History Professor Breaks Down "Masters of the Air" - Part Nine

[@ytuser0449]

My first cousin twice removed was an airman in the RCAF, and was held at Stalag Luft III and took part in the long march. Around 7 years ago my family went on vacation in San Diego and one of the days we were there we visited the USS Midway museum. My dad started talking with one of the volunteers there who was a descendant of a USAAF POW at Luft III as well. Turned out that my family member gave that American’s father a pair of boots during the long march. Absolutely crazy how the world works sometimes. 🇺🇸🇨🇦

[@ReelHistory]

Much respect to your cousin!

[@richardarmstrong6513]

I live 1.5 miles away from Thorpe Abbotts in a little place called Scole, The museum is a wonderful place and I really hope that the series sends more people their way. Thank you once again Jared for the wonderful insight.

[@Concetta20]

I’d love to visit someday!

[@richardarmstrong6513]

@@Concetta20 it's literally in the middle of nowhere. But if you get the chance it's well worth a visit.

[@williamantico7768]

Awesome Show. I really liked how they showed what happened to the real guys from the story. It did show events that didn't get a conclusion. It also didn't say if any of those pilots were sent over to the pacific to fight the Japanese. Very well done in total though. I'd like to see another series about the Naval Warfare aspect of the war. I appreciate your videos.

[@ET-Gamer]

40:53 I literally burst into tears. Im so glad the 14th Armored Division (Liberators) was featured in the last episode of Masters of the Air. My grandfather served in the 14th as a second lieutenant in a Sherman. They fought from Marseille to the heart of Germany liberating towns, POWs, and concentration camps.

[@johnshurts]

My father-in-law was a top turret gunner/flight engineer/crew chief on B-17's flying from England to the continent during WWII, probably during the winter of '44 to spring '45. He spoke of his experiences once with me and my wife (his daughter) - many of them perfectly meshing with scenes and events in this great series. One which was particularly telling. Late in the war the bombers, as he said, were "running out of targets" so he was detailed to the continent with a team that was to travel to recently captured German airfields to evaluate aircraft found there and make sure none were flyable (they tossed grenades into the cockpits). During their travels they came across a camp recently liberated by the US Army - barbed wire, guard towers - and they went in to see what it was and were shocked. At the time they didn't know what it was or even where they were exactly. But it was a "work" camp, essentially a death camp and they saw piles of bodies, pits full of bodies, a few emaciated survivors. My father-in-law had a camera and he took many photos, and at that point in his telling of the story he got up and produced his wartime photo album and showed us the pictures. His photos were very reminiscent of the concentration camp scenes in Band of Brothers. The family still has his album, I have his leather flight jacket. I asked him if at that time if he had then realized what the war had been about. His answer was a simple, "yes".

[@arkadyfolkner]

One of those who survived the Netherlands 'Hunger Winter' that Operation Chowhound and Operation Manna (the RAF equivalent) did supply drops in relief of was a teenaged and malnourished future Hollywood actress named Audrey Kathleen Ruston aka Audrey Hepburn.

[@picardtseng]

Didn't know that! She was born in Brussels! According to wiki: "During the war, Hepburn studied ballet at the Arnhem Conservatory and by 1944, she performed ballet to raise money to support the Dutch resistance."

[@arkadyfolkner]

@@picardtseng she had quite the amazing life.

[@rodbizzell2334]

As soon as the episode was over I started searching KZbin for this video. I didn’t actually find for nearly two days. I realized this and all his videos were so stuffed with information it would take many hours to produce. Thanks so much for all the wonderful insights. Many years ago my neighbor in Macon, GA Mr. Fogerty was a retired electrician. A very kind gentleman one day he casually mentioned he was a B-17 tail gunner flying 30 missions over occupied Europe. I was amazed just speechless realizing my neighbor was a true American hero. Thank you Mr Fogerty.

[@ReelHistory]

We were a bit behind in releasing this one. Thanks for your patience.

[@cooper57m]

About 10 years ago, we took my father in law to the Mighty Eighth museum near Savanah GA. He was a radio operator on B17s in the 401st Bomb Group out of Deanthorpe England. In the museum is a diorama of his base. As he stood there looking at this model of his base, a young man in his 20s was also looking at the model. He approached my father in law and asked if he had been stationed there. He explained that he grew up in Deanthorpe and thanked my father in law for his service. Later, we quizzed/teased my father in law as to whether that could have been a grandson.

[@TheRecordSelector]

I found this final episode of Masters of The Air to be as emotional and evocative as the final Band of Brothers episode. The series really gave me an insight into the type of war that these men fought. I had never really been given visceral insight as to the attrition and terror of the bomber campaign. Furthermore, and perhaps most importantly, the series reminded me not only of the country that they gave to me, but the WORLD that they gave to us.

[@Concetta20]

Amen.

[@bryceholden172]

One of the things that hit me the hardest in this episode was that shot of all of our main characters heading home with the crashed fort in the foreground. It’s a bittersweet reminder that while we are all happy Buck, Bucky, Crosby, Lemmons and the others made it home, so many did not. It brings to mind the end of We Stand Alone Together and all of the men of Easy Company being brought to tears by remembering their friends, “the real heroes” as they put it, that didn’t come back.

[@SuiGenerisMan]

Soon as I finished the episode, I looked for your recap immediately after. I'm glad I waited a day to watch #9

[@ReelHistory]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@charliekelly7024]

While not as good as Band of Brothers (a high bar to be fair!) I thoroughly enjoyed Masters of the Air and my excitement for it was well placed! Have enjoyed your break downs immensely! Would LOVE to see a break down of Downfall. I imagine most people know it from the memes, but it is one of the best WW2 movies I have ever seen. Nothing else has truly captured that sense of hopelessness, denial, and fear in those final days. As well as how strong the cult of personality surrounding Hitler was even at the very end. A remarkable movie that is sadly overshadowed by, like I said, the memes lol. Looking forward to more content in the future!

[@ReelHistory]

Thanks!

[@justinschrank4806]

Jared you are the best at what you do sir. Incredibly knowledgeable, well spoken, and insightful. Love your content.

[@ReelHistory]

Thank you!

[@brianlinville5420]

​@ReelHistory any chance of doing anything on th Pacific or flags of our fathers and letters from iwo jima.

[@ReelHistory]

@@brianlinville5420, The Pacific is on the near horizon!

[@andrewc6602]

Other channels "oh wow" .... Reel History "check out my panzerfaust"

[@oldfrend]

are you even a real historian if you don't have a random panzerfaust lying around?!?

[@ReelHistory]

@@oldfrend, we think you know the answer.

[@aboutthat1440]

Well other channels aren't history based. Such a childish post. You don't have to crap on others to give praise to another's good quality. Grow up.

[@oldfrend]

@@aboutthat1440 guy who can't take a joke telling others to grow up. Look in the mirror son

[@TR00P]

⁠@@aboutthat1440you are way too uptight, bud, let’s bring it down a notch.

[@keto8354]

The scene wherein a child soldier bayoneted one of the escapees pretty much validates Christopher Lee's description on what it feels like to be stabbed. "Have you any idea what kind of noise happens when somebody's stabbed in the back? Because I do"

[@ReelHistory]

A fascinating anecdote for sure.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

He got stabbed lots of times when he was Dracula 😂.

[@keto8354]

@@ReelHistory C. Lee being part of RAF himself as Intelligence officer, didn't saw much of an active action in the air during his service in WW2, hope there will be at least a series about RAF.

[@christopherholder9925]

I had an uncle who was part of one of the crews that flew on the "Eye Dropper" in late 1943 and 1944; I found the last nine episodes very illuminating. Thank you again.

[@ReelHistory]

Respects to your uncle!

[@les3d50]

Jared, thanks for adding your personal touch to this series, it gave more insight to a very condensed story.

[@ReelHistory]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@AndreasHugh]

Bruno Ganz was incredible in Downfall. As a native German speaker, I found the film to be riveting and an incredible psychological journey into the war's aftermath.

[@BHuang92]

22:27 The C-47 was based on the Douglas DC-3 which was one of the most widely used and important transport and passenger aircraft ever made. There were licensed versions of the DC-3 such as the Lisunov Li-2, the Soviet copy of the DC-3. Most likely, the Lisunov Li-2 is depicted in the show.

[@Warszawski_Modernizm]

Greetings, dr. Frederick, watching once again from Warsaw, Poland! Congratulations and thanks for all your work and please visit Warsaw ! PS. Former campsite Żabikowo is now a museum- national heritage site. Its on the outskirts of Poznań - Posen .

[@ReelHistory]

Thank you and cheers, comrade!

[@bernardsalvatore1929]

​@@ReelHistoryI have a question that my friend and I were wondering! I've been watching the series and this episode in particular!! My friend wondered why the POWs didn't try to overwhelm the guards and Escape during the march!?? I said to him perhaps because they knew that the end was near and they did not want to take unnecessary chances!! They were waiting for the perfect opportunity and then when the Allies and Americans were attacking the last camp, that was their opportunity, but he thinks they could have perhaps done it sooner!? I'd like to hear your thoughts on that!!

[@ReelHistory]

@@bernardsalvatore1929, I think many of them did not have the strength to overcome their captors on a forced march. To knock out some guards is one thing, to safely escape after doing so is quite another. Thanks!

[@Warszawski_Modernizm]

Probably they were stuck dozens of miles behind enemy lines, moving away from the front line.@@bernardsalvatore1929

[@VloggingThroughHistory]

This was a fantastic companion to watching the series on Apple TV. Thanks for all you did to educate us, Dr. Frederick!

[@ReelHistory]

Thank YOU for helping in the field of history. We'll have to do something together sometime.

[@janicebrowningaquino792]

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! Thank you for your honest emotional reaction to so much. I’m a 72 year old grandmother who has ALWAYS been a viewer of WWII video for reasons I could never explain. We NEED people such as yourself that ALL OF US NEED to hear and KNOW. ESPECIALLY THE YOUNG. I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR YOU CHANNEL and YOU!

[@ReelHistory]

Thanks so much!

[@Cplblue]

Thanks for the historical break downs of MotA! While the past 2 episodes came off jumbled and over all weak, this was a great finale and had me an emotional wreck. Fantastic series!

[@ReelHistory]

It was indeed a great finale.

[@davidk7324]

Thank you Jared. I've watched many YT "reviews" and breakdowns of MotA and yours are at the top. Paul at WW2TV isn't doing reviews per se -- he's bringing on directors, technical folks, Orloff and Miller, et al for interviews and is another rich approach that enhances our understanding. You bring to the table an historian's passion, objective eye, and knowledge to your work. Your and Paul's efforts will stand the test of time far far better than most of the other commenters on KZbin.

[@ReelHistory]

Thanks for the kind words

[@tomdeacon-harry839]

So glad you mentioned the Toby jug from 12 O’clock High Gave me chills when I saw it. Great review as ever.

[@Pics2FlicksDennis]

I totally missed this while watching the show. Makes me smile, and whilst I type this, I am coincidentally drinking my morning coffee from a Toby “jug” identical to the one you have, Professor.

[@ReelHistory]

Classic throwback!

[@markveerman3732]

I did not even notice the Jug when I watched this episode the first time through. Saw it when I rewatched the Crosby/Rosie conversation at the fireplace. I even brought out my 12 O'Clock High DVD to show my wife what I was talking about. This was a great tribute to the original 12 O'Clock High movie. Great review as always. You can take some time off now.

[@andrewwallace4821]

That story about the disliked Officer bailing out would have been incredible to watch if it was included in the series. Both as a funny bit, but then also as dark representation of how desensitized they became in reflection after the fact.

[@rdotson0]

I have said it before, but you have a true gift of teaching. I have experienced a few such talented teachers in my past. I am 75 and I only wish I could have attended your classes in my storied past. Kudos once again.

[@vipwanrinkle6439]

it’s been a real joy watching this series along with you and listening to you flesh out the story even more in these reaction/breakdown videos thank you for these

[@ReelHistory]

Thank you!

[@feret1993]

I look forward to these videos just as much as the episodes themselves! Absolutely love the recaps

[@ReelHistory]

We appreciate that!

[@justinschrank4806]

I hate to admit I end the series with mixed feelings. After episode 5 I thought it was one of the all time greats. But it lost steam after that, and seemed uncertain as to which direction to take.

[@RussellB]

you have been a vital post-show viewing the past 9 weeks. thank you

[@ReelHistory]

Thank you!

[@kevindown1592]

I really enjoyed your analysis of this series. Thank you for adding to my enjoyment of this most excellent series.

[@ReelHistory]

Thank you.

[@AirDave15]

History teacher: “open up to page 394” Dr. Frederick: “check out this big boy real quick”

[@ReelHistory]

That's very much my style.

[@davesloat9006]

The right history teacher makes all the difference! A great teacher makes incredible stories come alive.

[@JClark2600]

@14:00 I know you're trying to reach a wide audience but you should tell them the real function of the weapon. The warhead is a shaped charge thus if you were firing it at troops, at best you'd just scare them. A shaped charge hits armor then focused the blast to penetrate armor, this weapon had very little in the way of fragmentation and therefore wasn't (or shouldn't be) used against troops in the open.

[@mrmosk2011]

After Band of Brothers and Pacific, I read many biographies from the characters. I intend to read about these airmen’s stories also, so thank you for sharing some of the books. Nothing is more amazing than real life stories

[@simon6ppc246]

I lived and breathed watching this series and it was brilliant and episode 9 had me in tears probably the most tears i have cried in years may be its my age not sure but i am devastated its finished.

[@ReelHistory]

You aren't alone!

[@vincentbergman4451]

Jared pulling out his Panzerfaust had me rolling “Speaking of antitank munitions…”

[@Clairejart]

I started crying when Buck raised the flag and didn’t stop until the last credit rolled. Beautiful series.

[@thomassmart4088]

same

[@ReelHistory]

Very emotional.

[@AirDave15]

Rosie’s story was wild I woulda loved if it showed some of those political and fun times with the Russians in contrast to the experience the Bucks had

[@ReelHistory]

It definitely would have offered some international flavor.

[@AirDave15]

@@ReelHistory thanks again for replying to my comments you really made the viewing of this show a million times better. You gotta rank all the hanks Spielberg projects for us lol

[@ReelHistory]

@@AirDave15, we plan on it!

[@kvoltti]

in the entire series I didn't weep more than I did for the food drop.

[@ReelHistory]

I'm sure many of the men who were able to participate shared your sentiment.

[@ReelHistory]

It was a great finale.

[@Tanarosblack]

I am from former Yugoslavia. Allies dropped food there also at the end of the war. My grandmother kept one of those little parachutes and I used to play with it when I was a kid. That scene made my eyes water. I loved the series from beginning to end.

[@ReelHistory]

@@Tanarosblack, much respect to your family for enduring those difficult times!

[@blakerh]

Thank you so much for your commentary. It really made the series better.

[@ritchietaylor97]

Thank you for this and all the episodes that preceded it. Cheers

[@ReelHistory]

You are most welcome!

[@corrincrellin]

I watch the episode, and then anxiously wait for this. The best combo since cilantro and lime.

[@ReelHistory]

Well said.

[@edge_1998]

Jared - Thank you for taking the time to breakdown this series. The show and your commentary give me renewed appreciation for the amazing sacrifice made by so many soldiers. These stories need to be told, remembered, and honored - Now more than ever.

[@ReelHistory]

Thanks!

[@DerekGM6]

To Echo several other comments on here your post episode debriefings have been an absolute must watch as soon as possible after the episodes. Thank you so much for your measured delivery and informed commentary full of background nuggets. Thanks to you and of course this wonderful and emotional Masters of the Air series I am inspired to find out more about these heroes of World War II, as every single one of them deserves to be remembered.

[@ReelHistory]

Cheers, friend!

[@user-zo6xg8bx4l]

A really great series!!! Thank you so much!!!

[@ReelHistory]

You are most welcome!

[@CarltonWhitfield]

I really enjoyed Masters of the Air. Your episode breakdowns really amplified my enjoyment. Thank you.

[@marklacombe8666]

I love your compassion. You don't see this much compassion on other channels reviewing war things.

[@SatoriK3]

I remember watching this channel only had 500 subs covering my favourite TV mini series, band of brothers, what a great journey this last 3 years has been, you are truely hero for us history lovers! Here's to many more years to come!

[@ReelHistory]

Thanks for joining the ride!

[@dexterswoodshop8810]

Jared - amazing video to wrap an amazing series. Thanks for all you do. Can’t wait for your next content endeavor.

[@ReelHistory]

Thanks!

[@43albany]

Fabulous commentary. Thanks so much for adding so much to the series!

[@ReelHistory]

We appreciate you joining us!

[@robertbenson9797]

A good point in the story of the US privates having to work so hard in captivity, who ever made the decision at the start of the air war in Europe to make the gunners on US bombers sergeants deserves a commendation. Knowing that the German army put a lot of responsibility in the rank of sergeant, kept many US men out of forced manual labor. A side note on Stalag VII-A near Moosburg, Germany. My dad was in the 99th Infantry Division in Europe. During the Battle of the Bulge, many soldiers from the 99th Division that were captured were sent to Bavaria and Moosburg. After the Ruhr Pocket was secured, the 99th, along with many other Allied divisions were moved into Bavaria. The 99th Division ending up liberating many of their comrades that had been captured during the Bulge. Great job of helping the viewers to understand the story of the air war!

[@ReelHistory]

Much respect to your dad!

[@LowSnake]

I’ve been eagerly waiting on your thoughts and info! Thank you for your hard work and admiration sir!

[@ReelHistory]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@justthinking5091]

When they visited Stalag 13, I would have loved a "cameo" of Oberst Klink :D

[@asdf9890]

Wow, while I felt a bit letdown from episode 8, wasn’t bad, just something felt missing, but this one hit me hard. The ending had my eyes constantly so tear filled I couldn’t see the visuals clearly. What they did, went through, and experienced was very unique in warfare, and I can’t imagine what they saw, felt, experienced but this helped me to understand it more. True heroes. I really connect with Crosby and Rosie. The characters and the real life interviews. Buck and Bucky look like lifelong typical teen trouble makers real life photos to me. Definitely big character, rabble rousing type dudes…perfect for that situation. The story at 31:00 is funny and amazing. Those kids hanging around the airstrips, they’re the generation that started classic British Rock music!

[@TheSocratesian]

I thought episode 8 was a horrible disappointment and pretty much sucked. It turned a great series into one that was just good at best.

[@RalfP-v3s]

Thanks for all the litte facts like newspaper articles. Hope some of the younger her may be triggerd to learn more about history. Really important in these days. Especially in the USA.

[@ReelHistory]

Period newspapers are so great!

[@michaelgillen411]

Excellent commentary. Well done, sir.

[@ReelHistory]

Thank you!

[@stephaniehendricks3537]

I have to agree, thanks for the historical breakdown of the episodes! Always a good day when i see one of your videos. I also really liked your oscar video too!

[@ReelHistory]

Thank you!

[@alexwilliamson1486]

I always thought the “F” models were phased out by this time in the war? The Bendix chin turret “G” models on the frontline, to counter the dreaded 12o,clock high attacks.

[@altonbunnjr]

The FX supervisor said it was an artistic decision to leave the F models in because COVID had had such an impact on the production they didn’t have the time or money to convert the life size models to the G. WW2TV has the interview him.

[@IceBanger44]

Finally someone brought this up! I’m surprised more people have not commented about this. This is an excellent series but this is was glaring error that I could not ignore. Really wish they could have shown the correct aircraft after all the effort to make everything else historically accurate!

[@IceBanger44]

Understandable I guess, but disappointing.

[@altonbunnjr]

@@IceBanger44 Agreed.

[@jtrocker9976]

Thank you for doing this once again. I love hearing your historical insight

[@joshh8245]

I'm sorry to see these break downs come to an end. You definitely enhanced my enjoyment of Masters of The Air with all your additional insights, commentary, and historical context. Thank you very much for doing that and helping to keep this important history alive and at the forefront. Just recently got your book Dispatches of D-Day in the mail and have had Into the Cold Blue pre-ordered for months. Very eager to read both titles. Keep up the great work! Much appreciated!

[@ReelHistory]

Thank you! Stay tuned for our episodes on The Pacific.

[@joshh8245]

@@ReelHistory Will do! Looking forward to that!

[@Jbryan23]

Jared, just another outstanding breakdown for the viewers by you, sir. This continues to be my favorite channel when I'm looking for facts and thank you for sharing with us, so much information about these extraordinary men that will live on as the greatest generation ever! I have enjoyed this series tremendously and look forward to more of your amazing content!

[@sammintz1103]

Thank you so much for doing this. Very helpful and powerful to have these after each episode.

[@ReelHistory]

Thanks!

[@djackklingler3]

So they are now in Stalag 13. I'm kinda disappointed that Klink, Schultz, Hogan, and the rest of the game didn't make an appearance. Not even a reference. The way Hogan went into and out of that camp, Bucky and Buck should have easily escaped.

[@QuackAttack]

Hahaha, imagine...

[@LadyTylerBioRodriguez]

I see nothing...

[@ReelHistory]

This may be the best comment on this video.

[@michaelnielsen3152]

I actually laughed when Stalag XIII popped up on the screen.

[@altonbunnjr]

@@michaelnielsen3152 I did too.

[@jmbsoutho]

This last episode felt so condensed...I really wish they had beem able to extend to a 10th episode to give us more depth on the escape events.

[@ReelHistory]

Budget shortages we imagine.

[@andrewdeen1]

Downfall is great, but since it's topical - the actor who plays rudolf hoess in the zone of silence was in a great film called '13 minutes' where he plays george elser, the man who bombed the burgerfreikeller missing hitler by 13 minutes.

[@wnose]

They really squeezed too much in the last few episodes - could have gone for 12 episodes, easily. And the Tuskegee airmen deserve their own series.

[@ReelHistory]

A Tuskegee miniseries would be grand.

[@georgecruz6262]

Now we just need a miniseries about the navy from Spielberg

[@altonbunnjr]

If you go over to WW2TV he has an interview with the FX supervisor. They were filming during COVID which impacted the production significantly. Along with cool insight into the production you sense of what could have been.

[@jackson857]

Thank you for your dedication. This has been a wonderful series that has been enhanced every week by your videos.

[@ReelHistory]

Thanks!

[@sammcpeak6854]

The last few episodes prior to the finale had me wondering if they would be able to wrap it all up in a meaningful way. They seemed rushed and jam packed and the stories were getting cut short. But this finale really made up for it all. It is now my favorite episode and the last half hour or so made me extremely emotional. I think this last episode really cements it to be considered worthy as up there with its counterparts BoB and The Pacific.

[@ReelHistory]

It was a very fitting ending!

[@johnprinos]

Thanks very much for the historical perspective on the series. Along with the commentary around technical accuracy related by the WWII US Bombers KZbin channel it has been a real learning experience.

[@HeatherSines]

This series inspired me to do more research on my grandpa’s WWII experience. He was a radio operator on a B-17. The plane he was on (nicknamed Little Runt) was badly damaged on March 18, 1944 over Lechfeld, Germany. The pilot gave them the option of bailing out over Germany or trying to make it to Switzerland. They chose Switzerland where they crash landed on the belly of the plane. They were internees in Switzerland and were not allowed to leave the country. Five and a half months later my grandpa escaped over Lake Geneva into German occupied France where he was with the FFI before being taken to the US forces in Grenoble. He came back to the U.S., married my grandma and then spent four months in a convalescent hospital in Florida. Today he would have been diagnosed with PTSD. He had nightmares the rest of his life. He rarely ever talked about his experience. He mostly smiled and walked away when asked. I’ve come to learn the men that were internees in Switzerland were considered cowards by many. I don’t know if he ever felt ashamed for being interned or not but I now know he is one of the bravest people I will ever have the privilege of knowing. I wish I could tell him that.

[@joell21]

Thanks professor for all you do with these analysis. I love your insight on history

[@ReelHistory]

My pleasure!

[@ReelHistory]

Thank you for tuning in!

[@johnevans4867]

Thanks! This series covering the background and historical truths/nuances associated with each episode helped make an already terrific series even more enjoyable and meaningful! Much appreciated and I'll look through previous offerings and look forward to future content!

[@ReelHistory]

Thank you!

[@lesmoore6443]

Kudos on this series, professor. The TV production obviously faced insane limitations of time in exploring both people and events, but your detailed "annotations" have added a great deal to the total experience. Well done! Haven't yet checked your website for this, but it would be useful to have a list of the books and memoirs you have cited in discussing Masters of the Air. I realize newspaper articles and out of print books comprise part of that list, but for those interested in delving further, a list of the more generally available sources would be quite useful.

[@callsign_scooter9602]

My brother and I talked about how we also wanted a story snippet for Lemmons because he was a major role as a crew chief. Glad you gave that to us!

[@ReelHistory]

Cheers!

[@lucasproctor7464]

Just want to thank you for doing this. I felt it was an excellent supplement to the series, which I also greatly enjoyed.

[@przemekkozlowski7835]

Watching this episode, I realized that I do have a personal connection to the events in the series though it's stretching it. My grandfather was in the Soviet Red Army and would have been fighting in the general area where Rosenthal parachuted down.

[@mdl70]

I have loved watching these videos after the episodes. Fantastic stuff!

[@ReelHistory]

Thank you!

[@alfredgallo4639]

Excellent series Dr. Frederick!! This student of history and WWII arms collector gives you mega kudos for a job well done.

[@ReelHistory]

We appreciate it!

[@matthewsmith2682]

Thank you for an exceptional series, Professor! Such an enriching addition to the series itself. Thanks again!

[@ReelHistory]

Thanks for joining us!

[@matthewmccollough9768]

The Soviet “C-47” could also be an Lisunov Li-2, which is a license built Soviet-version of the DC-3.

[@davemac1197]

More likely the Li-2. They built around 5,000 Li-2 under licence (including civilian versions of the DC-3 before the war) and only 709 C-47 aircraft were supplied under Lend-Lease between 1943 and 1945.

[@ReelHistory]

Thanks!

[@NickC1966]

This is the first video I watched by you. I am very impressed. I am a retired history teacher and love how you present all of this. Looking forward to watch the other videos on Masters. It was a great series and sorry to see it end. Learned a lot from this video and had some of the questions you brought up, such as little mention of Japan, but overall thought the series was great both historically and dramatically.

[@ReelHistory]

You are most welcome!

[@thejalexander1837]

I knew that roundel on your jacket the moment I saw it. Excellent piece

[@yveskeroack1612]

Thank you for this wonderful complement to the series that provides an additional historical perspective and highlights the excellent work of the research/writing/adapting team.

[@ReelHistory]

You are most welcome!

[@przemekkozlowski7835]

I just rewatched the series and this amazing commentary. Seeing it all compressed to one sitting, I was confused by something. When you interviewed Sam Rosenthal, we saw shots of him in episode 3 as Lt Arthur Jacobson. Jacobson appears again in episode 9. Episode 3 is August 1943. Episode 9 starts in February 1945. Did Jacobson really fly for that long?

[@ajc3538]

Thank you so much for these videos. They have been a fascinating and very informative companion alongside what I thought was a fantastic and moving show. Thanks again.

[@DJniggels]

Just here to say thank you for series on Masters Of The Air! I found your channel after watching episode one and I'm soooo glad I did! Greetings from Germany. :)

[@TheFamousECCLES65]

I really just want to say thankyou for an amazing show, you are such a pleasure to watch after each episode of the show. I am busy catching up on your back catalogue now. Cheers mate.

[@ReelHistory]

Cheers!

[@snook279]

Once again a fantastic review of the series and I agree 100% with your information. Thank you for helping us enjoy the information so much more by giving us some of the "behind the scenes" information.

[@ReelHistory]

You are most welcome!

[@HydraHolden]

Love your work Dr Frederick and Collins! I certainly look forward to reading Into the Cold Blue.

[@ReelHistory]

Thanks!

[@DARKFOX1000]

This was 1st rate. Thank you again for your insightful commentary.

[@Filscout]

In mark 34:37 scene as shown of Crosby about his troubling though & talking about "gazing into the Abyss", behind Cosby sits the Toby Mug replica prop as a homage to the Academy Award film "Twelve O' Clock High" and symbolizes the hard luck outfit about the importance of Command decision and why was fight to defeat Nazi Germany again a homage to the bloody 100th BG.

[@f1matt]

Greatly enjoyed hearing your thoughts on this truly special series. Thank you for making each and every episode of Reel History. I look forward to many more to come I hope. Another great companion is the interviews by Paul Woodage of WWIITV also here on YT. Paul had the special effects supervisor of Masters on for an interview and it was really fascinating to hear from someone so invloved in bringing the series to life. It was great to hear not just how the series was created, but also was very open about about any historical inaccuracies and they were almost always the result of practical limitations which for me at least made things like the lack of a G model present in the series very for example, very understandable. It was astounding to hear about the level of research and work that went into Masters of the Air. I look forward to many more viewings over the coming years. Cheers.

[@ReelHistory]

Andy is editing a video with Paul and Jared speaking in Europe right now!

[@J.L.Edwards]

Thanks Professor! Well done. My mother served with RCAF Medical branch London, 1940-45 till “Demobbed”. Was there for the “Blitz through the V1’s and 2’s. Went over on the Aquatania, no escort too fast. Spielberg/Hanks now should do Pacific Air Campaign?! Pax!

[@AntiqueKeeper]

Another amazing analysis! Hope to see you cover The Pacific!

[@ReelHistory]

I'm editing it right now. - Andy

[@AntiqueKeeper]

@@ReelHistory amazing! Can't wait!

[@lappin6482]

Amazing series, does justice to the greatest generation 🙏🤝

[@VimyScout]

Last episode was the best

[@TheRendar]

Excellent show. Thank you so much for these episodes that discussed the history behind the episodes. Also thank you for pointing me in the direction to find out more about my great uncles fate in the 15th Air Corp.

[@ReelHistory]

Cheers!

[@WillHaynes83]

Thanks for taking us on this journey. I've learned a lot.

[@ReelHistory]

Thanks!

[@fosterfuchs]

My dad was born in Nuremberg in 1937. During the bombings he spent time in the basement of the apartment building where he lived, until he was shipped out into the country as a kid. He remembers a strong blast up above during one of these occasions. The plaster fell off the basement walls and ceiling. When they went upstairs after the all clear, he saw that the apartment building across the street had taken a direct hit and was gone. The windows of his apartment facing the street were all blown out. After the end of the war, he returned home to Nuremberg. He said one day he got into trouble when he and his friends made a superfluous bonfire from wood they found in the rubble. The adults told them that this wood will be needed later as firewood, for cooking and heating. The first major German war movie after WWII was called Die Brücke (The Bridge). It's based on a novel which in turn is based on a true story. It's about a group of teenagers from a small town who end up fighting for the German Army at the very end of the war. There's nothing left for them to do, so an officer tells them to defend a strategically unimportant bridge at the edge of their town. They are all gung-ho about it and most of them perish. A free version of the full movie is on KZbin, but in German and without subtitles (kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2mtaISPfbeSh9k). A version with English subtitles can be rented or purchased (kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWOXaauFp9RqhaMsi=LIsGZ1n3LuI9Ie26). The movie includes the improper use of a Panzerfaust.