SABATON - The Last Battle (Official Lyric Video)

[@Sabaton]

On May 5, 1945, one of the most unlikely alliances led to the rescue of high-profile French hostages at Castle Itter in Austria. This was thanks to an American Army captain, a Waffen SS officer and a German Army Major. Read more about the Battle of Itter Castle 👉 www.sabaton.net/historical-facts/the-battle-of-castle-itter/ ➞ SUBSCRIBE for more Sabaton: sabat.one/KZbin ➞ MERCHANDISE Official Store: sabat.one/ytdshop

[@ughmoni]

It must’ve been uploaded on the channel 1 month ago but they made it public today. ^^

[@x2ernal357]

Is this "The last battle" before the album? :D?

[@marseldagistani1989]

THIS SONG IS MAKING ME CRY? THANK YOU FOR THIS GREAT SONG!!!!!!!

[@Elon-chan]

Do a Sabaton History on this, please

[@lethal_sparrow]

I did!

[@darkspire91]

The Battle for Castle Itter is one of those that I can't believe hasn't been made into a movie.

[@Colon-D...]

It's being made

[@hunterprokurat9909]

@@Colon-D... whats it called

[@metmob0210]

pretty much like the battle of vienn... wait there were multiple... the one where THE WINGED HUSSARS ARRIVED

[@bobboringname9021]

people are dumb

[@TheIfifi]

@Vyrex420 what. Battle for castle itter is in BoB? No it fucking isnt...

[@EksaStelmere]

16 Americans , 11 Wehrmacht, 1 Waffen SS officer, some French prisoners, and 1 medium tank versus an elite SS unit of about 200 men. During the battle, the defenders' tank was destroyed and four were wounded. There was only one fatality: Major Josef Gangl of the Wehrmacht, who died protecting the former French prime minister. Never forget.

[@infernalmaster9991]

Nope some of gangls men died/got wounded protecting the castle

[@vuncelantenweid2556]

Actually 4 others were killed along with him

[@vuncelantenweid2556]

@Garrett McBride ow my bad

[@rileytheflamingwookiecooki5646]

There was an Austrian resistance fighter as well.

[@collincaperton6718]

@@rileytheflamingwookiecooki5646 he was part of the second wave

[@tomaskilian8489]

1st time listening to this: hm, not bad 2nd time: Hey, that's actually pretty good 3rd time: AND IT'S AMERICAN TROOPS AND THE GERMAN ARMY JOINING TOGETHER AT LAST

[@sovietagent9303]

That's me

[@thetankguy9263]

Accurate

[@anastasia-fr1gn]

Very true lol

[@demiocusrex5992]

I hope they make more songs about austria, it was one of the "big players" in europe

[@katmanplayz174]

So fuckin true

[@markmulder9845]

Sad that Gangle didn't survive. He and his men made a hard choice. one that could have gotten them executed for treason had the defense failed (which it came pretty close to at times). He carried an anti-nazi sentiment and a challenged moral compass felt to varying degrees by many in the German army. Yet he was one of the few who didn't just defect, but took up arms and fought back, doing what he believed was the right thing. He was one of those who were loyal to Germany and Germany alone, not those in charge of it.

[@dominiklehn2866]

you are right in many ways and i do not wish to diminish your statement or the actions of those that died,or survived,but... Gangl (no e btw)was austrian,part of the austrian resistence in fact. now his troops in this battle were wehrmacht soldiers that refused to vacate the city,likely including germans and so was the SS officer that helped them,but gangl,whilest surely fighting for his and other people,didnt fight for germany. P.S. originally and now again every german soldier took an oath to protect germany(which could be reason to turn against its goverment if its damaging to the country) however,one of Hitlers first acts was to change that oath to protecting him instead

[@mozudeadeye3315]

@@dominiklehn2866 Quick fact check: Gangl was actually born in germany. He at a later date joined the austrian resistance in Wörgl, supplying them with arms and intel, but he himself was still german. You said, he was austrian, which is false in the sense that he was an austrian citizen or born in austria, but you are correct in the sense that he joined the forces of the austrian resistance, operating in the area around castle Itter. And it is also true that he is counted as a hero of the austrian resistance.🤔 And yes, while he was fighting against the third reich, it can still be argued, that he believed he fought for germany, by fighting the government, which currently ruled over germany and in his eyes, opressed and hurt germany.🤔 But you are right: at that time, he was officially fighting against an official armed force of germany or more accurately the third reich, which potentially included austrians and men from other countries within the third reich as well.🤔

[@vegimite5671]

Woah, woah, spoilers for a show/movie/game I don't watch/play.

[@johnsmith-rm5nc]

There were other high ranking commanders who didn't hold the nazi ideology at heart. Probably the most famous was Rommel.

[@ship1072]

​@@johnsmith-rm5nc Unfortunately, too many leaders of the Wehrmacht were loyal Nazis and ordered crimes against humanity. Model, Keitel, Jodl, von Fritsch, etc. forced soldiers to become war criminals.

[@stevehagen9804]

My absolute favorite part about Sabaton is hearing these epic songs and wondering “What are they talking about?” Then googling it and learning some of the most amazing military history I never heard of and chasing all the rabbit holes to learn everything I can.

[@drinkyourwater1039]

American: "Never thought i would die side by side with a Nazi" German: "how about side by side with a German?" American: "Aye, i could do that"

[@Incaned]

Not all wehrmacht soldiers were nazis tho. Lots of soldiers didn’t even know that there were concentration camps. They only got to know because the allies showed them video footage.

[@majorhatchback]

@@robertcrawshaw9978 in LOTR neither Gimli or Legolas dies, making the reference accurate

[@admiralmudkip9836]

Tons of American troops *were* German, to such an extent that in ww1 and ww2 they actively took away rights, discriminated against, and heavily vilified Germans, their culture and their language.

[@meganoob12]

@@admiralmudkip9836 that especially happend in WWI. In WWII a similar thing happend to the americans of japanese decend. They were even encamped in concentration camps in the nevada desert.

[@admiralmudkip9836]

@@meganoob12 That was ww2, japan was allied with the entente in ww1.

[@skulldozer1462]

For those who don't know why or who they mentioned "Jenny at the gates" it means an M4 Sherman Named "Bestton Jenny" covering the gates of the castle to provide support for the Americans and Wehrmacht troops

[@varun_MRG]

Besotted Jenny*

[@Hehehe42069]

Yes it was The Besotted Jenny which was the only tank that made it to the Castle before the waves of Waffen SS came...she was a Sherman but it was kinda sad how fast she got destroyed in the battle

[@ovni2295]

@@Hehehe42069 Even destroyed, she still held the gatehouse. The Germans couldn't move her out of the way.

[@Hehehe42069]

@@ovni2295 yes that was the original plan...to block of the gateway do that the troops will struggle with getting in...

[@anhduc0913]

@@Hehehe42069 The SS had panzerschrecks and 2 88. The tank was disabled but they still used it top mounted mg to the last bullet.

[@wiktorkyrcz4332]

Everyone is talking about history but can we have a moment and appreciate how catchy and epic this song is?

[@Sabaton]

We can :)

[@spaghettboy2173]

I swear the guys running the Sabaton channel replies are the masters of one liners

[@danothymctanothy7009]

uh, yeah.

[@jamesharding3459]

@@Sabaton First Sabaton song I discovered on my own, and damn near my favorite. Narrowly beaten by Camouflage, Purple Heart, and Metal Machine.

[@Andres33AU]

This song has heavy "Final stage" vibes, and I love it!

[@rodycaz8984]

Voted "Most Underrated Sabaton Song" by the fans! I agree!

[@Sabaton]

Good!

[@rodycaz8984]

@@Sabaton Thank you! Sabaton are legends!

[@laddiewink9895]

In my opinion reign of terror. Half the people I've spoken 2 who know sabaton like the back of their hand don't know this song. One of their best if not the best.

[@juanramirez3566]

Damn right!!! Most underrated song!!!! Amazing story, awesome lyrics and great musical arrangement!!! Sabaton Rules man!!!!

[@parkanyipeter3077]

@@laddiewink9895 I fucking love that song.

[@krinsbez]

The Battle for Castle Itter is one of those things that prove the old adage that the difference between fiction and reality is that fiction has to make sense.

[@vuncelantenweid2556]

I strongly agree with you mate. Many kids my age today focus or make “anime” or other fictional genres such as those with superpowers or dragons their hobbies or interests. But me, as a 15 year old, I mainly make history my own interest. There are just a lot of many things that happened in the past that is very interesting. Not to mention I believe in the quote “fiction is just reality, just added with imaginations from the human mind.”

[@vuncelantenweid2556]

@@udale881 well yeah it could be possible but I chose not to be interested in anime

[@Dragonspirit223]

@@vuncelantenweid2556 What I personally do is look at Historical Actions, think what caused it, and what happened afterwards, and make a fictional world around the concept. Sometimes the action doesn't even have to be a real one, but a fictitious one that conveys human emotions (one example is the 'if I go down, I take you with me to hell' emotion and actions of war, I personally use the Fall of Cadia in 40k as a good basis, infantry, tanks, jets, fighting the literal hordes of demons while the planet cracks beneath their feet, and yet they still fight on because they already knew they're dead, they just want to ensure that the bastards who made them lose don't forget them any time soon). If you haven't already, try writing things, historical parallels (what if senarios), homages to historical events in different worlds, or outright playing through some with friends (if they are interested in RPGs, you'd be surprised what inspiration you can find for good scenarios to build around). Whatever you do, have fun with it, we're a rare breed now it seems, histiry buffs, gotta keep it going on.

[@omnitroph1501]

This does make sense though.

[@krinsbez]

@@omnitroph1501 Yeah, but it SOUNDS like it doesn't make sense.

[@josiahcain4176]

After the battle, Harding said, when reffering to the prisoners Gangl and Lee had saved: "If the SS had managed to get into the castle and kill the French VIPs, the history of post-war France would have been radically different. These people... formulated the policies that carried France into the 21st Century. Had they died, who knows what would have happened?" Ironic. The sacrifice of a german major is what ultimately secured the future of France as we know it. May the Lord smiles on Major Josef Gangl and his brave sacrifice for because of it, the second daughter of christendom survived.

[@robertortiz-wilson1588]

Yes ideed.

[@RorytheRomulan]

The Future of France:

[@ginyu5009]

theres nothing to be proud off about france

[@langolodelladistopia6171]

@@ginyu5009 you are wrong and you insult the nickname you have.

[@ginyu5009]

@@langolodelladistopia6171 imagine being french lol

[@vanshkandpal3070]

ITS THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY, never forget Gangle, the only person who died while defending the castle.

[@julez2106]

Vansh Kandpal Amen!

[@killian9314]

Wait. The only one? Really?

[@enenao]

And don't forget the Sherman tank destroyed. F.

[@spatha2584]

enenao They Killed Jenny??

[@enenao]

@@spatha2584 Yes. These bastards!

[@TheLeadShed173ibcta]

"American troops and the German Army, joining together at last." Hell yeah. That's a tear jerker line to me, they're bad ass allies to this day. Day zero of a close friendship. This song is a tie for my favorite song of all time; between this and winged hussars.

[@Deridus]

Between the Poles and the Germans, It's a hard tie. I'm a Mutt with heavy heritage from both... and this song *is* a tear jerker.

[@Masssel]

@@Deridus As long as the Poles don't ask for war reparations again we are good friends ;)

[@valenrn8657]

@@Masssel US has warned WWI victors to not imposed hash war reparations on Germany.

[@Masssel]

@@valenrn8657 And there was a treaty after WW2 that Germany no longer has to pay any reparations but Poland and Greece don't care.

[@aaronlonghuynh5245]

It was like it was meant to be.

[@luckyassassin1]

The line "from the foot of the alps to the shores of the sea, from the home of the brave and the land of the free" that gets me

[@Ajehy]

Theclown75 - SAME!

[@robertortiz-wilson1588]

Same. Me too!

[@dr.bright2446]

@@Ajehy y. Yes a slayed a 2 ya

[@thesecondsilvereich7828]

Land of the free only for white people not blacks or Hispanic until 1970s

[@clotzopelu2464]

I swear i.ve learned more history from sabaton that i did in school, i wasn't even the "skipping classes" kind of kid

[@Sabaton]

Thank you! We think metal + history is a good combination

[@tanknerd7193]

@@Sabaton you sure do. Keep doing what you guys do.

[@theconfederationofswitzerl4552]

I always read the history in the description while I listen

[@gwydionrusso3206]

@@Sabaton I'm trying to use your songs to rebuild the Bismarck

[@kriegscommissarmccraw4205]

The problem is that many of the history teachers now in America are trying to erase history. There was a petition running around to remove WW2 from history class lessons. Because WW1 had been successfully removed a few years prior

[@Naughty_Neko]

America and Germany vs Germany? Sounds like Warthunder matchmaking.

[@jamesharding3459]

Ethan Conroy lol

[@Flarexxxx]

Accurate

[@ryanbarker2571]

holy shit u right abrams and leopard vs leopard

[@valenrn8657]

@@ryanbarker2571 Abrams + Leopard (NATO) vs Tiger (Nazis) Song's LYRICS From the foot of the alps to the shores of the sea From the home of the brave, from the land of the free From the foot of the alps to the shores of the sea effectively refers to NATO.

[@rexythedachshund9417]

Yee

[@ericolsen5592]

"What is this, a crossover episode?"

[@creativename1673]

"it's the American troops and the German army, joining together at last!"

[@godofcats5829]

Eric Olsen so the castle battle was us army and german ar,y fighting against the ss bridage they ended up winning with famous prisoners

[@ericolsen5592]

@@godofcats5829 I know I was quoting a meme

[@ericolsen5592]

@@creativename1673 I know, that's the joke

[@creativename1673]

@@ericolsen5592 I was also trying to reply with a joke, (though a vastly inferior one) by quoting a line from the song, which just so happens to answer the question perfectly.

[@smnoy23]

SS: How dare you ally with the Americans? Gangl: War’s over. SS: What!? Gangl: [cocks gun] War’s over.

[@giovannicervantes2053]

If gangl survived he would have the best chance in court of war

[@mister_jayHD]

@@giovannicervantes2053 I think he would not have been brought to court. He got promoted to major like 2 months before WW2 ended. He never (as far as I know) participated in war crimes. Therefor he maybe would have got an fine but nothing more. Most people who were sentenced had been Generals / high SS Officers / government politicians.

[@giovannicervantes2053]

@@mister_jayHD if he was for some reason he would go the way of müünch and have allies testify for him case closed not guilty i wasn't saying he was i was saying if he was

[@relevanthistory8500]

@@giovannicervantes2053 I'd love to see that trial. A bunch of legal experts testify against him; the prosecution rests. The defense calls a series of Allied military officers... He is acquitted, and given multiple Allied war medals.

[@giovannicervantes2053]

@@relevanthistory8500 be perfect for a itter movie or a possible example during a Nuremburg movie

[@williuscaesar1654]

This event is so under appreciated. It shows the Reich wasn’t this unified hateful thing, and once Hitler’s power was shattered Gengl was willing to band with those who would have shot him on sight months earlier. Heck he died saving someone imprisoned by the Reich he served, now fallen. It’s honestly beautiful

[@whodoc226]

Gangl supported the Austrian resistance even before the siege

[@Ghostface2252]

Gangl became disillusioned with Hitler after getting injured while they were invading France. Since then he did his best to help the Austrian resistance while pretending to still be loyal to Hitler and the nazis.

[@andyventures6574]

@JW2 The SS commander was the Austrian Resistance mole if ive remembered right.

[@YF-23_Enjoyer]

@@andyventures6574 one hell of a mole

[@perryplayzzz]

A lot of Wehrmacht troops didn’t know what the SS was doing until they were shown by the Allies. Hence why I say that Wehrmacht soldiers need respect

[@draftsv]

The Battle of Castle Itter should have a movie about it, I need to see the moment both sides realize it’s time to set aside their differences and unite

[@petermalowski4886]

www.imdb.com/title/tt5138232/

[@highground7923]

@Peter Malowski that was last updated February of 2018, and with no characters I think it’s scrapped

[@highground7923]

I meant cast

[@partyhardwithme]

I can only imagine the balls required to make that decision on the German side

[@RhinoBarbarian]

I really want there to be a movie as well. But imagine making a movie with the Germans wearing Nazi uniforms and being the good guys. I don't know if anyone in Hollywood has that kind of guts.

[@Dragonmoon98]

See? You can learn things from metal! Prior to finding this, I didn't know about the battle of Castle Itter.

[@Sabaton]

We try to make you curious, so that you look for further information. A song is too short to explain all the story!

[@silverfox02]

@@Sabaton you have succeeded countless times with me. I love your music and that it makes me dig deeper to find out more.

[@christianegavino2020]

I was actually called a history nerd once last year. I had no idea how to feel about it because unlike the guy I was being compared to, I learned military history from Sabaton's songs. It felt weird, that's for sure. I really liked the songs like this. It shows that humanity is complicated. No group is ever wholly good or bad. People are just people and that's a complicated thing on its own.

[@natethenotsogreat8349]

Yarnhub recently made a video on this battle, I would recommend checking it out.

[@CrashTestThumby]

SAAAAAME BRO

[@Maltatata]

I'm sad this is one of the most underrated sabaton songs, it's got a good beat and about an amazing event from history.

[@Sabaton]

Then listen to it to make it less underrated!

[@Maltatata]

@@Sabaton will do

[@38thpanzerdivision56]

Who would win Knights of Malta or the Knights of Għawdex????!

[@Maltatata]

@@38thpanzerdivision56 the one with a panzer

[@BrickLlew]

@@Sabaton this is some class A guerilla marketing right here boys Watch and learn

[@aickavon]

Who would win. An elite unit of SS soldiers surrounding a castle? Or one runny french Tennis boi.

[@steveguild871]

Ah, but a slightly gay tennis boi with a wooden racket no less.

[@frogchip6484]

*i'M fAsT aS fUk bOiii*

[@zexstrow376]

Didnt he like commandeer a bicycle

[@northernleigonare]

@@zexstrow376 still fast as fucc

[@seantaylor2683]

Obviously the tennis boi, he set the difficulty to over easy :P

[@brucculi349]

Captain Lee: "I never thought I'd die fighting side-by-side with an American." Major Gangl: "How about side-by-side with a friend?" Captain Lee: "Aye, I could do that."

[@learnerofsuntzu9325]

no better quote

[@Ajehy]

Perfectly encapsulates the sentiments here.

[@justicartiberius8782]

You messed up american and german :p But otherwise i like it very much!

[@Antimanele104]

Captain Lee: "[...]with a German"

[@Länsi-Virginia]

Captain lee was an American

[@davikhiin]

This song is so emotional i am going to cry, i can imagine german and american soldiers fighting together, a german medic helping a wounded us soldier and these things just hit my herth really hard.

[@rivahoukes1554]

A American soldier dragging a German soldier to safety, a German standing over the wounded American while a German and American medic are helping him This needs to be a movie... Like let's clear up some things

[@bentomooseolini8756]

@flower power Many people chose Hitler because of the bandwagon effect and the fact everyone was dying due to the great depression. They also couldn't oppose him when he got to power due to his political enemies being killed in the night of the long knives and if they talked bad about the government, they would be killed or if lucky, beaten.

[@rivahoukes1554]

@flower power what about thw fact that the idea of a riech was basically a impossible promise when the country was in trouble. We need to stop see germans in world war 2 as plain evil. The leader was evil, people belived him cause he promised to make german a great country again. Many soldiers where forced into serves, many germans were against hitler

[@rivahoukes1554]

@flower power okay sooo how about us troop needed to take German citizens past mass Graves for them to see what Hitler did The Germans were our friends in that, the nazi were the bad guys... Saying that ever german is a nazi is like saying all Americans are trump supporters, which isn't true. Many Germans saw Hitler as a savior as world War 1 left Germany in depth.... He made a promise he could never fill and blamed everything on things he saw as unfit. Sooo ofcourse people support him as he promised a great nation again. Your not wrong the leader was evil, sure there were some assholes in the army but overall they needed to fight

[@epilepticshrimp]

Sorry but the "german medic helping a wounded us soldier" part made me think of medic and soldier from team fortress 2

[@WILDGUN96]

Everyone "whats your favorite part of history?" Me "Sabaton."

[@Bushwhackerdk]

Yes

[@benjaminsimons8263]

The best history teachers

[@adzhanitristan6756]

Yes the best of the best of history teacher

[@sayrins6196]

Facts

[@adolfemmanuelesparas3922]

I just heard Dora said "What was your favorite part of the trip?" when reading this haha

[@amberpelton5679]

I have a great uncle(European theater)and my maternal grandfather(Air force mechanic in India) was in ww2. I love Sabaton! I love learning so much more about ww2 that I didn't know about. Thanks!

[@Sabaton]

Thank you very much!

[@InkblotHyena]

The Battle of Castle Itter American Troops & German Wehrmacht vs the Waffen SS. _A tale that should get a dang movie already.._

[@Entity282]

Its the 1 hr end of an 6hr documentary. Is that enough?

[@logtheacog650]

Entity 282 No, that’s not enough.

[@ARCCommanderOrar]

@@logtheacog650 it's in pre production.

[@filmandfirearms]

@@Entity282 We're talking about a movie, not a documentary

[@Entity282]

@@filmandfirearms Yes but a 1 hour long end from am six hour documentry is sth you can compare, atleast I thought so

[@davehoffman4659]

RIP Joseph Gangl, a hero among villains.

[@jamesharding3459]

Hell, all those Germans who took up arms against their countrymen to protect innocent civilians were heroes.

[@V0NRH1NE]

James Harding I mean you could call them heros, that's subjective though. but objectively they're really traitors.

[@jamesharding3459]

@@V0NRH1NE Fair enough.

[@V0NRH1NE]

@@jamesharding3459 thanks, I mean I respect most men who served regardless of who and when, I say most only because there are soldiers on every side in every war that are far less than honorable to say the least..

[@Legitpenguins99]

@@V0NRH1NE thats why i love the scene in Saving Private Ryan where they show some American soldiers shooting surrendering "German" soldiers. They are actually saying something along the lines of "dont shoot! We are Polish! We didnt want to fight!" but the director didnt even need to translate that part to get the point across. Just because the Americans didnt commit mass prisoner executions or genocide doesnt mean the entire army was completely innocent

[@5Mariner]

RIP Jack Lee RIP Josef Gangl

[@benjaminsimons8263]

RIP all the unnamed soldiers in that battle as well

[@dominiklehn2866]

@@benjaminsimons8263 yes,most of them are probably dead by now,but in that battle,only Gangl died(on the allied side,the SS lost about a dozen... of more than 100 men)

[@Momo_Kawashima]

"so, now we're here, what do we do?" "I dunno, I didn't think about it" "Wanna be together?" "Okay, we don't like our army. 150 ss units are coming" "Wanna take them down together?" "Okay, you are going to use your tank too, don't you?" "What do you think? Of course yeah"

[@unlucky_2nd897]

@@TheSolidSnake1985 Ambulance Tank

[@sovietagent9303]

They didn't say of course they said America fuck yeah

[@aubreyackermann8432]

I mean... Having a tank is very good for your health.

[@Dragonspirit223]

@@aubreyackermann8432 depends on the make... Some British tanks spontaneously combusted I think, with the crew inside. Now, if your infantry, oh, it's a God send, assuming you do yiur job.

[@MasonGreenWeed]

@@Dragonspirit223 never trust Brits at design of tank

[@transatlanticnostalgia4655]

I'm not even German or American, but the line "And it's American troops and the German Army joining together at last." makes me want to tear up. There's just something so wholesome about it.

[@RogerLackman]

As an American I agree. There is something oddly comforting about that line.

[@stephanwagner6189]

As a German, I agree as well

[@deetusmcyeetus]

As a german, agreed

[@TheGreatThicc]

Germany and America/France/Austria vs Germany. So basically the last (techinally) battle in Europe was a mini German civil war with America and co. supporting one side.

[@adamsommers3561]

Sounds right.

[@airracer28]

Also wasn't there also a failed assassination attempt in Prague towards the end of the war as well?

[@jakubpraznovsky8999]

@@airracer28 that was in 1942 and it succeeded and was the only assassination of a high Nazi party member during the war.

[@airracer28]

@@jakubpraznovsky8999 ok got it. Thanks

[@pepsicrusader535]

What about CANADA

[@undead9999]

When you're losing bad in multiplayer and you switch sides to end up being on the winner's. On a more serious note, why the hell hasn't this event made into a movie yet? It basically screams Academy Award for best motion picture. (Granted, you have to put someone competent behind the camera)

[@emc8476]

The most underrated crossover

[@AlexGNR]

Yup

[@jgall30911]

Knowing Hollywood they’d make a romance so it’s better untouched

[@carpz7281]

its being made

[@howwwwwwwwwww]

from most american-made war movies, it's mostly portaying the allied powers as good, so i doubt they'd make a movie about this battle which shows both side as equally good in terms of morals

[@vtheman1850]

This covers the battle of Castle Iter, and while he played little part in the actual battle it is important to mention one man. Zvonimir Čučković (A Croat-Yugoslav Resistance fighter), who worked at castle Iter as a spy(Under pretenses of being a croat Nazi) snuck out of the castle delivering the report to the US 409th Infantry Regiment. As well as the Chezch cook Andreas Krobot who took a similar action, finally delivering the report to Major Josef Gangl... the rest is covered by the song.

[@VegetaLF7]

Yeah, just like with every Sabaton song, it's worth checking out the Sabaton History video on this song, they go into the full details of those events and mention the others involved in this incredible rescue.

[@motivatedguy4102]

An amazing song that highlights the fact that the Germans always had the notion of fighting for their nation and honor, not on the whims of that mustache model. Major Gangl through and through was a hero till the end and died honorably. Love you Sabaton, you guys are just epic.

[@rivahoukes1554]

The German army recognized the true danger and attacked the true enemy. Side by side the ones they once fought

[@michaelt.5672]

@@rivahoukes1554 Not the German army. This wasn't the Wehrmacht fighting. This was Sepp Gangl and his soldiers. This wasn't loyalty to a country. This was his loyalty to his own humanity, and to his men.

[@rivahoukes1554]

@@michaelt.5672 josef gangle was a mayor

[@michaelt.5672]

@@rivahoukes1554 *Gangl was a *Major, yes. But his rank doesn't matter. He wasn't acting based on instructions by the Wehrmacht, he was acting AGAINST every last order the Wehrmacht ever gave, cooperating with resistance fighters as well as the enemy. He and his men would have been considered deserters and traitors by the Wehrmacht if there had been anyone left to consider anything.

[@rivahoukes1554]

@@michaelt.5672 i meant it as in he was part of germany not part of the Reich

[@Priusus]

I think this is the most underrated Sabaton song

[@Sabaton]

Why do you think that?

[@Priusus]

@@Sabaton It’s a really good song and not many people know it, It should be more famous Btw Love your music guys 🤟

[@TVMAN1997]

As an American with a German heritage I’m glad I now know this history

[@fateyzed7798]

In early May 1945, American and German soldiers fought together against the Nazi SS to free prominent French prisoners of war. It is believed to be the only battle in the war in which Americans and Germans fought as allies.

[@Kanefan701]

it was. To this day, The Battle of Itter Castle in popular accounts has dubbed it the strangest battle of World War II. "American troops and the German Army, joining together at last."

[@TheEggroll4321]

each song is a history lesson. I love it

[@Sabaton]

Thanks

[@palandium__597]

Gimli: I never thought I'd die fighting side-by-side with a German. Legolas: What about side-by-side with a friend? Gimli: Aye... I could do that.

[@steveguild871]

Legolas does have that Aryan look about him...

[@jamesharding3459]

@@steveguild871 lol. And doesn't Gimli look a bit like the tank commander in Kelly's Heroes?

[@schwarzeseis4031]

@@steveguild871 You don't say? But also, he looks like a Malfoy, so...

[@rexythedachshund9417]

Why are you referencing lord of the rings? This is about the US fighting side by side with the Wehrmacht against the SS Waffen

[@palandium__597]

@@rexythedachshund9417 why not lmao its a common meme

[@LastRedStar]

The Battle Of Castle Itter. Fun fact. One SS officer joined the Allies with a surrender but was shot and killed by the Waffen SS that stalked the castle

[@rbgerald2469]

@Kabuki Kitsune ..Could you link me that memoir?

[@locutus155]

Schrader had balls of titanium, if the SS overan the castle, I don't even want to think what they'd do to him. The Americans and French, just shot out of hand, Gangl and his German troops, somewhat worse, Schrader would of suffered a world of hurt long before he died and he probably would of been strung up by piano wire as well.

[@thenexus8384]

Wasn't Gangl the only fatal casualty

[@PrincipalityofDurlon]

@@thenexus8384 For the defenders, for the defenders, yes, for the attackers? no.

[@RealAyoTark]

This touches me in ways not even my girlfriend can.

[@solarflare7284]

What girlfriend

[@grantdelosangeles5357]

For the last time your right hand does not count as 'your girlfriend'

[@RealAyoTark]

@@grantdelosangeles5357 OOF. No coming back from that one 😂

[@springtrap2671]

@@RealAyoTark [OHHHHHG

[@shapshapshapshap2829]

911, yes I would like to report a murder

[@angelarkcosplay4046]

you can just feel how the Germans felt in that moment. so full of anger and disgust at what they had been doing. that when the time came they had no hesitation in ginning down the SS and you can just tell by the battle some German was yelling something like ''for the true Germany'' and if any German solders see this song and read this you your people and the solders of the past have nothing to apologies for. the SS were the bad guys in that war. may the gods be with you all.

[@ScienceViewsDaily]

Sadly Gangl was fatally shot by an SS sniper while trying to get the former french prime minister out of the line of fire. Someone should really make a movie about this!

[@ismaeljimenez6562]

And him saving the prime minister shaped French politics for the first decades of the cold war in America's favor

[@captainmacmillan1752]

"The teams have been auto-balanced"

[@khadenallast4495]

This reminds me of back in college when I played Halo with my friends, there were typically only 3 of us and we would often end up split in unranked matches. If it ended up being on a map with vehicles one of us would get in the warthog and drive to the other side while someone from the other team got in the turret. They couldn't kill us without earning themselves a betrayal penalty, while the driver drove around trying to run over red team and the gunner shot down everyone from blue team (or vice versa). Oh simpler times...

[@amaryllisbelladonna3619]

why have I never heard of this, I've just googled while thinking "what kind of bs did people make up this time about WW2" (note that I'm German and my history lessons were 80% 1930-45) and this did really fucking happen. Sabaton out here teaching me history lol

[@lydiagalantmotherf]

Then wait till you hear more of their songs (though you probably have by now XD)

[@Mortablunt]

Aus einer Amerikaner: Die Deutsche sind unser Freunden und immer sollen sein. Das Vergangenheit ist gepasst. Der Zukunft ist alles. Komm mit uns zusammen!

[@weedwhacker287]

I can imagine a picture if only gangl survived gangl and lee would've shaken hands while both troops salute each other respectively God that would've been such a nice picture

[@purplepowersnatcher]

My grandmother was born in Czechoslovakia during WWII. She said a few German soldiers would bring her family food regularly. And even sweets for the children. This song makes me think of them and of all decent human beings who act with kindness no matter the country they're fighting for. Thank you, Sabaton! Amazing job as always.

[@ryjak955]

How the hell was there not a “Battle for Castle Itter”-type mission in the wolfenstein games?

[@swagmaster6922]

@@TheSolidSnake1985 considering that the franchise was butchered by youngblood i'm afraid we'll never see that happen.

[@James-dq7oi]

@@TheSolidSnake1985 there is the third one that's been in the works The one that got completely spoiled by youngblood as we all now know its gonna be you killing hitler

[@James-dq7oi]

@@TheSolidSnake1985 it's not really that concrete of a fact but its basically undeniable Does anyone really think new colossus wasnt made only to generate a sequel

[@natequinn7956]

i mean i play wolfenstein to obliterate nazis, but im open to new things

[@sovietagent9303]

Or call of duty world at war and ww2

[@patrikoberstar158]

This song is so underrated

[@crime_rat]

This song has outro energy, and it fits so perfectly

[@thelordofthelostbraincells]

TRUE!!!

[@domi__23]

"American troops and the German army joining togehter at last". I love this line

[@11mousa]

@@LyricalStarr Well, the meassure of those lines is pretty unusuall in modern lyrics and the text has a bit of a sentimental ring. Combine this with the epical Sabaton riffs and you'll get something that gives you goosebumps

[@kreegun6698]

Probably has to do with America having a large percentage of Germans during both World Wars yet ending up fighting against Germany in both wars.

[@olympusgolemoflight7198]

Joseph Joestar and Major Von Stroheim are fighting once more, side-by-side!

[@ericolsen5592]

@@kreegun6698 Nope. It's about the Battle of Castle Itter. I recommend looking it up.

[@zdhim2714]

Put it with the line before and it becomes my fifth prefered lyric quote in all of Sabaton Discography.

[@charlessaint7926]

On this day, 74 years ago, the American troops and German army joined together at last.

[@jamesharding3459]

Still a close partnership, despite our political leaders trying to drive a wedge.

[@schwarzeseis4031]

@@jamesharding3459 Political leaders come and go -- what matters is that, as peoples and as individuals, never let them get us up against each other, never again!

[@jamesharding3459]

@@schwarzeseis4031Exactly! We had four decade of close cooperation in every way that mattered postwar, didn't we?

[@schwarzeseis4031]

@@jamesharding3459 Hmm...cannot say much about it, since I was born in East-Germany. But our lesson was much the same: Coorperation beats Confrontation, and while Democracy may bot be perfect, it still allows you to get rid of incompetend /abrasive leaders without bloodshed. Well, in theory.

[@vicdoesgaming7570]

Now if only a 7.62x57 could be used in a springfield/garand then we would have a perfect alliance for a battle

[@jamesdrake2912]

Gangl and Lee. Still a better love story than twilight!

[@biggsdarklighter0473]

And it wasn't even a love Story.

[@thenexus8384]

It's not that hard to make a better love story than twilight

[@senseinuuh]

This is emotional and powerful at the same time

[@senseinuuh]

Great song btw

[@Sabaton]

T(h)ank you

[@thewestisthebest6608]

May Major Josef Gangl Rest In Peace. His heroism saved many lives at the cost of his own

[@Silli_Steve]

It also saved the most of the French government too

[@thenexus8384]

His heroism and his sacrifice shall never be forgotten

[@th3lev1athan22]

This song reminds me of when the bad guy in an anime actually teams up with the protagonist to take down a larger threat.

[@omeletufomash]

Pretty much Goku and Freezer vs Jiren

[@RorytheRomulan]

WEEEEB

[@Foxdidnothingwrong]

@@RorytheRomulan k and?

[@RorytheRomulan]

@@Foxdidnothingwrong Oh lighten up

[@koadio1581]

Aang and zuko too

[@Nobody-jk7mn]

I'm going to make a movie about this conflict and have this as the theme song.

[@kalibuskristof2174]

Please, I would legitimately yeet all my money for this movie

[@ryanmarx7706]

Too late the movie is already in production

[@Colon-D...]

isn't there already a movie? EDIT: yeah i looked it up and they are making one

[@Colon-D...]

@DrummerBoyUU "The Last Battle" en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_Battle_(Harding)#Movie_Adaptation

[@tijgerislief]

IMDb actually has this song as 'soundtrack.'

[@marseldagistani1989]

Marvel endgame is the most ambitious event in History. German and American Soldiers during the Battle of Castle Itter: Are we a Joke to you?

[@edoardopaulin5533]

Teacher: "For this year we will have German exchange students in our American class." Girls: "Oh I hope we can make them feel welcome." Boys:

[@protomahawker156]

AND ITS AMERICAN TROOPS AND THE GERMAN ARMY JOINING TOGETHER AT LAST!!!!

[@ronaldpagar6513]

@@thatonerandominternetdingu2963 what did he/she feels?

[@firstconsul7286]

"I am the SS! I have superior numbers!" "Well we have the Wehrmacht" --After battle "Puny SS."

[@phantomaviator1318]

If you're ever outnumbered and hope looks bleak, but you're not so outnumbered that it's practically 10v1,000, back yourself and your men into a corner, or let yourself be backed into one. Any man backed into a corner with no way out will fight as hard as physically possible, and will fight to the death. They're desperate and indiscriminate, so, you're practically guaranteed a win. It will improve your moral and wreck your enemy's. If the enemy opens up an exit, don't take it, you'll die. Art of War by Sun Tzu is a nice book.

[@mohammedfachrydwihandoko7557]

Wehrmacht and US Army: *IT'S OVER SS, I HAVE THE HIGH GROUND*

[@piuro2]

Wehrmacht is Airforce+Marine+Land army aka Herr

[@azarth8805]

@@piuro2 Heer*

[@tacoscatsandmangos512]

@@piuro2 well the wermacht is only the land army, and the land army is also called the heer. The airforce is the luftwaffe, the marine is the Kriegsmarine

[@Mightymite1]

Rest in peace, Joseph Gangl and Besotten Jenny. You two fought bravely for what was right.

[@kaeldrarhiannon]

I've learned more history from Sabaton music than I ever did in 12+ years of American schooling. Now that I know about the Battle of Castle Itter, it makes me emotional hearing "And it's American troops and the Germany army, joining together at last." Major Gangl was an amazing man.

[@acommonsoldier8607]

Castle itter was a crazy battle. Just it’s amazing to enemies who vowed to kill each other decided well we both hate the SS so let’s kill them when they come to take back the castle. And they fought so hard and bravely. It’s amazing

[@11mousa]

@@Colon-D... Well, Gangl had more or less a choice. Thankfully he took the right one and chose to abandon the Nazi doctrine.

[@HUNDLEYGUY95]

What seems to be the most interesting part of this story to me, and perhaps the most forgotten is that there was also at least one SS soldier, a Captain named Kurt-Siegfried Schrader fighting alongside Gangl and Lee and their men as well.

[@timesthree5757]

Correction: They fought so hard and bravely.....Side by side! A german and an American put aside their hatred for another to defeat evil. People forget the the German Army tried over 20 time to Kill Hitler.

[@ThatGuyOrby]

@@timesthree5757 well yeah because he did his level best to execute all his competent commanders in the Wehrmacht.

[@ericolsen5592]

@Primarch Ferrus Manus It's still wrong. The US reinforcements crushed the SS battalions with relative ease. They would have been better off setting up a last stand of their own. However, I do agree that the normies might as well just be here for the synthesizers.

[@gibby_da_birb]

A great song to conclude a wonderful Album. Lest we Forget those who've died for our liberty. Always remember those who fought for our freedom to talk of what they did to change history, no soldier is Forgotten, whether his name is unknown or famous, God Bless America, The soldiers who fight for Freedom, and America's allies. Amen

[@robertortiz-wilson1588]

Indeed, God Bless

[@markusleib3319]

A great phrase used in the film Valkyrie " We need to show the word that not all of us were like him!!!" This is living proof of that phrase put into action........"DANKE MEIN BRUDER"

[@xdothree4454]

And it's american troops and the german army joining together at last

[@therudepotatochip8633]

Its such a good line brings up emotions

[@pablopiano8755]

This is fuckin emotional

[@connorc6293]

Marcus Johnatan that’s a strange place to put a penis

[@airracer28]

Makes me smile a little🇺🇸🇩🇪

[@DURI87PL]

this is true story ...

[@maryleoboldt6100]

My father was stationed in Germany at the end of World War II. Something he Always made sure we understood..... There were Germans and Nazis. Not all Germans were Nazis. My Dad loved Germany and the German people and was saddened by the destruction of the country . He was also saddened because most people at that time did Not see a difference, to most people All Germans were Nazis. Thank You Gentlemen of Sabaton for showing that there Was a Difference!! Strength and Honor from one of your older and newest fan! 57 Grandma❤

[@Sabaton]

It's always heartwarming to read these kind of stories from you guys. Thanks a lot for sharing it!

[@fredrickahenda6505]

This is the part of the WW2 history I've never red...Sabaton is doing a better job than many historians,castle Itter story is totally new to me. Hope someday you'll sing something about 761 Tank Battalion too.

[@gino456123789]

This song is really inspirational, almost like a redemption song for the German Heer in a way fighting against ideals they realized were wrong

[@lydiagalantmotherf]

Actually, apparently Gangl never "really" was a Nazi and despised the ideals of the party. He did what he did for Germany, and is said to have had a strong moral compass

[@etac774]

This song is amazing, it covers one of the last fights in WW2. Which makes it feel like a climax to the war, where the soldiers put their past behind for one last stand. And every song before feels like it’s been made to lead up to this one. The final chapter in the longness that is WW2.

[@havok3388]

I dont know why but this song just gives me so much hope for humanity

[@Hilversumborn]

This song warms my heart

[@emc8476]

True

[@ADMZOMBIE]

The end if the line of the final journey enemies leaving the past...makes ya feel good inside

[@tsardean7438]

Today feels like an appropriate day to listen to this

[@yahboy3615]

This is an hell of a surprise, could this Mean that they started working on the Next album?

[@dernudelvertilgerwolf3719]

Thought the same

[@jimmyseaver3647]

yah boy Their release schedule has been every other year. Last one was 2016, the one before was 2014, so this year probably means a fresh dose of awesome.

[@emerkirwan83]

I hope you're right Jimmy

[@lithuanian_mapper]

@@emerkirwan83 yeah same

[@russkayaimperiya5779]

They are going to do one in 2019.

[@luuk4835]

76 years ago today, may this never be forgotten

[@Somebody_on_this_planet]

My great grandfather was so close to getting to the end of world war 2 Even though my great grandfather was British he fought the Japanese and near the end he was shot in the heart by an arrow in the jungle I always will remember him, I have his first name as my middle name I love you George fly high my heroic soldier 😢😢😢❤

[@erikcyprich5422]

This is battle of Castle Itter 5 May 1945 This is legendary song Greetings from Slovakia 🇸🇰🇸🇰🇸🇰🇸🇰🇸🇰🇸🇰 I love Sabaton ❤❤❤👑👑👑🎸🎸🎸🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪

[@nowdefunct6075]

i got slovakia and czechoslovakia mixed up, i was gonna say your country doesn't exist but it does lol

[@erikcyprich5422]

@@nowdefunct6075 Thank you very much 🔥🔥🔥👑👑👑

[@nowdefunct6075]

@@erikcyprich5422 lol

[@stainlessbean107]

Erik Cyprich I just realized Jenny at the gates means the Sherman tank that was at the castle gates

[@mr.monarch4031]

My mother was born there but she moved in 1999

[@robertoorrego4374]

This is the perfect finale song it just stabs "this glorious album is over" right into me. It's perfect

[@terrorsaur599]

I can just imagine a movie scene where Gangl is fatally shot after saving Minister Reynauld, Lee tries to comfort him in his last moments and Gangl reflects on how he finally got to do something good in his life before dying with a smile on his face. It makes me tear up just thinking about it.

[@lemondelbosque7702]

Happy Anniversary, From the UK

[@bthsr7113]

"the first country the Nazis invaded was their own" Still, if you look around and you see your whole country doing wrong, you have a duty to hold firm and oppose that. Even, no, especially if you're afraid of being violently silenced. All evil needs to win is for good people to stand aside. For those who would object to be more concerned about their neighbor turning them in. For a soldier to follow orders they know are wrong for fear of being gunned down, often by one who shares those fears thinking they are alone.

[@mileshill7196]

The United States is evidence that under the right circumstances, good, well-meaning people can be corrupted into barbarous monsters without empathy. Once a large enough swathe of the population is enamored with the barbarism, too scared to oppose, or simply dead, then the most heinous acts of cruelty can begin. At these times, do we need men and women like Gangl. At these times do we need men and women like Lee. At these times, do we need men and women like Sophie Scholl. At these times, do we need anybody willing to acknowledge evil for evil and take a stand against the evils of fascism. I’ve heard it said that “the night is dark and full of terrors”, but all darkness can be driven away by but a single light source, however feeble. That being said, a single light may offer only but a little guidance in the wake of a large enough darkness, but light always attracts travelers through the darkness. As such, whereas one light can only guide, many lights together, operating in unison, can provide enough shelter and comfort to people lost in the darkness so that they too, may shine their own light through that great morass of enmity and misanthropy and guide others into the warm light of freedom. I hope that as those times approach here in the U.S. that we will have men and women of such great character, that we will sing of them nearly 100 years from now. As tempting as it is to think otherwise sometimes, I don’t think I’ll be disappointed in my fellow Americans.

[@balindwarvenking6275]

@@mileshill7196 Damn, you should write a book or something

[@kingsonsofaru423]

@@balindwarvenking6275 Because they wrote a lot? Lol Don't get me wrong I wholeheartedly agree with the OP

[@DSiren]

@@mileshill7196 So long as we never allow ourselves to demonize our opponents as "other" from us, we will not fall into the trap the German people did. That's why the fight against critical race theory and intersectionality is so important - even if there are differences between races we cannot allow ourselves to care about them. We must see each other as people first, Americans second, everything else third. If we allow ourselves to not only blame a group for our problems but also distance ourselves from them, we will be capable of standing by when the mindless drones of government come to execute - and the government always finds those who won't question them. It's the one thing Government does well. So long as we see ourselves in our enemies we will be able to stand up and defend them, thereby defending ourselves. And perhaps more critical in the fate of the US, and our freedoms we hold so dear, is the modern interpretation of the 2nd amendment. I sincerely doubt the founding fathers intended the 2nd amendment to resist domestic tyranny, but that's irrelevant. What matters is that "being necessary for the security of a free state" is ambiguous enough to include "against corrupt government". They can legislate all the gun control they want, the civil war won't begin till they try sending officers to confiscate. It's up to the overlapping jurisdictions to stall federal overreach while we wait for the pushback. If they can't stall long enough the war is on - and there's no winning from that point forward.

[@mileshill7196]

@@DSiren the fact that you’re against CRT is exactly why this country will fall to fascism. You’re more afraid of learning the truth than you are fixing the mistakes of the past.

[@grimreaperairsoft1486]

History speaks louder than words, and it's amplified by the amazing sound of metal! 🤘 Keep rocking Sabaton ♥️

[@Sabaton]

Thank you very much for that!

[@grimreaperairsoft1486]

@@Sabaton no, thank you guys for making amazing music that enlightens me about history

[@pointatyou6727]

The best way to be in the right path is to remember the ones that we poorly took.

[@LordChristoff]

This has to be my favourite song, if not for the fact that they finally work together after fighting to save civilians. 10/10

[@MasterChiefSamus]

The Battle of Castle Itter: perhaps the closest that Humanity has ever gotten to a true Good vs Evil fight.

[@randoiguess]

I think this song, and more so this moment in history, highlights my favorite part about humanity: Setting aside the past, moving past our differences, and fighting for what's right, together. Doesn't matter who you are, German, American, or something else entirely. Humans stand together.

[@richie_23]

75 years ago, Today, the battle of Castle Itter took place. salute to these guys O7

[@tanknerd7193]

O7

[@Entity282]

O7

[@locxes3962]

O7

[@sageoverheaven]

O7

[@doctorvoid2998]

This reminds me so much of my grandfathers recount of world War 2! He himself was part of the unit who finally relieved most of the allied troops sieging the SS castle, never forget! SABATON FOREVER!

[@jorgeflores2742]

The chorus really has that "Final Battle" feel to it 😊

[@sillandrix]

VIVA LA LIBERTAD CARAJO

[@Wintercomet100]

I honestly hope these guys continue to make songs for a long time, I love this music, and I love this band.

[@ballroomrx7599]

This is a hidden gem! I can’t help but dance and sing at the top of my lungs during the chorus!

[@Sabaton]

That's the spirit!

[@AsustaViejasEsquizofrenicas]

Nobody: Sabaton: Makes a epic song based on a battle.

[@furioussherman7265]

Everybody: This is awesome!

[@Raccnophobia]

1:39 something about the flow of that just gives me chills

[@gabeseyfriedbuthedoesntkno7011]

Today is May 5th, and while others may celebrate Cinco de Mayo or Revenge of the Fifth, I'll be listening to this on loop for a while. It always brings a smile to my face when I think "What would Gangl and Lee (and their men) think if they got to hear this?"

[@nickblackstone5772]

Return of the fifth.. revenge of the 6th

[@tobiaszibell1193]

What a masterpiece just great

[@JDKDKDLDKDKDKDKKKDERYY]

"Best" Battle ever. There was only one Sad Thing: Gangel got killed by a sniper

[@sovietagent9303]

Long live Gangel

[@scarlettmanson712]

Killed by a sniper, protecting prisoners

[@JDKDKDLDKDKDKDKKKDERYY]

@Stoosh O`Rama he was not a nazi...

[@david12278]

@Stoosh O`Rama not everyone who was in the german army was a nazi best example Erwin rommel he did not believe in the nazi ideology even forbade his son from joining the SS but in the end he was executed for being apart of an assassination attempt on Hitler

[@tada-kun982]

@@david12278 no hitler couldn't execute him, because he was a war hero. Also, he was the figurehead of the plot, but probably didn't participate in the actual assassination or it's planning. Hitler basically gave him a choice: Commit suicide or I can't assure your family's protection