Was BLACKADDER Based On A Real Person?

[@sameyers2670]

The last scene in Blackadder goes forth is very moving. I have heard the cast refused to redo it so they slowed it down and then someone had the idea of fading the poppies in, a really good effect

[@DanielGreen-j4c]

Baldrick:yay! The Great War 1914 until 1917” And your gut just drops.

[@wes11bravo]

It's crushingly sad.

[@TheHistoryChap]

it was indeed.

[@TheChipmunk2008]

@@DanielGreen-j4c Yep can't watch it even now, without dust getting in my eyes. Very very respectfully done by the cast and crew

[@stuarturquhart9363]

Always think that they will survive the war 😢

[@garyrogers6761]

When I was in the Australian Army I was injured in a fire, then taken to a local military hospital for treatment for burns. The Army doctor that treated me was a 'Col. Darling', who happened to be a burns specialist. This was in the 80s, so well before the series, but always gave me a chuckle when 'Darling's' name was mentioned during the series.

[@wes11bravo]

@@garyrogers6761- "hello, Darling." The joke never got old, haha

[@l1a146]

When I was in the Australian Army, the only people I called Darling were pregnant 10 minutes later. 🤣🤣

[@wes11bravo]

@l1a146 - haha, Lord Flashheart!

[@baabaabaa-El]

Hahahaha!! My grandad served in the ME and NG.. 2nd AIF. There was a bloke who's last name was Bastard, he had pics did grandad!! 2/14th Batt.

[@jhnshep]

@@wes11bravo I was in the French foreign legion and among English speakers Blackadder and Sharpe jokes made the rounds. 'Oh Darling there you are! Indeed I am, fancy a tipple auld boy? 3 rounds a minute!

[@miketarasco1070]

I was deployed with the British Royal Signals in Kosovo 1999-2000. One of our sergeants was a Blackadder. I thought it was a call sign until I saw his name tag. A great tour with a great bunch of guys!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing your memories.

[@Chiller11]

Great coincidence!

[@MrTangolizard]

I was in Kosovo 99/2000 with the green jackets

[@milosstamenkovic5941]

Realy were you fighing us evil Serbs to protect so called poor Albaninas who who nothing to defend against us so you been told to you by propaganda against my people shame on you all politicians starting with Winston Churchill the far colonial slob.

[@davedowling8469]

I was in Kosovo in 99/00 with the Canadian RCR Battle Group.

[@dennislogan6781]

I am a big fan of the Blackadder TV Series and the final shot when the 4 men going over the top all die in combat always leaves a lump in my throat. Great video.

[@anthonyeaton5153]

For crying out loud it is a comedy show.

[@marlenehoy2487]

General Melchet:' We're right behind you. - Captain Blackadder: "About 35 miles behind you"". 😂

[@desthomas8747]

One thing the WW1 series got wrong was the idea that the Generals were always 35 miles behind the fighting. Statistics showed that the life expectancy of Generals was not far behind the fighting men's.

[@dannywilliams1279]

​@@desthomas8747Woah ... I found this hard to believe so I just spent 10 minutes trying to figure it out and I can't believe you're actually right, apparently most generals were killed by Artillery fire but almost one fifth of them were genuinely KIA ... I guess the Jerry's were smart enough to see where comms are running and target the heads

[@stevenkarras3490]

“Yes Prat in the back,” Flash

[@matthabir4837]

'Their seed shall remain for ever, and their glory shall not be blotted out. Their bodies are buried in peace; but their name liveth for evermore.'

[@MichaelLeBlanc-p4f]

I'm 75. WWI had a significant impact on my mothers family, involving her father being badly wounded, cared for by a nurse for 1.5 years, who showed up at hs smal village RRStation asking or him ca 1921-22. Scandal destroyed the family by 1924. All went seperate ways. Casualties withon the family continued till 1953 and grandfathers ignored death. RAISED to hate him, he's a good man I have come to understand because I've tahen the 'easy' trouble to better understand him through the archives and the memories of a few who were not hostile. May Pte Cary Lawson Moores, of Moores Settlement, Pte Royal Canadian Highlanders (twice wounded at the front and romanced in recovery) be forgiven the common sins of his day.

[@baabaabaa-El]

The whole of Australia too mate... every little 2 bob town has diggers memorials.. You cdnt get in the 1st AIF if you had holes in your teeth!! The best we had.. dashed against the mud!!

[@MichaelLeBlanc-p4f]

@baabaabaa-El Fickled fate but no matter because strong genes carry on even when fate skips a generation. Never, ever understimate the balls your grandchildren might show. It's in the genes as your parents, or grandparents proove.

[@MrTangolizard]

May he rest in peace the brave and loyal Canadians were lions and me as a Brit will always be thankful for the fighting men of the commonwealth

[@timec2002]

Without question my favourite British comedy series. The episode’s interwoven into real historic events show the writing genius of Richard Curtis and Ben Elton and the acting brilliance of the cast. A character you left out, but whom added so much was Lord Flasheart played by the irreplaceable Rik Mayall. Again in both episodes Flasheart appeared in he embodied the boys own adventure hero of the high seas and aerial dog fights respectively. A great episode Chris and fascinating to hear of the real life stories of these names many of us know well. Keep up the good work and we all look forward to hearing more tales from history in 2025. Happy new year and hurrah..!! 😁

[@meirionevans5137]

'More coffee, Captain?' "No thank you, darling"

[@johnarnell4241]

A shame they skipped the Victorian era. I'm sure Blackadder could have got up to some skullduggery during the industrial revolution.

[@TheHistoryChap]

So much they could have had a go at.

[@melissareohorn7436]

Blackadder 3 was set in early industrial revoloution

[@BloodmoonDawn]

I think there was a Christmas special featuring “nursie “ as queen Vicky

[@sameyers2670]

I have heard series 5 was intended to be set in the 60s with series 6 set in prehistoric times, though they never got made, so they could have done a Victorian Blackadder

[@darrylseya]

Blackadder's Christmas Carol:)

[@time4change878]

My Grandad fought in world war one. He returned home with life changing injuries having lost family and friends.That final scene is so touching it brings a tear to my eye every time

[@Chiller11]

Lt. George: a serious candidate for “Upper Class Twit of the Year.” Great episode. I’m Canadian but loved Blackadder reruns. The execution of the leaders of the Easter Rising went a long way toward galvanizing the moderate Irish population against English rule.

[@thomaswoodman6332]

This channel has such a great depth of research and knowledge, this is a great example of the incredible British history in this channel.

[@etiennesharp]

Enjoyed that 🙂 As well as the Borders and Fife, Blackadder is a reasonably common surname in the Falkirk area (I went to school with two Blackadders).

[@ChrisShute62]

The Blackadder character name was inspired by Doctor Eric Blackadder, the Chief Medical Officer for the BBC during the 1970s and early 80s. Born in Pittenweem, Fife, 1927. He died in 2015.

[@sandormccann2546]

Pittenweem is a gloriously beautiful fishing village in the East Neuk of Fife. I love it to bits.

[@anthonyeaton5153]

The was a Battle of Britain pilot by the name of Blackadder and he served with 25 Squadron . In the best traditions of the name Blackadder, he survived The Battle and the war.

[@johnkane8490]

Robert Blackadder (died 28 July 1508) was a medieval Scottish prelate, diplomat and politician, who was Abbot of Melrose, Bishop-elect of Aberdeen and Bishop of Glasgow; when the latter was elevated to an archbishopric in 1492, he became the first ever Archbishop of Glasgow. Blackadder died while en route to Jerusalem on pilgrimage. His Father came from Tulliallan in Fife.

[@samrodian919]

Nice one Chris! Blackadder goes forth! Brilliantly witty, it had me nearly wetting myself many times, and playing Baldrick got Tony Robinson a Knighthood. Who'd have thought it! Have a great new year Chris!

[@stevenwebb3634]

For services to cunning plans

[@SewardWriter]

Tony's done a lovely job since presenting actual history. Love that guy. He seems simultaneously smart, quick, and gentle.

[@ArkadiBolschek]

One small correction: Lord Edmund Blackadder, Edmund Blackadder Esq. and Captain Edmund Blackadder are all _descendants_ of Prince Edmund Plantagenet, the Black Adder. It's not a single time-travelling character, but four different members of the same family.

[@marieroberts5664]

But it might be fair to say that Edmund the Black Adder and his closest friends kept being reincarnated over and over as themselves ... Except that Baldrick got stupider each incarnation, whilst Blackadder got more cunning but less lucky in a way.

[@markshrimpton3138]

You must have delved deeply to uncover so much about such diverse cast. We still have in Dundee a long established law firm by the name of Blackadders.

[@Happyheretic2308]

Will you stop shoehorning the damned "diverse" word into arenas in which it has no place, please.

[@SewardWriter]

​@@Happyheretic2308 People can be diverse, dude, even in the military.

[@johntailby74]

I thought that people had examined Captain Darling’s medals and found he had medals for bravery thus making it more likely that he was suffering undiagnosed PTSD.

[@WC3POchannel10A]

Is that why Darling had a eye twitch?

[@ric6383]

Did not Blackadder serve in the Tanganyika Rifles? (Also fictional, as it was German territory). If this is so, he would have been an officer some years before 1914. If he rose from the ranks it would have had to be a meteoric rise for him to be at the battle of Mbuto(?) Gorge where he saves Haig's life from mango wielding Pygmies. Still, a very well put together piece History Chap!

[@nicofolkersma2535]

Mboto Gorge was a truly vicious battle. I wonder how the fruitsalad was.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for commenting.

[@twanderson7756]

Think you mean The Sudan.

[@brownwrench]

Pink Gins all around

[@aliziyaeddin5576]

They were viciously sharp pieces of mango as Cpt Blackadder graciously reminded him

[@marco-58]

Excellent documentary. Such worthy Officers and Men alike. While I served as a humble Signalman. (Royal Signals), my Grandfather was a Lt Col and a Staff Officer.

[@alisdairmclean8605]

There is still a law firm in the Dundee-Perth area called Blackadder. They may be related to the Blackadder mentioned in your post.

[@heatherporterfield7343]

Loved "Blackadder Goes Forth ". And this documentary is spot on and gives the fictional characters a whole new meaning. 👍🇬🇧

[@l1a146]

Thankyou very much for this one. Every piece of fiction has a sliver of a true story buried in there somewhere. Well done Sir.

[@stevenkarras3490]

“Rhymes with ‘clucking bell.’” You’ve just become my fav ! Thanks for this.

[@peterixon8708]

OK, your research into work done at the IWM truly is amazing. Absolutely absorbing.

[@bob_the_bomb4508]

Like ‘King and Country’?

[@TheHistoryChap]

Enjoyed researching it. Loads of stuff if you search on Ancestry.

[@keithdurose7057]

Apparently, the Blackadder series was used in universities in Britain to identify actual periods of British history. Making studies easier to identify their time-lines.

[@Terry-l7t]

i never knew you lived right here in worcester chris. anyway, have you ever thought of doing a video walk of the city while talking through the battle of worcester? i dont recall ever seeing anyone do this and the battle seems largely ovelooked these days which is a little sad being it was such a significant event in english history. keep up the great work and if i come across you in one of our great pubs i shall ertainly buy you a pint.

[@kingjoe3rd]

I love how you cover these stories that most people would never think to research and yet we learn a lot about good people like General Blackadder who felt awful about having to condemn an Irish Republican to death.

[@davidcoleman757]

These are such a pleasure. Happy New Year Chris.

[@Morepork123]

Thankyou for another great history vid. Always find it sad hearing about these young men who fell in WWI. Many of them didn't really know what they were getting in to. An amazing story for me is my Grandad. Belfast, joined the Calvary at 17yrs old and straight to war in 1914. Survived the whole war including losing the horses and fighting in the Somme. End of the war he hopped ont the first troop ship going south which was to Aussie, then onto New Zealand in 1921. Have been finding out though that it did do alot of damage to his person. But they never really helped those poor men back then. It was just get on with it attitude.

[@bettysteve322716]

But they never really helped those poor men back then. It was just get on with it attitude. it hasn't changed very much to this day.

[@sharonkaczorowski8690]

That attitude continued for a long time. My father entered WWII underaged. He landed his burning TBM on a jeep carrier while severely injured to save his crew. He hit his head on the steel behind him and his officer’s gun jammed into his hip. He could no speak snd could hear the commands to push the plane overboard. His16 year old radio man ran through flames and pulled him out. My father also had what now be called PTSD from seeing his best friend die during training. Treatment for the physical injuries consisted of tying him to his bunk until he regained consciousness. He had horrific nightmares, a permanent, painful limp and hearing loss. He also came out with malaria but the jeep carrier had gone down with all his medical records and he was refused treatment. Something similar happened to a friend who returned from Vietnam badly injured and with severe PTSD. He was told not to talk to anyone about the things he’d done and seen. My son was a chopper pilot in Afghanistan and Iraq and has received excellent treatment for injuries sustained to his neck andsfiulders because the Army bought the cheaper of two helmets. He sees private doctors. We send them off with parades and then ignore or vilify them when they come back damaged in body and especially mind.

[@JohnBoy-Ramone]

My Great Grandfather also joined a cavalry regiment (North Irish Horse) in Belfast at the outbreak of the war in 1914. Thankfully all three made it through "the whole show".

[@janlindtner305]

God Jul og godt Nyt År Chris.Thank you for many really exciting lectures in the past year.👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@jcmurph4]

The Blackadder series was excellent. Stephen Fry could have starred in a bio movie of Robert Blackadder. Enjoy your work Chap. Happy New Year.

[@mikenorton3294]

Very interesting again. Todd Blackadder was a recent new Zealand rugby player

[@basicbrit1]

Bravo Chris. Many thanks for uploading.

[@londonmeantime7123]

Thank you, it’s truly lovely to hear these peoples lives. The ones who died, died too young, we owe them so much.

[@davidcoleman757]

PS I highly recommend Michael James Nugent's book 'It Was an Awful Sunday' which gives a heartrending account of the 2nd Inniskillings' involvement in the battle of Festubert, May 1915.

[@baabaabaa-El]

@@davidcoleman757 I'll keep an eye out for it mate, sounds good. The best (amongst many) lve read is taken from the average Diggers diaries... rather than the Brass. Brilliant book, it should be compulsory reading for high school students (in the faint hope we one day cease our idiocy). The Broken Years by Bill Gammage. If you can find it, it's the best (worst?) I've come across.

[@davidcoleman757]

@@baabaabaa-El Thanks for the recommendation. My all-time go-to for WWI reads is Martin Middlebrook's 'The First Day on the Somme.' I totally agree that soldier's accounts make the most compelling reading, though there are exceptions like Carton de Wiart's 'Happy Odyssey'. Happy New Year.

[@baabaabaa-El]

@davidcoleman757 Middlebrook's book is excellent, sad and horrific.. pity we as beings don't learn from it mate. You will definitely like Gammage's.. full of individual's thoughts as, or just after the events. Happy New Year to you and yours.👍🏼

[@BushTikkaMan]

Another fascinating video. Cheers chap, happy new year!

[@womble321]

My Grandfather was badly wounded and survived the horrendous journey to the UK in a ships hold surrounded by screaming and dying men. While in the UK his unit "went over the top" on his return he found they no longer existed. He was given the job of guarding ammunition trains. Not one person has ever been able to find out what happened to them they just marched into the smoke and never came back.

[@roberttaylor6295]

Chris, like all your videos was so well researched and presented with friendly, confident and enjoyment. It was fun and enlightening! Thank you! Rob

[@bronxer78]

No Lord Flashheart, the publicized aviator? 😅

[@rdhunkins]

8:34 How difficult to go through life with the name Darling.

[@jimihendrix991]

Could be worse: ''Derek William Dick (born 25 April 1958), better known by his stage name Fish...''

[@MarkDenson-ld8bf]

That was very interesting,fiction and factual coming together Thank you for sharing this

[@busdriversprayer]

Yes, but did any of these real people ever have cunning plans?

[@TheHistoryChap]

Ha ha, maybe...

[@stevenkarras3490]

“That’s gobbledyjook” Balders

[@arno-luyendijk4798]

Well, the real lt George may have been a twenty-minuter regarding his entire time spent in a plane ( woof woof!).

[@ianmitchell525]

The Leicester connection with the real Blackadder was interesting - that was the location of the Battalion HQ for 7 Royal Anglian in the 1980s. The location for the opening titles was Cavalry Barracks at Colchester, where the 7 Royal Anglian shooting team stayed during training before Skill At Arms Competitions at Bisley- it was and is a bit surreal seeing the familiar buildings behind the parade.

[@bob_the_bomb4508]

Excellent! There was a time when it seemed like every presentation in the Army started with a relevant clip from Blackadder IV. “Security’s not a dirty word Blackadder…”

[@postmodernmining]

I had no idea Blackadder was an actual surname. How interesting.

[@anthonyeaton5153]

There is a river in The Borders named Blackadder and also a white adder.

[@christopherfisher7805]

Very interesting commentary!! Thank you very much for the hard work you put in😊😊

[@waikanaebeach]

Brilliant, your story telling and research is really inspiring.

[@neillangridge862]

Very entertaining and beautifully researched well done and thank you.

[@jean-louisdorget170]

I highly appreciate your commentary, said in a humoristic tone, it fits the series perfectly! Thank you very much, and happy new year!

[@wentonmastermind]

Breathtaking research - thank you for all your hard work!

[@marvwatkins7029]

It HAS to be more than coincidence. And Happy New Year!

[@wacojones8062]

Thanks!

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thank you for your support.

[@HarryWHill-GA]

Loved the Blackadder series. Happy New Year Chris.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Happy New Year to you too.

[@clintoncyrilvoss4287]

Also there's a Blackadder name on the Cairns cenotaph in far north Queensland.

[@frenzalrhomb6919]

"Well, hello Blackadder. All ready for the 'big push'?"

[@baabaabaa-El]

I bet you wish you were going too Darling!!?!!

[@frogandspanner]

4:15 Brave Blackadder ran away. Bravely ran away, away! When danger reared its ugly head, He bravely turned his tail and fled. And was awarded the _Military Cross_ .

[@ChrisShute62]

This jolly rhyme is uncannily similar to one sung during Monty Python and the Holy Grail, which refers to King Arthur's knight, Sir Robin (Eric Idle).

[@TheHistoryChap]

There is a very big difference between withdrawing under fire and running away.

[@tarektechmarine8209]

​@@TheHistoryChap even a ordered retreat is deserving of credit, lest the enemy break you then and there.

[@BaronFeydRautha]

I didnunt

[@AndreasScout]

Blackadder and "allo allo" ( set in a french village under german occupation.. also british production and i believe it was also produced by the BBC) are one of my favorite shows. The actor that played baldrick, Tony robbinson, later early 90s till well current day was the host of "time team" following real deal archaeologists and professors doing excavations all over the UK and some abroad.

[@EnglandVersus]

Interesting fact: Blackadder was the name of one of Guy Fawkes' accomplices.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Really?

[@celston51]

No but the fourth season "Blackadder Goes Forth" mentions Guy Fawkes in a joke. From the episode "Major Star": Blackadder- "Oh God! We’re in serious serious trouble here. If the General ever finds out that Gorgeous Georgina is, in fact, a strapping six footer from the rough end of the trench, which will precipitate the fastest execution since someone said, ‘this Guy Fawkes bloke, do we let him off, or wot?’

[@efnissien]

I like the detail in the picture of the cast in WW1 uniform (and Baldrick in bandsman uniform - wait... shouldn't Baldrick have been a stretcher bearer?) that George has his swagger stick under his right arm while everyone else has theirs 'correctly' under their left (in fact Blackadder doesn't even appear to be carrying one.).

[@henrycastle1]

❤ History Chap On behalf of young farmers 1981 Thank your for you research Sir

[@jlmfoy365]

The Inniskilling Fusiliers was one of the great regiments.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Strangely just helped an old school firend research his grandfather in WW1 and guess which regiment he was in (despite being a Cockney)?

[@lukeconnolly5709]

Could you do a video on the British generals of the 1916 Rising? They were General Sir John Maxwell, Brigadier General William Henry Muir Lowe, and Brigadier General Charles Blackader.

[@PeterBel-Ford]

Glad to see the correct spelling of name the Blackader name, incidentally, you could have mentioned the middle name used which remains used by current member, 'Gault' .

[@arslongavitabrevis5136]

Amazing research and an impeccable presentation, as usual. The name of the real Lt. George, Athelstan, is a very old, and rare, English/Saxon name which I remember seeing only once when read "Ivanhoe" for the first time nearly 55 years ago (I am 65). If I remember correctly he loved lady Rowena who only had eyes for Ivanhoe, poor Athelstan! PS: Best wishes for 2025 from your, most probably, only Argentinian subscriber. Cheers! 🤩🤩

[@adventussaxonum448]

Also, more famously, the first king of a united England.

[@BrettMcMahon-e2j]

I would love this documentary even if I wasn't a Blackadder fan. This was extremely interesting and sad... Good work i thoroughly enjoyed this look back at history and the Blackadder connection. Cheers from Australia 🇦🇺

[@LivingCrusader]

There is a 1999 special called Blackadder Back and Forth that I highly recommend, along with a Blackadder Christmas Carol and Blackadder the Cavalier Years

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing.

[@trevorkendall4720]

As I recall, there‘a a branch of the Blackadder family in New Zealand!

[@andreww9252]

Yet another great and interesting tale from Chris, thank you for your efforts keeping history alive and entertaining.

[@navelriver]

Well researched, very informative and entertaining! Thanks!

[@davidwoods7720]

Thanks so much Chris

[@michaeljohnryan7801]

Was gonna comment early on about a general blackadder with the leicesters came across his name in researching family who served in leicesters had to do a double take lol great video as always great to hear his story

[@rdhunkins]

I want to know how you got Terry Jones to narrate this.

[@colinsmith7465]

Fascinating stuff again Chris. Thanks and a Happy New Year to you and your family. Look forward to your next broadcast.

[@brianedwardmalnes7889]

Old Cavalry soldier of the 7th US Cavalry, Custer’s Cav. You rock sir!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks. I really enjoyed researching this story.

[@Djeseret]

Wonderful stories... Every time I hear the name "Garhwal" I think of Biggles, who according to the backstory was born there.

[@jamesmcghee3440]

The entire Black Adder cast was superb, as was the script, writing and direction … Tony Robinson and Tim McInnerney were just as strong as Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, and Rowan Atkinson. All the episodes from the very first one in the medieval times to the final push episode were extremely entertaining, but had moments of real pathos… but the final push episode stands out for me as one of the best pieces I’ve seen whether in television, the stage, or film.

[@goheen1701]

LOVED THIS! Thank you!

[@TheHistoryChap]

You're so welcome!

[@barbaraaimson2100]

Genius at work. You couldnt make it up.brilliant

[@peterirwin9197]

It's been a tradition of mine to watch the Blackadder series around Christmas and new years, it never gets old. Fascinating to learn about those that served with the same names!

[@alexdieudonne1924]

Great review, just love that series.

[@alexdieudonne1924]

We watched it in Afghanistan, with the American troops they just couldn't get the humor!

[@nicofolkersma2535]

Great video. Blackadder was a fantastic series, especially the civil war episode. Just a thought, but have you ever thought about doing a piece on the Sandringham company and what parts of "All the kings men" with David Jason are true ? Anyway, Happy Newyear.

[@NeilFLiversidge]

As always, interesting facts told in such a lovely way!

[@mindless-pedant]

Ex 1 Bn Royal Anglian 'ere. Us squaddies loved this. The band used in the credits was the regiment's 3rd Bn, sadly now defence-cutted . Thanks for the historical breakdown. Very informative, entertaining, but also very sad and poignant too.

[@roberto-z5k]

Very interesting video ( and also touching ) as usual, Chris. Thanks and happy New Year!

[@Temporal_Assassin]

I saw Blackadder in German while serving/living in West Berlin in the 80s, 90s, 2000s. I must have seen it in the late 80s or 90s, after its original run. It was wonderful. However I seem to remember another season of Blackadder in space. A future decedent of Blackadder, but a pain in the but futuristic one.

[@paulkemp4559]

Great research, very interesting, thanks for compiling this video. The opening credits of Blackadder IV were film on the parade square of the Cavalry Barracks, Colchester Garrison sadly mostly demolished due to the new Merville barracks

[@maxreed2343]

A VERY very Happy New Year I wish to you indeed, Chris old bean, cos WOW, I mean WOOOOOOOWWW, TWO real-life Blackadders, one a REAL Captain and the other a General (the latter of whom can sorta stand in for the non-existence of a real-life General Melchet for sure), and real versions of Captain Darling (THANK GOD that HE, the REAL Captain Darling, DID survive the hell of WWI and married his girl, even if he very sadly did still die too young in the 1930s), Lieutenant George AND Private Baldrick, the last two sadly dying just months into the War in different battles... OMG, just HOW do you keep on surprising us so much, eh, our British military history giving superstar mucker? THIS was the PERFECT video indeed from you to round off this year. And on that note, I once again wish you a VERY very Happy New Year, Chris old boy, even though some events for tomorrow in the UK have had to be cancelled cos of yet more damn bad weather conditions that're gonna kickstart us and New Year off on Wednesday itself. And certainly, WHAT A YEAR it's been in terms of how many AMAZING videos you've gifted upon us, and I have had a WIZARD time this month alone doing and being absolutely wowed and amazed by some of your Sudanese Campaign ones from two years ago *big smiles*. AND, for my Christmas Day movie watch, I FINALLY DID see the 60s Charlton Heston lead piece of 'Khartoum' and MAN did I just absolutely LOVE it so much, THAT was definitely the PERFECT film to depict the events surrounding General Charles Gordon and his months in Khartoum itself before very sadly and inevitably meeting what befell him at the hand of the Mahdi's army, who Laurence Olivier himself did an equally fantastic job as as much as Charlton Heston himself as Gordon. So once again, THANK YOU SO MUCH for EVERYTHING you've given this year, dear Chris, including your videos during the 80th anniversary celebration of D-Day itself AND what you posted while I was out in Kefalonia and Tenerife on my first two EVER overseas trips, and we'll be VERY ready indeed for when and what your first 2025 topic will be, YES, SIREE

[@paulkirkland3263]

According to my friend who was in Afghanistan, there was a Canadian Captain Blackadder out there.

[@kaoskronostyche9939]

Good stories. Thanks.

[@OtterlyInsane]

Blackadder wasn't a time traveller as far as I know. It's a series of descendants surely?

[@TheHistoryChap]

is that the most helpful comment you can think up?

[@BenLaws-m9j]

Blackadder: Back & Forth was a special in which he literally is a time traveller using a Time Machine.

[@OtterlyInsane]

@ loved the video, just an observation that the 4 series are not the same person.

[@OtterlyInsane]

@ but that’s a different Blackadder than in the proceeding series

[@BenLaws-m9j]

@@OtterlyInsane well, yeah but if we are getting existential about the matter then they are all really the same character regardless of the contrived story about them being descendants.

[@Beery1962]

Embarrassing about General Blackadder being involved in putting down the Easter Rising.

[@rosieclarkson4064]

He is commemorated in Leicester Cathedral.

[@twanderson7756]

Why's that?

[@michaelplays2449]

Great video!!!! thank You

[@hyr1972]

And to think there's a real Arthur that is a manager of a bank too. Reminds me of Dad's Army Arthur Lowe, and John Le Mesurier who plays a character named Arthur and was briefly promoted to be a manager in a bank. rip to both great actors. 🤧

[@swimasfastasyoucan]

Stupid boy"

[@TheKulu42]

Blackadder is a real surname? That fact adds a happy note to the end of 2024. I love the Blackadder series.

[@lexicornfell7361]

I’ve known this since I was a child in Ayrshire and my sister and a friend decided to crank call all the Blackadders in the phone book, singing the Blackadder theme at them. I wouldn’t be surprised if many of them decided to change their names.

[@TheKulu42]

@@lexicornfell7361 About how many Blackadders did you see?

[@debrareplogle651]

Greetings from Colorado USA, just found your channel and truly enjoyed it. Love your upbeat voice and the research. Keep up the great work. I have liked and subscribed. Happy New Year to abs your family.

[@shantanusapru]

A nice one to close the year! Have a Happy 2025!!

[@EdMcF1]

Major Darling DSO did well to survive all that.

[@TheHistoryChap]

he did indeed.

[@martinb6482]

No, Blackadder survived, emigrated to Canada and returned to Europe as Brigadier commanding one of the lead brigades in the Canadian landings at Juno Beach . . . . My father landed him from LCH 167.

[@markinglese3874]

That was bloody awesome