The WW2 Tank Battle Caught On Film! (WW2 Documentary)

In March 1945 US forces of the 3rd Armored Division advanced into the ruins of the German city of Cologne. Over two days of bitter fighting they eventually pushed the defenders back across the Rhine.
Standing in their way were the last few tanks of the German Army in the region. This is the story of how one M26 Pershing tank came up against a formidable Panther outside the iconic Cathedral, with the duel being caught on camera in one of the most iconic scenes of WW2.
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Written Sources:
Dierk Lürbke, website (English & German). He once again describes the events in great detail. -anicursor.com/colpicwar2.html
Forgotten Archives: the Lost Signal Corps Photos - / forgottenarchiveslosts...
A. Makos, Spearhead (2019)
S. Zaloga, M26/M46 Pershing Tank 1943-45 (2000)
W. Ramsey After The Battle 104 (1999)
D. Zumbro, Battle for the Ruhr (2006)
Video Sources:
Getty Archive, Divisions of the 1st Army Enter Cologne During WW2
H. Rheindorf (2015 edition), March 1945, Duel at the Cathedral
Scenes of War, Interview with J. Bates (2015 Documentary), accessed via • Scenes of War: Combat ...
Original Sources of the Footage from Bates, Rosenmann and Garrell:
catalog.archives.gov/id/23469
catalog.archives.gov/id/15761
catalog.archives.gov/id/17311
General Archive Sources:
Imperial War Museum Archives (IWMA)
US National Archives (NARA)
Bundesarchiv (German National Archives)
anicursor.com
Dierk's page Special - Cologne at war, tank duel at the cathedral (1)
Tank duel at the Cathedral, Cologne March 06, 1945. Battle of the last tank
Scenes of War: Combat Photographer Jim Bates
catalog.archives.govcatalog.archives.gov
National Archives NextGen Catalog
The online portal to the records held at the National Archives, and information about those records.
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[@MikeHolubar-rd1cf]

Adam Makos wrote the book “Spearhead” about this action and following the paths of the American gunner in the Pershing and some of the Germans involved in the action; an excellent read. Many of the pictures used here appear in his book as well.

[@d53101]

Yes, I have read the book Spearhead and it is an excellent account and well worth the read.

[@T.J.Caldwell318]

One of the best books I've ever read.

[@rogerparker8724]

Loved Spearhead! Hope it’ll become a film someday. 🤞🏻

[@redknight801]

I am glad someone brought this up and that Battle Guide has pinned the comment. I have no idea on the amount of sales for Adam Makos' books, I suppose I can look that up, but he is such a great author and puts in so much time to sit and talk man to man with veterans and conduct very extensive research. I am definitely surprised only 'Devotion' has seen some film treatment as 'Spearhead' and for darn sure 'A Higher Call' are prime stories for Hollywood to base a film on. Unfortunately 'Devotion' was a huge bomb at the box office, lost the studio a TON of money, so my dreams of 'A Higher Call' or 'Spearhead' being put to film may not come to happen with how much 'Devotion' failed. I just really am hoping for 'A Higher Call' film as that is one of the most unique stories of the war, hands down.

[@corsairman1956]

Superb book. I also read “A Higher Call”. 🇺🇸

[@zackadamec9332]

Watching him climb out of the tank with his leg missing was just absolutely insane to see in real life and not a movie. RIP to all the heroes lost

[@AC-hj9tv]

Jesus christ

[@analtubegut66]

there were no heroes on the nazi side

[@desperate4dopamine]

@@analtubegut66 be quite and let the weirdo farm for likes. With the cringe comment

[@D-Vinko]

​​​@@analtubegut66 This is a level of startling Naivety that can only be achieved by someone underage, who lacks the ability or understanding of nuance. Either that, or your teacher did a terrible job teaching you about Nazi Germany; Hitler was a terrible dude, the SS were all terrible people dedicated to a terrible cause, but just like American Soldiers weren't aware what desert storm and Iraq was really about, the average Nazi foot soldier didn't fully understand what was bad about his country and it's acts. Just like not every single American Soldier is a kid killing "Acceptable Casualty" touting oil driller. Nazis in positions of power and Nazis apart of their intelligence community are all bad people, the SS, and any associated long arms of Hitler all had to be dedicated members of the Nazi Party, and consequently deserve no remorse.

[@TayfunOksuzoglu]

​@@analtubegut66 wrong.

[@user-sc1es4wz4g]

The two tank commanders meeting eachother decades later was amazing.

[@user-mm6hg2nr2q]

But I thought the American commander died

[@Dude_Ronin]

​@@user-mm6hg2nr2q I think what he meant was the two tank crewman at the end, not the commanders

[@alanwatts8239]

"Bro sidescraping was a genius move, i couldn't pen you anywhere" "True bro if i let you have my lower plate i'd be toast."

[@KY-dx4rf]

Jesus, have you watched the video and listened, kids? One American tank commander died, total three Americans, from first two tanks that got hit by second panzer that was hidden under the bridge. Third American tank - Eagle 7, that took out the last panzer, was unharmed. Crew members from opposite sides that met later on, were both gunners, not commanders. One German gunner was 18 at a time and together with tank commander abandoned their tank that got covered with building rubles. American gunner from Eagle 7 was the one who pretty much took out both of the panzers, first not directly but by hitting the building and making it to collapse on a tank, and second by hitting it directly. Third German tank, that author of this video mentioned, is yet to be found… When you watch something, keep bananas out of your ears, it helps 🍌

[@erikkunkle9574]

It was the gunners. I read the book

[@philipstrutt1086]

Footage like this is so rare and the storytelling perfectly matches it. The way the fire bursts out of the hatch after the second shell hits the panzer is terrifying to think about if you are part of a tank crew. The two tank commanders becoming friends years later just shows how pointless war is.

[@CrowDawg11]

Ammo racked. The three who got out are lucky they did when they did or they'd have shared their gunner and loader's fate.

[@Conn30Mtenor]

Taking out the NAZIs and the Japanese militarists was far from pointless. It was a supremely moral act.

[@CrowDawg11]

@@Conn30Mtenor nothing - and I mean absolutely NOTHING - in history is as moralistically black-and-white as this worn out propaganda line. The allies committed war crimes and atrocities too. Especially the Soviets. Everything is always shades of grey, and there are no real "good guys" and "bad guys" because of course every belligerent always claims to be "good" while their enemies are "bad."

[@philipstrutt1086]

@@Conn30Mtenor and replacing them with America's brand of militarists? How is that any better? I would start with allowing warmongers to get into power in the first place. That is where humanity always goes wrong. We allow our leaders (regardless of country) to spread propaganda to get the nation on their side, united against a common enemy, then they preceded to commit all manner of evils in the name of *defence*. Case in point being Trueman dropping two nuclear bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, both of which had next to no military presence and killed over 110,000 people (by conservative estimates). The vast majority of those killed, injured and impacted in every war are normal people who want to live peacefully but are forced otherwise. Meanwhile the leaders and corporations who initiate war for their own personal gain more often than not go completely unpunished for their crimes. Its easy to say "the enemy are evil, and we are justified because we are morally superior". Its also incredibly naïve. That's exactly how military indoctrination works. Something that America, the UK and their allies used just as much as Nazi Germany, Imperial Japan or Soviet Russia.

[@brushwolf]

War is wasteful and tragic but that is far different than pointless. The world didnt ask for war but needed to respond to Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan.

[@jonathanjrod]

September 30, 2022, at 10:08 p.m. World War II tank gunner *Clarence Smoyer,* renowned for his courage and deadly aim during the battle for Germany's “Fortress City” of Cologne, died Friday at his home in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He was 99. To the greatest generation, thank you! 🕊♥

[@fatimavenosaf1171]

Truth. The greatest generation.

[@ClosPlayz]

Almost 1 year

[@jasonstoutamire177]

One year on, gone but not forgotten. Thank you Clarence Smoyer.

[@eliasziad7864]

God bless Russian tankers!

[@isaiahkayode6526]

Salute to the greatest generation 🫡.

[@andrew98us]

Can you imagine how many other WW II moments like this happened off camera and are lost to history

[@teleguy5699]

Millions of men and women on both sides. All with their own view of the war. I once said I was in awe of the scope of the war and would like to go back in time to see an Army like Patton's move. Somebody said I was a sick person for that. As retired military and a history buff I had no idea why I would be considered "sick" to catch that moment in time.

[@dawnofwar4302]

​@@teleguy5699 History is generally offensive as it seems to scare alot of people these days, That being said it is our job to preserve history regardless of who it may offend, for without history we are nothing.

[@teleguy5699]

@@dawnofwar4302 I agree.

[@AwesometownUSA]

@@teleguy5699 wait, you’re retired from being a military history buff but you’re still commenting about it? sounds like you’re not fully retired! haha jk

[@teleguy5699]

@@AwesometownUSA Ahh, lol. At first I was thinking, "this guy is crazy". 😉

[@hamadebezem9751]

Every time I visit Cologne, I feel glad that the magnificent cathedral survived this horrific war. When people of cologne returened to the rubble of their city the standing cathedral gave them hope that their city was not dead and inspired them during the rebuilding of the new city.

[@sarelcoetzee7708]

I'm a tank ace from tank battles in Angola. Took out 5 Russian T54/55's in 1987-1988 with South African 105 mm Olifant tank. I've met an Angolan soldier in 2018 who fought against us. We told each other that we were glad the other wasn't killed.

[@marksturm6568]

Wow thats weird

[@mynameis3568]

Very modest. I love it.

[@kodiene4717]

I'm very happy to hear your well, thank you for your service 🙏🏼

[@davegordon6943]

Thank you sir. I'm trying to imagine meeting an opposing soldier years after the war, both older and wiser, with no animosity towards each other. I imagine that was a heavy moment. Are you glad that you got the chance to meet him?

[@pieterhenderson3445]

Was there in Modular in 87.

[@dadehalcyon9856]

The final scene with the two captains meeting each other and becoming friends some 60 years later really got me choked up. A stark reminder of how horrible wartime is and how many millions of would-be friends instead killed one another because of war.

[@camf33]

Both sides following orders.. that's all. We are all brothers under the Almighty.

[@thebodykeepsthescore2828]

​@@camf33Almighty fiction! Time to grow up pal🤦‍♂️

[@billkaldem5099]

Governments don’t live together. People do. Governments are the problem.

[@eliasziad7864]

So why was German soldiers raping and killing Russian civilians?

[@tootspogsforever5590]

​@@thebodykeepsthescore2828don't worry and be scared God loves you!!!😊

[@ihicccup9446]

This is one of the best pieces of WW2 content I’ve ever seen. Well done

[@BattleGuideVT]

Thanks very much, really glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@andrewfrancis3591]

This was some of the best footage from the world at war. Seeing it in 4k with great audio is a bomb.

[@EvilMonkey21]

Absolutely! Great, great work!

[@Old299dfk]

Came here to say this, this is an unparalleled format and has an incredible sobering undertone which needs to be more prevalent I think, when we talk about people's children and parents putting everything they have into taking the lives of their foes. We are all somebody's child, and when you put it into those words, it drives home a bit harder.

[@AbuHajarAlBugatti]

​@@deeem2628literal nazi

[@villegas24]

The fact that this footage exists is absolutely insane. Priceless piece of history

[@mdsupreme1776]

Rip Kathi Esser

[@shanebeckett2890]

I wish there was alot more like this

[@gokublack4211]

Call of duty world at war was one of my first hooks into WW2 footage

[@pkl8811]

We should have never fought the Germans

[@calisto2735]

@@pkl8811 🤦‍♂️

[@dancremarenco5825]

It's a pity that no director had the idea to screen this emotional story of life from the WW2. The meeting, years late,r of the two former enemies is truly epic, and the visit to the grave of the young woman, killed by mistake, has a strong meaning... And all this would have been lost in the mists of time if those brave cameramen had not managed to immortalize these dramatic scenes. Congratulations to the makers of this accurate report!!

[@user-zm5nh1yg1p]

As per I remeber the book “Spearhead” and other documentaries for this event , the grave of the young woman never been identified , Only the grave of the Car driver is there by his name located at near by area to the cathedral , This event contain many sad stories including the story of this poor woman and the car driver which been caught in the middle of action

[@SuperErikRoss]

Tell a real story ??? Oh no cant do that !!!! That wouldnt support the narrative silly rabbit Trix are for Kids !!!!

[@kitkat47chrysalis95]

a million men die: i sleep one woman dies: real sh*t

[@SkeletonXin]

@@kitkat47chrysalis95 Men are expendable, that's just how it is.

[@armin1500]

​@@kitkat47chrysalis95a civillian??? both are tragic, but the million men were most likely soldiers either way, this isnt something we should corrupt with our "gender politics"

[@Felix-fy7ki]

My father served in the PzBrig 106 FHH at the end of the war. He and his surviving comrades met regularly until they were too old or died. May they rest in peace!

[@sydmccreath4554]

Much respect to those brave men from England 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@tylerfoley6644]

@@sydmccreath4554the British are the only main force that never fought 106 😂

[@GM-sg9od]

@@tylerfoley6644what’s your point?

[@TwoChin]

@@GM-sg9od 3 months late but you're goddamn stupid.

[@ManyLegs]

I lived in Köln (Cologne) and I have been on this same street almost daily. When I saw this footage for the first time I could not stop crying. I could literally recognize the street by watching the footage. I can not imagine the suffering and horrors people had to go through.

[@mikehartung1627]

I live in Canada and I'm a big fan of the Koln 1.FC I once walked down that street in the 70's as a kid not knowing the battle that once happened there! it's crazy!

[@Scepticalasfuk]

Get a two pound hammer, smash your open hand with it as hard as you can several times until it's just a jelly-like mess. Multiply that several times, that's what it was like.

[@hqhq4611]

In addition to the horrendous loss of life in WWII was the permanent damage done to so many beautiful European cities, towns, and buildings. Why anyone would idolize Adolf Hitler after all death, suffering and destruction he wreaked is beyond me.

[@jarraandyftm]

@@Scepticalasfuk !?

[@DoctorStrange01]

@@C783H Hitler was a psychopath, read Mein Kampf :D

[@DamonBates]

Jim Bates was my grandfather and it’s great to see him and his work featured and honored here. This graphic treatment of the battle is definitely the best I’ve seen yet. Thank you. I understand the events that day so much better now. Following the publication of Adam Makos’ book Spearhead I had the opportunity to speak with Clarence Smoyer on the phone. An amazingly humble man and a privilege to speak with him. I’m hoping, like Devotion, they make a movie out of Spearhead. It’s an incredible story.

[@mynamejeff8401]

Crazy small world

[@BattleGuideVT]

Thanks very much Damon, we are really glad you enjoyed it - your grandfather was a remarkable man.

[@kowloonattic2110]

And Fred Ramage was mine! - Getty images bought up all the picture rights from those times - a lot are online - the head shaving of the french girls considered collaborators and the meeting up with the Russians are especially interesting - Grandpa lived on into the 1980s -

[@DamonBates]

@@kowloonattic2110 Nice! I have to go check out the source links. Except for the "Scenes of War Jim Bates Combat Photographer", I haven't seen those yet

[@benjaminbandmann7630]

Bro im german and he is alive because the comander dont get it was amerikan

[@ExtremelyAverageMan]

A lot of history nerds have seen this very short original footage of this tank shootout, but only at face value. This was an amazing undertaking to give the CONTEXT and events and actions leading up to the famous footage. This must've been a big undertaking to go through the records and documents to put this together, and it absolutely paid off. Wow, what an awesome video, thank you so much for this!

[@morr8387]

Agree. I appreciated the interspersing of modern day Cologne. I appreciate the detail of the crews' names, both sides. I paused the video to read the article about Kellner. Also, if you search him, Sheboygan honored him back in 2022. Gone but never forgotten. But yes, magnificent work! And I cannot forget the camera men. Very brave!

[@meyerdigitalfilm]

0:23 this guy has balls of steels, casually walking over in a active fighting zone... you gotta admit his balls

[@alexantonio8546]

Or his crazyness

[@michaelmccotter4293]

Rare that I'm shaken emotionally. Photo of the two former combatants grasping hands, gave me a shutter of chills for their warm embrace. Evil men create these wars. Good men fight and die.

[@benadam7753]

I've seen this many times in documentaries! American and British veterans meeting with German veterans! No hatred! Just goodwill followed by friendship!

[@seeweezeke]

goes to show you how stupid war is. strangers fighting each other for the rich and powerful

[@nasiaking]

Would it be happened between afghan war veteran and the ex taliban militia in the future?

[@ApollonDriver]

​@@nasiaking no, because most taliban militants believe in what they do. German soldier in this video wass just a soldier, but it would be different if he was an SS officer imo.

[@MIFU1989]

They may be one of the best lines I have ever read. Thanks.

[@kickingmustang]

Quality!! Started watching this thinking it would be another rehash of the classic footage but it far exceeded expectations. Incredible story telling and details, thank you.

[@BattleGuideVT]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@theravager9566]

Didn’t expect to see you here… you’ve got good taste

[@kurtistjones6337]

Took my exact words, I've always wanted to see that battle described. The over head breakdown and map was awesome, really helps to understand it. Loved it

[@mcadamdavid1]

David Mcadam 0 seconds ago THE JEW HAD AS SOVIET SANGUINARY USSR MADE FOOLS OF THE WORLD TO ATTACK ITS OWN.

[@nuxboxen]

100% agree

[@shawnbirt4161]

The level of detail in this video was amazing. The way you broke down the action it was like you put everyone who watches the video right there. To the guys who filmed you are as brave as they come. To all the tankers, thank you for your bravery and sacrifice. God speed.

[@BattleGuideVT]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@chrisbraswell8864]

What a few men in power put their fellow countrymen through is beyond belief.

[@shawnbirt4161]

@chrisbraswell8864 you can take your delusional comments elsewhere. A few men in power?? WTF... WW2 was fought because of the nazi party trying to start a 1000 year Reich and those who opposed the nazi party were trying to save Europe from total destruction and ultimately the world. No one wanted to be in that war but those people who earned the moniker of "The greatest generation " were just that and they went and did what needed to be done.

[@user-ql7rw1xx6e]

My wife and I visited Cologne in 2019 and entered the Cathedral. We then walked around town within a couple block of the huge buildings. Watching the video of this tank duel on streets where we walked and stood, caused the hairs to rise on my arms and neck! Incredible footage!

[@GlasgowCeltic88]

What would've been a few handwritten/typed sheets of an After Action Report, back in '45, can now become a fully immersive AAR thanks to the wonders of technology AND the efforts of the historians. From a former British Army grunt and avid historian, well done and a superb piece of work!❤

[@BattleGuideVT]

Thanks very much, glad you enjoyed it!

[@derin111]

Astonishing content! Brilliant presentation and detail. Subscribed. One thing to add is that 27 year old Katharina Esser’s death was even more tragic and gruesome than related here. She was trying to escape to the right bank of the Rhine with her boss, Hans Delling, in order to be with her fiancé. Delling was killed at the wheel. However, Esser was seriously wounded but alive at the side of the road. Then when, unexpectedly, the Americans came under fire again their tanks had to hurriedly move and Katharina was driven over by a tank which is what actually killed her. 68 years later, In 2013, Clarence Smoyer and Gustav Schäfer, the two former enemies, met and laid roses at the graves of Katharina Esser and Hans Delling.

[@rogerparker8724]

The part about her being run over is complete nonsense already debunked by historian Adam Makos. Please stop spreading these falsities.

[@ramal5708]

US Medics treated the wounded Esser after they found out she was alive after the shooting, after that I didn't know that she was ran over by a tank, she could still be alive, if the Americans weren't ambushed while she was being treated. There's a footage of her being treated by the Medics, which it wasn't shown in this video

[@derin111]

@@ramal5708 Yes, I’ve seen that footage too. I had previously also assumed that she must have died after succumbing to the shooting injuries. It was only when I read a German newspaper article about it and the meeting of the two old soldiers and laying of the flowers at the graves that I learnt about this extra detail.

[@andreperrault5393]

The men were affected by her death. They remembered for the rest of their lives.

[@mad_max21]

Yeah, apparently "mortally wounded" means unable to move away from a tank flattening you.

[@beatrice1234ful]

I lived in Cologne for 10 years and walked those streets 100s of times. After living in Indonesia for 30 years it feels pretty weird seeing what happened there so many years before I was even born. I used to work at a small hotel on the other side of the station and could see the Dom and the bridge from the hotel windows. Thanks for sharing this video, it brought back memories and taught me some history

[@alphatonic1481]

As a German while we lost a lot of young men in this stupid war i am still very happy that the Nazis were defeated and i don't have to live in a dictatorship. Thanks to all who fought back then to free Germany.

[@Trumps_exocutioner]

I'm not

[@RonaldAndrew]

I have watched 100s of WW2 Documentary videos. I was born in 62', Canada. My dad fought in France and Belgium. That was the most incredible thing I've ever seen. It brought tears to my eyes and I still have the chills. Your work is incredible! Thank you so much.

[@scotnor]

My uncle was a lead tank driver with Patton and was with him all the way to Berlin. He wouldn’t talk about it.

[@arizotje]

I am Belgian, thx to people like your dad we had our freedom for a long time.

[@michellekrueger5122]

My husband was born in 63, his Dad, fought in and for Germany, he is still alive, in Iowa, he has many American friends that also fought against him and his kommarades......evil men start wars, good men fight them...😡😭

[@dulls8475]

One of the best historical sequences I have ever seen. Well done.

[@BattleGuideVT]

Wow, thanks so much!

[@deplorablesunited7168]

The fact that those two guys live to be old men and met at the same place and became friends is really unbelievable

[@BlackjackJoe101]

This has to be one of the best WW2 mini-docs I've ever seen. Remarkable job in cohesively putting all of that together. Incredible content.

[@ld-hannover8186]

I once worked on this street in Cologne for a year and always wondered exactly where the panzerduell was. Now I know. For someone who knows the city well at this point, the combination of old and current street images is a great experience. You've done a great job, congratulations. it's also amazing to see how many buildings that were destroyed back then are still standing there today. That speaks for the good construction quality before the war. For those interested in culture here: the church at the bottom right in minute 9:12 is St. Gereon. The first sections were built by the Romans in 350 and are still preserved today. The church in minute 10:14 to the left of the cathedral is St. Andreas. It was built in 950 and has a very beautiful interior in the typical style of the Dominicans.

[@Alter_Mann__Scheissradfahrer]

This was a very emotional video, as I am from Cologne. I visited these spots so often. This video gives a very new perspective to this events. For me, the incident with the two civilians in the Opel was a lot more prominent in the history of wartime Cologne. I knew about thew duel, but I thought is was located far more to the west in the vicinity of Komoedienstrasse / Burgmauer. Thanks for the video.

[@sdboyd]

I stepped into the Cathedral and my conversion to Catholicism began.

[@Aluttuh]

@@sdboyd Catholicism is just jewish roman sponsored Christianity used to subvert.

[@ct92404]

@Jews stole my Bible another flat Earther conspiracy theorist nut...

[@Evilryu808]

​@Jews stole my Bible didn't Hitler want to eradicate religion after he was done with the war? Correct me if I'm wrong.

[@jtothecc2421]

And only 70 years later Germany is supporting Nazis again. That's sad.

[@ronalddesiderio7625]

I’m speechless. It brings the humanity of war to the surface. The shear nerves of both crews to know it’s over in a second you or them is incomprehensible. Truly the greatest generation

[@michaelburatovich3199]

This is WWII history at its absolute best. Visual, objective, and respectful. Well done.

[@darklingeraeld-ridge7946]

Superb work - utterly engaging, with the detail and care over the images, positioning and timeline. A very valuable sense of what conflict was really like.

[@BattleGuideVT]

Thanks very much indeed, we are still quite new to this style of video and KZbin generally but your feedback is really appreciated!

[@darklingeraeld-ridge7946]

@@BattleGuideVT I should add, it is also markedly respectful of the combatants, and humane too, even in its documentary clarity. Well done.

[@BattleGuideVT]

thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@GlasgowCeltic88]

​@@darklingeraeld-ridge7946 as our pre-war Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain, once said: "In war, whichever side may call itself the victor, there are no winners, but all are losers."

[@elwin38]

@@BattleGuideVT Your dates were wrong. The battle for Cologne took place between MAR 5-7 of 1945. In May '45, the war in Europe was over, the surrender was May 8.

[@davereece2470]

I have been studying WWII since I was a kid 40 years ago. I have never seen such an absolutely perfect, real time, historical account matched to original on scene film as I have witnessed in your report. Absolutely incredible! Thank you so much!

[@tanjiro_kamadofr]

One of the best produced historical films I’ve seen on KZbin. Well done. Thank you to all veterans - those who made it back and those who didn’t - who fought and died to free the world from fascism and tyranny.

[@ChristinaMitchell-USA]

Seeing Lt Kellner exit his burning tank without his leg really drove home the horror of war. God Bless Lt Kellner for sacrificing his life in defense of Freedom.

[@tanker335]

A lot of people may not know this but one of the first people to reach Lt. Kellner after he rolled off the back deck was Andy Rooney of 60 Minutes fame. For you younger folks, he was the grumpy guy at the end of every episode complaining about the price of hotdogs or whatever else got on his nerves that week. He also flew many missions with the 8th Air Force as a reporter for Stars and Stripes. He earned the right to bitch from time to time I'd say.

[@ddraig1957]

Some of the reporters of WW2 did some incredible things and really put themselves in harm's way,as brilliantly shown in this video.

[@shadowwolf9503]

Yes he did !

[@johnburns4017]

Andy Rooney of CBS was an Army correspondent, writing for Stars and Stripes in World War II. Rooney said, _“Patton was a pompous ass who cared about his mythic image above all else.”_ He also said: _"Patton was obsessed with protecting his image and often used his power and authority to manipulate news reports and media narratives."_

[@MidwestPicker]

That's incredible that those 2 met and became friends. Truly, the greatest generation.

[@teebob21]

Theirs was a generation that understood that war wasn't personal. They were simply serving the whims of a larger machine.

[@gabriels5105]

@@teebob21 you mean the Germans that could have prevent there government from going evil realised afterwards that they let there government go evil and admitted it was wrong. Of course it was personal. For every man who joined the 19th biggest army in the world after December 7th it was personal. Did an army smaller than portugal have any say over the largest economy and the freest people in the world? War was declared on a far away land for clearly personal reasons. The top man in Germany hated Americans and everything good they stood for which is alot because there was alot of good in America. In the end one side had a moral cause and the other side was wrong and admitted it. There is no 1942 machine that was larger than the will of Americans.

[@Wipa4]

@@teebob21 well yankees saw krauts as an allies in the upcoming war with russkies. If "Unthinkable" happened they would be sitting in one trench.

[@ekspatriat]

I somehow think in 30 years a Ukraine Tanker wont be shaking hands with an Orc Tanker...Times change.

[@fanfeck2844]

@@ekspatriatI wouldn’t shake hands with people following a fascist flag either

[@peterkoln2837]

I am living in Cologne and passed through the mentioned roads many times. Thanks for your impressive documentation.

[@stephenb1705]

Excellent! As a former US tanker, I went to that location many years ago. I have since created a few WWII "boots on the ground" videos myself...442nd RCT at Castellina Marittima (5 congressional MoHs won in 5 miles of combat) and very recently...1LT Baker's MoH win at Hill X and the deep draw near Castello Aghinolfi. Thanks again for this near perfect account of the then and now blend of WWII History!

[@syncmonism]

I quite like the humanizing way that this story was told, and I really liked learning about how men from each side were able to meet each other many years later. A lot of WW2 tanks were really quite difficult to get out of in a hurry. The M4 was possibly the easiest tank to bail out of (especially anything which wasn't an early version), and this is proof of that. Even a mortally wounded crewman with a missing leg was able to get himself out quite quickly. The Panther crew takes longer to get out when their tank is hit, though that is still a lot faster than what would have been possible with many other tanks of this period. The panther's gunner probably died because he had had to wait for his commander to get out before he could get out of the same hatch. Aside from some early variants, the M4 had a large and relatively well designed hatch directly above each crew member which each man could get out of very easily and quickly, giving M4 crews a remarkably high level of survivability even when the ammo was set on fire. Russian tanks tended to be a lot more difficult to get out of quickly, and older designs in general tended to be more difficult to get out of as well. In many cases, even if a crew position had its own hatch, most hatches were not spring loaded, and many of them required a much longer process to open them. The hatches were also often not directly above each crew position, and often presented a very difficult challenge to get out of even under ideal conditions.

[@BtappinHD]

This is subjective information, even in the video you can see it takes the crew 14 seconds to exit the Sherman and 10 seconds to exit the Panther. The round also ignited the ammo in the Panther and likely mortally struck one of the crew and it took 2 hits in a row within 8 seconds, killing the gunner on top while he was exiting, whereas the Sherman only took a single hit to it's frontal armor. Also, you have to think about how the tank was positioned and survivability, a hit to the side is much more deadly then a hit to the stronger frontal armor, so the inside concussion effects and shrapnel were likely much much worse inside the Panther. The Sherman has 50mm frontal sloped armor, effectively 90mm, whereas the Panther has 50mm non-sloped armor on the side, so half the effectiveness, purely the worst spot to get struck on.

[@ct92404]

@@BtappinHD The Sherman tank had a documented 97 percent crew survival rate. Even if they were disabled by a hit, the crew usually survived.

[@ramal5708]

Sherman tank iirc at least in the later versions have wet ammunition storage in case the ammo storage is hit the storage would be in no danger to large fires or cook off, or at least giving the crew time to bail out.

[@Debbiebabe69]

The problem Shermans have in popular culture comes entirely down to a single mparticular

[@Shinobubu]

Russian tanks meanwhile. PART OF THE TANK PART OF THE CREW

[@AugmentedGravity]

Absolutely historic, iconic and breathtaking. This footage has been burned in my mind ever since i first saw it when i was a kid. Can’t describe it in any other word than powerfull. History shall never be forgotten and the sacrifices of these men, on both sides, should not be in vain.

[@alanwatts8239]

14:01 that moment gave me chills. Imagine how they felt when they looked down that window and saw that beast silently waiting for them to turn around the corner.

[@Syn_1]

Potential History had a good video about this (which unfortunately has been deleted). Apparently in the film, you can see a 4th person run away from the burning tank a few seconds after the second shot. It's speculated this is the loader who got out of the hatch on the back of the turret, which is not visible in this film. PH said due to the loader's position within the tank, and how long it takes him to get out, he was probably heavily wounded by the first shot and was most likely the crew member reported having died in a hospital later. That being said, this was an amazing video to watch. Keep up the good work.

[@paulsutton7552]

Excellent documentary plus seeing old enemies becoming friends.

[@BattleGuideVT]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@roycleveland7718]

This reminds me of Battlefield V campaign were you fight as the Last Tiger, was kinda heartbreaking at the end, and just crazy how their hopes were lost when the bridge went down. we played as some mane named Kellner indeed i believe.

[@chaseorosco9017]

A lesson in “shoot first, ask questions later”. The sad reality of war in those days sometimes; you just don’t know who is who and sometimes, when it’s a matter of life or death, you have to make a difficult call.

[@mikewithers299]

Incredible documentary on this fierce battle. The maps and street views really pinpoint where this happened. After seeing where the shells hit the Panzer with your pointer, then seeing the fire inside the tank thru these same holes was astounding. Well done on this piece of history.

[@Brian-om2hh]

It is truly inspiring how sometimes foes can later become the best of friends. Another example could be Douglas Bader, the famous legless RAF fighter pilot, and Adolf Galland, one of the Luftwaffe's top scoring fighter aces in WW2. After the war, Douglas Bader became a senior executive with an oil company, and often flew himself to meetings etc. After he retired, he continued flying privately, with Adolf Galland often joining him. They became firm friends after the war.

[@eaglesix6585]

I wonder if they ever talk about the war and aftermath. Or act like it didn't happen.

[@eugenemurray2940]

Galland cleared his diary to attend Bader's funeral

[@krismurphy7711]

The Only Reason Young Men kill each other in War is because One or Two Men, leading the opposing countries, don't give a shit about others and think only of power....greed....history. Putin being a perfect example. Hitler of course. Stalin. Mao, etc etc

[@basfinnis]

Bader was a shitbag who wouldn't let his batman leave prisoner of war camp in a prisoner swap.

[@mcadamdavid1]

David Mcadam 0 seconds ago THE JEW HAD AS SOVIET SANGUINARY USSR MADE FOOLS OF THE WORLD TO ATTACK ITS OWN.

[@johnparsons1466]

Most comments are from 1mo prior to mine. It's Memorial Day weekend of 2023 in the United States. This video reminds me that, sadly too many are celebrating their holiday forgetting what it's about anymore. This encouraged me to remember the fallen heroes that have kept us free. Amazing footage, thank you for making this!

[@user-pe5te8kf1c]

The two tank commanders meeting eachother decades later was amazing.. The two tank commanders meeting eachother decades later was amazing..

[@jason-hy8ci]

I've seen the video footage of this battle a few times, but your diagrams, extra video, and explanation put it all into proper perspective, you gave it the respect it deserves.

[@BattleGuideVT]

Glad you liked it!

[@michaelwilts5349]

I love hearing about/seeing moments when former enemies were finally able to meet one another outside of battle, meet each other as the fellow humans they are, and get the chance for forgiveness and friendship. In the end, both sides were simply doing their duty to their military and their country.

[@anomaly_jackie]

it’s crazy to me that people nowadays basically start throwing their cameras around the moment people get in a fist fight but these guys keep steady and gave us a semi clear view of what was happening whilst under fire from enemy forces

[@leetifier]

It's really touching that after all these years, two tank gunners from opposing sides who literally tried to kill each other 70 years prior, can come together as friends and bond over their shared experiences. Time really can heal all wounds.

[@davyjones6407]

I was thinking the same.

[@yankees29]

They were only kids following orders

[@DOProductionsNL]

I can't help but watch the people going about their way around them, oblivious to the way those 2 veterans see the streets on which they walk..

[@unknowablerootvegetable]

It's the saddest thing, they would have got on fine at the time too, if they hadn't been handed guns and told they were going to be killed if they didn't kill first.

[@lzhiwei]

@@unknowablerootvegetable two grunts on opposing sides have more in common with each other than they do with their generals

[@garysuth7121]

Although i was aware of the cologne tank duel this is by far the best documentary on it, the attention to detail is incredible , also the pershing was lucky enough to get a shot at the panthers weaker side armour , god bless all involved.

[@martyn8116]

4.9 million views in 6 months? You deserve every penny, mate. That was spectacular story-telling.

[@BattleGuideVT]

Thanks Martyn!

[@Chiller01]

I’ve seen this incident described in several places and I do believe you managed to detail it with a combination of maps, still photos and video footage more clearly than anyone else. Thanks for the upload.

[@TranscendianIntendor]

I am in agreement having also seen other coverage.

[@olliefoxx7165]

This is an outstanding video! The integration of modern technology with archival footage really pulls you into the events. Those men lived during terrible times and were doing their duty. They deserve to be remembered. Thanks to all involved in this production.

[@luisdavid_1990]

I simply watched this video, here in Brazil, alongside my beer without tookin' eyes off for almost 20 minutes of insanely tense, very well narrated and immersive top notch doccumentary... 10/10

[@thejman4458]

That photo of Julian Patrick dead after the duel is what got me to finally look more into this event even though I've heard so much about it.

[@MrSteve280]

An outstanding synopsis. I've seen this fascinating story updated numerous times and find myself thinking of how many thousands of such stories were never recorded or filmed and which we'll never know about. The things those millions of men and women went through. It staggers the mind.

[@ilduce5874]

My dad drove tank in the 273rd Field Artillery Battalion at D-Day,, Northern France, Rhineland, Central Europe, and the Ardennes. I’m wearing his dogtag as I write this. Thank you so much for sharing this footage with us. It’s entirely possible that my dad’s in this film, just can’t see him, being inside the tank 🎉

[@GarrettDanger_]

As someone who isnt fully head deep into WW2 history but enjoys learning about it this video does so well at explaining so much in so little time while also not skipping details. A great watch

[@itsa_me_amikey]

imagine being able to talk to the opposing tank personnel so many years later and discuss in detail everything. Thats awesome, to be a fly on the wall during those conversations would have been amazing.

[@user-jf4eb1zh7e]

Having decades of experience with a variety of digital disciplines, I know EXACTLY how you accomplished all of these incredible video effects and can easily say this is as expertly done as any WWII documentary I have seen. Bravo!

[@olliefoxx7165]

I'd like to learn more about the process and software used. Any suggestions on learning more?

[@ajsees2608]

My grandfather was a forward observer and alone being hunted in the right steeple before Koln was taken. I got to go back with him 53 yrs later and the clergy ppl let him up into the steeple with my father which they dont do as far as I understand. He earned a silver star with valor shortly b4 and a purple 💜 shortly after and had the craziest stories. Was one of the most amazing and meaningful experiences of my life. Thank You for your interest, time and video. Much appreciated you did an amazing job!!

[@toatatoa]

Murican hyperbole. The steeples are open to visitors.

[@stephen1137]

@@toatatoa Since when? AJ was there in '98.

[@toatatoa]

@@stephen1137 Do I look like google?

[@irgendwieanders2121]

Die Krauts. Immer noch beleidigt weil sie verloren haben...

[@toatatoa]

@@irgendwieanders2121 irgendwie schlecht gelaunt 🙂

[@felix8364]

5:16 этот немецкий танкист Густав Шёпер совсем мальчик ещё, трудно представит какой ужас пришлось пережить тому поколению

[@thesafarican8164]

Brilliantly put together. I was practically part of the battle …without the risk of dying. Thank you

[@christineshotton824]

It is always sobering to see former enemies of WWII meet as friends in the modern age.

[@anti-communist103]

An American should only meet with his enemy to spit on them.

[@markgilmore2017]

A moment of history at the tipping point of 'media' coverage which I'm confident in saying has never been illustrated as clinically, clearly and respectfully as this. Thank you, I was so surprised by seeing the encounter which has affected me for a long time since I first saw raw footage now presented in a such a way that I felt respect has been paid to all involved. I'm very sure non of these lads wanted to be there and sadly am convinced that those who take the decision to throw their like in to battle will never see it.

[@mikeysgametime8914]

this was amazing, great production value, thought i was gonna see the same clips over and over, suprislingly not, some powerful footage, i thank you for doing it justice , the end was a nice touch , great job

[@BattleGuideVT]

Thanks for the comment Mikey

[@cal-king]

Glad I clicked on this video. I have so much respect for all that fought in WWII.

[@eddiecharles6457]

I'm awestruck how this was action was deconstructed. Also glad that at least 2 men from the opposite sides got to meet years after the war.

[@moparsrule862]

All the years of seeing the footage and photos wondering how it all happened, thinking the Panther crew all died then watching a documentary pointing out some of the crew escaping but not knowing any more details, this has been a real ( I don't know a word to put here so will put) delight to finally get the full story of this incredible piece of history caught on film, thank you so much for putting this together. It leaves one with a strange feeling knowing who these people were and seeing their actual final moments, its sad we humans are the way we are.

[@melissarobison5627]

We need a whole series like this. From d-day all the way through. There is nothing else like it and I've seen them all trust me. This is the only way to truly experience what they really went through.. You got talent Sir.. Thank you

[@user-xf4os4mw9e]

If you never read the book Spearhead, I recommend you do. It follows this unit and recounts some amazing tank battles by Smoyer and recounts this battle also. One of the best WW2 books i've read.

[@barmyarmy935]

Amazing research and footage. I always wondered where the Tanks were situated when i went to visit Koln and the Cathedral, i must have walked right past the destroyed Panther.

[@markbanash921]

The story is told with an amazing amount of detail and humanity. I congratulate you on your writing as well as the visual presentation.

[@BattleGuideVT]

Many thanks Mark, glad you enjoyed it.

[@JasperPieterse]

Footage and backstories like these are so fascinating. I also love how you blend modern day footage of the places with the old footage.

[@BattleGuideVT]

Thank you very much!

[@carlmontney7916]

Wow what a fabulous story. Seeing the actual tank battle take place was incredible yet terrifying. The footage of the brave tanker exiting his tank with his leg blown off is truly scary. As is the sight of the german tank crew exiting too. These soldiers on both sides were men doing a very dangerous job. Staring death in the face everyday. RIP to these heroes.

[@jasonhearle2471]

Wow. What an amazing job of putting this all together. Powerful stuff. Smoyer and Schaffer meeting on the same spot nearly 70 years later and leaving as friends brought a tear to my eye. I can't imagine the emotions they felt in that moment

[@daewalker3892]

That was about as powerful a story that could be told. Our world leaders should study this...deeply.

[@nicholasmuro1742]

They don't care. Their asses ain't on the line

[@peterbeairsto4596]

Phenomenal work! The mixture of modern and historic footage was seamless! Thank you for your distribution of credit to the camera men as well as the soldiers involved. I am a covert to this channel as a result of this piece!

[@nicomeier8098]

Thank you Sir for this extremely detailed report on the famous Pershing-Panther clash. I still wonder what the outcome of this battle would have been had the Panther's turret not been blocked, allowing it to face the Pershing with its strongest armour instead of its flank..........

[@TheCatBilbo]

Standing in front of the cathedral as a teenager, it seemed a million years away from what happened - crowds milling about, the sun shining. Thinking that people fought & died right there only 43-years earlier, in the midst of the ruined city - was chilling.

[@sm0ke7]

I've watched tons of world war two footage but I've never seen anything like this before! I can only imagine the amount of work that's put into making this fantastic video. Outstanding work, thank you!

[@moravianlion3108]

Are you talking about amount of work into making this youtube reconstruction or about filming the actual footage?

[@brucenlong]

Stumbled across this video @ 4:30 am and I must say what a treasure it is! Just incredible footage and graphics the way it makes you feel like you really getting the full true story of the battle and walking in the footsteps of these men. The ending is truly remarkable, with the two once enemies meeting and leaving as friends almost 80 years later. Love it!

[@thezombie7839]

"They got on well, and left as friends." That is powerful.

[@kiwidiesel]

This is amazing. Well done. Finally some context with the actual video and current day footage to show ground conditions and terrain elevation changes instead of a top down map view in 2 dimensional format.

[@BattleGuideVT]

Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@bradsillasen1972]

Outstanding! The most explicit treatment of any WW2 skirmish I've seen. Brings it to a very personal level. Whoever the soldier was who rushed out of cover to aid Kellner should receive the Medal of Honor for his selfless abandon and valor.

[@BattleGuideVT]

Thanks very much Brad

[@sickestHarper]

what a feeling, to see the streets i lived in for years, and to exactly see at what places this fights happened.

[@drgunsmith4099]

I’m not going to lie…the ending with them two battle hardened men brought me to tears 🙏

[@8draco8]

If not because of politics they could be best buddies from the beginning.

[@briandouglas2123]

@@8draco8 Yes, war is a racket.

[@BVonBuescher]

Shit…. Me too. Powerful stuff. I had family in both sides of the war. One was hung in Nuremberg (we’ll just leave it at that), and the other came back home to the States a war hero. One can’t help but reflect on the senseless of it all, however, taking into count the current state of Europe, one can’t help, but wonder if we should have heated the advice of General Patton at the end of the war. It seems the most dangerous man was able to get away.

[@statementleaver8095]

​@@BVonBuescher Nothing has changed since WW2 Bush & Blair another 2 war mongers. Free of charges

[@jameshenderson4876]

And the American's comment that he was glad to hear that some of the Panther crew got out alive. In video games and movies there is excitement at killing the enemy. In real war, there is regret at having to kill a fellow human being.

[@thecrossman5747]

The amount of editing and research must have been extremely laborious in completing this video! Thank you so much for your content! 👏

[@BattleGuideVT]

Thank you... and yes... several weeks of hard work went into it. :)

[@jeffhintz]

I do love the stories where the opposing combatants meet and 'get along well' and have a beer!

[@liveisnotbeautiful]

Wow, that was the most elaborate WW2 tank snipe story. Thanks.

[@locallegend4677]

I cried at the end knowing that these two could beyond all pain and tragedy become friends. It really is a beautiful tale of forgiveness and strength.

[@6milesup]

@localLegend You should read "A Higher Call" by Adam Makos. It is a truly inspiring book by an incredible author.

[@plunder1956]

An amazing zoomed in vision of the tank on tank conflict that took Cologne. Seeing the camera team who captured this moment also feels very modern. As if it all happened last week, not 80+ years ago.

[@henryfurlott2222]

What an excellent detailed video of what exactly happened and where. SO well done. Thanks for sharing this. Much appreciated. And lets never forget the men who fought and died in this and so many other battles.