Battle of the Seelow Heights 1945

[@1977Yakko]

There's just something about the fighting on the Eastern Front that takes the term "meat grinder" to a whole new level.

[@MrBizteck]

I saw a weird video that blended a Warner bros cartoon song about geography and WW2 casualties. When it got to Russia it was terrifying! Such a cherpie song blended with death reall got to me tbh. Found it ..... 'Yakkos world but counts the fallen of ww2'

[@Ekstrax]

if you really think about those numbers, and realize there are so so many families who lost a brother/father/son, it makes you hope this never happens again

[@1977Yakko]

@@MrBizteck The irony. My gaming handle online is Yakko1977. But yeah, the numbers are staggering. Some people openly speculate it took a tyrant like Stalin to withstand the onslaught. I'd like to think Western democracies could've eventually won as well but who knows. Let's hope we never find out.

[@1977Yakko]

@@Ekstrax I'll wager more than a few entire families were wiped out throughout the war. But yeah, I'm not sure how many, if any, families could say they didn't lose at least one family member given the scope of the conflict. Supposedly there are towns in the Eastern U.S. that never recovered from the Civil War as they lost so many young men so imagine that. Considering the loses in the U.S. Civil War was just over half a million and the Russians lost around 26 million, well, it's no wonder the Russians are seemingly so desensitized to death.

[@grizzle273463]

Couldn't have been better stated Daniel

[@HamburgerMolester]

"Dimitri, ride on one of the tanks, you have earned it. Chernov: you have not, you walk."

[@seanbattersby7361]

FIRE THE PANZERSCHRECK!

[@march2163]

*BUUUUUURN THEIR WHEAT FIELDS*

[@blackpowderuser373]

@@seanbattersby7361 AGAIN!

[@paulinewhicker4221]

Haha I knew it sounded familiar! Good old Reznov, maybe they should make the next game all about him...or woods, just no more space!

[@nathanapplegate5374]

“Dimitri! Ready the flame thrower! Good. Now take a closer look at those rats on the horizon!”

[@vinyalonde]

I had the privilege of visiting Berlin and I went on a tour of the Seelow heights battle site. It was quite an eyeopener to stand on the heights and look down on what was the killing ground for the Soviet army. The area is heavily farmed. The view from the heights offers an impressive field of fire and the Russian army must have paid a dear price for every piece of ground it took. Bodies are still being found today. In 2017, the construction of a bike path turned up a grave where a group of Russian soldiers had been buried.

[@bananagun6598]

damn

[@ipodman1910]

Have you visited the monument in Seelow?

[@vinyalonde]

@@ipodman1910 Yes, and the museum.

[@ipodman1910]

@@vinyalonde is it worth it? I passed it many times and never had a time to do it…

[@vinyalonde]

@@ipodman1910 The guide was a former member of the British army and was very interested in the history of warfare. He made the tour very interesting and so I thought it was worth it thanks to his insights and his knowledge. Of course, that is only my experience.

[@Gallagherfreak100]

I read somewhere the the total explosive power of Zhukov's initial artillery bombardment on April 16th, was two to three times the power of the "little boy" A bomb dropped on Hiroshima. Supposedly, it was the most destructive and concentrated bombardment in the history of warfare. It sure tore up a lot of empty fields.

[@blank557]

I wouldn't be surprised. The Soviets literally lined up their artillery wheel to wheel. I forget that amount of explosives per mile, but be assured that there wasn't a patch of ground in the target area that escaped getting hit--many times over.

[@TheKadanz]

The funny thing is, this artillery barrage did make very little casualties despite how devastating it looked.

[@darcychu9652]

No, the most concentrated bombardment should be the one on August 23, 1958 at Kinmen island. Mao Communist fired 480,000+ shells onto the little island of size 2.5 square kilometers outsides FuKian province. However, the army of Republic of China held the island and retained the Democratic government at Taiwan.

[@TankerBricks]

Or when Haig tried his barrage on the first day of the Somme.

[@Chuckx97]

They also used the largest bombardment after battle of Verdun 1916 in the Winter War when they couldn't succeed in attacking the Finns (even though they had unlimited number of troops, unlike the Finns) without that massive artillery power.

[@macleunin]

It never ceases to amaze me the level of resistance the Germans were able to put out at that stage of the war.

[@Fannystark007]

Yeah, its like Georgia that went to war against Putin. Was it 2008? Very fascinating.

[@tackytrooper]

@@TheKsalad Turns out the commies weren't any better.

[@zeljkokaravida3934]

@@tackytrooper The Soviets were way more merciful than the Nazis even in vengeance. The Germans killed around 14 million Soviet civilians.

[@christopherdenniston9798]

@@zeljkokaravida3934 And Stalin killed about 50 millions of his own people, including starving 8 million Ukrainians to death

[@TheKsalad]

@Romgor gr These numbers they pull out of their ass get bigger and bigger every time, it's always Cold War era bullshit coming out of the same people who praise Germany for attempting to genocide entire races.

[@09huangr]

"See how things have changed my friend. Now it is their land...their people...their blood."

[@badconker83]

haha COD World at war, at the battle of seelow heights ^^

[@thelordsofgaming2153]

Our**

[@SniffMyDeadwax]

Yes I saw that. On the video.

[@Yabuddy53]

Best cod

[@bh5817]

Dislike

[@TheDeepsix13]

"You cannot sacrifice these children for a cause that is already lost!" - Gen Helmuth Weidling/LVI Corps, to Artur Axeman in reference to the remaining Hitler Youth, after being ordered to defend against Chuikov's reinforced 8th Guards...

[@stacystables117]

Gipsy Danger Yes. And they did take out a lot of soviet armor

[@TheDeepsix13]

@Gipsy Danger and were quite successful

[@jacb2997]

Neil Allen not socialism, national socialism. Socialists were quite disliked by the NAZIs along with the communists

[@PeliKarhu600]

@@jacb2997 national socialism is socialism, just different branch than Marxist socialism

[@PeliKarhu600]

@@robobertob I didn't say that, I said that there is different socialist ideologies, others than Marxism

[@armija]

It is amazing how Germans even that late in war and against such odds gave such a good fight and inflicted serious losses to an enemy 10 times their size...

[@alswann2702]

If it was Chicago, Frisco , New York so would we.

[@weirdshibainu]

@@alswann2702 no we wouldn't

[@postie9434]

I remember someone did a investigation over this and I believe they said every german was worth at least 3 allied to one german whish I could find the report

[@curiousfiend1169]

@@alswann2702 😂doubt it

[@banegas0411]

@@curiousfiend1169 it is easier to defend then attack why do you think germany did so good

[@artistaprimus7080]

The first documentary I ever watched about WW2 was The World at War , narrated by Sir Lawrence Oliver. Its still the best in my opinion and it was made in the 70s. Mark Feltons work has the same quality. I always remembered the sound those Russian rockets made when launched. It must have terrifying for the enemy when they heard that sound.

[@peterplotts1238]

"World at War". That was an excellent documentary. The best part was the many interviews and first-hand accounts of soldiers from both sides.

[@kevinvilmont6061]

The world at war is the doc. So good. Oops someone was on it.

[@edgar8459]

The Germans called to them "Stalin's organs" for their distinctive sound.

[@scottb4579]

Thanks for another excellent video Mark. I'm an American in his 50s, and have studied WWII as a hobby since a teenager. I always learn something from you. Cheers.

[@rob5944]

And to think teenagers now are largely ignorant of these events. (UK, 49 yr old)

[@joshhencik1849]

@@rob5944 Truly a shame, across the board.

[@jasonmussett2129]

Yeah me too. It's my hobby since I was a kid

[@gerhardscholtyssek5229]

getreu bis in den tod, jeder tag eine chance näher bei gott zu sein. da ist noch walhall und tacitus der kampf gegen die römer in the mind from the germans

[@mattc3991]

@@rob5944 as a teenager I would disagree, there is always going to be a balance of those who enjoy history and those who don't- I'm sure your generation also had those ignorant of history. It's not that teenagers are too lazy, it's just that some enjoy it and some dont- most of my mates are the prior.

[@keeperofthecheese]

5:30 the "artificial moonlight" technique, with giant spotlights pointing at the German trenches, was designed to blind the enemies, but it reflected off of the giant dust clouds in front of the advancing Russians, blinding them too.

[@Cruiserczcz]

From watching documentaries citing russian sources (or at least pretending to), I always heard that point of the searchlight was to blind the enemy, but thick fog and dust lowered intensity of the light, so it didnt rly blind the germans . (not an expert, just an opinion) but if you want to illuminate the area by creating artificial moonlight, you would likely not aim searchlights down but up, thus silhouettes would not rly be a thing? Also if illuminating the area is such a big deal, that you have to get so many big searchlights from air force and air defences, woudnt it be better just to wait on daylight?

[@grizzle273463]

that's very interesting. I didn't know that but it makes perfect sense. Glad I read your comment. gave me a lil more insight

[@jyotirmayamohanty5723]

It exposed the body outlines of Soviets making them sitting ducks in front of MG-42.

[@madjackblack5892]

in the 70's us US army grunts trained with M60s bouncing their xenon searchlights off cloud cover - "supported illuminated night attack". pretty surreal looking.

[@dvchel]

@@Cruiserczcz Zhukov wanted his attack and the movement of his armies quickly, because Stalin had the timetable set for Berlin to surrender on May 1st, which is International Worker's Day. So, Zhukov had just a little over 2 weeks to accomplish that mission. That includes also to make sure the some 200.000 men of the 9th Army wouldn't retreat back into Berlin and create this long and bloody siege warfare and turn into a Stalingrad 2.0. He just did that.

[@lewisticknor]

I guess I have become accustomed to Mark Felton's genius, as I tend not to appreciate the excellence of these documentaries every time, I just enjoy them normally. This one snapped me out of it. The whole time I was just on the edge of my seat. I am not sure what is going on behind the scenes and what technical attributes make this channel so awesome, but the are all just, incredible.

[@dennisswaim8210]

Yes I agree Felton's videos are excellent.

[@DutchGuyMike]

These last stands of the Germans, by which any other country would have long given up/been forced to surrender, is just inspiring against the insane onslaught of the Russians who would stop at nothing to capture Berlin.

[@Grandizer8989]

I drove to the Seelow Heights from Berlin one time. It’s only about an hour. Loved the view as I adjusted my eyes to 1945 and I appreciated how they have one of those famous searchlights at the museum that I read about in Beevor’s book about the fall of Berlin.

[@larsrons7937]

How long would you advise for a stop therethere, to see the site well? I hear they also have a museum. I'm trying to plan going to Poland and Ukraine next year, and thought of taking that route from Berlin past Seelow Heights.

[@Grandizer8989]

@@larsrons7937 Give yourself at least an hour. The museum is small but you get a nice view of the valley and there is a small cemetery there as well. Then continue over to Kirstin in Poland where there was fighting but you wouldn’t know it unless you do your homework and know where to look.

[@larsrons7937]

@@Grandizer8989 Thank you for the recommendation. Then I probably will do my homework and see the Kirstin area too. I guess an off-the-track walk in the forests would reveal trenches and such.

[@matthewbratton3825]

Well done again Your presentation reminds me of the old BBC'S World At War from early seventies.

[@oregongaper]

Not the BBC, the World at War was made by Thames TV.

[@pashvonderc381]

@@oregongaper Am sure it was the BBC,

[@pashvonderc381]

jeep23862 mate, I do stand corrected, you are correct. Swear to God that I watched it on BBC late Sunday evenings in the very late 70’s or early 80’s.

@@pashvonderc381 To be honest I had to do double take when I read Mathews comment. If somebody had told me face to face it was a BBC production it would have been a few minutes before my brain woke up and said, nope, it was ITV.

[@celtbhoy1993]

Love World At War and the amazing narration by Laurence Olivier, my favorite WW2 documentary series. They don't make them like that any more sadly.

[@paulsecon4889]

It amazes me every time I watch this kinda footage when they say the Germans were on the run” or “it’s late 1945 and Germany’s on her last leg”, etc.,etc.But watching the feed and listening to the narration I can only think one thing:I wouldn’t wanna face these guys full strength if this is what they’re like on their last leg. Nope. Another good one Mark.👍👍

[@karimchaffai5922]

The german army continued to fight to the bitter end and maintained good disciplen and moral on the eastern front, on the west they were quickly desintegrating tho

[@karrole88]

​​@karimchaffai5922 you said "they are disintegrating in the west" why is that?

[@zachbartlett2829]

@@karrole88im no historian, but it probably had alot to do with WHO they were fighting. The Germans did not want to surrender to, and be taken prisoner by, the Soviets at all. They knew how badly soviets treated pows and civilians alike. There were actually quite a few German units who requested permission to and/or did launch small offensives to fight through soviet encirclement and reach western lines to surrender to the Western allies

[@mushroomcloud1]

At one point in the battle, A group of Soviet troops made it to the HQ of General Hasso-Eccard Freiherr von Manteuffel And he and his staff engaged in hand to hand combat and drove the Soviet troops away.

[@terraflow__bryanburdo4547]

"manteufel" = "man who is a devil"

[@oldesertguy9616]

From what I've read, there is some doubt as to that actually happening, but I can't swear it isn't true.

[@mates9816]

That's a long name

[@inhocsignovinces1081]

Manteuffel later coined the word Bundeswehr for the new post war Armed Forces.

[@legendofman12]

@@oldesertguy9616 Just from the sound of it, I'm calling bullshit.

[@fortis3686]

"The Red Army's advance in to Germany is swift and brutal. In mere months, we have reached Seelow Heights - the last line of defense before the German capital. We outnumber the Germans ten to one! Wave upon wave of our infantry are unleashed upon them to clear the way for our armor. Once we have control of Seelow, we will begin the march to Berlin. There, we will ensure that every sacrifice is repaid in blood." - Victor Reznov

[@sevzakrevasky]

Ah, beautiful CoD: World At War

[@k.w.churchill4397]

ONCE THIS PLACE ECHOED WITH THE LAUGHTER OF FRIENDS AND LOVERS....NO MORE.....

[@patrickc1193]

Back when Call of Duty was awesome.

[@matro2]

Infantry clearing way for tanks? Bloody Soviets, man.

[@rogerhudson9732]

Every sacrifice paid for in rape and murder.

[@raymondhertz1476]

A second cousin of my mother was a panzer captain on the eastern front. He was captured by Soviet forces and spent three years in a POW camp (in Latvia, I believe). Years later he became commander of the Third Panzer Division and then chief of staff of the German Army. Ironically two other second cousins (brothers) were American tank officers. The younger brother was killed in the war. The older brother commanded a "colored" tank unit. They were cut off in a German village, fought their way out, and took many prisoners. He was awarded the Silver Star for the action.

[@talotalo1192]

My second cousin of my mother was George Washington

[@CallForGrandPappy]

Americans using Nazis instead of fighting them? Colour me shocked

[@larsrons7937]

@raymondhertz1476 - What was the panzer cousin's name? I tried to look it up and search. Chief of Staff of the Army would be "inspekteur" of the Bundeswehr "Heer". I found one possible match: Josef Moll, captain and from 1941 second staff officer of the 20th Panzer Division. In 1942, major, and second staff officer of the 3rd Panzer Army (under Reinhardt). 4-5 later staff assignments in WWII, promoted to Lt. colonel in 1944. In the Bundeswehr Heer, among others, in 1963, as major general, commander of the 10th Panzer Division. 1966-1968 "Inspector (chief of staff) of the Army". Could it be him?

[@matthewmaurysmith2486]

I was just wondering about that sort of a scenario last night. Another words, Americans who came to live in Germany or who have family in Germany and maybe some of them even became German citizens even though they may have basically been Americans originally, what it was like for them living in Germany when the war broke out. There must have been cases where people who grew up in America and spoke english ended up becoming German soldiers... I already know that this happened in the US Army with people from Germany Coming to America Etc

[@larsrons7937]

@@matthewmaurysmith2486 Naturally there were Americans who joined the German Army (Wehrmacht), but I don't think they were many, and they only could if they were officially German citizens. For all foreigners the only choise was the Waffen SS. During the war there was a Waffen SS unit for (non-citizen) American and British POWs who had switched sides to fight for the NZs, but I don't think that unit was ever more than a couple of dozen man strong.

[@JRCinKY]

6th. SS Panzer Army. I remember Sepp Dietrich said they called it that because they only had 6 Panzers left.

[@FFF034]

Freefall one of those morons, is braver and manlier than your whole bloodline you internet troll

[@Monarch27]

Freefall remember those American morons who got mowed down at Omaha beach?

[@alejandrorojas1423]

I bet Freefall doesn't understand how D-Day was only barley won by the allies due in part to a great deal of luck. Remember that the invasion was suppose to be on the 5th and not the 6th. Guess what else was on the 5th? Some Nazi's birthday. Hitler went to a party the night of the 5th and got totally trashed, leading to a hangover that caused him to sleep in late the morning of June 6th. This is important because Hitler was so paranoid and delusional at this point he insisted on maintaining personal command of the Heavy SS Armor. No one in his command staff had the balls to wake up Hitler until later in the morning and as such those Heavy tanks were sent to the beach late. Had the invasion been on the 5th as originally planned Hitler would have been awake and able to dispatch the armor sooner which in turn could have killed all of the paratroopers dropped behind the beaches, preventing encirclement of the fortifications. This could have ruined the entire invasion. This isnt spoken about much because it reveals just how close the invasion was to failing. And all because of a coincidence of timing and Hitlers incompetent leadership style.

[@VietDudez]

Germans army were the strongest at that time, but too bad taking on too many countries, which is not smart. Plus the longer the war go, the harder it is for them to replenish. On top of that they were fighting multiple fronts. A lot of bad combinations combine.

[@undercover1790]

@@alejandrorojas1423 I wouldn't say it would lead to the entire invasion to fail. They had air superiority and were probably landing armor etc by the time the tanks moved in or got there. It wouldn't be a failure, just a brutal success.

[@j0rmis]

IMHO this and timeghost's WW2 are the best WW2-related content on youtube i've seen, thank you! spent many sleepless night going through your videos

[@nukemwill15]

TIK is also a great ww2 youtuber

[@christopherconard2831]

@@nukemwill15 When TIK announced he was finally doing Stalingrad I joked about which would be longer, his videos or the actual siege? At this point the series might be the longer of the two.

[@nukemwill15]

@@christopherconard2831 And I am completely fine with that!

[@iseeyou1312]

@@nukemwill15 TIK is good until he goes on his "everything that isn't anarcho-capitalism is Communism" rants.

[@TheYoungking1000]

This channel is gold, but so is montemayors channel!

[@justanaussie2822]

As a modern combat veteran the numbers of losses are unthinkable

[@shirleybalinski4535]

That's why it's called " total war" not engagemennt.

[@victorsamsung2921]

@@shirleybalinski4535 One just needs to look at Stalingrad.

[@zombehmonkey]

I feel that homie. What rar u from?

[@hbecker123]

Ukraine war

[@grumblesa10]

Concur. However, that mindset is partially responsible for what we're seeing in Ukraine. Massed assaults by partially trained infantry ; tanks not moving by bounds/overwatch. Also overly centralized planning especially with artillery.

[@weirdshibainu]

Heinrici was one of the few "defensive "" German generals. Magnificent job considering what he had to work with.

[@zexal4217]

I'd say there were a fair few, Model, Balck, Schorner, Friesner, all were pretty good defensively.

[@oldesalt10310]

Yes with make do and lack of resources due to the end

[@Cheeseman42046]

weirdshibainu I think he even won the last battle ever in ww2 correct me if I’m wrong

[@Danielallanz]

"defense in depth".,makes sense when you know an artillery strike was the signal for a Russian advance!!

[@michaelbrown865]

Let's not forget Smiling Albert Kesselring

[@Dan_1941R]

Don't forget the SS Fallschrimjager battalion 600 held out for days during the battle, allowing other units to pull back

[@marstuber2836]

That's why the are the elitest of elite.

[@thedave8097]

@@taylorc2542 As an eastern european, I do have to say that I would agree.

[@willhenry5385]

You lost fritz. suck it up.

[@kalsarikannit2058]

Do not forget that the Panzer-Division "Müncheberg" started the battle with 6 thousand people and 35 tanks, and as a result retreated to Berlin with two hundred soldiers and four tanks in service.

[@SLYR237]

@@taylorc2542 I'm sure all the people in the death camps would agree with you

[@nyctasiaselesq]

How come I only hear about Gotthard Heinrici now? This guy deserves his own episode.

[@christopherbeckford3102]

The reason you haven't heard of General Gothard Heinrich, Herman Balck, Because historian tendency to deliberately bypass these great generals and only focus on Ervin Rommel

[@shanewright2772]

@@christopherbeckford3102 Didn't Heinrici abhor Hitler?

[@willlubetkin3804]

@@shanewright2772 Yes, he was a devout Christian and fell afoul of the Nazi leadership because of it.

[@hughw.stevens5620]

@@christopherbeckford3102 mo

[@stevem2323]

@@christopherbeckford3102 Not really, not just him. German simply had so many impressive generals, like Manstein, Guderian and etc...

[@BamBamBigelow..]

I believe this battle started with greatest artillery bombardment in all of history.

[@JoeSmith-sl9bq]

That killed no one.

[@psilvakimo]

It hit a big empty bag. Gen Heinrici pulled his troops back at the last minute.

[@BamBamBigelow..]

Joe Smith...would you find a body afterward?

[@BELCAN57]

The Soviet soldiers serving those artillery pieces suffered from concussions and bleeding eardrums during that barrage.

[@garge7676]

@@BELCAN57 They apparently had to keep their mouths open when firing to prevent their ears from popping

[@steveholmes5207]

Been to seelow heights era place and very dangerous place you just can't walk in certain places because of unexploded ordnance they have teams out there clearing constantly great video as always mark totally enjoyable and definitely the best history u tube channel

[@TheDesertwalker]

Dear Steve, as one Holmes to another, what do you have against punctuation? Punctuation is your friend.

[@steveholmes5207]

@@TheDesertwalker and as one to another who made you u tube and grammar police. Please do tell sorry boss i didn't do much book learning i was away serving my country England for 15 years. What have yoj ever done for your country except be a complete plum commenting on people's grammar and punctuation make a comment on the video nothing else please

[@wirelessone2986]

Would like to metal detect there and would also like to search the river.un exploded ordnance be dammed....they dig up goodies all the time in Russia especially in the rivers and swamps

[@terrywilson1002]

I dunt leve cuments animore because pople like dedesirtwaker criticise my spelin

[@oliverreedslovechild]

@@terrywilson1002 It's " speeling " is wull yu shud no?

[@scottdodge6979]

7:03 those rockets, that sound must have been absolutely terrifying

[@GGigabiteM]

I'm sure nobody heard anything with a solid 30 minutes of thousands of shells exploding from hundreds of artillery pieces firing all at the same time. What was left of their bloody ruptured eardrums probably didn't hear much after that.

[@parallelmindz]

thats the german nebelwerfers

[@nukehall6471]

5% of comments: about the war/video 95% of comments: world at war quotes

[@GlamStacheessnostalgialounge]

Yeah I'm sick of quotes from that stupid game, it wasn't even good compared to the original CoD.

[@Mike91337]

@@GlamStacheessnostalgialounge you have no idea what you're talking about.

[@GlamStacheessnostalgialounge]

@@Mike91337 Oh yeah, and what gives you the authority to tell people what's a good game and what isn't?

[@richardtheeighth4431]

Comment sections often resemble a war of words!!!!

[@Mike91337]

@@GlamStacheessnostalgialounge just because you got destroyed doesn't make it a bad game.

[@fortis3686]

The memories from World at War are pouring in

[@paulgrimes4826]

Thank you brother

[@EricToTheScionti]

NOT COOL

[@austinwitkowski1570]

@@EricToTheScionti lmfao

[@paulgrimes4826]

Eric Scionti yeah I get it maybe I should’ve used respect, not because who they were fighting for but personally because anyone who lived through that Battle or war has incredibly deep and strong memories so my blessings go out to all those who fought in World War II

[@dwandersgaming]

I had my surround sound on so when explosions started happening I had to throw my controller down and hit the deck.

[@markkatemcghee2381]

Good one. I was stationed in Berlin back in the 80s and again in the mid 90s. After the fall of the wall was able to visit many battlefields, Zalow being one of them. You could still find artifacts in the mid 90s on most if not all locations. This was without the aid of a metal detector. It was fascinating to see.

[@ray7419]

The final days of The Reich have always been so fascinating. Another great video Dr. Felton. Thank you.

[@ray7419]

Gipsy Danger , Yes, a truly terrifying time for the German civilians.

[@quintrankid8045]

Speaking of the final days I wonder if there might be a video about Willy Herrald (sp?) forthcoming?

[@EricToTheScionti]

You ever watch Downfall?

[@ray7419]

Eric Scionti yes, loved it.

[@santiagocardozo4390]

@Gipsy Danger If they dont fight probably they would die by the hands of the soviets

[@sirvolkerstein]

One of the lesser known "pivotal" battles of the war. Well done Mark!

[@nikodemdyzma9330]

Lesser known???? Is one of the most popular battles of the 1945

[@sirvolkerstein]

@@nikodemdyzma9330 but not one that people now a lot about. When u ask people about WW2 battles they'll talk about Stalingrad, Kursk, D-Day ect.

[@Jakob_DK]

SirVolkerStein A battle the nazi would loose no matter what

[@hunterwatkins714]

@@sirvolkerstein Seelowe Heights is hardly "pivotal" by early March 1945 the collapse of Nazi Germany was basically inevitable. It simply was a mopping up exercise prior to Berlin.

[@davidwright7193]

Pivotal???? The only thing that turned on this was which Red Army unit got the bragging rights for raising the red flag over the Reichstag...

[@daskanguru140]

I had the fortune of meeting an elderly Gentelmen who grew up in the area near Letschin north-east of Seelow when I visited the area this fall. The fighting, which he at least partly experienced as a child must have been absolutly horrific for the civilian population. We should really treasure the peace and freedom we endure in Europe these days.

[@jasonrodgers9063]

Mr. Felton, your body of work is the greatest argument I've ever seen to add a Nobel Prize in the category of Historian! (You'd be a shoo-in as first winner). Thanks for all you do.

[@loucummins7918]

Gay.

[@jaik195701]

Churchill’s “Second World War” won the Nobel for Literature

[@trekkienzl2862]

When I think of Seelow Heights, I can't help but think of Reznov and Dimitri driving a tank.

[@mikloshegyi5900]

@KOBRA yes, from CoD World at War actually.

[@rhysstanley7387]

Stop following me

[@SSgtJ0hns0n]

"DIMITRI! Ready the flamethrower. Good! Now take a look at those _rats_ on the horizon!"

[@ProspectFilmRoom]

Outstanding production on one of the fiercest defensive stands in modern warfare. It became routine for entrenched rifle companies to carve up armored battalions, and the Wehrmacht by 1945 were experts in the mobile and static defense. But losing the initiative at Kursk in July 1943 had them in reverse for the rest of the war.

[@h.m.5924]

This is such an incredible event; one of the greatest defensive stands of the war, and is relatively unknown. Thank you, Mark!

[@yanniklemm4108]

In Germany its realy well known.

[@h.m.5924]

@@yanniklemm4108 I'm very glad to hear that! Such things should never be forgotten.

[@alexandervaltsev6937]

Very well known in Russia

[@osedebame3522]

If I don't see some Reznov quotes in this comments section it's a wrap for y'all

[@blade5896]

I’ve Just come to the video now and there are plenty 👌

[@crazydave951]

Look above you lol

[@sumvs5992]

THEIR LAND, THEIR PEOPLE, THEIR BLOOD!

[@quadnod4605]

@@sumvs5992 BURN THE WHEAT FIELDS!

[@milioneri8934]

@Richard Wilson are we to shoot them in the back?

[@jacobdewitt2535]

I like how you show locations on the map. Makes things very easy to understand.

[@V11170lz]

The artillery montage really got me stuned. Such a great piece of editing and also great video in general, congratulations!

[@thandir158]

Best WW2 videos on the internet.

[@CitizenSnips69]

Yes he’s great, also love armchair historians animations. Indy nidel’s WWII is great for learning about the war as well. But mark is good for learning about those obscure or forgotten events you’ve never heard of! Quality content, especially for a small-ish channel

[@Spongebrain97]

@@CitizenSnips69 I like how youtubers are making better content than actual history channels lol

[@comradekenobi6908]

Sadly the comments are full of wehraboos

[@xrayperforator]

This operation wouldn't have been possible if the German stronghold in Küstrin hadn't been captured before - it was a fierce fight with defenders having no way of retreat. The stronghold was in the old part of town, situated on a river island - it was destroyed completely, being nowadays several ruins covered by trees and grass (the present town of Kostrzyn has another location - on eastern riverbank of Odra) . The archeologists explore remnants of undergrounds of buildings that were destroyed during the battle, finding very interesting artifacts, that were sealed in a sort of time capsule for over 70 years. It is slowly becoming a tourist attraction, called "The Kostrzyn Pompeii".

[@kstreet7438]

Aka “WHAT I CANT HEAR YOU!” So many guns it’s insane 5:02 Also if you haven’t check out 16 days in Berlin.

[@grizzle273463]

No kidding huh? he really over did it. or maybe, he portrayed it as how it actually was, given the enormous amounts of fire power the Reds had.

[@scottleft3672]

Strange how Germany was so bent on mobile war, that when backed into a defence, they forgot how well they had done in WW1 with their artillary.

[@grizzle273463]

@@scottleft3672 Y:ou are so right. Sometimes flexibility can be hard to do.

[@kstreet7438]

Gary Miller well I had posted that comment before I watched the video. I just knew the battle was a lot of artillery. And yeah that’s how it was loud as hell I’ve seen pictures and it’s just lines of guns.

[@EricToTheScionti]

Babies first war footage?

[@kherlenturtogtokh]

This is the channel that deserves 1M subscribers. Not some rubbish channels.

[@kenduffy5397]

Mark Felton’s opening them is unmistakable! Every time hear those horns and drums; it sends shivers down my back! Because I know, I’m in for an excellent and exciting video with Mark's factual expertise narration!

[@Administrator_O-5]

Thank you once again Dr. Felton for another stellar documentary! You've made Sunday's something to look forward to & history; educational & very interesting! Very much appreciated Sir! Much respect from the USA!

[@GetUpTheMountains]

“War stories with Mark Felton”!?! Oh hells yes.

[@krassandros3238]

I live in a small town between "Muskau" and "Spremberg". The forests and swamps here are full of relics from the time. There are small ponds in the woods in which there are still tanks. You can pick up shrapnel from the ground in the forest. While camping in the forest we found a 120mm mortar dud that lay on the ground. The trenches are still clearly visible. In the early 90s you could still find rifles and ammunition belts leaning against the trees or hanging from them. Digging and searching in the woods is strictly forbidden. The floor is full of fragments, ammunition and dead bodies.

[@brightdrake_9992]

“See how things things have changed, my friend? Now it is their land, their people, their blood!”

[@christianjackson9298]

Fantastic episode Mark. Your attention to detail is second to none.

[@DBZ483]

I used to love watching these type of documentaries with my dad as a kid on sky in early early 2000s now as an adult this channel is my favourite for it all loved your channel for years now

[@tomsemmens6275]

St 0:38 you can see the Svoiet soldiers are all carrying SVT-40 rifles, an subtle indication of how the Red Army grew not just in size but also in quality of the equipment of it's frontline units by 1945.

[@Igor_lvanov]

Actually, soviets produced more SVTs than Americans Garands

[@Igor_lvanov]

@Old Iron Interesting. It was unique to SVT or it was problem for all arms using 7.62x54R?

[@PanaehaliTut]

@Old Iron It wasnt too bad compared to other rifles of the day. Problems occured when automatic fire mode was added. Especially with optional drum magazines. For people who tried to use this weapon as assault rifle it was extremely unreliable. But when used properly (as a sniper rifle with increased rate of fire) it was doing fine.

[@MA-wq2ih]

@Old Iron After that the SVTs were issued to more professional/specialist units, like Naval troops...they had enough time and experience to understand the need to take meticulous care of their equipment.

[@franciszeklatinik889]

@@Igor_lvanov You're wrong, it is the other way around.

[@tbirum]

It is incredible that anyone who served on the Eastern front was ever able to hear again. I can not imagine exposing your ears to that kind of Thunderous noise for hrs/days on end and still being able to hear.

[@otom20]

WHAAT!!?

[@stuartlawsonbeattie6200]

Well done to another superb production and congratulations to your hard, honest work ethic too as well as another worthy notch on your belt for your audio work too. Brilliant Mark, you are the first source of research I will look for when I find something of interest as you tell it as it is. Thank you, my faith in your work is never disappointed or let down, however I cannot say the same for certain other historians and authorities, until I have worked out their agenda. Second to none Mark, well done, Top Dog, cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@stuart8663]

Just love the old favourite word: "Clobbered"

[@TheHeartlessFour]

I've never clicked on a video so fast in my life. Thank you, Mr. Felton.

[@nibiruresearch]

Thank you Mark for all the work you have done to document all these battles.

[@Venoxis]

I live in Frankfurt (Oder) wich is 30km south of Seelow. I was into metal detecting about 3 years ago and i was detecting at the "Reitweiner Sporn" wich is a part of the Seelow heights. This was my first day of metal detecting and i was shocked about the finds , so much ammo...weapon parts... i even found a 57mm Zis-2 AP shell. I can tell you cause i know my region very well that its hard to belive that something this tragic happened here. Even 75 years after all this you can still find things on the surface wich will blow your mind. If i may suggest the Reitweiner Sporn was a not so massive but harsh battle. After the battle the whole hill was claimed by Zhukov as a planning base. I would love to see a video about it !

[@Venoxis]

I just want to add as i read the comments of this video that our landscape is still very fucked up. We have a site called Brandenburgviewer where you can see geographical cut outs of brandenburg and you can trace every trench and every bombcrater just by looking at this monstrocity of destruction

[@larsrons7937]

Reitweiner Sporn, and Brandenburgviewer, thanks for the recommendation. I hope to pass by the area next year and stop for some exploration before I move on.

[@jerryrexmmiiireg3271]

The fighting in Seelow Heights was portrayed in the 5th mission of Call of Duty World at War, Their land Their blood. It was a fun game but equally gruesome in portraying the fighting on the eastern front in World War II.

[@billfariss1514]

A perfect and short examination of those events. Great job!

[@jonnemikkola6423]

Reznov: Dimitri? Finish those rats! Once again, you cheat death. Our tanks are ready to smash this line and...CHERNOV I'm not hearing gunshots! Chernov: There is no point Sergeant, they are already bleeding to death. Reznov: Then maybe our friend will help them bleed faster....

[@arnoldshmitt4969]

poor chernov always getting shout at by reznov

[@xanderdekegel2559]

@@arnoldshmitt4969 always writing in his stupid diary, nobody will ever read that

[@Narvaljodchik]

@@xanderdekegel2559 Yet someone should read it...

[@i_____am_____realitybroski6421]

Gerardo Guijarro to their people their blood!!

[@generalkenobi9782]

Stalingrad to Berlin: you see how things have changed dmitri? now it is THEIR LAND, THEIR PEOPLE, THEIR BLOOD.

[@philipskouhus5856]

I find this the most interesting and overlooked battle of ww2

[@luisromanlegionaire]

@ Easy for a Brit like you to say sitting behind the Channel My bet is that you Chaps would of folded a lot faster than the French after all your royalty were Nazi sympathizers. As for the French history bears out that they came out the best on top. Their cities intact and few dead. Compared to the Germans and you closely kin Anglo Saxons

@@luisromanlegionaire Churchill kept a gun in his desk. He vowed that if the Germans invaded, he'd shoot at them as they came through the door and would save the last bullet for himself. By 1941 defences were established in depth for fierce battles over every hill and street, every beach and landing ground.

[@tamlandipper29]

Battle of the Tennis Court, Burma.

[@tamlandipper29]

@@luisromanlegionaire - as usual, foreigners overestimate how far the aristocracy influence actual British people... Not a commie, just saying.

[@ducefascist7497]

@ Gonna fact check that.

[@under_edge2876]

I went to college for history and consider myself a war buff generally. I can't get enough of your videos or knowledge! Big fan!

[@fuyu5979]

Kudos for another excellent video, including detailed maps, narration, archive films, musical score, etc. Looking forward to your next video. Thanks

[@ronanrogers4127]

I have visited many of these battlefields from my home in Dresden. The scale of devastation was enormous and remains are frequently found and buried Unbekannt in Friedhofs like the one in Halbe. There are countless Friedhof in the towns and villages in the entire area from Dresden, north to Berlin, with innumerable Soviet war memorials usually featuring T34 tanks that are well maintained as part of the agreement to withdraw Soviet/Russian troops by 1994. Its a fascinating area. The East Germans never really cleared these areas, and there are many thousands of unexploded ordinances still being cleared. The Soviets had nuclear weapons in the GDR in this region as well, and there is some low level (I hope) contamination. I saw 10 tiny coffins being buried in Halbe one weekday. It’s a fascinating area, but can be quite depressing.

[@ichbins8588]

@@freefall9832 don't know about your nationality, but reading about your comments which are not only insulting, but also totally dimm-witted, you are truely a shame for any country you belong to.

[@IrishCarney]

The East German national anthem was "From the Ruins" yet they never fully emerged from the ruins the way the West Germans did.

[@MM33633]

Its about time to remove those T34 tanks from German cities and put them on a museum. Its an awful view. Greetings from Portugal.

[@pierren___]

Are those remains from Dresden bombings ?

[@tonyromano6220]

I hate to think, so many dead.

[@jfdesignsinc.innovationsid1583]

Mark that video you did on Normandy beaches , particularly Omaha and the 21 raf radar and communications detachment was one of the best videos on war and conflict I’ve ever seen or heard of.....thank you broski

[@okramronan]

Mark videos has very high quality content. He never dissapoints with his commentary.

[@kosikumah7249]

I always 'like' Mark Felton's videos before I've finished watching them. And I'm never wrong.

[@cheriefsadeksadek2108]

Gotthard Heinrici Had proved himself over and over to be one of the best Generals Of Germany Espicially in Defensive tactics he inflicted Heavy Casualties , too bad he was underrated

[@fuyu5979]

Very informative n interesting narration of Seelow fighting. Also very effective use of archival films n maps in explaining actions of both armies. Looking forward to your next video.

[@legoboyfan123456789]

I’m a simple man, I see a Mark Felton Productions video. I hit that like button. Cuz I already know it’s going to be another high quality and extremely well researched “Poduction”.

[@5amH45lam]

Very little engrosses me more than your videos, Mr. Felton! Every time! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and talent. 👍😎👌

[@ricardoaguirre6126]

"You see how things have changed my friend. Now it is their land, their people, their blood." Viktor Reznov.

[@opoxious1592]

Changed? The Sovjet Union lost big time. Communism is dead.

[@heaven-is-real]

@@opoxious1592 During ww2 you brain dead piss-ant ...focus, focus..LOL ...oh i give up. (you really are obnoxious, good choice of your name)

[@heaven-is-real]

@Andi B ok so you like torturing people to death then...to each his own i guess

[@lucky-bh5tt]

Greetings from Albania. My country was called a collaborator with the germans and the west gave us to the commies, even though we had partisans fighting against the germans and italians. Anyways great videos my friend, keep them coming👍👍.

[@kalsarikannit2058]

Hitler's friends cry that they fell into the hands of the Communists. It’s funny.

[@ShamileII]

Amazing narrative! I was literally on the edge of my seat while Mark narrated the story!

[@ivanloar7846]

Eisenhower was right when he said regarding Berlin. Let the Russian's have it. Thus saving many of our troops.

[@Jack51971]

Later on Ike said he regretted not taking Berlin but he saved a lot of American lives by letting the Russians have it. The Americans got chewed up in that stupid Hurtgen forest campaign.

[@ivanloar7846]

As the old saying goes...put yourself in their shoes. What's done is done we can only ponder it.

[@niccolopaganini4268]

@keith moore In 1944/45 it was too late to attack USSR, the new war would be as bloody as the whole ww2 and take years

[@ApeRiderr]

Niccolo Paganini but Russia had been slugging it out with the Germans in all out war for 4 years and America had the ball rolling and nukes, superior navy. It would’ve been bloody no doubt but if it was a decisive attack I think America would’ve won

[@niccolopaganini4268]

@@ApeRiderr America + Allies, Germans and Soviet occupied Eastern Europe would definitely win again USSR, but it'd be as bloody as US invasion of Japan, especially as Soviets advanced so much in their military until 1945

[@ProjectFlashlight612]

Busse's efforts in holding the Soviets at bay with what he had for as long as he did were nothing less than superhuman.

[@KR0TE7]

Yep his men fought extremely hard I never look at them as nazis I look at them as men who had no choice but to fight for there own sake and survival

[@alexandervaltsev6937]

@@KR0TE7too bad they lost eh😂

[@coomr419]

"Their Land, Their Blood" was a great mission in CoD World at War

[@xmassan20906]

Sir, the Red Army is closing from all directions and they're even more pissed off.

[@EricToTheScionti]

"Send kids to fight them lol."

[@santiagocardozo4390]

@@EricToTheScionti "Come with your opa too lol"

[@gunnerr8476]

Bring your kids to work day, men. Don't forget to bring your rifle..err I mean PANZERFAUST

[@EricToTheScionti]

@@gunnerr8476 kek

[@p1tz0n16]

Eh what can you do, it was either fight or get sent to gulag and work to death.

[@timmy8837]

Its amazing how Mutch you learn in such a short time keep up the great work 👍 Sorry if My english is bad im swedish

[@thomas316]

Don't worry, a German will come along soon to correct you. 🙂

[@johntait491]

A well produced and informative documentary. Thank you. 👍

[@BELCAN57]

I've been enthralled with this particular action ever since I read "The Last Battle" by Cornelius Ryan.

[@vcv6560]

Me too

[@averyrandomllama6516]

Same

[@peterm3964]

Me too . I was saddened by the destruction of the Berlin zoo. Tragedy upon tragedy . The Last Battle . Cornelius Ryan . The Battle for Berlin. .

[@seattlesix]

First rate broadcast quality productions, I throughly enjoy your narratives

[@cristiancruz5079]

Great resume of the battle mr. Felton. 12 minutes of pure information and good images. Mr. Beevor wrote a great book about this subject, "The Fall of Berlin", i highly recommended too. Thanks for this amazing videos sir, your country have great historians. Hat off for your knowledge.

[@aspect2988]

I believe that the Soviets did not suffer casualties from the spotlights, because the Germans had pulled back from the 1st line and could not engage the Soviets till they got closer.

[@kalsarikannit2058]

You ruined all the fun, smart bastard.

[@herbwag6456]

Imagine having to fight an enemy with so many tanks that they were piled up in huge traffic jams.

[@IrishCarney]

The Germans had that problem back in 41

[@VisualdelightPro]

@@IrishCarney Zhukov was an overrated General, General Chuikov should have gotten more praise.

[@mrcool2107]

Soviet easily reached berlin because Germany was fighting with all sides and had support with U.S

[@schlechtgut8349]

@@mrcool2107 80% germans were killed by USSR i mean gosh you are impossible from 1941 there were at least 3 -4 millions germans against USSR and only 1 million in other fronts such as africa or later france

[@schlechtgut8349]

he was practically the one who organised the ​defence of Moscow and Leningrad and came up with the idea of surrounding the 6th army in Stalingrad

[@fratercontenduntocculta8161]

I've watched a bunch of your videos recently and just noticed I wasn't subbed. Fastest click I've ever made! Great job, as always.

[@XmXStuka2]

Along with TIK's channel you are one the best ones doing these historical videos about darkest hours of human history

[@armanhadi777]

Amazing content, unmatched in quality for the genre.

[@nathanapplegate5374]

“Brave comrades of the 3rd shock army, today we break through the German lines!”

[@cyberpimp29]

Makes you wonder what could have happened if the German army would have fell back to the Ukraine when they had the chance to evacuate Stalingrad? Getting a taste of what the Germans could do using static and fortified defensive strategies.

[@bingobongo1615]

cyberpimp29 Stalingrad wasn’t the issue. The issue was Germany in 1943 attacking at Kursk and needing to relocate troops to Italy and France. The Germans were too weak to hold the long front then and the generals wanted to retreat but Hitler didn’t allow it. A large retreat beyond maybe even the Soviet border would have been a better idea but was not feasible in such a fanatic leadership

[@JoeSmith-sl9bq]

And where would they get their oil and other resources once they retreated? Before the invasion, it came from Soviet export, but obviously that was no longer a option

[@HontasFarmer80]

Watch TIK's videos about whether or not Germany could've ever won. To put it plainly Europe does not have the raw resources to conquer Russia. Russia does not have the capability to conquer the rest of Europe. (IMHO Russia could conquer all of East Europe, the "heartland" of Eurasia and command the world island as they once did ... at most.

[@domen9296]

just watch TIK on youtube he explains you question well

[@charlesmichaels6648]

Read: "Rise & Fall of Third Reich" by William Shirer (1960). Watch: "Enemy at the Gates" Note: AH sabotaged the German military.... (Notice the orders). AH escaped to South America (per FBI).

[@ScreechingPossum]

I thought my "Recommended" list said this was uploaded 6 months ago, and I was wondering how I could've missed it Guess that was "6 Minutes Ago", and now...I'm not used to being this early

[@therealuncleowen2588]

Last time you were this early, the Germans still expected to win at Stalingrad.

[@kevinbarr9003]

Love this channel. Had family in the Pacific and Europe in WW2. Helps me to understand their struggles.

[@kevinbarr9003]

My family fighting in the Pacific for America, were from German descent. I wonder if they would fight Hitler??

[@hehehahapoopoo3496]

The thumbnail reminds me of a book I read in middle school about a German/Russian guy who was in the German army fighting the Russians, who gets over run and injured and then switches clothes with a dead Russian and ends up fighting with the Russian army until he’s shot and wounded accidentally by the US Army. He ended becoming a English teacher and died in Oregon I believe. Absolute crazy story

[@eddted2876]

I just know that Air Power is the best way to soften up the enemy with constant bombings then after send troops in.. those bright spot lights that zhukov thought would do well only made his troops sitting ducks! Mark Felton is a wonderful history teacher! He covers a lot with maps!

[@drew65sep]

Just outstanding, informative, well-read, well-spoken, and interesting videos.

[@Kackpuh]

Seelow, Werneuchen, Strausberg and the R1 (nowadays called B1 for Bundesstraße 1) is where I grew up. It's always chilling to hear about the Seelower Höhen. Escpecially while walking through the woods and being able to clearly see the tank-trenches etc. they dug nearly 80 years ago. Interesting fact about the B1 (or R1): It's the german part of the longest (and oldest trading) road in Europe, stretching from Moskau to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The R1 was the part from Königsberg to Aachen. Nowadays it's cut short on the eastern border to Poland.

[@catharperfect7036]

My great grandpa fell at Wriezen (rockets). His friend was shot through the femur and was captured. Last time they saw my gg they said he had only a rifle and a blanket.

[@ipodman1910]

The road never led to Moscow. It led and still leads to Gdańsk. And it does not end at the border with Poland. It keeps goin all the way to the Bay of Gdańsk. Stop making stuff up!

[@johnw.peterson4311]

My God both sides are absolute stud warriors. It is ALWAYS the best and the greatest who sacrifice it all in war.

[@nachteinfallt8915]

explains why most of us now are weak effeminate chinlets

[@eduardoribeiro383]

Came back last week from a visit to Seelow Heights. A very somber experience. Small museum in a atmosphere that touches deep.

[@wrednax8594]

These videos are like crack. Can't get enough of them

[@chipsthedog1]

Chances are that someone is probably smoking crack whilst watching these videos, now that's a man with problems-- do I go out and buy more crack or do I watch another Felton video?

[@johndaugherty7465]

So...they're like Pervitin? ;-)

[@WildWizardWolf]

Crack at all that.

[@andrewf2]

I don't understand why people think smoking crack is addictive. I've been smoking it for 15 years and I'm not hooked.

[@halibut1249]

Hahaha. Even Felton himself gave this comment a heart!!