The Story of The Unknown Warrior | Remembrance

[@michealgillman7418]

Kevin, you describe these events with such passion, that the tears never fail to fall. Lest we forget, I for one NEVER will. Respect to you sir.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you Micheal.

[@wolfgangholtzclaw2637]

The lady with the wilted flowers really drove the meaning home. That son of Britain, belonged to everyone, he was truly their son, and he had come home to sleep with Kings, Queens, and the most elevated over a thousand years of history. Very touching, effective, what a lovey thought that old Chaplain had back in the war. Freedom has a taste the protected shall never know.

[@thehistorysquad]

A lovely comment, thank you.

[@BUZZKILLJRJR]

I'm so glad that people coming together and respect the soldiers that fought to protect their way of life and the people within the country they came from. Its Beautiful tribute to someone who gave everything for others.

[@martinladbrooke5495]

This is a wonderful tribute to those who fell. Brought a tear to my eye.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Martin, appreciated.

[@TheDeeps6911]

Man am I glad I found this channel. What a fabulous story teller.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Skip 👍🏻

[@BlackOWLfly]

A similar story also happened in Romania. In 1923 it was decided to build the monument for the unknown soldier. They un-earthed the remains of ten fallen soldiers, one from each major battlefiel from the romanian front, then they put them in 10 oak coffins and brought them to the mausoleum in Marasesti. A young orphan boy, who had previously lost his father in the War, was designated to choose which one of those soldiers would become the unknown warrior. He kneeled in front of one of the coffins and said 'this is my father'. This, I think, underlines the sad truth that behind every warrior that never returned, many other destinies were permanently altered. Returning to the video about the British unknown warrior, we should also not forget the poor guys that came home crippled or shell-shocked with acute PTSD for which there was no treatment at the time (not to mention all those who were wrongly executed for cowardness, when they actually had a medical condition). I believe that, for all those guys, the unknown warriors' monument represented not just the countless fallen comrades, but also those pieces from their bodies and their minds that were unknown to the world and also forever lost in the bloody battlefields from which they had somehow returned alive.

[@michealgillman7418]

Absolutely...I couldn't agree more 👏

[@donnahays1534]

What a brilliant bit of history of the unknown soilder. It just shows you how much the loss of those who served mean to all of us. The Valor of their service means so much, even here in Canada. The ceremony so properly done. Our current generation need to appreciate how important it is to remember what it took to have freedom. With any privilege comes great responsibility. I wish we could have brought the others home as well.

[@henerymag]

I get goose bumps when I hear about the unknown soldiers and at the monument in Ottawa Ontario Canada where I live. My Great Uncle was KIA September 19, 1917 by shellfire. He does have a known grave, in Souche France. Archie Macleod 103rd Canadian Siege Battery. Thank you Sir for your video.

[@bassingman9911]

Only those who have never lived war clamor for war. Never forget those heroes that never made it back home.

[@Screwball70]

I know the story of the unknown warrior but that didn't stop me welling up, I'm not usually the type of bloke that shows much emotion but this for some reason had me in the chest, I'm getting old I suppose and feel I can, well, feel a bit now. Great video. A somber video, but a story people need to hear, lest we forget.

[@rikijett310]

Heartbreakingly beautiful. Godspeed unknown soldiers.

[@davehopkin9502]

A few extra details: The sword on the coffin was donated by the King and is a genuine crusader sword from the middle ages. There are many graves in the floor of Westminster Abbey, but the Unknown Warrior is the only one it is forbidden to walk over. The Unknown Warrior was postumously awarded the Victoria Cross, the US Medal of Honour and the French Croix de Guerre (each of the nations unknown warriors were)

[@thehistorysquad]

Great details Dave, thanks for adding 👍🏻

[@francescowling562]

Beautifully told.

[@johngore7744]

My Grandmother who lived with us in Montreal was from Manchester born in 1892 she lost a brother in the trenches. My father was in the RCAF ( Montreal). Thanks for the storey.

[@Teyronulous]

You hold the gift of storytelling.

[@Raycheetah]

Epitaph for the Unknown (11/11/22) Gentle sleeps the loyal son His name unknown to tell Who in the course of service done On battlefield fell Now for all his brothers lost A century and more He signifies the awful cost On those who go to war Lives cut short in bold defense Of country, creed, and kin Remembered now and ages hence Unnamed, who lies within Gentle sleep you, loyal son Though your name be unknown By men like you the peace is won Who rests beneath this stone (C. 2022 Ray F. All rights reserved)

[@thehistorysquad]

What a beautiful poem Ray, thank you for sharing it here.

[@the-end-of-my-tether]

While Queen Elizabeth II was lying in State there were thousand of clips and documentaries on historical buildings etc such as Westminster Abbey. I watched this particular one about the tombs there where Sir David Carradine was showing Dan Snow around . They only touched on the Unknown Warrior but they didn't go into the story like you did. What they did say left me feeling very respectful of this unknown man as they said no-one ever was allowed to walk on his slab ( I apologise profusely if that is not the correct word ). Then you told the story of the woman with the wilted flowers and I'm not afraid to admit I shed a tear and now have this woman in my heart. I always thought WWI was an evil war , all wars are , where men , women and horses went through hell and the men and women who did manage to get home never were really at home as their minds were still in hell. We now know it as PTSD but at that time it was called shell shock and the men who went through all that AND mustard gas must have been alone and frightened and very ill even though their families were around them but had no idea how to help. On a different note Dan Snow pointed out a door which was over a thousand years old. It was brought as wood from part of a building and made into a door. I'm not cheating on you or Julie 😂 I just stumbled upon the documentary 🤪

[@thehistorysquad]

Haha, don't worry Sandra, we're not jealous. That story of the lady with the wilted flowers always gets me too. Thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@brynjones4432]

What a fantastic video and story and the reason why we all need to be proud to wear our poppy and support the British Legion. Very informative and helped me further understand why we commemorate this event. Having researched my own family tree and discovered so many of my family had fallen during the battles at the Somme, Arras, Ypres and others I remember and salute them. Well done The History Squad

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Bryn! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@mikef6948]

That gave me chills as you were telling it Mr. Hicks. It was wonderful to here of the lady with the wilted flowers. That alone says it all doesn't it ? Cheers from Brighton , Ontario

[@larryrisley9845]

Thank you very much for the history lesson. May we all remember the brave men and women that serve. Thank you for your service also. May God bless you and your wife

[@thehistorysquad]

Our pleasure! Thank you.

[@the.holy.ex.machina.empire]

Everything you do is great Kevin.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you 👍🏻

[@CptComeshot]

Cheers Kev. Love your stuff. One day I'll hopefully get to shake your hand and thank you for your attention to detail and your passion of sharing the tales of humanities glorious past.

[@thehistorysquad]

That's very kind of you, thank you.

[@ronanterry2529]

@@thehistorysquad digging the mustache Kevin

[@thehistorysquad]

@@ronanterry2529 😜 its making a comeback too

[@ianparker5641]

Thank you Kev, Very poignant and well put together. Thank you for remembering our fallen comrades.

[@soma4u289]

Absolutely so important ,This should be presented to at the very least Primary school children in every school to let the children know why those that died are never to be forgotten. They need to learn the selfless sacrifice of these honourable people is what gives them the opportunities of their own existence.

[@FlightEagle]

Amazingly coincidentally and unplanned, as I was watching it turned 11am here when you showed the image of Big Ben and my grandfather clock chimed as you said Big Ben chimed. For a second, it felt like I was there, I could feel a tingle go down my back. Thank you for a great video explaining the history of the Unknown Warrior and reminding us of those who fell and the impact on their loved ones and families.

[@thehistorysquad]

Oh wow, what a coincidence. Thank you for your visit.

[@glennlariva6896]

That was a very moving presentation. We are in debt for the sacrifice made by others.

[@garychynne1377]

your words have touch our hearts.

[@steveww1507]

If I remember right the coffin had symbolism of Great Briton also( the hard wear . the wood etc. ) Great job again Sir

[@charlafox5701]

Wow, I had no idea he was buried among the kings. I’m an American so I’ve only heard of this unknown solider, but I’m glad to know his full story now. Thank you

[@charliekezza]

Thankyou and those old boys for your service. Lest we forget.

[@J354CAO]

Awesome ... Brought a tear to the eye ..

[@xfuturetrunksx6836]

Ive spent my whole off day watching your videos on repeat haha I legitimately cant get enough of your videos kevin! Your the best story teller on KZbin!!

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, thanks very much. Stick around as I'm planning a whole lot more 👍🏻

[@theverseshed]

Incredibly moving.

[@brunomunemassa8266]

Beautiful way, organized too, to pay respects to the dead. We are prepared for life our whole lives but still few men understand the need to prepare for dealing with death. Shows how much the british understood about mourning and respecting loss too.

[@michaelpage4199]

This was so touching. God bless Britans unknown soldier. God save the King

[@sharky.5215]

Thank you for telling the story of the unknown warrior in a moving and dignified way. I don't mind admitting that it got a bit dusty here. REspect.

[@samright4661]

America stole the Ideal from our British Friends.. We have the Unknown Soldier . It’s a great way to pay respects for our fallen. I have a special place in my heart for the Military. My Dad was in the pacific theater during WW2. He never ever talked about the War.. God Bless you for your Service, I salute you Sir!!

[@t.wcharles2171]

I wouldn't say stole more influenced, there's no thievery between allies.

[@bulljolly7028]

Beautiful , thank you .

[@the.holy.ex.machina.empire]

You’re a great storyteller

[@phillipallen3259]

Thank you for this. Well done as always.

[@owenshale8719]

We free because and I will always be grateful I will never forget thank you from the bottom of my heart and rest well

[@The_ZeroLine]

For those curious, the first known (and confirmed) monument of an unknown soldier in Europe is the 1849 Landsoldaten (The Valiant Private Soldier) monument in Denmark for the First Schleswig War.

[@Geko_adz]

Thank you to all past, present and future armed forces for you sacrifice, learning the atrocities you were all involved in keeps you young forever

[@tonylayfield8750]

A beautiful explanation and, oh dear, I seem to have something in my eye.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Tony, sadly this story doesn't have the views I think it deserves 👍🏻

[@tmartin3151]

Could you imagine an afterlife where you are one of the 3 fallen soldiers who just wanted to go home and are all excited about having that chance. Just to have some General (most likely the one who got you killed) pulls an Eeny, meeny, miny, moe on you?

[@philvanderlaan5942]

Those three would be siting around with a pint complaining about the unfairness of it all until one of them says ‘ ‘eres to Tommy , lucky bastard. ‘ And they all drink until one of them says ‘ ‘e ain’t lucky ! ‘es with all them kings and queens, and ‘im just one of us, it I’ll be Tommy fetch this and Tommy fetch that , ‘e’ll be worked to death. ‘ And they all look at their mugs and say ‘ ‘eres to Tommy, poor bastard ! ‘

[@kevincocking8561]

dam that is one honorable funeral true class in every way

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

Well done. I'm sure however, even speaking as a veteran, I'm not the only one who can't quite reconcile some of the hypocrisy of my own country (United States) in comparing the reverence paid to our unknown soldiers/funerals of the known, to the maltreatment of our veterans thru the denial of benefits to the substandard treatment received of the various VA Medical Centers. Just within the past few weeks, a Vietnam veteran (60-70 yrs of age) was physically attacked, beaten, and repeatedly kicked while down, by an employee (patient advocate no less) of a VA facility in the State of Georgia. And it was recorded on video security surveillance cameras.

[@thehistorysquad]

That's awful. We're not worth much when we come back are we ☹️

[@philiphughes2780]

Gone But Not Forgotten ! Lest We Forget.

[@chrisworthen1538]

The UK’s losses of young men were staggering during The Great War especially when compared to the population at the time. Such a terrible waste of humanity.

[@justinwarren7643]

Thank you

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for watching these Justin 👍🏻

[@MichaelLeBlanc-p4f]

The story I believe was that the 'Poppy' was meant to represent tragedy & the hope that WWI was the 'War that would end all war.' It didn't' which adds to the tragedy . . .

[@Key212]

Well that was amazing

[@bostonrailfan2427]

this ceremony caused a stir in the US which led to the creation of a similar memorial, one that is larger, more elaborate, and has a silent soldier guard posted 24 hours a day…it’s also the closest that the US has to your royal guards, a unit that serves with distinction and is always seen by the public in their finest dress uniform

[@thehistorysquad]

Yes, Arlington Cemetery is place I'd like to visit. Is there more than one soldier buried there?

[@Lassisvulgaris]

I can recommend Neil Hanson's "The Unknown Soldier".

[@The_ZeroLine]

What a powerful place to allow people without their loved one’s remains to grieve. Anyway, I know it goes against everything it symbolizes, but I can’t help wonder who the soldier that was buried and what their story is. Maybe in a way, it doesn’t go against the point at all since it makes you think about all the possible stories and types of person it could be.

[@NASkeywest]

It’s entirely possible that the unknown warriors family and ancestors came by and visited their son/brother/father without even knowing it.

[@Nathanielofbritanniae]

Great story telling :) reminds me of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in America. But great video overall!

[@pizzademonXX]

Another interesting video👍thank you for putting the flag the correct way.

[@thehistorysquad]

You bet

[@Overnity]

Can you explain when Britain became great Briton... it has always puzzled me... thanks your videos are so well made with great passion and details you got so many costumes, and you wear them well Kevin, can you also explain who the Boy in uniform with the Alsation Dogs is, hanging on your wall, which is sometimes shown in the background... I am guessing it is your Son, am I right? Cheers Buddy... '~'

[@thehistorysquad]

Yes, spot on, that's my eldest son when he was in the army and next to him is a photo of my youngest when he was in the army. I'd have to look up the Great Britain info myself, who knows, another video perhaps 👍🏻

[@knucker4931]

A very well presented film, thank you! Have you ever been to the Menin Gate in Ypres. Covered with the names of the fallen whose bodies were never identified. The scale of this monument is staggering. Much like the atmosphere created by the playing of the last post by the local fire brigade every day since the end of the war. The only exception being the years of world war two.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks and yes, I've had the honour to lay a wreath at the Menin Gate complete with my medals, blazer and beret on behalf of the Royal Warwicks 👍🏻

[@cmoran9103]

Thanks, a great story I never knew I wanted to hear! Who challenged the HMS Verdun?

[@thehistorysquad]

It was costal command, carrying out their normal patrol duties.

[@LilNewo]

Lest we forget

[@Locahaskatexu]

For those wishing to view the burial of the Unknown Warrior: kzbin.info/www/bejne/maeyemeIhcprrJI It's a beautiful ceremony, and in many ways utterly heartbreaking.

[@elaineknapton8316]

You certainly know your stuff Sir, thanks again...using my partner's phone Cheers Will

[@thehistorysquad]

Haha, thanks will, appreciated 👍🏻

[@shannonpopesco6704]

My great grandfather got blown off his horse in WW1 that's all I know of him during ("'covid"') i home schooled my children and we did a WW1 project we did a diorama of trenches/no mans land and we watched a bunch of ww1and WW2 documentary s ..

[@steamboatmodel]

Have you been to Canadas Unknown Warrior in Ottawa?

[@thehistorysquad]

Not as yet, but it's on my list 👍🏻

[@dhireshnandha3319]

🙏🙏🙏

[@thehistorysquad]

👍🏻

[@Austrian_blood]

Any film?

[@thehistorysquad]

Copyright is a pain. We've been burned once so tend not to use footage we're not 100% certain of, even if it's old, some bodies still hold the licence/copyright.

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

I believe there is footage of at least some of it, in a documentary on YT I saw several years ago... unless as Kevin alluded to, there were copyright issues

[@strydyrhellzrydyr1345]

Wow... I gotta say... You look a lot like an American military man in this video. Don't think that was the goal but it looks like it soooo much

[@thehistorysquad]

I grew it for Movember 😉

[@russscott646]

Do I see a Falklands medal amongst those on your left sir ?

[@thehistorysquad]

No, I was elsewhere at that time. What you see is the British Empire Medal, the Northern Ireland Medal, United Nations Cyprus and the final one is the Silver Jubilee 1977. 👍🏻

[@etholus1000]

@@thehistorysquad Good stuff. As an American I thank you for your service 🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@thehistorysquad]

@@etholus1000 You're welcome 👍🏻

[@charlescorris3469]

👍🏼

[@marionbowler5440]

Amen.🍁🇨🇦🐘😪

[@Lilyandmoomin]

With the advent of genealogy and DNA testing. I guess if there was enough funds available many of those unknown warriors could be reunited with there families.

[@Briselance]

02:06 So they dug bodies up, and didn't try to identify them? That's quite bad. It deprives families of knowing about their relative's final whereabouts. Check for id signs first, and keep looking for an unidentifiable body until you find one.

[@steamboatmodel]

The bodies that they dug up were among thousands of those that they were unable to identify, every effort was made to find out who the bodies were, but this was before wide spread fingerprinting and more modern identification methods. It mostly depended on ID (dog ) tags and personal effects on the body.

[@54032Zepol]

For me it reminds me of people just disappearing under an explosion. There's nothing to identify they simply ceased to exist. Either from artillery, deep sea graves, eaten by animals, etc.

[@mrmods7912]

Why weren't the survivors of the first world war treated with the same respect? Many returned with limbs missing and would never work again... The government treated them like shit!! This videos makes me sick!! It was just a PR exercise for government!

[@whymeflorida2243]

Has there been any thought to identifying the soldier using DNA evidence. The are experts in familial DNA to identify the lost.

[@thehistorysquad]

Sadly we have approximately 1/3 million unknown warriors from the First World War alone.

[@frankieblue1945]

What a wonderful example of National Pride. I wonder if the "Unknown Soldier" was actually started by Great Briton or if each Nation that has an "Unknown Soldier" has their own story of how it started? Everyone else following Great Britons example? Being a Fourth generation USMC I have always loved the stories of National Pride. Thank you Sir.

[@joshuabrigden4820]

Wow, just wow. 🥲