How did Albert Ball become a fighter ace at just 19?

[@tomtaylor6163]

I’m a 63 year old American. Believe it or not , I have known of Albert Ball since I was a young boy in grade school because of my love of aviation. He and Edward Mannock were some of my heroes

[@TheHistoryChap]

I hope you enjoyed this particular story about Albert Ball

[@LeslieDevoe]

I was too, as an American, we share those two points in common. I'm sure that in time we will discover many more.

[@Hartley_Hare]

I'm from Nottingham, and Ball was previously a big part of our county's story, although I think my own crop of teenagers would have no idea who he was. I dimly remember that some of his possessions - including the windscreen from his SE5a - were on display at the Castle. What draws me to Ball, as well as to Mannock and McCudden - is that they weren't archetypal officers. They were all misfits who didn't slot neatly into the idea of the 'huntin' and shootin'' pastimes of the ideal, aristocratic young officer. In fact, Mannock loved animals and would never have shot at them, which makes me like him enormously, and McCudden came up through the ranks, having been a mechanic first and then an observer.

[@davidjohns4745]

Yea I’m 63 for another week and same.

[@LeslieDevoe]

@@davidjohns4745 I am 61 and grew up fascinated with the knights of the sky. My dad flew A-4 Skyhawks in the United States Navy. One of his best friends was killed flying for the Royal Navy as an exchange pilot, up in Lossiemouth Scotland. Went into the Moray Firth. Flying The Blackburn Buccaneer, with the 700Z squadron.

[@gerardokeeffe9640]

I taught his Great niece, Angela Ball in Alderney in 2001. We did a history project on her great uncle that resulted in the family being flown to Nottingham castle to see the Albert Ball Museum. Prior to this, the family had not even heard of him. The family now proudly display his framed dispatches etc in their home. She looked so much like him it was uncanny. She is very proud of him.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for taking the time to share your experience.

[@DarrenMarsh-kx8hd]

In an age where people look up to KZbin 'influencers', sportsmen and pop-stars, I think it's great that you are resurrecting the stories of those that actually deserve our respect.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Darren thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. I appreciate your ongoing support and it was great that you were able to join my live. History talk last night

[@LeslieDevoe]

I visited Balls grave in France, on a grey windy day. When we dropped my brother off at Trent College in, Long Eaton during the fall of 1976. His headmaster was shocked that a 13 year old American knew more about Albert Ball than most of the faculty and all of the students. I was 14 when we went to his burial site on my insistence. I fist read about him at the age of 7. My father being a Navy Pilot helped a lot, as our home was stuffed to the gills with books on aviation.

[@simonnoble7589]

Whot a great story ... thank you

[@TheHistoryChap]

Leslie, thank you so much for sharing that story. I love your connection to Trent College. I used to live in nearby Attenborough

[@LeslieDevoe]

@@TheHistoryChap it's amazing how connected we all are in the world. I want to thank you personally. My brother loved seeing his alma mater.

[@ColinScudder]

Mannock was our highest scoring ace and it was he who shot down 72 German aircraft. It was also said that Mannock credited other pilots with kills that he himself was responsible for. Apart from that good video

[@simonnoble7589]

@@ColinScudder interesting 🧐 👍🏻

[@rossbartley5362]

Thank you for telling of this young man’s extraordinary achievements. Whilst attending Trent College the 1970ies, as the son of a serviceman, I was fortunate to benefit from the boarding scholarship in the name of Captain Albert Ball VC, DSO, MC 2 Bars. Then, 50 years later and to my surprise in 2022 after I joined the Morgan Three Wheeler club they organised an Albert Ball Memorial Run to his grave in Annouellin and the French college named after him. Albert Ball VC was a Morgan Three Wheeler driver. He remains an inspiration.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing your own connection to Albert Ball.

[@BMW7series251]

I am 77 yrs old. My Grandfather helped in WW1 & my Father fought in WW2, yet I've never heard of Albert Ball ?! What a man he was! What a Hero. Thanks for posting this, regards, John.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your support & for watching my video

[@nicksykes4575]

Thank you Chris, he's my favourite WW1 ace, have you seen the poem written about him, simply titled "Albert Ball VC".

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for the feedback

[@harryshriver6223]

I am simply amazed and what this man accomplished in a short young life. His story should be shared with all British youth as an inspiration. Bravo and kudos, amigo.

[@Hartley_Hare]

At the risk of sounding like a grumpy old man, they wouldn't care. He wasn't a gamer, he didn't have a budding career as an influencer and he didn't have blue hair or facial piercings. Ball's achievements seem to count as nothing in the face of this.

[@stevemills9982]

@@Hartley_Hare Not completely true. The RAF Air Cadets of Nottingham still celebrate his memory.

[@Hartley_Hare]

@@stevemills9982 And bless them for that but they're a vanishingly small minority.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks Harry

[@oliver8928]

​@@Hartley_HareAs a British youth, I take care to remind older members of society that all they read and hear and see of the younger generation is a loud and attention-seeking minority. As it has always been.

[@alistairmills7608]

Rest in Peace dear Albert. Thank you for your service.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@Starman2319]

Thank you for telling Albert's story, Chris. We will remember them. Regards, Ian

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure, thanks for watching my video

[@barrywebber100]

A brilliant story wonderfully told. What a good looking young hero Albert Ball was, an amazing character. Thanks for posting.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@fossy4321]

My Dad worked as an apprentice at Elliot's garage on Derby road Nottingham. When Alberts father was Mayor he hated having his chauffer stop to refuel his Mayoral car so he had cans of petrol delivered to his house. This was a job my father usually did and each time he would "borrow" a pint or so from each can and fill his Scott motorcycle up for free! So my claim to fame is my Dad pinched petrol off Albert Balls Dad.

[@georgemacdonell2341]

Just the tax money coming back home, great story!

[@belperflyer7419]

Well, if it was a Scott, he'd need a lot of petrol if the one I had is any guide! I was born and brought near Nottingham and went to school there. I remember seeing an SE5a windscreen supposedly from Albert Ball's aircraft on display in the Castle museum, and I built and flew an SE5a radio control model some years ago. I still have it.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for taking the time to share your family story

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@Wettonbunker]

What a lovely connection. Cheers for telling us.... Really enjoyed reading it.

[@mattday8208]

Wondeful story, wonderfully told. My grandfather was a RFC/RAF fighter pilot. He died long before I was born, and, my mother says, he never spoke about the war so we know nothing about his time in the conflict.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & sharing your family story.

[@DonaldMellor]

My fascination with World War I began with the remarkable figure of Albert Ball VC. He captured my attention from the very start, and I found myself deeply moved as I delved into his story. Each time I read about his incredible bravery and the tragic circumstances surrounding his death, I couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion. The accounts of his parents' relentless and heartbreaking quest to locate their son's body were particularly poignant, often bringing tears to my eyes. Their determination and grief highlighted not only the personal cost of war but also the profound love and devotion that families have for their fallen heroes. It was this blend of valor and tragedy that drew me into the broader narrative of the Great War, igniting a passion for history that continues to resonate with me to this day.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for your interesting feedback.

[@lesoneill4932]

Yes would love to hear more stories of the Great War keep up the good work 👍

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for the endorsement. If you haven’t already, please make sure you subscribe to my channel, so you don’t miss future videos

[@lesoneill4932]

@@TheHistoryChap Hi did do sometime ago love military history and the way you present it , almost !!! saves me from having to read books about it ex-Royal Navy myself.

[@philiprufus4427]

Yes ! The Material ls Endless.

[@oddyseus99]

Always enjoy your videos but for me this is the best yet. Albert Ball has been my “aviation hero” for more decades than I care to count. I have all of the available biographies plus copies of some of his combat reports. Thank you for bringing his story to a wider audience.

[@TheHistoryChap]

really pleased you enjoyed it.

[@hadial-saadoon2114]

Ball's SE5 was seen diving inverted out of a cloud. German witnesses stated that the propeller was stopped. Recent speculation is that Ball had indeed suffered from vertigo in the cloud. His plane became inverted , which flooded the Hispano Suiza engine which powered it causing it to die which would explain the black smoke as a very rich mixture tried to combust before the engine stopped. And yes, there was no sign of battle damage nor bullet wounds to Ball. He lived a short and firey career. As an aside,the AFB 1 was tested and found to have exemplary performance, but by then the SE5a, the Sopwith Camel and the Bristol F2B were in production and matching or exceeding German fighter performance. Great video, thanks!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for your interesting & informative feedback.

[@DarthMundane]

Nice to see a video about Albert Ball, I read a lot about him when I was younger and now live in Long Eaton and every time I drive by Trent College I think to myself Albert Ball went there. One of the many young trailblazers of a day gone age

[@simonbertioli4696]

Respectfully presented. So many excellent heroes...we lost. What could have become if all of them survived....to this world.. Well, l salute you sir. That also applies, to all those brave men.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed my video, thanks for watching.

[@colinoneal4760]

Excellent story, very well presented.More from WW1 please 👍

[@TheHistoryChap]

Plenty more coming your way. Please make sure you subscribe to my channel so you don’t miss them

[@davidnewzealand6807]

I learnt about Albert Ball, during my history lessons at school, and my love of aviation. What a courageous young man he was. Like so many other young men,…to die so young.! Very sad.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for watching my video and for taking the time to write your comment

[@neilburgin4257]

As a young boy I remember going to visit Nottingham Castle with my father who did his national service in the RAF. Seeing the VC and his story left a lasting impression of a great young man who made the ultimate sacrifice at such a young age(like so many of his generation). It disappoints me that the kids today are not taught about our history and the sacrifices that the previous generations made. I enjoyed learning about his life and the tragically short wartime flying career. Keep up the good work.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your feedback & for watching my video.

[@desertpoj]

A lovely piece. When I was a 22 year old fighter pilot on 56 Sqn we had two glass cabinets on the wall with a Sam Brown in one and a uniform in the other. My great boss came in the crew room and asked what I knew about the contents. I knew nothing and the boss told me he didn’t want to catch me sat around until I’d researched their history. One of the items belonged to James McCudden VC and the other to Albert Ball VC. Later that year I was lucky enough to meet Cecil Lewis, yet another Firebirds ace, who served with Albert Ball. I have unfortunately lost my signed copy of Sagittarius Rising; which I can thoroughly recommend and talks about Albert Ball playing his violin whilst wearing red pyjamas outside his tent. I later served on XI Sqn flying over Bosnia based out of Gio del Colle in Italy. Amusingly I was OIC gardens. Ironically my last front line tour was as an exchange pilot with the Luftwaffe on the 71st Wing, the Richthofen Geschwader. Thank you for posting this video about my greatest fighter pilot hero and one of Great Britain’s lost real heros.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video,glad you enjoyed it. Thanks too for your interesting feedback.

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

Was privileged to see Albert's medals including his VC at Nottingham castle a few years ago.

[@TheHistoryChap]

thanks for watching my video & your interesting comment.

[@sgtcrabfat]

Thanks for an interesting account of our local Hero, not forgotten around Nottingham, I live not far from his folks place, very tragic to die so young, RIP Capt Ball.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for taking the time to comment

[@PaSingh-l4f]

Very brave youngman

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@pedenharley6266]

Thank you for taking the time to tell this young man’s story.

[@TheHistoryChap]

It’s my pleasure. Thanks for taking the time to watch.

[@andrewlucas9282]

Another great video. I’ve known of Albert Ball but had not realised the extent of his bravery and skill at such an early age. I’ll certainly try and visit his grave the next time I go to France 🙏

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video. If you haven't already, please subscribe to my channel so that you don't miss future videos.

[@colinthomas5462]

What a hero and a great British airman Albert Ball was!! Loved listening to another amazing story of heroism in WW1 and yes please more videos on WW1. Thanks.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you very much for your kind comment. If you haven’t already, please do subscribe to my channel so you don’t miss future videos

[@ronaldpoppe3774]

Thanks Chris. I'm a big WW1 enthusiast. My father has a scrap book of WW1 planes and pilots. He was born in 1918 and loved aviation. I did some WW1 reenacting for a few years. Cheers Ron

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@mozart579]

Fascinating post thank you

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@brianivey73]

Fabulous sir! You are giving us gems!

[@TheHistoryChap]

And thoroughly enjoying both the research and the telling.

[@terrym3837]

Albert was a remarkable man a hero of mine since I was a boy I went to visit his grave and visited Nottingham to see his medals and where he lived

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video.

[@daniellebcooper7160]

Another excellent production. Thank you for keeping the memory of people such as Albert Ball from disappearing in a time where some want to do away with our past and rewrite it.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@BootsontheTable]

Great story Chris. I have always been fascinated by the stories of the First World War pilots. A brutal and terrifying role they played

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed. Amazing how young they all were (when compared to the films)

[@paulwallis7586]

Definitely do more of these. There are some incredible stories about the WW1 pilots that need to be kept alive.

[@TheHistoryChap]

I am surprised how few people on KZbin spent time making videos about WW1

[@paulwallis7586]

@@TheHistoryChap Given the rote formulaic approach to documentaries, they may not have heard of WW1, or anything else.

[@EGDD-42]

An RAF engineer once explained his theory on why Albert was so good - he was merticulous on checking his ammunition for defects. This reduced his guns jamming which was a common problem. As he survived more battles he got more experience & became the better pilot with working equipment

[@terraflow__bryanburdo4547]

I would think that von Richthofen would have an attache polish every bullet😊

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & your interesting comment

[@timmurphy7384]

Like Tomtaylor, I 'm 66 yrs. old and read about Albert Ball in 7th grade. He was my first WW I pilot that I read about. I out very much like to hear more stories about WW I Briitish pilots!! As well as British WW I naval pilots as well. Thanks Chris!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video and your comments.

[@brianspendelow840]

Thank you Chris for yet another wonderful video. I have know about Albert Ball for many years, but this is the first time his fascinating life has been made clear to me. Thank you. One minor correction. The plane you identify as a Bristol Scout is a Bristol Fighter. I believe the Scout was a monoplane. The "Bisfit" came along later in the war and was the favorite mount of Keith Park 20 kills, New Zealand's second highest scoring ace of WWI. He is much better known for his exploits in WWII.

[@brianwilcox3478]

you are right Brian. but the Bristol scout was a rotary powered biplane. first flown in 1914

[@brianspendelow840]

@@brianwilcox3478 Yes you're right. I was getting the Bristol Scout mixed up with the Bristol Monoplane Scout or Bristol M1 that didn't flu until 1916.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for your feedback

[@michaelsheahan]

Just another wonderfull story of a brave young man long forgotten , thanks Chris for reminding us of who we have to thank for what we have today .

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@davidbarringham7992]

I live near Nottingham and would like to see his VC at Nottingham Castle some day.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video.

[@IndianaDel1]

My ancestor was a partner with Ball's Father (there were three partners) in the purchase of land in what is now Aspley/ Bilborough / Strelley. The purchase went from what is now Gregory Boulevard all the way up Aspley Lane. My own family sold the land that is now Blue Coat School and were market gardeners/ Nursery men in to the 1980's in this area. The land that Ball's Father bought was developed in to a huge swathe of what would be Council and private homes. As an aside, in the 1990's I served with the "Robin Hood Rifles" (tracing its lineage to the 7th Battalion), when it was a constituent company of the 3rd Battalion the Worcester & Sherwood Foresters Regiment.

[@georgehead6780]

War is madness! Sadistic…

[@IndianaDel1]

@@georgehead6780 and this has what to do with property development by the Ball family?

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you so much for taking the time to share that local Nottingham History. As a former resident of the city, I found, found it fascinating.

[@jeningle8288]

Beautifully told, but a sad tragic story. How very brave he was.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for the feedback

[@johnhudghton3535]

Read about Albert Ball when I was a teenager. One of my inspirations to join the Air Cadets and latterly the RAF. I'm 67 now. Good rendition of his life, many thanks.

[@andrewmorton9327]

Me too. 1729 squadron ATC.

[@johnhudghton3535]

@@andrewmorton9327 284 Cheadle and Gatley Squadron. The only positive productive thing in my early teens.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video.

[@brianivey73]

Anything thing on WW1 that you chose will be something I watch!

[@TheHistoryChap]

That’s very kind of you. Just in case you haven’t already, please do subscribe to my KZbin channel so you don’t miss them.

[@willjohnson1273]

Yes would love more stories of WW1 individuals.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching & for your feedback

[@mmtx73]

Thanks for posting this! Great video about a larger than life hero you don't hear about anymore. As a kid I was fortunate enough to be given a book on WWI aces, men like Albert Ball, Billy Bishop, Mick Mannock, Raul Lufberry, Frank Luke, and Eddie Rickenbacker among others. I dogeared and read it until it literally fell apart.

[@philiprufus4427]

Seventy years old,but known about these guys since I was a kid in the sixties.More recently read a book about learning to fly during this period. You could not write some of the things they got up to. There seems to have been two types of person. Stark staring mad,or totally fearless. They always come across to me as incredibly brave men. There was one story about a guy who fell out of the cockpit whilst changing amunition magazines. The aircraft flew beneath him right way up and he fell back in again according to him. I swear its in print ! Another ex pilot,in his sixties by this time got a warning from the cops for setting about two young muggers with his walking stick, in London, in the sixties.A Mad Irishman. Figures

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it & for your comment.

[@rodneybarton-hall3867]

I wonder if your book was 'They Fought For The Sky' by Quentin Reynolds, which I read as a boy circa 1960, courtesy of my eccentrically interested mother who was a great fan of Ball. I still have the copy, a Pan paperback, price 3/6, rich with photographs of the aces, and now rather tatty. Perhaps I shall read it again soon.

[@ricardocorbie6803]

I loved Sir Albert Ball,, I knew of him as a young boy, reading of my heroes of that era!! Thanks for this video!!❤️❤️🙌🏿

[@TheHistoryChap]

It’s my pleasure. Thanks for taking the time to watch it.

[@ricardocorbie6803]

@@TheHistoryChap new subscriber alert!!🚨 🤣

[@Beerpopnana]

Thanks for your Video Chris! What an amazing brave youngman.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for supporting my work.

[@stigg333]

Thanks for a great video about another brave young man who sadly died far to young doing his duty for a better future, stay well.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@markrunnalls7215]

Yes please Chris .. More ww1 VC winners .. Your narration and your stories are so interesting.. There was another story of a pilot from ww1 who got his foot /part of his leg blown off ,and although due to the severe loss of blood went on to shoot down the German. Jeremy Clarkson mentioned him from when he covered a programe on the VC about his Father in law at Arnham a Major Caine .

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for your comment.

[@arslongavitabrevis5136]

Wonderful story told with your usual flair Chris! Albert Ball´s extraordinary tally of 44 victories within a year may be the, perhaps, the best performance of a fighter ace in WW1. I have to say that the images of WW1 sadden me very much. Thanks to my father I learned to respect and admire the heroism of soldiers regardless of their uniform; the fact that I was born and bred in Argentina also helped me because I was free from the traditional hatred or resentment that most Europeans inherit from their ancestors due to a long series of wars against their neighbours. The scale of the slaughter of WW1 is unparalleled. The finest men of our race killed each in the most horrendous fashion for nothing. Our grandparents fought a 20th-century war based on ideas and sentiments of the 19th-century. As a British stateman said: "It was the end of an era"

[@TheHistoryChap]

glad you enjoyed my video

[@oldgitsknowstuff]

Another brilliant presentation. Being from Nottingham, your production brought a tear to my eyes. It's always the young men who fight and die for us. 'How many hours of Spits ? 7 Sir, 10 Sir, stick to me like glue'. And there the thousands of crosses are marked out in so many Cemeteries. Albert Ball, killed in action in May 1917...at the age of 20 ! So he was flying at the age of around 17. So he might've been only 16 when he first took to the air......May God rest his soul. Respects to a brave kid (kid because he wasn't an adult. Old enough to fight, but not old enough to vote). My only issue with your production is that in NO WAY did he split a stick, with a revolver at 50 yards. I feel that this is one of those stories that becomes folk law after its been repeated down the pub till the handle drops off. Otherwise, informative, kept my interest and gave me a tear. Well Done.

[@derekp2674]

Thanks, that revolver story also sounded a bit far fetched to me. Long ago, when the developing museum site at Duxford still had a usable firing range, I tried out an ex-WW2 British issue Smith and Wesson M&P model revolver at 25 m. On my first go, i put a tight group of 5 consecutive shots into the 1" wide post holding up my target, breaking the post and causing the target to fall down. So, at 25 yards, an expert shot will be able to consistently shoot 1" groups with a good revolver. But by 50 yards, those groups will have spread out somewhat, so you'd need quite a wide stick to hit it every time or most of the time.

[@TheHistoryChap]

If you are from Nottingham, you might also enjoy (?) my story about the Chilwell Munitions Explosion during WW1: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZ_Eq2Zso6pph7s

[@TheHistoryChap]

That snippet was taken from "Britain's Forgotten Fighter Ace" a biograghy on Ball written by Walter Briscoe & H. Russell Stannard.

[@oldgitsknowstuff]

@derekp2674 My respects as a fellow marksman. At Strensall military range near York, my club arranged a 100 yard pistol competition. All members were Marksmen. (Of course they were). At 100 yards, our target was a piece of 8" x 4" piece if paper. We all hit the target. I don't think that anybody could split a stick at 100 yards unless they were using a rifle. But HeyHo. Let legend prevail. High 5s to your Sir.

[@derekp2674]

@@oldgitsknowstuff Respects to you too. That's quite decent shooting for that distance. There was a time when the UK had long range pistol competitions at 100, 200 and 300 yards. I think the main challenges were figuring out where to aim and then aiming precisely enough with normal pistol sights.

[@iansands8607]

I first learned of Albert Ball in the 70s through a weekly magazine called Wings, but my first interest in WW1 aviation began a few years earlier in about 1968 when my older brother, 8 year my senior went into a shop to buy some cigarettes and came out with two small WW1 dicast planes which he gave me, one was a Sopwith Camel and the other a red Fokker Dr.1. When I got home I was so chuffed with them I showed them to my dad and he told me about the Red Baron shooting 80 planes down which amazed me and I wanted to know more, some time later dad took me to the local library and got Richthofen's autobiography The Red Air Fighter, and Ira Jones's One Eyed Ace about Mick Mannock for me to read. After reading further books and learning that those brave men flew without having the use of parachutes the aces of that era, British, Canadian, French or German became my heroes. I'd like to see more stories from WW1 on KZbin, its a subject that seems to be overlooked and the men and women who served then should never be forgotten.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video and for taking the time to share your family story.

[@nathanappleby5342]

For such a young man, Albert had a lot of fight in him which is what you need in war. Abraham Lincoln once said, "It is not about the years you live in your life, but the life you live in your years". Albert Ball had an exceptional life in his 20 years on Earth. Today's generation of fighter pilots can learn a lot from his example. A very sad but good story. Albert Ball, may God rest his soul. Keep rolling them out, Chris!

[@TheHistoryChap]

I love that Abraham Lincoln quote. Thanks for sharing

[@peterbarker3433]

Another great warrior, a tale well told. Well done, Chris.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@jeffuk3940]

Yes Please, all your videos are excellent

[@TheHistoryChap]

Very kind of you, thanks

[@Gary-ys9be]

I’m 56 now I used to go regularly to Nottingham Castle with my Grandad as a boy, He knew Albert from Long Eaton.He used to tell me the story of his VC and they even have his windshield complete with bullet holes , I was fascinated.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for taking the time to share your family story

[@petersmith862]

A great story, thank you.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mikehinkle5761]

Yes! When I was very young, I fell in love with history, primarily focusing on WWI aviation at first. Ball was definitely one of those I read about at length. This was well-done & very enjoyable. Thx!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video. If you haven't already, please subscribe to my channel so you don't miss future videos.

[@Wettonbunker]

Brilliant post. Many thanks for taking your time to do this. Proper enjoyed watching it. What an amazing young man Ball was.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching

[@julieblundell7421]

Hello Chris, Yes, please do some more videos of Victoria Cross recipients.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your reply & for watching my video

[@jdgooner4845]

Love your documentary’s , & yessss 👍

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

[@colinjames1920]

Brilliant ,thank you for telling Albert's Ball story

[@TheHistoryChap]

thanks for your support, glad you enjoyed my video

[@DavidRussell-n8e]

I went to college in Nottingham in 1952 , the Castle museum had lots of damaged memorabilia ofAlbert Balls planes 😊The story of his death was that he sometimes circled a French church to set his watch before returning. The Germans mounted a machine gun in the tower , damaged his aeroplane, Ball hit a fence trying to land and died.. He was also known to play a violin for relaxation

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & sharing your interesting story.

[@ClarkWaynePrince]

Came across this video as I was reading up about Albert Ball as he's from my hometown, great video! Gained a new subscriber and will be checking out other videos!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you found it interesting. Both my children were born in Nottingham when I worked for Boots.

[@neilpage901]

Superbly told Chris. Thank you

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. If you haven’t already, please do subscribe to my channel, so you don’t miss future videos.

[@johncouzins2442]

Fascinating,always enjoy your work Chris more please

[@TheHistoryChap]

More to come! Please make sure that you have subscribed to my channel on KZbin

[@polygun1645]

Another great video. Yes to more WW1 stories.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your support. Glad you enjoyed my video

[@christybyrne5195]

Yes! Let's have some more of these stories. Thanks!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed my video, thanks for watching.

[@phildrabble3153]

I am going to ride the Western Front on my motorbike in the summer with a view to doing a talk about WW1 afterwards. I am also from Nottingham so have a particular interest in Albert Ball. An excellent presentation. Many thanks.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for your feedback. Good Luck.

[@talpark8796]

Billy Barker (VC) is a great Canadian WWI ace-pilot who really doesn't get enough mention, considering that he is our most decorated serviceman. he died young though, while the other ''B.B.'' became much more well known. tyvm for another upload Chris (et al) 🫎🇨🇦😁

[@britishamerican4321]

Barker, like Ball, is one of those that really demand a bio-pic.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & also for your comment.

[@lokischildren8714]

Absolutely fantastic video ..yes please do more videos on ww1

[@TheHistoryChap]

I certainly will. Thanks for the vote.

[@georgegeyer3431]

Your presentation on Albert Ball was so interesting. When I was a student, they really didn't teach anything about WWI.I guess it was because it was mostly a European war. I still had WWI veterans living in our neighborhood who used to tell me stories. I always had a love for the airplanes of the period, and I built models of his plane and others. You really bring history to life😊.

[@TheHistoryChap]

I am so pleased that you enjoyed it. I remember WW1 veterans but never took an interest in them. Wish I had.

[@georgegeyer3431]

@TheHistoryChap One fellow was in the Austria army as a machine gunner. He told me they had to live on turnips because of food shortages, so he never ate them again,then my neighbor was an auto mechanic, so when he was drafted, he was assigned to the air force because he knew how to work on motors.

[@scotforman1894]

Yes please share more. I like your narrative style and it’s a very well told story, good job

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed my video

[@paulwithers6453]

Really interesting. What an incredible flier he must have been. How sad he died at only 20 years of age. Thanks for the video. Regards, Paul.

[@Foxtrot756]

Thank you for a brilliant video, very interesting and well made. Please keep them coming! 😊

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you! Will do!

[@garybrockwell2031]

What great young men we made, with great for thought and courage,, of course at the time there were no parachutes real brave, smart kid landing and playing dead,, Reminds me of the movie Ace's High with Robert Shaw😢🙏🆘🇬🇧💯 we have killed a lot of great men and women 🙏💪😥 ESPECIALLY THE GREAT WAR.. Your enthusiasm brings a tear Thanks Chris for their story's 🆘🇬🇧💯🙏💪✌️

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & your feedback

[@simonnoble7589]

Hi Chris = what a most interesting story , thank you so much cheers Si

[@TheHistoryChap]

Simon, thanks very much for watching and I’m glad you enjoyed it. Have a great weekend

[@simonnoble7589]

@@TheHistoryChap Thank you , enjoy your weekend ...

[@rossstenner4402]

Yes please, more WW1 history please

[@TheHistoryChap]

Anything in pareticular?

[@rossstenner4402]

perhaps something less well known to the history of WW1, Colonel Meinertzhagen and the haversack deception, the battle of the Boars Head 1916 or something like that. I find all your history talksfascinating@@TheHistoryChap

[@andydavidson9004]

Thanks for this, I looked at Alberts flying jacket at the war museum north in Salford a few years back.

[@TheHistoryChap]

I’m glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching

[@adchancellor1380]

Yes. I would, very much, like to see more videos like this one. I was, just, 16 years old (I'm 74 years old now) when I first heard of Albert Ball. Keep up the good work 👏 👍

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for your comments

[@davidsayer3325]

Thanks for the video of Albert Ball, very interesting.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@vincentlavery2568]

Saw his display in the Nottingham museum

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video and your comment.

[@simonkevnorris]

Thanks for another interesting and informative video.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure

[@Challenger-Mark]

Thank You Chris, I am starting to get into video creation and hope to cover the exploits of the Manchesters, both at home and on the western front if possible, to give some visual context. I am also hoping to show people that you do not need to fly to europe to have an epic holiday but that is a long way off!

[@TheHistoryChap]

That sounds like a really interesting project. I would love to hear more and if you want please do drop me an email via my website.

[@MrStevecrasher]

My interest in Ball comes from the tales my uncle Jim told me of his antics on their motorcycles, once riding them in the corridors of the High School which got them into a lot of trouble.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for taking the time to share your family story

[@tennyson156]

Yes please.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your reply.

[@stevenschiff808]

Thank you, what a great story.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thanks for taking the time to watch. What would you like me to talk about in the future?

[@drtimsmith]

Well done, Chris! Another superb tale, richly told !! Albert Ball VC, is yet another example of an English hero, whose deeds are legendary. It always strikes me as amazing how so many people do something amazing for God, King and Country, and for such a variety of reasons. God bless them all ! And thank you for this awe-inspiring presentation, in your inimitable style...

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for taking the time to comment, glad you enjoyed my video.

[@davidberlanny3308]

Hi Chris, I didn't know anything about this Ace. Thanks for telling his story. Of course the name rings a bell from the world cup football heroe, both great fighters at very young age. Perhaps its something in the name. How sad that he died so young. Great respect. What a great story, excellently told as always. Have a great weekend!!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & taking the time to comment

[@redemptivepete]

Great story and next time I'm in Nottingham I'll certainly visit his statue. I had a look on the list of Nottingham tram names (they're named after an impressive list of local achievers) and was disappointed that he wasn't listed!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed my video & thanks for your comment.

[@FranciscoPreira]

Another great hero rescued from oblivion, thanks for sharing.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@stephenbrown1077]

Hello Chris, thankyou for another smashing video. I'm born and raised in Nottingham, so I know the story quite well. However, some great facts that I've not heard before. As an aircraft enthusiastic, it would be good if you could cover some more air aces, as a suggestion. As ever, I am looking forward to your next video.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed my video & for taking the time to comment.

[@SteveShaw-nh4sb]

Just read about Albert Hall in 150 years of the Victoria Cross, remarkable and brave young man, this is who children should be taught about in schools.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@andrewsteele7663]

Thanks Chris, a brilliant telling about an amazing man. I also wonder what he could have achieved if he had lived. Thanks again, Cheers

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@AyebeeMk2]

Have always had in interest in combat aircraft and those that flew them. Read about Albert Ball years ago but always willing to listen to new stuff. Your comments about his design being made at Longbridge is new to me, the site is about 3 miles from where I live and indeed for about 5 years I worked from a base on the old factory's site. As you say history is closer than you think.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video & for taking the time to comment.

[@paulcooper9187]

Thank you fills in my knowledge of one of our local heros

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@JeanLucRaoelina-nd4og]

Thanks for your outstanding historical reporting, also on kohima and malaya and aden etc.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure

[@tonyholt90]

Enjoyed that thanks 👍

[@TheHistoryChap]

Pleased you enjoyed it.