The Time Germans & Americans Fought TOGETHER in WWII - The Battle of Castle Itter

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[@Wendigoon]

Use this link to save $5 at Magic Spoon today! magicspoon.com/wendigoon Thank you to Magic Spoon for sponsoring the video!

[@Zackaria_sMax]

Did you not eat regular cereal on a regular basis before your MysticFork sponsor?

[@Web720]

Where is the PsyOp video you were making???

[@MF-R]

Dude, you need help. As a lucky charm addict; I can see the dark place magic spoon has brought you to. When you said "With my bare hands; like an animal." With that expression; I saw me. And that's a bad place to be my friend.

[@eyesofthewolf101]

thank you so much for covering this. after hearing sabaton's song about it, I could not wait for more people to cover this event

[@flame-nl4wt]

you mist the chans toplay the last battal by sabaton in the background

[@RocketGurney]

"Several of these people hated each other." That's just what happens when you pick a random group of Frenchmen and put them in the same place for too long.

[@TheCommissarFuklaw]

As a Frenchman I can confirm this is true.

[@rskl8083]

@YeaMan nah

[@least.insane.femboy]

@@TheCommissarFuklaw as québecois, screw you mainlanders. also, yes, it's true.

[@CHARLESAUVET]

I can agree yes

[@daltooinewestwood6380]

@YeaMan that’s a good marketing strategy. Reply to random people’s comments on a channel that has nothing to do with you with some dumb shit. That’ll get people to subscribe

[@ThompsonExpress]

So an American, a German Major, an SS officer and a Frenchman walk into a castle... Shenanigans enseues.

[@peterson7082]

Also a czech cook, De Gualle's sister, and a tennis champion.

[@Foxyoner367]

Into a Austrian castle

[@aleksaradojicic8114]

​@@peterson7082 And lets not forget random Yugoslav electrician and comunist.

[@asoggyflipflop]

@@aleksaradojicic8114and a bunch of random austrians

[@kosakukawajiri5007]

and a tank in the door.

[@fattyMcGee97]

The Battle of Castle Itter needs a historically accurate comedy action movie made about it. The comedy and action has already written itself!

[@michaelreyes9997]

Like tropic thunder 😂

[@waynejohnson1786]

Not action-comedy but comedy-drama.

[@Monke1312_]

Also has a song

[@richardspillers6282]

Written and directed by Wendigoon!

[@Henderson10666]

With "The Last Battle" as it's theme song

[@karenamyx2205]

This definitely feels like a movie. You even have the one main character dying to keep it grounded, and have a somber moment in the 3rd act.

[@jlowe8059]

Could be a great movie, but it'd piss me off if they fucked it up, which lets be honest, they're likely to do.

[@rxhightop3934]

@@jlowe8059 That's why we get Wendigoon to direct.

[@deznutes6689]

@@jlowe8059depends on who’s making it

[@doynedodd50]

This is the original nazi zombies lmao 🤣😂

[@slapper360]

Fun fact: according to Yarnhub, the Tennis player disguised himself as an Austrian peasant and pretended to forage for mushrooms and pissed on the trees to make the SS believe he wasn’t a French tennis player.

[@kellmedd4925]

The only thing you really need to do to avoid being recognized as some athlete is just not to run professionally and well, he doesn't have a racket so what, they gonna ask him to whack a few non-existent balls with a non-existent racket XD but that kind of scene sounds like your average homeless guy, which I would overlook as well. I mean, probably seems like a nobody so why pay attention? I mean, that kind of thing seems like what you'd see from a poor person all the time, from my experience regarding homeless and generally speaking poor families. Pretty funny though to hear that may have happened. But it's also a bit too well, it's like your trying to sell your disguise too much but I guess lingering for a bit is necessary. But one needs a reason to linger, so pissing in the bushes is probably valid enough to sell your disguise, I guess. Kind of hilarious to imagine though.

[@chesneywhite9334]

The way you phrased this made it sound like they would kill him for just being a tennis player

[@slapper360]

@@chesneywhite9334 he was one of the prisoners they intended to execute. So maybe.

[@severketorskeleton3759]

I prefer the idea of him just praying and running like crazy straight through german lines and the germans become too confused to hit him or even attempt to shoot

[@wingerding]

@@slapper360 they were going to execute them all. But original plan was to use them as leverage so it would be better to be in his famous position.

[@Anchor-Supreme]

This literally has the perfect plot for either a serious war drama, or a hilarious comedy. Seriously, someone has to make a film about this, it’s got an entire plot just waiting to happen.

[@SuperRitz44]

A Monty Python movie about this would be great. They already done Frenchmen above castle walls!

[@doctajuice]

Either Steven Spielberg or the Coen Brothers would make completely different but equally great films about this

[@Drakdodare]

@@SuperRitz44 "i FART IN YOUR GENERAL DIRECTION"

[@jimmyliddell2072]

@@doctajuice I was thinking Tiaka, but he’s already done a WWII movie, and I don’t know that he would want to double dip. The Coen Brothers would be fantastic, though.

[@tystephens29]

seems like a movie Guy Ritchie could make

[@simonmalmstrom9593]

26:20 I love everything about the phone call, not just that a random soldier goes "Have you tried calling them?" which is such a STUPID but Genious idea, like i can 100% see people not even thinking of just calling them during that situation even though its such a simple thing, but also that a some dude just fucking hears the phone call in the middle of the gunfire decides to pick it up and go "Its for you" to the commander XD

[@simonmalmstrom9593]

oh god now i just imagine the french dude who answered the phone going "New phone who dis?"

[@Torth121]

Its not that simple its not like they had mobile phones 😂

[@itz_ex0_279]

American Soldier trying to call: “WHERES YOUR WALLET?!” German Soldier: “POCKET!” American Soldier: “WHICH POCKET?!” German Soldier: “MEIN UNIFORM POCKET!” American Soldier: “YOU HAVE TEN UNIFORM POCKETS!” German Soldier: “LEFT CHEEK! LEFT CHEEK! LEFT CHEEK!”

[@lumoneko299]

The mental image of one of the former French prime ministers being the one who picks up just cackles me up

[@pramusetyakanca1552]

Of course @@itz_ex0_279 had to reference one of the most quotable moments of Transformers 2007.

[@obi-wank-enobi]

Honestly we need to honor Gangl. Man lived as a villain on the axis side fighting for the nazis but died a German hero who realized the wrongs of his country. History may remember him as just a German soldier who died during the battle but to me he was a man who redeemed himself.

[@hikermrsblood1]

Hello there

[@jarsofpaperstars]

@@hikermrsblood1 General Kenobi! You are a bold one.

[@herbivorethecarnivore8447]

He actually has a street named after him

[@judahgonzalez9850]

He’s recognized as an Austrian national hero

[@Longshotz5798]

"Andre had gotten himself into another gunfight." I love the way this is worded, because it's technically true, but makes it sound like Andre literally was on his way back and just decided to throw down with some Germans like an Austrian Clint Eastwood

[@charlethemagne5466]

They should make a movie like that xD

[@AlexandreSantos-yv2tj]

​​@@charlethemagne5466 It sorta already exists, its called Kelly's Heroes, it even has Clint Eastwood in it

[@iProphetGG]

@8D yes

[@krognarTV]

The electrician don't forget. Dude isn't even a soldier lmao

[@RAAM855]

Sounds pretty normal for a balkan

[@braindeafofficial2677]

Lee: "We're out of ammo? Let's get medieval on their asses" The greatest moment in American history

[@graljoffrewithoutanarmy860]

And then a frenchman starts attempting to demorilize the ss soldiers by going to the castle's rooftops and yelling 'I WILL FART IN YOUR GENERAL DIRECTION!'

[@LexYeen]

Well, they were in a castle, and those are quite literally made to give defenders the advantage in close quarters.

[@BlackdragonTheShadow]

Wasn’t expecting a Monty Python reference

[@quagernag]

@@BlackdragonTheShadow Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!

[@cx2900]

"They've got us completely surrounded! The poor bastards!"

[@jackierocha5096]

The fact that this story hasn’t been made into a Mel Brooks/Airplanes style war comedy is beyond me, it is literally starring us all in the face and it would absolutely either get a boat load of money or bomb and become a cult classic in a decade

[@Mrdestiny17]

at least it got a sabaton song

[@eggisfun4217]

there should be movie about alot of historical events its all so interesting i want a series about the freikorps and a movie about this and alot more AND I WANT THEM TO BE ACTUALLY ACCURATE NOT LIKE MOST MODERN "HISTORY" MOVIES

[@IgnisRex64]

It does kinda have big Death of Stalin energy.

[@sammckinnon8570]

I’d prefer a Guy Ritchie film, like “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” Or now “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare”

[@Elpresidente98]

I learned about this battle through "The Last Battle" by Sabaton and its still one of my favorite songs from them. I still love the lyric "And it's American troops and the German army, joining together at last!" Not only because it's a very badass line but because they make the deliberate distinction to say "German" instead of "Nazi" army. Because at that point, major Gangl and his men were Germans fighting for Germany against the evil Nazi regime. It also lead me to look up and learn about this battle and honestly it sounds like something straight out of Wolfenstien. I'm still surprised there hasn't been a movie about it yet.

[@Kaizor0329]

Then the winged hussars arrived

[@hirschmeistr6842]

Into the motherland

[@dogevanzandt2889]

So fucking cringe

[@Georgeshawwaiancousin]

@@Kaizor0329 top ten plot twists in history

[@jirojhasuo2ndgrandcompany745]

Cringe

[@MrCaptnrex]

28:00 you missed one of the best parts when borotra disguised himself as a peasent before going over the wall, he ended up running into a german gun crew, acted like he was foraging, then took a piss, waved at them, and ran off lol

[@Xil_Gon_Give_It_To_Ya]

I'm... sorry?! XD If this becomes a movie, that HAS to be included

[@Jernfalk]

I cannot fucking believe this. Dude... the world will never see so much comic insanity in a place that doesn't belong like this again. Damn

[@queuedjar4578]

Acting like you belong is the most powerful IRL Charisma roll.

[@analisapena3086]

Im imagining him happily waving from afar and I’m gonna cry laughing

[@dong7474]

OMG YEESSSSS I FORGOT ABOUT THIS!! LOOOL THAT KILLS ME EVERY TIME I READ IT 🤣

[@comedyman4896]

At the point where he mentioned "they had to start using candles instead of lightbulbs" I realized this was going to end with the WW2 soldiers fighting a medieval battle

[@jinhwae125]

Medieval mode tf2

[@sparrowanon]

@@jinhwae125 THERE CAN BE ONLY ONEEE!

[@arandomusername6230]

@@jinhwae125 I thought the same thing lmao

[@Actinide5013]

@@jinhwae125 demo Knight if he real

[@jeepmega629]

The craziest part is definitely the Tennis player. You don’t see a French Tennis player fighting in a castle every day.

[@peterson7082]

Also De Gualle's sister

[@Benesat]

When you described the French runner, all I could imagine was the scene in Band Of Brothers when Spiers ran through a town of Germans to get to the American company on the other side, then ran back through the town to his own unit. This story would be an amazing movie.

[@ATFprdepartment]

Exactly what I thought of too, really it’d be a perfect Generation Kill/Band Of Brothers type of series to make if it ever got depicted on screen

[@DunkinDeeznuttz]

It's said that Gangl, upon reaching the US tank division actually stepped out of his vehicle, pulled out his Gamma Doppler knife and then proceeded to crouch over and over again to show he was friendly. The white flag was actually a skin he purchased.

[@Shinransa]

*B-hops towards American Tank Division with factory new Gamma Doppler*

[@prixplox]

Now we know where cobblestone is lmao

[@Markuskittelsen]

I would not be surprised if one dude did a 360 Juan deag with a stattrack deagle during the battle

[@beefsticklover6968]

I heard he actually threw his hands up to surrender only to wiggle back and forth showing his submission

[@jinn194]

Man how much cleaner the D-day assault would’ve been if the Allies just surfed over the MG nests or performed an accelerated backwards bhop

[@imluxury7597]

oh my god it’s starting, the world war two stuff is starting

[@drunorthodox]

Im hyped

[@AkshaySingh-ef6wz]

I'm so excited!!!!!

[@imluxury7597]

@@AkshaySingh-ef6wz this is what we’ve been waiting for LETS GO

[@AkshaySingh-ef6wz]

@@imluxury7597 this will lead up to the huge WW2 VIDEO

[@funnynamenumber4998]

“Oh my god! It’s happing ok everybody stay calm!”

[@HyperLuminal]

This would make a phenomenal Tarantino flick. I can’t literally see it already. The motley cast of unlikely allies, the ridiculous circumstances, bombastic characters, some gratuitous violence, a Hail Mary last ditch effort all in the backdrop of WWII. Perfect recipe.

[@concept5631]

It would've been considered among his greats like Django Unchained and Inglorious Bastards.

[@K.C.J]

They also had a few African American soldiers, So one of them will 100% be casted as Samuel Jackson

[@megabladechronicles962]

@@K.C.J "I am sick and tired of these motherfucking SS in this motherfucking castle." -Samuel Jackson

[@mud4309]

@@K.C.J oh my god we need to see this happen

[@Beatles__]

Can we get RDJ to play a black soldier?

[@unintelligent_strut3048]

29:43 I don’t why there’s something very wholesome about this. I just imagine him jumping, waving, and dancing around in joy as he yells “AMERICANISH PANZER!”

[@grubskies4221]

And then just the faint cheers of soldiers of all ideologies and ethnicities. Damn is that wholesome

[@laars2233]

"Amerikanischer Panzer!"

[@coverart4229]

I feel bad for Gangl. The man spends most of his career fighting for the wrong side of the war, and slowly realizes he is on the wrong side. He decides to do something about it and in the moment of his most heroic action he's cut down.

[@docholliday9741]

“You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain”. He may have very well been tried and imprisoned or outright shot afterwards. Even defecting Nazzies weren’t treated very well near the end of the war

[@shoobydoobydoooo]

Man fell victim to the classic literary trope of 'Redemption Equals Death'.

[@drewinsur7321]

@@docholliday9741 Gangl said "not me, im in my prime" And the sniper said "yeah you look it"

[@your-username-here2308]

@@docholliday9741 Not really, atleast not in the West. And almost any Family who was there at that time here at the French/German Border speaks good about the US Troops, Civilians/Kids and former Soldiers. The only once almost all People started to hate was SS Troops. And espacially Civilians refused to help former SS Soldiers here.

[@thedinogamer1034]

at least he had an honorable death.

[@XCaLv1]

After his death, Gangl was honoured as a hero of the Austrian resistance. There's a street named after him in Wörgel. If anyone thinks he looks familiar it might be because his picture is used for generic generals in HOI4.

[@avangelinechatters]

What's HOI4???

[@workaccount9127]

Hearts of Iron 4, a video game.

[@depressedhomo9330]

Oh my god I’ve never noticed that. I have looked at him countless times in hoi4

[@SL4PSH0CK]

Wait wot??? I reinstalling the game wtfudge

[@lorin3894]

@@JudenExterminator everyone got fucked by nazis, what's your point?

[@sorivios728]

I love how he makes history fun like none of my history teachers were this interesting to listen to and then he chooses the most bizarre things to talk about

[@enderdub9399]

My history teacher is like wendigoon and I love it

[@ron4212]

because teaching history takes more than just an overall glance over the facts. he says it himself, hes simplifying, in favor of brevity and entertainment.

[@dh7548]

To be fair, this is more interesting because wendigoon can choose topics he's interested, and therefore probably interesting for us. While history teachers have to teach important boring things because history is mainly learning from our ancestors mistakes

[@Archimedes.5000]

Ah yes because this is an extremely significant historical event

[@camdenewing7501]

@@Archimedes.5000 history is not just a series of events, its concepts like the distinction between the SS and the Whermacht. In fact this event can be used to segue into numerous historical topics, such as nationalistic viewpoints, the utilization of tanks in ww2, the treatment of nazi officers proceeding the war, and a number of other ww2 and early cold war related concepts and events Tldr: Even if the event itself isnt exactly historically significant, its an interesting event that opens the door to explaining historical concepts in an engaging way.

[@twinzzlers]

I found out about this battle thanks to Sabaton. It's so interesting and genuinely heart warming

[@twinzzlers]

Jesus Christ that's a lot of likes

[@declanjones8888]

​@@twinzzlersIndubitably.

[@modus3493]

“It was just the damndest thing” is a perfect way to sum up this battle

[@Odd_D_User]

That has to be the closing line of the film adaptation.

[@elmaster611]

He was like "Well it was definitely one of the battles of all time"

[@lolstuffenjoy9880]

@@elmaster611 morbius before morbius

[@rrichard0234]

7:40 as you can see, Magic Spoon Tower 7 fell exactly like a controlled demolition, which is odd considering a Hand of Wendigoon flew into it. It shouldn't have fallen like it did according to the laws of physics, suggesting that the 7/29 attacks were staged

[@queuedjar4578]

7/29 was a breakfast job

[@samoria7530]

Wendihand can’t melt cardboard beams

[@bureaucratbayonet]

I saw a face in the smoke. It looked like the devil, or you know, some bearded guy.

[@brianfitch5469]

@@bureaucratbayonet that's because of the CGI. If you know you know if you don't you don't. News were saying they were hit and releasing video before the second one was officially hit. About 25 mins to early. They released the prerecorded plane crash cgi to early. UK news station.

[@bureaucratbayonet]

@@brianfitch5469 man CGI has gotten too good. Looks real.

[@theduckking5720]

Actually laughing after near death experiences is a very common reaction and coping technique. After school shootings it isn't uncommon for kids coming out of the school to be joking, and laughing not because they are making light of the situation but because it helps them cope.

[@WhiteWolf-lm7gj]

And I'd have to imagine there's a fair amount of shock going on in that situation as well

[@quagmoe7879]

I don’t think you understand how people think. Also your comment makes it sound like school shootings are a regular thing, which is funny. They actually rarely happen.

[@WhiteWolf-lm7gj]

@@quagmoe7879 Depends on how you define rare, and nothing in their comment suggested that they found school shootings funny.

[@quagmoe7879]

@@WhiteWolf-lm7gj You misunderstood my comment completely. Good thing it wasn’t even addressed to you.

[@WhiteWolf-lm7gj]

@@quagmoe7879 Well, you did comment in a public forum. I'd ask what I misunderstood, but I'm guessing you won't answer.

[@castironskilletgranny]

I never get tired of hearing this story. Thank you. When I was a child in the 50's and 60's (you know, the old century LOL) my dad would tell us accounts of WW2 and Korea while we ate supper. This was one of my favorites. And yes, he emphasized the hysterical parts. My dad and his stories were amazing but many were somber as he sometimes recounted battles in which friends or family were lost. I am eternally grateful for both the humor and the cost of freedom being instilled. Again, thank you.

[@alexfc679]

Cool! Can you tell some of your dad's stories?

[@themightylog2169]

I wish more people would see this..

[@daxentomasivern7744]

The friendly SS officer name was Kurt-Siegfried Schrader.

[@cctwoicy]

why doesn’t this have more likes

[@Thor-Orion]

@@cctwoicy give it time, I just liked it and this is my first view of the video.

[@RambleOn07]

Is there a more German name?

[@cornfield3034]

Agent Schrader? Did he happen to have a fascination with rocks

[@AlternativeExplosion]

@@cornfield3034 Minerals.

[@kingvinoda3896]

This really sounds like a movie, especially with the americans coming in at the right moment when all seems lost.

[@Krackatau]

I was looking for a comment like this

[@qionne_9443]

last minute saves like this were actually incredibly common in WW2. unfortunately, there were just as many failed rescues that were just barely too late

[@usecode___7453]

​@@qionne_9443 The weird team-up and the castle do make it a little more special I think

[@BeefyRider]

They were going to make a movie about it but apparently it's stuck in Development Hell.

[@zirc0nium977]

that's the tag line for the whole war lmao

[@mythguard6865]

13:22 The name of the former SS officer who Wimmer had take charge was Kurt Siegfried Schrader he has an interesting story and by all accounts seems like was a good man who valued his wife and child over everything else. He deserves to be remembered.

[@book_roblox]

Hank Schrader

[@AllenGray47]

Oh man, if this had a movie or a series, it should totally start with someone asking Lee about it, zooms in, flash back, whole story, flash forward to old Lee again "Well, it was the damndest thing..."

[@medic2229]

This battle was incredible, it’s crazy how little it’s covered.

[@Im.always.watching]

Na man there are hundreds of videos on it, you must not be looking at the right part of KZbin.

[@grey46]

@@Im.always.watching I've never heard of it until now lol

[@medic2229]

@@Im.always.watching Really? I’ve only seen a few.

[@Im.always.watching]

Man there are so many you can go for animated ones or you could pick some more background ones with no pics just the guy telling you about it. It's a good topic but just hard to find and when you have so many to pick from just search up the name of the castle and your set

[@medic2229]

@@Im.always.watching Fair point.

[@jacobmasdoni6410]

Ok that impulse to knock down the cereal tower because he knows everyone wanted to see it happen, just proves this guy is the best lmfao

[@weedthepplcanphiteU]

I usually skip his ads but went back to see him do that when it was gone in the BG lol

[@Biggoose_]

7:36 for anyone who wants it :)

[@Hooliganz_650]

This and the Spanish double agent would be the greatest ww2 movies ever

[@Playbahnosh]

Everywhere I looked where they discuss the Battle of Castle Itter there's always one question: WHY ISN'T THERE A MOVIE ABOUT THIS?! It's the best kind of war story: former enemies banding together for a common cause, a small group of underdogs holding out valiantly against impossible odds, unlikely heroes saving the day, help arriving just in the nick of time, etc. The screenplay basically writes itself! I can already see someone like Brad Pitt playing the cocky, abrasive tank commander, Samuel L. Jackson with the black contingent, Christoph Waltz playing Gangl, oh man, this movie has Quentin Tarantino written all over it! This movie needs to happen!

[@TiernanOleary]

Theres a song its called the last battle

[@chloemackinly6762]

This story really does have that Quentin Tarantino vibe to it. A serious war story that really happened but doesn't seem real, the calvary coming to the rescue at the literal perfect time, little comedic quips here and there

[@thebajanbots7131]

I feel like if Tarantino made a movie about this it would be an incredibly biting black comedy perhaps with some historical revisionism (IB and OUATIH)

[@WILL-oo6cp]

@@thebajanbots7131 they made a movie with Clint Eastwood called Where Eagles Dare that’s similar to this story

[@SerechII]

I'll never not laugh at all the creative ways wendigoon finds to say "self end game", it cracks me up every single time

[@lepusistlich6930]

I still remember his "to commit unalive" :D

[@LexYeen]

"Battlefield 5 exit lobby"

[@catboy6451]

Reset your avatar

[@SerechII]

"Minecraft exit server" is still my favorite lol someone should make a compilation

[@jokesterio1456]

@@SerechII probably the same guy who does the "Wendigoon out of context"-Clips

[@Just_Adrian_]

As an austrian this is one of my favorite parts of our history, I've even visited the castle itself once

[@alynsak]

After all of the Germans, especially commanders who refused to have any remorse for what they did. You have to give Gangl a lot of credit for finally fighting against his own countrymen because he realized it was the right thing to do. That takes a lot of courage honestly. I have respect for those who realized what was going on and did something about it, no matter how late the hour was. May they all rest in peace. Thank you for this. I honestly hadn't heard of it, but I love history and this moment in time was definitely a crazy one. Even they knew it.

[@Didymus20X6]

Franz Stigler as well.

[@zeitgeistx5239]

Gangs was Austrian and maybe you didn’t realize but Anschluss did happen to Austria.

[@laars2233]

​​@@zeitgeistx5239 wrong. He was bavarian. He simply cooperated with the Austrian resistance. Also yeah we all know about the Anschluss. Thats not exactly news to most of us.

[@cascadianrangers728]

Andre actually went off on a bicycle, there were motorcycles at Castle Itter, but the escaping guards and other Nazis took off on them, there wasn't anything left with a motor That's what took him so damn long, he had to peddle his muscle powered bike all the way out and back

[@michealdrake3421]

And mind you, bicycles back then were not like bikes today. They were made out of steel, could weigh 50 lbs or more, and had no suspension

[@cascadianrangers728]

@@michealdrake3421 if memory serves I believe Andre was further delayed by issues with tires, rubber being essentially non-existent in the Reich

[@jonhg92]

@@cascadianrangers728 i'd also bet that the area isnt exactly flat, so lots of ups and downs

[@theguy9208]

@@jonhg92 plus, the bike probably only had one gear.

[@Ludwig_Perpenhente]

The best part is this isn't the only time Germans and Americans fought other Germans. There was also "Operation Cowboy" where they rescued Breed Horses from (the former) Czechoslovakia in fear of the Oncoming Soviet Horde that will kill said Horses.

[@BLKKNGofficial]

WW1 and WW2 were just wacky and tragic somehow simultaneously

[@Lenn869]

you will never find the czech horses

[@williamthompson5504]

Actually, there was a 3rd time. That one involved giant “atoms” in the sky destroying both sides. This was SW France in February of 45. Hard to find anything on it. So it could be a crock of $hit, but I met a witness 20 years ago who explained it in detail.

[@stonedphilosopher8002]

@@williamthompson5504 My grandfather fought in WW2 and he always said there was a 3rd side whatever that means....apparently there was something killing everything that moved German, Russian, American or British it didn't matter

[@Radientzone345]

"Yippee ki-yay ya little doggies, gotta get those Ivans from our prized stallions, pardner!"

[@labased2539]

Out of all the ww2 movies I’m surprised they haven’t made one about Castle Itter! Lol

[@marvinsteven3874]

People would freak out and call it fake, like really fake. Like so fake that people would claim as Nazi propoganda to humanize them....But they should make it, just to see people go buck wild.

[@concept5631]

The perfect recipe for a Quentin Tarantino film.

[@gustl514]

I've been living in a village near Itter for all of my life and I've seen the castle many times. Crazy to hear what has happened there.

[@rainyboi6383]

This climactic Final Battle is such a fucking cool story. Man am I happy that this criminally overlooked event in history is getting some recognition.

[@humanpelican642]

all it is just nazis saving face

[@ewhit5160]

Ignore this if you want but I’m about to start my second year in college and I think that’s the first time I have ever seen “climactic” spelled out and it looks so wrong for no reason. I know it’s right but it just looks odd

[@heeeboisss5963]

@@ewhit5160 Damn you sound stoned ngl

[@PA-1000]

@@ewhit5160 the c is silent

[@thatguytony1291]

From political compasses to SCPs, from from bank robbery to Ed and Lauren warren. Now my favorite battle in WW2. As AWAYS, great video.

[@defaulted9485]

From the most comedic Double Agent Spy mission to now the bruhest moment of WWII.

[@megabladechronicles962]

If you liked this story, check out the Christmas Truce of 1914. It was this event during th first year of WWI where both sides along the Western Front basically threw a Christmas party together.

[@TiernanOleary]

A day with our brothers. A night with our friends

[@AlexCorporations]

Insane idea: after you finish the stalker movie, you either begin to write a script for the crazy parts of WWII (Garbo, fight of Castle Itter, etc.) as maybe a movie or a mini-series, or get someone to help you write a script for the concept. Then pitch it, wait for a director to snatch it up as any semi intelligent or sane (or any director worth his salt) would take it in a second. It would be one of the best movies of the decade, maybe even of the 21st century (because we need a good war movie on this and you could do it. It could probably be one of the best WWII movies as well).

[@Gyrfalcon312]

"Well, it was just the damndest thing." No kidding, sir. I _never_ would have imagined that German and American soldiers would fight side-by-side, going by some series and books I've read. Also, this is the first time I've heard of the battle, and agree that it should be immortalized onscreen.

[@ugaboj]

@Esoteric Schizochad All I will say is that one part of your username is fitting.

[@Gyrfalcon312]

@Esoteric Schizochad Touche. I need to read more WWII accounts.

[@flavorflavius9382]

Patton was killed because he wanted Americans and Germans to join forces against the soviets, also because he said some unflattering things about jews. Literally thousands of Americans and Germans over the decades agreed that their nations should never have fought. Nuremberg trials were a farce, most confessions were done through torture or deception. Also, a poll taken in the US during wartime found that most Americans would rather have lost the war, than end segregation. The more you know.

[@flavorflavius9382]

@Esoteric Schizochad It's a suppository, not a jolly rancher.

[@azeemtravadi6128]

"drongle, driving his kupenwagen" truly one of the moments of all time

[@HystericalHuntress]

Gangl, driving his Kubelwagen*

[@lilms4062]

Dongle, driving his Kubrickwagon

[@g4greed502]

yes, agreed. truly a moment

[@DogeickBateman]

It’s funnier when you know the name “Kubelwagen” in literal German means “bucket-seat wagon”. No idea how I knew this, just wanted to throw it out there.

[@benpurcell4935]

Yarnhub and Sabaton History Channel have incredible videos about this topic as well. One thing to note is that Lee brought 4 tanks with him and left one tank at each of the three bridges encountered either willingly or unwillingly.

[@kato2395]

Holy, this is a story better than what modern Hollywood could churn out. Sometimes reality imitates art.

[@ryanguernsey]

Interesting fact: The SS division that fought against the Americans, Wehrmacht, and French celebrities at Castle Itter was the 17th SS Panzergrenadier Division. My Great Grandfather was in the U.S. Army as a part of the 100th Infantry Division during World War II and he fought against the 17th SS Division in what was known as Operation Nordwind. He told me that on New Years Eve of 1944, the 17th SS began a counter-offensive against the 100th Infantry Division. Despite heavy losses, my Great Grandpa and the 100th Division successfully repelled and destroyed the 17th SS Panzergrenadier Division. The severely battered 17th SS Division would go on to fight in the Battle of Castle Itter in the waning days of the war. I love you and I miss you Gramps...

[@salazam]

Interesting fact: Your great grandfather fought for the wrong side.

[@wienergrimace]

@@salazam ??? why?

[@maximilianodelrio]

​@@salazam interesting fact: you need to go outside and make some friends

[@salazam]

@@wienergrimace Read Gen George S. Patton's personal diary. My great grandfather knew Gen Omar Bradley personally and fought under him in the Battle of the Bulge. So I know what it feels like.

[@bullseye5202]

Your Grandfather sounds like a goddamn badass

[@Heavysscreams]

The Army sure hasn't forgotten or overlooked it. When I was in basic, the Battle of Castle Itter was covered in our Blue Blooks. The Blue Book has all the important information a new recruit needs to know in order to become a soldier and is the only book you're allowed to read before gold phase (at least in my company). Considering the Battle's inclusion in what's essentially the Army's second most important book following the WTBD manuals, I think goes to show how important it is to the Army. Just thought I should share.

[@mikhailshaw7030]

that's really interesting actually, I might ask my dad about that and see if any other "obscure" battles/conflicts are covered

[@karenamyx2205]

Do you mean AIT? I dont remember any of this shit from basic training. Granted, it's been 15 years.

[@thereforepie7531]

@@karenamyx2205 Probably. Depends on the job tbh.

[@SL4PSH0CK]

Damn cool facts, thankies

[@MattB117]

@@karenamyx2205 Infantry don't have AIT, you go straight through. Red, White, Blue, Black/Gold phase

[@spoonsrattling]

This is probably one of my all time favorite battles in human history. Thanks for talking about! Gangl sounds like he was a real badass, may he rest in peace.

[@lordstarscreamy329]

what's really nice about this story, or at least that's how it came across is, that there was little to no conflict between those different factions, they shared the same goal and it didn't matter where each person came from

[@ravenwarjoy]

"...did that guy just run past us?" "Yeah I guess so Hans." "Should we... do something? Shoot him?" "Nah, don't worry about it."

[@GiraffeFlavoredCondoms]

Idk why but I pictured someone looking like Richard Simmons running past them in those running shorts Olympians wear, and can just picture the Germans seeing him booking it and laughing their asses off

[@WlatPziupp]

"The tennis player ran off. Quickly, get the grenades!"

[@scribeslendy595]

This is easily one of my favorite "random WW2 hijinks" battles. I want a Tarantino-esque dark comedy about the event

[@peterson7082]

Also Operation Cowboy

[@ALL-jq2cn]

Average person: Endgame is the most diverse crossover Wendigoon fans: the battle of Castle Itter is the most diverse crossover

[@user-hb2oc9ol8h]

Very good 3 minutes recap of this is story is the song: “The Last Battle” by Sabaton- very recommend

[@Didymus20X6]

Not to mention the Sabaton History episode about it.

[@ingridmace2530]

Major Gangl might have died... but on the very least he got his redemption arc. But jokes aside, it's impressive that he survived the whole war, and sad that he died just at it's end, at what would quite literally be his last battle had he survived

[@spagandhi]

Being a prisoner in Castle Itter has the potential of being a great sitcom

[@yrantiquebrand]

Honestly, I wish there was an account of what the hell went down for all those years in that castle. All these people that were forced to live together, half of them hating the other, and even the guards trying to be their friend must've been the weirdest experience for everyone involved.

[@stalinsoulz7872]

@@yrantiquebrand French Pow be like: Ugh bloody German Nazis *spits* Oh sorry not you hans, no offense. It's fine Pierre

[@mjtraeger_official]

Like Hogan's Heroes lol

[@jeebusthegreat8819]

Ngl this as a M*A*S*H like sitcom would be hilarious and awesome

[@jagobot1487]

Just to clarify about the battle of Normandy. It was actually a huge assault from many people from the allied forces. English, French, American and Canadian forces arriving at the beaches en masse.

[@spookysugar]

Not the tennis player channeling his inner Hyrule Mailman and nocliping half map. Absolute legend

[@pyroshilov8474]

"And it's the end of the line of the final journey..." i'm still suprised no movie has been made about this yet. the whole setting of America and Germany teaming up, a French tennis player possibly saving the whole group and a last stand against the SS is just a movie idea that writes itself

[@XxX_afterHours_XxX]

Enemies leaving the past! And it's american troops and the german army, Joining together at last!

[@IntrepidIanRinon]

Was looking for the appropriate lyrics for this. Never disappointed.

[@quinnholloway5400]

Americans and Germans, along with a tennis star vs Nazis

[@supersaiyanamg]

Liberals would hate the movie

[@XxX_afterHours_XxX]

@@supersaiyanamg your mother would hate the movie

[@starhalv2427]

I've heard from a friend that there were at least 2 Polish soldiers defending the castle, including corporal Edward "Stinky" Szymszyk. That makes the whole thing even crazier, but I'm not sure whether it's true or not.

[@concept5631]

Interesting.

[@EmissaryofWind]

He is mentioned in the polish version of the battle's wikipedia page, but not the english version for whatever reason

[@starhalv2427]

@@EmissaryofWind National pride thing. It's pretty strong in Poland.

[@DemonFireGaming]

When they say art imitates life, this is literally the plot of a Cod Nazi Zombie map.

[@silver2179]

What a genuine and humble man, thank you so much for all the content as always.

[@sequinnfrancysco]

Yet another banger history lesson, Mr. Wendigoon!

[@ethanpant]

dr. wendigoon, he didnt get an internet digree to be called mr

[@ziggyfuckinsteve1997]

I almost liked but

[@blanketboa2473]

Fun fact: theres a rock song from the band sabaton called "The last battle." its all about the battle of castle Itter. its pretty good and yall should give it a listen.

[@PonyBoy1776]

Criminally underrated song

[@WonderDerek]

Thank ya

[@RadikAlice]

I know it's kinda their thing, but it feels like they've directly covered or referenced every major event in WW1 and WW2 in a song every time I see them get mentioned

[@hirschmeistr6842]

*metal

[@kryoruleroftheninthcircleo4151]

*power metal song. Not rock.

[@cheenis891]

I think my favorite part of this is the tank shooting at the castle wall and the other tank exploding in the gateway, that would make such a cool set piece for a movie

[@stugotz7650]

Wendigoon, make this movie! Do another Kickstarter!

[@studduck4664]

First heard about this battle from Sabaton's song The Last Battle, then some elaboration from Sabaton History, glad to see Wendigoon made a video with a longer examination with his humor!

[@stuartbarnhill4966]

Ah I see you are a man of culture as well

[@adenkyramud5005]

That's exactly how I learned about it as well lol

[@DoctorKalkyl]

Remember: Jenny at the gates.

[@internetexplorer1123]

you are truly a man of culture

[@humanpelican642]

mid band filled with "history nerds" (they just name tanks and planes from ww2)

[@polygonalsquared7648]

I normally don't care much for war stories but oh my god ones like these absolutely get me, its amazing how wacky history can be sometimes

[@TheLastArbiter]

I would love to see a fully realized movie on this I have always been shocked appalled that it has not been done. I’ve always loved this story and I think your telling of it was the best I’ve seen

[@dc12344]

Me meanwhile living in Dachau and driving by the walls of the concentration camp every day to work only to realize again that it exists when Wendigoon talks about it in his video. When you live here like me you kinda push it to the back of your mind even if you see it on a daily basis. It is now located between a housing zone and an industry district so you can eat chinese food while watching tourist buses arrive. (It's Mr Tran Asia Kitchen for those who don't believe me).You can now do with this information whatever you want, you're welcome.

[@jiggyfun807]

2 Chicken Chow Meins and will share a Coca-Cola!

[@LateNightTableCo]

The set up for this battle sounds like the beginning of a RTS level you get to play near the end of the game.

[@Ryce003]

Dude Lee just has the most Midwest reactions to the whole thing. Love that

[@maricruz831]

So adore your content which is always done so respectful. I especially got hooked when you predicted local 58 had the moon as an entity instead of the whole alien trope. I am a big cosmic horror fan so, imagining a being hatching out of the moon was my golden take. I just wanted to drop you a line of gratitude for your amazing ability to connect with an introvert like me. I'm not on the younger side of your audience but you still make me feel connected. Even with the religious stuff. Was raised catholic so, nice to hear a take that is what religion should feel like, unjudged and understood. Anywho, thanks for all you do.

[@grimdaggz]

THIS HAS TO BE MADE INTO A MOVIE TITLED 'THE DAMNEDEST THING'

[@callum3844]

Can you imagine a Wes Anderson Castle Itter movie? Cuz I can and it sounds fucking amazing

[@luigiwiiUU]

easy Oscars winner

[@Gyrfalcon312]

He could bring out the ridiculous elements (the German-American alliance chief among them), I agree, based on his movies from the early Aughts... the ones I've seen.

[@AnnaLVajda]

The hotel Budapest?

[@tylerlikesmovies2245]

I literally thought the same thing with the track suit scene lol

[@callum3844]

@@tylerlikesmovies2245 that’s what made we think about it too, sweatband on the forehead, tennis racket, the whole kit running past Nazis

[@stevenpolkinghorn4747]

Sabaton has a song called “The Last Battle” all about this, simple history has covered it, today I found out, and quite a few other channels have covered it. It’s not covered in a main history class but it’s fairly well covered. I think Mark Felton covered it too.

[@12gauge_shawtyy]

qxir also covered it

[@dravenocklost4253]

Fellow Sabaton lover, doing the good work

[@bendobendo]

Not mark felton 😭😭😭

[@anAngeal]

On a high school trip overseas, I visited Dachau. It was completely eerie. I couldn’t read or understand German but I spent the whole two hours we were there looming at every sign, watching every short documentary, looking at all the buildings still standing… I was as quiet as possible and paid my respects. It was a terrible part of history, but it stands and we have to look, and try to understand, and keep horrors like that from happening againz

[@BananaRama1312]

Overrated

[@doublestarships646]

Gangl redeemed himself and died a true hero. Not many people could have done what he did. Amazing story.

[@drewpeltzman5903]

ever since your mention of Inglorious Basterds, all i could think about is how perfect this story would play as a Tarantino film. Insane!

[@southernladyish]

One of my favorite movies. My sister and I were talking about this battle a week or so ago because she’s a huge fan of Sabaton and their song “The last battle”. As she was showing me the song and the lyrics I kept thinking about Inglorious Bastards. I literally had to make her watch this movie lol This would be an amazing movie plot fr and if Tarantino directed it.. it would be epic. If I’m not mistaken, Tarantino said he would only direct one more movie before he retires. Not sure how true that is but I think the world needs this movie.

[@lazarussolomon3541]

I had a ww2 vet teacher who once told me that Germans would practically give themselves over to his company with a smile if soviets were coming because atleast they would have a good shot at being treated fine

[@julianhermanez1694]

That's because Germans didn't kill 40 million of US or Uk

[@MrAgentEcho]

How prisoners should be treated. The Hague can figure out their punishment.

[@simonriley4131]

If nazi boots reached American soil it would've been the exact same story as with the Soviets

[@God_gundam36]

@@MrAgentEchothat's generally true but tbh they had some fuckin audacity to expect to be treated nicely after the shit they pulled, the Germany army knew full well their goal was the genocide and torture of minority groups.

[@goose2tat2]

@@God_gundam36 well it depends, not every german soldier was apart of that stuff. A lot of them were just normal frontline men fighting for their country.

[@locutus155]

The SS officer who was tasked to protect the castle was an SS Hauptsturmfuhrer named Kurt Siegfried Schrader. He was befriended by the French before the other SS left the castle and was more than happy to help out. Both him and Gangl had balls of titanium, if the SS got into the castle, there future would of been grim beyond belief.

[@kyler.69]

Love your videos man, your really unique in your ways of telling stories no matter how random or unknown they still keep my attention

[@williamthompson5504]

My grandpa was involved in this after his D Day rehab (shot 5 times and made it). He said the Germans were super kind, but afraid we would shoot them afterwards. One those Germans were really happy about: American cigarettes. In WW2, on the Americans had good tobacco. The English had crappy smokes from India (that’s what inspired that lame smokes in 1984) and the Germans had African tobacco. You could buy a nazi off near the end of the war with a carton of Lucky Strikes. Basically your own butler/bodyguard. How much donation to the kickstarter for a speaking role in said movie?

[@nateatkins4593]

Thanks for sharing this man. Thats wild

[@katla_phc]

Yeah, to back up the Americans have good tobacco thing, my dad visited the soviet union in the 1970s and it was the only time in his life he has bought cigarettes because that's how you'd bribe someone.

[@stalinsoulz7872]

@@nateatkins4593 gives ten packs of cigars**** Alright american, you got me hook. For freedom and liberty! Changes sides** Sorry hans.

[@oleslewfoot2903]

You should do a breakdown of some of H.P. Lovecraft's books. Especially because Lovecraft had severe thalassophobia which surfaces heavily in many of his works such as "The Shadow Over Innsmouth", "The Call Of Cthulhu", "The Temple", and "Dagon". One of my favorite of Lovecraft's books is "Memory", even though it's only half a page long it really gets you thinking.

[@spaceiscool5729]

His works become so much funnier when you remember that he was basically scared of everything

[@D0NTST4RT]

​@@spaceiscool5729 his casual racism can be pretty funny. I think my favorite character description he used was "a particularly surly Italian"

[@jueevee3795]

I know this video didn’t get the numbers but I genuinely enjoyed it! Looking forward to more like it!

[@DakotaofRaptors]

Castle Itter is one the more popular "obscure" battles - a lot of major WW2 history channels have covered it. Would like to see more Sino-Japanese war battles though.

[@floridasoldat]

“Well, it was just the damnedest thing…” Great start for the movie lol

[@LateNightTableCo]

If your career with writing movies works out, I would love to see you make movies about events like this. This story is too wild to not at least have a short film made about the battle itself.

[@nolinohesi3395]

This battle needs a movie. What a wild bunch

[@djjr.6711]

This would be the best WW2 comedy movie ever....period.

[@masterplokoon4855]

Damn. Respect to major Gangl. Survived so many battles, and dying in one that had a just cause. Rest in peace

[@vahlen5281]

*Gangl.

[@masterplokoon4855]

@@vahlen5281 Apologies. It's my lizard brain just typing what it hears.

[@mishaf19]

“I’d never think I’d die side by side with an American” “How about side by side with a friend”.

[@LilCashregister14]

At the time of finishing this video i calculated how much time ive spent over the past 2 months on the channel and it came out to be: 31 hours, 31 minutes, and 31 seconds. So now i feel like im either cursed or blessed