The Battle of Castle Itter - US & German Troops Join Forces to Fight the SS

Find out what happened when a tiny American unit joined forces with German soldiers to rescue French VIPs from the SS at a castle in Austria in the last days of WW2.
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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.

[@vicostea]

Just imagine Mark Felton being in charge of History Channel...

[@dustyak79]

Then it actually be a history channel again not reality tv and Pseudo science

[@keiththurston3016]

Stop it. I can only get so erect!!

[@Trek001]

Every program would start with Mark's theme tune

[@AnhTrieu90]

What? No more Aliens and conspiracy theories? Now I’m offended!

[@neilwilson5785]

Wow. What an amazing thought.

[@samuraijack5919]

"... didn't get along with the French leaders at all." I am *shocked*

[@samiam619]

Samurai Jack Probably treated him like a servant and wanted to know where the wine for their lunch was!

[@zerge69]

Samurai Jack isn’t that amazing? Behaving bitchy with people who are risking their lives to save them?

[@herrakaarme]

Yeah. Those French leaders had first lost the war and then they felt insulted by the small size of the task force sent to rescue them. I guess the castle had no mirrors.

[@dustytrails1]

Rick Atkinson's trilogy on WWII had nothing good to say about de Gaulle.

[@tomjustis7237]

Strange, or perhaps more accurately humanitarian, things often happen in war. During Operation Market Garden the British and Polish paratroopers at Arnhem were cut off, surrounded and taking heavy casualties. They had set up an aid station in the basement of a hotel to care for the wounded, but artillery fire from the Germans set the upper floors of the hotel on fire. Due to the heavy volume of German fire evacuating the wounded from the burning building was not possible. The British commander sent a message under a flag of truce to the German commander explaining the situation and requesting a temporary cease fire so the helpless wounded could be rescued from the burning building. Not only did the German commander agree to the cease fire, but a large number of German soldiers laid down their weapons and crossed into the British lines unarmed to assist with the rescue of the wounded. (Reference Cornelius Ryan's "A Bridge Too Far".) War destroys many things, but it does not always destroy the basic goodness of human nature that most people possess. JMHO.

[@Bonk4Me]

At last. My favourite historian. My favourite event in history.

[@MrBoringcabbage]

Same, been waiting for this one for a while!

[@ArkonPT]

God dammit it's 1 AM, I have to sleep! But it's Mark Felton, and Castle Itter! Eh screw it

[@thelameidiotboyofdumbguys]

@TheSpanishInquisition i tried searching this story on youtube a few weeks ago but all i saw was simple history and no name guys that i didnt know. Felton is a very good history channel and is my favorite too.

[@tannerdenny5430]

Yeah for me it's this and Christmas Truce 🎄

[@-socialcredit]

honestly can't wait for the Battle of Leyte Gulf

[@1977Yakko]

The castle was "handed over to the SS in 1940". That seems a polite way to put it.

[@jameskoch9567]

"I want to storm a castle." "Okay fine, but movie laws dictate you need to have a motley crew."

[@captainwaste8184]

" ... of turncoats acting without orders at the penultimate decline of their criminal regime that they had aligned themselves to by life oath ..."

[@sarjim4381]

"Ghost Riders" is an amazing book that tells an amazing story. Everyone that fancies himself as a WWII historian should read it.

[@incub8]

Would it make a good movie? Sure sounds like it!

[@mandywalkden-brown7250]

Sar Jim - and just happens to have been penned by Dr. Mark Felton! Added it to my Amazon list. Thanks.

[@rzpogi]

Afaik, the History Guy Channel mentioned this book when he did the video about the horses.

[@leemichael2154]

I will look it up? Have you heard about soviet guy who escaped from peenamunde? It's a great bit of history

[@scotquest12]

I met Capt.Tom Stewart Jr. who worked with German Vet. to get trucks to load the horses. When the traveling show of stallions would come to Nashville Tn. They would honor Tom Stewart. A great man to work for after college. Was son of Tennessee Senator Tom Stewart Sr. Now to buy the book..

[@RRaquello]

The French don't get along with the guy who has come at the risk of his life to save them. Why is that not a surprise?

[@cattledog901]

Boche Buster has got to be one of the best WW2 tank names I've heard.

[@terraflow__bryanburdo4547]

Unless there was "Kraut Killer"

[@Helghast470]

Legends!

[@deadlyracer46]

@@terraflow__bryanburdo4547 there probably was

[@kevingee4294]

What about the "Hun gun"?

[@maxkennedy8075]

THEKINGOFMETROPOLIS I still love the black humour of naming a tank ‘Fray Bentos’ after a brand of tinned meat (ww1, Felton’s got a vid on it if you haven’t seen it)

[@Lord_Foxy13]

Major Josef Gangl died saving a life of former Prime Minister Renault

[@robertalbonico5900]

Why not save the common people and let people who started the war die???

[@robertalbonico5900]

Game up so all players die slowly!!!

[@robertalbonico5900]

Kill all enemy soldiers

[@robertalbonico5900]

See, still trying to kill americans

[@robertalbonico5900]

Everybody Just trying to steall gold before some else steals it.

[@charleswindsor7835]

being dyslexic i read this as 'the battle of cat litter'

[@hootsmon4723]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@shitoryu8]

@Elizabeth Brower how in the world....

[@rascallyrabbit717]

I battle that stuff twice a day

[@MasterMalrubius]

@Elizabeth Brower Dyslexics of the world untie!

[@raspucin70]

I thought I was the only one....

[@curtismes]

US soldiers white and african american team up with german army soldiers to fight the SS to rescue Degaulles sister...wow the makings of a movie

[@khaccanhle1930]

The French were underwhelmed by the size of the rescue force. The French did not get along with Lee. Why am I not surprised, so very.... French.

[@jamespocelinko104]

I think Capt. John Lee Jr. said it best when late in his life a reporter asked him how he felt about the battle: "Well, it was just the damnedest thing."

[@colin.k6263]

"available in all good book shops" spoken like a true chad

[@Nine-Signs]

If I had written a book I would say "available from all good book sellers. And amazon..."

[@mushugordon1]

A Giga-Chad if you will.

[@Life_Is_Torture0000]

What's a "chad?"

[@laurenz2426]

i laughed at that

[@GannicusMisteriosdeHonduras]

@@Life_Is_Torture0000 country in Africa

[@Penekamp11]

Excellent. Other KZbin historians should take a lesson from Mark Felton. Short, concise, fascinating from beginning to end. No fluff, no nonsense; just to the point and accurate.

[@daddyavo9252]

I’m so glad you covered this story, it’s truly one of the most peculiar story of the war.

[@Chris_0803]

Love that french attitude...probably complaining the whole time.

[@royfairchild6895]

Mark needs his own show on tv, this is so much better content than history channel

[@supernutt]

French, Czech, German, Austrians and Americans fighting together against the SS... Awesome story and the fact the americans have joined forces with over half of europe at some point in history is something most never think about

[@Imtotallydiggingthis]

"It's the end of the line of the final journey Enemies leaving the past And it's American troops and the German army Joining together at last"

[@Collectorfirearms]

Yes that right, capturing tennis champions. Real shows how much the Germans valued tennis

[@W1se0ldg33zer]

The Nazi's even threw their own Olympic heroes into camps.

[@neilwilson5785]

Not really. they valued hostages, and tortured 'worthless' people to death.

[@jvtagle]

W1se0ldg33zer and killed soccer players and Germans love their soccer

[@PercyTheRogue]

Penis

[@AtomicPeacenik]

My great grandfather was a medic in the 409th Infantry Regiment for their entire trek across Western & Central Europe from November 1944 - May 1945. He was there at Innsbruck. Thank you so much for talking about the 103rd I.D. “Cactus Division”.

[@sugaquaks]

Never thought Mr. Felton would do so much American content on WW2, but I appreciate it and I’m here for it!

[@ottovonbismarck7094]

American troops, and the german army Joining together at last

[@Quadrenaro]

The Unholy Alliance comes to fruition.

[@garrettanderson2528]

Ahhhhhh I see you are a fellow man of culture.

[@airracer28]

From the foot of the Alps to the shores of the sea

[@Mr_Fancypants]

Together we stand united! I gues the German army was truly diverse and even allowed American soldiers to join!

[@DuLzzPKC]

fifth of may is just around the corner

[@jduff59]

Good guys come in many different colors and shapes, and from every country on earth. This really would make a fine film. The story is one of men making a stand against evil - always a great story.

[@kiwiPatchAz]

Who dislikes this videos? Like mark makes educational videos and talks about things that are obscure and it’s entertaining. I just don’t get what there is to dislike about his videos

[@SpenserRoger]

Nothing it's part of the youtube algorithm

[@Alftura]

I am guessing Wehraboos...

[@thomasthornton2002]

Kiwi Farms History Channel employees obviously, their envious of the videos educational content and ability to be entertaining without pandering to conspiracy nuts

[@erratic100]

JeanClaude Clemenceau link or other evidence for this claim, please.

[@waswolltihr1526]

Not enough CGI where the "bad guys" get obliterated over and over to feel really good and powerful about yourself.... That would be my guess.

[@exposingproxystalkingorgan4164]

The world would be a better place if people cooperated with each other.

[@xjamesx7047]

I heard they are making *a damn fine good movie* about this _incident_ btw, still stuck through "development" but looking forward to it soon. 🤔

[@offdeadeye88]

Based on mark feltons book if I remember right?

[@northland7885]

@@offdeadeye88 Rather from the book: ''The Last Battle: When U.S. and German Soldiers Joined Forces in the Waning Hours of World War II in Europe'' by the historian Stephen Harding.

[@SpenserRoger]

@@offdeadeye88 he doesnt have a book about it I dont think. But what's this movie to be called?

[@joelalonso8991]

The last battle was written some time ago and it's a good read however the author really didn't focus on the battle portion which is what Hollywood wants. Plus the only information we have is on Major gangl not his troops. Afterwards they were taken POW, we still didn't know what happened to them

[@jc-hf1bk]

This should be turned into a movie

[@MDPToaster]

[Sabaton intensifies] It’s American troops and the German Army, coming together at last.

[@dmjaxun9848]

Drew Castle Itter for my GCSE art work last year

[@lukewar123]

I'm only 23 and love all these videos about WW2 and learning about the war, I wish there was a career I could take regarding it nothing in my life I've learned more about including English and maths my friends think it's weird my hobby is studying WW2 but honestly it's amazing

[@Steve1734]

So many untold stories of incidents away from the main battles. Keep them coming Mark.

[@jayjayson9613]

Leave it to the French to be disappointed by a rescue attempt. At least someone came, being underwhelmed and not getting along with the person who came to rescue you.

[@danielsigg7524]

How has this not been made into a movie?

[@dariuzthemacaroni1308]

there is a movie currently in development i believe

[@Purpmaster]

Amazing story. I’ve always found it very sad that Gangl did not survive. He seems like he would have been a great asset to post war Germany.

[@lampshade6967]

This is my favorite battle of ww2. I don’t know how it hasn’t been made into a movie yet

[@locutus155]

What about the SS hauptsturmfuhrer Schrader who was also at the castle, he was befriended by the French prisoners and stayed behind when the rest of the SS Left.

[@gideonunger7284]

Watching this wile on the train from innsbruck to Graz. It's passing through wörgl and Kufstein. Crazy to think how things were back then and what people were doing to each other.

[@DreDay1993]

This guy deserves his own TV show on primetime! Great job yet again Mark! You the 🐐

[@diegorivera9517]

You could say they fought to the b**itter** end. Ok ok i'll leave

[@ArmyJames]

Mr. Historian tells the Joke. Bitte.

[@ioanekoroivuki543]

You could have warned us not to read this while drinking coffee or any other hot drink for that matter! Good one!

[@theherbman2101]

I see that Rhodesian flag my friend...

[@tanall5959]

Don't forget your coat.

[@jrapcdaikari]

okay, I'm getting the firing squad

[@LyndaWhite-ju1gj]

Mark, thank you so much for this fascinating story, out of the hundreds of WWII battles and stories Iv watched somehow this one got past me.

[@MagnusElpron]

Love these anecdotes you don't find in most history documentaries painting the big picture. Keep it up !

[@ezzy7151]

This is one of my main history channels now and I've been watching for about a week. All I can ask is just keep uploading regularly like you have been. Amazing work, well done.

[@sefladrone5873]

An it's the end of the line of the final journey Enemies leaving the past And it's American troops and the German army Joining together at last

[@cristiancruz5079]

Sabaton accounts this battle on one of their songs. ;-) Check here kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKjJe6aBm6ihl68

[@jboss119]

Don't let them fool you.

[@carolusrex4008]

Sabaton

[@sparx180]

Sefladrone Thank Churchill for the war and all the people he has killed.

[@Ajunta]

Technically, it was the "german army", but all wehrmacht soldiers at Itter were austrian born and not germans.

[@technologic21]

Incredible story. It unfolds like a film. Fleeing on a bicycle from that castle...truly harrowing thank you so much for this!

[@bigchungus4349]

Someone: Endgame was the coolest crossover in history! Me:

[@carolusrex4008]

observe!

[@deadfly122]

Stfu

[@1973Washu]

This is one of the strangest battles of WW2

[@zeitgeistx5239]

With an SS officer fighting other SS. With Austrian Wehrmarcht officers joinging with Austrian resistence fighting the SS.

[@paulforrest6000]

Great stories that are professionally presented. Top notch.!

[@geoffhalsey2184]

Another amazing story. I had no idea that these French dignitaries were prisoners of the SS, but It didn't surprise me that they didn't get on with their US/German rescuers as their reputation for snobbery and arrogance is well known. Incidentally, as my daughter works with racehorses and has an interest in WWII (I wonder where she got that from), your book Ghost Riders has solved my problem on what to buy her for Christmas. I just ordered it from Amazon.

[@Trillock-hy1cf]

I was conceived in May 1945, and born in Dec. 1945, so yes, I am a 'celebration war baby'.......lol My parents were in the RAF and WRAF, Dad flying Wellington bombers, and Mother in code and cyphers. But can only sort of remember things from about 1949, then 1950's on wards...........still rationing back then.....:) Apart from that, another great story told by Mark, and long may he continue with his commentaries on (sometimes unknown) stories, which are to the point, and not fluffed out with waffle like some 'documentaries' on WWII.

[@evanweightman527]

Well done, I’ve never heard of this event before see your video. Thanks for keeping history alive.

[@djolley61]

Was just going to say what Mr. Knoppik said. With so many historical and perhaps eccentric French personalities and such a diverse rescue force, it begs to be made into a movie.

[@Schmidty1]

Sabaton made it popular and Mark provides the details!

[@andreynovikov5582]

Really enjoyed this Mark! I will have to check out the rest of your videos. Loved the visuals along the with your concise history break down.

[@violetnight9043]

I've heard of this story before, but no where near as well narrated and explained as Mark Felton productions has. Thanks for the hard work put in to these videos.

[@Activated_Complex]

Thanks for the video. This is a fascinating story, and your presentation of it was suitably engaging and suspenseful.

[@spartan92296]

Can't stress enough how much I love seeing your new videos pop up on my feed!

[@andrewmagdaleno5417]

Thank you again sir, for the high quality content.

[@Gemu340]

Ok this is badass

[@darthkittyoustheunwise7581]

I've waited so long for this! thank you

[@libertyvilleguy2903]

Yet another exceptional story, well researched and well told. These are so much better than anything on The History Channel.

[@paulsakz1532]

HERE IT IS! THE STORY THAT NEEDS A MOVIE! Thx Doc :D

[@sisyphusvasilias3943]

I think one is in production

[@AlphaTier494]

Two incredible stories absolute worth epic movies. Thanks for that good work!

[@cheetobandito3235]

damn, another sick video dude. Glad to have a more in depth understanding of this incident.

[@felixcat9318]

What an absolutely excellent mini documentary on a significant historical situation encapsulating so many incredible aspects that I wonder how it was that until now I had never heard of this! The events at that castle, especially the Nazi's whom changed sides and fought alongside US troops against their former comrades is utterly fascinating! Thank you for creating this compelling recounting of these events, and for mentioning your book which will be an excellent read and which I shall order.

[@ineedmoreflavour1955]

Gotta thank simple history for originally teaching me about this event.

[@zillsburyy1]

Mark Felton Productions MAKING HISTORY GREAT....AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@750suzuki7]

Many thanks to Mark and his team.

[@samueldavidrucker7514]

Fascinating. Thanks for another brilliant account of just what was really involved in making VE Day a reality

[@aaverageperson2632]

These are always interesting to watch

[@terraflow__bryanburdo4547]

I had heard this story elsewhere, but Mark does it like no other.

[@rontroy3843]

Neat story. Not just that the Wermacht forces helped, but that the US forces accepted it.

[@fabianwylie8707]

You are a extraordinary historian and many thanks 🙏. As this is truly bring history lessons to all 👍

[@hanzykrupps6383]

Never fails... 95% of the stories, I've yet to have even heard of. Better than the History Channel of the early 1990's.

[@nigelfurby8088]

Another great and informative video Mark. Always interesting subject matter.

[@ericmcquiston9473]

Another piece of WW2 history, great video Mark !

[@grumpyguts]

Fabulous - thank you - an interesting story extremely well presented

[@rayd4430]

Brilliant video Dr Felton. I’ll definitely have to get the book. Keep up the great work.

[@CKC_Productions]

You my friend, are officially my favorite history KZbin channel. No words can say the amount of effort and devotion you put into your work.👍🏽💯

[@LordFred69]

TY for yor videos. Watching them makes me feel closer to my Dad who passed away this year at age 96. Medic with 80th infantry division, 3rd Army under Patton.

[@raymondweaver8526]

Imagine taking a College course with Mark as the Prof

[@steveshoemaker6347]

Would not have missed it for the world...Thanks Doc. !

[@madeinengland1212]

Fascinating. So many stories nearly forgotten. I hope younger watches are inspired as to what 20 years old can do when under pressure.

[@theamazingyoutubewatchergu6838]

I love your videos and how frequently you’re able to turn them out.

[@alanmoffat4454]

THANK GOD SOME MEN STAND AND DO WHATS RIGHT.

[@neinnein9306]

you mean the SS? joke.. sorry.

[@geraldanderson7939]

@@neinnein9306 nah u right

[@wallyplumstead614]

Thank you Mark.

[@DeadlycheesePeople]

I’ve been waiting for you to cover this! Any other Sabaton fans here?

[@Forrealcuz]

This should become a movie

[@phbrinsden]

Great story and so well told. Thank you.

[@jamiesonwebb]

Another excellent historical video - keeping us informed.

[@Quadrenaro]

Oh, finally! Been waiting for this one.

[@Yellowswift3]

Excellent work as always. Thank you for the upload. :)

[@jmc7034]

This has been the best vid I’ve seen of this battle. Well done and keep the excellent work going 👍

[@JCarlos.556]

_Thank you, I've never heard about this and I've been a WW2 buff for years...new subscriber_

[@benediktschreyer2749]

Great content as always Mark Felton!

[@jemc4276]

Although I already knew a lot about this incident this is a classic story for this channel. I'm surprised it took Mark this long to review it. Never heard of Operation Cowboy though. Can't wait to read that!

[@irishmarine3]

Glad you finally did a video on this! I hope they make a movie of it one day.

[@sisyphusvasilias3943]

they are

[@rickycollins4633]

This channel is my favorite history source.