The Highland Scotsmen Who Suckered Hitler

When 51st Highland Regiment troops were captured in France three men from Ballachulish planned to make an escape. Scottish history tour guide Bruce Fummey tells their story.
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Videography by Matt Ward at www.visualsofscotland.co.uk
Scotland History Tours is here for people who want to learn about Scottish history and get ideas for Scottish history tours. I try to make videos which tell you tales from Scotland's past and give you information about key dates in Scottish history and historical places to visit in Scotland. Not all videos are tales from Scotland's history, some of them are about men from Scotland's past or women from Scotland's past. Basically the people who made Scotland. From April 2020 onward I've tried to give ideas for historic days out in Scotland. Essentially these are days out in Scotland for adults who are interested in historical places to visit in Scotland.
As a Scottish history tour guide people ask: Help me plan a Scottish holiday, or help me plan a Scottish vacation if your from the US. So I've tried to give a bit of history, but some places of interest in Scotland as well.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Upcoming Live shows www.brucefummey.co.uk/shows.aspx Another WW2 Highlander video kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWLFhpVvfN-kqdk Buy me coffee at www.buymeacoffee.com/ScottishBruce

[@lynnemurphy114]

How come you've got 6,000 people that have seen this gets there's not even 1000 have hit the like button I told you you should be on TV I've got a good feeling when someone tries to put you down something pushes you up I don't know what it is but you're gonna be fine❤

[@derekweir7692]

When my uncle Charlie Weir was shot down over France in May 1944, he used Gaelic that he had learnt at Musselburgh Grammar School when he was stopped by a German Soldier en route to Freteval Forest. He said that it was the only non English language he knew, and the German couldn't understand him so he just motioned for him to move on. He was 19 at the time, he made it to the forest and was liberated by the Americans in August 44. His life saved by knowing Gaelic.

[@thomasshepard6030]

I worked with an old painter in Oban in 1973 he told me the same story about him and his mate who had escaped from a pow camp they were stooped by German road block and when they were as who they were the started speaking Scottish 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 GAELIC THEY MANAGED TO GET HOME

[@user-gp5wj8dr3m]

Well done Bruce, they should make a movie, comedy, drama 😊

[@joiedevivre2005]

What an incredible story! And why hasn't this been made into a movie yet? Disney, Netflix, Hulu, HBO...are you listening? The world needs this story in movie form ASAP! With Bruce as the narrator!

[@LimeyRedneck]

I thought the same and turns out there was talk of one in 2017, but can't find anything since. The production company's website and Twitter is silent 😔

[@Allastrology]

Holy crap! I have come to appreciate Scotland's people and its historical contributions on a whole other level. These folks were able to pivot, be inventive and keep moving forward. Whether in war times or not they stand out!! Thank you Bruce

[@jotw180]

One of the best history channels on KZbin. Put this on the box and you'd blow mainstream out the water. Keep on truckin'!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Wow, thanks

[@anthonyhargis6855]

Another "Great Escape." I love it. Needs to be a movie.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

You'd think so

[@pjmoseley243]

@@ScotlandHistoryTours I remember being in Balahulish in 1965 a bit of adventure training, the loch was cold swimming in it, my swim lasted 0.5 of a second.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

@@pjmoseley243 Sounds like 0.5 sec too long to me😂😂

[@frankgellenthin3733]

They were seriously thinking on their feet. Seems llike the Scots talent for pulling clever pranks had a very practical use for those three. Thanks for another wonderful story, Bruce!

[@gadgetman_nz4092]

Now come on now, Bruce, do you really expect us to believe there was a ginger from Scotland? Who would believe such a thing?

[@davidarchibald50]

🤣

[@bryansammis998]

I’m shocked! SHOCKED!!!🙄

[@krisendicott2306]

🤣

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Aye they just called him that though

[@lpc61]

😅😅😅

[@Wee_Langside]

Another good reason to learn Gaelic🫡 Thank you for telling the story Bruce . I don't know if this is the story from my youth but I had it in my head that 2 escaped POWs travelled across some part of occupied Europe speaking to each other in Gaelic, escaping attention as just some workers from somewhere in the new German Empire.

[@danielwgorrie6087]

Morning!! Being of Scottish heritage makes me so proud! Love your videos

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@alansmithee8831]

A'reyt Bruce. Great Scots! A tale of cossacks from near the Trossachs! I had an uncle that had his teeth knocked out by an Italian rifle butt on recapture in Italy, having been taken prisoner attacking behind the lines in North Africa. He later got away from German captivity in a Silesian POW coal mine, through the eastern front to a Turkish ship in Odessa. A Polish work colleague pointed out that another colleague's dad had been made to march to Germany from Silesia, but my uncle was back in UK for VE day. He met some celebrating Italian POWs and a disagreement led to them getting hurt, apparently. As a result, I am told he was not demobilised, but made an MP and sent to look after Nasties in Nuremberg. Tell the kids today ...

[@TransRadioUK_Andrea]

This is an incredible story that needs to be told and ideally as a Scottish made film with Caelic speakers in it. I would pay to watch it. Thank you Bruce for bring this story to light.

[@chris8612]

I love how passionately your talk about history.

[@callumgordon1668]

I’d heard the story before and wondered when the Gaelic was going to come into it. You didn’t disappoint and the story was most entertaining in your telling.

[@Novacastrian]

What a story, amazing how far you can get with a bit of guile and determination,In both world wars Scott’s paid an integral part,The Tyneside Scottish sent two battalions of Men to WW1,they fought bravely and a permanent memorial was erected at La Boisselle,Somme and unveiled by Marshal Foch ,Its known as The Seat of the Tyneside Scottish,Scotsmen and sons of Scotsmen,Geordies doing their bit! Great video Bruce

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

One t in Scots. Sorry it's a bugbear

[@Novacastrian]

@@ScotlandHistoryTours I always assumed it to be the same as the surname, I stand corrected, that’s Gateshead’s infamous education system for you!

[@autiejedi5857]

Amazing story! Thanks Bruce 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿💜

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Very welcome

[@janetmackinnon3411]

You're doing something important in making these stories better known. THank you.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

You're welcome

[@nancyholcombe8030]

Very cool story Bruce! I'm not sure which about it is more amazing; that three escaped POWs got all the way across France, Spain and the Atlantic to freedom, or that they were more intelligent and calmer than every German soldier they ran into!😃 I was so pleased that they are praised and cherished to this day! It's these small stories of very brave people that truly make a war, or any larger historical story, come to life. Thank you for researching and bringing them to us. Y'all take care now!😊

[@melissavancleave8686]

I never tire of hearing your wonderful stories of courageous Scots. No matter the era, they are fierce and brave. Thanks again.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thanks for listening

[@larryargent503]

I do love it. Your passion is contagious and I'm jelly of your ability to speak Gaelic. It's no easy. lol

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

I like jelly😜

[@-SueT]

Holy Moly what an incredible tale! Thanks once again Bruce for another FAB video 😊❤

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

My pleasure!

[@resourcedragon]

I'd heard a very much cut-down version of that story, in which there were just two highlanders. I didn't realise that the Germans had a Polish speaker among their interpreters, because that was really cutting it close to the bone. Ukrainian and Polish may not be wholly mutually comprehensible but there is a fairly large shared vocabulary (even if there is also a significant number of 'false friends' within that shared vocabulary). Nor did I realise that the three highlanders were captured a second time and that they'd claimed a different nationality again. That story totally needs to be made into a film, I am only surprised that it hasn't been to date.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

I think an attempt was made that didn't come to fruition

[@user-bq5li9pd4i]

Another cracking video Bruce. Hope ye have a bari time ower in Canada

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thanks 👍

[@northernlight8857]

Scotland housed many of my countrymen during WW2. Even the famous guys from Operation Gunnerside from Kompani Linge. They executed one of the best commando raids in WW2 and they wanted no other place than Scotland to train for their future missions behind enemy lines. Arisaig House, Inverailort became a Commando training school. Many other country houses in the area were requisitioned to provide accommodation and training facilities for the men and women who were to serve in the Special Operations Executive. Reading about their training and exercises they were glad that the Scots were such gracious and overbearing hosts.

[@gailsears2913]

What an interesting story! Thanks, Bruce!

[@Hsalf904]

Haha love this story! From Nova Scotia and I speak Gaelic whenever I need to get out of a tricky situation or a telemarketer calls

[@paulstone9667]

Once again another fantastic video by yourself.😊

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thank you so much 😀

[@gray4481]

You’re story telling is just so captivating I can’t even watch just a clip without getting lured in. I love learning about my ancestors and the way you tell it is so incredible!

[@user-st7wb3yf3d]

Another part of history very well told.

[@jenohogan9254]

What an intense story. That could be a movie.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

True

[@haraldtheyounger5504]

Hey Bruce, another great show.

[@brucemcintosh2773]

Hello, Bruce! I've had tickets to your Toronto show for ages. I can't wait to see you in person, and I hope I get a chance to shake your hand and thank you for all you do.

[@hunterblackforesthy5980]

my great uncle was part of the 51st highlanders he was at dunkirk

[@HappyHedgehog1]

NO MORE BROTHERS WARS "WE FOUGHT THE WRONG ENEMY" - GENERAL PATTON

[@jamieblanche3963]

Only just found this channel! What a belter! You really should be on the telly!!

[@buckodonnghaile4309]

You have a gift for telling a tale. Good on you.

[@covenantor663]

You must do one on SOE’s The Kilted Killer, Tommy McPherson. Germans had something like F300,000 reward on his head. After the war he had an audience with Tito who said, “at last I meet the man I have tried so hard to kill!”

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

He has come to mind

[@kurtvanderweg9147]

Absolutely astonishing! Thanks.

[@djalba1163]

Proud but not surprised being Scottish, quick thinking and braveness is in our dna, an amazing story, Alba gu Brath

[@TheTimelord62]

That was a brilliant peace Bruce. I had to listen to it twice. Am sending it in to relatives in Canada in clouding my sister. Am sure she will pass it from there to my family all over Canada. Think there are more of the family there now than left in Scotland.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Well done you. No commission payable🤣

[@davidarchibald50]

A great yarn Bruce, told in only the way ye can. Arohanui

[@brianjohnson7212]

I love your storytelling, even from a McDonald who also married a Campbell, a mere couple hundred years after the slaughter you taught me about

[@jameshorne9351]

Thank you Bruce for another great story, with out a doubt, these are my favorite kind of videos because you are a great story teller... 💙🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@unclenogbad1509]

Amazing story. I swear, though, Bruce, if it was anyone but you telling it, I might not even believe them. Another great video, thanks.

[@NoOneUNo]

Good Day and thank you kindly Bruce with another great story. Can you spin one about the ww1 memorial in Well Park, Greenock? I was told I am related to 1 or 2 of the names listed on it when I was a wee lad. Greenock was my grandparents hometown and grandpa and kin built ships there before joining the KOSB and Seaforth Highlanders going to France in January 1915. As always, many thanks

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Not quite the same visual delights as Ballachulish 😜

[@kentait66]

Sensational presentation again, Bruce... (What an account!) I wonder if you'd ever done one of Fitzroy MacLean? (Forgive me if you'd already covered that... I'm not quite sure)😊 I know he was very much part of 'the Establishment' down there🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿, but if perhaps for just his celebrated Heritage... 😊 Btw, Dunblane... (You lucky beggar!)😁 What a lovely wee toon... ❤ (Near enough to both the lovely Ochils n Trossachs for me) 😎👍 Best of luck over here🇨🇦

[@Strength-in-Union]

Erm... excuse me Ken... Dunblane is a wee city. And please don't feel the need to be critical of 'the establishment' in England. Very many of us Scots (including those who live in Dunblane), are proud of our Scottish history (and service in The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders!), and are not particularly impressed by 'plastic jockery' and anti-Britishness from thousands of miles away. If you are so proud of your Scots heritage, why don't you pack up and come 'home'? Am sure you'd be made very welcome strutting along George Street in Dunblane - in 'yer bonnie kilt and bunnet'. Hoots Mon! Freedum!

[@angieallen4884]

I have a particular interest in all things WWII so found this doubly fascinating. Excellent content, as always.

[@arlenesobhani8739]

What an incredibly thrilling story. It leaves me wanting more!

[@EliRedman]

I love this story! Thank you Bruce and safe travels to you.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

You are very welcome

[@raydriver7300]

I love your stories, Bruce, told so well. Now, aren’t people imaginative - what shall we call this place we’ve emigrated to? I know, New Glasgow. And you didn’t make any reference to stereotypes during that video, did you 😂🌞

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

None😁

[@lilibetp]

Weird this was posted today. A few minutes ago, the word Ballachulish came into my head, out of nowhere.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Alexa is listening

[@mairiconnell6282]

I had family in Ballachulish and this story was often told within my family.

[@muffinman2889]

Really enjoyed this 👌 natural story teller 😎

[@vickiepower6201]

Thank you Bruce just love your stories ❤ From Perth Australia

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

See you when I'm back in town to perform at Fringeworld next year

[@lindastreet-ely9780]

Excellent episode!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thanks

[@daz4158]

I love your videos to bits pal keep em up 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@mcmurphy3690]

Mate just a quick question who is he pal?

[@spikeyflo]

Great story.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gijgij4541]

WHAT-A-STORY!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Indeed

[@moto_scotland]

Bruce, what a fabulous wee story and superbly crafted. If you don’t already know it, please check out The Beaches of St Valery by the Battlefield Band. A beautiful song, sung by the late great Davy Steele of Prestonpans. 💙

[@josiahfinley9075]

What a great story , thank you bruce.

[@chrissaltmarsh6777]

Grand story. I hope they got to see Bidean nam Bian again.

[@jbearmcdougall1646]

My grandfather was in that force on the maginot line.. he escaped on the way to Poland to a pow camp.. stole a horse got to the sea and he and 2 others stole a boat and made it back to the uk… lance corporal Thomas Grimes of the black watch was only 18. My grandfather…… he died in 2006.

[@colinmitchell6492]

Another cracking episode,👍

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Cheers

[@junesmith852]

Hey Bruce, I'm a little late to the party (nowt new there).. I'm watching from a very wet perth ( bet you're not missing the Scottish weather 😉) it's the 29th April so you'll have already started your busy tour..wishing you all the best with it, have fun and safe travels 🥃🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Leaving Toronto this evening to head to Nova Scotia

[@macdodd]

Affy fine story Bruce, a fair liked it

[@deejayk5939]

I love the part where they catch a ride! Great story❤

[@JohndEdmond-oy9lj]

Beautiful backdrop.

[@Wlf5953]

Excellent story Bruce,thanks for sharing. As a US citizen never would have heard this if I wasn’t interested in history from other countries.

[@gordontickle1673]

Fab story

[@musingwithreba9667]

See you in Toronto on the 27th! 😁

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Wohooo

[@geraldgrieve4106]

Shows it's great to know a second language, especially a fairly obscure one.

[@Triple265]

I hated history lessons at school, now im hooked! thank you for making it really interesting

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Our pleasure!

[@johnclayden1670]

Great tale great telling. Thanks,

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Our pleasure!

[@paulapridy6804]

These survivors used everything they had. Being Scottish, they had more than the average bear. As we say in the States. Incredible.😮

[@cindchan]

What an amazing story!!

[@harryishatless]

Still laughing at the thought of three Scottish guys keeping a prison awake by singing Gaelic songs.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

😜

[@ramsnover3599]

God Bless those Amazing men, I escaped Detroit to California,love and respect Bruce.

[@macfiercesome]

Stoatir, Bruce, evir thocht o daen a vid aboot Gentle Johnny Ramensky?

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

I have. I even read the book. Not got round to vid yet though

[@paulwilkinson7977]

Great video ..always had the utmost respect for the Scottish regiments ..being from the North East of England we seem to have a mutual respect when in the forces ...

[@mauricejohnston8454]

Brilliant story,,so well told.. should be a film

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

True

[@AnimatedCardboard]

Enjoyed seeing you in Cumbernauld last Saturday, enjoy North America and do let me know if you find anymore of Bruce's descendants! 😉🤣

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Shhhh, don't spoil it 😜

[@007JHS]

Great tale.

[@DayZer1987]

My grandad was 51st HD black watch, caught at St Valery. Spent the war in POW camps XXA and XXB. Then put on the death march back to Germany so they could be used to build defences around Berlin, but they never got there thanks to allied forces. He was a broken man after the war.

[@nicknellany2336]

The Germans called the Highlanders devils in skirts.

[@stanleybuchan4610]

First I've heard of this Bruce thanks. Not sure if today's generations would have the courage and guile to carry this out.

[@divi2747]

thanks!

[@gijgij4541]

Morning!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Moaning

[@jacobitelivinghistory]

@@ScotlandHistoryToursGood Moaning 😂

[@Paulftate]

​@@ScotlandHistoryToursno coffee👋

[@gijgij4541]

@@ScotlandHistoryTours Heavy night?

[@KukLuv]

We are peaceful proud people of Scotland. I am so proud of my History. More English people need to watch your posts. Don't be mistaken if need be WE the four Nations will rise TOGETHER to protect our Family, Homes, Religion and Fredoms. We will fight for our Island til death, just like our Ancestors did protect our Island of Britain without a doubt together 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🥃

[@user-gz7wv4kh7f]

Great video! Looking forward to seeing you in May. Just so you know, Moncton, NB is not spelled with a "k". 😸

[@KateGladstone]

New Brunswick is not spelled with a “k”?

[@user-gz7wv4kh7f]

​@@KateGladstoneNew Brunswick is, but Moncton isn't.

[@LimeyRedneck]

Very scary and cool story!! 🤠💜

[@iLoveBeingDelusional4U]

How about telling a story of the SNP rooting for Hitler and supporting the Nazis, to a point Churchill ordered a nation news black out in fear of a knock on effect on morale.

[@baldy3405]

Aye just like English parties as well. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🍻

[@leslieross8708]

Lots of Scottish descendants, including me, in western North Carolina. Maybe a US east coast tour, please, please, please?

[@HD-Funk]

Wish I could be home to catch your Hali show... Tell the lads Jonesy says Tioraidh, chi sinn sibh a-rithist ;-) Sit yerself at the SEA PIG a spell as well (Seahorse tavern), as you'll love it, doubtless.

[@johncalloway3547]

Great Channel endorsed by the Clan Cameron

[@anulfadventures]

See you in New Glasgow.

[@McConnachy]

Really enjoyed this, thank you. I read about this before, but they pointed to Finland and got deported to there, or maybe that was another group?

[@lauralott2741]

My mother’s uncle and his friend were also trapped behind enemy lines in WW2 Germany. He and his friend walked out of Germany because they just spoke Gaelic the whole way. I wish I knew what escapades they encountered on their way?

[@craigevans6156]

An amazing story, what courageous men.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

True

[@crazychickSHENA]

German army wêre in Scotland and made there way to England 😮🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧 that's very scary.

[@taiikomochiyuurichin1459]

Isn't brass naked ordinary when you take a wash in the cold river water?