Lance-Corporal Hitler - WW1 Trench Runner

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Dr. Mark Felton is a well-known British historian, the author of 22 non-fiction books, including bestsellers 'Zero Night' and 'Castle of the Eagles', both currently being developed into movies in Hollywood. In addition to writing, Mark also appears regularly in television documentaries around the world, including on The History Channel, Netflix, National Geographic, Quest, American Heroes Channel and RMC Decouverte. His books have formed the background to several TV and radio documentaries. More information about Mark can be found at: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Fe...
Visit my audio book channel 'War Stories with Mark Felton': • One Thousand Miles to ...
Help support my channel:
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Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Mark Felton Productions. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Mark Felton Productions does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.
Credits: Quintus Fabius Maximus; Ironcross; Devilsanddust; Edward.Hopper
Thumbnail colorised by u/PeJae

[@Idahoguy10157]

It’s remarkable for a soldier to spend four years as an infantryman and survive the war intact

[@sniperviper4922]

Hardly "intact"

[@rithvikmuthyalapati9754]

There are theories that the gas attack that he experienced affected him mentally into deriving his extreme National Socialist ideologies.

[@adrianprincipe2370]

Like Ernst Junger?

[@Idahoguy10157]

@@rithvikmuthyalapati9754 ... other theories are Hitler’s temporary blindness was caused by battlefield hysteria. There’s no way to know. I tend to think Dr Walter Langer’s personality profile of Hitler done in secret is the best work. It was completed in 1943 and he interviewed many people who personally knew Hitler. Even back to his childhood family doctor.

[@johnjuarez8005]

Some got lucky, and bigger goals.

[@Payduro]

“Not now honey, Mark Felton just uploaded”

[@paulmurphy42]

Good one

[@N3therWolf]

@@jimthompson8947 not everyone is under the thumb of their wife Jim.

[@georgehu1241]

"Babe, wake up, Mark Felton just uploaded"

[@grizzle273463]

The baby will be fine with an empty stomach and filthy diaper.

[@omarsantillan5880]

Hahaha🤣😂

[@DameWhoGames623]

How he survived 4 years in WW1 is crazy

[@abdul-kabiralegbe5660]

Destined for greater things, I guess.🤔

[@iceandy4630]

@@abdul-kabiralegbe5660 amazing things

[@TheBananamonger]

Luck will do it to a man

[@abdul-kabiralegbe5660]

@NathanialHiggers Prior to his invasion of Poland, he was applauded for several socioeconomic achievements. Seeing that other countries denied the existence of the concentration camps even after WWII broke out, and overlooked his violation of the Versailles Treaty during his rearmament in the '30s, he most likely would have been left to his devices had he not gone on an annexation spree. He should've concentrated just on Germany.

[@abdul-kabiralegbe5660]

@NathanialHiggers According to the terms of the Versailles Treaty, Germany was forbidden from rearmament after WWI. So it doesn't really matter if they were arming to the levels of other countries or not. Initially, Germany worked around the loopholes of the treaty but during the '30s they became more brazen about violating it.

[@xcharlesbronsonx]

The trench runners were made up of brave volunteers who carried crucial messages through the mud and blood. Evading bullets, gas, and artillery shell, these men were the backbone of maintaining communication between the lines. They had one of the shortest life spans (next to tunnelers)

[@BrosephComrade]

>impressed only the youngest, most impressionable soldiers Masło maślane

[@BoomerElite4u]

@@BrosephComrade I was a Scout and later a Sniper, and I can tell you that even in modern times that the only people who are impressed by heroism and Rambo-like characters are younger men. This is also why you don't see very many 30-40 year old men joining the Military to try to become Navy Seals, Green Berets, Rangers etc. But even as a civilian, when older guys find out I'm a veteran, they usually have a very mild reaction, while every man under the age of 25 wants to run up to me and ask me if I ever killed anyone and what war was like.

[@FringeWizard2]

@@BoomerElite4u why it be like this?

[@terrencerich8895]

Axis side doubt they were volunteers

[@psychedelicpunk5031]

@@FringeWizard2 Younger people are the ones that generally want a more exciting life, craving thrills and adrenaline rushes and the thought of being a national hero and having everyone's attention. Younger people are just more naive and dont fully understand the brutality of what is going on around them.

[@henrisivonen7404]

Now this is what documentaries should be like. No-nonsense, unbiased and absolutely entertaining piece of information. My hat's off for you Mr. Felton.

[@whysosyria1]

I don't mind the history guy

[@natedog1619]

@SMA Productions troll

[@davimattos7081]

Felton is really good.

[@oscareugeniomacia2055]

Totally agree!

[@Killianwsh]

@@natedog1619 Well said! :)

[@paddyholman6262]

I’m sorry but let’s take a minute to appreciate how much effort Mark puts into these videos absolute legend

[@kirkc9643]

I’m sorry but

[@barrydysert2974]

AGREED!:-) 🖖

[@sojnab1]

i totally agree

[@OtaBengaBabalanga]

Many mistakes just in the first minutes I bother to watch e.g., Hitler spent his father's Inheritance way before moving to Munich, and he was rejected in the Austrian army, again, many years before moving to Munich

[@mkrump9403]

Yeah it's well done!

[@neiljones2264]

Refreshingly unbiased, there is no questioning his bravery, a narrative rarely told..

[@yeedbottomtext7563]

You mean to tell me he wasn’t trans with one testicle and a secret male lover???

[@bol4death]

@@yeedbottomtext7563 Male lover? I mean If he was then why did he exterminated Homosexuality during his time?

[@E_y_a_l]

@@bol4death There's nothing new about homophobes being closet gays themselves, you've never heard of activists who preached against homosexualism and then exposed in a gay sex scandal?

[@ak2l220]

@@bol4death dont listen to yeed he is fed up with propaganda. also there are 0 nationalists that can stand gays

[@PatrickFDolan]

@@bol4deathThe vast majority of serial killers are bi sexual or report that they had bi sexual tendencies that they never acted on. Some will kill men, some will kill women and some will kill both out of rage and sexual insecurity. Dahmer, btk, green river killer, Edwin Kemper, Ted Bundy, the list is endless.

[@lwgrazi]

What a nice man, he should run for chancellor.

[@Eric.1I37]

LOL

[@tommyboy889]

Yes a career in politics seems outstanding for this young man

[@somerandomguy9125]

Yep, surely a man that deeply in love with Germany will rule justly and deepen the unity among people belonging to all religions. He also looks like he would totally respect any opposition and take what they have into consideration. Maybe even allow state sponsored holidays for minorities to let them know how loved and appreciated they are.

[@muqri.2745]

@@somerandomguy9125 Minorities can teleport away to their beloved homelands.

[@somerandomguy9125]

@@muqri.2745 including some nice resorts in Poland which this good man will so kindly build.

[@bigbadword]

The sun never sets on those watching Mark Felton.

[@dellawrence4323]

Actually the Sun still never sets on the British Empire, we still have dependencies and territories all over the World.

[@fabovondestory]

Lol, I am watching this at 01:30 am

[@chartreusecircle1546]

Kek

[@LAPDDetFrost]

Indeed.

[@OtaBengaBabalanga]

@@dellawrence4323 you were peons and cannon fodder for certain Middle East tribe that cannot be mentioned

[@harryshuman9637]

Lance-Corporal Hitler: "this isn't even my final form"

[@sayyer10]

Hitler: this isn’t even my name.

[@mkrump9403]

From living like a joker to tell Batman how to run his business's (steel and war factory). That is great! But he infiltrated his party to make his own party... He went there as secret military agent... But we will be wonder how often his happen that a cop infiltrated a criminal group... and being the leader of mobs. haha (I mean through the history of humankind. It happens few times I am sure...)

[@raypurchase801]

Was Hitler a Lace Corporal? Seems a bit gay.

[@harryshuman9637]

@@raypurchase801 lol, fixed. Thank you for your service.

[@raypurchase801]

@@harryshuman9637 I apologise. I'm a spelling-Nazi and litrully Hilter.

[@traviesoarcefan3063]

I can't believe the bagpipe player at 12:10!!! Just blasting away on his pipes while the enemy does the same with machine guns and artillery. Amazing!!!

[@andykerr3803]

Mark did not mention that little white dog... It was actually Adolf's, his 'little fox'. It had run over from the British lines, and he adopted it. One reason he evaded the incoming shells so well, was that little fox would alert at the high pitch sound of incoming shells aimed at the trenches. He was so good at escaping the shelling and other risks that his fellow soldiers would say " to be with Hitler is to live". He would have his little dog stolen from him on a train, while he was in transit. It was suspected to be a Frenchman. He would become very angry and bitter after this loss...

[@lordfatcock]

Well I hope that little dog had a decent life after the war.

[@andykerr3803]

@@lordfatcock He certainly had influence. AH went on to do dog training books and short films, before his demise. His last German Shepard, 'Blondie', was revered, but preceded him in suicide with cyanide capsules to test the result. This little white one certainly deserved a good life... They all do.

[@marianmoses9604]

Stealing a man’s dog is one of the lowest vile acts a person can commit…..even if was youthful Hitler’s dog. I don’t blame old Adolph for being sore about that. 🐺

[@kk7324]

@@marianmoses9604 Later german generals to hitler "why are you trying to go to war with france?" Hitler: :"they stole my dog."

[@karukalua]

So he stole their freedom in return

[@pesnevim1626]

To be a runner in the Great War on either side was only for men who were extremely brave. Not a fan of AH, but for sure he was a real soldier. Great channel.

[@SuperPwndProductions]

@@jimthompson8947 sponsors = money = incentive for mark to keep making videos = good

[@omikron6218]

@@jimthompson8947 If you want free content, go to the library.

[@richardm3023]

@@jimthompson8947 I expect you go to work every day for free. Don't you Jim? I mean only a sell out would want to get paid for their work. Right? Dumbass.

[@Ganiscol]

@@omikron6218 I think that is the best answer to these clownish comments - and so true. I prefer sponsored content where the money goes into the content creators pocket in full over a 30% cut for googletube with ads I could not care less about.

[@michaelmccarthy4615]

No doubt, Hitler was shaped by his experiences and it was instrumental in who he became.

[@krel3358]

Is this guy the best military documentary narrator in human history?

[@sariahlim]

Yes.. except maybe only 2nd to Laurence Olivier from the world at war.. but Felton writes his own scripts, where Olivier was only reading his. Deffo most addictive and informative channel on YT if you're in to history.

[@P-B-G_YT]

@@sariahlim I remember hearing Laurence Olivier's voice from the "World At War" TV Series which I watched as a youth during the mid 1970s. He has a very authoritative and commanding voice, and was a great choice as narrator for the show.

[@danielmarshall4587]

@@sariahlim VERY GOOD comparison, and good point regards the work Mr Felton puts into his videos.

[@LennertTale]

Maurice Dewilde would've been a nice opponent. He's more 'regional' though.

[@iamspartacus3114]

Not forgetting Michael Redgrave from the BBC TV series 'The Great War' from the 1964, with other greats including Ralph Richardson and Marius Goring (inter alia) contributing. I do think Mr. Felton's research and factual presentation is without peer.

[@leipersgreen6763]

I don't care what ANYONE says. It is an incredible story.

[@flightofthebumblebee9529]

Not even the worst monsters alive are COMPLETELY evil.

[@griffinroblox73]

i wanted death

[@fathergascoigne4609]

And yet you cared enough to comment ya filthy worm

[@PriestlyBlock67]

​@@flightofthebumblebee9529 nah bro, stalin is a 100% certified monster, so are pedos and serial killers But hitler there, you can see that as tainted as it was, there kinda seems to be a soul somewhere there, not just with his war achievements, but also from testemonies of people around him

[@Yourmothersmuff]

Could have been a hero for fighting against commies if it wasn't for ethnic cleansing.

[@Spectre_22]

To survive 4 years in World War One as a frontline infantryman is insane. He was the real deal.

[@dewilew2137]

“The real deal”? What does this mean?

[@Spectre_22]

@@dewilew2137 it means as evil as he was, there was no doubting his bravery as a young soldier. Part of the reason I love this channel is that we are told the historical facts rather than the modern revised version of history.

[@GaryYoung-eq1ph]

And a little crazy which he was

[@shxmana]

@@dewilew2137 Well it means that the role he served in WW1 was one that was often the first to die out of everyone since his job was basically dodging bullets and delivering messages across the battlefield

[@FelipeJaquez]

I wonder what this young man did after the war, hopefully nothing too crazy haha...

[@rotergeist9509]

Died fighting for his people and his country A non White wouldn’t understand such a noble cause

[@kaptainkrafter4130]

Yeah I'm so glad that British soldier spared his life that day. Shows that there was still good in a world at war!

[@bertieclayton4865]

@@rotergeist9509 go outside you spanner

[@ffpworkshop2180]

@@rotergeist9509 Took his own life as a petty coward rather than facing up to his crimes.

[@TheEDFLegacy]

@@bertieclayton4865 I'm pretty sure that was sarcasm.

[@madmanmortonyt4890]

"Sir, we've made an error and let that Austrian join the army." Ludwig III: "Oh. Well, I'm sure that won't be an issue later on."

[@timduncan9372]

The German-Nazi embraced that Austrian later on

[@alvaro701]

@@timduncan9372 Not the rest of the country

[@OllihuAkbar]

@SMA Productions You're just going around copy-pasting that to comments that have absolutely no Hitler/Nazi/German/Soviet love?

[@pf992]

Incredible: If Hitler were sent back to Austria and there perhaps not recruited: Not become a soldier, not a veteran of WWI, not a propagandist after the war, not a member of the DAP and NSDAP, or if so, with no importance

[@jewelltuber]

Ya like any army ever turned down fresh meat, to their eternal shame they all recruited kids for ww1.

[@fanofrunbot9771]

Thanks for reminding us, that whatever his failings, he was a First Rate Combat Soldier.

[@seang3019]

His failings? 😂😂😂😂

[@michaelsteven1090]

He was a good artist..His building perspective is flawless..

[@ABC1701A]

He would have made a good living working for an architectural magazine or something like that, his perspective on buildings is fantastic, they do almost look as good a a photograph.

[@marianmoses9604]

I too was surprised by the quality of the Hitler artworks shown at the start of the video. All of my life I’ve heard so-called “historians” ridiculing Hitler in his youth as a talentless artist who failed because he produced crap. These claims were usually backed up with pictures of watercolors by Hitler that, indeed, were not very impressive. So, of course, I have believed these bastards for my entire life. Now I see these works and think to myself, well, old Adolph was a better artist than they give him credit for. Clearly they used early works from when he was still learning the trade, in order to cast ridicule upon him. That’s sort of petty, and stupid, really. Hitler’s actions during the Second World War should suffice to provide fodder to those who want to dump never-ending piles of horseshit on his memory, but this business of lying about his art and minimizing or ignoring his heroism on the battlefields of WW1 is stupid and false. What is the point of that? Why undermine one’s own credibility as an historian by taking such liberties with the truth? It almost makes one wonder what the hell else these “historians” have fabricated, exaggerated, or ignored. It really is true that most written history is crap. Nothing but narratives written by the victors to glorify themselves and demonize those that they vanquished in war. There are two sides to every argument and students of history are well advised to seek out and read or watch material giving varied perspectives. Thank you, Mr. Felton, for having the courage and the integrity in this “woke” era we live in to dig up the facts and to present them without bias and in a well organized and highly entertaining format. You are one my favorite producers of history content. Much respect to you. 👍🏻🫡

[@raptorbadger3131]

I doubt his enlistment was an error. Im sure the army was happy to sign up anyone enthusiastic enough to fight.

[@FuelAirSparkTime]

Bingo

[@gronizherz3603]

Probably same as all the boys who were really too young to join, who were admitted with a wink of the eye by their inspectors. Just an "error".

[@cruxer666]

Someone should send T1000 to fix the paperwork :D

[@razzjhonson6358]

@Comrade Stalin nail on the head

[@vrisbrianm4720]

Could still be a clerical error though, regardless of whether the Bavarian was happy to receive volunteers or not. Also, Hitler joined at the very beginning of the War (Aug 1914), when the situation was not that desperate yet. * The idea that the military would admit any volunteers who showed up at their doors was over exaggerated. The Army would still wanted to check their backgrounds and health statuses to avoid espionage and lowering the army's standard.

[@phillylove7290]

Imagine being poor, desolute, and without hope after WW1. In a bar in Munich you see a guy with basically unlimited swagger and charisma telling you there's a better way. You sign up and he takes you from bar room rants to the seat of power in government in less then a year. Its not hard to see how he had such dedication and fanaticism from those around him.

[@jenshavla4673]

What are you on about? More like 13 years with heavy obstacles. Many joined when all was already set.

[@unhippy1]

@@jenshavla4673 "Many joined when all was already set"......throughout history everyone wants to pile onto the winning side

[@userlink-12345]

And then the economy growth, unemployment is gone, culture with morality returns to society, done with child prostitution and penis-cutting "clinics" and German art is back to life

[@jenshavla4673]

@@userlink-12345 and then instead of maintaing that status and building upon it, nah...let's rather go to war with a 200 million people in the east, and then everybody else. It's bound to end well!

[@jawafreak230]

@@jenshavla4673 indeed

[@samuelbasye3508]

It's really a shame that "The Greatest Story Never Told" can no longer be viewed on KZbin. Those who refuse to acknowledge the past are destined to repeat it.

[@dan6352u2uw]

Don't worry, those who want to know the real truth will find that documentary somewhere else 🙋🏻♥️

[@wspencerwatkins]

How narrow minded do you have to be to base your view of history on a single documentary?

[@joenasty4395]

@@wspencerwatkins How stupid do you have to be to complain about something that wasn't even said?

[@wspencerwatkins]

@@joenasty4395 don’t get pissy

[@androidtexts6948]

No one can say he was not a brave soldier

[@seang3019]

He was a fearless, psychopathic nonce.

[@jagamoasta2310]

But nobody says he was one either...

[@androidtexts6948]

@gregijagamoasta2310 that's not true I'm not defending the guy but it's simply not true

[@j3dwin]

If I heard that intro music elsewhere, the muscle memory in my hand would instinctively start looking for a thumbs up button.

[@Jesse_Leuning]

Nice

[@bjarneanmarkrud8187]

They actually used that music in this years Strade Bianche award ceremony - it really messed with my brain.

[@smoath]

😂

[@janiceduke1205]

Redemption's Last Chance Elijah Robert 1:37

[@TheSuperNinjaEX]

Simple history?

[@shaneferris6742]

Runners had the shortest life span of all during WWI. Like tail gunners in WWII.

[@acediadekay3793]

I believe Indie Nidel said Officers had the shortest life span of WWI. (of course one i a rank and the other is a job)

[@patrickmunneke8348]

@@acediadekay3793 Maybe the shortest lifespan for non officers?

[@IlmarKiisk]

Most deaths came from artillery bombardments. And officers were better protected from those. Runners, however, usually got in sight of the enemy alone and were important targets, as important messages/orders could be disrupted if one is killed. So they, naturally, died more often than other soldiers.

[@acediadekay3793]

​@@IlmarKiisk I believe it all comes down to how you chose to count it. There was far fewer officers on the ground than regular men, and both sides was known for targeting them. So proportionally the the death toll would be higher than your average soldier. But that not all. If you for example look at WWI pilot, you will find that the average lifespan was just three weeks. Pilots in the first world war was almost always sergeants and officers. (But I'm sure there was lot's of exceptions to.) Do you include the death of airborne officers in the same statistic as the infantry officers, or do you count them separately? It might make a big difference. This was obviously just a made up example of the top of my head. But you get the point.

[@IlmarKiisk]

@@acediadekay3793 Perhaps. I meant only in land combat. As most deaths came from artillery, which can't target so accurately, and even the infantry firing to mass of soldiers approaching, they usually didn't take time to choose officers, rather were either afraid to shoot (kill a man on sight) at all or were shooting to stop the charge as a whole.

[@CaptainRod1000]

What the hell is wrong with people who dislike Mark Felton videos? He is explaining HISTORY. Quite well I might add, so to dislike this is purely idiocy, an arrogance of acceptance of what once was. He is a storyteller, nothing more, nothing less. Would you dislike your teacher or professor because you didn't like the content? History isn't always pretty. But it's men like Mark who are able and dedicated enough to tell these stories thoroughly and precisely. Preserving and understanding our past is a surefire way to make our outlook as human beings more positive for the future. Well done Mark👏 Keep up the excellent workmanship. Disregard the thumbs down, apparently the saying is true that you cannot fix stupid.

[@yannick245]

There are actually more Bavarian speakers in Austria then in the Free State of Bavaria.

[@fartdonkey8290]

LEAVE BRITNEY ALONE

[@flightofthebumblebee9529]

People scare me who deny facts and history. This video is compelling and informative and in no way makes you "side with Hitler".

[@Jik239]

@@fartdonkey8290she’s been through enough..

[@roo99710]

I saw a commebt on a videp that said "i dislike first" like thats an achievment?

[@riatorex8722]

12:05 It's crazy to think that Tolkien was also present during the early days of the Somme. Their trenches were seperated only by a few hundred feet of land full of barbed wires, shell holes, and countless dead bodies. A homeless failed artist, and a struggling Oxford graduate, both destined for greatness...

[@stu8642]

Who would have predicted they would meet again, at the Battle of Helm's Deep.

[@thomashaeyen6942]

​@@stu8642 i'll have to read and re-read the two towers when i get the chance

[@ironbru24]

Outstanding video. Imagine if the BBC did documentaries as well as Mark Felton.

[@rgo8794]

the thing is you can put a lot of information in a "short" video but you can't do this with 60 minutes documentaries - intended to reach everybody not only ww2 interested people who already know the types of presentation

[@OtaBengaBabalanga]

Many mistakes just in the first minutes e.g. Hitler spent his father's Inheritance way before moving to Munich, and he was rejected in the Austrian army, again, many years before moving to Munich

[@FreeMan4096]

making accurate content is not the main objective of rabit BBC propaganda.

[@rgo8794]

@@FreeMan4096 why the hell would the bbc not portray accurate ww2 history for what

[@DestroyerWill]

@Klark Kuller exactly correct.

[@jerryjeromehawkins1712]

I always knew Hitler had served during ww1 as a trench runner, etc. What I didn't know was that his service time covered the entire length of the war. He definitely saw some serious action. So after being wounded he begged his commander to allow him to return to the frontlines to fight alongside his friends once again? Ideology aside... you have to respect that.

[@roadrunner6474]

He spent a good portion of that service in a hospital though

[@officerdank4644]

@@roadrunner6474 and? He was still very brave and that is admirable

[@jansandman6983]

@Shinshocks he even was aching to go back to the front and his job as a runner was one of the most dangerous jobs in the military at that time. we can't deny that he was commendable as a soldier even though he became full time palpatine later on in his life.,

[@Spongebrain97]

A lot of it comes down to him not having any friends or a life before joining the army hence why he was so dedicated to it

[@thesaltycabbage]

@@roadrunner6474 2 months out of 48 is hardly a good portion.

[@DaveyWalshey]

You know this was rather refreshing! Usually when I pull up something on Hitler it's American made. That usually entails constant jump cuts, a narrator with a deep voice, 'experts' giving one liners, and really reaching information (DID YOU KNOW HITLER ATE BABIES ON THE FRONT LINE?!). Well done.

[@constableconstable2563]

Hitler survived a ton of close calls in WWI and during WW2 avoided multiple assassinations by mere minutes, he definitely had more than luck watching over him.

[@hilariousname6826]

LOL!

[@Eric.1I37]

He had a Jewish driver and body guard.

[@hansnoor9637]

He maxed out his luck and charisma stats

[@cyrosubod2317]

God is watching this talented artist

[@waterboltenjoyer6361]

proves the point that he had to be kept to show us all something

[@jsldj]

This was DEFINITELY NOT what we were taught in high school or college! THANK YOU, Mark!

[@chainreaction8977]

What are you talking about? Of course the whole world attacked a country half the size of Texas because they were all evil... .. .

[@DM-ze9qy]

@@chainreaction8977 - Bruh

[@user6008]

@@chainreaction8977 Right, and the Soviet Union wasn't allied with Nazi Germany before being betrayed by Hitler. Some of us have researched, so get back in your room and don't come out.

[@bobshenix]

@Tom Jones Benes (the Czech leader) stated in his memoirs from the time that it appeared obvious the Soviets were gearing up for war. German likely attacked when it did because the longer time went on the less of a chance they would have of defeating the USSR in a war. Hitler did utlimately intend on expanding eastward regardless, but not before making peace with (or neutralizing) Britain and France. Germany's position in the middle of Europe put them at a huge disadvantage... the Western Allies were spared total destruction at Dunkirk because Hitler believed London would come to its senses and come to terms. What Hitler wanted most was a European alliance against Bolshevism. The Red Scare was a very real threat in those days.

[@bobshenix]

@@user6008 They weren't really allies, the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact was a temporary solution for both sides. Partitioning Poland was in both of their interests, but neither side trusted the other in the big picture.

[@artziegler2715]

He had a pet dog named Foxl and kept a notebook with drawings he did. Both were stolen and he was pissed about it, mostly about the dog since he believe he had been saved by the dog. He had gone out from a shelter because the dog insisted to be followed outside and immediately a shell had hit the place. Had he been inside he would had been killed.

[@chandruu1995]

I read he had an intuition to move away from there. Well, the inner compulsion doesn't stop with the trench.. he escaped several plots during ww2.

[@antoniof9756]

If the dog stood put, the world would be very different...

[@barrykevin7658]

One of Hitlers few good qualities was that he was a dog lover .Probably the loyalty was the attraction got him and luckily the dog couldn't understand what he was ranting on about .

[@sayyer10]

@@antoniof9756 so true. And we wouldn’t have WW2!

[@shaneferris6742]

He was a vegetarian because he didn't like the thought of animals being harmed, And only ate eggs. And was the first person to bring animal and environmental protection laws.

[@peterm3964]

Capitain : We can’t get a message through there’s too much shelling, machine gun and sniper fire . ADOLF : Hold my beer.

[@keithmccormack6248]

Hold my rifle.

[@Ponen77]

Hold my pilsner

[@irish3335]

Getting a description of Hitler in raw and unabashed truth really puts a perspective in his mindset from The start - and truly tells about the man and not what Nazi propaganda tried to tell! Thank you Dr Felton!

[@AFGuidesHD]

from Lance-Corporal to Fuhrer and Reich Chancellor, that's one heck of a story. Imagine if some corporal Tommy told his mates in 1914 that he'd be King of England by 1935.

[@NickB1967]

AFGuidesHD: Prime Minister, but your point is well taken!

[@AFGuidesHD]

@@NickB1967 "King and Prime Minister" to be exact

[@NickB1967]

@@AFGuidesHD I really can't dispute that! :-D

[@jeffwarren1242]

I would say from a vagrant to Leader of Germany.

[@shrshred2323]

afaik some guy named winston did a similar move.maybie not king, but prime minister isnt that bad either

[@stephentilley6645]

Excellent and unbiased.

[@harry793]

@@jimthompson8947 there was one sponsor message at the start and an ad + sponsor at the end what are you on about plus a video that says hitler 100’s of times needs to make money somehow

[@jozephkerr2791]

Without a hint of exaggeration , it's one of the best documentaries I've ever seen. Thank you sir, for outstanding content!

[@fdllicks]

The 2 videos of Mark's that really reveal Hitlers personality were this one and his video of his quick visit to Paris after it was conquered. Check that out. I also want to say Ive always found it fascinating Hitler was gassed and went temporarily blind in Ww1. When WW2 occurred, not one time did he allow the Germans to use chemical weapons, not once. All the soldiers of WW2 carried gas masks (German, Russian, American and Brits) and not once were they used. Even in the final weeks Hitler refused to allow any use of chemical weapons. A third point, Mark notes his fellow soldiers found it odd he never received a parcel from home. Very revealling.

[@CC-8891]

Yes he didn't allow gas use in a military application. He only allowed poison gas to used on defenseless civilians he deemed 'subhuman'.

[@jonathanford7055]

@@CC-8891 Kinda sus isn't it? He's so evil he'd gas women and children to death but refused until he very end to use gas in war, even when Germany was on it's last legs. VERY strange

[@salvadorvillegas3569]

@@CC-8891 : That's is a LIE and you know it!!!

[@Pathfinders_Ascend]

For a mere lance corporal, Hitler is sure found in a large # of photos at that time. It's like fate is staring at its next destiny in the face.

[@Fos3tex]

You should have seen his instagram account. Nothing but selfies and promoting genocide as an influencer.

[@tritonlandscaping1505]

That and how he survived the horrors of WW1 in a dangerous job no less. Interesting. If his fate was to do the things he did, what was the point? Because Germany got fucked...didn't it?

[@ReminationYT]

@@tritonlandscaping1505 WW1/2 set forth the Cold War, nuclear developments, NATO, etc. Whilst not necessarily directly responsible, it helped create our world in lots of ways. It changed the course of humanity.

[@pequenoperezoso3743]

@@ReminationYT It makes you wonder how advanced we'd be, technologically, socially and politically speaking, if Hitler died during WW1. Or starved as a vagrant in Vienna. Or got accepted in Art College. Or was rejected by the Bavarian king.

[@henktank1633]

@@pequenoperezoso3743 We are so because he did. Nuclear fusion and energy is because of that conflict. So is alot of rocket propulsion and other aerodynamic technology. If anything hardship and war test our resolve and push us to our limits. Youre thinking backwards.

[@Carlton-B]

"Sargeant, there is a letter from this Austrian to the King. He wants to join the Bavarian army for some reason. Shall I tell him to join his own army?" "No, we need as many men as we can get. Make a clerical error or something, and tell him to come on over."

[@michaellorusso4912]

+Carlton B: Has this been confirmed ?

[@Carlton-B]

@@michaellorusso4912 Its as good a scenario as any.

[@paraguaymike5159]

@@Carlton-B There is a more than 90% probability that you are correct.

[@jacob1121]

I imagine the King telling one of his staff to simply "make it so".

[@Inderastein]

@@Carlton-B actually yeah, I mean, if he were to be sent to Austria, he may not be recruited due to him looking sickly, sent to jail, then he would be feeding on the food needed by others, and yes, a great idea by the King himself to place him to the infantry due to the King and Hitler's desperate acts.

[@darwinism14]

"The most important principle of leadership is to lead by example. If at all possible, a leader should have already done that which he will ask others to do. "

[@ABC1701A]

Thank you. We learned a bit about his war service including his award for gallantry and bravery but this went into excellent detail. Whatever else he was and whatever he did later [not excusable at all] he was both an excellent painter of buildings - good enough that they look almost as good as a photo, he could have earned a good living depicting images for an architectural magazine or something similar in a different time - and he was a brave man. Pity he went so afar off the rails after the war, he would probably have made a career soldier and been a good one as well, under different circumstances. Thank you again for a purely factual description of his early career, something not usually heard/seen elsewhere.

[@danawilkes6174]

My Grandfather went to school with Adolf Hitler when in Linz Austria. I am 71 now and finally talked to someone else (he was somewhat younger than me) a couple of years ago, that their Great Grandfather did the same. Little did they know, what was to come of this. Small world...

[@mochalo4912]

more details maybe ?

[@barrydysert2974]

🙏 🖖

[@danawilkes6174]

My Grandfathers name was James Fostey, and was born in 1889. He came to Canada around 1902/03, from what we know. He came into America sometime later. Met his wife to be (Frances Shurgot), around 1916/17 in St. Louis and married soon after that. Then moved to Farmington in Michigan. He could speak in at least seven languages, however he would only speak English and tried to lose any accent he had. That seemed to be the way it was in those days. There are three pictures of Hitler in early grade school, from what I have been able to find. One of them (almost for sure) in the pictures looks like my Grandfather. I never knew him. He died at 52, a few years before I was born. My Mother and Uncles told me the stories, when I was growing up. Nobody is alive anymore to add to this, unfortunately...

[@thelvadam2884]

@@danawilkes6174 sad that this part of history will soon be forgotten completely.

[@germen343]

@@danawilkes6174 Please upload the pictures somewhere. It would be a shame for such images to be lost to time.

[@AudieHolland]

World War I realism: A regiment is reduced to a small batallion in three weeks. A full company is reduced to a platoon.

[@pexxajohannes1506]

A French generals saying: A Man is not a general, unless he had 10 000 own men killed.

[@hankhicks1108]

That's hard, cruel hard.

[@gadzooks5541]

Which also puts Dunkirk and the French surrender into perspective.

[@SVSky]

That was Napoleon " It takes 10,000 casualties to make a Battalion commander"

[@mjxw]

Those casualty figures are incredible. A regiment suffering ~85% casualties in 20 days.

[@LumocolorARTnr1319]

My history book in school said something like "There is nothing known about Hitlers time in WW1, it's possible he never saw battle at all."

[@drstrangelove4998]

Yes, I wonder why!

[@ZappyBox]

Dr. Felton, you do a tremendous job with all of your productions. However, making silent footage come alive, is some of your best work.

[@northeden8661]

The number of times he escaped death is mind boggling. Those future time travelers really suck at their jobs.

[@braddoc4087]

Can't even kill him with World War One!

[@Jorhan]

Maybe they were trying to keep him alive

[@MXB2001]

LOL

[@silvadossantos6803]

Maybe it is their fault to being.

[@frankgesuele6298]

@@braddoc4087 In the end only Hitler could kill Hitler.

[@bugsywolfe]

When history is no longer dry and boring ... I wish Mark was my history teacher back in the day. Maybe I actually would have gone to class.

[@galaxypl7756]

I really don't get your point. This guy is explaining history in very interesting way, but it isn't, for example, an oversimplified-like way of teaching history. It's not any different from normal lhistory lesson. It is very interesting and well explained tho, so maybe the "dryness" of history lessons depends on a subject?

[@myfairlady343]

@@galaxypl7756 this doesn't have a lot to do with whaf I would consider a history lesson in school should look like. Nobody has the time to go in such detail and it frankly doesn't realy matter. What is important for studants is to be able to grasp the entirety of european history and to be able to know what where th key moments that formed it like the french revolution or the industrial revolution and to be able to form connections and see correlations between these moments and what happened as a result of these moments, what maby went wrong or what one could do better in the future to prevent such things. What the 3rd panzer in the 4th batalion did during the invasion of france is completely irrelevant from a historians perspektive.

[@John-X]

@@galaxypl7756 No, it's just that students are doing more poorly and are more disinterested than ever before, because school is archaic and the format hasn't changed in hundreds of years despite advancements in all fields, especially in terms of the humanities and technology. I had the same problem as the original poster, in that I was completely disillusioned with most of my classes because they were so unbearably boring. I have learned more off the internet (and this is not an exaggeration), than I *ever* did in school.

[@Poopookachew1]

@@myfairlady343 The devil's in the details. Sometimes when the "big connections" are made, that's where a narrative is inserted which glosses over other aspects that could just as readily tell another story, or at least fill the picture in a bit more. Those details tend to create a messier picture, sure, but one that is more accurate, as the video that we're commenting on sort of demonstrates. It just depends on how far or near someone's eyesight is. It should never be the role of a teacher to dim it for either category.

[@John-X]

@SMA Productions so ur just gonna copy & paste that on _every_ comment are you?

[@hungrysoles]

I heard that Hitler cut down his mustache to the size he left it so that it made a better fit for his gas mask. You should also look into why Hitler admired King Frederick the Great of Prussia that he even had a portrait of him in the bunker,

[@yannick245]

@Uncle Adolf Nope, he had a full moustache during the whole war. The gas masks in these days didn't seal with your skin. A full moustache was no problem.

[@Vingul]

The pictures in this video contradict that.

[@PNW_Sportbike_Life]

Mark, I've been geeking out on your channel lately; impressive detain and top-notch narration; thank you!

[@jawafreak230]

So this man wasn’t a coward after all...

[@hp2084]

One thing cowards cant do is take their own life.

[@John-X]

The science fiction writer said that Hitler was no coward, but then also said that he was a backstabber and selfish, but none of Hitler's military record suggests either of those descriptions. No selfish backstabber would shield an officer from bullets with his body, or let alone be a freaking trench runner. I mean, the man was seriously a war hero, and if anything, I understand why he became so radical.

[@TheMegadethMonk]

@@hp2084 Well, he didn't. He died in Argentina. The OSS at the time, CIA now, knew he took a submarine to South America. The docs were declassified years ago. And the military and scientist higher-ups built a new colony in New Schwabenland in Antarctica. Admiral Byrd, of the US Navy, sent a large armada down there after the war, but they were beaten back by just a few 'flying saucers' or reverse engineered Vimanas. All 'conspiracy theories', just like those that claim that Hitler was a failed artist and a coward...of course.

[@evilseedsgrownaturally1588]

@@TheMegadethMonk You realize you simply cherry-pick the facts (I use that term loosely) that work to fit your narrative, while discounting everything else? The declassified docs, those were the true docs, right? There's no way they could have been fabrications serving some ulterior motive.

[@hp2084]

@Blood in the Water So, do you understand English?

[@ALEJANDROARANDARICKERT]

His architectural paintings are quite impressive!

[@hanssiegling8262]

I would have liked to see his lost paintings and sketches he did since about 14, about first the replanning of Linz and later other big german cities. August Kubiczek talked about that part of him in great detail.

[@haledwards4642]

I have to agree with you. If any of his postcard paintings still survive, they should be quite valuable.

[@vanmust]

he drew a Madonna with Christ as well ......that proves that he was later engulfed in his own propaganda

[@k.p.5736]

Best channel on the tube , this guy knows everything I want to know . WW2 is my favorite history I watch things over an over again because it’s done so well .

[@82luft49]

Incredible, deep research in putting this outstanding video together. Thank you, Mr. Felton.

[@Remembrance1776]

Hitler almost never joined the German Worker’s Party. As a government spy, he attended a few public meetings and as one of the audience found its members boring and not worthy of attention. During his last government mandated attendance he was about to walk out with no intention of returning when someone began advocating for Bavaria to break away from Germany and join Austria. Hitler, outraged, immediately called the person out for being a traitor to Germany. After speaking for some time on the subject, the effect of his speech on the audience was clear to the German Worker’s Party and they asked him to join which after some internal debate Hitler did. The rest as they say is history.

[@gordonfreeman8109]

I thought the argument was an economic one someone was having with Gottfried Feder, with Hitler defending Feder

[@storetor]

That's too funny He joined as an agent and was an agent for the rest of his life Even adopted the mustache of Charlie Chaplin and lost the war in the most horrible way possible for Germany

[@JohnMoses1897]

Her Hitler had a big handlebar mustache, which

[@JohnMoses1897]

Hitler had a big traditional handlebar mustache which was shaved off on the ends with a bayonet during a British mustard gas attack so a gas mask would seal to his face. Performing this task while holding your breath & donning/purging a gas mask under attack without panic takes a cool disposition, self control, & will. He was injured by the gas, but survived while most around him perished. NOTE: you never see pics of runners with gas mask canisters, which I believe indicates he appropriated one.

[@miniaturejayhawk8702]

Hitler reaction was quite understandable. I would also be filled with anger after such a proposition if I were in his shoes.

[@flioink]

History Channel: "No we don't have history here. How about more aliens?" Mark Felton: "Fine, I'll do it myself!"

[@garrisonnichols7372]

Feels like it doesn't it!🤣 I don't even watch TV anymore!

[@flioink]

@@garrisonnichols7372 Same.

[@wysoft]

This was the kind of stuff that was on History back in the mid/late 90s. They used to be fantastic and would air long form documentaries that were of high enough quality to use as classroom material.

[@flioink]

@SMA Productions I'd argue is more of fascination than "love". Those who have love for such murderous regimes should get their head checked.

[@Top_Cheeze]

How long before this channel gets targeted for hate speech? lol

[@frankgoudy933]

Felton is a real treasure for those who want honest history. Increasingly rare today.

[@jupiterwing2984]

As an Austrian, i can tell that his story is kind of sad, he just needed something to feel important after years wasting away as an poor nobody.

[@dangerjoe8911]

This is utmost interesting. In germany, our history teacher in tenth grade did try to depict hitlers job as a trench runner as a cowardly and harmless duty and hitler as a bad soldier.

[@mrthompson3848]

I don’t think it’s too hard to understand why. Had your teacher been as generous as Doc Felton here, he probably would have lost his job.

[@lector-dogmatixsicarii1537]

Irony being your teacher is the cowardly one for living in absolute fear of losing his copium drip. This is called projection, as a projector projects images they will project their faults upon others. Killing your heroes is not just theoretic movie conjecture. It's to keep you from actually reading source material and getting ideas that maybe evil propaganda man makes a lot more sense without people with an agenda breathing Pravda approved annotations down your neck.

[@trollsquad3605]

@@lector-dogmatixsicarii1537 wait Pravda from GuP?

[@time892]

Im not suprise looking at the corruption on the german government and their history and culture censorship behaviour

[@dangerjoe8911]

@@trollsquad3605 No, Pravda as in the communist newspaper.

[@tinman3586]

Just think, if he'd been killed in battle in 1918 he may have been remembered for a time by a few as a brave, loyal soldier, an example to others before being forgotten to history within a few years.

[@thegreenbird795]

But only Hitler could kill Hitler.....

[@dandare6865]

If he had been killed then you would no be alive.

[@ofthecaribbean]

The problems that got him elected wouldn't have gone away. Someone like him would've rose in his place.

[@hugefart440]

@@thegreenbird795 he owned the bullet with his name on it so he wouldn't be hit by it. At least until april 30 1945

[@thegreenbird795]

@@hugefart440 April 30th is Walpurgis Night....wooo

[@joeyb4045]

All of Felton's docs are great. Well researched, interesting, entertaining, etc. I just wish you would do longer form; 60mins plus.

[@Jagdpanther93]

Excellent job on your Videos, being from Germany its pretty hard to find good documentaries without the old ideological undertone of " remember, these were the badies". Objective and rich on details, good work, really entertaining and informative.

[@peterespada6226]

I was aware that Hitler was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class, but unaware he was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class.

[@1pcfred]

I think any German that could manage to survive 4 years of the war at the front deserved the Iron Cross first class.

[@nonamesplease6288]

Hitler wore these awards on his uniform for the rest of his life. Before I was aware he fought in WWI I always wondered if he had awarded them to himself as dictators and crowned heads often do.

[@rithvikmuthyalapati9754]

Lol, I was aware the other way around. I was aware he was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class, but I didn't know he was also awarded 2nd class.

[@jimrolfe552]

The Iron Cross 1st class had to be preceded by the IC 2nd class. Couldn't go straight to 1st class.

[@gerhard6105]

For 30 years i already know he had al these medals. I have only seen 1 picture where he was wearing them al. He did wear the Bavarian and 2nd class medal because he thought they were to low and would distract from the other 2 awards. My grandmother brother had the iron cross 2nd class, the medal for taking Czechoslowakia with Pragerburg Spange and the wounded badge in gold. He was a Feldwebel in the infantery. He survived al from 1938 on. From his brother i have his rewards and Wehrpass.

[@hokulea8655]

Mark Felton. The Best History Teacher Ever!!!

[@John-X]

Dude, I've learned more history from the internet than I ever did in school, and I actually *want* to learn, because it's actually *interesting.* I've been watching a bunch of this guy's videos and I'm probably subbing soon.

[@misiekvuychik3768]

Great channel. Ordinary people in England generally not well educated in history.

[@gerrardmckay9304]

And a very brave combat soldier.

[@LanzoL.]

He always has been

[@the_mystery_of_stonehenge]

Excellent source footage. At 11.55 authentic combat shot, indicated by it being filmed from below ground level, shows a German soldier taking a round in his left leg and collapsing in uncertainty whether to continue which was now impossible or signal a medic directly followed by a British sequence of similar grit. Nice work!

[@cantthinkofausername8698]

Who can dislike these videos. They are extremely entertaining and informative.

[@AudieHolland]

What I knew as a Dutchman of Corporal Adolf Hitler during World War I: -awarded the Iron Cross Second Class; -survived an artillery round that killed all his comrades because he woke up from a nightmare and wandered into the Noman's Land moments before the shell hit; -was never promoted above the rank of Corporal; Actual history: German WWI Warhero Adolf Hitler Could not be killed Many thanks, Dr. Felton. Wearing his Iron Cross First Class and his Wound Badge must have made a tremendous impression on the soldiers of the German Wehrmacht and explains why he was so popular among the rank and file before and during the first few years of the war.

[@trutle88]

Hitler was an evil man nonetheless, and really shouldn’t be idolized

[@sebathadah1559]

He was no hero.

[@Geckobane]

I keep leaving and deleting comments on this video because Wehraboos aren't worth arguing with and I don't want to pollute an amazing history channel with my personal rancor.

[@AudieHolland]

@@Geckobane "Geckobane said: 'Mass murderer, Wehrmacht sacrificer, virulent racist, genocide initiator, cruel patron of POW and civilian slavery, condoned disgusting "medical" tests, sterilizer of the mentally disabled and "und...' *11 minuten geleden* Damn, that was a decent rant. Though of course rather stating the obvious.

[@Geckobane]

@@AudieHolland I kind of just snapped after the 50th comment throughout this video of people who seem to think he was a hero.

[@jonhansard826]

For such a sensitive and complex subject as this, I can't think of anyone who could have portrayed this particular history in a visual narrative with this much fidelity. Respect.

[@natedog1619]

Unbiased. Straight to the point. Few do it better than Dr. Felton.

[@natedog1619]

@SMA Productions it’s History, dude. If you don’t study and learn from it, it is doomed to repeat itself. I collect WWII militaria, especially that of German origin. Does that make me a Nazi? Just because people love history does not mean they love the ideology of naziism or socialism etc. Thanks for your virtue signaling comment though. It surely made you feel more of a social justice warrior.

[@andrewvida3829]

@SMA Productions For one thing, your statement gives no context and is thereby effectively meaningless. If we assume that you refer to the OP as showing love of Hitler, you are 180. Respect for truth is not the same as that for a man who became of the more egregious mass murderers in human history, exceeded only by the communists in the form of Mao and Stalin, pretty much in that order. My acknowledgment that Hitler was a brave and dedicated soldier in no way implies love for his later misdeeds. No soup for you.

[@kaveebee]

@@natedog1619 Good on you, another Hypocrite put in his place. Who gave them the right to lecture people and show disapproval etc?

[@johnhardin4358]

@@natedog1619 The Germans had a good handle on war gear. The "coal scuttle" balaclava helmet was such a good design the USA used it to make the Fritz. The extended flange helps keep things from falling down your shirt neck, like water and hot bits of shrapnel.

[@nigefal]

Always have to ration these Felton videos to stop myself binging them. As usual always well presented, thought provoking, and well researched.

[@kitharrison8799]

It has to be said of Mark Felton's documentaries that over the years I've had a few good conversations with strangers in pubs etc who are also fans. These are mixed people, people in education, history enthusiasts down to people just wanting more flesh on the bones from a good source. Your work is great, Mark and it has great word of mouth.

[@handavid6421]

medals he received: Iron Cross First Class Iron Cross Second Class Wound Badge Honor Cross 1914-1918 Bavarian Cross of Military Merit, Third Class with Swords Bavarian Medal of Military Service, Third Class

[@nn4151]

@SMA Productions there’s no good or bad guys, just winners and losers

[@joaopedro-ug9do]

@john brown 110 Yemen just deported them😂

[@noah_hill]

@john brown oh no! Stop looking at the facts it will only make you crazy in this backwards existence.

[@sircoloniser5454]

69 likes Nice

[@shrekdank3473]

@john brown a pest

[@rubenroque9211]

Hitler worn the Iron Cross first class proudly for the rest of his life.

[@milferdjones2573]

@Amplass 333 always a contrast between him and his top military group them with tons of metals and him with so few. He was not a common dictator filling their chest with metals. A different face of a greatly evil man.

[@wjbrooks19]

12:04 Forget Hitler. I want to know more about the badass bagpipe player. Now THAT is a tough SOB!

[@roland.j.ruttledge]

Fantastic. Brilliantly put together, many thanks UK

[@tekkhero9767]

I was wondering why hitler seemed so at ease standing on the front lines looking out over battle fields with his commanders in ww2. Now i know why. Compared to his experiences in ww1 it was a walk in the park

[@stevesullivan9752]

Seems like if there was ever a hell on Earth... it was the trench warfare during ww1. I can't imagine any man surviving that without being disturbed in some way.

[@JRobbySh]

Maybe the secret of his command over his generals. We really only know the ranting orator. His servants in Bavaria commented on his kindness.

[@barrykevin7658]

Pity he didn't stand a bit closer to the front line and earlier .

[@cyclesaviorn2700]

@Colin Harris Yes, although to make a count of it calls into question of how close does one have to be to the enemy to count as a "visit to the front lines"? For instance Zaporozhie in Ukraine was the headquarters for Army Group South beginning in early 1943. Hitler made multiple visits there, and in one case was quite close to the fighting. Does only that one count, do all three? Is the front the broader combat zone and "in danger" or being within earshot of the war? Similarly, Hitler's own HQ during the Polish campaign was set up at Zoppot, part of the territory of Danzig, and while not near the fighting, that too was 'in the combat zone' by some definitions, certainly. Being out of range of artillery doesn't mean out of range of aircraft, and in that sense even 100 miles out is still to an appreciable great degree.

[@pexxajohannes1506]

Wtf? fuhrer had to be hauled out from Poland campaign quite unceremoneously. In WW2 there was no equal static lines like in ww2 where to "watch enemy". You could not build a platform like Kaiserslacht in ww1 for emperor to see how his subjects fight and die..

[@noelcollins2355]

One sentence "In this life everything is possible." From a homeless man to the most powerful man in the world...god dammnnn!!!

[@AntonioMartinez-yj4pd]

@Politically Correct *Videos of him tremblin on the Berlín olimpycs cuz of meth*

[@snowflakemelter1172]

@@CB-py1xh stop lying.

[@snowflakemelter1172]

He was never "the most powerful man in the world" he was a ridiculous dictator for a few years and was then crushed.

[@AntonioMartinez-yj4pd]

@@CB-py1xh look men, Hitler body was cremated and no evidence of his meth abuse Will be displayed. The guy had cocaine eyedrops for breakfast. Im not sayin he was an addicted, but come on. He used meth AND coke to keep up. Even the regular troops used meth. When i said meth It was not the cristal meth you know from the States. They were * capsules of vitamins *

[@AntonioMartinez-yj4pd]

@@CB-py1xh how i see It, drugs caused His parkinson

[@georgewilkie3580]

My sincere Thank You to Dr. Felton for producing this excellent and highly informative Video. Kudos to You, Dr. Felton.

[@goffik1980]

Good job with this video Mark. It's nice to see an honest account of Hitler's military career for a change. So many other sources gloss over it, or try to make out that he was some kind of coward hiding in a nice safe job far behind the front lines. Rarely are his medals mentioned, and if they are then the real reasons for them being awarded are rarely detailed. I hate to see that kind of dumbing down or warping of history. If future generations are to fully appreciate and understand events (and people) from the past, then they need the facts as they really are. The facts in this case are that one of the most evil men in human history was actually a pretty brave soldier, whether people like it or not.

[@cameronnewton7053]

12:03 That guy with the bagpipes is an utter legend, exposing himself like that to enemy fire, at least the infantry have rifles to fire back with all he has is his courage and prayers.

[@TheBlackfall234]

thats no courage right there, thats just madness. Bad enough people go crazy in War, but even worse is some people seeing that madness and celebrate it.

[@MrAstrojensen]

The size of his steel balls shield him from enemy fire.

[@I_Lemaire]

Cameron. It is a re-enactment, dude.

[@MrAstrojensen]

@@I_Lemaire True, but there are numerous accounts of bagpipers actually doing that kind of stuff.

[@cameronnewton7053]

@@I_Lemaire yes, it very well could be, but sometimes that footage can be real. It's still nice to believe people have that courage none the less

[@stevesullivan9752]

I've learned that in later years during ww2... AH always downplayed his uniform, never choosing to wear anything fancy or over the top. He wanted to identify with the regular grunt.

[@3vimages471]

Yeah ... Hermann Goring was the same .... not flash at all.

[@jerryjeromehawkins1712]

@@3vimages471 Lol, I was thinking the same 3V. Himmler also... any badge possible it was on his tunic. Goering being a ww1 Ace though, he could back it up.

[@civilengineer3349]

Napoleon Bonaparte did something similar. Except for his crowning ceremony, he normally dressed as a soldier in his campaigns.

[@jerryjeromehawkins1712]

@@civilengineer3349 Didn't know that Big Red. Every painting you see of Napoleon he's decked out head to toe. Thank you. I'm majoring in History at the moment... hoping to teach kids soon. It scares me what our children are learning today... I hope to correct that. The United States is something to be PROUD of!!

[@pauljones7923]

@@3vimages471 I'm not sure anyone got this joke.

[@notme7728]

This will now be my go-to video to introduce people to Mark Felton. Perfect video. Perfect.

[@noncounterproductive4596]

I appreciate that Mark Felton ignores the accusation that Hitler's blindness after being gassed was hysterical. There is absolutely no reason to believe that, since temporary blindness was a quite common effect of mustard gas.

[@niallmcdonagh1093]

Having read countless tomes on Hitler never and I mean NEVER have the authors addressed this crucial phase of Hitler's life in such detail. The reason: they might be forced to acknowledge his undoubted bravery...can't have that!!! Mr Felton thank you for treating us like adults. Let us decide.

[@calguy3838]

I've read a good amount about World War II, but have never read a biography of Hitler. However, I did know that Hitler had distinguished himself as an unusually courageous soldier in the Great War, so I don't think this is information that's being deliberately withheld. Hitler was a courageous solder in World War I. Hermann Goering became a national hero in the same war for his exploits as a fighter pilot. Together both men later became responsible for starting the most destructive war in history and for monstrous crimes against humanity, which is rightly what they are mostly remembered for.

[@TheDirtyGuyOfficial]

Agreed. We deserve to know history - the good, the bad, and the uncomfortable.

[@mnbv990]

Agreed. This film has been a revelation to me too.

[@Tron-Jockey]

Der böhmische Gefreite war homosexuell

[@Smudgeroon74]

@@calguy3838 what books have you read about World War 2, out of curiousity? Please don't tell me any books by Max Hastings or Martin Gilbert.

[@DrewPicklesTheDark]

"Hitler was noted to very interested in the bigger strategic picture, particularly the Russian Revolution." And at that moment Europe's fate was sealed.

[@osamabinladen824]

😀

[@shkeni]

Because he wanted to destroy it? He could have died a million times at the front too, he was just incredibly lucky. "Fate" was anything but sealed at that point.

[@osamabinladen824]

@@shkeni I know

[@quantumsneak1773]

Saved all Europe from communism. Have more respect pls.

[@acap4395]

@@quantumsneak1773 based

[@theinquestinquisition2041]

Some of the best lectures/documentaries online.

[@shakiellwamba6499]

As a historian......it makes me proud to see your videos 🙌

[@frododiddledeebipedybopedy9840]

Hitler at the end of the war: "I'm pretty tired, I think I'll go home now"

[@Kenji17171]

He is in valhalla

[@boruut2909]

Before that, while running with a comrade who just stepped on a mine, he became know for the slogan "war happens".

[@frododiddledeebipedybopedy9840]

@@boruut2909 and the name of that comrade was.... ....Bubba...

[@yochaiwyss3843]

@@Kenji17171 Why? did he die in battle? or did he offed himself in the Fuhrerbunker like a coward? Real Germanic Herakles there boi

[@anasevi9456]

lol, if only.

[@DarkGT]

If nothing else he seemed very passionate about the cause he was fighting for. At no point he was forced to run in a rain of bullets and yet he did it with courage.

[@mpg608]

read what JFK said about hitler

[@timduncan9372]

Same can be said to many who died in a war

[@ProfShibe]

@@timduncan9372 Yep. Saddens me that he would later betray the same Germans that fought alongside him because they had different blood. He could have singlehandedly crushed communism and made Germany a wonderful world superpower.

[@str.77]

@@ProfShibe In the end he betrayed all Germans, intending their own destruction with his Nero orders.

[@Agent1W]

If you've been a near-worthless bum in a big city for much of your life up to that point...

[@jeomemo]

Amazing footage, you always bring the best.

[@LAVATORR]

I love how there were like twelve cameras in the world in 1915 and Hitler kept finding a way to photobomb all of them I don't love how today, there's cameras everywhere, but Hitler keeps photobombing mine and mine alone for some reason

[@Valdaur]

This is far better than watching the first 30 minutes of the Rise of Evil over and over every lesson when I was in High School.

[@KI.765]

Yuck, that's absolute garbage if you're trying to actually teach anyone anything. But then again, history teachers are typically well aware at how futile their lessons are and that they only reach maybe a couple kids at the most in each class. So, I guess they go with the dramatic depiction to try to get and hold a student's attention. We have to remember, history is consistently rated as one of the least liked school subjects. Kids like classes like english because they think stories are more like real life than history is, even though history is ACTUALLY real life.

[@SSGrau.]

@@KI.765 When I was in High School the cutscenes from COD WAW got me into history, that’s why I’m here.

[@johnsmith7759]

Rise of Evil and Escape from Sobibor every lesson I feel nostalgic all of a sudden

[@josephbingham1255]

Yup shoving those type movies down people's throats can cause the opposite reaction the presenters intended. Look what 24/7 of it has done to the modern German youth!

[@samadams2203]

Extremely interesting. I knew the basics of his service, but the sheer amount of danger he actually experienced in WWI is amazing. For such a deadly conflict, he seemed almost charmed.

[@ronvk100]

a unknown cosmic DESTINY of Historic proportions ..............................

[@kevinmalone3210]

It sure looks that way. You wouldn't believe how many times he escaped assassination attempts on his life that should've succeeded.

[@mr.niceguy1812]

The devil takes care of his own.

[@ill8485]

@@mr.niceguy1812 the devil doesn’t take care of ‘his own’ cuz he doesn’t exist.

[@Dutch_Uncle]

@@ronvk100 Hitler did experience trench warfare, actually in the trenches, at the first part of the war. However, he was soon selected to be a REGIMENAL runner, going between the regimental headquarters and the headquarters of the battalions of the regiment. It would have been much more dangerous to have been a BATTALION runner, going from battalion headquarters to the company units in the trenches. Contrary to the prevailing, and cultivated, image, he did not spend four years in unrelieved trench fighting. "Hitler's First War" is a deep dive into the archives of the Bavarian Army regiment (not German Army!) in which he served.

[@nicopolis7377]

He was third in a competition for two grants for a prestigious art school in Germany . He was a very good artist , as I have seen many of his paintings . One of his paintings sold for 200 , 000 Euros some years ago .

[@willfakaroni5808]

I doubt those paintings sold for 200,000 on their own merits

[@stormshadow5283]

@@willfakaroni5808 well atleast they are better than the crap sold off as art today.

[@mr.nemesis6442]

Imagine in a alternate universe where Hitler was know mainly for being an artist.

[@nicopolis7377]

I ' ve never been a Nazi , I was only saying that Hitler had artistic talent . He placed third in Germany for two openings In Germany's top art school . All I am saying is if had won one of those two scholarships , Hitler would have been recognized for his artistic talent and World War 2 would not have happened . I am not anti Jewish and I only wish for the best for Israel .

[@ABC1701A]

I've seen photos of some of his paintings. He would actually have made an excellent illustrator for an architectural magazine or something of that nature, he really was very very good at depicting buildings. Unfortunately I suspect he was painting the wrong thing for the wrong time and in a different place and time he might well have been successful. I don't like what he did and certainly don't approve of his actions later on but he was not only a very brave soldier but, in his way, a talented artist.

[@faithlesshound5621]

I have read elsewhere that Hitler's fellow soldiers on the front line called the messengers "rear area swine" because they didn't have to sleep at the front. Regardless of that, he was clearly brave but it's also notable that the officers who recommended him for medals did not promote him to any kind of command role, leaving him as an Obergefreiter or "old lag who doesn't have to sweep up any more."

[@slick4401]

It is chilling to see how his eyes change as the war goes on.

[@pauljones7923]

i didnt pick that up till you pointed it out

[@arthurneddysmith]

You mean "as he aged"? Jesus Christ, man, pay attention to the humans around you.

[@hurtfulcow8451]

@@arthurneddysmith it’s literally only 4 years difference yet his eyes completely changed and he was still young.

[@walasiewicz]

those are called crows feet

[@trey6892]

@@hurtfulcow8451 the dude was running through gunfire, seeing his comrades blown to bits, running through artillery fire and got gassed lol

[@britishperson6276]

Ahh yes just the everyday case of writing to a king for citizenship and getting a response from him and he *agreed*

[@freespace771]

Yes how times have changed, these days I can spend hours on the phone to my power/phone company and not get to speak to a real person. Never mind get a response from a King.

[@Arkantos117]

And I can't even get my local council to look at the potholes on my road. They're too busy finding new ways to launder money.

[@sayyer10]

How I wish I could apply for US citizenship just by writing to the President!

[@charlesmaximus9161]

That is actually how it was in monarchies. Americans and liberal westerners have this comically distorted notion that kings and queens were these stuffy, spoiled, toffee-nosed sociopaths who ignored their subjects when in reality the case was very much the opposite. Take royal France, for example. Any one of the king's subjects could simply walk to the palace and humbly request to speak to the king or queen about whatever they liked. There were even special days set aside in some monarchies where the king or queen would grant just about any reasonable request on that particular day. Monarchs protected their people from the elites, they didn't conspire with them. Revolutionaries however did!

[@Ocker3]

Actually if you listen to that part Felton says it was a clerical error

[@tatianalyulkin410]

He's not a failed artist! I've seen his paintings- they're quite good.

[@royto4739]

Isn’t how that works

[@marianmoses9604]

The truth is this: 99.9999999999% of all of the artists who’ve ever picked up a brush and tried to earn a living with it fail at the attempt. An exceedingly small number make “side hustle” money doing it. Most never become commercially successful - especially a century ago. Even some artists who are today remembered as “great” and are now considered “world renowned artists,” were not considered such in their day and many died destitute. So, if financial success in one’s lifetime is the sole measure of “talent” and accomplishment at art - then pretty much all artists must be regarded as “failures” by such a merciless standard. What bugs me is not whether or not Hitler was able to make any money as an artist, but rather the fact that so many silly people feel compelled to lie about his ability to paint well and to produce aesthetically pleasing and competently rendered paintings. The two featured in this video certainly fit that description. Why fib over something so minor? Because Hitler was the artist, apparently. Pathetic.

[@tosinoloyede3119]

Dr Mark Falton, u are the best man and thanks for giving us unbiased, detailed and objective historical perspectives.