ORIGINAL FOOTAGE | Juno Beach Assault Wave - What Happened To This Soldier? | Normandy WW2

[@hoozat007]

This is an excellent video-extremely well done. Thank you. My family has a different connection to these film clips. My uncle, Ken Ewart, was an infantryman who had been wounded earlier in the war. He was then attached to the Canadian Film Unit stationed in London where he developed, processed, and edited the film that had been shot in Normandy and sent back to England. He was likely one of the very first people in the world to see these amazing images.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Wow what a connection! Perhaps smith will know the answer to a question I’ve received. There was more footage from D Day that has allegedly been lost or destroyed. Are you aware of what really happened to it?

[@hoozat007]

@@thehistoryexplorer No I don’t, sorry. My uncle passed away several years ago. I knew a little about his wartime service, but I didn’t know about the D-Day film connection until I read an excellent book by Ted Barris called “Juno: Canadians at D-Day June 6, 1944”. Interestingly, the book also talks about how, due to some luck in timing, the Canadian film footage of the landings was the first to be prepared and released to the public. So, even in the United States, the first images of the Normandy landings that people saw in newsreels were these ones of the Canadian troops on Juno.

[@dontarala3347]

I'm 72 years old. My dad landed on juno also. He was a Regina rifle. Thanks to all the brave men I lived a life in our free country. God bless these men.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Well said and god bless

[@itisonlyme1]

My family was liberated in May 45, living in Utrecht, The Netherlands. My mum remembered Canadian soldiers in her house; dancing with Canadian soldiers. She remembered an English soldier giving her tea and chocolate which was heaven after surviving the "Hongerwinter", the Winter of Hunger. THANK YOU

[@thehistoryexplorer]

thank you for sharing. what a lovely story

[@cal9064]

My father was a Canadian infantry Captain, during WW II. During his time in Holland, he observed how badly the Nazis had mistreated the Dutch people. And how joyful and grateful they were, when finally freed by their Canadian liberators. The Dutch have not forgotten. For that gratitude is still strong, even today. When we returned to Holland, shortly before his death, in the 1980's (I was in the service, at the time), the people in those places he'd help liberate had not forgotten him, either. To them, Father was still a great hero. And celebrated as one. A very special and moving experience, I will never forget.

[@itisonlyme1]

@@cal9064 I am very moved by what happened to your father and your family. In certain places in Holland, there are streets named after Canadian soldiers. Beautiful. Do you still live in Canada? My cousin emigrated to Canada in the 1950s

[@RTeBokkel]

So was mine. (The Hague, and Aalten)

[@itisonlyme1]

@@RTeBokkel Hello!

[@mikedo6]

I believe the soldier placing his hand on George Baker's shoulder is Fred 'TOOT' Moar . He received a battlefield promotion to Lt. at some date but on June 6th I think he was still a W.O. . Toot was a friend of my Dad who was in 'C' company at the time. Dad often said that Archie McNaughton was the finest man he ever knew. I can vividly remember Dad's reaction whenever this film appeared on t.v. There was the proud exclamation "There goes the North Shore!" followed by silent thought, I can only imagine what he was feeling.❤❤❤

[@thehistoryexplorer]

What a brilliant comment! Thank you!

[@themerchantofengland]

They were the bravest generation, God bless them all. Great comment.

[@LtDan6969]

You a New Brunswicker? I had relatives serve in the North Shore regiment. My great great gramps (Foulton Noye) led his troops from the North Shore regiment on Juno beach. His picture was even featured in a french newspaper.

[@mightymotor9973]

We will never see another generation like them.

[@anthonyeaton5153]

@@themerchantofenglandThey were indeed the great generation but the soldiers of WW1 were also called the greatest generation.

[@robmisener2786]

Excellent video Rob! Canadians are very proud of our ww2 contributions and appreciate you highlighting the soldiers bravery. Rob Ontario, Canada.🇨🇦

[@thehistoryexplorer]

You are most welcome my friend

[@davidhill500]

GDAY….MATE….MY POP .in WW2 .FOUGHT WITH YANKS AND CANUCKS( as he called them )..and he reckons the CANUCKS WERE VERY BRAVE TOUGH YOUNG BASTARDS..and he reckoned he would rather have them as his backstops than yanks..😊

[@harryplummer6356]

I'm Canadian but in fairness the Americans fought as good as anyone else in Normandy.@@davidhill500

[@DrPhilBrewerMD]

I took my mother to the Normandy beach where her uncle died on D-Day. That was over 20 years ago and now, at age 97, she still tears up when we talk about that visit. The sight of acres and acres of crosses in the American cemetery is overwhelming. One cannot help but think about their last moments as they bled out, perhaps thinking about the loved ones back home who they would never see again. The enormous, terrible cost of war.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Oh Phil! You’ve brought a tear to my eye. Very touching and very well said

[@muondude]

I’m an American and want to thank you for highlighting the bravery of Canadians - many others fought and died. You honor their memory.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

You are most welcome my friend

[@twandieltjes1359]

We were lucky enough to be guests at the Canada house a few years ago. It was an unforgettable experience. The house is a small museum with a wealth of historical stories from D-Day veterans who visited the house in the years after the war. Unfortunately the owner passed away a few months later, but his family continues the memories. They are always willing to show the house and reveal its historical stories. Every year on D-DAY at sunset they have their own ceremony that is worth visiting.

[@Mrkaycee7]

I just want to thank you for presenting these videos on Canadian hero’s of WW2. They were all hero’s and I will be forever grateful to my beloved Canadian Military who have served brilliantly in WW1, WW2, Korea & Afghanistan. Not to forget the so called peace keeping missions in Cypress, Bosnia, Somalia etc. I am so completely devoted to their memories because my father served in the Canadian Army having volunteered in 1939 up to his discharge in 1945. I am to be 75 in a few days and the only reason I haven’t been involved in any conflict was by virtue of being Canadian living in Montreal when my brothers south of the border were being drafted into the horrible Vietnam War. I have an American cousin who went to that hell and came back a very changed man. That could have been me but thankfully my place of birth saved me from experiencing the horror of that war. We experience the life we have in, no small part, because the sacrifices of these brave men & woman. Let’s never forget them!!!

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Happy birthday and many happy returns for your birthday!

[@charlieclark5838]

I've seen this clip of film many times over the years, the plainly terrified soldier being assured by his comrades always moved me, now I know he he was and thank God he made it through the war. This is a marvellous piece of work I can only congratulate you on your efforts.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Thank you Charlie I’m so glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@kriswright3396]

First me it's always the 2 guys at the front of the boat that get me. Even without sound you, you know they're taking MG and mortar, you even see folks on the boat reacting as bullets are pinging off the hull.

[@solentbum]

My wifes grandfather went ashore on Juno Beach on D-day, He was a British soldier in an MP unit attached to the Canadians, He told me that one of his first duties on getting ashore was to select a house to bulldoze to provide rubble for a road to get tanks off the beach. If you notice that some of the 'battlefield traffic signs' have AA logo's it's because many of the traffic control MPs had been full time Automobile Association employees before the War, and took their 'espirit de corps' into battle. I believe he landed at St Aubin sur Mere, from his comments on photos we took of the area. He had a lucky war, he was on leave as the Battle of France started, and when he got back to France he was told to forget trying to get to his unit and join the chaos at Dunkirk. Some of his comrades were murdered by the Nazis. After D-day he stayed with the Canadians until the end, including the relief of a concentration camp as they entered Germany. That experience marked him for life, he was one of the kindest, unselfish men I have known. .

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Amazing. I love seeing all these personal accounts. Thank you for sharing 👍

[@English.Andy1]

My Grandfather was with British 12th Corps. Also CMP, he landed on Gold beach. He also had a lot of involvement with Canadians being belated Petworth house just before the invasion. He was assigned to police, the Canadians and help protect the DD tanks there.

[@WilliamHuddleston-ji9tc]

😊0​@@thehistoryexplorer

[@thebeagles2025]

'if this was going to be another Dieppe, running into a sea wall just like the one on Blue Beach, where the wall was raked with machine fire.' My father was hit near that sea wall. He survived that, and 2 years, 11 months and one day in Stalag IXC. RRC

[@thehistoryexplorer]

I made a video on Blue Beach where I visited for the first time. It’s one of the few places I shed a tear at what u folded there. So sad and an utter shame on the Allied planners. I have the utmost respect for those Canadians who landed there

[@simonflack5467]

My Dad landed on this part of the beach on June 6th He was one of only 3 RAF units that landed on DDay. Loved it as a boy he took there

[@thehistoryexplorer]

It’s a beautiful area of Normandy

[@keithfarrell3370]

What was your dad's job on June 6th?

[@M21L35]

My dear late Father (gone 23 years now) fought & was wounded twice in the Pacific Theatre. That sacrifice he made then for our eventual family will forever remain w/me in my heart. For that I pay him & his fellow soldiers homage in the name of the freedom which they ALL guaranteed on our behalf. God Rest Their Valiant Souls!

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Wow well said. What a lovely comment and thank you for sharing

[@hoppinonabronzeleg9477]

I notice right at the start it said in French - 'We will not forget them', but in English 'We will remember them' Wow! I had always wondered where those houses were, and if they still stood, now we know, and there are so many comments of people who know stuff! - great work fella!

[@oliverjeynes]

Excellent video. I stayed at St Aubin 5 years ago and used it as a base during a 2 week holiday. We were able to travel all over Normandy and had an amazing time. The beaches are truly humbling. The carnage that must have happened. Being able to walk in the foot steps of heros, and to stand where many must have fallen was something i will never forget. I plan to go back soon!

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Such a beautiful place. I bet you had a brilliant time 👍

[@lauzauadventures4945]

I was at that same location two days ago to see from my own eyes this place. Thank you for this video. Laurent, Montréal, Canada 🇨🇦

[@rightmarker1]

This film clip has haunted me for years. True courage is when you control your terror and do your job. I remember in N Ireland in the 70’s being absolutely terrified as my mob came under effective enemy fire. My sergeant major looked me in the eye for a nanosecond and then we just got stuck in. 🇬🇧 Army. Be the best.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Awesome. Cheers for that comment mate 👌

[@paulketchupwitheverything767]

My dad was an electrician and would do work in commercial properties and private houses. He would often point out a place and have a story about what he'd done there or the people he had met. One tale was about a single storey dwelling on a corner with distinctive multi-coloured blinds in the windows. In the house lived a couple. Their son had been involved in D-day and "..hadn't made it off the beach.." They had kept his bedroom exactly as it was since he was killed. This was in the late 1970's. Whenever I drove down that road I would look out for the house and its blinds and think about the dead young soldier and his time-capsule room from the 1940s. This continued through the 1980s and into the '90s. Inevitably the parents must have moved or died themselves and the blinds were replaced and the house renovated. I often think about this and the personal tragedy of those people from a family that I never met or knew first hand when I see archive footage of the landings in Normandy.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Wow that’s an amazing story. So sad. Thank you for sharing

[@rightmarker1]

That’s a very touching story and speaks sad volumes about the parents of that lad who was killed and all the lads and the parents up and down our country. Your story also says something about your father. - he sounds like a good man.

[@itisonlyme1]

😪

[@thehistoryexplorer]

@@highcountrydelatite I’m a big fan of the Aussies I’ve worked with. All of them so professional, fit, and good blokes too. I hope you had a brilliant time on your tour. It’s a ‘must see’ for anyone with an interest in military history

[@larrytennant7476]

Casper Wyoming? Saw the exact same thing. Still had his 37-39 coup sitting out side their house still in q980.s. So Sad.

[@garyhill1050]

What true heros that hit juno beach that day these are what legends were made of god bless all those men r.i.p. we will bever forget ! Thank you for this incredible story and video ! 🇨🇦🇺🇸🇬🇧

[@ZedsDeadOK]

Always brings a tear to my eye's at the astronomical heroism displayed by the allied troops, lest we forget a generation of hero's.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

💯 I couldn’t agree more

[@richardtylermusic]

My late father was a lieutenant in the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion. He was sent for special operations training a few days before the battalion's drop near Arnhem. He had a great collection of photos of him and his buddies back in jump training. It was sobering to hear him say only one of these guys made it back. His father was a captain and a fighter pilot in the Royal Air Force during WW1. He was shot down and amazingly survived, but sustained major injuries. These generations were tough as nails.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

What a legacy to leave behind1 Outstanding. Thank you for sharing

[@franceyneireland1633]

@richardtylermusic I seen a video of interviews of the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion, they definitely were very brave as the Canadians jumped without the reserve parachute plus they trained without it as well. Americans were the only airborne forces to use reserve parachutes during World War II combat operations.

[@kevinn1158]

These men were simply incredible. Their courage is beyond comprehension. I am making sure my daughters know all about their bravery.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Well said. I still believe this is a story worth telling!

[@kevinn1158]

@@thehistoryexplorer absolutely. What these people fought for and won back then is still playing out today. They saved the west and created modern day Germany and Japan. Two free and democratic states. On the other hand, Russia went from dictatorship to dictatorship as did China. The Bolsheviks, led by Lenin, seized power and destroyed the czarist rule. And by WW2 enter Stalin. Arguably the biggest mass murderer in human history. And Putin seems intent on continuing to use his citizens as cannon fodder as Stalin did. The long shadow of this dark tumultuous time is still playing out in the Ukraine. If only Russia had been saved as well like Germany and Japan. Russia teaches us how different our countries could have been if these men didn’t stand up against tyranny.

[@samrodian919]

Thank you for this very sobering video. It's a tribute to the brave lads of Canada who fought and died here on the 6 th of June '44 and on subsequent operations in Normandy through to the end of the war on 8th May 1945 Their name liveth evermore

[@thehistoryexplorer]

You are most welcome my friend

[@maplehouseknives]

Fascinating video! My Grandfather landed on Sword beach on D Day, my Great Grandfather fought in WW1. I hope to visit these places with my children in hopes they understand the sacrifices made for their freedom!

[@bettylaselli2048]

Wow thanks for sharing your grand fathers story!

[@TheGreatest1974]

My dad landed on Sword too.

[@daveintheshed4870]

Brave young men indeed, hard to imagine facing what they did that day and onward. I'm very grateful to them, thanks for the video it's very well done.

[@michaelkneale3825]

I'm glad George had a long life. Bless all the others who didn't survive.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Absolutely

[@heatherzwingler8397]

Thank you so much . My Father served in the Army from Nova Scotia. I believe he was in Sicily. He came home but never talked about the war. He married my Mom, they had us six kids and in 1955 he was killed in Halifax harbour. I was the oldest (8yrs) my baby sister was 8 months old.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Oh no! So sorry to hear that

[@maggiegrande3454]

❤❤❤❤

[@steveweatherbe]

I recommend the book The Long Road Home. The first hand account of a soldier in the Nova Scotia Highlanders in Sicily and Italy. Very well told. Check before buying: more than one book by that title.

[@Joe-zt7ef]

Amazing video, my uncle fought in WW2 and was taken prisoner by the Nazis, luckily he was let go at the end of the war, one of the lucky ones, keep up the great work and thank you.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Thank you for sharing! Very lucky indeed. I hope you enjoy the channel

[@Fantax92]

There is probably nothing more terrifying than an opposed landing. Everything in front of you is enemy territory and you have nowhere to fall back to, no place to hold out for artillery support or reinforcements. The only way is forward, whatever stands ahead, be it machine gun nest, fortifications or barbed wire. These men were so courageous. Thank you for these videos, truly great to see the beach today with archival footage.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Very well said. I couldn’t agree more. You are so welcome 🙏

[@bettylaselli2048]

​@@thehistoryexplorer great video as always! Thanks for sharing ❤

[@alexantonio8546]

I have never known why the boats did not reach the shore sideways. Crazy

[@TheGreatest1974]

My dad landed on Sword beach on d day. Fought for Caen, the battle of Normandy, then up to Nijmegen bridge, the down to Belgium and the battle of the bulge northern shoulder, across into Germany, and was at the liberation of Belsen with the Royal Artillery. He was a gunner. He stayed on a year as a peacekeeper after wars end. He came home and was trapped in a coal mine after a roof collapse for 3 days on his own, that was in Durham where he lived. He tapped on the rail line to let them know he was alive. He was a great dad of 7. We lost him on New Year’s Day 2013. Sadly missed.

[@Fantax92]

@@TheGreatest1974 sorry for your loss, I know the pain. Your dad lived a long and eventful life!

[@Diglett_Dude]

35 seconds in and hair on my arms is standing. Background music reminds me of movie "We were soldiers" Great stuff as always, thank you

[@philgoldsney5951]

Wonderful job of the documentary to honour our brave war dead. Total respect to them all RIP. 🇨🇦

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Thank you so much. Appreciate the feedback

[@reinvented915]

Wow.... I'm speachless. Amazing video my frined. Mad respect to all these soldiers involved!

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Thanks! You are very welcome

[@paulaspinall919]

Ordinary men doing superhuman things. Even now the tears well up. Thank you.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Well said

[@Loiyaboy]

Fascinating and well done. George's story brought a tear to my eye, of both joy and sadness.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Thank you so much, I’m glad you enjoyed the video

[@colesmith7754]

My grandfather's brother died on Juno beach. He was in the Regina Rifles.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

I've been corrected many times on the correct pronunciation of Regina Rifles. Is your Grandfather's brother buried in Normandy?

[@colesmith7754]

@@thehistoryexplorer I'm actually not 100% sure where his body is buried, but I've been to his grave here in Regina. And ya pronouncing Regina is weird its not Re-gina, its pronounced Ra-gina.

[@itisonlyme1]

My condolences.

[@Alphaskeptic]

Thank you for this tribute to one of history's most esteemed generations.

[@j1dvf]

My father was in the Royal Marines and told me that he was piloting a landing craft on D day carrying Canadian soliders, twice he had to go back and get another landing craft as he was getting shot up a lot, that was on Juno beach.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

I can’t even imagine. Such brave men. You must be so proud of your father

[@itisonlyme1]

Bless him! He helped liberate so many people. Thank you, on behalf of my family.

[@tbwpiper189]

This is a lovely tribute to a man who was one of hundreds of thousands from Canada who left their lives and loved ones to fight for those unknown to them. Fortunately, happily this particular soul made it back home after nearly twelve harrowing and blood soaked months to live out his life in peace. My uncle fought with the Black Watch of Canada in Montreal and survived until July 20 1944. He came from a large family of sisters and brothers. His father, my grandfather, also fighting with the Black Watch of Canada, survived the entirety of World War One only to lose a leg in an industrial accident after returning home. These stories that identify the sacrifices of our brave heroes would have been forgotten in time but for video works like these. Kudos and appreciation to The History Explorer for this work.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

You are most welcome my friend

[@scottmcnabb9122]

My one cousin charlie Mcnabb fought in the war he was one of the first waves on the beach that day . Charlie survived the war stayed in the military after the war . Also fought in the Korean war as well . Retired from the military lived the rest of his life out in Angus Ontario .

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Outstanding. What a legacy

[@mdz_0151]

These videos of Normandy are truly amazing. Very good job I’ve been hooked. Made me smile with the damage to the kerbs from the tracked vehicles and brought back some memories of doing my challenger 2 driving lessons in Bovington in 2011 and damaging a kerb on 1 lesson. I definitely learnt my lesson. Brilliant channel and brilliantly narrated.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Glad you like them! So proud that veterans and serving personnel are enjoying these videos more than anything. I was very worried how they would be received

[@tundranomad]

One of the most powerful background songs ever set to combat.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Thank you so much for sharing. How interesting. There must be so many stories like this that were never told but luckily you have captured these memories. You must be so proud

[@ridgerunner5772]

No fluff, all footage devoted to the topic at hand, the men who served and sacrificed so that Tyranny could be vanquished and nations not given to Stalin could be set Free.... Job WELL DONE by the lads who went ashore, and to History Explorer who stays on topic with "Recognition" to those were Brave for the tasks at hand..... WE Owe Them All......!!

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Thank you my friend

[@themerchantofengland]

Hello. What a treasure ive found. I love this content, thank you. The music is terrific so emotional. I enjoyed this so much.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

So pleased to hear it! I hope you continue to enjoy the channel 👍 😊

[@johnkeenan9834]

Amazing video, thanks for the solid research in putting this together. Really appreciate the attention to detail in mapping out exactly where the troops landed. I was there last year and was walking along that beach front. It's hard to pinpoint that exct area and not very apparent that the North Shores landed there and not where the 50mm gun emplacement is at St Aubin. Amazing story about the young soldier in the landing video and how he survived. According to Canadian WW2 historian Marc Milner that was C company of the New Brunswick North Shores landing, as A and B were the assault companies and you can see these men walking up the beach without a lot of apparent casualties. Loved the section where you point out the armor damage in the curbs of the roads. The amazing thing about that area is a lot of the original buldings and homes are still there, it hasn't changed that much. Highly recommend anyone interested in Canadian or WW2 history to spend a days lfewooking around St Aubin Sur Mer, Bernieres Sur Mer and Courseulles Sur Mer. Most tours take you to the sites made famous by Longest Day or Band of Brothers but the Canadian landing zones have a lot to offer as well. Great job, look forward to more videos!

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Thank you very much I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I love this area of Normandy I think they have a great balance of getting on with life but also honouring those who fought there. General consensus is that landing craft is an A Coy one. You can also see the soldiers ducking and recoiling as the craft is shot at

[@donwilmot4008]

Baker who is identified as the soldier who is in the video is listed as part of A company in the listing for all who landed on D day.

[@anonnemo2504]

Truly, the "Greatest Generation". Thank you for this excellent tribute.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Thanks for listening and I’m glad you enjoyed it

[@thiruchelvamnalathamby2592]

Day that not to be forgotten by all of us . Price is too high for peace that we had now. Amazing video with excellent background music selection!

[@GEEMELLOW]

As a kid I watched lots of WW2 documentaries. My interest has never abandoned me in my 58 years as I keep watching docos and reading about WW2. I clearly remember as a kid watching a doco (I think it was the World at War) about D Day which showed the Canadians landing. The pat on the back on that young bloke always made me think how scared they all were, as anyone would be. Over the years I wondered whether that man landing (getting patted on his back) did survive. I am glad George did survive and lived a long life - Great story, fantastic indeed. Thanks a million for uploading this video and finding a name for that young man - Lest We Forget

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Thank you so much. We have a shared love for WW2 documentaries 👍

[@Not_So_Weird_in_Austin]

Thanks for the story and analysis of the landing. I understand the camera was fixed on the landing craft and was likely triggered by the crew.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Yes that’s what I read too

[@dantino1979]

Fantastic work. The attention to the angles, to the exact places where they landed, to the photo of Mr. Butler. It really helps ground it. It is so important that we never forget what they went through, that they were really there, bleeding, fighting, and dying so that we might live.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Thank you so much for your kind feedback. This video was important for me to make and I really learnt a lot

[@johnwhyte4931]

Your coverage of this and other battles is so respectful and detailed, they are so compelling. Thank you for making these videos. I am a real fan of your efforts. Your videos give a very respectful and detailed analysis of what happened. Thank you.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

You are very welcome by friend, so glad you enjoyed the video

[@gregwilliamson3001]

Excellent series of videos! Congratulations on finding the exact places that appear in these historic films. I also think that the use of colourised videos brings it to life and makes it easier for the younger generations to connect emotionally? PS I love how you added and explained the Frenchman taunting the German POWs 👍🏻🇦🇺

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Thank you very much! Brilliant footage of the Frenchman isn’t it!

[@Spitnchicklets]

Every man who stormed the beaches of Normandy, no matter which beach or from what country had balls bigger than their pants could hold.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

100% they were issued a wheelbarrow to carry them

[@inkblack6958]

No they didn’t. They signed up and obeyed orders.

[@davidh2608]

Fascinating video! I have watched this clip many times and always wondered who the first person out of the LCA was and also who the soldier was that looked back and got comfort from a comrade. Was the first soldier off the LCA Maj MacNaughton? It was heart warming to see that George Baker lived a long life, all be it with the tragedy of losing his wife at a young age. Bravest of the brave.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

I really do not know who the first person off the LCA was but I believe McNaughton was in a different one to Baker

[@brianjames3849]

Thank you for this video .MY mothering law was a Canadian wren who came over for d day ,she was engaged to a Canadian soldier who was killed on Juno beach. She stayed in the wrens in the UK.after the war she met my father inlaw who fought at el Alamein and was the second wave in on gold beach at arromanchies. He got wounded at tilly .rip merlin Mathew's and Harry joeseph Easton. My mother and father inlaw .my father inlaw who developed a hump back and suffered through out his life because of the gun shot in the back . His belief was live and let live.simply the greatest generation ,that will never be repeated .

[@thehistoryexplorer]

you are most welcome my friend. thank you for sharing

[@bmcg5296]

The courage of the men in the first few landings and those following them, is nothing short of heroic. Could you imagine those first large waves hearing the sound of the battleships, cruisers, destroyers and everything from the air must have been inspired and terrified in the same few seconds. The sounds and impacts of the big guns levelling and raised up 10’s of tonnes of debris and dirt into the air landing everywhere. Possibly covering the living anywhere near them. The married man who put his hand on his back was his Guardian Angel with that touch. Everything will be alright even if it wasn’t to be on that day or later. That touch is so special we do not see anywhere else, I’ve not seen in any other film/camera. What hit me the most in the man’s wedding ring firstly as the brightest item in black and white. Is that just me seeing this important moment? It hits me the most as a father figure I just can’t unsee it all the time. The more I look at that frame the brighter the ring looks as out of place in a black and white, where this ring is neither of those colours! These men are forever young like their brothers who died beside them. This film shows how men like him died in their youth and prime in life, so many today do not respect them for our freedoms today. Had these men not done this Nazi Germany may have won the war. May we never forget those who gave our freedoms with their blood and life in return. We must never forget. If everyone cared what these men did, less problems would be in society as youth of today, just don’t care about. As a father I know from my own child who knows little about WWII, who I’m trying to educate them about. This era needs talked about to those in senior teenagers in schools just exactly how much they gave us all today? Outstanding content once again as always. Thank you for sharing the parts of history to us all especially those are not well enough to visit ourselves.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Wow what a comment! Thank you very much.

[@bmcg5296]

@@thehistoryexplorerYour work is exemplary. We owe our freedoms to those least credited the machinist’s builders etc. who at home are unsung heroes these men relied on in making sure anything they took to battle works perfectly.

[@steveweatherbe]

Excellent video and commentary. The Canadian War Museum in Ottawa used to have a recreation of this film of soldiers approaching the landing. The public step into a recreated landing craft and as the film plays on the front wall the side walls and floor heave with sea-like motion and warlike noises come from the sound system. Or maybe it us the Juno Beach museum.Better go to both😊

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Yes always best to cover all bases. Why not visit both!

[@Wandering_Canuck]

That is how you enter into the main part of the Juno Beach Centre from the lobby area. It is a very impressive way to enter the museum. 20 years ago I did it with my late wife and her father. He was a tank mechanic with the RCEME and landed 3 weeks after D-Day. He passed away in 2021 at 102. Lest we forget.

[@TheRealBatCave]

My grandfather was part of Fort Garry Horse, as a tank driver, I would love to see a map of exactly where they landed on Juno like ur map u had of red mike, red nan etc, and see what exact units landed where and what progress they made, would be interesting to see. Im 99% it was St.Aubin, but still would love to see it all laid out on maps

[@Barewood]

Absolutely incredible! Being born and raised in Nova Scotia, identifying the young man George Baker in the famous clip of the Juno landing, sparked emotion in me. This really puts that day and the war into perspective. Your approach and narrative are excellent. I can say with earnest your channel here is one of the best!

[@thehistoryexplorer]

What an amazing comment! Are you happy for me to share it?

[@Barewood]

@@thehistoryexplorer Absolutely!

[@caniwim12]

Good work, many thanks from a Canadian Vet!

[@thehistoryexplorer]

You’re welcome buddy

[@mikeschillinger4427]

Very good and informative video filing in the gaps left by so many other D Day documentaries. Thanks for your hard work.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

So nice of you to say. Thank you 🙏

[@luckyguy600]

Very good. I knew some of these things, but like most, a little knowledge means nothing. You folks did a great job of getting at 'the truth' out, and great footage now and then. Which is what is all about. The truth.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Thank you so much. Means a lot

[@derekblanche4146]

Thank you for the great respect you have placed in the production of this video. As a Canadian Service Member it is greatly appreciated.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

You are most welcome buddy. Glad you enjoyed it

[@371francis]

Thank you for a great overview of the Juno beach site and in particular the North Shore Regiment (NSR) of New Brunswick Canada. My Grandfather was with the NSR and landed in the first wave as part of Headquarters. He trained and spent 4 years training with the NSR preparing to go ashore on D-Day. He would never talk about the war but did say D Day was the worst day of his life and knew Major MacNaughton and all the rest of the NSR Company soldiers. He fought all the way through to the end of the war with the NSR.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Thank you for sharing. You must be so proud of your personal connection to this event. Despite how terrible it was, it led to the liberation of Europe. Now that is something worth being thankful for

[@lisaholien9127]

Wow what an experience watching this video. I had seen and been deeply moved by the footage of 'the hand on shoulder' moment and now finding this video that goes into that moment! Thank you

[@Coolerman565]

What a great video, often wondered who that Soldier was, one can only imagine what was going through the minds of those boys at the time, probably just hoping to get off the beach alive, i was there in June this year and stood in front of that house, will visit again next june, an Uncle of mine landed on Gold beach on D-Day, he was killed on the 18th june in fighting between Bayeux and Caen.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it and thank you for the kind comments

[@darylnelson3026]

My uncle James C. Kellogg of the Regina Rifles Died 18th July 1944 is buried in Beny-Sur- Mer Canadian War Cemetery

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Do you know where he was fighting?

[@BarrieBuskruitZV]

These real OG footage clips are so amazing to watch

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Thank you buddy

[@2Destinies]

thank you for this video that elders have talked about in late 70's & early 80's

[@dcrot9109]

And if you've seen the movie THE GREAT ESCAPE , you may think that the story is a British and American story. But it's not. *It's a British and Canadian story* There were no Americans in the North Compound at Stalag Luft III near Sagan (now Zagan), Poland, when the mass breakout occurred.

[@davidreichert9392]

Very high marks for this video. Very well done and very thoughtful.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Thank you!

[@conistonoldman]

A really fascinating and well researched video. I love the forensic approach to that very short clip. My Dad was a Royal Navy Telegraphist who landed on Juno beach on D Day, though not in the first wave. His unit were designated RN Commandos. After D day he and his unit used to broadcast an emergency radio signal from land to all the ships sitting offshore “Make smoke Juno, make smoke Juno …” whenever there was a threat of Luftwaffe or E -boat attack. He went on to fight with the Canadians in the campaign to liberate the Scheldt, including the Walcheren landings. He always had a very high regard for the Canadians. He landed at Courseulles sur Mer, with the Winnipeg Rifles, I believe.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Wow! Thank you so much for sharing. He may have been with the group who broadcast the first allied message from courselles (although it may have been Bernieres) Thank you for sharing

[@ronr61]

Armour plating on the landing craft was three quarters of an inch, 3/4”, translated into imperial for an older audience and using the system the craft were constructed in for accuracy.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Yes that sounds about right. 19mm equates to 3/4”. Sorry I should have listed imperial and metric 👍

[@blxtothis]

Those WW1 and WW2 battlefields graveyards and memorials always move me whenever visiting even watching videos like this. Generations of people gave everything so I can sit in warmth and comfort in an armchair with an iPad, in awe at such humbling and dreadful stories, words hardly suffice.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

What a brilliant comment. You said it perfectly

[@johnmclaren7059]

Fantastic video! I’ve often wondered who those brave young Canadians were! I had 5 uncles who all went over seas and all came back 🙏also my father was RCNVR stoker first class on a flower class ship , I hope one day I can visit there and pay my respects to those who gave the Ultimate sacrifice

[@thehistoryexplorer]

You must be so proud! What a legacy. Glad you enjoyed the video

[@johnmclaren7059]

@@thehistoryexplorer thank you for your kind response, I must apologize I forgot to subscribe to your channel and will! Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦👍

[@vincentlefebvre9255]

Go in Halifax. There is one such ship. The HMS Sackville.

[@kingsroad2310]

This was excellenr Rob. thank you. never seen this footage before it's very thought provoking

[@PAS_2020]

Beautiful video with so much compassion and an insertion of personal experience. You are so perfect for these presentations. Thank you very much! This moment my heart is so grateful! ❤️

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Wow, thank you! What a lovely comment

[@paulrobinson8263]

Thanks for this, just catching up after returning from holiday, all very interesting stuff once again and very easily informative, thanks Robbo 👍👍

[@thehistoryexplorer]

You are most welcome buddy! I hope you enjoyed your holiday

[@stevensawyer2489]

Very well edited. Great watch. Thanks for your time and effort on this documentary.

[@kylepannell8866]

It’s amazing what you do. Please never stop. I come from a long and honorable line of veterans. Great grandfathers, both grandfathers and my father was a highly decorated veteran of Vietnam. He earned the Silver Star and the Purple Heart. My grandfather was a pilot during WW2, flying many missions in and around Normandy. Your channel is amazing and doesn’t censor anything. Many channels today are starting to blur and censor certain things. I strongly disagree with this. This is EVERYONE’S history that should be viewed and remembered exactly how it occurred. Thanks again for your work and I pray you’ll continue!

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Thank you so much for your support and kind feedback; you’ve made my day. You must be so proud of your long family heritage or service 👍

[@Conn30Mtenor]

I can't say that I'm proud of my countrymen; my dad was a WW2 veteran- he was in a corvette in the North Atlantic at the time. I'm not proud because I wasn't there- I didn't do anything because I won't be born until 1963. I'm profoundly grateful. Nice job on the video, BTW.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Thank you very much

[@d.d.4703]

I had an uncle who was in the landings. He was hit in the leg by shrapnel, aged 18. He was in the Royal Marines and at his funeral a buglar from the regiment played the last post. It was very moving. Another uncle was shot in the jaw in Belgium. I think the Canda made the biggest sacrifice in terms of the numbers of men who took part, and were killed and injured, in proportion to the size of the population. Let us also remember most were of British decent. Thank you for the video. That film of the landing gave me a real sense of what it must have been like. The look of fear on faces and and the terror of even standing up to look over the doors of the landing boat.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

You are most welcome my friend

[@billpercy6354]

Superbly made video. Many thanks for your efforts.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

You are so welcome. Thanks for the feedback

[@francoisgagne2651]

I was there in 2006 touring France and I made sure to visit the Beny-Sur-Mer cemetery in order to pay my respects to these brave man that sacrificed their lives in the name of democracy...It was a very touching experience to see the headstones and names of each soldiers.

[@camperp195]

Thank you for this,always wondered about the footage,what happened to the men,anything like this now,as i get older,really chokes me,different generation,real men! Always remember NEVER forget ❤️ We owe them all so much 🌹😔

[@thehistoryexplorer]

You're very welcome

[@freonxkipper]

Not Juno beach but, in 2012 we made a sailing voyage to Normandy and sailed to Ouistreham (Sword Beach). As we approached the beach and the canal de Caen à la mer (known by the "pegasus bridge") we realized that setting this course while being shot, at is beyond imagination en spontaneously a deep feeling of respect for all the casualties came upon us. All on board were silent until we reached the locks at the lighthouse. Approaching that beaches from the sea gives a weird feeling.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

I did that same journey in 2021. Sailed into sword beach. The weather was amazing for it

[@freonxkipper]

@@thehistoryexplorer Altough it was mid July, the conditions were pretty much as on 6th of june '44. There were several gales so we had to stay in-port in Le Havre for several days and then just for one day there were clear skies and moderate winds. But the sea was still pretty choppy on the Seine-bay. A thunderstorm was approaching from the west (aft) so the lighting, thunder and dark sky made a nasty impression.It came all together.

[@Jay-nq2jl]

George!! Thank you for my freedom! God bless You!

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Absolutely

[@The_FallenPrime33]

Your videos help me with my history project and with my education, thanks to you I got a good grade in history class, thank you 😊

[@thehistoryexplorer]

You are very welcome. If I can help with references etc please send me an email. I keep them off the video so I don't go too stodgy with info

[@jamesanderson6882]

My grand father was in the North Shore New Brunswick regiment! He never spoke of the details. Ernest Anderson

[@thehistoryexplorer]

He would have likely come ashore right here in this video!

[@napierlines6977]

Such a moving account. Thanks for sharing their story

[@thehistoryexplorer]

You are most welcome mate

[@iam62goinon63]

My dad landed at courseulles with the winnipeg rifles he was royal Berkshire beach group . He said the germans had mined the gardens of the houses . He buried 17 canadains and allways wore a canadain flag lapel badge as his personal remembrance of these lads. I still wear it for him

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Wow what a legacy. Thank you for sharing

[@barneyfyfe8313]

I was at the Imperial War Museum 1977. As I looked at a diorama of one of the British landing sites (Sword, Juno or Gold.... I don't remember) An elderly man told his wife of his experiences that day. He pointed to each part and how he made his way from the landing craft and beyond. It was amazing!!!!

[@DFMSelfprotection]

Courage is not the absent of fear.... courage is feeling fear and still moving forward. He is a hero and had real courage.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Thank you for the comment

[@greighooper5295]

The music late in on this exellent video is the same as " medal of honour European assault " which im enbarressed to say i put many hours into !, I remember the chap getting patted on the back when i was a child watching the " World at War " as a kid.

[@bandit3072]

Excellent video! Thanks for sharing.

[@jamesbell1707]

My grandfather and Great Great Uncle we're there. The Canadians were the first to gain all their objectives.

[@engineco.1494]

This is amazing research. 👏

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Glad you think so! Really appreciate it

[@envirogeekyyc]

The husband of an extended family cousin is buried in Beny-sur-Mer. Major John Vernon Love of the Regina Rifles was only 25 years old.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Terribly sad

[@jimconnelly816]

Outstanding work mate.

[@thehistoryexplorer]

Appreciate the feedback buddy