The Incredible Story of a Victoria Cross Earned Fighting with an Axe.

[@MrConna6]

Thank you to Mr Hassan! What a man protecting this spot of heritage, I hope he knows people know about him!

[@spritbong5285]

He should receive a British pension for his devotion to protect the honour of our soldiers.

[@ConradHeiz]

Watch Sand pebbles for scene of busting boom

[@robleary3353]

Hero in the true sense of the word!. Glad the 'caretaker' of the cemetary was mentioned. Bloody good bloke standing up to that regime!. Nuff said.

[@brokenbridge6316]

My compliments to the man who kept that grave well-maintained. He is as the host described "A Bloody Good Bloke."

[@studentaviator3756]

I wish people like this were offered assistance and refuge.

[@allanburt5250]

Fantastic story what a character. I had a mate who served in Iraq and visited the cemetery and met Hussan at the time. God Bless him for looking after things under the circumstances.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Allan. That's great to know. I hope Hassan is still alive.

[@allanburt5250]

@redcoathistory Would have been around August ish 2003, I left in October 2002. I believe the gentleman's second name was Mosan.

[@StuartWhelan-up8vs]

​@@redcoathistoryWould love to find out if he was still alive

[@tech9auto223]

I have to give a thanks to Mr Hassan for his dedication to his roll as caretaker and for protecting the site thank you from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@nickbutler-miles4453]

My great uncle died in a plane crash in May 1922 and is buried in Ma’Asker Al Raschid RAF Cemetery, Baghdad next to his pilot Flying Officer Lionel Conrad Hooton MC (and bar). Again the CWGC do an amazing job and the best they can under the circumstances and resources available in Iraq today.

[@vincnetjones3037]

U need to find out more about Mister Mosen... it would make a great story with reference to those who 'mind' British and Commonwealth war graves. The French, Belgium and Dutch are superb at this. You'll find cemeteries all over these countries being looked after by locals for nothing as they reckon it's their duty to remember. Mosen sounds like a proper person.

[@StuartWhelan-up8vs]

What l was thinking too pal

[@samwillis118]

Please do more of these videos! They are fantastic and I do believe I can speak for everyone here, they will be thoroughly enjoyed!

[@redcoathistory]

Thank you! Will do! That's great to hear.

[@bevinboulder5039]

I second that request!

[@welshwarrior5263]

An excellent quick fire video there mate. Very much enjoyed. Thank you. 👍

[@redcoathistory]

Glad you enjoyed it mate - wasn't sure if it was too quick so it's great to hear your feedback.

[@thatcouncilestatekid1832]

Very enjoyable Chris and informative I like all of your videos 👍🏻

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot.

[@ddoherty5956]

Not sure there's anything more Angalo Saxon than a berserk squady with an axe 🤣

[@zetectic7968]

Not a squady; a RN Officer

[@MortonBartlett-yy3cn]

Unless you are a British officer in WW2 armed by with Long Bow, Scottish broad sword and a set of Bagpipes, Mad Jack Churchill

[@mazz9487]

​@@MortonBartlett-yy3cnwho complained that they "spoiled a good war" when it ended.

[@greywanderer5935]

Was that Mad Jack Churchill?

[@MortonBartlett-yy3cn]

@@greywanderer5935 That's the man

[@SmokinLoon5150]

Bravo. I learned not only about Lt Cmdr Edgar Cookson, I learned about the British excursion up the Tigris River against Turkish forces. Fascinating. I had no idea. Reminds me of the "Sand Pebbles" movie (and true historical equivalent of that era) in to China. Thanks for sharing!

[@redcoathistory]

Brilliant, thanks for watching and commenting. I don;t know the film Sand pebbles so will look it up.

[@SmokinLoon5150]

@@redcoathistory kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3ywdaGIn9yEZq8

[@dangurtler7177]

@@redcoathistory The Sand Pebbles is based on a novel by Richard McKenna, it didn't really happen as shown in the movie. It was a work of fiction based on events in China during the 1920s. The author served aboard a U.S. gunboat in China, but his service was 10 years after the fictional event.

[@willjohnson1273]

Short and punchy is good when i'm Knackered and struggling to stay awake lol because being awake since 0430!!!!

[@wirralnomad]

Tranmere is in the town of Birkenhead which is where I am from, I also have an original copy of The Basrah Times which has a massive one page article regarding the declaration of Iraqi Liberation from the Ottoman Empire by the British Armed Forces during 1917 citing that the Iraqi people and nation where now under the protection of Britain, this very same newspaper also has a detailed report on events during the Russian Revolution too, it's quite an interesting read although it is now beginning to become quite fragile, I am happy that I was able to scan some copies of the pages before it became too fragile.

[@hound3000]

Got to respect the keeper for doing his job under the circumstances.

[@legionarybooks13]

Great info! And I do wish Mr Hassan is still with us. Also, I'd more of this short-form video content, in addition to your longer videos. All good stuff! 😊

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks James - always good to hear from you. Speak soon I hope!

[@aesopstortoise]

Go for it, that was a very interesting story.

[@zoiders]

During The Battle Of Normandy men of The Parachute Regiment assault pioneer platoons used their issued axes in hand to hand combat when clearing Nazi gun positions and trenches.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks, I didn't know that - I'll look it up.

[@zoiders]

@@redcoathistory Lads from the airborne brigade were quite keen on stealing the "Aircraft Escape Axe" on their way out of the glider door once they were on the ground. The piece of kit that every other soldier took with them on the march was a pick axe. The pick axe handle was often used in hand to hand fighting.

[@desydukuk291]

Great short video, thanks.

[@redcoathistory]

Glad you liked it! That feedback is very useful to know.

[@mrpamcn]

Hi Chris. A good brief video. What a story and I tip my hat to that man who continued to care for the cemetery. I believe my grandfather served in Mesopotamia. My father told me that he had a friend, John Readitt, who won the VC there. Dad remembered meeting him when he was a boy. Quite recently I attended the annual meeting of the Western Front Association Pacific Coast Branch. One excellent presentation dealt with Lieutenant-General Sir Percy Lake who was GOC in Mesopotamia and inherited the responsibility of trying to break through to Townsend at Kut Al Amara. After retirement, he settled in Canada and resided in Victoria on Vancouver Island from the mid-1920s until his death in 1940.

[@redcoathistory]

That's great, thanks so much for sharing.

[@pictureel5863]

It is so heart warming to hear of people who respect the sacrifices of theses brave young men.

[@joaoconchilha2231]

Keep learning, thanks again.

[@andygeorgeparkinson2515]

Amazing have a keen interest and long time of reading books about WW I but never heard of this guy and his VC before …..great format for short items 👏👏👍

[@knightowl3577]

My Grandad was there in 1917 with the North Staffs, he was a signaller. He used Semaphore, Heliographs, and Morse code and remembered his skills well into his nineties.

[@the-onion-of-failure]

Good stuff, although don't mind longer in-depth videos.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks - I think the eventual goal is to do a mix of the long and short videos. Appreciate the feedback .

[@the-onion-of-failure]

@@redcoathistory- Np I appreciate the on-topic book recommendations.

[@moobaz8675]

That was good. Nice job 👍 Full respect to Mr Hassan for his care and respect t in what must have been difficult circumstances. Kudos 👍

[@JamesThomas-gg6il]

Not to take anything away from any medal winners, that groundskeeper has bigger balls than most men period. He lived there and was threatened personnally and familially but still kept his role on the honor of foreign graves. Mad respect for him and your fallen soldiers.

[@JamesThomas-gg6il]

@@highcountrydelatite no offense meant at all. My choice of words were not well chosen but meant with all due respect.

[@JamesThomas-gg6il]

@@highcountrydelatite Thank you sir and bless you.

[@harryhill9794]

What a terrific short video! Please do more of these sorts of things. Well done!

[@MonochromaticLightsource]

If its a VC, It's more than likely been bought by Lord Ashcroft.

[@V.B.Squire]

Thank you for this video you done justice for the dead and their brave caretaker

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot. Just doing my bit to keep these important stories alive.

[@martinhogg5337]

That was a good short video! Please however also keep up your longer format as your in depth look at history is fascinating. A mixture of both would be ideal. Keep up the good work!

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks, will do! That is certainly the plan.

[@FranciscoPreira]

Cool video mate, quite interesting memories indeed thanks for sharing.

[@redcoathistory]

That's great glad you liked it. Was experimenting with a different type of video. Will try to do more.

[@FMCH6444]

Great video. I wonder how many graves are out there that have yet to be rediscovered. Shot video, medium video, long video, I'll be happy to watch whatever you post.

[@ajo1980]

Thanks Chris. Enjoyed the short format video. Still love your in depth videos though! Keep up the great (and informative) work.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot mate. That's great to hear.

[@Chudders1982]

Another great video, fascinating as always.

[@ObiePaddles]

Always love a short video and this was great.

[@maiwanda]

Brilliant vid mate. Keep them coming. Every day is a school day!

[@janlindtner305]

Bravo Chris good deed is always in place👍👍👍

[@TimothyCannock]

Thanks for interesting video. You mentioned a commemorative plaque for Cookson at Whitchurch Cannocorium (near Bridport,Dorset), this is about 25 miles from where I live and i know there is also a War Memorial in the village. Must go and take a look.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot. Yep, it would be lovely to pass by and remember this incredibly brave man.

[@keithagn]

Super interesting video! Thank you! Regards from Canada 🇨🇦 PS the short format videos are great additions.

[@redcoathistory]

Brilliant, thanks Keith. Glad you like them! WIll look for more stories that lend themself to this format.

[@sirloin8745]

The teacher gave her fifth grade class an assignment: Get their parents to tell them a story with a moral at the end of it. The next day, the kids came back and, one by one, began to tell their stories. There were all the regular types of stuff: Spilled milk and pennies saved. But then the teacher realized, much to her dismay, that only Janie was left. "Janie, do you have a story to share?" 'Yes ma'am. My daddy told me a story about my Mommy. She was a Marine pilot in Desert Storm, and her plane got hit. She had to bail out over enemy territory, and all she had was a flask of whiskey, a pistol, and a survival knife. She drank the whiskey on the way down so the bottle wouldn't break, and then she parachuted right into the middle of 20 Iraqi troops. She shot 15 of them with the pistol, until she ran out of bullets, killed four more with the knife, till the blade broke, and then she killed the last Iraqi with her bare hands." ''Good Heavens,' said the horrified teacher. What did your Daddy tell you was the moral to this horrible story?" "Don't mess with Mommy when she's been drinking."

[@michaelburbidge5835]

South African listener here. One of the pupils of the school I went to won a Victoria's cross fighting for England in the 2nd world War. The account was read to us at assembly one day. Was like something out of a blockbuster movie. People really have done some extraordinary things. Here's to the memory of Toys Norton.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks, I just googled him. Truly a man amongst me: "On 31 August 1944 during the attack on Montegridolfo, Italy, Lieutenant Norton's platoon was pinned down by heavy fire. On his own initiative and with complete disregard for his own safety, he advanced alone and attacked the first machine-gun emplacement, killing the crew of three. He then went on to the second position containing two machine-guns and 15 riflemen, and wiped out both machine-gun nests, killing or taking prisoner the remainder of the enemy. Throughout these attacks he was continuously under fire from a self-propelled gun, nevertheless he calmly went on to lead his platoon against the remaining enemy positions."

[@juliemercer1458]

Commander Cookson.....one of ours here on the Wirral

[@gerardhogan3]

Chris mate I don't mind as I always enjoy these chats. Long or short versions, bring them on

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot - appreciate the feedback. Will mix it up a bit.

[@demonorse]

The siege of kut was epic.

[@paulspice4717]

You pau £220,000 for it and it's in good hands you can be assured. Thanks for great video.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

These little snippets are great. Hope you keep going with them Christian. What a great story and a brave man. Incredible!!

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Lyndon. Glad you like this format - will mix it up a bit, sometimes long, and sometimes short. Always good to hear from you.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

@@redcoathistory Thanks mate. I appreciate that. Yes I really like the format of snippets mixed with the in depth. 👍

[@chrisstewart7420]

Thanks, Chris. I saw the article, too and wondered if anyone would pick it up. Of course you did your stuff is superb whatever the format.

[@redcoathistory]

Lovely thanks Chris. Glad you liked it.

[@LTGamingYoutube]

What a great channel! 🚀

[@redcoathistory]

Glad you think so! Much appreciated.

[@Maverick0451]

Fantastic story!! What a badass. I see now why he had the axe. It would’ve been the best way to separate the lines connecting the Ottoman ships. Bravo to that brave officer for recognizing what needed to be done and leading from the front regardless of the danger. That’s a VC well deserved. This type of shorter video might even be perfect for just such single stories of heroism!! I’m here for it, I like both styles of videos, long and short!!

[@redcoathistory]

Cheers Seth. By the way I've also now found more info online about the action if you wanted to read more - www.naval-history.net/WW1Book-NavyinMespotamia00.htm#V

[@Maverick0451]

@@redcoathistory This is brilliant stuff!! I am a sucker for primary sources. I appreciate getting to read the words as remembered by those who lived through the action!! You have given me so many wonderful book recommendations through all your work, it’s high time I offered one back!! As a Jarhead, I can’t recommend enough the book “With the Old Breed” by Eugene Sledge. He served as a Mortarman in the Marine Corps during the latter half of the Pacific War, and wrote an amazing account of life in the Corps during it’s most brutal battles.

[@GaveMeGrace1]

Thank you.

[@petersanderson8307]

Short & Long please, thanks. BZ Mr. Hassan!

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks - will aim to do a mix of the two.

[@weenedonpetrol]

Chris, My grandfather talked about being in Mesopotamia although his record card at Kew only mentions Gallipoli and the Western Front. Unfortunately his full records were destroyed when the record warehouse was bombed during the Second World War. I must learn more about the Mesopotamian campaign. Love the short format, keep up your excellent work. Andrew

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Andrew. What a shame about his records being destroyed. Maybe in the future I can do a more detailed look at the campaign.

[@BrianFitzGerald-TheSkySurfer]

The new lavaliere mike is a definite step forward!

[@Paladin1873]

I can't speak for the British award of the VC, but in the USA the Medal of Honor is not won, it is earned.

[@ynotdeviltry5968]

KZbin brought me here. Good video. Subscribed.

[@geoffbyrne9886]

I see your doing a few VC recipients . Wondering if you could do the double VC recipients I've read about them I think it would make great content. Great content love the greeny mug keep it up.

[@redcoathistory]

Nice one thanks mate - will definetly get to them one day. Upham is good to do as there is footage of him from "This is your life"...

[@jono.pom-downunder]

Mr Mosan needs to be rewarded for his devotion to our serviceman. I hope the British government sought him out, to honour this man. I hope they didn't leave him out to dry like the did with Kurds in '90-'91..

[@aapex1]

I would love to donate to a gofundme or anything to reward Mr. Moson his decency and bravery. If any are available please let me know.

[@Wabbit66]

Very interesting thanks! I read about these graves in the book "Sniper one" by Dan Mills, this was the story of one of the best extended actions (2004) UK soldiers have ever been involved in!

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Mick. WIll have to look it up.

[@johngetty3839]

Even though I'm a Yank, I understand the rarity of an award of the V.C. Bloody good show!!

[@quirkygreece]

Great vid, Chris. More please.

[@williamlee9102]

Love your KZbin channel, my dad and my uncle were in that area in the late 70tis and early 80its.l would too share some photos with you and tell you some stories, unfortunately my dad and uncle have both passed away.god rest.All that best mate,keep up the good work. ( Iarg and Iran ).

[@thomasholden3323]

Axes are a brilliant and versatile weapon/tool as old as the spear

[@cameronsimpson-ld8nk]

Good one Chris

[@julianmhall]

Hi Christian.. I think the BBC / Daily Mail article is unfair to say the CWGC 'abandoned' the cemetery, nor did they ask the CWGC to comment and as a result the article wrongly implies it was the CWGC's choice. They /should/ have said they were /compelled/ by local conditions to leave it unattended. The vast majority would /not/ IMHO do what you did and check the CWGC website for the actual reason.

[@redcoathistory]

Fair point, Julian. Thanks for the feedback.

[@daviddixon9458]

A good presentation. I have a problem with medals being bought and sold. My group is worth about $150.00 Australian. They are only campaign medals. My father's medal group is worth about $500.00 Aust. They are WWII campaign medals. My great uncle's group of a MM, MID and campaign medals for the Boer War and WWI are worth about $5,000.00. If my kids are not interested in them, I will leave them to the Australian War Museum.

[@vitawater4259]

Respect to Mr Hassan for taking care of the grave site of these honorable men.

[@iainhughes8110]

Thank you for this very interesting and informative video. I noticed the colour of the VC was blue, as opposed to the scarlet/red i have previously seen. Is this to signify that the hero who won it was Royal Navy, rather than Army?

[@redcoathistory]

Hi Iain, yes that's exactly right. For a period naval VCs had a blue ribbon.

[@iainhughes8110]

@@redcoathistory Thanks very much!👍

[@dylanparry5712]

Hold on. HMS Clio? Is this the same Clio that was moored in the Menai Straits as a school ship from 1877 until 1920?

[@sonsoffalstaff2600]

Didn't Sergeant Dan Mills (PWRR) and his sniper platoon come under fire in that cemetery? See his excellent book Sniper One.

[@redcoathistory]

Oh really? I didn't know that. I'll see if I can find the reference.

[@juanlugo7492]

He reminds me of a British guy I met in Barcelona

[@redcoathistory]

Wow you met a British naval officer with an axe?!

[@alexmclean760]

When you only have an axe and no secondary time to go warrior and sing your death song and fight like your going home

[@fabiosplendido9536]

If you investigate early VC history,......it's a bit embarrassing. Back then you got a VC for turning up on time, with both boots on and not being TOO drunk. VCs for "filling sand bags." VCs for taking yourself to sickbay. Look at what it takes to get one today.....

[@redcoathistory]

I think that is unfair, Sir.

[@Hadrian-p7f]

I do hope that the Gentleman who maintained and protected this was compensated for his Valor in standing firm against Saddam's party as the man faced death for no personal gain to himself is that not what a VC is for ??? To him I have a huge respect for.

[@davewright8206]

i like it ,nice digeestable , but still interesting and imformative

[@Snuffy03]

Splendid behavior.

[@chrisazure1624]

I wonder if I need to tell the traffic cop I have an ax in my automobile.

[@robmcdonald7074]

Thanks for the video. It was very interesting. I'm just wondering your opinion regarding the sale of VC medals. In the United States, it's illegal to buy or sell military medals. Whilst in the UK it isn't. I personally find it distasteful, that people can make a profit on other peoples deeds and sacrifices.

[@redcoathistory]

Hi. I'm fairly agnostic to be honest. Not a strong opinion either way.

[@danforbes4513]

a mad axe man :)

[@mafirearmsafety]

Don’t bring an axe to a gun fight.

[@alanredmond88]

Go for it

[@guaporeturns9472]

Didn’t the dude have an SMLE , or at least a Webley?

[@knutclau705]

Don't tell the MoD! They might feel encouraged to issue more axes... 😂

[@redcoathistory]

Ha ha good point!

[@knutclau705]

@@redcoathistory The redcoat will conquer any foe, but the whitehall idiocracy... (sigh) Same here in Germany!

[@BrianJones761-wc4hu]

Please prioritise detailed longer videos.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Brian. Yep, they will still be the priority. I am just experimenting with ways to keep posting in the meantime.

[@andrewduke1489]

I like it

[@glynprice3815]

Keep it up please

[@thomasbeach905]

If the political situation improves? If that happens, it might be best to repatriate the remains to the UK. The political situation would not likely remain good for very long.

[@donovanlourens9759]

Hi redcoet team just wanted find out about climbing majoba mountain me and wife wants to go to how do we go about doing it

[@redcoathistory]

Hi. I reccommend a guide. Sean Friend in KZN might be your best bet...If you email me via my website I can send you his number.

[@colinwithey6792]

Where about in tranmere did he live as I live in the tranmere area have found albert levers house of cocoshell fame

[@viktorkanyik3416]

0:07 he looks like the british military version of John Cena. Just look at his face

[@michaelhowell2326]

Thank Saint George ISIS didn't find the place.

[@mikemyers8064]

👍🏻🇬🇧

[@regwirth3004]

👍

[@PhilipCoombe]

Tigris pronounced tie griss .

[@redcoathistory]

Excellent info thanks.