Second World War Tiger Tank Veterans meet British Tank Men | The Tank Museum

On 6 April, The Tank Museum opened its new Tiger Collection Exhibition, bringing five members of the Tiger tank family together for the first time.
Opening the exhibition were four Second World War veterans, two German and two British. Before the opening, we sat down with Ken Tout, Ernest Slarks, Wilhelm Fischer and Waldemar Pliska, and asked them what they thought of the new collection.
Find out more about their wartime experiences on The Tank Museum's Tiger Collection Blog blog.tiger-tank...
See the tanks at Tiger Day tankmuseum.org/...
Many thanks to everyone who got in touch to assist us with the translation on these interviews: Andreas Grap, Christoph Schneider, Simon Barnett, Michael Rigby, Hendrik Dieckmann, Stefan Heckelsmuller, Leon Piepers, Norman Meyer, Fabian Nass, Thorolf Seliger, Ton Kool, Henrik Dieckmann, George McKee, Michael Schmucking, Elfie Barnett, Christoph Schneider, Ygis Paans.
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[@GhostofRhurValley]

Old man was at Kursk , that must have bin a brutal sight to see .

[@freedomordeath89]

if hes alive now he was really young...so he was probably lucky enough to get there late as a replacement and avoid the worst part of the battle :-)

[@shoopdawhoop8730]

the best part of the battle is probably still worse than anything anyone in this comment section ever witnessed though

[@patricia67240]

@@freedomordeath89 The Kursk battle lasted only 16 days.

[@freedomordeath89]

@@patricia67240 the peak of it, but then the salient was the theater of the Soviet counter offensive. But since the most involved units were veterans and such, I doubt a 16-18 years old fresh recruit would have seen much combat with the panzergrenadier or such, he was probably in reserve or in the infantry divisions. That's what I meant.

[@patricia67240]

@@freedomordeath89 : Actually was the entire 16 days Kursk battle a continuous very intense peak battle. It still continued in full big scale in south in the areas at Prokhorovka when Hitler ordered the Operation Citadelle offensive halt 13. July 1943. At the time were the German panzer divisions still progressing in south towards Prokhorovka only 5 milies away. In north was the German offensive halted 10. July by Soviet resistance. The Soviet counteroffensive Operasjon Kutuzov in north, was launched 12. July. This counteroffensive merge into the Kursk battle. And also caused intense battles. While the Soviet countreroffensive Operasjon Polkovodets Rumjantsev in south, had to await a Soviet regrouping and rearming after very heavy losses, and wasn't launched until 3. August. This counteroffensive do not form part of the Kursk battle. Both sides were exhausted, and the Kursk battle ended 20. July. The Soviet Operasjon Polkovodets Rumjantsev was the start of the consequent general rapid German retreat on the entire central and south parts of the eastfront during the second half of 1943.

[@alexamerling79]

"If you were at Kursk, I'm gonna shake your hand." Tremendous respect shown between these warriors.

[@HappiKarafuru]

Because it arguably the most vicious armor and infantry clashing battle in ww2, because on how concentrate and how it was up close and person even if it was an Open field. You engage enemy tank and infantry no less than few meters.

[@StalinLovsMsmZioglowfagz]

@@HappiKarafuru Not anymore. Other less known battles are argued to have been even bigger by historians now, but I haven’t heard which, as of yet. Which is pretty freaking insane when one considers it.

[@tamzboi7830]

Despite what side. They served, they killed, and they watched friends die for their country and what they believed in. War is full of monsters on both sides. You deserve to be able to wear the medals and decorations you earned, without fear of being spat on by people who couldn't dream of facing the horrors of war.

[@the_bunse]

Germany needs to stop feeling embarrassed by its military veterans, I do not include the SS or other political units in this statement and that is the problem isn't it. The politics cloud the whole thing and so its easier to condemn them all.

[@panzerkampfbigboy6319]

I can't take your words seriously when your profile picture is hentai Edit:why did you change it it was beautiful and pleasing to look at

[@vaulthecreator]

+Tamz Boi Well said!! Much respect to you.

[@JerryJones-hr4dp]

Vaul the Creator and

[@rock3793]

the.bunse clean wehrmact fallacy they did warcrimes too

[@DualorProductions]

What a confusing state to be in, not being able to wear the medals you've earned. My sadness and sympathy goes out to all these guys for the things they had to witness and endure :'(

[@mostlyharmless7154]

It is a tough one with the medals- ultimately they fought for Nazi Germany- a nation that was for almost a decade, the scourge of the earth. But on the other hand they fought for their nation as conscripts, as we would all have to do if WW3 broke out tomorrow- and this wasn't their choice, but their situation. I believe that bravery is bravery regardless of the intention, and service is service- so any medals for either of those things should be held up and worn with pride- it is the medals for kills and victories maybe that should not be worn, as their ultimate goal was to spread Nazism

[@armandorodrigues144]

it's not that tough because many of them are simply banned in Germany (if I remember correctly when World of Tanks added one achievment that was similar to a WWII era german medal and had to remove it to still be allowed to make business in Germany), especially the "personalized" ones which meant personal recognition by hitler

[@FallingWhale]

The only medal they said they thought was worth anything was the equivalent of a purple heart. They likely thought the same 70 years ago.

[@noobster4779]

It is not really about the meadels themself. The Problem with the german medals is that most of them have a swastika on them and the swastika is banned in germany excapt for art or educational porposess. Nobody would have a problem with them wearing medals.

[@mathiasbartl9393]

Wearing any military decoration earned in WW2 is perfectly allowed, minus I think the counter-insurgency badge. People had to get the de-swastikafied version though.

[@taofledermaus]

Fascinating collection of living history. Thanks for sharing!

[@BKbuilds]

TAOFLEDERMAUS aye fam gonna shoot a mini tiger at a lawnmower engine next? Love the vids man didnt know you guys like this stuff

[@TMTHCYWEM]

Hey Jeff!

[@theunknown596]

TAOFLEDERMAUS didn’t know that you are also into tanks? Best regards from germany!

[@yeffweykins3283]

More like Tanks for sharing

[@ronmailloux9370]

wished this vid. was longer very compelling to see old foes talk to each other respect

[@ArcangelGamingEntertainment]

Its absolutely amazing watching these veterans talk and respect each other so many years on. "If you were at Kursk, i must shake your hand" How the hell do we ever justify the world we are creating to these men.

[@davidsmit1299]

I have so much respect for these veterans what great men the gave their all in service for their country no matter what side they were on they fought hard and with honour rest in peace to those who perished in the conflict

[@joeschmoe4245]

David Smit I think I'm going here next summer too see tiger 131 and Fury

[@davidsmit1299]

Craig Tucker I went to tank fest 2015 and I got to see tiger 131 and fury have a makeshift battle it was amazing I'm sure If you go there you'll love it

[@joeschmoe4245]

David Smit I always will :) bovington is my favorite cause its in Britain causes its where I was born and its a tank museum

[@davidsmit1299]

Craig Tucker it's my favourite too but sadly Scotland is a bit to far away from bovington for a 1 day car journey and train a flight tickets are very expensive.

[@joeschmoe4245]

David Smit I am from Scotland

[@paulpalmer8235]

Love the respect the British vet gave the German when he found out he fought at Kursk- ultimate respect to both sides

[@Punisher9419]

I think that German vets should be allowed to wear their medals.

[@oxyliner6538]

They are survivors of a terrible event, and they earned their medals like every other soldiers, they endured the losses of friends, brothers and familly. Why would they not being able to wear medals ? Is that because they were on the "wrong" side ? No, they were soldiers fighting for their country, nothing more to say.

[@oxyliner6538]

@@tavish4699 Most german medals don't have swastikas on it, but the German iron cross which is perfectly okay to show.

[@tavish4699]

@@oxyliner6538 the Iron Cross has a swastika on it so ist forbidden to be showed in public

[@oxyliner6538]

@@tavish4699 Yes you're right, iron cross with swastikas were produced during ww2, I just had the iron cross of plane pilot in my head, so bad such beautiful medal are spoiled by fanatical symbols.

[@marshallmather2638]

I thought the german veterans were reissued with post war remade with swastikas removed as long as they were in west Germany?

[@_Matsimus_]

I think this was my favourite video of this year so far I have watched on KZbin. Just incredible men of war who have served both of their nations to the fullest extent with some of most impressive machines in the world.

[@kiryu2659]

Waw I always see you everywhere I go imao

[@wolvenwarriors2075]

'Very pleased to meet you sir!... are you German are you? 'boom,boom' ' ... What a Gent that old chap is. I completely agree, A testament for hope in humanity. The light hearted jokes, they were soldiers doing a job, it wasn't personal.

[@anatolyadyatlov7301]

"Did you know Wittman?" "Oh yes for sure, the best tank commander." "I was there when he was killed." Perhaps it's my British sense of humour but that made me laugh.

[@oktoberfest4424]

Are you referencing that because he died he wasn’t the best or when he got killed all the other tigers that were there were also taken out

[@philpants44]

would have liked to hear that guy telling the story.

[@DZ477]

@@oktoberfest4424 Oh dang that's definitely dark humor

[@HO-bndk]

It's so poignant when the old guy says "This...Tiger tank has been haunting me my whole life"

[@Bluebull-fm6mh]

You should make more videos like this I love seeing the veterans

[@fredkeebox829]

Yes, but please, museum, get them to say something other than, "peace is best". Any old hippy can tell us that :)

[@richardsveum8452]

Its pretty much too late. Most of the WW2 vets are long gone and those that are left are dying by the hundreds every day.

[@Noa-hs6qy]

You can listen to many of their long testimonies on youtube search (American) liberator testimony

[@TheIfifi]

Well, I think it's even more touching. Everyone says that war is bad. These guys saw it though, these guys were in the heat of it and now they say that they are so incredibly happy to "Not have to shoot at one another."

[@garydufton3510]

As soon as they met each other i teard up a bit. How do we even imagine what these men went through and experienced. Proper men.

[@deltamikehotel9643]

"I was in the 7th Panzer division under Rommel"You are a legend my men💪💪

[@alexnunezramos1720]

Meeting the Enemy priceless. To talk like brothers 🇩🇪🇺🇸🇫🇷🇸🇮🇬🇧 All Hero's thank you for your service.

[@swat67ify]

Amazing interview - am 16 have been searching for ways to meet WWII Veterans before they pass on. Both my grandfathers were veterans, yet both died before I really grasped the importance of the Second World War. I just dearly hope that I may meet veterans from every area of the war before they ultimately rest in peace.

[@finnmacool9542]

should go meet vets from Korean war, will give you a good idea what it was like in ww2. the other way is get the books of personal accounts of soldiers, always the best and most moving of books. There sadly really isn't many left now from ww2.

[@swat67ify]

Is there a place to find how many (estimates) are still alive? Also, where can I find veterans to meet (events and such)?

[@finnmacool9542]

what country your in then contact local veteran groups they will be the ones that can put you in touch with people that don't mind talking to others is best first route. There is no way knowing about veterans numbers that are not registered ( some ex soldiers have no interest in organised groups). If i was looking in the UK I would contact The British legion and The Royal Hospital Chelsea first www.chelsea-pensioners.co.uk/ the National Army Museum www.nam.ac.uk/ Or The Imperial War Museum can be very helpful to ( or was back inthe day for me. first time I contacted them to search for information on a ship wreck I was 16 and the took me behind into their private archives, with a researcher. helped me find a few good pictures of the ship before it sunk)

[@swat67ify]

Finn MaCool Thanks for the information mate ;) It really helps! I hope I'll be able to meet a vet in time!

[@finnmacool9542]

your welcome and good luck :)

[@unblessedcoffee1457]

What a thing to be able to say that you were there at the battle of Kursk!

[@stuartlawsonbeattie1411]

He is a hero and he survived!!!

[@wizardjerry7714]

The old enemies have become friends, now they sitting together and chatting, talking about the most handsome years they had...♥

[@manweller1]

I love seeing theses old vets history comes alive just seeing them.

[@Snarfindorf]

Respect for these gentlemen

[@caiusmartius]

A tear rolled down my cheek listening to these gentlemen speak, who only did what their respective leaders told them to do and have lived a life with those horrific memories.

[@PalleRasmussen]

My only gripe with this is that it is too short. These old men, who are passing away and getting rarer, has so much to tell and to share with each other. And has shared that very special hell that was World War 2. Imagine being sent to Russia as 17 YO to fight for the next three years...

[@pkxpanz3r241]

it so great to see people who were once enemies but now friends and shaking hands and sitting with eachother, i love these videos, another great one is when Gunther Rall and i forget the American Pilot get together to speak about the Air War and how they actually fought eachother in a battle, maybe Shorty Rankin

[@ludvigthebirb7131]

so interesting to see these veterans, and great respect for them aswell ALSO the german ones

[@user-uy1rg8td1v]

Whose bright idea was it to have white subtitles on a white background? *Angry face*.

[@thijs6264]

Once they fought eachother, and now they shake hands and share their stories, amazing. Much respect for these veterans

[@FlippyWarbear]

Biggest salute to these men, their comrades and their loved ones back home who had to go through the every day horrors of those long years.

[@derekjinks5640]

those who forget history are condemned to repeat it Learn peace (from the UK)

[@xados-49]

well we're fucked

[@greystash1750]

precisely, appeasement doesn't work. that lesson could be used in the modern day

[@cyberbird451]

When i was young and learning about history and how momentous the two world wars were i remember thinking that humans will learn not to repeat their mistakes. How naive i was, it's only been 72 years since the end of WW2 and the world is already starting to become as unstable as it was back then. Is that really what humanity is condemned to? major wars every 100 or so years until we wipe ourselves out through advancing technology....

[@TheStgmp44]

yes the lessons being ... build more Panthers than Tigers and don't fight on 2 fronts.

[@peris_arts_film9699]

Derek Jinks agreed ( from the US )

[@gulparviz]

I believe we are not doing enough to document all the WW2 veterans. we should trace out each and every living WW2 Soldier and record the story of his/her point of view. It's very important to collect History as accurately as possible since each country destroyed most of the evidence of war after WW2 was over. because they did not want the world to know what dirty things they did, where doing and where planning to do. We only have a handsome amount of people alive to hear the story from. :(

[@piotrmalewski8178]

A bit late for it, they are all over 90 by now (if they're still alive at all)

[@brezaillyria1472]

I have such big respect for the German veterans .

[@vidribbin]

Yup they deserve more

[@apotato5567]

20 million dead civilians would like to disagree

[@joey243win]

So much respect so much humility and empathy shown...bless them all

[@BigDictator5335]

Anyone who fights a war, no matter what for, is a hero. The people in charge of the war are the ones to blame for it; the soldiers are the ones who suffer.

[@Matakshaman]

Unless those soldiers commits crimes

[@CarrotConsumer]

They aren't heroes, they're victims. If people realized this they would be more reluctant to go to war.

[@katrinegadegaard1241]

I can think of many people fighting in wars where the word hero is not something that comes to mind.

[@gravey_official]

In my opinion, soldiers these days shouldn't be called heroes. It's their job, they signed up for it for money. Back then, the germans or russians were forcibly recruited, they had to fight, even if they didnt want to

[@MsLandser]

correctly

[@Frserthegreenengine]

Amazing to think that 70+ years ago these people were killing each other, today they greet each other like old friends. Huge respect for them, regardless of which side they were on.

[@MeisterFcBayern]

Grosses Respekt und höchste Anerkennung haben solche Menschen meinerseits , für das, was diese Menschen damals alles mitmachen mussten. Sowas kann man sich aus heutiger Sicht kaum vorstellen.

[@Splodge542]

That was wonderful. I could have listened to these old soldiers all day long. Please post an extended version if there is one. I think it's incredible that after 70 years there are still people with these memories. My mother is in her mid 80's and she was a child during the war!

[@willykaranikolas2391]

I've only met a few WW2 veterans here in the US. Every single year, (whilst I'm researching military history myself, or from coming across videos like these) I think to myself "I need to meet these people now, before this entire generation slips between our fingers." And every single year, I simply never find the time. I try to find local gatherings at the library or at memorial services to come across these veterans, but once again... these events just slip past our lives here. People have jobs, modern problems, modern workloads, schools, etc... and it is surprisingly hard to even give thought to the veterans who are still around today. It's nice to have these encounters on video so that I know these people will always live on in some form, even if I never get the personal opportunity to meet them. Back in High School, I used to play Trumpet. And every memorial day our school band would play at the municipal gathering in-town. Of course, there would always be veterans there. The saddest thing was that every year I would notice there would be fewer and fewer veterans. My freshman year of high school, there was maybe 10 or 15 who had served in WW2. By my senior year of High School, probably only 3 or 4. I remember every year, when I would come to the park with my instrument, I would look around to see if I saw the same faces as the last year. It saddened me deeply when I couldn't find their faces among the crowds. Thank you Tank Museum for having events like these. The people who experienced this war firsthand are quickly dropping away. To add to that, it is also considered very rude to initiate any dialogue about a veteran's wartime experience, so although I've met quite a few WW2 veterans, I've barely heard any of them talk about their memories! Thank you again!

[@AmazingAce]

8:02 "One should allow the elderly to raise a finger in warning." So true, they have one thing that is of most importance, past experiences.

[@nickrobinson8339]

Fantastic to see these old men meeting and sharing such experiences. For Ken Tout, having read his books and knowing what he went through, to show such admiration for someone who had served at Kursk is truly humbling. A generation almost all gone who, from whatever nation, will always bring a lump to this 59 year old Brits throat and a tear to his eye. Total respect.

[@comhghallgeraghty3541]

Legends.. all of them

[@orion9026]

This is so precious.

[@MrBadBean]

what fantastic men,hope they have many more years in them.

[@falke_blade9341]

i love seeing this makes me happy though sadly mien grandfather passed away in 2018 on December 31 age 106 he was a standard tiger commander of the 503rd heavy panzer battalion good man too captured by the americans and lived the war. Glad to see world war 2 vets getting alone with one another

[@russianspy5307]

It's unfortunate that the german soldiers can't wear their medals, they went through the same thing as the allied soldiers and deserve the same respect and commendations

[@kevins1114]

I'll never forget the first Veteran's Day parade in my area that was held after my family came here to America. Both of my grandfathers (Germans) were invited to appear in the parade with the American veterans, and were treated with respect.

[@NikoChristianWallenberg]

They ARE allowed to wear their medals. German government has provided versions of their original medals without the swastika that they can wear if they want - they can still keep their original World War II medals for themselves and their family.

[@jasonsweet1868]

@@NikoChristianWallenberg I have been wondering how people want them to wear all the medals if a few of them stood talking it would look like a rally all swastikas and iron crosses I’m glad that they changed them

[@galaxymaster]

@@NikoChristianWallenberg The problem isn't that they can not wear the original medals. It is that many germans see veterans with medals as war criminals and Nazis

[@davecopp9356]

@@NikoChristianWallenberg It is not the same to wear fake medals without the swastika.

[@raseli4066]

Im 14 and I have resureched alot in ww2 and ww1. I think history shall never be forgotten. Becuse thanks to want pepule did then helped us be us

[@rowanlewisuk]

I guess you could say there is an Elefant in the room! 😂

[@arandommaggot4963]

Beat me too it!

[@Th3Bishop3]

As much as i dispise your existance for that joke id prefer it over the arguments talking about how all german soliders were evil.

[@gileswhitehead7437]

The veterans from WW2 are always a pleasure to talk to from all nations. They are universally humble, happily sharing their time and experiences with everyone. This is a superb short film, and a pleasure to watch.

[@jimbehr2291]

It's disgusting how the German soldiers are treated today in Germany....absolutely digusting.

[@xados-49]

I think a small caveat is needed here. It's disgusting the way LIBERALS treat veterans in today's society.

[@D.M.S.]

Jim Behr In what way? My grandfather and his friends were treated all okay and normal. The Veterans from today too. I don't know what you are talking about. I'm from Germany btw

[@cyberbird451]

Watch near the end of the video, the German vets say that people spit of them for serving.

[@EinachserLS]

I´m from Germany and I cannot recall any particular situation in which I witnessed veterans being particularly badly treated. Do you have any examples?

[@fredkeebox829]

@EinachserLS, @D.M.S. It might have been long ago. Then the veterans learned not to wear their medals, and so you wouldn't have seen any bad treatment. But I'm just guessing.

[@davidmackee8575]

They were All brave men who fought in war much respect to you guys all of you ...

[@Wonkabar007]

Well done Tank Museum excellent video. It would be fascinating to hear a Tiger veteran eyewitness account, of Russian anti-tank infantry attacking Tiger tanks, which are in hedgehog formation on the Russian front.

[@YourDeathrow]

This is real heros !!! Big respect for a both sides !! They are brave guys which fight for their country a their own lifes !!! Big respect !!!

[@benmoore8537]

If they fought with honour they should not be ashamed of it.

[@MoonfaceMartin88]

Ben Moore If.

[@den_t5661]

My great grandfather drove the Tiger 1 as apart of the Hungarian army, he was in every major tank battle on the Eastern front up until the Russians took over Hungary. What he saw haunted him until he died in late 2015

[@chooyongming110]

4:24 Ah, Funker! R / O means Radio Operator

[@briarus1000]

great video! my thanks to all the vets who spoke.

[@G0XII]

i am British and if i saw a German veteran i would not spit on them they are simply human too just because of what country they fought for doesnt mean they have to be treated differently.

[@sylvainfalquet6350]

As a young person, I am extremely interested in the war and remembering the veterans. This was HUGELY mind opening, especially to see the vets trade stories, especially the German vets since their country shames them.

[@benadam7753]

I love that there is no hatred among these former enemies! Just mutual admiration! It really angers me that most WW2 films portray German soldiers as blood thirsty robotic monsters

[@galaxymaster]

most were normal guys who were pulled out of there lifes to fight for a maniac who gave them the chance to either do it or get into trouble with the state. Not all soldiers were SS or behind the ideas of Hitler. Sadly black and white is easier for the audience so many movies use the german psychopath who wants to end the world card.

[@davidmarshall1259]

just look at the size of that Tiger behind them. what an awesome machine.

[@andrewbidulock6074]

After so long it's nice and happy to see once long enemy's smile and shack hands and tell their stores. Instead of murdering and killing eachother

[@LegionTacticoolCutlery]

The stories these guys could tell.... Bless them they must all been happy to get out alive......

[@oCaptainToado]

7th Panzer Division? *The Ghost Division!* Sabaton ftw

[@reesefobes867]

Dr.Mario YAAAAAAAAAAAAAS! I am glad I am not the only Sabaton guy here!

[@russingle1340]

These old men,these old soldiers laid down their lives for their cause.They got out alive when so many perished.Exceptional people.

[@neurofiedyamato8763]

It is great to see the veterans of both sides able to be together like this. It's a shame that people nowadays that never even seen war can't get a long but people that was forced to fight each other can.

[@ussmontanabb-6792]

Wait did one of them say that they were there when Michael Wittman died

[@sleeperawake9818]

I don't know his name but that same guy is interviewed in several WWII documentaries and in one of them he talks about being there in one of the British tanks (Canadian tanks were there too) when Wittman's tank was destroyed. I think one of them is a Battle 360 about Normandy but too tired for nominal brain activity.

[@fraise01]

All genuinely good people at heart!

[@supernsxgtracing9541]

The british asked him if he knows Micheal Wittman. Everyone know that guy was the one who shot a line of british convoy in ww2 using his tiger

[@sandmanhh67]

What a great video....thank you. Its great to see these old warriors sit down together to remember history together. Honour and dignity on all sides, and more sound advice and wisdom than a year of Parliamentary shouting matches.

[@seacucumber6768]

I wonder if the discussion would've been civil if instead of brits there was russian veterans. The hate might still be rooted too deep...

[@The-mw3hc]

I want to see that

[@xGxPhantomZzz]

Well yea we germans never really had any problems with the British people, unlike with the French and Russian folks...There rarely was a time without conflict between Germany and them...Today still we have more problems with Russia, Military, the Politics and such, but that won't change in the near future. Communism does not play very well with capitalism or the "social market economy" (That is what we germans have...it's a mix, but with every two things you mix, most of the Pros don't get taken over ,but the Cons do)..And with France it was the same if not worse, for example with Alsace Lorraine, but today Germany is in a really close bond with France, which is a good thing!

[@razorboy251]

So a few years ago, there was a meeting organized to conduct some WW2 veteran interviews and there were a few Russian, Ukranian and German veterans (this was before the mess in Ukraine, but anyway). It was televised, not sure if I can find it anymore and it was broadcasted on a Russian TV station, but it was quite civil. One of the German veterans spent time in the Soviet POW camp and later GULAD, learned fluent Russian, married a Russian woman and then went back to the GDR (that's East Germany for you young'uns). He and one of the Russian veterans had a nice chat about the things they both hated about the Eastern Front. Also, there are a few academic articles and various biographical accounts that seem to agree that however awful the brutality of the front was, the Soviet civilians behind the lines tended to treat German POWs fairly well and there were few cases of abuse of prisoners. Treatment of German POWs by Soviet soldiers tended to vary wildly - some where shot on the spot, others were abused and mistreated but left alive, yet others were treated fairly OK. Speaking from personal family experience, my grandfather fought on the Soviet side, mostly on the southern front (he was among the Soviet armies liberating Bulgaria, Romania, Yugoslavia and he finished the war in Vienna). Although he seldom spoke of the war itself, he always spoke of Germans with respect, even though he lost some of his family members in the war. Go figure.

[@seacucumber6768]

razorboy251 Very interesting. Thank you for the input!

[@completely_blank9265]

I dont blame them the russians were uhh way worse than nazis and most whermact soldiers didnt know what was happening other than the eastern front and saw it as protecting there wives and families from being dragged outside then lined up men shot boys work and women raped

[@TheGorillafoot]

Greetings from the USA. It's crazy to think that most all our WWII veterans are gone. My Grandfather was in WWII and that's were he met my Grandmother in Italy. I miss his stories. Thank you for posting this.

[@squeakyice-cream441]

There are no winners in war

[@Trillock-hy1cf]

As the saying (I think) goes "War does not determine who is right, only who is left"

[@Xzibit9]

the fact that there are some jews left and there are no nazis kinda proves that there are winners, stop being such a fee fee pacifist

[@paulbenedict1289]

Of course there are. Smart people get rich, stupid people get killed.

[@squeakyice-cream441]

i feel like you entirely missed the point of this video

[@freddyandersen7221]

war is old men disagreeing and young men dying

[@MoistDredd]

Michael Wittmann was a badass tank ace

[@kirotheavenger60]

It's sad that the German soldiers get spat on, the only difference was the colour of the flag they marched under.

[@PjotrStroganov]

Nah not really. The soldiers were the same but the governments they fought for were not.

[@kirotheavenger60]

But I'm talking about the soldiers. 'The colour of flag they marched under' was clearly not a literal statement.

[@PjotrStroganov]

I understand completely. But in the end one country was part of the 'wrong' team and has to amend for their mistakes. In that context it's not that strange that Germany doesn't hail their veterans as heroes in the same way as the British do. Also, in this interview it's quite clear that the German soldiers have much less pride in their achievements as the Britisch. Even without taking the medals into account, the whole demeanor of both sides is different. This could be caused by the fact that both countries treat their veterans differently but I also think the role of the soldiers and their feeling towards their cause at the time has helped to shape that attitude. Again, I agree that the soldiers from both sides are no different.

[@kirotheavenger60]

Oh I agree that the different sides were very different, it's just a shame that the Germans can't be proud of what they've been through in the same way, because they should be able to.

[@1993Crag]

Probably for their actions overall. The German army and in-particular the SS were well above the other countries in terms of their war crimes.

[@soy_tippi]

I could literally watch this all day.

[@Matt-qh9lm]

"i have the wound medal, i dont attach any value to the other medals..." he probably had the knights cross with diamonds, oak leaves, and swords

[@64mustangfan]

There is some irony in that the Brits show their former foes more respect and recognition, than their own country does (or are at liberty to). Bless all you vets and good show Tank Museum and Brits, you are gentlemen! I was conscripted into an unpopular war, and it's gratifying that some of us can now pay mutual respect, and shake our former enemy's hand and see all our children prosper.

[@commandantteste2859]

The german soldiers who fought in ww2 didnt fight for the holocost or hitler or any of that stupidity. They fought for their nation.

[@LiamCameron77]

Commandant Teste weeeeeeell some did fight for Hitler and you could say some of the SS fought for "purification", but it all depends on the soldier

[@tavish4699]

the ss soldieres were no soldieres they were murderes

[@peqbox]

Tavish No just Elites

[@gringo01141983]

Hahaha best joke ever haha.Pact Ribbentrop-Mołotow you heard something about it? This fact contradicts your words about the fight against Bolshevism. 01.08.1939 German attack on Poland, 17.08.1939 ZSSR attack Poland. Germans (nazis) and Russians (bolsheviks) cooperated to 22.06.1941.Poland provoked a German attack? Poland did not prepare itself for war, just like aggressive Germany. It's as if you were provoking a tiger standing in front of you. You would have to be stupid. Probably you're writing such nonsense or you are a Nazi scum. Disappear from here with your stupidity or Nazi propaganda.

[@vidribbin]

They fought for their friends, their brothers, moms and sisters they fought for their way of life

[@DerWeißwulf]

So SO great to see all of these men sharp with all of their wits about them telling stories and conversing so openly!

[@mitchellhogg4627]

Being a german soldier did not make you a nazi. People seem to forget that...

[@vidribbin]

this is true, you fight for your nation

[@michalrozik7869]

Still almost all german soldier commited war crimes

[@mitchellhogg4627]

@@michalrozik7869 no more than the allies did

[@WarriorOfModernDeath]

What a camaraderie despite once being enemies in the war, they have respect for each other. This sends shivers down my spine.

[@linusorm]

I'm not crying, you're crying! ;_;

[@thelespauldude3283]

wow. They were enemies 70 years ago and now they talk to each other. thats awesome

[@Doom1981]

It's pretty fortunate to be fluent in English and German. And those veterans are right, as glorious those machines are, I wished they would all be in museums or scrapped. There is no need for war on this earth.

[@peqbox]

No, war is life itself. Somebody gets mad it starts something. WAR IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PIECE OF THE HUMAN RACE

[@topjimmy72]

Doom1981 Right. Only communists should be allowed to celebrate their military and history.

[@sleeperawake9818]

This could have been a lot longer. Great stuff, I wish i could hit the like button ten more times.

[@dimitre316]

I'll never understand why you can't wear your medals. My cousin's grandfather was the eldest and fought in the tail end if the war, 1944 against the Germans, but because his first medal is for bravery in combat and Bulgarian, he still couldn't wear it. People called him fascist at parades. It made no sense that a man who went up practically barefoot against Panthers and Tigers on the eastern front, was berated just because his country played political games. He was 17 at the time, hadn't even voted yet! Lived his whole life with piece of shrapnel behind his left eye, which would cause constant irritation and tears. Perpetually crying, in a way. Only once he talked about it and his final sentence was, "Shot in the back by Russians, shot in the front by Germans, and in the middle we sat."

[@1320crusier]

Some of us are trying to learn as much about that time as possible. We wont forget and we will try to keep the memory alive.

[@buhangit]

Is the elefant a permanent display?

[@reesefobes867]

Bryan A I hope it turns to one. It is currently on loan from wherever the heck we had it here in America. Considering the state of the other vehicles in that display, It just got a gift from the gods went it was loaned to bovington. Only real preservation effort if a new coat of paint, and when the entire roof rusts out like on a jagdtiger that was on display, some plywood and tarps. There was a documentary when they did a massive 'restoration' on that Ferdinand, but it was really just grinding off rust and putting some higher quality than normal paint on it. If we are lucky, Bovington can work with Kubinka and make a running example of a Ferdinand too!

[@buhangit]

reese fobes Is the Ferdinand at Kubinka running? I have no internet proof of it even idling. But you are right, I think all of the armor displayed at Aberdeen proving grounds are under the mercy of the elements. Seen the tank overhaul episode on the elefant. Restoration will be a long road to tread, there's no parts bin unlike the Imai elefant lol😆.

[@ysbrandvdvelde4352]

Bryan A i hope they sendt it back to Africa

[@buhangit]

Ysbrand vd Velde why Africa? Did you just assume it's natural habitat!?😨 That's going to be a logistical burden if we look at it's field record.

[@jamesberlo4298]

No, lits on loan from America.

[@meddlecho]

And I like the respect and understanding from the people making comments. Well done everyone 👍

[@landfair123]

I didn't like that last part. I understand it but a medal shows as much about survival as what you did in the war. The Germans need a survival medal that the veterans can wear. Or at leased not put such a stigma on the wounded medals. Win or loose they did survive.

[@jkeener3323]

The WWII German Wound Badge has a swastika on it.

[@stuartlawsonbeattie1411]

@@jkeener3323 So what, punks used to wear the swastika, what is wrong with you people Today? Punks wore the swastika as a sign of anarchy and anit-establishmentarianism, nothing to do with Nazis. There are no nazis alive Today, Nazis are a cover for other idealists and let wing fundamentalists who are just as crazy as any other extremist, you just don't see it, do you! People won't say that Hitler did anything good, they won't say he was a great painter, becasue we all fear looking in the mirror. If we all judge someoene by thei rclothing or only visually, we are failing to see other things, like lookinng in their eyes or in their face, or readibg pain, laughter, sincerity and in doing so, we will never hear their true message becasue we are blind to all other senses, when we see a symbol and we choose to hate, why?

[@Wyett15]

This is so amazing. I really hope one day I'll get the chance to meet a german veteran before it's too late

[@Wyett15]

@88Gibson LesPaul they are a dying breed unfortunately

[@AnIllinoisan]

It is terrible how these men are treated within their own country. They did what their country asked of them - nothing more, nothing less. These two men did not go around and execute civilians and prisoners like the monsters of the SS and Gestapo. They just did what their country ordered them to do; be armored troops. Countless Americans and Brits were asked to do the same.

[@orin010]

well, the russians certainly did their fair share pushing through germany. but the U.S. and britain also killed plenty of german and japanese civilians. I mean our massive bombing campaigns alone killed alot between carpet bombing berlin, fire bombing Tokyo and other Japanese cities, and then dropping the atom bomb on both Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

[@Mr-Trox]

orin010 The nuclear bombing happened because the Japanese government wouldn't let the Emperor's call for surrender go through. It wasn't until the bombs dropped that the unconditional surrender of all Japanese forces finally came through.

[@orin010]

thanks for the input, but that is irrelevent. we're talking about allies killing axis civillians, not how hiroshima happened.

[@Frake83]

wrong! japan did surrender before the dropping, but america didn't accept it..........roosevelt wanted the Bom to drop

[@jklmn101]

By the time of the bomb it wouldn't have really mattered what Roosevelt wanted cuz he was dead. But the US had agreed to a policy with it's allies in both wars that they would only accept unconditional surrender, and that's what it stuck by with the exception of protecting the national "status" of the Japanese emperor.

[@Hal-pf3iz]

These men have been through so much.

[@damianclark1763]

Young men were eager to join up on both sides, young boys on both sides dreamed of being fighter pilots. If douglas bader had been born in Germany, he would have finished the war as a high-ranking Luftwaffe officer, if Erwin Rommel had been born in Basingstoke, he would have lead British armies in battle. If you had been born in Germany in the 1920s you would have been eager to help your country against the allies. Just like brits, commonwealth soldiers, Americans, French, polish citizens were eager to do their part. In a war which will decide the fate of your country, people fight regardless of politics. In many respects the war was the only thing keeping Hitler in power. And without the war it's likely that Winston Churchill would never have been made PM The Nazis espoused an evil ideology, but if you were to swap places with these men, there's virtually no chance you wouldn't do what they did.

[@3gunslingers]

Damian Clark You are absolutely right! And today, with the last veterans of WWII dying, it is even more important for us younger generations to understand those mechanisms that lead to war so we can avoid it.

[@sciencelover9848]

Awesome to see two old enemies,now they are friends

[@jasething]

It is such a shame that brave German men cannot wear their decorations openly...but...they did fight for a criminally insane regime wether through choice or not and this is but part of the price paid by their generation for the actions of a mad man and his lackeys...while individuals may be redeemed by us the entity they served will never be.

[@NikoChristianWallenberg]

They are allowed to wear their medals - just not the original ones with swastikas: German government provided versions of their medals without swastikas for everyone who wanted to wear such in public (they were still allowed to keep their original medals, but they can't be worn in public).

[@DrumToTheBassWoop]

"Were not shooting at each other anymore" seems a touching sentiment of how more united than divided we have become. I would hate to be in a war again with my fellow neighbours across the pond. It's great these days our militaries operate together and trust each other 😎

[@sg0310]

Saying they fought for Hitler or the Nazis is like saying, US vets fought for FDR or the democratic party

[@jeremiahperez1900]

SG03 yeah many had no choice

[@1993Crag]

Except you don't see US soldiers swearing a personal oath to FDR or wearing democrat party insignia. Every German solider did however wear nazi insignia and swear a personal oath to Hitler

[@kosmokat111]

Yeah because you be executed by your superiors if you didn't?

[@1993Crag]

I wasn't addressing you. However there is no evidence of any German soldiers been punished for refusing to commit crimes. Many officers who did still continued to be promoted. The German army was systematically arseholes.

[@kosmokat111]

apologies, that's just KZbins Shitty comment system, you send a reply to someone and it's sends a notification to everyone in the thread. you can have 2 people having in a discussion in a thread with 400 replies, and it'll send a notification to all 400 other people in the thread.

[@imdonkeykonga]

i salute those seniors! so brave to go through the stupidity of their leaders... those are brave men... honor is on them

[@MasonicadaM]

is the guy on the right 10th prestige?

[@bubbles6883]

Adam Schofield ● ● ~

[@2012driftking]

Amazing men from both sides

[@XT0MPPAX]

This was really really interesting to watch! Thanks