Long Lost Family (UK) Special 02

Long Lost Family UK Special - The Unknown Soldiers
October 2019 Special
In thousands of fields across the world today lay the bodies of hundreds of thousands of fallen British servicemen, yet to be identified. Each man left behind family desperate to know the fate of their loved one. This special one-off episode of Long Lost Family, presented by Davina McCall and Nicky Campbell, is dedicated to the extraordinary searches across the world for soldiers lost in battle during the First World War.
www.itv.com/presscentre/ep1we...
This video is NOT being monetized. Uploaded for the love of LLF :)
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Presented by: Davina McCall, Nicky Campbell
Networks: ITV, STV
/ @itv
Executive producers: Colette Flight, Leanne Klein, Sally Benton, Clare Bradbury, Duncan Coates, Kate Scholefield
#LongLostFamilyUK #LongLostFamily #DNAtest #23andMe
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If you have any show request, please let me know in the comments below! ❤️

[@dragonflyhill5748]

“For your tomorrow we gave our today”- I don’t think I will ever forget that statement.

[@Skybreak31]

agreed!

[@Chris-ji4iu]

nor will I

[@NayLouise24]

Fits right into the world’s current situation too. Our neighbouring president said ‘We’re temporarily ending life to preserve Life’.

[@1028dianemarie]

Amen 🙏🏻

[@charisserempel23]

So very true. ;(

[@nairbvel]

My father -- a US Navy veteran during the Korean war -- was assigned to USNATO in the 1980s, and we visited Ypres several times. I remember the first time we walked to the Menin Gate... It looked like it was made of textured stone, only when I got closer I realized the "texture" was names upon names upon names, all British & Commonwealth troops and other personnel still missing after the intense fighting just in that one small region of Belgium. All of us, of every nation, owe so much to those who gave their all, but we cannot ever forget how many are truly gone, remembered only as a name on a memorial, a faded photo in an old album, or even just a story in a family history. The team who found identities for some of the unnamed bodies in this show are doing truly honorable work.

[@underratedunity1528]

Half a million still missing! 100 years later and technology can identify someone and reunite them with their family for a proper burial, what a miracle.

[@alvarovaldovinos6836]

I am a two time war veteran and I saw many die. In my mind, I always wondered if they ever be claimed.....it is so inspiring to see that it can still happen. The work those women do is beyond amazing and thank you for closing the chapters on so many unknown soldiers lives.

[@juliekoester7776]

Thank you for your service and sacrifice sir. God bless you and your family. ♥️

[@monicafedel3307]

My grandfather fought in WWI and spoke of the gas and trenches. When he came home he couldn’t work inside a building. He worked for the city park system flooded playgrounds to make ice rinks in winter, in the city parks in the nicer weather maintaining the grounds. He was a kind and sweet man. Thinking of the horrors he saw as a young man makes me cry. I wish I could hug him tight.

[@TheTrwebster]

My grandfather was in France in WWI as a sapper. I found a letter written by my dad's mother in 1944, just before he shipped out with the U.S, Marines: "...After spending 18 years teaching my boy to love his neighbor, he is re taught in 6 months to hate...and all I want is for him to come back home so I must let him hate..." She never mailed the letter- kept it for a "safety valve". Watching this episode is heart-wrenching on so many levels and I can't see very clear just now. The woman who came for her great uncle and the unknown soldier is a very kind and big-hearted soul. And the man who grew up in an orphanage- to find he had a great uncle in WWI, to find he has family history: what a gift.

[@glittermama]

I cried through most of this. WWI is one of the worst things I've heard of. Both my grandfathers survived it. One was a Marine, and I don't know much about him except that he was well and happy afterwards. My other grandfather was in the Italian army and was taken prisoner by the Germans. He suffered horrifically and arrived home years later in skeletal condition. He was the most honest, sweetest, and best man in the world and I miss him to this day; to think of his suffering so horribly--for what--makes me angry. This war was fought under unbelievably horrible conditions and should serve as an example to the world for never initiating another war. But bureaucrats, thieves, and autocrats will do what they will do, and the hell with honest people.

[@rosameryrojas-delcerro1059]

One of my great grandfathers survived as well. He did not talk about it much and my father was just a kid when he died so we don't know very much beyond his flying Jennings biplanes in France. The 1974 fire at the National Archives wiped out most of his service records so unless there are records in Europe, we will likely never know. Sucks.

[@PablaMMoore]

It is horrible what wars do to people. Destruction of nations and families. So many parents that lost their children and died without ever knowing where there children where. It is amazing that after 100 years or more there found soldiers remains. They deserve to be return to their country and families to be at their final resting place .

[@glittermama]

@@PablaMMoore Absolutely.

[@annamo9354]

Some years back, I made the journey to Belgium, to the Lommel German War cemetery...nearly 40 000 young boys and men are buried there, over 6000 of them unknown. As I made my way through the rows upon rows of little headstones I was hit with all sorts of emotions...sorrow for all of those lives lost, anger at the government of the time for allowing this, and compassion for their families. Ever since I am a member of the "Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge" which is an organisation who cares for war cemeteries in Europe. There's no clearer way to condemn war!

[@bernadettehooper4318]

Locating family/making the connections is so complicated. In 2011 an obituary was published in a California newspaper for Pfc. Edward L. O'Toole. It told of a soldier whose remains had been found in Germany. He had been identified by dog tags and dental records. He died in November 1944 at the age of 23. No survivors were listed. The obituary had been placed by the US Army. The Joint MIA POW Accounting Command, (the US equivalent of the UK search repatriation group in this story) had repatriated Pfc. O'Toole's remains. It made me wonder, who/where was his family? If not found, we were his family. I did some research on Ancestry and then contacted a reporter for the newspaper. He did more research and the next day a photo and story of the soldier (parents, high school attended, the battle he died in) was on the front page of that newspaper. Edward hadn't married or had children. None of his siblings had children. A younger cousin saw the story, contacted the cemetery and was present for the burial. He brought a flag and medal give to Edward's mother. He had grown up knowing about "Eddie". He lived in the family home. Over 250 people were in attendance at the burial, many from Edward's generation, the VFW and other veterans groups. I went with an elderly friend. Edward's story had touched many.

[@sroy9789]

Wonderful story. Goes to show that each of us (connected or not) should do our part in this world. You were not related to him, but you had a role to play and you played it. Awesome!

[@bernadettehooper4318]

@@sroy9789 Thank you.

[@bernadettehooper4318]

@Jamie Winblad Than you, Jamie.

[@charisserempel23]

That’s a wonderful story. My grandfather was in WWI my father WWII. I’ve great admiration and gratitude to all the soldiers and all the families that sacrificed so very much. Thank you. ;(

[@MicheleBrooks6]

Thank you for sharing this story. And thank you for attending and supporting Pfc Edward O’Toole as he was laid to rest. I wish more people would take notice of our soldiers. I love what this Team is doing. It has to mean so much to their families!

[@nickiewilson6985]

So glad he was found and sent home! My Grandfather was newly married at 21 & fought in WW1 for 3 yrs last 2 in Vimy Ridge! He was shot twice and sent home to Vancouver, BC, with a letter from the Royals wishing him well on his recovery! It's was something he couldn't & wouldn't talk about, not even to my grandma & comrades! Lest We Forget!

[@normaredman2198]

Very interesting family history of your grandfather. Thanks for sharing.

[@normawingo5116]

How beautifully your country takes care of their fallen soldiers.

[@alvarovaldovinos6836]

I wept like a baby. As a ex-army solider; and ex-war time veteran; this episode touched my heart and soul. All I could think of is of all those dead soldiers left behind in comeback. Rest in peace my brothers.

[@franciet]

❤️❤️❤️❤️ Thank you for your service ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@countesslove1752]

Alvaro Valdovinos .....you are our hero, thank you for your protection 🕯

[@christinescheiner5194]

So moving.

[@simonagheorghe9554]

@@countesslove1752 Exc Ed. D. D. E.

[@elizabethguilbe557]

Combat zones I wonder, if USA CIA brought pathfinders to pickup the dog tags and bodies in North Vietnam?

[@Chris-ji4iu]

When I heard, "...hundreds of thousands ...", I was stunned. I don't think I've ever really appreciated the numbers of men who fought and died in WW1. Thank you for this special.

[@asenatwashington3168]

Broke my heart!!! 4:30am and I'm crying over people I don't know. God Bless Them!!!

[@adorable3817]

To stop war....start by stopping meat consumption. "As long as Man continues to be the ruthless destroyer of lower living beings, he will never know health or peace. For as long as men massacre animals, they will kill each other. Indeed, he who sows the seed of murder and pain cannot reap joy and love." Pythagoras

[@nunya2954]

@@adorable3817 Read your Bible, GOD tells us what to eat to be healthy. So stop with the rhetoric.

[@adorable3817]

@@nunya2954 Where does God say to eat animals? Did Jesus eat animals?

[@mizkitty472]

What an absolutely BRILLIANT episode. Everything about it from the emotionality to the history to the splendid camera work and editing. The reunification of families both living and past is beyond description. However, there is one outstanding element for me: The first French person interviewed who found the remains in his garden. There needs to be a dig there of at least 1/4 mile square. Ministry of Defence, a pity there was no action taken at the time of the airing of this program two years ago. Please use your diplomatic channels to have this French citizen understand the honor - and the duty - of allowing this on his property.

[@WienerVL]

Im not british but im crying hard! This damn wars kills so much people! Respect to the lady who comes for the unknown soldier!

[@adorable3817]

As long as Man continues to be the ruthless destroyer of lower living beings, he will never know health or peace. For as long as men massacre animals, they will kill each other. Indeed, he who sows the seed of murder and pain cannot reap joy and love. Pythagoras

[@robinalexander1634]

All I can do is cry. I can't imagine what these families are feeling. God bless them.

[@wayasaunooke3424]

I'm only just watching this now and am weeping for all those lost in the great wars. Thank you, thank you for all you did to protect us, your great grandchildren. We love and honour you always, boys ♡♡♡

[@bettygorman4545]

As an only child, I don’t have many relatives with whom I am in contact. This special episode is very touching.

[@Trustthatvibe8228]

Long Lost Family you're a class act! So very well done. I enjoyed this. Thanks for the upload.

[@FreakingMona]

As the Great Granddaughter, Granddaughter, Daughter and Mother of Veterans this has touched me deeply. Bless those soldiers and families and those committed to trying to bring them some peace. Thank you for sharing this and helping to make sure these lost stories are told.

[@mountaingirl6479]

I’m also a grandmother, daughter, and mother and mother in law of veterans. This program was so well done, and touched me very greatly.

[@debrap947]

Quite astounding that they can find these soldiers families...out of all the missing. Great job detectives!

[@debbieh.9089]

We will never forget your sacrifice. Thank you for giving us the future.

[@slm3913]

It brings such a sadness to the soul. But with the wonderful records kept by the UK and France. It is an overwhelming closure for the families. Thank you for the wonderful work you do.

[@sassytbc7923]

As an American I find this story very touching that someone is giving these young men back their names and families. I know it’s hard work, but the level of devotion to the task is inspiring.

[@peterwy874]

To be able to name two out of three formerly unknown soldiers after all this time is insanely amazing and it gives those brave men the dignity they deserve. They fought for what we have got today. May they now rest in peace. And I thank all of them. Known or unknown. 🙏

[@fkschannel744]

This story breaks my heart! I cant help but cry...Im glad these heroes were laid to rest after quite awhile.. somehow i can relate to it..My grandmother's brother was also a war veteran..she had search everywhere to find her brother after the war but sadly he was never been found.maybe his body was in a mass grave.lying somewhere, unidentified..and its really sad...

[@kathycruse6693]

Ive hurt for survivor of korea and Viet Nam. My backyars neighbor died in Korea and altogether 9 friends died in Viet Nam. But all who gave their all were brought home. My late husband was 100% disabled from Viet Nam. So this just brought home the sadness of war.

[@rebeccamd7903]

Wasn’t expecting to see my last name even though my surname is English in origin. Turns out Frank Mead was born the same year as my great grandfather Albert Mead and they both fought in WWI. Another odd quirk is that I live in California now to. I’m fairly confident he is a distant cousin and offer condolences to all these families who lost their loved ones.

[@NayLouise24]

It’s so lovely and heartwarming, that after all this time, there is teams of people dedicated to bringing these men(and boys) home and giving them the resting they deserve

[@kristenranda3882]

bless the six wonderful ladies for the job they do. to give the soldiers back to their families, god bless you.

[@aquariusmarika]

so many young lives lost....many of them literally just children.... :(

[@renatabrpe]

The whole time watching I was thinking the same. I live in Germany and there are around here where I live memorials for the lost soldiers of both wars and it is just heartbreaking to see their names and ages and to know that somewhere a mother died not knowing what happened to their baby.

[@pansymarshall2816]

Davina and Nicky thank you, thank you both very much for how you've handled this most delicate and unknown side of lost family stories. Much Blessings and courage as you continue to research and bring these amazing to life.

[@catmaxwell6691]

My late dad’s young brother is buried in Korea. Though I’ve never been, a cousin went, & he said seeing Jerrolds’ name was more moving than expected. Thinking of those young, young men, & their plight, is truly heartbreaking.

[@susanjoy1501]

what a wonderful way to comemorate these brave men who gave their today for our tomorrow.

[@b57l]

My goodness me . I kept holding back tears. Very moving. Sad but incredible at the same time to see detectives engaged in such a duty ( not a job) to give human essence to those who served. May the team be capable of identifying more unknown soldiers , give them the final respect they deserve and give peace to their families . Thank you for this video

[@zschneider338]

Wikipedia: In Flanders Fields and Other Poems, a 1919 collection of McCrae's works, contains two versions of the poem: a printed text as below and a handwritten copy where the first line ends with "grow" instead of "blow", as discussed under Publication:[9] In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.

[@zeldarobinson3382]

We as school children recited this poem every remembrance day in school . Least we forget 😊

[@faithworks217]

I always cry a bit when I watch Long Lost Family, usually happy tears for family that is reunited. This episode was very sad and I cried all the way through. I feel deeply for soldiers, for the suffering they endure and for those whose lives are cut off when they are so young, and for anybody dying in traumatic circumstances, regardless of age. I started to research my genealogy on my mother's side, but stopped when I came across a young relative in the Union army who died when he was only 20, from injuries suffered while covering the retreat at Chancellorsville. He had no children to carry on his lineage, though my greatgrandfather, his nephew, bore the very same name, Lemuel Emory Viers. I felt so deeply for him and cried as if I had known him. Relatives fought on both sides of the Civil War. On my father's side of the family, he and all of his four brothers served in the military for England during World War II and I am happy to say that they all survived the war.

[@timmyangeltlc4888]

I am sitting here crying for those soldiers. I am from a family with a long history if serving and just want to say THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE GENTLEMEN. You are not forgotten.❤

[@milagrosroman2882]

Dear men, thank you so much for all you have done and all you do today. We treasure you.

[@susie2366]

I can’t think of a more worthy mission than to identify and honor our brave soldiers who literally ran straight into hellfire for us and for future generations.

[@patiencemukania4800]

Thank you Nicky and Davina for the Extra ordinary work. Although, as a descendant of a world war I soldier. My mother often spoke of her Grand father who fought in WWI in the Central African Region. In some ways, I'm also paying a tribute to them All who lost their lives. At the same time, I feel being a part of the same Journey eventhough ours will never be identified but those who have been restored to their families. All I can say is Thank you Davina and Nicky and All involved...

[@marigoldmarigold1208]

It's heart breaking to know so many soldiers who died away from family never to be found for 100's of years... It's heart wrenching. May their souls rest in peace

[@lanebashford3982]

God Bless these families for their loved ones' sacrifices and for not giving up. RIP dear soldiers.

[@klondo]

Much respect to these Detectives on the job they do to brings these Soldiers home, no matter how long they have been missing..

[@Skylarsoula]

beautiful people bless you for looking to give names to soldiers GOOD BLESS

[@dloglesby57]

To see and watch this made me cry, To have DNA and find that bodies did NOT match, BUT to know that THAT family DNA is now on record along with the remains, to one day, God willing have a match, is a great advancement. I pray that JOHN, is at some point found, for that pour lady to finally see his remains come home.I also hope that more of these are done and viewed and shared as well... Not only for Britain, but for the USA as well... So many are being buried and laid to rest with no names. They are ALL worth remembering!

[@geosamm9981]

To all those who died.... thank you.

[@deborahnieling2315]

Thank you so much for your Uploads from Austria 💖🇦🇹💕I couldn't make it through not one episode without crying so heartwarming! To find your roots is so incredible important!

[@Whocares.........]

This is a real tear jerker! Thanks Cinelic!

[@zeldarobinson3382]

I hope their will be more of these stories to keep us updated .thank you for doing everything you can to find and trace our brothers and sisters who gave their lives to protect us .

[@paulacorreal1675]

What an emotional video. For these families to be this emotional and have such compassion even when they weren’t a positive match speaks volumes about their wonderful characters. This, in a time when we are so often reminded that many are devoid of such feelings. It makes me feel optimistic that there is great hope for our society and even though it is fraught with negative examples we will persevere in achieving a successful future for all mankind. Thank you for sharing this inspiring, and emotional journey as these great hero’s were honored so many years after they gave the ultimate sacrifice.

[@carolbamford6510]

Absolutely wonderful work... A very moving video... Rest in Peace,... you are not forgotten…

[@dinahjackson8146]

No words, but, THANK YOU !!! 😢❤😘

[@jydeinden]

Its amazing that they after all these years can get a grave, can get "home"

[@tutyhasjim4170]

Again, Cinelic, thank you so much for the full episode👍

[@anneshewell8799]

I love this "special" on Long Lost Family (UK) it is so interesting !

[@richardhutchison3123]

Great stories about a hero from the past being found and remembered with honor and with dignity.

[@lindawoody8501]

.A well-crafted touching episode. Grateful for the hard work of the detectives and service members. Interesting showing the actual work in progress.

[@juliekoester7776]

Wow, wow, wow,wow…so incredibly moving. I’m so grateful to all service men and women who have served in the armed forces who fought to keep us all free. Although I’m an U.S. citizen I’m am very grateful to my British cousins who fought especially those who have passed on. God bless those women who are giving names to the fallen. May He give them insight, inspiration, and guidance to give these unnamed service men, and women if any, their names back. May they have rest now. God bless all those who have and do serve and their families. ♥️

[@nazufani4016]

Very distant cousins though we may be.....We are ALL family.....one species.....one family. Time to change our flawed mind-set. Thank you for the video.👍💖

[@middleagecrazy4234]

There is a certain irony that Frank’s letter states he is with three others in a trench. Makes you wonder if the same men were the ones he was buried with.

[@chriscaughey1103]

What a wonderful way to honor those who lost even long after, and a name can be given to the fallen soldier.

[@leylag1466]

George Washington addressed the Continental Army before the Battle of Long Island with the words:” The fate of unborn millions will now depend, under God, on the courage and conduct of this army. Our cruel and unrelenting enemy leaves us only the choice of brave resistance, or the most abject submission. We have, therefore, to resolve to conquer or die." The debt we owe to these brave men and women we can’t ever repay. May God bless their souls.

[@r.ridderbusch7303]

My cousin Melvin, several times removed, fought in *WW2* and the *Korean War.* He was posthumously awarded the *Congressional Medal of Honor* given to his father by Gen. Omar Bradley at the Pentagon in 1951. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melvin_O._Handrich R.I.P.

[@jackbraistow]

Bless the people trying to bring the military personnel home and bring closure to there families. Also bless the personel and there families.

[@Fatherofheroesandheroines]

Wow. I never lost anyone in the Great War, but I have been to many military funerals. Still gets me.

[@Marimilitarybrat]

Thank you so much for posting a full episodes. It's good to have something positive to view.

[@gracemuriu4563]

oHH God this is the most emotional long lost for me. You guys are doing great work. May they RIP...

[@jeanhargis7333]

Thank you for this wonderful video! AlL those beautiful young man who gave their lives for our freedom. We should be tying much harder to protect and celebrate our freedom than what we are allowing in our countries today!

[@christinasornbutnark1208]

I live in Orange County. I always get excited when any story that includes my hometown. Wonderful story.

[@1028dianemarie]

Crying my eyes out. Thank you soldiers. Salute.

[@muttsrus1919]

Very informative, heartbreaking and peaceful to know they are properly identified with an honorable burial. Well done men, you are home now. Prayers for each of the families and keeping his memory alive.

[@markr.devereux3385]

I was all right til she said her NAN kept his photo on the mantle her beloved brother JOHN . I lost it at that point. Great episode of LLF uk

[@OldLadyFarmer58]

Who else is crying Buckets. Alberta Canada

[@faithworks217]

Me in Vancouver, BC.

[@bernadettepillai]

Watching this reminds me of seeing unknown soldiers graveyards in a war cemetery in my hometown Taiping in Malaysia. Whenever I look at them, I feel sad because there's no name but they died helping our country during the wars that happened. Please come to Malaysia in Taiping War Cemetery to help identify these unknown soldiers & also to find their remaining relatives & to put a name on their gravestones 😔😢

[@Heidi.Jespersen]

I hope everyone of them will get their name back. It's so sad that so many of them is unknown.

[@Cavacroft]

Tears. Young brave men.

[@OldCinderellaStory]

I was crying the whole time. But what got me the most was the speech on 59:49. My great grandfather died in the war with nearly 31 years old. I'm now 31 and have my life before me.

[@darlachristiaansen5489]

This is a beautiful way to honor those that past!!!!!

[@beverlyjones4020]

Another great one. My thank you

[@paulinemarantha1176]

they became soldiers at a very young age. haven't had time to feel married and they don't have family. have pity. but at least you still have another family ... Rest In Peace for all three of them 😔🙏

[@janamulder3788]

Zo mooi en integer gefilmd. Thank you.

[@marrenpink5433]

What an amazing job of this forensics team. The war detectives congrats 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻😍❤️😍

[@paulaousley6790]

THIS IS SO INTERESTING, BUT REALLY GREAT TO FIND OUT WHO THESE BRAVE MEN WHERE AND LET THERE FAMILIES KNOW. IT IS SO SAD, THESE MEN WHERE SO YOUNG.

[@lulustube3]

It’s amazing what can be done with DNA. To bring the soldiers home and give them a resting place is such a great thing. Whose heart couldn’t be moved by these stories here. I have a great uncle who is still buried in France but at least we know where he is buried.

[@leslieshand4509]

They don’t go home. They remain buried where they are, but with a new headstone that gives them their name back

[@annelouis7956]

Bless you for your dedication in bringing them home.

[@lisarose4900]

Just curious, the monument that lists the names of the missing soldiers... is it altered in any way when a soldier's remains are identified?

[@luzjacobo2799]

That’s a great question.

[@helenwood1]

Great show. Thx for posting.

[@trishaclarke9051]

Foskett's great nephew was an orphan at 2 years old. I wonder if they have searched to see if he has any living relatives

[@cocobutterchin6768]

Wow. She is bilingual. She (host) speaks French. So cute speaking French.

[@AgentAO7]

Davina’s mother is French

[@Nisahalik]

This is amazing episodes..how war have wasted lots of human life and its still going on..😢

[@trudyerasmus9264]

A touching episode. I was crying a lot!

[@momof3837]

I loved this episode. ❤

[@manxkin]

Such a tragic waste of lives on all sides.

[@rebeccahenson976]

manxkin I do hope that one day mankind will mature beyond war in honor of those that gave their all for us to come to the conclusion. May they rest in peace.

[@manxkin]

@matineerocks No disrespect or dishonor intended to the brave men and women who have died in the defense of their country. Yes, it is a tragic LOSS of life and yes, WASTED lives. Simply an opinion.

[@PablaMMoore]

Hats off to all of these people that work so hard with DNA test and everything they can find in the archives, to help bring closure to the soldiers relatives. ❤

[@gailmt1544]

ALL WARS - so awfully tragic, so heartbreakingly sad, so very unnecessarily distressing and painful for those left behind. The suffering of those lost is beyond my comprehension. No lessons learned by the war mongers and no remorse.

[@pattyobrien2720]

Love that you're putting DNA to use and naming missing people, may God rest their souls .

[@jennaolbermann7663]

Beautiful and sad but such important work that they do.

[@rosievasquez4378]

Thank you now for being there and giving him the honors Otherwise he wouldn't have had no one there