The Royal Canadian Regiment and The Battle of Paardeberg

The forgotten history of a storied regiment, the Royal Canadian Regiment. This is the second episode of a special holiday series featuring the History Guy's hat collection. It was originally made as exclusive content for the channel's patrons on Patreon. You can get exclusive content too by giving as little as one dollar a month to The History Guy at / thehistoryguy .
This is original content based on research by The History Guy. Images in the Public Domain are carefully selected and provide illustration. As images of actual events are sometimes not available, images of similar objects and events are used for illustration.
All events are portrayed in historical context and for educational purposes. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.
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The History Guy: History Deserves to Be Remembered is the place to find short snippets of forgotten history from five to fifteen minutes long. If you like history too, this is the channel for you.
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Script by THG
#history #thehistoryguy #Canada

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

Some viewers have expressed a concern regarding Patreon. I understand your concerns, and, of course, whether you choose to become a patron is completely you choice. But my channel is not the forum for people to express their disagreements with Patreon.

[@TheShadowofDormin]

WOW I have celebrated remembrance day my whole 28 years of life and not once have I heard any one say it started from this conflict, I will have to let people know! I also wish my Grandpa was still alive because he always said it was because of WW2 but I think that was just to ease into war stories

[@user-td1zo3tv9p]

Sir, I'm sorry to learn that there are some Rotten Apples in the basket who seek to complain about such an important aspect of your videos. I, for one, cannot afford to give a regular offering to become a Patreon supporter but would be willing to send you $5.00 or so periodically to help support what I consider to be an important channel. To that end, can you please PM me on how I can extend some support, meager and irregular it may be? Thank you again.

[@MerrimanDevonshire]

THG - a word of caution from one that has had dealt with 'disharmonious' issues like this in the past: Try to stay 'under the radar' with this topic as you can, and be prepared to execute new 'alternative revenue streams' if necessary. 'Fence Sitting' can be tedious, but it can insure a long career.

[@jackielinde7568]

Episode Suggestion: Why not cover the period of time where the capitol of the Territory of Arizona was called "The Capitol on Wheels"? When this was talked about in the state history class I took in high school (some three decades ago...), I was under the impression that the moves were largely fueled by distrust of the miners and loggers in the northern part of the state with the ranchers in the southern part of the state. However, I found only a handful of articles, and they suggest it may been more due to the civil war than two industries battling over policy. In the end, a small farming town was picked to be a midpoint between the locations. This choice would ultimately help shape that farming town and transform it into one of the top ten cities in the US by population: Phoenix, Arizona. kjzz.org/content/49056/did-you-know-capital-arizona-moved-4-times-settling-phoenix arizonaoddities.com/2010/10/early-political-shenanigans-how-phoenix-became-the-capital-of-arizona/

[@cavscout888]

Dr. Jordan Peterson is working with many others to find a final solution to the Patreon (and paypal, mastercard, visa) Problem.

[@paulalexander2928]

I am a former member of the Queens Own Rifles of Canada ( 24 years) one of Canada's longest serving regiments formed in 1860 and proud that I served my regiment and my country and my brothers and sisters in Canada's other proud units. IN PACE PARATUS ( In peace prepared)

[@darring.9161]

@j t No Fear...We will throw his arse to the curb on October 2019.

[@brianperry150]

As a follower of your channel and a former Canadian Soldier, I thank you for your story of my Regiment. Do or die for the VRI

[@dalekidd420]

As a patriotic Canadian and a history addict, Thank You!

[@maxbofinger8081]

Hello History Guy Did you watch that video about the Nazi ghost train I loved to hear. about from your perspective please email me when you read this note my email address is [e-mail] thanks alot

[@cavscout888]

The Canadians should have opted to get distributed among British units. Never put your troops under British control, as they use them like an expendable hammer, as this video shows more examples of. The goals will be overly optimistic, the strategy will outdated and unimaginative, and the planning will be garbage.

[@janbadinski7126]

I didn't know it had happened at all. Canadians kick serious butt.

[@cavscout888]

@@andytaylor1588 WW2, politics dictated we had to let them try to take us a 'bridge too far.' Last time anything like that was allowed to happen. And ya, I think the ANZACs had the same experiences as Canada.

[@patrickbaillargeon8051]

As a patriotic French Canadian I can honestly say I had never heard that the Canadian PM was Sir Wilfrid "Lawyer". His name is Laurier, pronounced "Low-ree-yeah". And insofar as talking up the English Canadians' pride and service maybe the History Guy could atone for mangling Laurier's name by giving the public a capsule of the history of the Vandoos? "Je me souviens"

[@crazyguy32100]

Canadas loss of 118,000 troops over the course of the overseas conflicts may be smaller then the losses sustained by other countries but represents a greater proportion of of its population. Though it seems throughout most of the World Wars Canadian forces were used by the British in situations that were foreseen to be exceptionally dangerous (the Dieppe raid for example but the involvement of Canadian troops in that battle was due to their own commanders) they generally seemed to come out on top. Likely the defining moment of WWI for Canada was the Battle of Vimy Ridge, a location that the French sustained 150,000 casualties attempting to retake, captured by Canada at a cost of 10,600. A battle with a monument that impressed Adolf Hitler so much he toured it and stationed a guard of SS troops to prevent its desecration. In WWII the liberation of The Netherlands is often mentioned though a lesser known fact is that during of the Operation Overlord landings, D-Day June 6th 1944, at the end of the day the troops from Juno beach were further inland in France then any Allied ground forces had been since the evacuations nearly 4 years previously. All countries involves in the World Wars have their own stories; stories of victory, stories of loss, stories of heroism on the fronts and support at home. None of these stories are greater or less then the others as everyone in them all wanted the same thing, "The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war "-Douglas MacArthur. To learn from the past is one of the reasons those stories deserve to be remembered.

[@rabbi120348]

118,000 Canadians translates to 1,180,000 US troops on a per capita basis. I don't think we lost nearly that many in WW II + WW I combined.

[@roberthinch4833]

Very well put together and stated. So very true.

[@88porpoise]

Crazyguy332 One note, the reason the Canadians landed at Dieppe wasn’t because the British didn’t want to send their troops, but the Canadian government insisted that it be Canadians. Up to that time no Canadian army unit had seen action against the Germans on the ground, sure the RCAF and RCN were doing their part but the Canadian Army was seen as sitting on its butt in England while the British, Australians, Indians, etc were taking it to the Germans in North Africa (the only Canadian regiment to land in France withdrew before meeting the Germans and the disaster at Hong Long didn’t count for this). When the planning for operation Jubilee began, the plans for Torch were already well under way and it was known that the Americans would be attacking the Germans first despite joining the war two years late. Dieppe represented a chance for the Canadian Army to strike the Germans first. So, whatever you may say of Passchendaele or Verrieres (and I certainly have thoughts about Haig and Monty), the British weren’t the ones deciding to throw Canadian lives away at Dieppe.

[@dtaylor10chuckufarle]

The United States remembers. We remember. Oh, and we've completely forgotten about the misunderstanding in 1812.

[@crackmonkeynet]

@@88porpoise Mission support and the weather both changed on Dieppe

[@christopherbutler2700]

What a great episode. Canadian Army History isn’t covered often.... appreciate it.

[@brandondigiuseppe1111]

I agree. I don't see much on social media regarding Canada's military history. We have rich history full of success and failure. But regardless, we Canadians are proud of who were and what we've done throughout history

[@jackalbright8803]

Canadians are my next door neighbors and I'm Dan glad for them. Jack Albright USMC

[@OpenCarryUSMC]

Imagine my surprise to learn that Canada had a military! JUST KIDDING But they definitely 10:30 don’t get much press. I suppose that could be a god thing for some operations. Best wishes to my Canadian brothers in arms. SSgt USMC (ret)

[@colinp2238]

I wore that cap in it's dark blue with red band and piping as you showed there. We only wore it with #2 dress, the green "walking out" suit, #1 dress or blues, a ceremonial parade suit that was also dark blue with red trimmings or barrack dress which cinsited of dark green trousers, khaki shirt and in the winter green jumper. Usually a stable belt or a green plastic belt was worn in barrack dress, that, as it's name suggests, was worn around camp when not wearing work dress or fatigues as you know them. Number 1 dress (blues) is the equivalent to the bright tunics and blue trousers that the Guards Regiments wear when on ceremonial duties but they wear the Busby with their blues. Our nickname for our cap was the postmans hat because it was similar to what members of the Royal Mail wore on duty.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

Thanks for the details! And thank you for your service!

[@colinp2238]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel Thank you for your hard work and a Happy New Year to you and your family and, of course, to all your followers.

[@LetsTalkAboutPrepping]

At the second battle of Ypres in WW1, the Canadians held the gap caused by some of the first truly successful poison gas attacks and became the first former colonial forces to defeat a European imperial force in Europe. I have alot of respect for Canadian armed forces

[@darring.9161]

You also forgot to add that the entire operation was run by Canadian General Sir Arthur Currie...who was usually at odds with the British Command over their tactics! Likewise Viscount Julian Byng. While born in England...he had great confidence in the Canadian Soldiers at Vimy Ridge! He later became the 12th Governor General of Canada. (1921-1926).

[@andrewvanveen1804]

Brilliant. Thanks for remembering us. I was a cadet with 1 RCR. But then I joined the 1st Hussars...another storied Canadian Regiment. Well done you.

[@kevdupuis259]

Or as we used to joke "Run Chicken Run". Old Canadian Forces humour.

[@MrZzyzxx]

as a subscriber ( approx. # 22000 ) I am constantly treated to a "snippet of history that deserves to be remembered" --- the best part of being a subscriber is that I am smarter ( at least more informed ) every time I watch a new episode. 2018 gave us many things including a smart and easy on the eyes "Mrs. History guy " thanks for your research and your magnificent delivery. may only good things come your way in 2019.

[@itsjohndell]

Well said Sir, well said!

[@flagmichael]

Better yet is to be a patron! I am still at the base level of $1 per month but there are more than a thousand of us who are so enthralled by the channel that our support helps cement the future of the channel. If you would join us we can be more secure in our expectation of more insight into the fabric of our world.

[@rmelo5932]

I am a current MWO in the RCR. All three Regular Force Battalions and our one Primary Reserve Battalion still celebrate the Battle of Paardeberg with a formal Mess dinner. Excellent video.

[@Mondo762]

Very good. I know the Canadian Soldiers were vital to turning around the German offensive in WW1. Thank you for describing the origin of the Canadian Army's heroic regiment. Huge respect for the Canadians.

[@ELMS]

As a Canadian and veteran this was especially meaningful. Well done. Happy new year 🎊

[@AmokCanuck]

Thank you for your service sir. Happy new year

[@Cubic5]

As a South African I have to say your pronunciation of the names and places are not too bad. Strangely enough we did not learn this piece of history in school.

[@nedludd7622]

Listen to him try to pronounce Spanish or French words. A catastrophe.

[@dellawrence4323]

Canadians are our oldest and most faithful friends, and we love them, Greetings to our Canadian brothers from England.

[@rpm1796]

Right back Blighty🍻

[@padechris]

As a South African (Boer) I found this to be very good. To my knowledge this was the first time of air balloon observation to pinpoint artillery fire. The Boers thought this was not fair. Piet Cronje had wagons, woman and children with him in his lager. The boer army as a mobile force, Piet Cronje refused to abandon the woman, children and wagons. He could have escaped but chose to stay. He surrendered with 4019 men and 50 woman, children not known. My grandfather and his dad was captured there and send to St Helena

[@tomr3297]

Great video. Loved it very much. I immigrated to Canada from Poland in 1992 and wouldn't trade being a Canadian for anything. Although I am very proud to be Polish as well, I'm so thankful for all the opportunities that Canada provided my family and I. And I couldn't be more prouder of our Canadian troops. Cheers for this video History Guy. I'm learning lots!!!,

[@michaeldougfir9807]

Greetings from rural NW California. Thanks for boosting the Canadians, our good neighbours. The travelers among them come through our area frequently enough that we notice their number plates. They are always good guests here. And I wish to commend you for your thoroughness in your cap collection -- even including what I take to be a Skipper's cap from the Sea Scouts, BSA. I haven't seen one of these since the 1960s!

[@keitheckensviller250]

@historyguy Though I was not a member of the RCR, I was a proud member of the Canadian Army for over two decades and I have many friends who served in that fine regiment. Thank you for this video.

[@C.O._Jones]

Those Canadians were tenacious fighters. It’s amazing anyone survived some of those battles. Love the cat fur on the regiment shoulder patch! It gets everywhere, doesn’t it? I swear, it even somehow penetrates sealed packaging!

[@henerymag]

You make history so very interesting. Thank you for this segment. As a Canadian I learned a very important fact of my Country's history today. Thank you, and the very best to you in 2019.

[@stanzahero]

Talking about the Second Boer War, the story about Harry Morant (Breaker Morant) is a story that deserves to be remembered. (I wonder where I got that from...). He was the only Australian soldier to ever be shot by an English firing squad - in 1902 , with many people still blaming Kitchener for his murder today.

[@shawnblair5841]

As a Canadian veteran and occasional SSM..... For the love of all things sweet and holy run a damn lint brush over that kit! That close up almost gave me a seizure. Also... keep up the great work!

[@mikeclarke952]

Vimy Ridge is another great battle victory for us Canadians in WW1. 15,000 Can soldiers took the hill crawling behind a creeping artillery barrage. We loss about 3500 men, so losses were still pretty heavy but nothing compared to the 100,000 French troops lost during months leading up to the Canadian devised attack. Thanks for the great video.

[@geraldoutdoors245]

Great story I served with the RCR in Bosnia and Afghanistan. A great story about a great regiment, thank you.

[@youmaus]

I am a competitive marksman who received part of my training from 2RCR instructors. The tradition remains strong. Thanks for this fine presentation of regimental history. 2RCR is the primary lodger unit at CFB Gagetown.

[@minuteman4199]

As a Canadian, thanks for this. I saw that hat in your collection and thought I recognized it.

[@philipopperman7570]

Great episode. My great grandfather was Gerneral Christiaan de Wet. He was at Paardeberg to liberate Genl. Cronje's army. He dispatched a rider through British lines that surrounded Cronje, with a plan to fire open a gap where Cronje and his men could escape. Cronje refused. De Wet with heavy fire opened a gap but Cronje refused to leave his wagon trains behind. He surrendered the next day. De Wet would hold Cronje personally responsible for the defeat until his death.

[@philipopperman7570]

www.gutenberg.org/files/18794/18794-h/18794-h.htm Here is a link to his personal accounts of the war.

[@Celthire]

I am a current university student and I'm considering history as a major and I would appreciate being able to speak to you on a personal level to discuss career opportunities in the field. I am relatively lost, my friends have been telling me history is not a prosperous field of study, however it is my obsession and passion. If I could get some of you're insight I would be forever grateful as you are one of my major inspirations and I feel you are a wonderful example of a man who uses history as a profession. I highly doubt this comment will be seen by you but I feel that it's worth a shot. I appreciate everything you do for the prosperity of our world's history.

[@matthewmulcahy4402]

Thank you. Canadians are not taught much about our military history. I deeply appreciated learning about the RCRs.

[@hoverhead047]

Happy New Year. As and electric train driver in Melbourne (Aust) in the early 80s part of my uniform was one of those peaked caps. The badge on the front was my number. My class were among the last to be issued with those caps and numbered badges. I still have it.

[@brianpine7086]

Hi Chris, Just viewed this ! (a little after release though lol) Excellent! I served in the 1st Battalion RCR in the 70s . Proudest moments in my life. Keep up the great work. pro patria

[@alanbarnhill930]

Thank you and Happy New Year to you and your family! Love the diversity of your videos which are always informative and well done. A neighbour to the north.

[@cheesenoodles8316]

Great piece of history....I have learned another piece of history that deserves to be remembered.

[@travisgamble8765]

PM's Wilfred Laurier's last name is pronounced "Lorry-yay". Great video.

[@lukeconnolly2714]

Came here to do the same thing.

[@thescribbler7677]

Lol, I wasn't the only one who went "What?" with that pronunciation.

[@monkiram]

Oh I didn't even realize he was trying to say Laurier LOL that makes sense

[@catfishmudflap]

It is a hat that deserves to be remembered. Thank you History Guy.

[@45obiwan]

Canadians would supply the world's finest snipers .... if they didn't yell "SORRY" before they fired.

[@runtblitzen764]

longest shot ever is by a Canadian. even though the did say sorry, the target was over three kilometers away on a different mountain and couldn't hear.

[@TheOwenMajor]

Luckily the bullets travel faster than sound.

[@normmcrae1140]

We Do... and they Don't!

[@acchaladka]

I am Canadian and I very much approve of this joke. Sorry, carry on.

[@richardmcleish1820]

As a Canadian I can tell you we don’t say sorry before we fire. We say excuse me eh.

[@radarmike6713]

I'm a former RCAF member. My brother served as a radio operator with the 3RCR. A position he did in Afghanistan. I was proud to work with the regiment as an airman. I'm also proud to say my brother served with our greatest regiment. The greatest regiment of the British military and all her Commonwealth nation's. You should do the history of the other great battle the RCR are known for. When they held the line while being gassed. Where they held the trench while the rest retreated.

[@matthvm2]

Do not poke the moose

[@darring.9161]

You're Right...poke the Beaver instead! LOL

[@kevinchappell3694]

V Matthews or tease the Beaver......

[@blackdeath4eternity]

@ & your country is? that's kind of important in order to give a answer to the question.

[@scottleo1090]

@@blackdeath4eternity jeeeeeserbs.

[@colmhain]

, for you are crunchy and good with ketchup....

[@GoG6138]

I am binge watching every video you've ever put out and enjoying it quite a bit. Thanks for including some Canadian history.

[@nicholas5623]

i love when u cover topics about my beautiful country of Canada. Another great episode to go with the rest of them, merry Christmas and happy new year from one history junkie to another

[@richardmcleish1820]

As a Canadian thank you very much for this we don’t get a lot of recognition so it means a lot when we do

[@arrjay2410]

Even Canadians tend to dismiss the Canadian military's prowess, so it is good to see it presented here. Interesting note on one of the names here. During WWI the city of Berlin Ontario, was renamed "Kitchener", and is still the city of Kitchener Ontario. - and yes, you did mispronounce Laurier.

[@conveyor2]

Yet the capital of North Dakota remained "Bismarck" through both World Wars!

[@tiemeupplease]

and misspoke Regina as well as any us prairie folk know :)

[@sparky6086]

Seems like centuries ago now, but when I was in the US Army, I set up a radio-telephone relay on a hilltop with the Canadian Army. They were impressive soldiers & were well versed in their work. Many Canadians serve in the US Army with a green card (work permit), because the Canadian military isn't large, so doesn't have many slots to fill.

[@darring.9161]

Actually, it was called New Berlin before it was changed over to Kitchener-Waterloo. This was to honor Kitchener and commemorate the Duke of Wellington's victory at Waterloo. The Towns name change was prompted by Anti-German sentiments in World War One! Also, nothing wrong with Canada's Soldiers...they're top notch and extremely professional. The problem is that they don't get any real support or backing by its Government, and every time a budget goes through...they get gutted some more or left to continue on with outdated equipment. But they still get the Job DONE!

[@acchaladka]

Darrin G. Have we missed the part where the Trudeau government about tripled the 2015-2020 military budget? Brought Canada in line with NATO recommendations of 0.7% of GDP if I remember correctly. 🇨🇦

[@JR9979]

Greetings and happy new year from London, Ontario. Home of the RCR.

[@laurichilhorst7395]

Good Day Mr. History Guy. As a South African, it is really fascinating to learn about the courage and valor on both sides of a devastating war. Please do more videos about the Anglo Boer War. Of particular fascination is the development of guerrilla warfare, as the relatively "modern" use of concentration camps as a means to control the masses of Boer militia. Also, I'd be very keen to help with corrected pronunciation of words like Paardeberg, Modder, Stormberg, and Magersfontein.

[@davehossack7191]

History Guy you have proved to be THE treasure of KZbin, at least for the hundreds of thousands of history lovers who watch you religiously. Thank you for what you do, and as a Canadian that proudly wore a forage cap for many years, thank you especially for this one!! Have a safe and wonderful 2019.....a similar piece about the PPCLI would be greatly appreciated.

[@foreverinteriors]

Thanks so much for including us up here North of the boarder in your ongoing stories of past events

[@aldman]

I think I speak for all Canadians when I say Thank you for this history lesson so many of us never heard of or forgot. I guess this is part of our view on the world: Always helping often apologizing but never giving up. It is unfortunate that so many men, women and children, both in uniform and civilians, from so many nations have to pay the ultimate price for the idiocies of their leaders. This is the true lesson that humanity forgets before every war. As Ghandi once said: "The day the power of love overrules the love of power, the world will know peace." All our best for the New Year!

[@bhut1571]

It's a surprise to find this. I wore the Perth Regiment cap badge for 4 years until we were almalgamated into 3RCR which became 4RCR and wore the VRI for 6 more years. Audax et Cautus. Thanks for the history.

[@lordshipmayhem]

When I was in the Canadian Forces back around 1980, they were officially "forage caps". And although the Regiment's nickname is "Run Chicken Run", it does have a great deal of respect, even from the PPCLI and Van Doos.

[@fredericapanon207]

and the nickname for the PPCLI is Peanuts Popcorn Candy Licorice (and) Icecream. A former bandsman told me that. Don't get him started on the nicknames for the various regimental tunes...

[@lordshipmayhem]

@@fredericapanon207 actually it's "Please Protect Canada's Little Idiots". Most embarrassing nickname: the Governor-General's Foot Guards: "Good God, Forgot the Gustav". At the end of a field exercise, they left a Karl Gustav antitank weapon at the side of the road. When a team rushed back for the forgotten weapon, it had vanished - and I don't think it's been recovered yet.

[@jeroylenkins1745]

@@fredericapanon207 My grandfather fought in WWII and said it stood for Poor Pricks, Can't Leave Italy

[@TheLoachman]

@@jeroylenkins1745 There's a much ruder one than that, but manners prevent me from revealing it here.

[@richardmourdock2719]

H.G., as a Canada-o-phil yank, I loved this one. As a suggestion for a future episode, Conrad Black's book "Rise to Greatness the History of Canada" documents how Canadian history and its very formation as a federation was created as a result of its long fear of the U.S. As an American it was shocking to me that our great neighbor to the north so feared us for so many decades. I'd write more here, but that takes away from what would be a great story, better told by the H.G.

[@kojak99100]

Great segment ! Could you please do one about Leo Major ? He was the one-eyed Canadian Soldier who single-handedly liberated an entire town of 50,000 people.... he also deserves to be remembered !

[@MrLarryC11]

Speaking as a Canuck, I would like to thank you for this bit of our history which I did not know.

[@em1osmurf]

sounds like a description of my fiery and no BS-tolerating mother--Saskatchewan born. absolutely excellent video!

[@v.e.7236]

One of my favorite things about the History Guy channel is the diversity of history from all corners of the globe. School curriculum in the States is so staid and trite that you only realize how much you haven't been told once you get out of grade school and start reading about the far reaching history of countries that have been around for millennia vs a few hundred years. Thank you for helping to fill in the gaps in my education. Your channel reminds me of Reader's Digest condensed books or Cliff Notes - you get all of the pertinent parts w/o having to slog through the myriad details of a given event/story.

[@goreilly2005]

Thank you.

[@JohnHill-qo3hb]

I read a quote from a Russian General about Canada's military which loosely goes "It is difficult to formulate an effective counter doctrine to the Canadian military doctrine because you don't always follow it... that is of course assuming you have even read it." I think that is a huge compliment to our military.

[@samstewart4807]

A great story.To me what is amazing is that 14 yrs later the British "forgot" walking into entrenched machine gun fire did not work. What is more amazing is the millions of men who obeyed orders to walk into machine gun fire. I think times have changed- but maybe not.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

The lessons that the British learned in the Second Boer War were absolutely essential during the Great War, as was the reorganization of the army and the rise of a new class of officers (some good, some not so much.) Despite its horrors, it is difficult to imagine how much worse 1914 would have gone for the BEF were it not for the lessons learned in the Second Boer War.

[@rabbi120348]

Generals are always fighting the last war (not the current one).

[@Mugofbrown]

As the History Guy says, the Boers were the first modern equipped army that the British Commonwealth had fought in years. If it had not been for them and the lessons that they taught us, one could argue that the BEF would have been defeated in 1914.

[@samstewart4807]

@@Mugofbrown To me the british learned NOTHING in the boar war. How many hundreds of thousands of men did they send into machine gun fire in ww1? To me again what is worse is they saw the effects of walking/ running into entrenched positions in the American civil war 30 YRS BEFORE the boar war- ding. And last what is so upsetting is the # of troops on BOTH sides that followed orders to march into machine gun fire-

[@wtfbuddy1]

Nicely done - the Regiment is located in Petawawa Ontario and Gagetown New Brunswick, they still celebrate each year with the Paardeberg Ball to remember their history.

[@TheLoachman]

With the 4th Battalion in London and Stratford Ontario.

[@steveouellette518]

great episode. Hastings,Ontario,Canada

[@TovaMarten]

Love your content, you're doing a great job finding lesser known history and telling it in a captivating way. Now, yesterday I learned abot a story that I feel would fit this channel as a glove, and that is the story of the founding of the Biafra air force by a swedish pilot named Bjorn von Rosen in 1969, it contains unbelievable suffering by the Biafran people, courage by von Rosen and the crazy idea of using 5 swedish-built single-engine aircrafts to take on the Nigerian air force in a truly David and Goliath story. Although the ending is not good it still is history woth remebering!

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

The Nigerian Civil War is certainly neglected in the teaching of history in the west,

[@flagmichael]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel In Frederick Forsyth's book, The Outsider, he relates his experiences and disillusions as a BBC reporter in Biafra.

[@richardross3815]

Ok Ok....you finally convinced me to end my procrastinating .....and sign up......tomorrow!....really!....Hear is hoping the new year finds you both hale and hearty for many more years to come.....

[@billhahn4113]

The first hat (or 'cover' as we called it in the Navy ) is truly a remarkable one. Picking it up changed the colour of his tie!!!

[@Jipper1984]

Thank you History Guy:)

[@VanguardRT]

Great video. A companion video highlighting the sister Regiment, Royal Canadian Dragoon’s and their unique cap badge (also originating from that war but even more specific to the Boer campaign) might be in order. 3 Victoria Crosses awarded were awarded at one battle, the battle that also gave them their distinctive cap badge.

[@michaelodonoghue7464]

My Uncle was a Canadian and he served in the Canadian Army during the whole of The Emergency (what you know was The 2nd World War). When his Regiment boarded Ship for their journey to England, My Uncle was suddenly taken sick and disembarked. Unfortunately his Ship never made it to England, because it was sunk, with the loss of all lives, by a German U-boat. I would love to know more about his Regiment and about this tragic loss.

[@charlie418791]

Another gem,Sir. Looking forward to this years forgotten history.

[@elcastorgrande]

Happy New Year, History Guy.

[@steveclark4291]

Canada is a great neighbor as I'm from United States ! Canada is a beautiful country ! I had been there once back in 1980 while stationed at Minot AFB in North Dakota .

[@shanedrewbattersby6291]

I was attched to The first Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment for a year in the 90s for a PeaceMaking tour in Bosnia. It was a NATO SFOR. We celbrated Paardarberg Day will deployed. The names of the lads lost where read out dureing a quick parade and then a special dinner with candles and pipers. I wad on security duty that night.

[@shanedrewbattersby6291]

Also well done. Thank you.

[@whfiv6678]

As a U.S. Navy vet, we referred to a "hat" as a "cover". Interested if the Canadians refer to them as "hats" or "covers". Having visited a Canadian warship, I was impressed the gunwales were rounded. It was explained to me, in case of biological attack, it could easily been flushed with water without flooding the ship. Great videos! Happy New Year!

[@frankishe23]

whfiv hey RCN member here, we refer to it as ones head dress

[@whfiv6678]

@@frankishe23 Thanks for the info Shipmate from the North!

[@frankishe23]

whfiv anytime

[@jakobbgh6310]

Thanks for another enlightening and well prepared and well story from the history. Thank you :-)

[@catjudo1]

A lint roller might be a good investment for dusting off the hats, sir! What a wonderful video about one part of a wonderful northern neighbor.

[@user-td1zo3tv9p]

Thank you, Sir, for this wonderful History tidbit. I awake each day and scan to see if I have what I consider to be the best part of my day, along with my morning coffee (and missing having a smoke....The Struggle is REAL! LOL). And although I didn't get online until a day later, imagine my joy to find another video. You, THG, are truly a Jewel among jewels and are MUCH appreciated! I pray you had a wonderful New Year celebration and this beginning of 2019 is the to be among the best yet! Thank You and God Bless you and your Family.

[@TyLockton]

As a Canadian I can't thank you enough. We're a bit reluctant up here to make movies and shows about our own historical contributions, so once again, thank you. Might I suggest a tribute to Smokey Smith?

[@darring.9161]

Watch "Passchendaele"

[@joeblow9657]

I love this sort of Victorian era British imperial history please do more of it. Thanks from Canada

[@mikewilson8749]

This is now my favorite youtube channel. Absolutely fascinating tidbits of history that run the gamut from humorous to tragic. And you sir have a way of presenting them that is unique. Thanks for sharing this history "that deserves to be remembered"...

[@vernonbear]

Having read and viewed a huge amount about the exploits of all varieties of armed forces I think I’d comfortably ask for a regiment of Gurkhas or Canadians if I was up shit creek without a paddle. So many examples of brave, stoic and determined actions under the most difficult of circumstances, this in no way diminishes the bravery of all who answer the call but they demonstrate the things that set them apart so often. Long may their sacrifices and bravery be remembered.

[@wikilcontainments]

Peter Jennings (abc news anchor rest his soul) made a statement about Canadians I won't forget. It's kind of funny really considering that he is from Canada. Something along the lines of "If you're in a scrap, it'd be best if the Canadians are on your side". Left unsaid the problems you would have if they were were on the oppositions side. I miss that guy.

[@itsjohndell]

You just gained a Patron. Happy New Year to both of you! The history of fighting the last war would plague the British and the French again in 1914 and 1939. It would plague the Americans in Vietnam. Adaptation to new weapons and tactics is now drilled into Officers from the start.

[@randytessman6750]

Growing up in London, Ontario am well aware of the history of the RCR and the story behind the VRI. As a proud Canadian have to say THANK YOU for covering this and passing on this history to many more :)

[@juliajames2]

Feb 27th Paardeberg day is also my birthday and we always had that day off in the 2nd battalion, same hat we wore in 80's.

[@colingibson8018]

The history guy. Sir I love your work and look forward to each episode. I would be pleased to support you on patreon,how ever I am disabled and living on a very small fixed income. So please except my apologies,but know that I truly appreciate the work that you put in to each episode, and enjoy them all. Happy New Year and a prosperous one. Thank you

[@cs0654]

Hi Colin, while you did not ask I will contribute for the both of us - We need channels like THG to learn from, what a good way to spend a few minutes every week!

[@richardmcavoy6413]

@@cs0654 Good for you. That's a nice thing to do.

[@angelhelp777]

My father was in the Army Corp Of Engineers in 1943-45. My father would have been 32 years old when he joined in 1943. He got MS when I was 8 and died when I was only 13 so I learned very little about what he did in the war other than he kept asking to be in the fight, but his trade was a welder and he spent most of the time being moved around Europe. I know only that he finally arrived on Okinawa on the last day of the war, and there was some mention that the Japanese didn't believe the war was over and would not surrender. He brought back a few French and Japanese coins, a single piece of German paper currency in the denomination of 5000 Deutschmark. If you have any information on this time period in Okinawa and what was happening there, or something about the Army Corp of Engineers, I would love to hear about it. I love your history videos. I will be sending you a Patreon donation soon. I hope you and your wife have a Happy New Year...and your cat too! :) God bless!

[@suburban404]

Corps of Engineers. "Essayon"

[@raylocke282]

Thanks for recognising Canadas contribution.

[@judgedredd8657]

happy new year history guy! great video

[@josephpicogna6348]

Wonderful, I knew nothing of this beforehand and I am informed and entertained.

[@steveshoemaker6347]

Great History lession ,.........Thanks very much......!

[@canadianfull.1007]

2018 is now officially history. Happy New Year!!

[@PeterBoddy]

Thank you for highlighting Canada's first battle, and her military contributions over the century.

[@livein3dlw]

Great video , would you consider doing one on the blue putees? I may have spelt that wrong , the royal Newfoundland regiment has a great history that gets lumped in with Canada when In fact Newfoundland was still independent of Canada during the world wars ,

[@tiemeupplease]

there a no better example of the brutality of war than the battle of Beaumont Hamel that single battle affect Newfoundland to this very day

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

Theirs is a good story, and yes.

[@jimsvideos7201]

Puttees, I think.

[@livein3dlw]

Looking forward to it , as a Newfoundland it’s so widely regarded here at home but not treated with the individuality I believe it deserves

[@acchaladka]

rprime 1 True that, NL has a beautiful history and what a place. Salutations de Montréal.

[@MtnTow]

Had no idea. Thank you!

[@hshs5756]

I just finished reading _Churchill Wanted Dead or Alive_ about his experience as a soldier and journalist in the Second Boer War. It is written by his granddaughter, Celia Sandys, who toured all of the battlefields Winston had been at, and followed the path of his daring escape after capture. The photo @6:49 is in the book. It is of a group of British POW's in Pretoria, and if THG had panned just a bit further to the right, Winston Churchill is standing among them.

[@spacenracers4807]

I’d love to hear more about Canadian Forces in history. As an immigrant to the US from Toronto, I find not many Americans know of Canada’s contributions in the world wars past D-Day if at all.

[@gwine9087]

That badge brings back memories. One of them is how bloody hard it was to clean, back in the 60's, before they started electroplating them.

[@derekcourt425]

As a Canadian. That was a bit of Canadian History ...I did not know. Thank you !

[@wocookie2277]

This Battalion still serves honourably, RCR forever! Thinking of you Frank.

[@patrickmcdonald8023]

I really enjoy The History Guy: History Deserves to Be Remembered

[@joeybonneau1360]

I earned my cap badge in 2006 (2nd Bn.). Unlike many of the non-combat arms trades in the Canadian Forces you actually have to earn that cap badge. Our Moto, "Pro Patria" (For Country).

[@capncanuck2064]

So proud my great grandfather fought in WW1 for the Black Watch and my grandfather fought in WW2 for the Black Watch for Canada. Proud of all our military and its history.