If I didn't know any better, I would be convinced this man was a time traveler because of how well he tells his stories.
@lifeschool Жыл бұрын
I am also convinced of it.
@thodan467 Жыл бұрын
Blue box anywhere
@cleverusername9369 Жыл бұрын
This is canon
@YorkistRaven Жыл бұрын
Maybe it's not down to a Tardis, but past lives!
@Dagrizzb Жыл бұрын
@@YorkistRaven I said something similar in another video about the spanish armada. The same man bouncing from person to person along the timeline, retires from bouncing and decides to tell us the stories.
@sonyad4765 Жыл бұрын
Each piece saved is a tribute to a man who was probably scared to death and possibly sacrificed everything. It is so important to remember them even if we don't know their names. And if they only could know that their spoon, binoculars, sewing kit, etc. continue their story.
@HootOwl513 Жыл бұрын
Hi Kevin. My Grandfather was a successful surgeon in Chicago in 1917. He was drafted into the US Army Medical Corps at the rank of Captain and went ''over there'' with the AEF in '18. Even though he was back from the front, he still went deaf from the shelling. He was retained overseas until 1919, with the occupation of Germany. He brought back souvenirs: a pair of non-prismatic Feldglassen, an Iron Cross and a Croix de Guerre, and a 2'' belt buckle .. My Dad said he remembered an Artillery Luger with shoulder stock, but that disappeared during Prohibition or the Depression. [Chicago, yeah?] My Grandfather passed away long before I was born. I would have liked to meet him. He left us a fine collection of classic books.
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
Wow, how lovely!!
@mr31337 Жыл бұрын
Kevin, thank you for your service during WW1. 👍
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
🤣
@YorkistRaven Жыл бұрын
I know right? I think he was in it, in another incarnation!
@davidashton2361 Жыл бұрын
I think Kevin wasn't born at the time of the 1stew. I was in the army at about the same time as he was and I wasn't born until 1946. 😄
@davidashton2361 Жыл бұрын
Stupid auto correct! Should have been 1st WW
@ricksmith7631 Жыл бұрын
You sir! a national treasure unto yourself. So much authenticity in what you present. You show in so much authenticity what it was like to live in whatever timeframe you found yourself in. Your enthusiasm for what you do is the very thing that keeps people coming back for more. This video helps me understand more what my grandfather went through at Vimy. I cant feel anything but awe at what it was truly like and you brought some of that realism back in this video. Thank you so much
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
What a kind thing to say Rick, thank you. If you haven't already seen it, I did a video earlier this year on Vimy kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnjalpqaq7xlaJY
@frankieblue1945 Жыл бұрын
My Grandfather, on my Dads side, served with the United States Marine Corps in W.W.I at the Belleau Wood. Today there is not much left of what he had carried into battle but I do have his straight razor, dog tags & Soldiers book. I enjoy, as you say, being the "care taker" of what is left of his days of war. My Father served with the United States Marine Corps in the Korean War & I am the "care taker" of what he left behind during HIS time in war: a complete & full sea bag with gear & uniforms; I even have his M-1 Garand. I served with the United States Marine Corps during Desert Storm & have every little bit of what was issued to me. My Grand Fathers Grand Father also served with the United States Marine Corps during the American Civil War; I have nothing that he left behind. I hope that my son will carry on being the "care taker" of what all Three generations of Marines left behind from their time in war. My family members made it back home but, many of their friends did not. Simply possessing these items reminds me daily of the sacrifices made by the generations that came before me just to have the privileges we take for granted today. Like the spoon that you received from that farmer... if that spoon could talk, what experiences would it tell? Thanks for your content, I really enjoy your channel. Ooh Rah!
F.T.H. VMA231, VMAT203, VMA513/6635/5700 [AV8A Harrier Handler /Sqdn TRNG NCO] 12/73- 12/77. Semper Fi -- Do or Die...
@ColonelBragg Жыл бұрын
My family was all either too old or too young for WW1, A fair number fought in the WW2 though.
@als3022 Жыл бұрын
I love the addition of a game for gambling in the kit. No matter how often the higher ups might try to get rid of gambling in the service throughout time, you will find it happening in any military encampment. Even Roman soldiers carried some dice for unofficial games. Loved the individual items stories that you relayed as well. A trait I learned from my mother to wonder and try to learn the stories of each item. As all items have some story to tell.
@thodan467 Жыл бұрын
Next you will say soldier did strong drink
@als3022 Жыл бұрын
@@thodan467 Well unfortunately a rum ration for the US military was never as ubiquitous as in the British. Poor poor American soldiers had to make do.
@thodan467 Жыл бұрын
@@als3022 I would have preferred the french wine ration
@jackmunday7602 Жыл бұрын
I'm really enjoying these ww1 videos Kevin. I've always been fascinated by modern military history. Going back to the last video you did about the angels of Mons and you presented your Lee Enfield with fixed bayonet. I suddenly thought to myself. Imagine being a German soldier in August of 1914. You've been told that this invasion of Belgium will be fairly easy and straightforward, so you're absolutely confident of a quick victory. When suddenly you're confronted by a British Tommy, he's caked in mud, blood and filth. He's barefoot, his feet bloodied and shredded. And yet somehow he's charging towards you. Pure hatred in his eyes, screaming like the God of war, and on top of that he's got a 17 inch peice of Sheffield steel, aimed squarely at your belly. Must of been unnerving.
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
Oh yeah, that's for sure 👍🏻
@theintellectualsamurai7265 Жыл бұрын
@@thehistorysquad hi Kevin I’m a new subscriber. Love what your doing , by the way. On the point of modern military history. Do you think you’d be able to do what the German , Italian and Japanese soldiers kit was like in ww2? Happy new year 🎉
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
@@theintellectualsamurai7265 It would be an interesting angle and I'll give it some though, the difficulty being though is getting hold of the kit to demonstrate
@theintellectualsamurai7265 Жыл бұрын
@@thehistorysquad of course, I’ve not seen any Italian uniforms and kit shown, though I have seen a guy on KZbin who has a military museum in Arizona, if you were down that way, lol. So do you live in Canada now? How’s Saskatoon compared to Birmingham Kev?
@seanc4907 Жыл бұрын
I appreciate the insight and reverence you have when sharing these items. We should not forget these men's sacrifices.
@nightlord531 Жыл бұрын
Absolutely fascinating! Every item has so many stories to tell, and you tell them brilliantly. The bit about that worn out spoon is so true, it's a shame not everyone can appreciate the incredible history that may be found in the most mundane objects. Wish I had a history teacher even 10% as good as you when I was at school.
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
Gosh, thanks Brandon, I'm glad you enjoyed the vid 👍🏻
@fisherbarry99975 ай бұрын
I always find it so fascinating how almost everything in an army kit has more than one use to conserve weight. Even in medieval armies as well as modern ones, theres so much thought and ingenuity that goes into simple little things like bags and soup bowls. Thanks for the great video!
@jed-angler Жыл бұрын
Kevin thank you so much for such an honest history channel. I adore learning what has gone before me. I believe my uncles served at d-day. My father at Cyprus and suez as a para. He refused to tell me much, I think because he had wished that he had known why he was being asked to fight. I think he also didn’t want me to sign up. As most of my family complained about his army stories going on and on. Strangely they can’t remember any of them. I am so pleased to watch someone who does not shirk away from the horror of history, I also have a great deal to thank WWII for. My father was evacuated to Nottinghamshire where he had a great time and learned an enormous amount about wildlife which he did pass on to me along with a great desire to learn. Now I’m nearly 40 and too old and wise to enlist I think he would be happy that I take on the importance of the horrors of war from an educator as great as yourself. I only wish that those who create war were the ones to fight it. Thankfully yours and hopeful for peace.
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
What a kind and lovely comment, thank you. Old men start wars, and young men fight them 😏
@nor031 Жыл бұрын
This was a great video. I am originally from Newfoundland Canada. The Royal Newfoundland Regiment was destroyed at Beaumont Hamel, so that spoon could be from a member of that regiment. I also spent 25 years in the Canadian Military as an Infantry soldier in The Royal Canadian Regiment retiring as a Warrant Officer. I really appreciate the dedication you have to highlighting military history from all different eras. Thanks.
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
Thanks Norm. I might do a film one of these days on the Newfoundland Regiment, from what I understand, I had an ancestor wounded at the Somme who was in that regiment, he was either a Major or Captain Hicks, I cant remember which. 👍🏻
@SeaWarriorSon Жыл бұрын
as a collector of WWI material, it’s always nice to see these objects in context and well presented! Excellent stuff!
@Lassisvulgaris Жыл бұрын
I've got a 1913 Luger, made by ERMA (Erfurt). My brother got it during his National Service in 1973, here in Norway. Ended up here during WWII. It has both the Imperial and Nazi eagles stamped on it. On occation, I take to shootings, and it's quite a weapon. Needs lots of oil, though....
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
Yes, I imagine it would need lots 👍🏻
@protectandsurvivelivinghis3206 Жыл бұрын
that thing the copper said to you about at least 80 bodies a year really puts "I died in hell, they called it Passchendaele" quote into perspective.
@alancartwright2244Ай бұрын
Excellent article. I have many of these items, from my Grandfather's service in the 1st Bn. Liverpool Pals 1914-1919. His 'hussif' saw me through my service in the Royal Navy 1975-1998, and is still in use today, albeit augmented with modern sewing kit. Many thanks.
@loganbaileysfunwithtrains606 Жыл бұрын
All the war graves throughout the world and yet there are still so many who are left out on the field, I’m glad you showed us that piece of uniform it really humanizes the conflict. I hope you continue to carry that with you many people need to see it.
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
I will, for sure. 👍🏻
@bibekjung7404 Жыл бұрын
#MUST_KNOW LIVING BEING IS OUR RACE, MANKIND IS OUR RELIGION, HINDU,MUSLIM,SIKH,CHRISTAIN, THERE IS NO SEPARATE RELIGION ALMIGHTY GOD KABIR is the father of all souls that JESUS, MOHAMMAD, GURU NANAK, VEDH was telling in BIBLE, QURAN, GURU GRANTHA SAHEB .. In OLD Orthodox Jewish Bible KABIR is mentioned...KABIR means (GREAT or MIGHTY GOD) in hebrew...but when translated in different languages translator removed KABIR word Quran written in arabic has also KABIR word....KABIR means THE GREAT in arabic. In vedh also KABIR is mentioned.... GURU NANAK himself described that LORD KABIR is his Guru and Lord KABIR met him..and in GURU GRANTHA SAHEB Guru Nanak called Lord kabir as kartar (GOD) Just by reading holy books it is impossible to get depth knowledge of Holy text because we are just a living beings.. In vedhas also KABIR is mentioned...our brain isnot capable and doesnot understands the secrets behind the words and world.....JESUS AND MOHAMMAD both were aware of LORD KABIR but later followers were not able to get depth knowledge
@fc-gc6mx Жыл бұрын
Hi, Kevin. I just discovered your channel 40 minutes ago and I really enjoy your videos. I like the way you share your stories, so warm and honest, as if listening to one's own grandpa. Well, I never had any since I was born long after their deaths. So, thank you for being a grandfather figure to me through your stories. Take care.
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
How lovely, thank you and welcome to the channel 👍🏻
@williamjhunter5714 Жыл бұрын
My great Uncle was in the Canadian Field Artillery, 52nd Battery, 18 pound gun with 6 horses, Artillery gunner. He took the RMS Olympic over, painted in dazzle camouflage in 1916. He got home safe.
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
Wow, there's a story! 👍🏻
@boblloyd5480 Жыл бұрын
My Dad, , bless him. No longer with us would be over the moon to see your videos. Please keep them going, youngsters need to know how it was. Many thanks.
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
Oh bless, thanks Bob, I will do 👍🏻
@busternineshoes Жыл бұрын
I noticed the Marksman tapes on your arm. My dad had those. I have most of his stuff but that reminded me that I've not seen them in ages. Another fascinating video again, Kevin.
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
Cheers Dale, glad you enjoyed it 👍🏻
@gilanbarona9814 Жыл бұрын
I am amazed at how little my forerunners in the services carried so little. In my time, we had 80 pounds of stuff on our backs and then some. The command to drop packs just prior to an assault was always a relief of sorts. Thank you for sharing this, Sir.
@jimmy12347654 Жыл бұрын
Every year they just add more and more batteries
@YorkistRaven Жыл бұрын
@@jimmy12347654 🤣 at least the batteries are getting lighter over time 😉
@robertcochrane652410 күн бұрын
Thanks for posting. We lost my Dad's cousin James in WW1. He would have been in Scottish regiment based in Dumfries. In years Since then our family have been in the biggest causulty group , Civilians.
@katthompson3852 Жыл бұрын
A very dear friend of mine passed in 1988 served in both wars. Egypt and France WWI and Papua New Guinea WWII. He was the sweetest sole. I adopted him as my Grandfather. I have recordings of those days as he told me his stories. He Never went to the ANZAC service or Armistice services. Back then it wasn't as respected as it is now. Too painful I think. He claimed his survival to being the Lewis Machine gunner for WWI and machine gunner for WWII. He had pieces of shrapnel embedded in his skull from the daisy cutter bombs. He was a great artist as well. Still think of him often. Totally enjoyed this Kevin. I remember some of those items at his place. Thank you. :)
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
You're welcome.
@mickusable Жыл бұрын
Enjoyed this one too Kev, great to see historical pieces surviving for 100+ years 🤘🏹
@marcoengelbracht4141 Жыл бұрын
Fascinating that it is not far away from what I had in bags in the end of the 80's. Immediately recognized the sewing kit when you took it out 😁. Regarding can openers- I love the german field cutlery which have that as a part of the carrier (incl. the more important bottle opener...)
@haggis525 Жыл бұрын
I always carried my own Wenger knife wherever I was... I still do. Old habits, I reckon... it's a little over 40 years old and it is still perfectly serviceable. Has everything you need in a pocket knife. I wasn't a fan of the issued can opener in 1980... I think it was an American design but I'm not sure 🤔
@cliftonaurelius3060 Жыл бұрын
I love his storytelling. I was so immersed the entire time until I realised the video ended.
@cuebj Жыл бұрын
Grandfather had 4 years as private in WW1. Youngest of 13, three of his brothers listed on their village war memorial. They'd been railway gangers for their nearby stretch of rail, but I can't remember the job title. For survivors, there were vacancies to get into better work. Became a policeman in Liverpool after war, rose to Deputy Chief Constable. Reenlisted as Military Police colonel in WW2. Went into France shortly days after D-Day to reestablish civil order. Thanks for this.
@MichaelWilliams-tv1bm Жыл бұрын
Your mention of the food in your pack reminded me that things were very similar 30 years later. In 1947 my Father was serving with The Duke of Wellingtons Regiment in the Sudan, and when sent on patrol in the desert they were given "haversack rations", bully beef and ships biscuits. When opened, the corned beef was more like a thick soup because of the heat, not the most appetizing meals I'm sure.
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
Haha, priceless. I have first hand experience of this too, and I now have a rule in the house ...... corned beef HAS TO BE kept in the fridge 😜
@geordiewishart1683 Жыл бұрын
I love bully beef but prefer now to heat it up a little in the microwave before making a sandwich with it etc! 🇬🇧
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
@@geordiewishart1683 LOL 🤢
@YorkistRaven Жыл бұрын
Gross! 🤣🤢
@zachv1942 Жыл бұрын
You can put the Ships biscuit in with the corned beef and rehydrate it. Probably very enjoyable. After sleeping in the rain anything warm and edible taste amazing
@richardhewitt.easyvanlife.6957 Жыл бұрын
Very interesting,my grandfather was shot and wounded at Passiondale. Went few years later joined the Home Guard. I often asked him about the war but he never talked about it.
@yannschonfeld5847 Жыл бұрын
Neither would either of my two grandfathers.
@shellshell942 Жыл бұрын
I'm from Melbourne and use Oxo beef stock cubes still! My Grandma is 96 and still likes to have a little cup of stock just like you said. Her father and some older brothers were in WW1 and must have brought the tradition home to her and the rest of the family.
@paulf2529 Жыл бұрын
Absolutely fascinating Kevin, amazing how many things they carried but virtually all essential.
@kstan1966 Жыл бұрын
Hi Kevin, This one goes on the list of your videos I’m showing to my History students. It’s truly a wonderful thing to own a piece of history. About 25 years ago I worked with a lady who gave me her uncle’s compass from WW1. It’s one of my most treasured items. Cheers! Kevin
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
Wonderful isn't it 👍🏻 With Remembrance coming up, you might want to look at those videos too, one on the Unknown Soldier and another on why we wear poppies. All the best
@waynedaly1718 Жыл бұрын
The old Sunlight Soap is still made and used in many Australian households including mine. As are the OXO cubes,still one of the best beef stock cubes ever made. Great vid as always mate
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
Cheers! Oxo, that's for sure. They don't sell them in Canada unless you track in down in a Britstore 👍🏻
@scowler7200 Жыл бұрын
Wonder if the formula's changed. Stay strange, Australia.
@waynedaly1718 Жыл бұрын
@@scowler7200 not sure,I do know like most things it’s gotten smaller. Smell hasn’t changed since I was a boy
Жыл бұрын
Your channel is underrated and should have more than a million followers. I could watch this all day and feel like I actually learned something. Cheers.
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
Well thank you too, I really appreciate that.
@richardsanchez5444 Жыл бұрын
I'd rather have these historical items than any modern day device. The sheer history tied to them is amazing.
@davidstrother496 Жыл бұрын
Thanks Kevin. I truly enjoy your presentation and teaching style. It is amazing to see how much was in those two little pouches. I too have an original bit of WW1 gear, a pair of hand operated hair clippers that belonged to my grandfather on my Dads side. He served in France with the USMC in WW1. I guess even the field, one must have a proper haircut. Goes along with needing to be clean shaven. Cheers from Texas.
@bostonrailfan2427 Жыл бұрын
hair cuts = lice control…lice were an annoying pest that needed controlling so short hair meant nowhere on you to live
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
Excellent David, yes they would have had them to control the lice as Boston said. Lice caused trench fever I believe.
@scrappydoo7887 Жыл бұрын
Excellent content as usual 🙂 I'd love to see more about the great war and life in the trenches especially and maybe some about the tunnelers who laid the huge mines. It's definitely a bit morbid but the great war has always fascinated me 👍
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
Hey Scrappy, good to see you here again! Yes, WW1 is definitely a core topic of mine and I will get to all of it eventually. Thanks for tuning in 👍🏻
@scrappydoo7887 Жыл бұрын
@@thehistorysquad I'll definitely always be around, I'm really quite happy to have found your channel 👍
@gm6hgw4 ай бұрын
Kevin, thanks for an amazing and informative series of videos. Some years ago, I was involved in running a Scout Troop in Scotland. At one summer camp we gave the lads the sort of food items you have described and asked them to make the food for one day. Jam, crushed biscuits and corned beef cooked together wasn’t to everyone’s liking, but it was food and made the lads appreciate the day-to-day life of WW I trench warfare. I did come across an old sealed tin of “hard tack” many years ago. As you pointed out, as hard as stone. Thanks again.
@thehistorysquad4 ай бұрын
Haha, love it. Thanks for sharing that story 😂
@fire58372001 Жыл бұрын
Amazing! Some of the things are still in use today, but slightly different. It brings me back to the time that I served in the military. Thank you very much for sharing.
@trollforge Жыл бұрын
I have my grandfather's pocket knife from the first World War. That round bit that comes off the back, is not a hoof pick, although you could use it as one if you were careful, it is a Marlin Spike for untying knots. It's a shame they've changed the physical shape of Oxo cubes so they no longer will fit in that tin.
@mikewalrus4763 Жыл бұрын
Damned useful for opening tins of milk as well - the Marline spike that is. Nor is it used for untying knots, more for splicing wire rope, another of those things that was poorly designed by people who did not have to use them! The ones on the back of a folding knife often closed whilst in use!
@trollforge Жыл бұрын
@@mikewalrus4763 Yes, I can see where it would open tins of milk quite well, and yes it is used for unlaying rope for splicing, but the main reason they were issued to infantry troops, before being (literally) shipped to the conflict in Europe, was for untying knots, it can even be used for tying knots, for example, the marlinspike hitch. ;)
@HarryWHill-GA Жыл бұрын
Kevin, The knife you show 4.00 was probably designed for the RN and not the BA. The dark pointy bit you note for removing stones in a horse's hoof is called a marlinspike. It is an aid in rope work, not that the BA would do much of that. OXO cubes are still about and still good. We have them in the kitchen cabinet. As to the can opener, I have my father's P38 can opener from WW2 on my key ring. They were originally issued with K-rations and later C-rations. They were no longer needed when the US military shifted to MREs. Interestingly they are still produced and sold world wide.
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
Great comment Harry, thanks! The knife was a WW1 general service issue to the army & navy to cover all eventualities 👍🏻
@RevOwOlutionary Жыл бұрын
The P38 is really just an amazing little device when compared to its predecessors.
@MadRS Жыл бұрын
Imagine having Kevin Hicks as your history teacher. What an amazing gentlemen and passionate story teller.
@docmach8794 Жыл бұрын
To collect and hold these articles in such high regard is admirable. Good for you.
@brettmasters5379 Жыл бұрын
you do this so well Kevin. My grandfather James Cecil Masters won the DCM for gallantry in WW1. My other grandfather Robert Leslie Lyon was with the 1st AIF on Gallipoli
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
Wow, that's cool 👍🏻
@blindarchershaunhenderson3769 Жыл бұрын
those are the things I like to hear about the little things that make it a personal story, you have some seriously cool stuff Kevin thanks for sharing 😎🏹🙏
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
Cheers Shaun, I'm pretty lucky.
@leoscheibelhut940 Жыл бұрын
Interesting and informative as always. My grandfather and namesake was a US Army officer in WWI and later served in the Occupation of Germany. He was also gassed in the war.
@yannschonfeld5847 Жыл бұрын
The second bag I recognized as I got from my maternal grandfather, although born in England in 1895 was an orphan and sent to work on a farm north of Toronto through Barnardo's Homes when he was 11 years old. He was in the artillery with Queens Own Rifles.. I had the bag for a few years but lost it. My other grandfather also English joined the same Toronto regiment as an under aged sniper. He saw much action but spoke little of it to us. Thank you for this look into the daily life of these soldiers.I would love to speak to them again. The horrors of war they did their best to avoid speaking about. My maternal grandfather said it was the screams of the horses and mules hit by enemy shelling. My other grandfather lay in nomanslands for three days.After being shot in the shin, a comrad tried to save him but was in turn shot and fell on him,staunching the bleeding. Three days later, they were about to throw him into a mass grave but someone saw him stilll twitching. That was in1917. They sent him homw. I still have the demob papers for both of my grandfathers. Plus a letter from my grandmothers father who was hit by shrapnel in the head. He then had 50 epiletptic fits a day after the war. The Canadian government said it was a pre war condition. Twenty years later, his lawyer won his case, six months before he died. Such is the honour of war.
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
Wow Yann, thanks for sharing your poignant comment here. We have something in common, one of my ancestors was orphaned during WW1 and sent to Canada as a farm boy, he's now buried at Dieppe. Something I've learned, whether it's Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, or anywhere for that matter, our common ancestry runs deep 👍🏻
@yannschonfeld5847 Жыл бұрын
@@thehistorysquad This is very true. I do recall however, how both of my grandfathers Humprhys and Schofield spoke kindly of "Old Fritz". Once, across the trenches one asked: " I have a brother in Chicago, do you know him? " And on the Canadian side they answered: " No, we're all from Toronto here." On several occasions, protesants on both sides, they sang hymns that were familiar to both sides or on one occasion a warning: "Keep your heads down, we are going to commence shelling tomorrow morning at 6.00". The great disconnect I felt from them was with the people back home, not with the supposed enemy. And finally, before I moved to Brittany I met my future wife's grandfather who was a "Poilu". These were all monoglot Breton speakers who knew no French. Their officers were French. They were used as cannon fodder. Her grand father had a wound in the hand. It was well known that some soldiers raised their hands from the trenches in order to get shot in the hand.So, he never received a war pension due to a "suspicious" wound. Personally, I have always felt a closeness to these soldiers and people of that era but increasingly less so to the more recent generations.
@clairewalters8238 Жыл бұрын
I have spent many many hours at the War Memorial in Canberra A.C.T but I enjoyed watching this so much. Thank you so much ❤
@TheGroundedAviator Жыл бұрын
I'm glad you just tooted that whistle; I'm wearing headphones and one of my few weaknesses are high-pitched sounds! We all have weaknesses as we all feel fear.
@lextalionis0 Жыл бұрын
If only the “History” channel did such a good job with, feeling both the sense of the time, retaining the humanity even among the grittiness and providing the “big picture” while being “up close and personal”. You could probably pal around with the lads that were and they would never even suspect you were out of your own time.
@fredsimmons2793 Жыл бұрын
What we don't see Kevin is the weight of war you and every soldier carry for the rest of your life!All the best to you sir!
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
Thank you Fred, I appreciate that.
@philerator Жыл бұрын
Hello Kevin, it means a great deal to me to be able to see these videos and especially this one. My maternal grandfather was in the 2nd Division of the Canadian Expeditionary Force. He joined in April 1915. I still have his 'cut-throat' razor. Thanks so much for showing us these things and making these videos.
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
It's my pleasure 👍🏻
@thedevilinthecircuit1414 Жыл бұрын
Your tour of the gear is the 'safe' way to visit a soldier on the battlefield! Fascinating how not much really has changed in the last 100 years--the things that are important to the soldier remain constant.
@thodan467 Жыл бұрын
the razor is the modern addition
@michaelpage4199 Жыл бұрын
Kevin this was so great. What a huge amount of priceless history you have there. Thanks for sharing
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
My pleasure Michael!
@wandapease-gi8yo Жыл бұрын
As a child in the early 1950’s I used tooth powder here in the States. I was surprised by the can opener because I was used to the American P38.
@Mr9Guns Жыл бұрын
They packed so light compared to today. We had so much extra crap to carry. Night vision, armor plates, radios, batteries etc. But then again we've got more comfort kit too like Gore-Tex rain gear.
@TheJCJexe Жыл бұрын
Very interesting, WWI is often overlooked and forgotten but it is probably the most horrific war there ever was with the introduction of machine guns, tanks, planes, and chemical warfare.
@andybtec Жыл бұрын
You realise the true carnage when 80 bodies a year are still being recovered. Thank you for keeping the history alive
@Terabit3 Жыл бұрын
My great grandfather served during the first world war stateside in logistics. I still have his WWI medal and even his helmet.
@chrisfoster9080 Жыл бұрын
My first exposure to military life was in 1976 when I joined the reserves in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. 1st Battalion, Nova Scotia Highlanders A company. The kit you show is so familiar, we were still issued with puddees, I can still see and feel my first time at the quarter masters stores. The memories you have stirred in me is a gift. Thank you Kevin. I did go on to Reg Force and served as a medic. Sometimes the littlest things will remind you of things you have forgotten, We had ration packs that were probably Korean war surplus but I still remember the taste of the canned ham and crackers. Sorry for the ramble. Thanks for your hard work.
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
Haha, fond memories eh? Thanks for the ramble Chris 👍🏻
@morgangallowglass8668 Жыл бұрын
Absolutely brilliant, Sir! Seeing the small yet vital items carried by the average soldier of the Great War is always a solemn treat. Thank you.
@stevenmorley1639 Жыл бұрын
Amazing. Talk about Change , Adapt and overcome on the Battlefield, those poor souls.....
@horuslupercal2385 Жыл бұрын
A completely random video to turn up on my YT feed here, but an absolute pleasure to watch....... Thank you for sharing!
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
My pleasure, the algorithm does strange things 👍🏻
@RickandPenny Жыл бұрын
Grand Dad showed me how to use a bayonet to open a can. I had a US army spoon that was my spoon when I was growing up. I had it for years. Ate my cereal and eggs with it every morning. We are forgetting. We are less then we were every generation. Then something bad will happen and we will learn the lessons long forgotten. Keep up the videos. God bless.
@sharonwhiteley6510 Жыл бұрын
I don't think the basic gear has changed. Upgraded. Updated. But the basic ideas remain. Thanks for your service. Thanks for your continued outstanding episodes
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
My pleasure Sharon, thank you 👍🏻
@BleedEaglesGreen023 Жыл бұрын
Those kits were in exceptional condition for their age. That museum is doing a great job of preservation.
@danielwhopples364210 ай бұрын
You're an amazing teacher and Historian, I wish I had someone with your passion when I was younger to teach me. Fantastic videos, thank you
@ricklacy5116 Жыл бұрын
My grandfather severed in the Northumberland Fusiliers. He went in in 1915, fortunately he was a signal man and survived 3 1/2 years in the trenches. On Easter Sunday 1918 he was hit in the wrist with shell shrapnel and was allowed to go home. Before that he had a small dose of Mustard Gas and was told it would eventually kill him. He lived until 1943 and passed at the age of 49.
@simongee8928 Жыл бұрын
With mugs, the top edge was subsequently rolled as your example appears to be, reducing the likelihood of a burnt mouth. This now almost universal among metal mugs available today and it works.
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
Haha, it doesn't!! I've burned my lips dozens of times on that thing 🤪
@simongee8928 Жыл бұрын
@@thehistorysquad Then you don't learn from experience then - ?
@oceanwanderer8065 Жыл бұрын
A Bull Nose tin opener was always in a kitchen drawer at my grandparent's bungalow ! It fascinated me as a child, and I would ponder over it. Granddad served in the RWF and was lucky enough to return home to his family. They are long gone now, but thanks to you sir I now know he must have brought it home from the trenches, and it has been passed down to me,along with his army blanket.I will treasure it with renewed reverence,and educate my grandson's with it. Thank you.
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
Oh, how lovely. A great book for you to read about the RWF is Old Soldiers never die, by Frank Richards. 👍🏻
@BathtubBass Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for showing these things! This is what I love about history the day to day affects of the actual soldier, the human side of the war. I have to this day, a harmonica, passed on from my great grandfather that he apparently took off a German as well, still works too, still in the hand painted box. I see you also have a Royal Lincolnshire badge as well! Thank you for telling the stories of the everyday soldier who was just trying to make it to the next day.
@manfordjennings3905 Жыл бұрын
amazing just how many things that would hold. As always enjoyed your little story and thanks
@BenDover-tj8vf Жыл бұрын
My granddad lied about his age and joined up the first week of WW1: aged under 15 . He survived the entire war . Shot twice shrapnel wounds three times and gassed . I have no idea how he managed to not only survive but manage to get home without losing his mind . A great man that I was lucky enough to grow up with and talk with him . These men were giants to me , super human yet so gentle . Rip sir I miss you .
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
Wow. How lovely it was that you got to spend time with him.
@TheMilwaukieDan Жыл бұрын
My grandfather and his brother fought in WWI. Formed the First Infintry Division And was a Messinger
@xWhocaresxX Жыл бұрын
The unknown soldiers spoon is very powerful. You’re a deep man sir, much respect from the states my friend.
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
Thank you.
@kevincostello3856 Жыл бұрын
Kevin has excellent original kit, wow, most collectors I imagine would love some of these original items. Thank you Kevin as always great content
@mountainroads149 Жыл бұрын
I love all the history you have in your kit
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
I'm very lucky. Thanks for watching 👍🏻
@uss_liberty_incident Жыл бұрын
That was a very enjoyable overview, thank you for putting this together and explaining things so eloquently.
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
My pleasure 👍🏻
@Daud7610 ай бұрын
Very interesting kit and all contents. When my father passed about two years ago, he left a lot of interesting items in his desk. One of them being a Verner's pattern no VIII solid brass compass. According to Wikipedia, it was used by the British troops in 1918 and made by a Swiss clockmaker, Ed Koehn.
@black_baron259 ай бұрын
Fascinating items! Thank you preserving and sharing them with us. Greetings from a fellow WW1 collector and enthusiast :)
@charlottestone1927 Жыл бұрын
Wow I can't believe you have binoculars that were found on a dead German soldier.Amazing video as always, your love of history is evident.
@Lassisvulgaris Жыл бұрын
If all those things could tell their story.....
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
Yes, they're pretty special aren't they 👍🏻
@keithsadler5260 Жыл бұрын
Comfort was not known to those soldiers. Very good history lesson. I can only imagine the times they went through. Keep up the videos.
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
Thanks, will do 👍🏻
@hemaccabe4292 Жыл бұрын
These videos are pure gold. Thank you for sharing.
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
Cheers mate 👍🏻
@haggis525 Жыл бұрын
Oxo! Wow... I've done exactly the same... boil up some water drop in the cube. Lovely on a cold day! Canadian Armed Forces back in the early 80's. Some things just stand the test of time! Of course - I never was a fan of bully beef... thankfully we had better by 1980. Some of the boys still had a can or two along with them as personal items - not too bad when you're very hungry... just douse it with Tabasco! Never leave home without Tabasco! Great video. Thanks!
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
🤣. mine was curry powder
@embreeja Жыл бұрын
My middle name (Alvin) was my father's name, who was named after his 'Uncle Alvin', who was killed in WWI, while flying (as photographer) in an observation biplane during the battles in France. I have his entire trunk. All his letters and cards to my grandmother (obviously, his sister --- who was in her 20's at the time), and some of his personal kit. It has been years since I brought it out, but seeing this video gives me a strong desire to do so. A different world at that time --- better in some ways, simpler for sure. Thank you Kevin for making it all so real for us.
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
Wow, I hope you do dive in and have a rummage again. Enjoy 👍🏻
@jackhenry290 Жыл бұрын
Impressed with the effort put in to these classes.
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
Thanks 👍🏻
@carriegraham6385 Жыл бұрын
Fascinating...thanks so much for posting a video from Canada, Saskatchewan no less!
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it! It's where I live 👍🏻
@joebudde3302 Жыл бұрын
Outstanding episode, my great uncle was a USN sailor during WWI.
@resnonverba137 Жыл бұрын
Many thanks for the upload and for keeping stories and information like this in the easily accessible public domain.
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
You bet!
@user-ly6pl5ot9m Жыл бұрын
I believe that WW1 British soldier is better supplied than 2022 Russian soldier.
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
I think I'd agree with you.
@user-ly6pl5ot9m Жыл бұрын
@@thehistorysquad Dear mr. Hicks, would you be so kindly to think on a video about the origin of "Tommy Atkins" or "Tommy" nickname for the British or Imperial/Commonwealth soldiers, kinda of equivalent of "G.I." 's nickname for an infantryman/military southern to you? I've learned about it from Sir Terry Pratchett's "Johnny and the Bomb" novel but later heard it was originated from an British grenadier's name that fought in the Carribean in 17th (18th?) century. Thank you!
@alanmackinnon3516 Жыл бұрын
I was thinking the same.
@philvanderlaan5942 Жыл бұрын
Well for the most part the Tommies weren’t moving about as much. We might be having a poor opinion of Ivan but I don’t think they suffered the casualties of Ypres, the Somme or passchendaele
@jenskreibach9424 Жыл бұрын
Exactly my thoughts!
@dennis2376 Жыл бұрын
Thank you and have a great week.
@snd3054 Жыл бұрын
I was just in Saskatoon, and wasn't aware of this museum - darn! I'll have to go back. Thanks for this fascinating look at WWI kit.
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
Hey Del, I volunteer at the museum, Thursdays and every other Saturday or so. 👍🏻
@davidc6510 Жыл бұрын
Another great story from history. Thanks for sharing Kevin!
@davesmith7432 Жыл бұрын
This was a fascinating look inside a soldiers kit. Thanks
@PhilipHealy-b1iАй бұрын
What a charming and humble man, respectfully bringing the life of a Tommy alive, and ensuring newer generations appreciate what happened. Hmm how we used to dream of pork and beans.
@Chiller01 Жыл бұрын
Fascinating video. I did a 3 year surgery residency in Saskatoon. Gets pretty nippy in January & February.
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
Oh indeed it does 😜
@glennfyfe1357 Жыл бұрын
Thanks, great that you look after these historical treasures, keep it coming, much yet to learn.
@thehistorysquad Жыл бұрын
Thanks, will do!
@stevenmiller2837Ай бұрын
I really appreciate your knowledge and reverence!
@rob20452 Жыл бұрын
My grandad joined up in 1914 remember him saying vaguely all ways leave one up the spout, that's all he would say really and rather not talk about it as I've grown up I understand why now, God bless those souls from all sides 🙏