Shot at Dawn, World War One Executions

[@Matibeos]

Suicide in the Trenches by Siegfried Sassoon. I knew a simple soldier boy Who grinned at life in empty joy, Slept soundly through the lonesome dark, And whistled early with the lark. In winter trenches, cowed and glum, With crumps and lice and lack of rum, He put a bullet through his brain. No one spoke of him again. You smug-faced crowds with kindling eye Who cheer when soldier lads march by, Sneak home and pray you'll never know The hell where youth and laughter go.

[@marcelleroux9172]

That's a hard truth right there

[@garychynne1377]

right on.

[@ricardoabreu4997]

That was deep

[@d.b.4201]

@@ricardoabreu4997 Very much so indeed!

[@gloworm6387]

Awesome

[@mr-x7689]

Each headstone, should have the inscription "Enlisted by duty, betrayed by nation"

[@nickdarr7328]

If you actually read about the men who were shot by the British it's more like they committed suicide. The fewest incidents of desertion I remember reading was 4. And that's 4 official instances. Usually it was closer to 8 official and 4 warnings. These guys were given every chance to stop deserting

[@BoleDaPole]

Executions are never pretty but they help keep the moral of the men up and remind them what happens to deserters. Imagine if they didn't punish them and soldiers just up and left whenever they felt like it, you'd be speaking German now.

[@sherrattpemberton6089]

@@BoleDaPole How exactly does killing your own brothers in arms keep moral up?

[@mickusable]

Not only are families losing a member of their own, but they have to live with the stigma of their sons being labelled a coward, such sad stories that you’ve handled with dignity Kevin, may they ALL rest in peace.

[@emmaluna7303]

Koo

[@mdirfan-vn8cg]

Ddrr4rrrrlorroo Ddrr4rrrrlorroo

[@paulkehoe67]

a lot of the soldiers executed were put down as killed in action,, the usual gov bs!!

[@garethaustin6049]

These people were not all good people a lot did deserved the bullet or the noose.

[@user-uk5bx1kz2k]

@@garethaustin6049 There is no black and white, but the shades of gray. there is also a quote: "Death of a man is a tragedy, deaths of a million - statics". It is not a common judgement of road-crossing where it's not allowed or painting a graffiti, where you are fined, it's a certain doom. Who you are to judge? What gives you right to say about persons you even didn't know? At my work I come across loads of circuits I can't understand for, why so complicated? How on earth one fixes them? But do I need to kill the creator if I don't understand it? No! Bad products and trademarks die themselves. Step aside and think it was you to be trialed and found guilty of crime you never committed

[@kalannorman3275]

My dear boy I'll say it again, this channel should have millions of subscribers. The amount of effort and passion that you put into this is not lost on me. I sincerely appreciate what you do and for sharing your passion for history with us. What you provide is truly a gift. Greetings from Boston, Massachusetts!

[@thehistorysquad]

How lovely of you thank you.

[@Face2theScr33n]

I appreciate the humility exhibited in Kevin's retelling of British history. Sad as it is, it should be recognized.

[@foundationcomics3949]

"That's against the fundamentals of our laws..." thank you for that, and God bless you, sir.

[@soppdrake]

Kevin! I must write to tell you just how much I appreciate your amazing content. My paternal grandfather was involved in the battle of the Somme - as a British sniper. My maternal grandfather as a tank crew-member in Monty's North Africa campaign in WW2. Their entire surviving generation was seriously marked by the dreadful experiences they had gone through. As I grew up around Aldershot, old men sat often alone in the quiet corners of working mens' clubs nursing their beers and staring off into middle distance. Men who had seen too much but stuck through it, probably wondering how the hell they managed. Thankyou so much for the stories of some that suffered at the hands of brutal, unbending military discipline.

[@thehistorysquad]

You're most welcome Mark, I really appreciate your comment 👍

[@pikiwiki]

am surprised at how much more compelling the content here is than much of media oriented storytelling is today. There is a grit on this channel that is either not allowed or simply overlooked in mainstream reporting

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, that's really kind of you to say so and much appreciated. 👍🏻

[@vickywitton1008]

Yes I love Kevin's way of telling the story too, he doesn't pull punches but shows great empathy

[@jamesmaddock259]

The brutality of the ruling officer class during World War One was how they forced soldiers to fight . I remember seeing a tv show called the Monocled Mutineer about true rebellion in the trenches . Very moving . Soldiers trying to maintain their humanity in such inhuman conditions.

[@larryoconnor7094]

Paul McGann?

[@thehistorysquad]

Yes, I remember that, based on a true story - very moving.

[@kellybreen5526]

I recall that film as well.

[@slightlyconfused876]

The Monacled Mutineer was fiction base loosely on fact, it is a bit like thinking Medieval Britain is like Mel Gibson's Braveheart.

[@sgtcrabfat]

@@slightlyconfused876 Percy Toplis ?

[@blindarchershaunhenderson3769]

I always found deeply upsetting and disturbing that many of those executed for cowardice etc, may well have been suffering from what we would now call PTSD, at least things have moved on from those dark days, RIP to all who fallen in times of war, regardless of the cause, peace🙏

[@neiloflongbeck5705]

Fortunately for the second period of unpleasantness with the Germans the Army had a better process for dealing with such casualties of war. The report on dealing with Shell Shock was published in 1922.

[@pikeyjustnickit7001]

And they shot them wen they had flu aswell 😔

[@AjayKumar-lv2hb]

,..

[@AjayKumar-lv2hb]

@@neiloflongbeck5705 I bn o

[@pran7003]

Maby they just did not want to kill someone !

[@PreppyClaw]

What a sad, but necessary subject to discuss. Those of us with a passion for history must acknowledge and remember the human side of war. Thank you again Kevin, and congratulations for our rapidly growing History Squad community, well done history is so compelling. I look forward to more lessons in your unique and entertaining style.

[@thehistorysquad]

How lovely, thanks Kitty, there'll be lots more to come 👍🏻

[@madmeerkat1158]

I always found it very strange that no officers were prosecuted and shot.

[@streetwisehercules9956]

Because they’re not proper soldiers, kid wear the uniform. As said they were the “ruling class” of the time. There’s various stories of officers being shot or killed by their own men.

[@yakamarezlife]

@@streetwisehercules9956 they called it fragging in my dad's day in the 60s he told me stories it happened in the war on terror too

[@clivestraw1913]

There was one belonging to the r n d on the somme

[@DavidSpratt123]

Proportionally more officers died in the British army than enlisted ranks

[@kurnuyt5742]

Hi Kevin , that was truly interesting and very sad too like you said yourself in the video . Me as a Belgian living in the part of Flanders where the Great War raged ,we still remember and honor the fallen of the British commonwealth until this day . It doesn't matter how they were killed i can only imagine how devastating the grief have must been for their wives , parents , children ,brothers and sisters . God bless them.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for that. At least three of my ancestors are buried near Poperinghe.

[@natelav534]

Quickly becoming one of my favorite history channels. Thanks for taking the time to read and respond to our questions and comments.

[@thehistorysquad]

ThanksNate & you're welcome. It's very important to us, and while the subscriber numbers are still manageable we'll continue to respond where we can. 👍🏻

[@ronankennedy6952]

Kevin, you do a great thing by telling these stories. Being 20 now, I feel sickened to think that boys 4 years my younger were executed by the British army for minor or non-existent crimes. This was not so long ago as many now believe. Such a horrific and tragic situation - something I think you relayed excellently. I truly love your content and look forward to much more. Thank you.

[@thehistorysquad]

Hi Ronan, I'm glad you enjoyed this, it was a hard one for me to shoot. 👍🏻

[@Squanch_056]

You know I learn much more from this man than history classes in school because he actually tells me these stories with his voice. I hate having to read this stuff on paper and annotate words because I never remember that way. Thanks for the way you tell it, sir

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Zachary I appreciate that. We all have different learning styles and I'm so glad you find this one engaging. 👍🏻

[@Squanch_056]

@@thehistorysquad Haha awesome you replied! Keep doing what you do, love it

[@innuendo1]

Yet another great video, Kevin. Very moving stories, and really makes you realise how mad some of the stuff that went on in WW1 really was.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Craig, I'm glad you found this one interesting.

[@soonerfrac4611]

I was a military policeman in the US Army and historically we were the one’s charged with execution of our fellow servicemen.

[@mikewalrus4763]

It really hasn't changed all that much mind!

[@icresp4263]

The way you say it is haunting honestly. "Take aim. Fire" Imagine these are the last words you ever hear. And these guys are so young too, I'm only 25 and to think of an 18 year old being put into that position *on either side* is crazy. Edit: I only just made it to the end, and as an Australian it made me so proud to hear we didn't allow our men to be executed. Always look after your mates.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for watching 👍🏻. Some of my ancestors were the first convict settlers in Australia, I still have family there.

[@Glee73]

I first found your videos from your Henry V arrowhead removal and have since watched everything you produce when I can. This video in particular, I've read about and seen others tackle this topic, but never in the way that you did. Thank you very much for this. It's also good to know, that the British Ministry of Defence have offered pardons to all the soldiers executed.

[@andy61061]

Kevin, I absolutely love your channel; your knowledge and presentation is of the highest quality! This video is heartbreaking but of course highly informative. My paternal grandfather fought in WW1 and survived, but, he suffered horrific shellshock. According to my late father - who was born 10 years after the Great War ended - his father outright refused to ever discuss his experiences of that war. Thanks Kevin for all the hard, dedicated work you put into your channel. And thank-you for your service too.

[@thehistorysquad]

How lovely Andy, thank you for your kind comment & recollections of your family's experiences.

[@imsunk5813]

This is a hard one to watch. You feel so much sorrow at those who lost their lives, yet the stories of those poor souls being shot for being a coward is too much to bear. A lot of these men suffering from what we would now call PTSD their war records spoke volumes for them. Countless had carried out their DUTY with bravery, until finally they snapped. There’s only so much a human body can take. I can’t imagine anyone came back after witnessing the horrors of war as the same person that went. It’s heartbreaking.

[@geerhardjoos6904]

Nicely made, the hard truth where people were used to set an example and to scare the rest... in a way like.... it can happen to you too... I started with it in the distant past photographing all the VCs... At one point I read about the Shot at Dawns and most of their stories made me so sad that I started looking for and photographing them too, especially because they should not be forgotten. They lost their lives but their families had to live with the shame, in both cases unjustly. I have an enormous respect for Albert INGHAM's father for he dared to put the truth on his son's headstone. I was very moved when I stood in front of his grave.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you Geerhard, for your comment and your beautiful and poignant images. 👍🏻

[@seanlewis3867]

Hi Kevin, Recently started getting recommendations for your channel by the KZbin algorithm and decided to check this one out. Let me say you have earned yourself a big fan today. This is history that is rarely talked about in schools or in popular literature and the depth of your research on this one particular topic is fascinating. The way you handle this subject matter both through the lens of personal experience and objectively as a historian is impressive. I am excited to check out your back catalogue of videos. Cheers

[@thehistorysquad]

Hi Sean, thank you & welcome aboard. I hope you continue to enjoy my videos as there are plenty more to come. 👍🏻

[@causeandeffect8969]

Even though it’s a particularly grim topic when I saw the title to this vid, I instantly thought of the Black Adder scene where Black Adder meets his own firing squad - amazing video as usual Kev keep em comin!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks, will do 👍🏻

[@Edwoodb3]

Such painful stories. Thank you Kevin, as always, for such great videos. Executing those young men just to set an example, absolutely heart wrenching. I shed a tear for those young men. We must remember to keep peace and love in our hearts, for without peace and love what else do we have?

[@annsmith1116]

Thank you Kevin someone has to tell it like it is, as heartbreaking as it is.

[@marka4891]

The one thing that most molded my opinion about the whole thing was an interview with a WWI soldier that I saw about 20 or so years ago (though the interview was from the 60s, I think). The program was about men who'd been shot at dawn for cowardice, but I remember them focusing a lot on men who'd been shell shocked (i.e. severe PTSD) and had then been shot for cowardice. And the veteran who was talking about his experience, the phrase he said that sticks in my mind to this day was, "...they were no more coward than me." And he said it with a catch in his throat.

[@thehistorysquad]

I've seen that interview, a terrible feeling to be so scared. This was a tough topic to shoot, thanks for watching. 👍🏻

[@darkninjacorporation]

"Kevin, at the end of the day, how do you think they kept us in those trenches?" actual chills down my spine, I guess I'd never thought of it like that.

[@BbyFceDvl]

Kinda one of those things of life: if your gun isnt pointed at someone, someone's gun is pointed at you. Even if its a friend.

[@jacobvisor3034]

This and the King Henry V arrow extraction earned my sub. Well done, sir.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Jacob, welcome aboard 👍🏻

[@iainwill3493]

What sad events! But very sympathetically told. Thank you Kevin.

[@HoboBo94]

The sad thing is, PTSD wasn’t entirely understood back then.

[@squanchysquanch1840]

Thank you for sharing sir. Cheers from across the pond.

[@michaelkrinsky3582]

Another excellent presentation! I read "Shot at Dawn" and the final scene of "Breaker Morant" still brings me to tears... Thank you again for such great work! Cheers from an American veteran.

[@thehistorysquad]

You're welcome, thanks buddy 👍🏻

[@Roctrin]

this channel is a hidden gem. love your work, kevin. you're a good actor, too.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers 👍🏻

[@kramsociety1223]

You’re an amazing historian. Thank you for your time and energy on these subjects. Rip to British, Australian, Canadian, and American soldiers.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you very much, I'm glad you're enjoying the content 👍🏻

[@Omnipotencius]

RIP to all civilians who die in stupid wars. Bless the ones who only pick up a weapon when their town or family is attacked. Military is for losers and criminals. A million peacefull jobs. Go boxing in the gym, when you want to fight. That's how real men do it.

[@soonerfrac4611]

Boxing is literally training for combat. All “sport” martial arts are training for a life and death fight. Hell, virtually everything except the performance art “sports” during the Olympics are training for combat. I’ve heard some really dumb things but that takes the cake.

[@Omnipotencius]

@@soonerfrac4611 Yes. NBA is about life and death and Lebron will absolutely be a great tank diver and be the best US pilot in the next war you start. Maybe you Google the olympic thought. Many Americans in general are poorly educated.

[@alexz5336]

@@soonerfrac4611 your comment is literally the dumbest fucking thing I’ve read all day. Boxing is not training to for combat and neither are the majority of sports. What the hell are you talking about?

[@neiloflongbeck5705]

Just 4 years after the war a report of the treatment of soldiers with shell shock was published meaning that ever since then such casualties of war have been treated more humanely. One such casualty from WW2 was Spike Milligan who wrote some of the best Goon Shows whilst suffering from bouts of manic depression.

[@thehistorysquad]

Spike was my absolute hero, he's one man I would love to have met. I suffer from shell shock, and it can be awful.

[@thehilligan]

@@thehistorysquad sorry, I didn`t know that.

[@arthurdoucette1786]

Greetings once again from nova Scotia, I hesitate to say that I liked this video, I would be afraid of the one who did. This was an awesome, most unsettling subject matter to listen to, but absolutely needed to be examined. Thank you for the hard work, and more so, the time. As always best regards, Arthur

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you very much! This was a really tough one for me to shoot, as I said it's a subject very close to my heart. Best regards, Kevin

[@luisfigueroa4598]

Thank you. I am 71 years old. I served six years. I am interested in this topic. You did a spot on job.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for watching Luis 👍🏻

[@jacquelyndixon2788]

Wow, as the mother of two sons, coming from a long line of U.S. veterans on both sides of my family, the dignity and solemnity you delivered this with, just heartbreaking.

[@elijahdaves1305]

Thanks for the story. These people deserve to be remembered.

[@sameyers2670]

I'm a member of a group called The Forgotten Remembered that researches and remembers the soldiers that were shot at dawn. Thank you for covering this subject.

[@thehistorysquad]

My pleasure Sam

[@sameyers2670]

@@thehistorysquad I've been making videos for the group KZbin channel on the soldiers over the last couple of years, I thought I had covered some of the soldiers you mentioned but it appears not, so I will make these the subjects of the next few videos.

[@thehistorysquad]

@@sameyers2670 How lovely, good on you Sam, they all deserve to be remembered.

[@sameyers2670]

@@thehistorysquad Thank you, I agree they all deserve to be remembered.

[@Zanuth-001]

Interesting, but gosh, that was incredibly heartbreaking

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Joshua 👍🏻

[@friscostreetstories5403]

Eye opening. This practice should be reconsidered.

[@sorryofficer1]

Thanks for relating this rather disgraceful episode in our history. My wife and I visited the NMA a couple of years back and found this particular memorial extremely moving. Back at the reception I bought a book on this subject to learn more about this subject and was surprised to learn that the death sentence was a bit of a lottery. As you said it was usually to make an example, sometimes if it was felt a particular regiment was suffering from a lack of discipline then out would pop a death sentence. But what was particularly shocking to me was when in the final hours before sentence was carried out and the Padre was sent to be with the victim to give spiritual guidance, more often than not the Padre was entirely lacking in sympathy. These so called Christians were actually of the opinion that the condemned actually deserved their fate. Shocking.

[@thehistorysquad]

It's awful isn't it. In my experience in the British Army you would rarely get a Padre who could talk at the level of the common soldier. Many I came into contact with were quite aloof, however occasionally you would find one that was very good.

[@damiandunbar6702]

Thank for the way you covered such a serious subject with such humanity.

[@firstwavepuresoul]

Loving the wwI stories Kevin and Julie. I had great difficulty with finding the death of one great uncle at the Somme. 7 brothers left Birmingham (Deritend) one was my Grandad..5 came home,. one gt uncle had a gravestone, but no info on the one who went missing. I saw you also had a great G with no record. In the end I researched where his regiment was everyday up to the day of death. The regimental diary details. In this way I found what battle, what area, reason for the battle (bridge) which may be the reason he was killed that day which gave some closure and a remembrance passage to write in my grandchildren's family history book. I cannot imagine my Gt Gran saying goodbye to all 7 sons. I hope you find some info for your family member. I would be happy to do some research for you if it would help.

[@thehistorysquad]

Hey, thanks Vincent, so you were from 'dirty-end' as we Nechells boys would call it. Such a poignant comment, these stories are like historical liquid gold in my hands. The price that Birmingham paid both in the first and second world wars is incredible. My GGF was Rifle Brigade, 8th Btn, and he was killed around about 26th Aug 1918 upon the Arras front, and that's all I know.....except for the cost to my family. 👍🏻

[@robertharvey2580]

Sad subject, but a wonderful way to maintain the memories of those effected. Also an important history lesson.

[@homegym_overlord1370]

Great video as always Kevin!

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers buddy 👍🏻

[@terencecallaghan8719]

This is both fascinating and heart breaking in equal measure. I can't imagine how it would feel to have to take the life of another person in such circumstances. Thank you for this education, its so important we remember the past.

[@ctgeorgia]

If my History teachers taught with this much enthusiasm and charisma I'd have made straight A's in every History class...instead of the miserable grades I received!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you, but it's obviously not deterred your enthusiasm for history now, thank goodness 👍🏻

[@Qugar666]

This is actually scary but also heartbraking stuff. Done very realistic through your way of storytelling. Thanks.

[@ianatkins1213]

Your history pieces are excellent. I enjoy the way you present all of them. This is a sad topic from a different era. It seems a lot of these poor soldiers were used to keep the men in the trenches. I wonder whether Australia stopped executing men because we were not happy when this happened to our troops in the Boer War? I recently noted my grandfather lost pay for insubordination when serving in Australian army in France in WW1 .

[@flumpyflumpy3515]

Wow very interesting .. very sad for those 300 plus soldiers. My surname is crozier too hence I’d came across this channel thank you for sharing

[@iamalpharius6288]

Back when I was in secondary school one of the few school trips I had wanted to go on was a week in Ypres. We had a hired coach that would take us around the battle fields of the Somme, Passchendaele, most of the war memorials, Bayernwald and loads of other historical locations. Easily the best school trip I had ever been on and opened me up to the true scale of world war 1 looking at what I can only describe as a knee high forest of head stones. But the one thing that haunts me to this day is a holding cell where prisoners where kept before they where shot. I can't remember where the building was but the room had been painted over and then stripped so you could see the messages soldiers had scratched into the walls. Some asking for forgiveness, some lines and prayers form the bible others simply their names. I don't think I will ever forget just how cold that room was nor would I want to. I wish I knew where it was so I could recommend it to people.

[@thehistorysquad]

I think you're referring to Poperinge, you might want to google it 👍🏻 I've been there too and as you say, it's quite unforgettable.

[@daneaxe6465]

To learn about WW1 in a week by week format, The Great War channel is awesome. Indy Neidell and crew do an incredible job presenting WW1 from Day One. Its truly eye opening. I was not very interested in WW1 until watching that series. It really was a WORLD war even though school history books mostly present it as France/Britain/US against Germany. That is so far from the truth.

[@bobthebike7538]

The memorial at the National Arboretum is incredibly moving. It's simplicity is what makes it, along with the stark white statue of the condemned. The whole place is an incredible memorial and indictment of humanity. Thanks for that, and the way you presented it.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Bob

[@flimsfilms4755]

I hope to be as respectable as you one day.

[@Livelaughlimpbizkit]

Your channel is such a gem

[@fredoconway6894]

What a brilliant video. Poor lads were shot needlessly. The conditions were so horrific that it was used as a deterrent and an example, in other words fear. I agree with the presenter “Good on Australia!”

[@johnpauldavis1967]

thanks Kev, another eye opener to the reality of war.

[@thehistorysquad]

Sad and unjust. Thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@michaelcollins7896]

An excellent presentation. Makes one feel very sombre about the young men, and the lack of justice in the proceedings. Glad that as a nation, Australia chose not to implement this. We had the Commonwealth Defence Act of 1903....

[@johnnyrocketed2225]

You’re an incredible storyteller…mesmerizing.

[@chuckswinden1635]

Well done Kevin, just discovered your channel, love your subjects and the way they are presented, the only thing missing is a brandy and a crackling fire.

[@thehistorysquad]

Ah yes, I do like a good brandy 👍. Thanks Chuck.

[@gypsy_kitten]

Phenomenal piece on an often overlooked, brutal aspect of the Great War. Thank you for this.

[@thehistorysquad]

You're welcome 👍🏻

[@williamjohnbedford5776]

Cheers for another great video, just discovered your channel and its one of the best, THANKS SIR👍🇮🇲

[@alanjones332]

Captivated once again Kevin. Incredible insight to or history, and it must be said a sad indictment to how some of the hierarchy in the military treated our young infantrymen. Thank you for bringing so much history to our attention I the manner you do. Superb.

[@gilanbarona9814]

This is very insightful, Kevin. Thank you. WW1 was the first industrial war. Men were probably treated by armies the same way factories did: as expendable resources. I hope your history lessons here would go some way to help us learn. I know I do.

[@peterreece6547]

Well Kevin I have visited the Nat Arboretum on several occasions on our journey from the far north to the far south east to visit family. We split the 400 mile journey by staying nearby. That section to the Shot at Dawn always brings a lump in my throat and sad feeling. Each time we visit there are more sections on display. Our last visit was in December 2021. Although my dad was a survivor of WW2 I always visit the section to the Durham Light Infantry as that’ was my dads team, I say team as my dad transferred Gateshead football team to take on Hitlers team. My dad was sent home from a hospital in Egypt in 1943 so that was the end of his army days, now my wife’s granddad received the DSM in WW1 for his action as a stretcher bearer in Italy. He survived that, which was surprising for a stretcher bearer, they had a high mortality rate. Keep up these history lessons and the pic of the German Shepard was spoiled by some guy in uniform, re GSD’s they are my favourite dog.

[@thehistorysquad]

Hahaha, my wife is in stitches! Cheers Peter. I may pay the NMA a visit when I'm back in the UK in a few weeks 👍🏻

[@wolfgamiing89]

I’m from Australia and that comment at the end of the video makes me proud! No one deserves to die after serving their country in a mock trial by superiors looking to make examples of people without the correct and legal proceedings

[@triple777kodiak]

Excellent as usual! From a newly subscribed member of your channel. Your superior, brilliant expertise and presentation of History is second to none! Thank You! From the Rocky Mountain Region, United States of America

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you kindly and welcome to the channel 👍🏻

[@paddypup1836]

Kevin I’m sure you’ve watched the black adder ww1 series. Last episode when they go over the top is haunting.

[@colinp2238]

Good afternoon, Kevin. I attend the Regimental pilgrimage at the NMA every year. I have found a great place to stay at a pub in Rugeley

[@meesvanwanrooij5663]

Kevin! I am loving the video’s. Some anecdotes about the South African Boer War would go really well with your narration, I think. Cheers from the Netherlands 🇳🇱

[@thehistorysquad]

I'm planning a little delve into South Africa at some point, so stay tuned 👍🏻

[@PSDuck216]

Thank you for another great presentation. I always found it sad, all the executions in WWI. This highlights the brutal class division that existed back then. The fact that 90% were later pardoned shows the criminality of those prosecuting officers. I’ll bet not one of their careers suffered from these pardons. (It would make a great movie about, after the war, a group of veterans formed a secret brotherhood that went about killing these murdering officers.) Tangentially, the French were far worse in their executions, especially after the Army mutinied. Did you know in 1915 (iirc) and 1916, the Germans offered a cessation of hostilities and a withdrawal to pre-war borders? The English and Belgians were all for it. The French refused, unless they got Alsace and Lorraine back. Thus, but for the French, it would have ended. I am of the opinion the British and Belgians should have accepted, the French be darned.

[@thehistorysquad]

I like what you're saying Allen 👍🏻

[@slightlyconfused876]

Officers were also shot you know.

[@thehistorysquad]

@@slightlyconfused876 Yes, they were ..... Sub Lt Dyett and 2nd Lt Poole executed for desertion and 2nd Lt Patterson who was executed for murder. 👍🏻

[@Dav1Gv]

Not at all sure about this, what is your source for this statement? Germany's usual position was that Belgium should become a puppet state. Look at the terms they offered Russia in 1917.

[@PSDuck216]

@@Dav1Gv Very big difference in terms, I agree. As to the source/sources of a return to pre war borders, my library is packed up. Should I find the book(s) I shall notate them. One must remember, France had a lot of rancor for the Germans, and both France and Britain whitewashed the mess the generals made of things, lest they be called butchers and possibly stand trial for what we’d now call war crimes. For instance: at the onset of hostilities, France had nothing in place to get the wounded from just behind the front lines to deep within France for convalescence, further surgeries, etc. The British medical services did not suture wounds, but left them covered with moist cloths. (Source: BBC History Magazine)

[@riafoster7453]

New subscriber here, ive binged watched all your videos. I really enjoy them. I feel so sorry for the families of these executed men. I hope they are resting in eternal peace🙏🏼❤️ thanks for these history lessons kevin, keep up the great work! 👏🏼

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Ria for your kind words, I appreciate them and your time watching 👍🏻

[@lanius9]

Thank you again.

[@alessandrofirmani700]

The videos on this channel always make me almost feel like i was there when he talks about what happend!

[@Book-bz8ns]

Christ this tore my heart out

[@willychimp]

With barely any photos I was able to imagine the scenes thanks to the presenter, great work and would love to hear what Kevin had to say between the jump cuts!

[@thehistorysquad]

You and me both! 😜 My wife is putting together a 'bloopers' series

[@TheLadyT23]

A very interesting topic thank you. Heartbreaking at the same time.

[@JohnFletcher-hz1mp]

The darkest part of a terrible war. I remember watching The monicaled mutinier when i was a kid,the story of Percy Toplis. I shook me up to this day.

[@jasemac5391]

Absolutely bloody love your stories Kev, one of the war movies I always think of with this topic is Breaker Morant 👍🏻🇦🇺

[@brandonadelgad7027]

And this is how I subscribed! Loving the content.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Brandon, it's appreciated. Welcome aboard!

[@jackthebassman1]

Very interesting and tragic stories.

[@stanstanton6154]

Facts that I never knew , superb

[@faeembrugh]

I read the entire battalion diary of 1/7 Black Watch (a regiment one of my great-grandfathers served in) and it is surprising how frequently very serious military offences (desertion, asleep on guard, threatening/striking an officer or NCO etc) were dealt with at battalion level probably because they knew that escalating an offence could result in a death sentence.

[@galloe8933]

Ouch, subbed. My nephew is 16, that last story hit me hard, the other two screwed to high hell as well, but his age, and the promise the enlisting officer made me sick. There is a world of difference between a soldier and a high school age child, and look if that sounds confusing because they are only separated by a couple of years... Such is the difference between being an actual baby and a young child.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for watching and for your sub. It's a tough topic but one that needs to be remembered and learned 👍🏻

[@barbarapaine8054]

I love your videos, but I couldn’t finish this one. It was just too sad to bear. What a terrible, tragic business

[@JoyOfSatan]

Damn some of these stories give me goosebumps

[@nickolaspina2970]

Sounds so much like the “breaker morant “ events. I would very much be interested in your doing a video on this issue also. Thank you for your videos

[@wayneshipp9128]

That was excellent mate,truly excellent. My Great Grandfather legged it in 1916,thank God the Australians thought a stint in the glass house and then back up the line was punishment enough. God bless mate,take care

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks mate 👍🏻

[@J354CAO]

Great video mate love the channel.. greetings from New Zealand from a Pom

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks 👍

[@psychmr2365]

My eyes are welling-up with tears.

[@ScottAtkinson-r2w]

Such a well presented video on what is a very sombre and sad subject. I have been to the Memorial a couple of times, and read the stories, the youngest person to be shot was a 15 year old boy.. I went about the time that my two sons were of a similar age, and seeing them messing about at home and playing on their video games it is so sad to think of the sheer terrors these young lads found themselves in, and I openly shed tears at that memorial thinking, that could have been my boys.. Thank you Kevin, I've got emotional again just writing this but it's a story that needs to be told lest we do it again..

[@thehistorysquad]

How lovely, I did exactly the same and on reading your comment it made me a bit emotional too. Thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@Loki_Morningstar666]

You really know how to make history come alive!

[@doggolovescheese1310]

My great grandfather served in the Canadian forces, suffering the trenches and gassing, he died from the gas after returning home. One of my prize possessions is his trunk that went with him still b3aring a red cross. Rest in Peace all those poor souls who fought in the worst conditions known to humanity

[@ukrulesall1]

New to the channel. Such a great presenter. Great info as well. Good on you mate!

[@thehistorysquad]

Welcome 👍🏻

[@paulm3033]

Very emotional.

[@dannyridley7524]

Thk u Kevin, fantastic vid, very sad, makes me feel for those who were suffering from mental illness due to war, and were wrongfully dealt with. Rip xxx

[@crusherbmx]

Hard to watch, probably harder to make. But very impressed that you covered this.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks so much, I really appreciate that because it was incredibly hard to make.

[@46templar]

Kev that was sad and moving my friend it has brought tears to my eye

[@thehistorysquad]

Yep, it brought one or two to mine as well - it was hard to shoot.