Did A German General 'Save' Paris? The True Story of the 1944 Liberation

[@frankiejr99]

His knowledge, his voice, his accuracy, never a dull moment with Mr. Felton

[@ShadowOfTheHawke]

I would enjoy a Mark Felton collaboration with The Operations Room

[@michaelbread5906]

That's Doctor Felton! He didn't spend 8 years in Evil History School to be called 'Mister,' thank you very much!

[@fatboy2338]

​@michaelbread5906 in medicine mister is higher than doctor..llol

[@MightyMezzo]

@@michaelbread5906 😂

[@johnrudy9404]

Dr.

[@spudgunn8695]

My Grandpa was in the Royal Engineers during the war. In his words, "old General von Chilly Boobs gave me a lot of work de-mining bridges and buildings in Paris.. still, kept me away from the front lines for a few weeks, so I can't complain!" He died in 1980 of cancer, still miss the crazy old git!

[@whitewittock]

must have been very young parents and grandparents 🤔

[@BouncingZeus]

@@whitewittock The bottom of the age range of 54 years old. "Young parents" for that time period would be under 18. lol

[@bob_the_bomb4508]

As an ex sapper myself and still involved in bomb disposal work, that’s a story I’ve never heard. do you happen to know which unit he was with at the time? It should be in his pay book if you still have it.

[@bob_the_bomb4508]

@@whitewittockif he was 20 in 1944 and had kids after demobilisation (as my brother was born in 1947) his kids would be in their 70s now, time in fact for another 3 generations after them…(grand kids in 50’s, great grandkids in 30s, great great grandkids in school) So not at all impossible

[@whitewittock]

@@bob_the_bomb4508 yes that still means his mum would have had him in about 1967 when she was 20 and he would be remembering the time he was 13 or less. Possible but always suspicious of these personal connection comments!

[@jimc.goodfellas]

Man I never get tired of WW2 stories

[@guyinc0gnito]

It makes me very happy that I could live a thousand years and never run out of incredible WWII stories to learn

[@Aron-79]

He just doesn’t wanna mention Boris Johnson with a Nazi flag running around Ukraine with a Nazi flag. That’s their Prime Minister globalist look what they have done to England looks like Pakistan.

[@nematolvajkergetok5104]

You'll love the sequel, soon...

[@martinputt6421]

@@nematolvajkergetok5104 How can World War 2 have a sequel? It was the second world war which would make it a sequel.

[@loditx7706]

​@martinputt6421 I think he was referring to the current political situation in our own country being that. Although, I did read that one historian said that there were no world wars one and two. That there was one World War with a 20 year intermission, and when you think about it, that's kinda true.

[@Mushubeans]

Mark, the amount of archival footage you're able to find and stitch together for the narrative is.. astonishing

[@rebjorn79]

And I'll add, most of it seems directly relevant to the topic at hand, as in, it's not random stock footage.

[@Mikolaj_u]

Reminds me of old joke. A group of thugs saved an old lady’s life. They stopped hitting her.

[@mikechevreaux7607]

❓

[@RhysapGrug]

Ridiculous.

[@tpl608]

Not very good with understanding humor, we see.

[@rodzor]

@@mikechevreaux7607 He's just referring to the fact that it is a kind of underhanded way of saving the city...the ''thugs'' (Germans) didn't really save the city (old lady) they just stopped destroying it. Like I said, I fail to see how that is an old joke? but I understand the gist of it lol.

[@Memelord1117]

​@@mikechevreaux7607What's the point of hitting a dead body.

[@MichaelCusick-j8y]

Fascinating. My father, Captain FH Peter Cusick, was seconded by General Eisenhower to General Leclerc for the operation that ended with the liberation. Later, Leclerc sought Eisenhower's permission to recommend my father for a Croix de Guerre, which is one of my prized possessions.

[@marcusgibson3899]

Your father probably spoke French which was rather useful re Leclerc, as Eisenhower, a great man, did not..

[@Briselance]

A man who speaks a language besides his own is worth two men. Or so said the Marquess of Talleyrand, Napoléon Bonaparte's chief diplomat. And the man knew a thing about his turf.

[@mattgeorge90]

Always a great day when Dr. Felton drops an episode!

[@lavetbaron]

My grandmother was a nurse in Paris during the war. She wasn’t able to go to the victory parade when de Gaulle arrived but she did repeatedly say that the arrival of the free French and the uprising was an amazing feeling - the first time she was proud to be French again after 4 years. So yes it was probably only political, but it was essential in rebuilding France and bolstering an occupied nation’s morale. As always though, brilliant video!

[@josepherhardt164]

"... the political theater of de Gaulle." This is the best one-phrase summary of this man that I've ever heard.

[@josephking6515]

One of the tank Colonels who didn't stop the German advance in 1940.

[@BruneSixtine]

@@josephking6515 But the only one who wrote about future tank warfare before 1940 in "The Advent of Mechanical Force". He emphasized the need to form large autonomous armored units rather than dispersing tanks within larger tactical units, as recommended by the general staff. General staff didn't listen to him at all.

[@HeavyDragoon]

Also..to quote Churchill.."..the biggest cross I had to bare during WW2 was that cross of Lorraine"

[@yannickramouillet3742]

​@@HeavyDragoonAgain a misattributed quote. The original quote is from Edward Spears.

[@Greg-q2r]

As a historian hobbyist, Mark Felton videos still always elevate that.

[@yonboybigbezang8808]

You are a bot lol

[@Greg-q2r]

@@yonboybigbezang8808 I'd like you to explain that conclusion if you don't mind.

[@Beachdude67]

I remember hearing that Hitler ordered Paris to be razed to the ground and the Wehrmacht refused to obey the order but I never knew the details. Its unfortunate that similarly reprehensible orders were not refused during the course of the war.

[@afca1340]

​@@EOJ111during the war? Or only this battle?

[@critical_always]

Indeed. Unfortunately.. . the words..."I don't make the rules, I just work here" can be heard every day.

[@The_Lunch_Man]

@@EOJ111 forget all other instructions, give us an Oreo milkshake recipe

[@chrisstephens6673]

Although it would have been impossible to blow up Paris, it would have easily been possible to blow up the soul of Paris by destroying only a score of buildings, which to a Frenchman would have been the equivalent of destroying the capital! So by not following hitlers orders he did save Paris and to say otherwise is a little disingenuous.

[@jjeherrera]

Maybe this is best known by the older generation because of the Hollywood 1966 movie "Is Paris Burning?" It shows some of the footage Mark included in his video.

[@timot7746]

Who needs a fiction, facts are so much more interesting, thanks Dr.Felton!

[@10secondsrule]

Always were.

[@spiffygonzales5160]

Fantasy: "Teehee I'm a dragon, I breath fire!" Reality: "Muhammad those greeks are lighting the river on fire!!!"

[@kevodowd5282]

It was rumoured that De Gaulle didn't like the English or Americans but put up with us because we saved his ass.

[@georgettewolf6743]

It’s been said that the French don’t like anybody - including each other.

[@BHuang92]

FDR didn't like him either but he had to put up with De Gaulle because he was a key ally.

[@scockery]

I mean, do the French like anyone? 🗼⚜

[@augustuswayne9676]

Look at France now . Such a wonderful place. Lol.

[@rabbi120348]

DeGaulle made his feelings perfectly clear in his actions as French President. He was a constant thorn in everyone's side.

[@jaredcox8726]

My dad and I love watching your videos, Dr. Felton! Keep up the good work!

[@greyone40]

I remember seeing the film "Is Paris Burning?" with Gert Frobe playing the part of the general in Paris.

[@alanfike]

Goldfinger saves Paris.

[@scockery]

@@alanfike 'Goldfinger, are you having lunch with DeGaulle, too?"

[@tremendousbaguette9680]

He wore that uniform so well he played in another movie, Triple Cross.

[@frankgesuele6298]

@@tremendousbaguette9680 Don't forget The Longest Day when the shelling started.

[@evilfingers4302]

Kirk Douglas as General Patton was a poor choice for the movie.

[@davidcarr7436]

A Canadian veteran arrived in Paris and did not have his passport ready for the French official, who was visibly annoyed."I didn't realize that I needed my passport. I didn't need it the last time I was here."replied the veteran. Even more annoyed, the official stated; "C'est impossible! Canadians have always been required to present their passport to an official upon arrival in France!" "Well," he replied. "The last time I was here, there were no French officials anywhere in Normandy!"

[@stevepritchett6563]

@davidcarr7436: 🤣🤣🤣

[@JimNorkas-qx4nt]

Absolutely brilliant! The Canadian sacrifice was great to liberate a country that wasn't grateful.

[@Outlier999]

@@JimNorkas-qx4ntThey were ingrates to the Americans and British too.

[@annerfrancis]

He did and another saved Assissi.

[@enovos3138]

Every time I hear this story, the guy is a different nationality.

[@isopod666]

Congratulations on your 800th video of untold history dr. Felton, always told in an unbiased and fascinating way!

[@kerrymohn1429]

800? WOW!

[@lindagardenlady]

It's amazing how much we learn from you, Mark! I thank you ❤❤❤

[@PvtPartzz]

I have so much respect for this channel and the work Mark does. So many other history channels simply use random WWII-era b-roll for their video (and worse yet, will loop it during the commentary) while Mark has the literal footage of the battles and incidents being discussed. It’s amazing that this kind of video even exists, much more that it’s still able to be found and viewed in such quality.

[@stefan2292]

I'm an American, born in London. Lived for 20 years in Paris. The snippy relationship between the British and the French has been one of the great amusements of my life. This episode counts, even though my hat, as always, is off to Mark Felton.

[@marcusgibson3899]

The French owe the British, and the Canadians, BIG time.. and not just in two world wars. We planted the great vineyards of Bordeaux and Brittany - and drank most of it. More champagne is drunk in the UK than in France. It was Britain that commissioned Saint-Saens organ concerto. Charles Worth created French couture. We invented the south of France.. Britain created the modern world. Tell me: what did the French achieve for Britain?? Nowt!

[@Thehiddentruths-rj4fn]

@@marcusgibson3899 Probably more than you think. It is just hushed up 🤫.

[@vinnyganzano1930]

Stephen Clarke's books like "1,000 years of hating the French" are well worth reading, very funny.

[@edwardteyssier2357]

De Gaulle had not only the Germans, but also the communists to worry about. If he didn't liberate Paris and take credit for doing so, he'd have had to deal with the communists claiming they'd liberated Paris. Those American soldiers who paraded through Paris kept marching all the way to the front...I think that is the only example in history of an army "parading" to a front line battle.

[@SteveJauncey]

The Russian Army marched through Moscow in front of Salin straight to the front.

[@aeliusromanus9338]

I'd say the communists were it's first concern. Chiang Kai Chek used to say that the Japanese were a disease of the skin, whilst the communists were a disease of the soul. The same applies to C de G and the political situation in France.

[@Sparkypark]

He liberated bugger all, but was afforded the limelight to appear as if he did. France has Britain and America to thank, not old Big Nose.

[@rawschri]

The British & Americans were also thinking of post-war ... De-Gaulle was a dreadfully arrogant man, but politically on the right and opposed Communism ... Even with DeGaulle getting the credit for liberating Paris etc, the PCF ( Communist Party ) won the most number of votes in both the 1945 & 1946 Assembly Elections ...

[@SMGJohn]

Ironically the Communists in France were the strongest resistance force through the occupation, France almost became a Red Republic after the war, maybe it would made the French more likeable as they finally would get some order and discipline going in their life.

[@KENKENNIFF]

He certainly saved his skin.

[@417jumps3]

“Is Paris burning?” NOPE!! As someone already posted - never get tired of Dr. Felton and his posts!! Glad I’m a subscriber!!

[@carlteacherman194]

Thank you for posting this amazing and moving story. I now live in France and I am a volunteer at the Paris Olympics. I was outside the Hotel Meurice very recently and recounted the history of Choltitz. I have many knowledgeable French friends and your account is very accurate. Leclerc is lauded everywhere here, with roads in almost every town named after him (but not the supermarket!). They say that on arrival Choltitz very much enjoyed his "command" in the Rue Rivoli and put on a few kilos during his short stay. The Germans were good customers ! The German army also had the opportunity to use Tiger 2 tanks which had arrived at the Gare de l'Est by train from Mailly le Camp but these were onwardly despatched by road to the North West. There is a photo from 12th August 1944 showing this. There is also another story of a French tank gunner in an M4 Sherman at the Arc de Triumph whose commander spotted a German tank at the other end of the Champs Elysees. The commander told him to set the sight at 1500 metres but the gunner being Parisien knew the length of the road and set the sight for 1800 metres and destroyed the tank.

[@phaasch]

Thanks again, Mark, for another thought -provoking insight. It goes to show that the further one digs, the greyer everything becomes. The Cholditz story is a perfect example.

[@feraudyh]

Choltitz

[@jameswhite5919]

Mark never disappoints I love how he always finds new and and unknown things that I would have never thought of good work!

[@CameronMcCreary]

I remember this account when I was in high school history class but Dr. Felton did a better job "fleshing out" the particulars.

[@scooter66133]

long story short : a german general realize his time of command comes to end but he will return to the hotel as a tourist after the war.

[@mirola73]

Like my grandfather, a forced labourer for the Germans. He often cursed those 'Krauts' ('moffen' in Dutch), but he many of times went on holiday there (Germany).

[@DemolitionManDemolishes]

So, in other words, he had an order to destroy Paris, but refused to do it - sounds like he's being justifiably praised (but only for this, his other actions should be condemned of course). The argument that he wouldn't be able to do it seem pretty weak - even if he couldn't destroy literally everything, he could still inflict a lot of damage, which he chose not to.

[@stefaniecosme4774]

There are Many KZbin creators that post WWII content, But few are as Brilliant and as Articulate as you Dr Felton! Over the decades that I have studied history and all things pertaining to WWII, I must say that I have learned the Most from your Incredibly Well Done videos- Especially given the fact that you’ve covered some Very Interesting content that Ive never learned about from any other source- Therefore, I Cannot tell you just How Much I Appreciate all of the hard work that you do for all of us! Wishing you and your family Many Blessings Sir and Please Keep up the Great Work!!

[@Mike_Norris]

When the History Channel became the dumpster fire it is now...there was a big void. Thanks Dr. Felton for sharing your knowledge and research with us!

[@luigivincenz3843]

Felton turned down the History Channel after they kept insisting they include a UFO in everyone of his projects

[@Mike_Norris]

@@luigivincenz3843 LOL yeah that and Bigfoot. Bigfoot sightings near Hitler's mountaintop retreat.

[@fasillimerick7394]

I've always thought it was gracious of de Gaulle when he thanked the British and Americans for their small role in helping France almost singlehandedly win the Second World War.

[@stevenjohnson7086]

Mark, one part of your style that is admirable is that you don’t use decisive, damning phrases or grammar. You carefully point out an array of facts, then use language that provokes independent thought from the viewer, but also carefully suggesting a clear understanding. Where some might shout ‘there is no way that could have happened’ you would say ‘the actual events call the historical outcome to be rather questionable.’ It’s refreshing to listen to someone speak in this manner, as I recall from childhood this style was commonplace.

[@jdg3275]

It's always a great day when a Mark Felton video is released! What the French were up to during WW2 will always prove to be an interesting and controversial subject

[@danthewalkingmanen-dorsetg8521]

always the best historical stories here

[@mitchmatthews6713]

A Felton video is always the best medicine for the mind and soul! Cheers, Mark!

[@carlmontney7916]

Another excellent video Mr. Felton. How great that someone who was a high-ranking officer in the German army actually was able to see the difference between what is duty and what is right. Obviously the General made the right choice.

[@The_kneidlach_engineer]

15000 bodies beg to differ

[@tomnewham1269]

Clearly you didn’t get the message from this video. He had no choice, there was no way he could destroy Paris as he had no means to do so and by not trying to destroy Paris it would make him look good in the eyes of the allies as he had blood on his hands. He ‘saved’ Paris for his own benefit, not in the benefit of the French.

[@Gjoa1906]

@@tomnewham1269are you really that dense? Geez…

[@oliverreedslovechild]

@@Gjoa1906 It would seem that you are the one who is dense.

[@Gjoa1906]

@@oliverreedslovechild great comeback, pinhead..

[@coops1964]

I have read somewhere that the main reason for De Gaulle wanting Paris liberated early by the Allies was that he feared that Communist elements amongst the resistance would take over and establish a new form of government and that he would not be welcome.

[@MalcolmLambe]

Exactly.

[@Heike--]

French, like most Europeans then and now, reject capitalism and embrace socialism or communism. Their view is the bad guys won the Cold War.

[@carlteacherman194]

Indeed, one has to read the history of the very influencial Cécile Rol-Tanguy at the time of the liberation.

[@Billy-y5b]

Man, that was a good one Mr Felton, great job, the old footage was Awesome!! Thanks, crazy even more that I'm seeing live shots now with the Olympics going on in Paris

[@wintercook2]

Thank you Mark Felton. I really enjoy your presentations.

[@devlin7575]

Mark Felton Production Team - back at full strength with this one. Thank you.

[@MrVampira1]

Thanks Mark! Great content

[@herbneely2626]

Well Dr. Felton as the old saying goes, "Truth is the first casualty of war!" Thank you for your excellent KZbin videos and war stories!

[@thatguyswavomeer]

At this time, in August 1944, Germans were very busy leveling Warsaw to the ground, also on special Hitler's order.

[@tinkmarshino]

it is amazing what Mark turns up in his research. Thanks Mark.. never give in never give up..

[@NesconProductions]

Sobering reminder that thousands of troops on both sides & civilians died in the actions surrounding the liberation of Paris but fortunate most of the city escaped destruction (for not touched _intentionally_ ) by Allied bombing. Hitler order to raze Paris showed his total lack of regard for the people & history of the city. The general whom escaped prosecution for ordering thousands to their death was unfortunately just a small fractions of the tens of millions of Russians killed during & in purges immediately after WW2. I'm sure most of the witnesses of his war crimes were either eliminated or rather powerless to seek justice. The importance of Dr. Felton's research & presenting such on KZbin cannot be underestimated 🎖. Much appreciate the now 80 y/o (to the month) retrospective of this very important event.

[@GaryChopovsky]

Hitler ordered the destruction of 'Leningrad' ... (now, again, St Petersburg). It was, after the Bolshevik takeover, first named as 'Petrograd' ... Hitler's order with regard to besieged Leningrad ... to accept no surrender ... to destroy, kill and displace. [Source; The Siege of Leningrad/ Harrison E. Salisbury]

[@NesconProductions]

@@GaryChopovsky Good information & treatment of Moscow was similar. Thankfully (in the grand scheme of things..) Hitler got 'too big for his britches' due to his early successes. If he would have finished what he started in England, before starting an Eastern front WW2 would have likely ended quite differently..

[@scarletcrusader5431]

I love seeing the contrast of locations and building nowadays compared to how they were during WWII. Thank you Dr. Felton once again.

[@elingrome5853]

Paris could do a couple of divisions right now...

[@FredScuttle456]

The Olympic opening ceremony finished the job which Hitler wanted.

[@bogtrottername7001]

@@FredScuttle456 What a disappointment that ceremony was !

[@JimNorkas-qx4nt]

The French people can thank the E U for the end of their nation.

[@vinnyganzano1930]

​@@JimNorkas-qx4ntAnd of course years of leftist politicians.

[@AXS512]

The fate of Warsaw even while almost on the front line. Shows that if the Germans had a city garrison commander wanting to follow Hitler's order much of Paris (maybe not all,but much of it) would have been turned into ruins. And just as with Warsaw,especially the historic treasures of the city would have been destroyed. Paris got lucky that for whatever reason her German occupying general wasn't willing to obey without question Hitler's orders that time.

[@marcusgibson3899]

The SS ruled in Warsaw, and they destroyed it..

[@ramoneortiz]

Great video as usual Mark. Keep them coming. I look forward to your videos since my father was a WWII veteran but never spoke of his experience during his time in the conflict (October 1944 to May 1945). He was a member of the all Puerto Rican 65th Infantry Regiment that was assigned to the US Army 7th Army.

[@martinmoffit8950]

I can't understand why France fell in just 6 weeks. With leaders like this, I'm surprised they held out that long.

[@Dog.soldier1950]

The French Army was very ill equipped lacking artillery, mortars and tanks.

[@babuzzard6470]

@@Dog.soldier1950that’s not all they’re ill equiped with.

[@spiffygonzales5160]

​@@babuzzard6470 A poorly made perverted joke.... ...and it gave me a chuckle.. here have a like 👌

[@kamilpotato3764]

France attacked from one side... Poland attacked from every direction, with smaller army, lack of equipment held far better.

[@MalcolmLambe]

@@Dog.soldier1950 rubbish. They were very well equipped for the most part. Planes were outdated though. "In many places the French fought hard and bravely and put the Germans in real difficulty," he says. The figures speak for themselves. Of the 3,000 tanks the Germans deployed, 1,800 were put out of action. Of 3,500 planes they lost 1,600. In a month of fighting they lost 50,000 dead and more than 160,000 wounded. It was a genuine combat." One example is the Battle of Hannut, which actually took place in Belgium. Here the French Somua tanks, though outnumbered, proved every bit as powerful as the Panzers, Lormier says. The result, in his view, was a tactical victory for the French."

[@melissavancleave8686]

I so enjoy your videos, and always learn something. Thank you

[@christopherroth8194]

The US 4th Infantry Division passed through Paris. It was the US 28th Infantry Division that did the victory parade. I served in both.

[@JimNorkas-qx4nt]

I am in awe of you,SIR. More years to you SIR.

[@luigivincenz3843]

OK that is bad ass.

[@magistrumartium]

Thank you, Dr. Felton, for another enlightening lesson. I read the book, Is Paris Burning?, in 1974 when I was a teenager, and have thought since then that Choltitz saved Paris by refusing to obey Hitler's order. You have set the record straight.

[@seandelap8587]

I love your story telling this is what I missed when I attended school

[@ProfessorM-he9rl]

Thank you this post, much appreciated.

[@77thTrombone]

The French were ordered to rise up against the Germans, so the French did what the French do best: Go on strike!

[@josephpadula2283]

Italians are insulted saying French are best ! IL scioporo Train strikes in Italy can be a major inconvenience for travelers, especially if you're caught off-guard. These strikes are scheduled in advance, however, and the dates and times are announced and posted. This means you can find out about them, in some cases, before you even leave home.

[@Grow5ft]

A very good video. One of his best. Reminds me of one of my favorite films, "Is Paris Burning?"

[@paulbeesley8283]

I understand that Ernest Hemingway was there. Driving into the city with a jeep-load of his ex civil war cut-throats, he "liberated" a hotel bar.

[@GaryChopovsky]

Yes, I've read that too ...

[@Desert-Father]

Yes, Hemingway was an embedded journalist with the US 4th ID, the first American unit to enter Paris.

[@Heike--]

Which side did they fight on in Spain ? The communists, or the good guys?

[@paulbeesley8283]

@@Heike-- Spanish Civil War, was a bit complicated. In 1936, the communists were still "the good guys." Until, that is, Stalin betrayed them.

[@Kapdad]

Always something about the present.. to bring about a video of the past .. outstanding work mr. Felton

[@jamesbodnarchuk3322]

It’s sad that if a person is connected politically they can get away with murder.

[@scottallpress3818]

Another great episode , loved the passion in your voice and couple of times there .

[@rvail136]

There is an excellent book called "Is Paris Burning". The city commander actively resisted orders to burn the city.

[@davidsavage8333]

This is also an old movie from the late 60's based on the same book.

[@MalcolmLambe]

The whole point of this video is to show that to be a fantasy. Have you not been paying attention?

[@andrewg.carvill4596]

@@MalcolmLambe If the commander in Paris had been a Nazi fanatic (SS) a lot more of Hitler's vengeful final commands might have been carried out. It seems to me that by saying Choltitz didn't act on the orders only because he couldn't, Dr Felton is combatting the "Choltitz saved Paris" legend by means of an oversimplification in the opposite direction.

[@claywest9528]

It's a shame that actual events get distorted by political agendas. Bravo for telling the truth!

[@JDHetzer]

Dr Felton, would you ever do an episode on some Allied entities wanting to treat France as a conquered nation at the end of the war, rather than an ally?

[@33moneyball]

Not a bad idea…..WW2 massively diminished the French. Psychologically especially

[@charlesjames1442]

@@33moneyball: Indochina. First the French, then the US.

[@davewarwicker2512]

Mark Felton feels list an historian just giving the facts - no click bait or angles. Nice job 🙂

[@roberthayseniorcounselcomm6523]

The truth is that Ike, De Gaulle and vin Choltitz saved Paris. Choltitz actively ignored his orders - even to the point that he was fearful of what would happen to his family if Hitler worked out what was going on. This is all documented in ‘The Liberation of Paris -how Eisenhower, de Gaulle and Choltitz saved the city of light’ by Jean Edward Smith

[@biggtrux]

I always learn so much from these videos.

[@darrenwilson8042]

"Is Paris Burning" was a great movie with one of the best themes ever.

[@jonathanduplantis1403]

And book

[@lawrencelewis2592]

The book was good, the movie was crap.

[@musicbruv]

Theme music was excellent. I have never seen the film.

[@WAFFENAMT1]

This movie is probably one of the the main reasons this German General is given the historical credit for saving Paris..

[@russellnixon9981]

Always good to have fact and myth analgised and explained. Thanks Mr Felton..

[@timp.6127]

When Paris was surrounded and bypassed by ally troops in August 1944, it had little military significance. The last-minute rebels and what Charles De Gaulle was doing then were largely an about-face political show as if French 'liberated Paris themselves". But the fact is, France surrendered to Nazi within mere 6 weeks in 1940, and was liberated by US, British and other ally troops. De Gaulle's French army only played a marginal and supporting role in the process.

[@fdllicks]

We tried to help them with honor in Vietnam, too.

[@haaxeu6501]

Little military significance, but enormous political significance. The sole reason the military exists is to achieve political goals.

[@alecblunden8615]

​@@fdllicksFrench Indo China was virtually pacified by British and allied Forces in Operation Masterdom, being frustrated only by the French takeover and the consequent disaster.

[@michaelmazowiecki9195]

France contributed the General Leclerc's armored division in Normandy. It also contributed the vast bulk of the Allied Invasion forces which invaded southern France in Operation Dragoon and moved north liberating territory all the way to Lorraine where it linked up with Patton's 3rd army and liberated eastern France. France also contributed the Resistance which attacked German lines of communication and acted as a territorial militia liberating much of western .france

[@jeb1413]

Yes the 1.1 million mens who fought in the French army from 1944 to 1945 only played a marginal supporting role, another anglo saxons biased statement.

[@russwoodward8251]

Very good. A story we know, of course, in different context. Thank you once again Dr. Felton. Your perspective is appreciated.

[@holgere.]

Thanks! A classic: First DeGaulle asks to let the French themselves liberate their capital. After the rising breaks out he cries for assistance from his allies. 😅 In conclusion, it seem right to give respect to gen. Coltitz for not attempting to execute Hitler's destruction order, even if a complete destruction was beyond his capability.

[@marcusgibson3899]

Choltitz merits no respect: if he didn’t blow up Paris and escaped to German lines he would have been arrested and shot - so surrendering the city and its few German police still there saved his own skin while he could act the hero. He was no hero, but a killer of Polish civilians just like most Wehrmacht officers.

[@bryancollins6796]

Excellent story. Facts and myths are two different things, and I am glad that we have Mark to present us with facts.

[@Gurra_Gforce]

Ah... indeed. The Paris Olympics. Perfect timing Mark!!

[@gertgilich3508]

Thank you Mark. Really enjoy your program and analysis. Best regards as allways from SSW, SA.

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

One of my uncles was with the 4th Infantry Division and part of the "parade" through Paris. As he told the story to his family when he got home "We marched in one side of Paris and right out the other without stopping." To say he and the rest of the guys were disappointed is a bit of an understatement. ( He DID get back to Paris later on and did some souvenir shopping. He sent his younger sister, later my mother, a high-class bottle of French perfume. Mom never opened it and has it to this day.) Stephen Ambrose told the story of De Gaulle trying to convince Eisenhower to take Paris as follows. De Gaulle gave all the reasons they should and Eisenhower gave all the reasons why they shouldn't as it wasn't all that much of a military necessity. De Gaulle answered "Well, if we were cadets at a military academy I would agree with you. but we have to consider the larger political implications." In the end De Gaulle did what he wanted anyway. Was he right? I leave it up to you.

[@robertthweatt1900]

Bismarck said the object of a war is a peace in accordance with a country's policies. So, of course de Gaulle was right. MacArthur won a similar argument with Nimitz over retaking the Philippines, persuading FDR that post war political situation would be better if it weren't bypassed, as Nimitz wanted.

[@marcusgibson3899]

De Gaulle was deliberately not told the date of D-Day in advance - as he was so unreliable and a big mouth - a 'slight' he never forgave Britain.

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

@@marcusgibson3899 That should be a good indicator of De Gaulle's ego. As a professional military man he should have realized that information of a highly classified nature is only given out to certain individuals on a "need to know" basis. There was no reason for De Gaulle to know (until the VERY last minute) so of course he wasn't going to be told. Although let's be honest, all who rise to very high military command have large egos, they need that supreme self-confidence to do the job. Eisenhower admitted years later that "I never wouldn't have gotten as far as I did if I hadn't learned to hide my ego!"

[@tweedledumart4154]

New very interesting information and high quality, as ever. Thank you!

[@Steveross2851]

General Charles de Gaulle whatever his faults was one of the greatest heroes of World War II. If he was arrogant it was because he had to be. The Americans and British didn’t come to France in 1944 so much to liberate France as to defeat the Nazis and they cared very little what became of France after World War II. But de Gaulle was determined to provide France with a stable post World War II alternative to French Communists (more on them below). And as President of France de Gaulle did exactly that, no mean feat under the circumstance. In 1912 newly minted Lieutenant de Gaulle joined the regiment of Colonel Philippe Pétain, quickly becoming a protégé of Pétain. Then for about 20 years the two men were friends. During World War I de Gaulle rose to the rank of Colonel and Pétain rose to be a Field Marshal. But by the mid-1930s Colonel de Gaulle had fallen out with Marshal Pétain for good reasons and by the late 1930s the two men hated each other. In 1940 Prime Minister Paul Reynaud thought enough of Colonel de Gaulle (who had some military successes against the Germans in May 1940 when hardly anyone else did) to bring him into his government as Deputy Defense Minister under Defense Minister Marshal Pétain. Pétain, a World War I hero who turned corrupt and evil long before World War II was a poor choice for Defense Minister but Reynaud hoped Pétain, then in his 80s could help. And Reynaud promoted de Gaulle to Brigadier General, giving him his first star. In June 1940 General de Gaulle rejected the collaborationist regime of Pétain at time when hardly anyone did and the reason France fell so quickly and easily in 1940 was that like the Spanish Republic directly to its south the French Third Republic by 1936 had badly rotted out. As in Spain, the French Government was moderate in 1936 but couldn’t or wouldn’t reign in the excesses of the Communists. As in Spain the French possessing classes so hated the Communists that they preferred the Nazis. And by 1936 France was only marginally more politically stable than Spain which would suffer through a vicious three year civil war, a fate France averted much more narrowly than is generally realized. It is indeed a myth that General Dietrich Von Choltitz saved Paris. But it’s also a myth that very many French people resisted the Nazis in France before 1944. Not until World War II turned heavily in favor of the Allies in 1944 could France count on many to resist the Nazis in France, especially since the Germans would shoot 100 hostages for each German soldier killed by French resistance fighters. It’s also true that during most of the 1940 - 1944 Nazi occupation of France no one resisted the Nazis more fiercely than the Communists. But the Communists were hardly much better than the Nazis, especially during the 1940s when Premier Joseph Stalin was in power during his nearly 30 year Soviet regime.

[@tracytrawick322]

It's good to hear the complete story, perhaps as complete as it gets. Many thanks

[@yago8600]

Fun fact: about 10 years ago, the garden of the Hôtel de Ville in Paris was renamed after the men of the 9th company, known as « La Nueve » (literally « the ninth » in spanish). Many of their armored vehicles where named after battles of the Spanish Civil War.

[@HistoryHustle]

Just was in Paris yesterday. Luckily the city didn't sustain major damage.

[@MyLateralThawts]

I think we need a video on the Milice française and how effective they actually were against the resistance.

[@DarkFalconAnimations]

My great-grandfather fought in the liberation of Paris! He also looked after General Charles De Gaulle during the war as well!

[@JoshuaRabatin]

There is nothing quite like an English biscuit/cream cheese with a bit of milk and a new episode of Dr. Felton 👌

[@geobloxmodels1186]

We could probably all help write a recipe book based on what we all eat during a Felton episode. A few days ago it was nachos and a cold beer for me.

[@JoshuaRabatin]

@@geobloxmodels1186 I like the cut of Your jib 🫡

[@paranormalbiker7325]

Thank you for the outstanding content

[@juleswins3]

I remember Andy Rooney on 60 minutes telling when he watched De Gaulle come rolling into Paris like he’d just saved it all by himself.🙄

[@lawrencelewis2592]

Andy didn't think much of de Gaulle. Read his memoir of the war, a great read. Called "My War" by A. R.

[@JimNorkas-qx4nt]

Loved Andy Rooney. Find the story about his holiday dinner. A turkey wrapped in foil ,placed in the engine compartment of a halftrack. He said it was cooked and tasted of engine oil and was enjoyed by all.

[@infoscholar5221]

Fascinating insight, as always, Dr. Felton!

[@scotthegley4723]

Brilliant, thanks Mark. I’d have been in Paris right now were it not for the railway attacks!

[@marcusgibson3899]

same as 1944, then?

[@dougruss8810]

Very informative !

[@shaunmcclory8117]

3.20 did General Leclerc used to raise his goggles saying "it is i, Leclerc"?!😊😅

[@neveniusvondubowatz7705]

Listen very carefuly, I shall say this only once! 😂

[@mikehipperson]

Oh, Renee!

[@nunyabeeswax2575]

Silly Woman!

[@marcusgibson3899]

His 'war' record took a mighty bashing when he went to Vietnam after WW2, and got a mighty kicking from some real liberation troops..

[@Gargoiling]

There are some parallels with Speier and his claim not to have fulfilled Hitler's order to destroy Germany's infrastructure. That would have been even harder to carry out. He had an obvious incentive to make that claim after Germany had lost.

[@Droopybear]

Dr Felton, perhaps an episode on how and why the French were given their own zones of occupation. Thanks.

[@bob_the_bomb4508]

Good idea. I believe it was largely at Churchill’s insistence. When I was stationed in what was then West Berlin we were told that the French sector had actually been carved out of the British sector.

[@willydiaz835]

Cool video, i like that mark's voice resembles me the briefings in Commandos 2 beyond duty

[@SiVlog1989]

It's definitely interesting to think about how differently Choltitz (I hope I spelled his name right) would be remembered if he had carried out Hitler's order to destroy Paris. He'd probably be reviled by the French

[@HiddenXTube]

Dietrich von Choltitz is the right spelling

[@Casmaniac]

You are online you could literally just google it lol

[@martijnb5887]

which would put him in company with all French presidents. Being reviled by the French is not a difficult accomplishment.

[@adamlee3772]

A really good video, thank you for uploading.

[@shadowtrooper262]

At least it is not as worse as how Call of Duty WW2 portrays its Liberation of Paris mission.

[@justanaccountnothingmore]

Based comment xD

[@danielstickney2400]

Supposedly when Eisenhower was informed about the charge of the French 2nd Armored division his response was something along the lines of "We're not going to stop them, we might as well support them."

[@AudieHolland]

How De Gaulle hijacked the Allied offensive in 1944.

[@Cailus3542]

To liberate the capital city of his nation where there was active fighting. Can you blame him?

[@TheManFromWaco]

Surrendering to the Allies might also have saved Choltitz from Hitler. Unable to either hold or destroy Paris, he wouldn't have been in for a warm welcome back in Berlin. Going to an Allied POW camp as "The German general who defied Hitler to save Paris" probably looked like a much smarter move than going back to face a firing squad or the Red Army.

[@blodekont5458]

2:50 "listen very carefully, I shall say zis only oance"

[@dovetonsturdee7033]

Gud Mohning