amazing person.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers buddy 👍

[@neiloflongbeck5705]

My gran could remember seeing a zeppelin over Middlesbrough during WW1. She was about 8 years old when that war started.

[@markjinks2598]

Love your work Kevin ,I have a story of my own. Many years ago I cycled from Wednesbury to Cannock ,and decided to visit both grave yards . After visiting the commonwealth graveyard decided to go to the German site .it was very early about 6ish midsummer, on entering the first thing I saw was that sad sculpture which about sums the place up , the grave yard had early morning mist, and it felt like I was been watched even though no one was around. On leaving the German graveyard and getting on my bike I proceeded down the road ,every thing was fine till I tried to bunny hop on to the pavement when my front wheel came off and my handlebar stem swung loose sending me clattering back on to the road ,I like to think it was bad bike maintenance on my part ,but something tells me it was those German lads having a laugh at my expense, I probably should have shown more respect. A few years later I met someone working at the commonwealth grave yard and relayed my tale to him , he told me the gardeners had experienced odd things happening and by late afternoon were long gone.

[@thehistorysquad]

Lovely, thanks for the recollection 👍

[@paulredinger5830]

I don’t know how good of a soldier you were Kevin, but you would have been one of the best history teachers of all time.

[@Goffas_and_gumpys]

Nice presentation mate, real good. I have visited War Cemetaries in several countries and the one that always stood out to me is Bomana War Cemetary Port Moresby PNG. Beautifully kept by the people of PNG. Lest We Forget

[@shonamcwilliam2842]

I've never been to a war memorial cemetery but I can see the respect these men still have. Their graves are weed free, very neat and with shrubs & nicely cut grass. I've just redone around my grandparents headstone with weedkiller & fresh white stones but looking at council run cemeteries is heartbreaking as its as quick as the job can be done and not very well done. Graves galore lie unattended covered in weeds, and it's sad as these people were cared about at some time.

[@roydonovan9063]

Another brilliant video from everyone's favourite history channel.

[@kateeible9352]

What a peaceful, beautifully kept cemetery for the fallen veterans

[@dianewhitehouse7244]

Ive walked round there many times, its very quiet and peaceful there . I lived about half a mile away, thank you for doing your video there xxx

[@rmartin9125]

As a brother mason I wear a forget me not pin..its nice to see some one care about the fallen for both sides. There were good and bad one very force during the wars Great video Kevin

[@thehistorysquad]

Well said! I wear the pin too

[@terri200]

These places always bring tears to my eyes!! War is such a waste of young mens and womens lives. Thank you for sharing their lives, and thank you for your service! From a very proud Army mom!!🙏💖🪶💞✨️💜🫶😪

[@soma4u289]

'For whom the Bell tolls ' ! Excellently presented and narrated ( as usual) .Yes Kevin it does show what we are like. If one has any sense of humanity when you go to these places (take a trip to Hiroshima) there is an eerie ambience . Lest we forget.

[@alvieman4653]

God Bless The History Squad!

[@koungpou3795]

Thanks for the wonderful day you’ve caused Kevin . Have one yourself friend

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you

[@neilcook4686]

Visited the Cannock Chase cemeteries many, many years ago with my folks & some relatives, when I was about 10. I can remember the solemn, sad atmosphere, but also remember how peaceful & quiet it was (this was back in the days before the roads were developed). Hoping to go again in the near future. Thanks, chap 😊

[@thehistorysquad]

Wonderful

[@okancanarslan3730]

how peaceful the cemetery looks in contrast to the horrors of war these mostly young people experienced before giving their lives.

[@Sinn0100]

From your friends in the US- Corporal Hicks, we love you, man. I hope you had a Merry Christmas and you have a happy New Year! Addendum- I love the respect and honor you show the men who fought and died so that we may know freedom.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks!!

[@photoplanet]

Another informative video, thank you... When were you there ? These cemeteries are quite local to me, and I often stop by if I am walking in the area. The cemeteries are beautifully maintained, and are a favourite of mine when I wish to reflect on things... As for the German cemetery, and as an RAF veteran myself, I find it fitting that the Zeppelin crews are buried together in a mass grave - a crew for all eternity. Such cemeteries are worthy of our time, and the CWGC do an excellent job in keeping them..... In remembrance of the futility of war, and the cost - We must remember them all, equally and without favour... My father's enemy is not my enemy.

[@thehistorysquad]

I was there at the end of April 👍🏻

[@xXScissorHandsXx]

Yet another Friday, and a wonderful way to kick it onward with HistorySquad ❤

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers! Have a great weekend.

[@xXScissorHandsXx]

@thehistorysquad Same to you and yours, as well as a huge thank you for what you do all ways around 🫡

[@PeterDay81]

As kid from Brum we would do Orienteering in cannock Chase when i was in the Scouts. i think the cemetery at Newmarket has mixed gravesThis cemetery is located on the Newmarket-Cambridge road.And one day we stoped by the cemetery for a break in the car on the way to Great Yarmouth. And i heard the sounds of German hunting horns but I can't prove it.Cheers sir that was great.

[@rjprivate]

Thank you for honoring the New Zealanders. I've been to the veteran memorial in Canberra, Australia once and it was heartbreaking. All the young guys. The list looked endless

[@johnhunter7084]

No better vlogs on the web. Always a joy to watch and to learn. Well done as always, Kevin.

[@thehistorysquad]

Many thanks!

[@georgiafrye2815]

I was one River tour and visited Patton"s grave near Luxemburg I believe. We placed flowers and recognized the Veterans on the tour. We then visited a near by German Cemetery. Several soldiers in one grave in comparison.

[@sbalman]

I cannot tell you how lovely it is to watch your videos. Most of youtube isn't very pleasant but your videos are always fascinating plus, it feels like you are just talking to each of us watching, like we were there. Thank you for all of this.

[@thehistorysquad]

That’s really kind of you, thanks.

[@lisa01ism]

I lived on Cannock Chase for 10 years and I travel to Cannock at least once or twice a month and I never knew about this cemetery. I am shocked and I am now determined to go and visit the grave site. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. Many they all rest in peace xx

[@thehistorysquad]

Oh how lovely, it’s amazing isn’t it that sometimes we don’t realise what’s on our doorsteps 👍

[@spikemcc]

Fascinating video. I always feel the great and terrible weight of our humanity in war cemeteries.

[@Valcour]

No matter the subject of your videos, you draw me in with your narrative style. I watch you, even if the subject matter isn't that interesting to me, you make it interesting and relevant. Thank you!

[@thehistorysquad]

I appreciate that, thanks 👍🏻

[@HisNameIsRobertPaulson01]

It's hard to fathom how all those military graves are filled with so many young men some not even legal to drink. To touch on what Mr. Hicks said about new technological advances, it is such a shame how new machines are refitted to be able to kill or ruin lives when it was not the inventor's primary purpose for creating such a thing. It shows how evil some people really are. Man has turned some great inventions into mass murdering weapons. Thank you for this episode, History Squad. You are quickly becoming my favorite channel for history.

[@thehistorysquad]

Great to hear, thank you. 👍🏻

[@chestermasters7349]

I think of all your videos, this will be my favorite. God bless all veterans!

[@Syndr1]

Hi Squad, nice job putting that brave soldier's information on screen. Pure class.

[@T-ChillSilverandSuch]

Really cool video, Kevin! And it’s nice to see the respect for the fallen, even if they were our enemy at the time. They had orders just like we had and fought just like we had to fight.

[@DallingerM]

Fraternal greetings Kevin, good to see you back home. Enjoy your time!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Brother, it was a great trip 👍

[@bettyir4302]

Thank you to all our veterans. Thank you for bringing this bit of history to us. Most interesting.

[@GaryHoyle-p6i]

No matter who they are/ were they should never be forgotten, husbands,father's, brothers & sons

[@python27au]

5:36 we were looking through my grandfather’s stuff when he died and found a box with some letters from his uncle to my great grandmother. It appeared he spent more time recovering from dysentery in England than fighting in France, but he spent just enough time there to get killed.

[@thehistorysquad]

How sad 😔

[@python27au]

@@thehistorysquad yes. It shows how appalling the conditions were when a young fit bloke spends more time recovering from illness than manning his post.

[@ChrisPridgeon]

You have a fascinating perspective on the tragic early and continuing use of flight for killing. I'm very grateful that you shared it.

[@agnieszkamoczadlo407]

Hello Mr hicks.like you I was born in England to a polish father and an English mother.my father fought in the German army for two years then escaped and joined the polish free army,he told me many many stories and I wish he had written a book.i now live in Poland it seems like my home .take care

[@thehistorysquad]

Dziękuję 😊

[@Greg-xw6xx]

Great one Kev, while so many celebrate war we need the stories of the common people and the suffering that was endured to keep being told. Appreciate you.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Greg 👍

[@costa945]

Dear mr. Hicks, thank you for sharing all your knowledge in such a respectful way for those who gave their lives so we can have a little bit of confort today. As a grandson of a 1932 revolution, and WW2 brazilian expeditionary force soldier, it fills me with joy seeing you guys keeping your ancestor's memories alive, they didn't die in vain, that's for sure... Anyways, I would love to see an episode dedicated to Sir Adrian Carton de Wiart. His story is so interesting that I read all information I could during my shift at work... But watching a video made by the best historian on KZbin is certainly a relieve to the soul. Cheers from Brazil, mate!

[@thehistorysquad]

An interesting character for sure. Thanks for watching today 👍🏻

[@steeeeve8676]

Another great episode Kev, thank you. A quick look on NZ Te Papa resulted in this on the photo of the gentleman in your video. Rifleman William Anderson, service number 80719, New Zealand Rifle Brigade. William was born in Glasgow, Scotland on 18 December 1897. He was 20 years old when he attested for service in January 1918. At this time he lived in Westport and worked as a purser for the Union Steam Ship Company. His mother, Marion and his father John Anderson lived in Yale Road, Wellington. He had a brother George and sister Janet. Although William attested for military service on 25 January 1918 he was granted four month's unpaid leave and did not actually enter training camp until 22 May. He had stated on his attestation form that he would have preferred to join the Artillery, but the Army posted him to C Company of the 41st Reinforcements to train as a Rifleman. He embarked from Wellington on 1 August 1918 and marched into the Rifle' Brigade's camp at Brocton, England on 4 October. William joined the Brigade's 3rd Reserve Battalion for further training, but on 28 October he was admitted to Cannock Chase Military Hospital suffering from Influenza. William died three days later, the cause of death being recorded as 'Pneumonia', and he was buried at the Cannock Chase War Cemetery. For many years following, William's 'sorrowing parents' and siblings placed 'In Memoriam' notices in the Wellington newspapers on the anniversary of his death.

[@thehistorysquad]

Yes, such a sad story. Thanks for watching and the extra info 👍

[@brandywell44]

Thankyou Kevin, cemeteries make a person think. Sacrifice has a double meaning; The giving of ones efforts or life to save another or group of others. To serve ones wider family, such as your country. Then there is another meaning; to be a sacrifice by an elite to a God. That numbers count, there has to be an ever growing target number of people to be sacrificed. Some civilizations are quite open about it, such as we can read of from Meso America. Some civilizations are rather quiet about its true nature. If you have ever met with German or Japanese it makes you think that it's much nicer to be friends and that this state of affairs is perfectly possible as people world over are essentially good and social creatures wanting to make friendships. Let us never forget that first Christmas in the trenches when World War One front line troops set aside differences and played a game of football together and the way this was handled by the High Command when it was discovered. Or the fact that the First World War could have been ended in 1916 as a truce but was extended another two years to achieve what? Make you think?

[@SeanBZA]

My father was scheduled to go bomb over Hamburg, but only made it as far as the Bodenzee, where he woke up in an Austrian hospital 6 weeks later. Only reason he was there was the coroner detected a heartbeat, so he went up into the hospital, where they put him back together. All he remembered was the aircraft being on fire, and his parachute on fire, and him telling the crew to bail out. The Austrians told him they found him 2km from the wreck, under a pine tree in a snow bank, and they had been pulling bits of pine tree out of him for a few weeks.

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow!

[@emilyr3451]

Amazing!

[@thehistorysquad]

@@emilyr3451 Hi Emily 👋

[@enloemetzloff9079]

Always appreciate your history lessons Mr. Hicks, Great Video!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks again!

[@agnieszkamoczadlo407]

I always learn something new with each show, thank you.

[@generationfallout5189]

Thank you Kevin for this thoughtful and inspiring episode. You’re a good man. Much love to you and yours from down here in little old New Zealand.

[@thehistorysquad]

You are so welcome 👍

[@glynntipper9354]

What a fantastic video, a valuable learning of the past, so sad to sè so many from the flue epidemic thankyou for sharing.

[@lucdrouin4653]

Thank you for the visit, Kevin. Myself, I am an assiduous visitor of war cemeteries, for all countries. Always fascinating to get to know an other one.

[@thehistorysquad]

Absolutely 👍

[@friedeggs33able]

I did some work with the war graves commission about a decade ago on Cannock chase, tending graves and learning personal histories of those buried. Very interesting and a great opportunity to build bridges with young germans who came across to learn and pay respects

[@cindys.9688]

Such a beautiful cemetery, and I love that it's kept up so maticulously. Thank you for taking us with you! Thank you for sharing the stories.

[@davepersich3035]

Another great but sombre video. Thank you Kevin. Passion and dignity.

[@dganim9196]

Hi Kevin, another really reverent educational video. Beautifully shot as well Julie. Thank you both.

[@thehistorysquad]

Haha, cheers Daryl 👍

[@bertieschitz-peas429]

I enjoy your videos Kev, when near my local mental hospital I take a walk behind it along the river path and just across the bridge there's a grave in a paddock, it's the final resting place of an Irishman who had battle fatigue as it was known during WW1. It's an official war gravestone and must be the only one in existence all on it's own, oh an as a personal interest the date of his death is the same as my birthday.

[@thehistorysquad]

Gosh, how lovely.

[@dokpikun-bg3en]

Thank you for creating this most memorable video. I really appreciate it.

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jefferypatesel8372]

Thank you. It's hallowed ground. It has a life. I feel humbled when visiting a military cemetery. It's my wish to be buried with my brothers in arms at a national cemetery. Have you been to Gettysburg? I spent two weeks there. US ARMY 73-75 USMC 77-82 SEMPER FI.

[@Curiosity-NZ]

No matter where I travel throughout the world, I always leave a poppy at the vatious war memorials in the various towns and cities I vist. But then being a kiwi, we have a natural act of forgiveness as we are an integrated country regardless of what others may think. My father served in North Africa and Italy after the war he served as part of the occupational force in Japan.

[@musoal1]

Good to see your videos Kevin. Keep up the good work

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks, will do!

[@hurst1936]

Thank you, Mr Hicks. There is a quote from "The Great Escaper" with Michael Caine: "what a waste!"

[@LindaHiggs-hu2ki]

Really enjoyed your films of our local Cemeteries. Just to say that it was me that placed the picture on Rifleman William Anderson's grave. It was in December 2022, in respect for what would have been his birthday. Such a very poignant story of a young lad who left the UK as a child to New Zealand, and returned as a boy in 1918, to fight for his homeland and remain forever in his final resting place, as a boy. Lest we ever Forget. 🤔

[@thehistorysquad]

Oh my goodness, how lovely that you did such a thoughtful thing. Thank you for sharing that and remembering him and all the others that rest there.

[@stevemcmaster4347]

I was there in 1976 putting fires out. Wonderful to see it in such amazing condition

[@thehistorysquad]

I was in basic training and putting fires out as well on the South Downs 👍🏻

[@stevem7868-y4l]

Another excellent production Kevin, i love your vids, every one has its quirks and turns, RIP to ALL these brave men, from all sides, as they were only doing there job, albeit fighting against each other, what a true waste of young lives

[@bigantplowright5711]

Excellent, can say no more.

[@kendranewton9071]

What a beautiful well kept cemetery. Thank you.

[@paulhobday9272]

Thank you so much, visited many times, i love the fallen warrior inscription, War Cemetery’s Are The Greatest Preacher Of Peace, all young lads, and it still goes on! Weep for mankind! Have subscribed, best wishes from Castle Bromwich, home of the Spitfire!

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Paul, I know Castle Bromwich quite well 👍

[@ashtraydekay6624]

Humbling video. Also so interesting, to have found the grave you touched as a child, actually is family. Also the end of the video, very true about how it reflects what we are like.....the veterans of the first world war, in canada, said "never again" ...... yet, we keep doing it

[@thehistorysquad]

For sure 👍

[@d.mfrost6801]

I visit both cemeteries when I cycle passed, and weekends there is always a few visitors, so it's not completely forgotten..

[@vickywitton1008]

It's lovely to see you somewhere local to me! Just a couple of miles down the road, I'm in Brereton

[@thehistorysquad]

Ah, I know Brereton 👍🏻

[@SpadeD1omonds]

I am so honored to be the 1,000 person to like this video!

[@JamesPattersonamg]

Really good video, thank you both very much.The vivid LT William leefe Robinson VC story and the German crews burial site together was hard hitting.

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it, cheers James

[@JamesPattersonamg]

Always do my friend...see you next time 😊

[@la_old_salt2241]

Thanks Kevin, I hope you can make it to the noon changing of the guard at Arlington National Cemetery outside of DC one day. God bless, Rob

[@paulcrawley390]

Very interesting especially the Zeppelins because the crew of the one shot down in Billericay Essex L32 now has a memorial to them in Greens Farm Lane, they were laid to rest in the church yard of St. Mary Magdalene Great Bursted in 1916 until the 1960's where they were moved to Cannock Chase. 22 crew members were killed in L32 and where they were first buried can still be seen to this day with a concrete wall sunken into the ground. RIP.

[@charliecoplestone9694]

One of the best channels I follow, a well informed man of the world. A lot of the places he visits I really must get to myself. I can tell you, I bet as many of the allied forces fighters didn't want to be in this war, the same could be said for just as many for the central/axis powers.

[@mickusable]

You keep coming up with these brilliant videos Kev, keep them coming, always worth waiting for 🤘🏹

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Mick 👍🏻

[@merrygreenjane135]

Just wonderful history 🎉❤

[@christophermccormick2714]

Well done, Kevin! Thank you!