The Sad & Proud Story Behind Britain's Tomb of the Unknown Warrior

[@janlindtner305]

Heartbreakingly beautiful, touchingly honest and a nice gesture for those left behind😔❤👍👍👍

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for that very kind comment.

[@kenattwood8060]

As a veteran I would like to thank you for this very moving tribute, Chris.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. I'm glad you liked it.

[@warringtonminge4167]

As a member of the British public three generations removed from the Great War, so do I.

[@davegower6919]

Thank You.

[@TheHistoryChap]

You're welcome

[@Kefuddle]

A beautiful video both plumbing the depths of sadness and climbing the summits of pride. I am in tears.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for that lovely comment.Glad you enjoyed it (if that is the right description).Have a good weekend.

[@LoganTellsHistoryZW]

Very well told. Enjoyed it very much. I found it very interesting. Cheers -

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@allanronald9805]

Most moving. Thank you.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@jeningle8288]

Beautifully and movingly told.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you Jen. Another chaplain serving his country and soldiers with distinction, just like Theodore Hardy VC

[@jeningle8288]

​@@TheHistoryChap perhaps you should tell this chaplains story too.

[@TheRunereaper]

I've been trying to think of something clever and fitting to say. I can't, there are no words which don't sound hollow and trite. Thank you for a touching post.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you so much for watching.

[@TheRunereaper]

@@TheHistoryChap My first cousin once removed, an only son, was killed during WW2. He and Dad were so close that they promised each other that if only one of them survived they would look after each other's parents as if they were their own. Dad kept his word. My uncle Eric (as he is always known) is buried in the same cemetery as Colour Sergeant Bourne of Rorke's Drift fame, something else I learned from you. They all fought for something they believed in. Thank you Chris.

[@YouTubecanfuckagoat]

There are no words.

[@oc2phish07]

Wow Chris. Possibly your best ever video. As we approach Remembrance Day 2024 I was genuinely moved to tears by this. This was so poignant and moving, and so well put together, that I am sure everyone watching it will be equally moved and have memories related to someone who fought, and possibly died, in a conflict protecting this wonderful land of ours. Thank you for making, and posting, this video.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for those very kind words. Really appreciated.

[@Slavador2393]

Being Canadian, we have lost many in the great war, but none were as tragic as the loss of the entire Newfoundland regiment to a man leaving the island bereft of their men...all but the children and elderly were gone. RIP gentlemen, lest we forget.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Truly huge sacrifice. I intend to tell their story in the future.

[@Slavador2393]

@TheHistoryChap thank you Chris

[@NiSiochainGanSaoirse]

Good God, that is beyond appalling... I thought we had it bad, because Grandma said everyone in our town knew someone who died on the second day of the Somme offensive. The PALS battalions were a dreadfully ill thought out ideas, leaving whole streets in mourning at the same time, but I have never, in all my life, been quite so horrified as I was after reading your comment. Every man was gone?! Every man... Good Lord, that is appalling. I feel ill. God _bless_ those Women, man...

[@Slavador2393]

@@NiSiochainGanSaoirse absolutely devastated the entire island.

[@Jaymark-gk4li]

No words tbh RIP

[@SC-mt9ph]

Wow, I found this quite moving!.... I love the details of our history!... brilliant! 👍

[@davewhitely2225]

We shalt not forget

[@TheHistoryChap]

At the going down of the sun...

[@harryshriver6223]

A very fitting and moving tribute to all of the fallen warriors who served in the Great War. It is staggering to hear how 400,000 men were not documented by Great Britain to this day. Chris, you have done a great service for all of the soldiers, sailors and airmen in remembrance of the fallen. Vaya con Dios y en paz descansen, hermanos. 😢

[@TheHistoryChap]

Harry, thank you for watching and your kind comment. I recently read that until the 1930's up to 10,000 British soldiers a year were being unearthed.

[@jamesbeeching6138]

Great video...Very moving..I lost 2 Great Uncles at Aubers Ridge in 1915....Their bodies were never found...My Grandad was given their names...Charles Henry..❤❤❤❤

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for your kind comment. Lest we forget.

[@Jaymark-gk4li]

My grandfather's were lucky both came back but one was gassed so not much of a life, the other a professional soldier who's first campaign was Boar war died in 1970 at 84 but blind from wounds by then 😢

[@michaeldonahoo461]

A memorable, wonderful, and thought-provoking presentation which highlights the very best of all things British. Have you considered doing a video on the history of the minute of silence.

[@TheHistoryChap]

I hadn't but I will now add it to my list. Thanks.

[@paulwilson7234]

An excellent video for Remembrance Day.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks.

[@nigelhamilton815]

A wonderful tribute to a very special generation.

[@thibaudduhamel2581]

Here in Paris, we have four (count them) burial grounds for "famous" people: The Panthéon where civilians and scientists are honored, the Invalides, where the bodies of military heroes are kept (Napoleon, Foch, and a host of others), Saint Denis Basilica, where the Kings of France are kept (well what's left of them after the revolutionaries opened the tombs and scattered the bones), and the Arc de Triomphe, where the unknown soldier lies. On a side note, there is a monument at the National necropolis of Notre Dame de Lorette (near Vimy ridge) where a french unknown from all major french wars since 1870 is kept under the watch of veterans.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Very interesting. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@oc2phish07]

I recently visited Paris and was proud to go and pay my respects at the Tomb to the Unknown Soldier beneath the Arc de Triomphe.

[@thibaudduhamel2581]

Also, the tomb of the Unkown Soldier under the arc de Triomphe is guarded everiday by a guard of honour composed of active personnel of the french army, and there is a daily ceremony where the « eternal flame » that burns on the tomb is rekindled.

[@grahamepigney8565]

In the UK there are also multiple places where famous/revered people are buried including Westminster Abbey where the Unknown Warrior is buried/commemorated among the other Great and the Good of the UK.

[@SamMackinnon-j1f]

Yet another great program thank you

[@markfrommontana]

Chris, your moving tribute to those who fell in the Great War brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for this touching story.

[@stigg333]

Expertly told and very moving, thank you for that and stay well.

[@davidwoods7720]

Lest we forget.............................................. Many many thanks Chris

[@jamesgarman4788]

What a tribute Chris! Many thanks for posting this remarkable part of history.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@user-vi9gw8pt9v]

Brilliant work Thank You

[@Robert-cr8bq]

Thank you, Chris.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching.

[@jakeolafsen9902]

Very thoughtful and well presented. Thank you.

[@TheHistoryChap]

You're very welcome! Thanks for watching

[@bangkokney8708]

This is an exceptional vlog Chris, so moving and evocative. Thank you for taking the time and no doubt considerable effort, it was certainly well worth it. I salute you Sir!

[@philparrish8892]

Wonderful video Chris. very moving and your best one yet.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Very kind of you, thanks. Have a good weekend.

[@richardherbert9320]

Thank you, History chap, for this presentation! Both my grandfathers fought in the Great war. The English one( Durham Light Infantry) survived, while my Scottish grandfather ( Union Defence Force of South Africa) passed away in Borden South African Military Hospital in March 1916. "We will remember them".

[@martinhogg5337]

Very moving!

[@timwaycaster7538]

I’m American, but I was nearly moved to tears by this tribute. “Greater love hath no man than this, than he lay down his life for his friends.” May all our fallen heroes rest in peace.

[@BaronFlyingClub]

Great video old bean, I did know the story but not in that much detail. I went to Westminster Abbey with my dad as an 11 year old child in 1973 and was told off for standing on the grave of the unknown warrior, there were no flowers around it back in the day and it is right in the middle of the walkway. I thought it was just a gravestone.

[@TheHistoryChap]

It's the only grave you can't stand on in Westminster Abbey

[@BaronFlyingClub]

@@TheHistoryChap Thanks for that! I did not go in Westminster Abbey again for another 51 years and was sure not to step on it again.

[@spikeyflo]

Lovely video Chris! From Sydney.

[@mickofmorden]

One of my local war memorials in Mitcham, Surrey has 600+ names on it. None of those listed have a known grave.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Mind blowing! Thanks for sharing.

[@Micktyb]

Excellent thanks 🙏 👏👏

[@mikenorton3294]

Brilliant again. Salute. Please let's guard it from people who would desecrate it. And let's try to teach current generations about what it actually means to them But I fear they don't care.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching and Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts too.

[@RayPerkins01]

It’s good to reflect upon why we wear the poppy.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@colinthomas5462]

Timely interesting and humbling video Chris thanks for this very moving tribute to a truly great generation who sacrificed so much for this country. Just a comment on the ornamental iron work that decorated the coffin of the Unknown Warrior was hand made by blacksmiths from the Brunswick ironworks in my hometown of Caernarfon North Wales. Thanks 👍

[@jonmeek3879]

Very powerful

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching.

[@fredo1070]

The Unknown Warrior was my granddad, my mum told me.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing.

[@benstreet8573]

Good episode

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks.

[@beanbake99]

God bless this great nation

[@allanburt5250]

As a Vetran thank you for sharing this with us, its much appreciated, it is important that we remember. All the best for the wknd to come.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks. I appreciate your comment.

[@QALibrary]

Great and moving video Nowadays all people at war are DNA tested. This has even resulted in USA unknown soldier from Vietnam being identified and the body returned to the family. Should all World War 1 bodies be DNA tested and given names if there is one? Any bodies or body parts found nowadays mainly by farmers or via road building or any building developments are DNA tested family members are traced and a name is given.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for adding info in the comments.

[@kaoskronostyche9939]

At least it is not named The Tomb of the Unknown Warfighter. Thanks Chris.

[@DaveAinsworth-y8h]

There is two English villages that didn't have Great War Monument, their fathers or sons came back home.

[@TheHistoryChap]

I believe they are called "Thankful Villages"

[@JimBennett-g8h]

Given that it takes 30+ support soldiers for every man at the front (warrior), it is appropriate that it should be "the unknown WARRIOR rather than soldier.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Good thought. Thanks for taking the time to share.

[@oc2phish07]

Well Said, Sir

[@blubbery68ps4videos2]

You should do a video on Orde Wingate, a fascinating character in British history

[@TheHistoryChap]

He is on my list after another keen viewer suggested him. Watch this space!

[@neiloflongbeck5705]

I think Miranda Sykes put it best in her song "The Lily and the Rose": O, twas early in the springtime Nineteen hundred and sixteen My sweetheart sailed to Flanders To serve the King and Queen We cheered them from the quayside And as our cries arose He threw my way a sweet bouquet A lily and a rose O, the rose and tender lily Still bloom within their beds They cut the rose for lovers The lily for the dead And hope, which springs eternal Swells every bud that grows Each bloom, for me, a memory The lily and the rose O, his letters brimmed with courage Until July the first Behind his gentle humour I knew he feared the worst And on that fateful morning Amidst the whistle blows He plucked for me so valiantly The lily, not the rose O, the rose and tender lily Still bloom within their beds They cut the rose for lovers The lily for the dead And hope, which springs eternal Swells every bud that grows Each bloom, for me, a memory The lily and the rose Now and then I read his letters Written many years before As young men over England Depart again for war And in my summer garden They stand in selfless rows As sweet today as that bouquet The lily and the rose. It always brings tear to my eye.almost as much as Steve Knightley' "Coming Home" with it sad final line: Born in the north country, raised in the west It was his mother and sister that knew him the best Eager to learn but struggled at school Too swift with his fists, too slow with the rules All through this town he raised hell with his mates They only slowed down when they started to date A natural made father as fine as his own Into the man the boy had now grown So he tattooed their names, a heart and a crest He fought with his brothers and seved with the best Twenty years, three months and a week Since the day he was born He's coming home now The family have been informed

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks so much for taking the time to share this in the comments.

[@Thurnmourer]

Mmmm, certainly is a thing to think about. Who did they find, who really is buried there? I wonder what would happen if they did find out who was buried there. Or, are there laws in place to prevent the Unknown Soldier from being found out for the sake of the tomb's sanctity?

[@TheHistoryChap]

Interesting thoughts. I'd prefer to leave be and let everyone feel that he is part of them.

[@l1a146]

@@TheHistoryChap the Australian Prime Minister Keating summed it up beautifully with the Australian unknown warrior. "He is all of them and one of Us"

[@stephenperry5849]

❤

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you.

[@Candywarhol]

This is what 11 November is about -- NOT what it has "conveniently" become in the US.

[@billevans7936]

Oh Cool....

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you Bill. Wishing you a great weekend.

[@malcolmhumphries3284]

The coffin was moved by railway van to London in the same van as Edith Cavell.

[@malcolmhumphries3284]

Had to say this before the video mention.

[@simonbrown2488]

This needs, no must to be taught in schools. lest we forget

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you.

[@christophersayers598]

Now we are forced to take part in remembrance ceremonies. Even if we don't support the armed forces

[@22WDW]

As I understand, there was a number of dead soldiers, and they chose one individual.🤔

[@andrewcheckley6217]

Just out of curiosity, is it possible that the warrior is actually a woman?

[@TheHistoryChap]

I guess you couldn't discount, as far as I know women (both nurses and drivers) were not close to the front line, but I maybe wrong. It is also possible that a women impersonated a man to join up. Again, I haven't heard of that but it is not beyond the realms. It certainly happened in the English Civil War and famously Hannah Snell joined the Royal Marines in the 18th century:kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZDMq6eihqqBjLs