The Mystery Grave In Westminster Abbey: The London History Show

In each episode of The London History Show, we'll be looking at a different statue, plaque, building or feature of London's landscape that you can find for yourself, and we'll tell its story. Watch the whole series here: tinyurl.com/ybzud2wm
Join my patrons here: www.patreon.com/jdraperlondon
Find my TikTok here: / jdraperlondon
Book tours with me here: www.eventbrite.com/o/j-draper...
If you want to find the location of any London History Show episode for yourself, you can do that here: tinyurl.com/yc3ry3ku
Sources and further reading:
Hughes-Wilson, John. "A History of the First World War in 100 Objects."
Pathe, 1920. "Armistice Day 1920- Homecoming of an Unknown Warrior." www.iwm.org.uk/collections/it...
Railton, D. 1931. "The Origin of the Unknown Warrior’s grave" www.westminster-abbey.org/med...

[@PhoebeFayRuthLouise]

This brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for telling the story of the unknown warrior so beautifully. You are the history teacher I’ve been needing all my life!

[@JDraper]

You always say such lovely things! Thank you.

[@BallinButAtWhatCost725]

Same here. That ending legitimately still has tears in my eyes, I really want to quote it somewhere. “He is unknown, and yet well known, and buried among kings”

[@Weirdkauz]

I started sobbing in desperation... muddy WWI was so unbelievably terrible, still, they came up with WWII and topped it off with Nagasaki so fast, no-one had time to surrender after Hiroshima... and now they seem to have forgotten it all and stride towards WWIII. And again, parents will cry, as their children die. Civilisation itself will decline, men will turn into monsters and in the end, if any people are left, they will find that it all has solved nothing.

[@brucehutch5419]

​@@Weirdkauz . The leaders running the war in Japan and the Japanese citizens were not about to surrender even after weeks of massive conventional bombing on Japan's industrial centers. US America was planning a conventional invasion of Japan and it was estimated that would be a million people killed on each side before the war was over. Wars have been going on forever since the beginning of human beings. The British Isles have been invaded and re invaded by many people before England was a country. World War I was horrible with so many casualties and the armistice was a setup for World War II. USA America didn't suffer as much because we got in so late.

[@SPenrose1987]

Likewise here.

[@zappababe8577]

The queue to place a bouquet on the grave being 7 miles long really got to me. That is a lot of grieving people, yet it's a tiny fraction of the whole number who lost relatives and loved ones.

[@nikkicafeina]

I'm crying, honestly. I had no idea just how unknown the warrior is, and the symbolism of it. It's perfectly poignant, considering he's meant to be /anyone/ who could've died, and so he is.

[@toothless3835]

Same. Ugh. I've become so emotional as I get older. Before I could watch something like A monster calls or Coco without a bat of my eye. Now I just sit quietly wiping my tears away whenever I hear Remember Me. =P I don't know if I like it.

[@EcceJack]

Yeah, I saw a couple of comments mentioning tears in their eyes. Mine are definitely streaming down my cheeks - and I'm not even *from* the UK, although I do live here now. But the horrors of war are horrific everywhere, and I was also not aware of just how poignant this grave was

[@jeplica7011]

Those little poppies, I'm in USA, my dad used to have one of those in the car. A little yellow Volkswagen rabbit in the 80s

[@patrician3821]

I have recently found your work and I am bingeing it. But this one was really beautiful and made me cry. I am not English, not from Europe and my country didn’t send men to WWI. But I think everyone can understand the importance of mourning someone. I am a doctor and during the worst of the Covid pandemic I saw how families were even more devastated because they were not allowed to see their loved one’s bodies, no funeral, closed caskets. They had to formally recognize their family member by pictures we took on our cellphones. I hope all the suffering we lived through will also be remembered. The victims and their families deserve it

[@mary_katie_9199]

Fun fact: there's been people wanting to do a DNA test or dissenter the grave to find out who he is. Everyone seeking it has been denied. Because that's the point of the unknown soldier. He could be anyone but someone. Which is the most beautiful thing ever. Every soldier gone is never forgotten.💖 Rest in peace. 😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@truechaos6927]

Great presentation, you should have mentioned that of all the graves at Westminster Abbey, this is the only one that it is forbidden to walk on.

[@dfdemt]

Here in the states, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is guarded by a single armed honor guard soldier that doesn’t wear rank insignia (so as not to outrank the unknowns, whatever their rank was) and they’ve stood posted 24/7/365 since the day they were interred. The watch has never ceased. Not rain, snow, wind, thunderstorm, hail, terrorist attacks on 9/11, or anything else has caused the watch to cease. That’s amazing. The inscription on the tomb reads “Here rests in honored glory an American soldier, known but to God”. There were unknown soldiers from WW I & II, Korea, and Vietnam but the Vietnam unknown soldier was recently identified through DNA testing.

[@VineFynn]

Why would they DNA test it.. that defeats the entire purpose of the memorial

[@morganw2492]

​@@VineFynn because it's more important that the person be returned to their family, if they have any

[@davidsnapp7121]

@@VineFynn the grave now stands vacant with a new slab dedicated to “Honoring and Keeping Faith with America's Missing Servicemen 1958 - 1975", and as a reminder of the American Armed Forces commitment to the fullest possible accounting of missing service members.

[@punchkitten874]

In the USA, we also commissioned the Tomb of the Known Soldier, but it didn't go very well. The soldier's family refused to allow him to be buried in Washington, instead insisting on a family plot in the backwoods of Georgia. After the parents died, the family allowed the grave to be moved to a nearby historic cemetery, Myrtle Hill Cemetery in Rome, Georgia. There he rests guarded by twin cannons and a statue honoring Nathan Bedford Forrest (of Forrest Gump 'fame')

[@dempseyarmy7524]

@@punchkitten874 "of Forrest Gump fame" ...or, you know, KKK fame.

[@NaughtyShepherd]

This is the best documentary of The Unknown Warrior. As an American I had no knowledge of the background and significance of his grave. I can only imagine what his grave must have meant to those who lost entire families to the war. Thank you for sharing his story in such a heartfelt way.

[@svenjas1201]

You took the words right out of my mouth, I was thinking just that! Thank you, J., for your remarkable videos!

[@Annie_Annie__]

Same here. I never thought to look up the history behind our Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and of course not Britain’s Tomb of the Unknown Warrior. I really just saw the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as some odd Army tradition. I did a quick Google and apparently at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier there’s an unknown serviceman from WWI, both theaters of WWII, Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

[@renastone9355]

Hearing of women who lost both their husband and "all their sons" brought me to tears. I can't imagine such grief.

[@edcrichton9457]

The US Congress awarded the Medal of Honor to the Unknown Warrior and his French counterpart. The WWI Unknown Soldier received a Victoria Cross.

[@Yen-pg3yd]

@@Annie_Annie__ the unknown soldier from the vietnam war was identified many years later. He had been "misplaced" during the confusion of the war. He now rests at his families grave.

[@raystaar]

I just Googled your tour guide service and I must say, I'm a bit surprised to see you're still at it, only because I felt sure you must have been snapped up and pressed into service as a BBC presenter by this time. You're brilliant. Thank you so much for all the wonderful yarns, sagas, myths and anecdotes. I hope to get back to London in future. Fingers crossed I can avail myself of your services in person. Cheers.

[@TripsandFeasts1]

I live just behind Victoria station in central London. When I go for a walk, I will [most of the time] cut through that station. I will almost always walk past the entrance to platform no 8. There, on the gates, is information re the arrival of the Unknown Soldier to platform no 8. Sometimes (especially around Remembrance Sunday) I’ll see various tributes that have been left. It’s very humbling.

[@TripsandFeasts1]

p.s. Jay, you really do make some of the best videos that I’ve seen. The research alone must take you considerable time, plus there’s all the editing. I really hope that the KZbin algorithms are being kind to you.

[@greybirdo]

Australia’s unknown soldier was taken from the Adelaide cemetery at Villers Brettoneux and reinterred in the Hall of Memory at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on 11 November 1993, 75 years to the day after the end of the war. Engraved at the foot of his grave are the words, “He is all of them, and he is one of us”. Lest we forget.

[@markevely1583]

A brilliant example of a story told simply but effectively. Made me cry .. Your telling deserves a wider audience.

[@mikaylaeager7942]

I really didn’t expect to cry. You do an incredible job showing the humanity in history, a topic that often feels inhumane.

[@Cdr_Mansfield_Cumming]

Jay, what a wonderful piece. I have stood at the foot of the Unknown Warrior and laid my wreath, for my freind who didn’t return from Afghanistan in 2012 aged just 19. It gave comfort to have acknowledged family members and comrades who had died in fields afar. Your clip dealt with the subject in a solemn and reverent manner. No glorifying, just pure respect.

[@veramae4098]

The "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier" in U.S. has changed 3 or 4 times since forensic methods have improved and the soldier was identified. There seems to be no lack, though, of new bodies to inter. On a brighter note, I'm glad they keep trying to identify them. P.S. I decided to double check with Google and found out I was almost completely wrong. The Vietnam War vet was identified, and his place has been left empty. No one else. As my Dad used to say "It's not what you know that gets you in trouble, it's what you know that ain't so."

[@Duessa2000]

Beautiful. This brought tears to my eyes. I’ve been fortunate to visit Westminster numerous times, but your story is more moving than anything I’ve heard while there. It never occurred to me that the soldier is THAT unknown… he could easily be a Canadian boy from my hometown as he could be a Major from a wealth family

[@Marian-pb7fd]

I just came across your video. I have the picture and medals of a great Uncle who died in World War I fighting in France 1916. He was much-loved and mourned by his family. I heard the men who died in wars lose 2 lives, the life they were living when they died and the life never lived. Thank you so much for your post

[@vernvernham9519]

As a Canadian who has participated in many Remembrance Day ceremonies i am in tears love the work and the amount of care you take in videos

[@dragonlordjonerc]

Back in 2019 I visited London and Westminster Abbey. I remember reading the stone laid there and just crying. Even listening to this I'm tearing up and sniffling.

[@StrixyN]

Daaaamn that was sooo good. I've heard this story a dozen times before, but never like this. If you had performed this live I would be standing and applauding. Bravo. Well done.

[@MemphisJones]

As a veteran myself, I find this to be extremely heartwarming and heartbreaking. RIP to all unknown service members. 💜

[@JACarter]

I am not British but I am struggling to hold back tears. Truly this is one of the most human things we've ever done.

[@stevenwilgus8982]

I am a retired soldier in America. Amongst my duties, I was a MEDIC. I have rarely been as moved as I am with your presentation that was without a doubt, one of the MOST respectful I have ever seen. I believe in my opinion this was/is a standard by which all others should be judged, and they will need to strive greatly to equal yours, ma'am. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. God Bless you.

[@tinalanger7589]

I shared your reaction. I seem to be immune to the attractions of ritual and seem unmoved by funerals but this presentation of the unknown warrior made me weep. Astonishingly--very moving.

[@orrinscott-stewart3641]

I'm from an English Colony in the Caribbean and my Highschool has a monument with Alumni who died in both World War 1 and 2 fighting in the British Army so its not even just over there. Beautiful story, beautifully told. All wars are horrific but that was the first time death from war on such a massive scale was realised. It must have been such a shock to the people living then.

[@KristenRowenPliske]

This was beautifully done! Made me cry. My grandfather served in World War II and Korea, but I am fortunate that he came home. I loved him dearly. We have a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, as well, but I’ve never visited there. It’s guarded 24/7 and it’s apparently a high honor to do so.

[@Covah86]

It's one of those interesting things about being a soldier. I've lost friends to combat, accidents and suicide but no matter what happens we're all remembered through the unknown soldier.

[@SCMelArts]

So sorry for your losses, and thankful for your service

[@victorcarneiro559]

I saw the comments while I was beginning to watch the video and I thought it would be good. It is fantastic. I cryed and I got so touched, in a way I did not thought it was possible in the middle of a pandemic. And I wonder, as a Brazilian, been victim of a systematic government plan of spreading covid as much as it can, will we have a grave to weep our dead? I'm too emotional. Your channel is just amazing. Thank you.

[@JDraper]

A memorial to COVID is definitely something I've been thinking about. I used to talk a lot about the Black Death on tours, and one of the things I would point out to visitors is that epidemics like the bubonic plague often killed a much higher percentage of the population than any war, but they don't get big fancy memorials. Perhaps with a disease outbreak, it's not so much "lest we forget" as "let's forget".

[@marieroberts5664]

​@@JDraper currently, there are memorials to the workers and patients that died during covid at the nursing home and rehabilitation center that my husband was recuperating at, and they can't be the only ones doing it.

[@deborahbranham-taylor6682]

I was thinking the same thing while watching your Black Death video. Remembering the fallen of a war is honoring service and bravery. Humans do not want to be reminded of masses of people languishing miserably and dying during times of confusion, turbulence and fear.

[@paulsengupta971]

@@JDraper There is a memorial stone to the covid victims on the front of the chemist shop in Maerdy in the Rhondda in South Wales. Covid took a terrible toll in the South Wales valleys with its aging population.

[@phillipallen3259]

I really enjoy your videos but one is perhaps the most touching video I have seen in a long time on any channel. I spent a significant amount of my early adulthood on active duty in the US Marine Corps. Veterans, parents and widows understand the price of war better than anyone. To honor the unknowns in such a way is profoundly touching. Although we may never have another unknown, we will always be able to grasp the value of these memorials. Thank you J!

[@dixiecyrus8136]

Thank you DEVIL DOG ❤️❤️🙏🙏

[@AMCCUBMAN]

Yet again a wonderful video, I know the story of the Unknown Warrior well, but still you managed to bring tears to my eyes. THANK YOU. With reference to your comment the "every town, village" etc has a Memorial to their dead, may I respectfully suggest you research the term "Thankful Village" or "Blessed Village" these are the 50+ villages in England (3 in Wales) where all their WW1 combatants returned home. Again thank you for all your wonderful videos.

[@JDraper]

That's interesting! I'd only ever heard of the opposite- where a Pals' Battalion all made up from people in the same factory or village all signed up together, only to have none of them make it home. Thank you for the tip ^_^

[@paulsengupta971]

@@JDraper There are also "doubly thankful" villages, ones where they didn't lose anyone in WWII either. There are only fourteen of those.

[@Fijkast]

In Moscow there is a grave of the unknown soldier, dedicated to all the unknown soldiers who died in World War Two. It has an eternal flame burning on top and is guarded by two soldiers at all times. It’s also surrounded by monuments to “hero cities”, all the cities that either had battle in them or contributed somehow to the cause. It’s right next to the Red Square and is one of the biggest symbols of World War Two remembrance in Russia.

[@ernestestrada2461]

Thank you. My father served in the military for 22 years. When I was a boy some of my schoolmates fathers died in the service of their country. Growing up knowing it could have been my father is a fate many will never know. Thank you for this touching tribute to those who gave their lives in service to their nation.

[@marilyntaylor8652]

The British tomb of the unknown soldier as the United States tomb of the unknown soldier brings a solace that is sorely needed. War is not noble. War is only for the most miserable, pressing, "fight if we must" circumstances. Soldiers die and not every body can be repatriated. Having a tomb where the families can mourn is so comforting. Your presentation was equal to the task of presenting was is, essentially, a holy place. I love your videos and your presentations. They are always entertaining and informative. Your low- key delivery of this one was perfect. Thank you.

[@lisamarie06]

I was not expecting this make me cry. My grandfather lived to 87, and was buried in a veteran's memorial cemetery. On Memorial Day, after he passed, we went to the ceremony held at the cemetery. The part of the ceremony dedicated to PoWs and MIAs had me crying in the same way.

[@iainawatson]

I understand why you focus on short-form content, but I do treasure these longer ones, they're of such high quality with a really unique voice. This one is particularly affecting.

[@madcyclist58]

I feel that unlike many subsequent grand and impressive versions, the understated simplicity of this original monument adds to it's poignancy.

[@johnfry1011]

If you happen to be at Victoria station, there is a plaque commemorating where his coffin rested overnight before the funeral. There are also two memorials (the station was built by two different railway companies).

[@Andyvan92110]

This is so well done. You are so good at narration, and the script is excellent.

[@user-jz7vp7kg1u]

This reminds me, that we just recently reframed the foto of my great-grandfather in his army uniform. He died in World War 2 in some Russian place called Alexandria when my grandma was just four years old. She was born just a few weeks before the start of the war and probably only knew her father as a soldier. She told me she still remembers the day when soldiers came to their home to notify her mother of her husband's death.

[@cazzi1929]

Thanks for this. My 3 times great grandfather died in ww1 on the first day of the Battle of Gully Ravine in Turkey as a 39 year old Private (just a year or two away from avoiding conscription). He died without a grave, as is so common with soldiers, leaving behind a wife and two young children.

[@leod-sigefast]

If he was at Gallipoli, he would most likely been a pre-war professional soldier (i.e. they had joined the army before WWI and had experience, usually in colonial operations, some even Boer War veterans), often the 1914 and 1915 boys are referred to as 'the Old Contemptibles'. My great grand uncle was an Old Contemptible, also killed in 1915 but south of Ypres, mortally wounded under intense German shell fire for 5 days. Respect to all who served and all who gave their lives.

[@cazzi1929]

@@leod-sigefast that sounds dreadful. Perhaps luckily, my great(X3) grandfather met a rather quick end. His regiment was the 156th Scottish Rifles, who had only recently been sent to Gallipoli to attack Fir Tree Spur. This battle was perhaps the most unsuccessful of all the battles in Gallipoli. The Ottomans had artillery and machine guns, while the Rifles only had a few weeks of training and relatively little support - it was a massacre, but at least it was quick. Even Major General Granville Egerton protested to superiors about how his battalion had become 'sacrificed'. For his family and regiment, there really was no glory in war.

[@AndromedaCripps]

I guess I never realized that those Tombs of the Unknown Soldiers actually contained a body. In a way, it feels like that almost legitimizes the memorial. Like this body is an effigy, a conduit for all the grief and love of every family that visits to pay respects for their loose loved ones. One of the noblest services one could provide in death.

[@charliemelly6723]

Wow - those last couple of lines. The impact! Thank you for outlining all the possibilities of who the Unknown Soldier could be. Hits home who he represents.

[@dianedupree-dempsey2402]

Late to the party, but I am weeping as I write. This was so beautifully done.

[@JustinMorphius]

Really deserve more subscribers. Your videos are amazing for intaking some interesting knowledge after a days work.

[@Ozymandi_as]

What a terrific video. The tomb of the unknown soldier is a staple of many a national monument, but I did not know its origins - though it's not surprising that it began in the wake of WWI, a conflict which industrialised death and mutilation. Your sombre script was matched by spare production; and your mourning dress, and the poise of your delivery, beautifully evoked the bereaved widows and mothers who filled the Abbey that day to grieve a generation of men lost on the killing fields of France and Belguim.

[@unclenogbad1509]

Thank you for this, a very plain-speaking but moving video. I've been to Westminster Abbey may times, and all the graves and monuments are interesting, but it's this one, of the Unknown Soldier, that arrests your attention. a true memorial.

[@mayajrj]

It adds poignancy that every Royal bride since the Duchess of York in 1923 have laid their bouquet on the tomb of the Unknown Warrior. Our Late Queen Elizabeth II was pictured in 2020 laying flowers on the tomb of the unknown Soldier

[@dawidkaszub2533]

That was a quality content - thank you for sharing the story! We have a memorial of the unknown soldier in Warsaw, but I always thought that it is a (lame) symbol rather than an actual grave. This makes it way more meaningful than I thought.

[@20chocsaday]

A symbol is all some people are left with. It represents the individual person who is missing to each person who misses him or her.

[@Ghostdancer4444]

As a Veteran myself, I have to say this is brilliant Jay, just brilliant.

[@Peter-oh3hc]

One of the most moving and informative things I have ever seen. As an old American almost everything I heard was about WWII. Ashamed to say it is only recently I have learned about the monumental nature of WWI and the incredible cost in human life and suffering. Thank you.

[@craziej2k1]

These videos are awesome! You're like a Mary Poppins of history!

[@Hide.the.Salami]

It's been years since I was in the UK, but it's long been an aim of mine to pay some tribute there, in some way, wreath or otherwise, directly FOR that individual. For the fact that not only do they represent so many who were obliterated beyond recognition, they as a person were suddenly ended in that way. That monument is the most poignant of which I know.

[@user-jz7vp7kg1u]

Damn, I almost cried. I love your videos. They are always so well-researched, yet still personal.

[@lizziejlake]

it’s so bittersweet to imagine that perhaps in the 7 mile queue, the unknown warrior’s true family held a bouquet addressed to him

[@timdurham2080]

The art of story telling is being entertaining, jolly and loud, but then, when necessary, being solemn and respectful. You nailed it here, it's a story that should make every Brit proud of what their very recent ancestors sacrificed for us today and told perfectly.

[@Wambie68]

Excellent delivery of such an important story. The unknown soldiers would have been proud you have honoured them in this way. Well done.

[@WimRijksen]

Such a moving story. You researched and told it so well. Thank you.

[@RevSinkiller]

Thank you. Here in the states The Great War is often times overlooked. We followed your example and created our own "tomb of the unknown soldier." It truly is a good thing so as to draw attention to the common soldier rather than just the Generals. Lions led by donkeys. WW1 always held a special place in my heart ❤️. Once again, thank you so very much.

[@davidbarbaree3160]

Beautifully done. I just discovered your channel about a week ago, and. have watched almost everything you've posted by now, and this one is exquisite.

[@knownothing5518]

Thinking about WWI for more than five minutes ever since reading and watching Testament of Youth makes me cry like a baby. I love this video!

[@Bodhran67]

Your video is so inspiring I shared it with my American Battle Monuments Commission interpretive guide colleagues. Our job is making sure that "Time will not dime the glory of their deeds", for American soldiers, but also for all, military or civilians, who lost their lives in the World Wars.

[@sariahseare3753]

This was great! The music really keeps the interest and emotion of the subject. Nice video!

[@bforman1300]

Have been to the US tomb of the unknown several times. Always humbling. The one for the Vietnam War is now left empty which is particularly poignant. Thank you for sharing!

[@franmatthewman253]

Having lost my cousin who was a soldier, This story is a very emotional one. Thank you for sharing it so beautifully ❤

[@silentrock599]

I’ve just started watching your videos, and I’ve got to say, they’re really interesting and informative. I’m surprised you don’t have more views. Nice work.

[@jeffreyhoadley5697]

Fantastic job I've been watching all your work and it's all amazing. Yet this one really stands out as simple yet powerful. I'm an American construction worker and listen to your episodes numerous times throughout my day. I have a fascination with history and the sciences and you do a stellar job on your side of the street. Thank you so much 👍🙏🎉

[@ninapavlovic4454]

Heart felt and well told - thank you!

[@Ibis117]

This was lovely. Perfectly done. Both of my grandfathers died very soon after the war, of wounds, and illnesses, acquired during the conflict. One has a CWG, in this country, as he died within two months of the armistice. Thank you.

[@mxpants4884]

What is a CWG?

[@mayajrj]

@@mxpants4884 Commonwealth War Grave

[@skyetoddmakeup]

Damn. I didn't think I was going to cry.

[@sdsuperiorairbrush]

Dido.....'This brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for telling the story of the unknown warrior so beautifully. You are the history teacher I’ve been needing all my life!'

[@KenZchameleon]

I thought I knew this story, but I didn't know the nuances. I really appreciate the gravitas you bring to your videos. Now I need to find some tissues.

[@adamgoodwin771]

Ooof this one hits all the emotions. Fantastic video

[@catknit7]

Your videos are always so fantastic. Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge and research with us- even when they are about tragedies, you show the beauty in the gestures and the meanings, and I’m very grateful!

[@NaturallyRC]

Yet another outstanding bit of storytelling from one of KZbin's best content creators. 👍❤ You can't cram every fact into one video, but no mention of "the poppy" is complete without John McCrae. Paraphrasing the Canadian Encyclopedia, 'Army surgeon McCrae was struck by the bright red flowers blooming from the churned battleground in 1915, and wrote, "In Flanders Fields" to speak for the dead buried under them. The published poem had gone "viral" by the time McCrae died in 1918 (war-related illness) and the Lieutenant Colonel remains an icon in Canada today.' All this said, I admire Jenny's passion for scrutinizing tired old history tropes under a modern lens. And the poem's famous last verse does both glorify the dead and encourage the living to continue what was nothing more than senseless slaughter. The fact that IFF became the linchpin for advertising campaigns meant to sign up recruits and collect money to build more bombs provides an interesting peek into the mindset that led to and fuelled all the insanity.

[@otaple]

Just found your channel and your videos are really good!

[@chrisb508]

Thank you for this explanation. As a retired soldier, I found myself overcome with tears feeling grief for the tremendous loss.

[@rifelaw]

You are the historian we need if not the one we deserve.

[@kirkmorrison6131]

I have gone to our Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, at Arlington National Cemetery, just outside Washington DC. I have never failed to be moved emotionally by it. Ours contains, one from WWI, one from WWII and Korea.

[@fredhayes6162]

J. Draper, you are at your very best in this memorial. thank you

[@georgemacewan9674]

This is truly, your best ever. You teach from the heart. You brought an old war horse to tears.

[@zng7568]

Of all your videos (which I love), this must be the most impressive. Ofcourse here, in The Netherlands, we don't have a collective memory of the Great War, but the mere scale of it makes one stand in awe. A dear Belgian friend of mine made a great songcycle about it, which i witnessed on the evening of november 10th 2018. One of the songs tells the story of the Belgian unknown soldier, who was buried in 1922, and chosen in quite a similar way. And ofcourse I visited Ieper, where the Last Post is played every evening, every evening, for the last hundred plus years. Thank you, ms. Draper, for this story.

[@Folkstone1957]

The best of all the videos I have seen in this series. I haven’t seen a poorly done installment & I don’t expect to after seeing this. “The least star in the heavens still shines.”

[@SuLokify]

Really enjoying the long format video essays on this channel. Thanks for making something worth watching!

[@barbaramccoy3592]

I only recently found your channel and am quite impressed with your presentations. This was incredibly touching and brought me to tears. The explanation about the poppies answered a lingering question.

[@williamwalbridge3895]

Bravo, amazing tribute to memory of the Unknown Warrior and all of the unknown warriors. Very moving.

[@aldmarius1060]

This was extremely interesting, I had never heard of it before now. Thank you for sharing the story!

[@stephaniecoulson9710]

Im enjoying all of your lessons! They are ensightful, funny and informative with historical facts and explanations when there are no facts. Knowing fact from fiction and what mindset lead the things that shaped our nation is very important. I think schools should use your videos as lesson resources!!

[@funkyfemsel2112]

So now i'm crying. Did not expect this to hit this hard ❤️❤️

[@martinsmithson8127]

Lovely video, so well put together.

[@fritziepisarski8681]

My great uncle is buried in Flanders Field American Cemetery and memorial. He was 30 and died about a month before the war ended. Our veterans sell poppies near Decoration Day , Our own Arlington National Cemetery have soldiers unknown but to God. Thank you for this story, I knew of the British unknown but not how his burial came to be.✝️

[@20chocsaday]

Unknown but to God is the way I think.

[@ericrabinowitz6390]

This video appeared in my KZbin feed in mid October. Now I'm in tears. If only this HAD been The War To End All Wars.

[@zeromotivation1817]

In Australia, the RSL ( Returned and Services League) sells poppies for fundraising. We wear them on both Anzac day and Armistice day. Indeed the unknown soldier could be an Australian, one of our own lost in yet another bloody war of conquest and politics. Thank you for such a thoughtful and respectful video honouring those that paid the ultimate price for another's pride and ambition.

[@mickim5507]

Amazing piece. Thank you.

[@HeatherDavis13]

I just discovered your channel today (Easter Sunday). It is wonderful!!! Thanks for all your hard work. 😊

[@jineshshaha7499]

Fantastic Video 👍

[@blackjed]

I remember being there. The amount of memorials, graves, effigies.... I simply could not walk the halls without being a bit traumatized. It hurt to walk.

[@amandabirenbach463]

Your way of telling this story was so beautiful and moving. I read the comments saying the same before watching the video, and I honestly didn’t expect to be affected that much since I’m usually not, but this time I was. Thank you for doing this topic

[@victoriaeads6126]

It's always so very moving to visit ones of these memorials. The one at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia is beautiful and solemn.

[@beleraphon07]

Beautifully explained. Sitting hear with tears pouring down my face. Thankyou.

[@bouquetchocolatesandconfec77]

Is was a sailor - this subject is always heart felt for many veterans. Thank You Thís presentation was beautiful

[@vannasilver]

That was beautifully haunting, thank you

[@andrewmorgan1819]

A beautiful respectful and moving presentation, your delivery was perfect and your outfit well chosen. I only discovered your channel a few days ago so thank you for a fair bit of education I should have had in school. I hope you don't object to me adding these two details. He was brought to the Port of Dover, on the Destroyer HMS Verdun, with a six Battleship escort. The casket was made of Oak from Hampton Court and the sword fixed onto on the casket, was personally chosen by King George V from the Royal collection.

[@srilankanlegacy1216]

can't stop crying just listening to the story. imagine if we were one of those grieving one....heartbreaking

[@janellwagoner4053]

Between how beautifully spoken and what a lovely presentation I couldn't help but be touched.

[@user-bj9lr4uk8d]

I have watched this video at least 6 times. I still tear up - every single time.