Operation Blücher: The Last German Attack in France, April 1945

The unknown story of the German Army's last 'offensive' in France, the dramatic 'Operation Blücher' of April 1945, when they burst from surrounded Dunkirk with devastating consequences, advancing east in one last defiant attack.
Dr. Mark Felton is a well-known British historian, the author of 22 non-fiction books, including bestsellers 'Zero Night' and 'Castle of the Eagles', both currently being developed into movies in Hollywood. He has written extensively on Japanese war crimes, POW camps, Nazi war criminals, the Holocaust, famous escapes, Hitler and other Nazi leaders. In addition to writing, Mark also appears regularly in television documentaries around the world, including on The History Channel, Netflix, National Geographic, Quest, American Heroes Channel and RMC Decouverte. His books have formed the background to several TV and radio documentaries. More information about Mark can be found at: en.wikipedia.o...
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Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Mark Felton Productions. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Mark Felton Productions does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.
Thanks: Google Maps

[@kynano7989]

I really appreciate the fact that Dr Felton covers everything from this time, not just the massive battles but the forgotten operations and really does a great job of letting you know the struggle of the people

[@nogisonoko5409]

@HELMUT ALTO I thought it was called Operation Overlord for the 3 month operation to open the 2nd front on the west while D-day is just a day when you start attacking some kind of objective in a large scale offensive.

[@Peggyt-jp6mt]

@HELMUT ALTO This video is about CANADIANS. Hollywood covers the US battles.

[@mulmusfistus4128]

@@Peggyt-jp6mt yeah just forget the czech and the germans. The topic of the video wasn't CANADIANS. It was about the defense of Dunkerque.

[@timtimson313]

"....he was telling me what destructive vandals the Allies were/are". Why blame the allies for destruction that Hitler started? The allies had to take each village and city by force if the Nazis dug in. What would you have done... surround each village, town and city and wait...and allow Hitler to build up reinforcements? The truth is that it was a very difficult situation back then for the Allies. They were treading a fine line between liberating the European mainland and bombing areas to flush out/destroy the Nazis. And as the saying goes: "You cant make an omelette without breaking eggs".

[@nogisonoko5409]

@@timtimson313 That is the point of view from the people that suffered through the war. I don't blame them because half of the liberated cities are reduced to rubble. Allies are no saint, neither the Axis. You will say the exact same if your neighbourhood were bombed to oblivion and you were left with no water, food or any decent shelter left. What i'm trying to say is both sides lies on grey lines in terms of morality. War between them just make citizens life hard as hell.

[@joe_outdoors_]

The Germans held out into early May 1945 in Dunkirk? Something you never read about in text books. Wow.

[@albertwolanski7688]

In 1940 the British held Dunkirk for a few days.

[@SentinelConvergence]

I guess it's like many other stubborn holdout actions during the war, impressive but strategically insignificant.

[@loveisintheair8003]

The last town to be liberated in France was Saint-Nazaire in Brittany on May 11th 1945.

[@EthanThomson]

@@albertwolanski7688 the germans had several years to prepare. the british didnt

[@freddyferret2313]

@@EthanThomson The British had America and Russian allies the Germans didn't. Be grateful for being saved.

[@TheRealMathewcane]

German soldier: "Vizeadmiral, the allies got us surrounded. What should we do?" Friedrich Frisius: "Attack in every direction!" Great video! Always something interesting and new to learn from Mark Felton :)

[@alexanderryan1176]

Friedrich Frisius: Do they have us surrounded, OR DO WE HAVE THEM SURROUNDED?!?!

[@bigvinnie3]

attack in every direction. does an order get anymore German than that

[@gunguide9201]

With more of this officers....

[@SuperChuckRaney]

AD-MUR-ALL, ZEE US ZURRONDED!! Godt, zee dont half to look for zeem.

[@terraflow__bryanburdo4547]

Frisius: Use a pincer attack! Soldier: At which point? Frisius: At ALL points!

[@tailofbud2399]

My great great uncle died in this battle in late April 1945, as part of a joint operation with a Czech unit to take what is referred to in the report as a ‘barn’ or farmhouse. Thanks for covering this little known part of history

[@Aeyekay0]

I like how you just give the details in a straight voice, compared to the crap on the history and Smithsonian channels where they try to make everything so dramatic to the point it feels like propaganda

[@johnDukemaster]

So true!

[@MrAstrojensen]

I agree. This is far superior to the near-propaganda-level overdramatization often seen on TV and other official channels.

[@johnjarman9039]

@@MichaelJ44 I doubt that more likely it is 'dumbing down'... get a lot of that these days sadly.

[@coyoteduster8919]

I dont think you guys know what propaganda is

[@64dartgt273]

My thoughts exactly Adam. I can't watch that sensationalized crap anymore. MF should be the new industry standard!

[@scottparis6355]

An amazing story that I've never heard a word about in 40 years of reading about WWII.

[@dp-sr1fd]

If this was an allied action you would have. It's funny how the Allies are called "Heroes" but if they are German they are known as "Fanatics"

[@marcpell133]

@@dp-sr1fd the victorious side always writes history.

[@MrVeryfrost]

@@dp-sr1fd Because they blindly believed in Nazi and Hitler Arian propaganda. They could have avoided that unnecessary fight whatsoever and saved lots of human.

[@eloimumford5247]

that's the beauty of internet + people like Mark : history is no more static.

[@raphaels2652]

Montgomery had this famous quip during the Battle of the Bulge "Well we cant go to Dunkirk this time, the Germans are there!"

[@maisonraider4593]

Fun fact: After the allied forces were initially mauled during the Ardennes offensive, Montgomery assumed overall command to halt the German advance. He supposedly joked with his officers saying : “Now we cannot fall back to Dunkirk again because the Germans are still there!”

[@freddyferret2313]

Don't talk nonsense.

[@nickdanger3802]

Montgomery trained the 3rd Div. for evacuation in 1940. He was given temporary command of US forces in the north because Bradley's HQ was too far forward for radio contact. Before that the 82nd and 101st and a battalion of tanks and two tank destroyer were in place, Patton had turned his forces north and Stavelot had been recaptured. Two days later the weather improved and air ops began.

[@r.m.5548]

France Surrenders, 1940. Hitler unleashes his blitzkrieg invasion of the Low Countries and France with a fury on May 10, 1940. This is when France gave up, this is when the rest of the world suffered for the French, this is what we should remember always!

[@MrEsMysteriesMagicks]

Oh, dear God in heaven, no, Monty never assumed overall command of the Battle of the Bulge. If he had, the war wouldn't have been over until 1948. He was given command of the northern flank and promptly proceeded to piss off every American within shouting distance with his arrogance.

[@r.m.5548]

@@MrEsMysteriesMagicks Obstacles do not exist to be surrendered to, but only to be broken.

[@libertyvilleguy2903]

Dr. Felton, how you can come up with fascinating snippets of military history that no one else has ever surfaced is beyond me. Thank you!

[@ajace5883]

Never heard of that. It's obvious why we didn't learn things like that in school. Awesome videos Sir, I'm looking forward to the next interesting stories.

[@Mugdorna]

Why is it obvious? This incident is certainly interesting to history buff but utterly irrelevant when attempting to teach a history of WW2 in a school setting.

[@gareaap7806]

@@Mugdorna its obvious because of what you just said? what do you mean xD

[@donjones4719]

Speaking of not learning the obvious - I wonder how well informed the German command and German troops in Dunkirk were. Did they know of Germany being overrun and the inevitability of defeat? Through either official channels or Allied broadcasts. I've often thought how much I'd hate to die at that point if I was a realistic German soldier on the Western front.

[@jackd1582]

@@Mugdorna ignorant mug lol

[@Cross-xm2fr]

School is useless, mainly to keep you busy

[@boboayame2065]

Its amazing that you can study WW2 for decades and every day still learn about remarkable operations you never heard of

[@deepdrop7970]

Americans were and are far worst than nazis

[@jasonmussett2129]

Yeah, I'm still learning. This video proves it.

[@spikespa5208]

"Drop Dead". Hmmmmmm. Okay, let's hear your twisted, warped, propaganda-shaded elaboration on that remark. Should be interesting to peer inside a sick, shallow mind. 🇺🇸

[@louisimisson9065]

Those guys ignored your point, but I think its a good one. ww2 I think is the most complex thing I've ever found and surprises me almost every time I look at it

[@dcmhsotaeh]

Indian paricipation in both world wars fighting under the british raj is another greatly supressed story .

[@HighlanderNorth1]

They say that Frisius' grandson is still defending Dunkirk to this day.... 👍😁👌

[@Cjnw]

Normie

[@biserkasertic1208]

Selbstverstandlich!

[@Jim5988]

😂😂😂

[@sirdavidoftor3413]

I luv your channels. Most channels lump commonwealth forces as “ British forces “. It really does a disservice to all the veterans that fought from commonwealth nations. Being Canadian, it is good to know our contribution to the war effort. Stay safe, stay sane, be well

[@tonyves]

Staying sane is becoming a bit of a problem!

[@sirdavidoftor3413]

@@tonyves : Hang in there Tony. If your feeling a little crazy, then you know that you still have some sanity left. Take a time out for you, or if the problems are serious, talk to a friend, or someone you trust. Through this pandemic, everyone has some crazy time! Stay safe, stay sane, be well

[@signoguns8501]

The canadians are usually considered a minor power, but it sounds like they were on par with their American and British allies during these offensives. They took a lot of ground. Impressive. They were all impressive. Czechs, the Poles, the Brits, the Yankies, the Russians, the French... Extremely brave and capable young men.

[@Kurairedgrave6297]

Always enjoy your work, especially learning about something’s I didn’t know about. Keep up the good work Mark!

[@Kiwiherm]

I love his stuff. Planning on getting some of his books some time soon!

[@Bruno_bm151]

I’m always watching this while I’m gaming

[@jakecade683]

Tony Redgrave it blows my mind how fast he can make new videos. Nothing but pure facts and clips most have never seen.

[@sir.thomas21]

@@Bruno_bm151 I play Harts Of Iron to these stories. Thank you for the great production quality Mark!

[@ilovealmie]

@@jakecade683 >o

[@MT-tn4ei]

Learning about the war has always brought up nostalgia from the days I watched it with my dad when I was younger, I’m glad there are creators on KZbin not afraid to show the real history like you do, it really helps young people like me learn about the wars, thank you and keep up the good work!

[@bubba842]

Wow I never knew that the Germans held on to Dunkirk until the last days of the war.

[@RangaTurk]

On the island of Rhodes in Greece it was a similar story.

[@elkabong6429]

Binge watching Mark Felton videos on a Saturday night and learning new things with each one! This from someone who has been studying WW2 for decades! Keep up the great work, Dr. Felton!

[@ralphshelley9586]

Anything on Japanese embassy in Berlin holding out from Russian attack?

[@elkabong6429]

@@ralphshelley9586 Now that would be an interesting subject!

[@j-dub618]

Student: Are you a history professor? KZbinr: No, but I did subscribe to Mark Felton on KZbin last night.

[@brianriley5383]

i never knew this. I did know the Germans held out for some time in Cherbourg. But not at Dunkirk and not until April 45! Great channel.

[@RVoogt]

Until May even.

[@captainicarus9525]

There were also battles in western europe even after the 8th of may '45. Look up for georgian insurrection on Texel (dutch island). Intresting story.

[@josepherhardt164]

There were also a couple of pockets on France's west coast that were still in German hands at the time of the surrender.

[@papanam4267]

Not only did they hold out but they were able to launch incursive attacks on the Allies, win those battles, and hold their ground--and all of that without being resupplied! And morale was high to the end. They definitely fared better than their counterparts defending Berlin. Thank you Mark FELTON for highlighting otherwise forgotten fights. I never heard of this in high school when I thought I'd heard everything there was to hear and to know about Operation Overlord and all the other battles and operations of World War II both in the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters. I am deeply appreciative and humbled.

[@harcovanhees394]

brian riley also the British Channel Islands were occupied Unilever the last day of WWII

[@jeddkeech259]

My German ancestors didn’t go down without a fight. Thanks for producing mr Felton. Do more episodes on Japanese vs American forces more of my ancestors fought in those battles.

[@Xyzabc998]

Good to see the Canadians getting the recognition for their determined and heroic fighting here and elsewhere during WW2.

[@sof5858]

Watched a few of your vids now Mark and am very impressed. After recently finishing The World at War series, these vids are right on par. Great editing with mostly actual if not relevant footage. Currently going through your catalogue 👍🏻

[@calvinfernandez1956]

11 hours ago? How can you watch this video 11 hours ago? It was just released!!

[@felocie9262]

Yeah how can this have happened 11 hours ago?

[@calvinfernandez1956]

@Fender Player I personally like WW2 in colour and Battlefield series that covers various battles in detail including the lesser discussed Mediterranean theatre. If you have not watched it yet, it's highly recommended.

[@ravikumar-ul6oe]

@@gobshite5150 agreed Felton is a looter

[@codyweien4513]

@@ravikumar-ul6oe explain?

[@wtfbuddy1]

Splendid video - it's amazing that Dunkirk, the scene of 2 major battles spanning almost 5 years and only one talked about, you Sir bring the entire story/history to life and perspective in the Second Battle for Dunkirk. Thank you for sharing.

[@johnmcclellan9020]

Thanks for detailing the Canadians who fought bravely in this terrible war. My father was one of them.

[@slartybartfarst55]

An amazing story. So there was a German outpost, just across the Channel, until one day AFTER Germany surrendered, Incredible. Thank you for this.

[@bbvollmer]

more then one, if Im not mistaken the channel islands were held by the Germans until the end as well

[@user-jq2iz9zn4p]

So what？The German troops on the coast were not harming the Allies。

[@L30B055]

@@user-jq2iz9zn4pnot harming the allies xD did you not listen to the video? Them being there diverted a lot of allied resources. They obviously couldn't leave them there to their own devices. I'm wondering where the French troops were? Why was it up to the Czechs and Canadians to take back fremch villages 😆

[@dave.of.the.forrest]

I click, I watch, I learn. Perfect nuggets of history for our short-attention-span generation. Thank you Mark!

[@Aldo-zp8wk]

Mark is absolutely my favorite on KZbin. Because of his unbiased content and superior video, maps and commentary. Thank you as always.

[@victorcontreras9138]

Dr. Felton, I'm 75 and for my first time, have become so interested in WWll after watching your videos. I especially like German topics perhaps because I have a German aunt through marriage. I'm Mexican but have a lot of respect for Germany. I'm going get closer in family to my aunt so as to learn more of her country. Keep up the splendid work!

[@jonboorman6313]

My dad was attached to the Czech brigade at Dunkirk

[@medsedwards]

And mine

[@medsedwards]

What regiment was he in Jon Boorman ? My father was with The Welch RA 608th regiment , attached to the Czechs ..

[@notgonnalie1846]

Ok boomers

[@gg-sr6ju]

@@notgonnalie1846 imbecile

[@notgonnalie1846]

@@gg-sr6ju ..., said a boomer. Lmfao

[@chrisburke624]

These absolutely have to be amongst some of the best WW2 history videos ANYWHERE!! I learn more in approximately 10 minutes than I ever really did in school, and you always cover things I'd never known about before. Absolute gold

[@jerrytugable]

What a fascinating insight into a little-known corner of WW2. Your work is unparalleled, many thanks.

[@chipsthedog1]

I'm English and live less. Than 50 miles from Dover and I never knew that the Germans could hit Dover with artillery, that's amazing

[@julioesteves1818]

I have never imagined this to be possible

[@daveforsythe9021]

I’m Canadian. God bless those men and every other Ally. We will never again see this quality of humanity. So much respect to all.

[@josephdecarlo4869]

I really enjoyed the bit about the Czechs, a video on exiled governments and free allied armies would be a treat! Keep up the fantastic work mark

[@tatavartianand9856]

Corona lockdown is just getting more informative with your constant upload of videos Mark. Keep it up mate!! Your work is to good. We're Lovin it.

[@localenterprisebroadcastin5971]

Damn you’re still locked down? We’ve moved on to rioting here 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@todaywefly4370]

local enterprise broadcasting We’ve gone through bored nonchalance to active ignorance with a definite flavour of indifference.

[@localenterprisebroadcastin5971]

Todaywefly well stated 😂👍

[@IanP1963]

Having the virus has kept me busy!

[@chipsthedog1]

I am on a mark Felton binge, all these videos are so well made and always interesting. Thank you so much for all your hard work

[@garyevans3421]

I’m 57. You know you’re getting older when the WW2 vets when I was a kid were younger than the Vietnam vets are now!

[@kaybrown4010]

“BLÜCHER!” (Horses go berserk) Love this channel!

[@IblameBlame]

That's what the Valkyrie pilot in StarCraft said when you clicked on her a little too often.

[@josepherhardt164]

I'm glad I looked downpost before adding my own comment! :)

[@IblameBlame]

@Daniel Stetson she also says other stuff when annoyed by too many clicks.

[@mattchip]

My first thought. :)

[@BaddaBigBoom]

Haha, someone had to do it! Perhaps some brandy, herr doktor?

[@Londoner37]

I am slovak and never heard home about this, i guess our history teachers should follow your channel. Good work.

[@Pikkabuu]

Well the Slovaks just held an unsuccessful siege and failed to contain a German attack on the last weeks of the war. So no wonder if this is something one keeps quiet about...

[@vojinpantic4604]

"I AM SLOVEN, You are ignoramus , Die Deutscher haben den Slovaken ausgedacht , damit euch unterschieden von Slovenen aus Slovenia, weil die Namen Slovenia und Slovensko sind sehr änlich , Ihres Patronen sind Deutscher und Sie müssen wie Deutscher wollen,

[@xibungo71]

Don't feel badly. Most people have not heard about the Slovak Uprising of late 1944, either.

[@GraceMusyoka]

@@xibungo71 You guys are so mean 😂! I understand what he feels, though.

[@goodnamesareallgone1]

Not so surprisingly, the communists suppressed all independant military history after the war and to an extent, so did the allies.

[@BsUJeTs]

Sometimes in High School you would get teachers that were enthusiastic and very helpful. Sometimes you would get teachers that had lost their zest for life and were just thinking of retirement. I had both. I had one that was in the battle of the bulge and he was fantastic. Unfortunately the latter was just taking up space and we had to rely on old textbooks that were just falling apart. I was barely passing my class and even with all my studying, I was lost. I started watching an old show early in the mornings before school called, the world at war. Eventually I pass my history course with a 95%. Sometimes these video clips with narratives really helps a student. Good job on the video.

[@ronalddunne3413]

The World At War was an excellent series that I spent a lot of time watching. People I knew were interviewed for that series and it was straight-up real-deal documentary...

[@garynarborough]

Thanks Mark for a superb video again something I never knew about. Really enjoy all the in depth information you present obviously researched in full. I have never heard of Admiral Frisius. He was a brilliant strategist if I understand things correctly along with being a strict disciplinarian. I wish I had a history teacher like you at school. It was one of my favourite subject and oddly one of only two I passed in (NZ School Cert 1970). These videos along with your audio channel really put a light in my day. Stay safe from Greater London.

[@johncollins7423]

Thank you for another great video, Mark. Especially pertaining to the tenacity in battle shown by my Canadian brothers. The valor displayed by them & the Czechs in the face of fierce opposition just doesn't get very much acknowledgement anywhere. Thank you & a big salute to my Canadian & Czech brothers, from a retired Marine in North Carolina USA🇺🇸

[@David-yo5ws]

Thanks for your service John. Ex New Zealand Navy, Weapons Electrical Fitter. David 60yo.

[@johncollins7423]

@@David-yo5ws I appreciate it, David. And thank you for your service as well! 52 years old here. 👍😎

[@johncollins7423]

@@TItoth I must agree. Sadly, their valor will likely never be fully appreciated😢

[@josephstevens9888]

That Czech mortar crew were most impressive - almost rapid fire!

[@garypulliam3740]

I saw that. I think they gave out a bit at the end though. They got tired. 🤣

[@justintruedough4450]

Mark, you do a great job telling the forgotten and untold stories. Well done. It sure seems like the Canadians did a disproportionate amount of the fighting in both world wars but got nothing in return when the wars ended. With the exception of a few productions like this one, most history books simply wrap up the Canadian achievements as part of the British effort. Today with our extremely diverse population we are so afraid to offend anybody these stories are rarely mentioned and never taught. Nice to hear the truth.

[@ilmarvaim317]

Read 'Goodbye To All That' by Robert Graves, his references to the Canadians on the western front during WW1 are not very flattering.

[@PolakInHolland]

@@ilmarvaim317 Canadians and the ANZAC's were among the best quality troops on the Western Front in WWI, but since you think reading otherwise in one book makes you a historian - congratulations.

[@nledaig]

The Canadian contribution to the war effort and the defense of the UK was huge.

[@gaoxiaen1]

There was nothing to be "gotten", other than capture of some German scientists. France and Russia got some worn-out junk factory machinery.

[@otten5666]

@@ilmarvaim317 I once spoke a hobo who didn't have anything good to say about Canadians so I think you are onto something.

[@leslietarkin5705]

As many years as I've studied the British 21st Army Group, I've never come across the German Garrison at Dunkirk's story. It's remarkable they had the strength and mental, emotional, & physical fortitude to hold out like they did. They may have been the enemy but, these guys were great warriors.

[@EconomicsMate1]

The only reliable source of wwii information to watch. Mark youre a legend mate! Might I suggest some Aussie WWII history topics? Would love to see some things on the AC Sentinel Tanks and Australian forces in WWII.

[@robbiewallis748]

Agreed! Would love to hear about Milne Bay or the Rats of Tobruk

[@sassiebrat]

Where do you think he gets his information?

[@kannan159]

Sentinel was a very bad tank .... I am pretty sure no crew would like to have it

[@comradekenobi6908]

@@sassiebrat he's a historian

[@frankryan2505]

@@comradekenobi6908 they had one of his books at Canberra airport last time I passed through. Couldn't believe my eyes tbh.

[@movingwater7312]

first the allies were encircled in Dunkirk, at the end the they could not take it back. interesting.

[@cretansuperbos2121]

Couldn't or didn't bother? Two very separate things!

[@sillygoose210_6]

@@cretansuperbos2121 Well it's a combination of both, it would be hard to take and also not very strategically valuable.

[@purewere238]

Perhaps the allies purposefully left the German force surrounding Dunkirk encircled, because it was a symbol of how the tables had turned. With the resources, manpower, armoured units, and air superiority at the allies disposal Dunkirk could have been taken... At a high cost for sure, but all sides in the war continually planned and executed costly operations.

[@twh563]

@@purewere238 Eisenhower: Ok men, lets not take Dunkirk. Lets show the Germans how the tide has turned. Doesn't make much sense does it?

[@purewere238]

@@twh563 Considering the fact that the British expeditionary force and the remaining French military force were trapped then expelled from the mainland in that exact location in the beginning of the war... A crushing blow to the early war effort. And now years later a Elite German military force was trapped without a means of escape, and then that force was desperately needed to reinforce Germany later on. I'd think that would've hurt German morale in the fall when high command was looking desperately for able bodies to defend east Germany. So it's logical to assume that Churchill and British high command would appreciate the ironic twist... A considerable boost to the British morale. It shows a complete turnabout, that location was where the war looked it's bleakest to the British and French in the beginning.

[@mashbury]

Always a surprise learning something you’ve never heard of before now .. fascinating as usual

[@1949ala]

all of you videos are great, I am a Korean and Vietnam war veteran , I worked in communications monitoring foreign stations , no combat as so many of the men you show...the bravery is unbelievable .

[@Trillock-hy1cf]

I have obviously heard of Dunkirk, and the evacuation of the British and French soldiers from the beaches, but not this story of the Germans holding onto the place and vigorously defending the town until the last days of the war. I amazes me that Mark can dig out these mostly unknown stories and suitable film clips, and probably stays awake at night trying to work out the next story to tell us all....:)

[@LordInter]

it amases me too that anyone survived to live in Dunkirk

[@kathycaldwell7126]

Trillock 1945 Me as well. And respect for the Czech soldiers, in keeping with their past and future bravery. Thank you, Dr. Felton.

[@achillies40]

I agree totally. I wish history was delivered like this while I was at school. Unfortunately, the internet didn't exist and computers had less power than a calculator. We had crappy old videos that were all scratchy or a reel to reel film. They were exciting days. Dr Felton has an amazing voice that makes you want to listen to what he is saying. If you haven't listened to his audiobook series, they are fantastic. So easy to get lost in them.

[@r.m.5548]

France Surrenders, 1940. Hitler unleashes his blitzkrieg invasion of the Low Countries and France with a fury on May 10, 1940. This is when France gave up, this is when the rest of the world suffered for the French, this is what we should remember always!

[@Trillock-hy1cf]

@@r.m.5548 But at least the Free French (not the Vichy French) fought back with the 'Resistance' organisation, and were very brave too, and tortured and died when captured...I believe, Plus the RAF dropped our Agents to help, and supply drops of weapons, ammo and stuff to help them out.

[@andrewpansch7447]

With victory comes who gets to tell history. I really enjoy Marks videos because you get to see a lot more from the German perspective. I never heard this story and I’m sure there’s many more. Thank you for taking the time to do these videos.

[@meht43-BringitBadger]

No you don’t, he’s always been known for being totally biased towards to the Soviets and the western allies

[@fernandomartins8296]

@@meht43-BringitBadger translate

[@TheDannyDeez]

Much respect to our Canadian forefathers, didn't know they made this much of an impact in securing the coastal regions for the allies.

[@gregknight7441]

American here. It seems to me that every time there was an ugly job to do, they sent the Canadians. When I first read about them trying to secure the port of Antwerp in what must be called impossible conditions, I thought, wow, those guys were tough. I think this is still true of Canadian troops today.

[@orikumvlore9255]

@

[@sirstephen9825]

What other German garrisons in France held out until the final surrender?

[@Indiskret1]

Had absolutely no clue about this, despite my interest in WW2. Thanks a lot, Mark!

[@maxschaeffner9005]

Leningrad: survives 872 day siege Frisius: write that down WRITE THAT DOWN

[@fieldmarshalbaltimore1329]

🤣🤣🤣

[@truthseeker7242]

Max - Yes, it did, but it was also on a much bigger scale, and with much greater numbers and assets thrown in from both sides. Even Western Allies' Russian Convoys supplied assets that found their way to Leningrad.

[@LNMarls]

I love how you are giving us Canadians our due respect and acknowledgement. Cheers Dr. Mark

[@RC-Flight]

@LN.Marls 🇨🇦 I was thinking the exact same thing! According to American made documentaries Americans were the only country in the world who were involved with the war, and single handedly won the war 🙄 🇨🇦

[@nickdanger3802]

@@RC-Flight Where did the "Canadian" tanks, SP guns, APC's, jeeps, gas, radios, antifreeze and tires come from?

[@nicolasclermont893]

@@nickdanger3802 Canadians made a lot of their own SP guns and vehicles, but that's besides the point... what good is a machine without brave men to use them?

[@bnipmnaa]

​@@nickdanger3802 The USA sold war materials to the allies on low-interest credit, those materials were not a gift. For americans to expect fawning gratitude as well as payment is not only ignorant, it's frankly insulting.

[@trevoredwards9344]

@@RC-Flight calm down kiddo have some syrup and calm down now listen if it weren't for us Britain would be speaking german pfft they were about to collapse from the war better be thanking America 🇺🇸 we did help Britain get back to their feet so yea you remember us and what the number 1 super power did for the world, just ask japan about us they know what happens 😂😂

[@YECassociation]

Fascinating story Mark, thanks so much for the great video footage and refreshing content. Your ability to dig deeper into the details of relatively unknown campaigns and battles has reinvigorated my fascination with this conflict. I recollect tidbits of an account of the German army retreating from the Soviet onslaught toward the borders of North Germany when they became surrounded by the Red army, but managed to send a spearhead of about a dozen or so tiger tanks that surreptitiously discovered a Soviet tank base with hundreds of red tanks all bunched together in rows and the Germans were able to give artillery coordinates to German Kriegsmarine ships who then unleashed a barrage of naval gunfire and wiped most of the Soviet tanks. Meanwhile the trapped German army escaped to the borders of Germany. Can you provide a piece on this genius move by the Germans ?

[@gavinbolton4660]

The Allies where pushing forward to Berlin, Dunkirk was of no value, keeping Dunkirk isolated and under siege was the right thing to do, the Germans where trapped and should have surrendered.

[@chaz9675]

Love the vids mark keep it up!

[@lespaz1197]

Oh yeah i love this channel

[@kaiserschmarrn260]

Same

[@rodelvaldez8640]

Me after our history class "I know everything that happened in WW2" Mark Felton: Allow me to introduce myself

[@spitfire8790]

unoriginal..

[@scottleft3672]

@Deniz Metinoğlu T. Even the official histories are hardly read.

[@robertandrews6915]

Benjamin Clardy (insert name here): hold my beer. Most annoying one but so many people do it

[@jamesbondoo81]

MF: Hold my beer...

[@aisthpaoitht]

The Germans were some tough SOBs. Respect.

[@janverbanck]

@M W more and more outnumbered seems more fair...

[@pnzrfst]

Half a million views in two days?! It's great to see your content get the attention it well deserves!

[@user-xx9hq7pp2m]

7

[@sassiebrat]

Mark, please do something on the French and British sectors of Berlin. We always hear about the American and Russian but not so much the French and British. Thanks! Love your channel!

[@oldman2800]

According to the narative the British didnt have to much to do, nothing can be further from the truth.

[@cratarata2278]

I really want to know about the part of Germany controlled by the British because it turned out to be the most westernised and developed part of the country where a lot of the cities boomed in size, so I wanted to know if that had anything to do with it

[@samuelrs5138]

@@cratarata2278 I don't think the British planned or financed any of the rebuilding effort. Although helping to secure it from the Russians obviously was of help.

[@m4a1z1]

As much as I love my Britain brothers, the glory belongs to US And USSR. But US allies fought bravely that's for sure

[@cratarata2278]

Samuel Rs but when I was watching a documentary it showed them enlisting Germans to quickly rebuild cities

[@robertmckeown3014]

Yet again Dr Felton, right when I thought myself an "officiato" about the war, you come along and teach me something new. Well done!

[@robchamberlin4900]

Dr. Felton is the history teacher we all wish we had

[@josephrousseau6094]

Your are the best at this , love the music thanks a million

[@je6874]

I love how you actually pronounce all names the way they were meant to be pronounced... a small thing but shows you put effort into understanding every part of history.

[@coonhoundqueen9216]

His Mother must have taught him proper grammer...i am saying this as a compliment. As well as appreciation. to my own Mother ....as this was something she emphasized to me ...thanks Mom

[@waslos2588]

his pronounciation is a bit off

[@MyLateralThawts]

It may come as a surprise to most people here as to how truly international the First Canadian Army was in World War Two. Although the bulk of the troops were indeed Canadian, it was still short of the divisions to make up a full army. To no ones surprise, the British supplied the bulk of additional troops, by attaching an entire corps to Canada’s formation (I Corps), which is fitting , as they were still part of the 21st Army Group under Montgomery. Other units included 1st Polish Armoured Division, the 1st Belgian Infantry Brigade and, as mentioned by Dr Felton, the 1st Czechoslovak Armoured Brigade. It may come as an additional surprise to American viewers that there was even an American Infantry Division attached to First Canadian Army for a time. The 104th Infantry Division. It would seem Canada was the most pronounced embodiment of the international nature of the campaign to liberate Europe.

[@stiltskino4009]

"Liberate"

[@shotdriven1953]

@@stiltskino4009 ?

[@shotdriven1953]

@@stiltskino4009 yes liberate

[@maesy6730]

@Hater Sensei Grand Master Chosen One not even after the coming Chinese invasion ?

[@theultimategamer8537]

Hey man this comments section is pretty salty but I appreciate your observations on my native Canada

[@johannesnicolaas]

As a historian I must say: Mark, this is impressive! Keep up the good work.

[@MarkFeltonProductions]

Thanks, will do!

[@raseli4066]

Wow, Canadians really did some extremely hard work during the war!

[@janverbanck]

They liberated the entire Belgian coast. Here, in Knokke-Heist where I live, we still have this remembrance day every year. Including bagpipes, jeeps, the Canadian March and still loads of Canadian flags all over town. There is also a small but very nice museum called " for freedom". Thou are not forgotten!!

[@raseli4066]

@@janverbanck that is very good. I'm happy that you and your community hasn't forgotten

[@chuckandjenbridges721]

My Grandfather was a part of these battles. He was a member of the RCASC (Royal Canadian Army Service Corp) He was one of the people responsible for supplying the front line troops. Somewhere in Germany he was wounded and yet was still was there for the end of the war. He finished with the rank of Lance Corporal.

[@raseli4066]

@@chuckandjenbridges721 I hope he is proud

[@disgustedvet9528]

These are such excellent presentations that the fact people " dislike " them is mystifying .

[@user-po7ks4iz4q]

Perhaps because they may have to think too much. Some people want everything simple and explained. But Like you I think his presentations are excellent. Should be taught like this in school😀

[@visionist7]

Probably leftists

[@Zman888]

you mean "people" 😁

[@Ed-hc5iz]

@@visionist7 I am a leftist, why should I dislike the video?

[@danielcadwell9812]

@@Ed-hc5iz not all leftists think the same as you.

[@stephenasbridge878]

Well done to the Canadians and Czechs. Shows just how hard the Wehrmacht really was...

[@butterygoodness8242]

Stephen Asbridge As a Canadian I am *VERY VERY* proud of our Military achievements in both World Wars

[@kowo7795]

@rustybuttpate thats not entirely true, a majority of the german troops in 44,45 were inexperienced, since most of the veterans lay dead in russia at that point.

[@tavish4699]

@@kowo7795 yet you still had Trouble moving ....

[@petercott1]

@@butterygoodness8242 As a Brit I salute the Canadians .Amazing soldiers.

[@luizfishing7438]

Nonsense

[@PS-mm8bd]

Interesting. Cannot help but feel how pointless it was that so many of these people on both sides died fighting in the closing weeks of a war that had essentially already been won by the allies. It was never really going to change anything...

[@kevinmckenzie8789]

Another masterpiece by Mark Felton. Thank you sir! Your efforts to provide such a wide variety of stories and information are truly enjoyed and appreciated.

[@zedzedtop]

Love when you tell these stories that involve the Canadian Forces. Makes me proud to be a Canadian and knowing my grandfather was there makes it even more proud. Hands down greatest generation. Great work Mark.

[@SirAntoniousBlock]

The Canadians were amazing, did way more than their share. 👍

[@nozecone]

@@robinlarge1630 Thank you, from a Canadian whose father and grandfather fought in those wars.

[@aksmex2576]

God bless Canada, one of the greatest nation one earth.

[@luisgonzagaosollo7970]

We must pay homage to the greatest generation of Canadians that helped deliver millions of East Europeans directly into the hands of the bloody Soviet regime and its red army of rapists. I wonder if Canadians of today would fight and die for the rainbow liberal country it has turned into.

[@ianclark1122]

Check your e.mails Mr Felton. There should be one from the Queen asking you when you want to pick up your OBE.

[@drZoidberg1969]

I'm Czech and I had no idea we had ground troops sieging Dunkirk. Great video!

[@infoscholar5221]

Dr. Felton's channel is so well done, you can hit the like button before you hit the play icon.

[@billlybarrue5953]

I appreciate our incredibly tough Canadian Brothers and Czech brothers!

[@hughmungus1767]

Billy Barrue - If only we Canadians were as tough today as we were then, maybe we wouldn't have our current generation of politicians....

[@milferdjones2573]

Agreed great efforts.

[@williamgardiner4956]

@@hughmungus1767 Dead on Hugh. Our people have become rabbits running from place to place with no decent leadership. Scares me when we allow a lying corrupt PM and his corrupt party run this country right into the ground. Time for some balls people.

[@Shmerpy]

@@williamgardiner4956 Oh boo hoo. So are you signing up to go fight somewhere?

[@rosestewart1606]

@@hughmungus1767 way to diss our own armed forces. The only thing that is political is procurement which hasn't been fixed for decades. Our armed forces do what they can with what they are given, despite cuts to funding during the Conservative government and a lack of vision with the current one. The only thing the Conservatives really spent money on was changing all of the uniforms and insignia back to Second World War designs. Our armed forces are among the best trained forces in the world...because training is cheap in comparison to nuclear weapons and aircraft carriers and rockets. We currently hold the sniping distance record. Perhaps you should enlist before you criticize our troops. You clearly have no idea what you're talking about. Our troops are there for you when you need them whether it's in UN operations or putting out forest fires. Be grateful that you can sit on your butt insulting them rather than actually doing their work.

[@rayday9138]

Love hos Mark Felton mentions Canada's contributions. They did a lot.

[@cyberpimp29]

I'm from Canada, and they think i'm slow, eh...

[@iannebraska1250]

Not really

[@robertnolan8240]

Again..the best documentaries on youtube..Thanks Mark..

[@mastixmastix]

Thank you for your great channel. Amazing content. The best historic visual resource I follow by far.

[@TheophilusPWildbeest]

Incredible story, you have to respect the Germans for what they managed to do.

[@Necron990]

Indeed, that German commander was no joke. Not only by launching counterattacks, but successful ones in spite of being cutoff, and holding out until the war ended.

[@MNM-lq9te]

And he was a wise admiral and not a general, you would think that an admiral would do poorly commanding ground troops but apparently not so

[@stevepearce94]

Does that mean we have to respect Pilate for what he did to our Lord?

[@stevepearce94]

@@MNM-lq9te admiral Donitz was a wise and decent man who commanded the fleet of U boats He operated under what was known as “ the prize rule” whereas he would surface near a merchant freighter, give the sailors the opportunity to gather their belongings and get into life boats and steer away from the freighter whereupon the u boat would sink the freighter This went own for about half of ww2, until ships called for help and the US would send fighter planes and sink the empty freighter He was an honorable man who by bending 3rd gov rules, saved many many lives👍✌️🙏

[@MNM-lq9te]

@@stevepearce94 but that wasn't donitz that commanded that postion

[@humanmusic]

Every video on this channel is very high quality and reminds me of the old "The world at war" series from the late 70's.

[@therealrvasinger241]

@Peter Grahame 'World at War' was the Cliff's notes version - Dr Felton is producing the Encyclopaedia Britannica Macropaedia.

[@rogerbeck910]

It isn't said often enough by us American's. God bless Canada, and the Canadian People!!

[@JG-tt4sz]

They still don't want you in their "country".

[@rogerbeck910]

@@JG-tt4sz They do want to keep out the trumpers and people with the trump virus. Can't blame them for that!

[@oskarskorzeny9234]

Great videos Mark. Love seeing this classic B&W footage.

[@nuancolar7304]

The reason for the success is because tactical command was not being micro-managed from Berlin by Hitler. The local commander made his own decisions, and it's the difference between an experienced military commander and a failed art student.

[@juankenon]

That's pretty much the Prussian way. As for Hitler micromanaging the war, well I have a feeling that our view of what actually went down is distorted by a fair bit of self service and exculpation in the postwar accounts, there was likely blame enough to go around.

[@purpleldv966]

And i would add that the units stranded in that pocket were not reliant on petrol, since they weren't going anywhere and had their suplyes and ammo already on site. Not the same story for the rest of the german war effort, where they had me262'es grounded, and "demottorised" units because the lack of fuel.

[@txm100]

So why didn't they then surrender earlier? They caused even more deaths and murder with their continued fighting.

[@visionist7]

@@txm100 murder?

[@txm100]

@@visionist7 Of course. Ever heard about the death and work camps? Srsly.

[@fabianwylie8707]

Amazing Mark , I had no idea about this part World War Two. Thanks for bringing history alive 👍

[@pal6636]

This is old school journalism at its finest. So refreshing. Obscure facts are ferreted out here. One of very few sites you can actually quote facts from confidently. One observation from this one... . my impression, (just an impression) is that the Czechs & Canadians were assets used a bit like those new "safety razors" they shipped out to the war. They were also disposable. And I bet they were both also "almost" picked for all the glory to enter Berlin 1st for all their trouble and losses at the end of the war . Politics. All's fair in Love and War.

[@TheSunderingSea]

The Czechs were put there probably because (and no offense to Czechs or their fighting ability) they were likely green troops put there to replace more experienced units in what was for all intents and purposes a quiet and strategically irrelevent sector of the front.

[@chrisbabaero5147]

Excellent narration. Good tone and pace reminiscent of a Pathe News style delivery. Thank you!

[@Peggyt-jp6mt]

Thank you, thank you, thank you Dr. Felton. Canadians were there but Hollywood rewrites history.

[@thatcanuck5670]

I wouldn't say they rewrote it, so much as didn't tell stories that didn't interest them.

[@peggyt1243]

@@thatcanuck5670 Omitting the Canadian contribution but filming the US march into Rome is rewriting history.

[@kayokowalski8590]

1) Star Wars intro 2) Mark Felton’s intro ... 13) the rest of intros

[@brushwolf]

1) Metallica's Unforgiven intro 2) Mark Felton's intro ....... 13) All other intros Sorry Mark.

[@rogerhwerner6997]

This story isn't widely reported. Thank you for the presentation.

[@whiteknightcat]

I read the title of video quietly to myself, then suddenly heard horses screaming in terror in my driveway. Actually, this was quite an amazing video. I'd never heard of this operation before, or Vice-Admiral Frisius. Thank you.

[@bukster1]

The stages of Germany's progress in WW2 remind me of the three stages of problem gambling. They are; 1) Winning - everything's going great 2) Losing - it starts to turn to custard 3) Desperation - the gambler takes the craziest gambles in the hope of winning it all back and loses everything

[@samuelrs5138]

@@deepdrop7970 What are you hoping to accomplish by copy/pasting this comment all over the comment section of this video?

[@terranceaddison4599]

@@deepdrop7970 as far as what???

[@StevenKeery]

@@samuelrs5138 : I think he is just a troll trying to get his jollies for the evening. Ignore him.

[@IanP1963]

"Dumkopf, why do you think we don't want to leave France?""Because the French Bread is so good Sir?"

[@ULTRA_2112]

Hi, it is Dummkopf in German ; )

[@bramster-b9v]

The bread is not worth so much!

[@IntyMichael]

Sorry, no German would put French over German bread. Maybe the wine.... ;)

[@bramster-b9v]

@@IntyMichaelFrançais vin est beaucoup mieux. Peut-être que les 21 tonnes de stock mentionnées n’étaient que du vin.

[@pxu_190]

@TheSatanicTicTac There are different german breads

[@janewhite4486]

Amazing research Mr. Felton !!!!!

[@aldo-228]

What an incredible story. I've learned so much from your channel. I'm always amazed at how much unbelievable and unbiased content you continue to put out..

[@DaraM73]

0:22 that GI with the rifle grenade has some blast effect.

[@tommyblackwell3760]

Yeah, that recoil looked pretty stout too. Glad I had an M203.

[@LoanwordEggcorn]

It's catching a rifle bullet and reflecting all of the cartridge gasses.

[@r2gelfand]

Amazing German morale in spite of their reich falling to pieces around them. Great testament to their leader, the Admiral. Somebody once said "Everything rises and falls on leadership." Thank you Mark for another superb video describing an event that had never heard of before!

[@ptauagpt]

The Germans were generally pretty tenacious. They fought until the very end.

[@TheKsalad]

Tenacity? Or too stupid to quit?

[@SirAntoniousBlock]

@@ptauagpt You sound like you almost admire their doomed nihilism.

[@nickbaker4857]

@@SirAntoniousBlock Why not do so, if it was an allied force they would have been called heroes.

[@timhancock6626]

@@ptauagpt Stupid wern't they. My dads comrades said they just got weary of killing German soldiers commanded by dunderheads happy to sacrifice other people's lives for no particular reason. That was the Nazis for you.

[@fabiofundaro2331]

your way of portraying the history of WW2 is immaculate......well done..keep the good work up.....i hope and pray someone serious recognizes you abilities and appreciates them more then just the KZbin channel....you deserve much more then this...

[@IbnShahid]

Incredible how potent German forces were, right up till the end. With those guys it really was never over till it was over.