Omaha Beach From the GERMAN Perspective | History Traveler Episode 181

[@kimorr6035]

My grandfather landed on Omaha beach in world war 2. He didn't talk about the war much when he came home, but when he got older, he told some incredible stories. He was eventually wounded in Germany. He lived to be 94 years old and was a real hero to me.

[@etroop-eq4lx]

Thanks for sharing

[@Thomasstenbaek]

And to the rest us ❤

[@michaeladamo6279]

He’s a real hero to me also and many others!

[@CRUSH71]

He was a hero. I love the Greatest Generation and am saddened that they are passing.

[@blackhorse11thACR]

As a Disabled American veteran, I saw all the WW1 veterans passing away when I started to use the VA hospitals. Then it was the WWII Veterans, which we have very few left. The Korean and Vietnam Veterans are following them now. It is sad to see all the heroes of our nation pass away. The older Cold War veterans are also leaving us because of the Cold War years 1945 to 1991. I thank all the brave men and women who served the nation. These brave men, many of them were teenagers who landed and served on D~Day are indeed the Greatest Generation. I salute them all. Respect for all my fallen brothers and sisters who served our nation.🇺🇸🇨🇦🇬🇧💜💜💜

[@EmbraceTheJourney]

My Dad was shot on that beach. His purple heart is in my office, I see it everyday and hold it in deep respect

[@strangelovecpa5251]

My Dad was a Sargent in A Company of the 116th Infantry Regiment of the 29th ID, and landed on Dog-Green Sector of Omaha Beach. He's quoted at the D-Day Museum in NOLA. (I haven't been there, but it's supposed to be in the entry lobby. - Sargent Thomas Valance.) I could tell you his stories of D-Day, and WWII in general in about 5 minutes. It took me nearly 25 years to get him to tell me these stories. Among some of the details of D-Day were his Lieutenant was shot as the landing craft door opened. Which is also when he was first shot. The bullet entry point was the first knuckle on his left index finger, and exit point was on his wrist right around where you measure your pulse. Shot in the hip with an Armor Piercing bullet. Shot multiple times in the back. His pack, and gear (effectively) worked as a bullet proof vest. The chin strap on his helmet was shot off. A few other stories about some friends being killed right beside him. One "funny" story is that the 29th was a Virginia National Guard unit, and my Dad, and his best friend were from Connecticut and NYC, respectively. They were in the same landing craft, and George was an Assistant Flame Thrower operator. So he was in the back of the craft. Anyway, George continued the fighting, while my Dad was medically evacuated to England. Since they were separated on D-Day, they never saw each other again, until the Spring of 1947 when they were both heading home from work, and bumped into each other on Madison Avenue in NYC, going into Grand Central Terminal to get on their respective subway rides home. Until their deaths (my Dad died in 1997) they always called each other on June 6th, just to talk. ( A city of 8 million and they bump into each other!! WOW!! - Which once again proves my theory that the world is made up of 300 or so people, and the other 7 Billion + are simply smoke and mirrors.!! :-) )

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh wow! That is something else. Thank you for sharing that.

[@uglytuco3829]

Salute to your pop! True hero!

[@810Fam]

That was fate 💯

[@justanothercreator7273]

Wow. What an amazing, and lucky man

[@stevenandrews715]

Thank you for mentioning that the 29th ID was a National Guard Division. So many people don't realize that the National Guard gets activated, deploys, and fights in America's wars. Many people think that the National Guard just stays home and responds to natural disasters. Many National Guardsmen (Army and Air) have sacrificed so much, including paying the ultimate sacrifice in wartime. So, thank you for shining that light on the 29th ID and the Army National Guard.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Yep! That’s exactly why I wanted to point that out. Thanks for watching!!!

[@robertbrickle6438]

@Tyler Pruitt Were you full active?

[@robertbrickle6438]

@Tyler Pruitt Gotcha. I very much appreciate you serving. If you don't mind me asking, what branch and where did they deploy you?

[@aurelienfora3382]

Thanks for sacrifice. I live in Normandy tout know thé History of the City of Graignes near Omaha and his libération. Thanks for tout Channel

[@ericcapek3805]

My old unit!

[@MrWhitelightning73]

This is one of the best channels on KZbin.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Wow. Thank you. I would say that there are many that are way better, but I appreciate the kind words.

[@davidpietarila699]

I watch this and I try to compare the most difficult and challenging day of my life to June 6... and there are simply no words for the amount of humility I feel.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Agreed.

[@squirreljam2240]

My grandfather was in the 29th infantry 116 regiment. He was drafted from the Atlanta area. He was there on d day and spent 3 years over in Europe. He had a framed letter with his name and D Day "29 let's go" in the frame was his ribbons/purple heart hung on the outside was his dog tags. Thank you for making this video.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh wow. Thank you for sharing that.

[@jimmyhorton8297]

I didn’t get to the tiny home area, but I walked everywhere else you went in this video almost step for step. I had the same thought, I wanted to see what the Germans saw. When you stand on those cliffs and look down, it’s hard to imagine anyone survived. When I came down the trail by the last gun emplacement you showed, I stopped on the beach and took my shoes off and walked out into the water. I had to know, in some small way, what it was like to walk out of the water onto that beach. It was windy, freezing cold, but I didn’t care. I’m sure lots of people have done the same thing, but it’s a memory of an experience that I don’t think I’ll ever forget.

[@Ugnaught82]

Back in the early 1980's I worked with a man, who himself as a young 29th ID soldier landed on Omaha in the second wave. When I asked him about it, he said as their landing craft neared the beach, bullets were pinging off the front and had so unnerved everyone that when the ramp dropped they about trampled each other getting out. He was a communications guy and carried a spool of telephone wire, and most of the other men in the craft were engineers and all carried explosives. He said he was more worried about getting blown up by their charges than the bullets flying about. He lost his spool of wire after getting off the craft and reflected he was so scared he's not sure when he dropped it.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh man. I would love to have had an afternoon to sit down with him.

[@cristop5]

"D DAY Through German Eyes" by Holger Eckhertz has interviews with German soldiers conducted just 10 years after the end of the war. Two defenders from each of the 5 beaches are interviewed. Very readable.

[@garypeyman932]

I've been watching your channel for a a long time now but I couldn't put my finger on why I enjoyed it more than so many others . Well it finally occurred to me after watching the Hillman episode . Many other channels just talk about the dates , use diagrams or animations and they tend to sound like a boring history teacher going through the motions . Your channel offers so much more . You are at the locations telling me a story and it feels much more like being invited along on a journey with you rather than being lectured . The passion you have for the subject is infectious and I enjoy the fact that while most documentarians tell When something happened you tell me how and where it happened , how they overcame a challenge and what they had to fight through . Although you might not have the subscribers of some others I think you are far and away one of the best channels and hope you have a lot of sucsess

[@deanbacon8245]

I whole heartily agree with you !!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh wow. I really do appreciate those words. That really does mean a lot to me. Glad that I can share the experiences with people who love the history as much as I do.

[@garypeyman932]

You're welcome . They really are well deserved .

[@davidwillis4839]

Gary, you nailed it. A good balance of facts, sights and clear enjoyment from JD. I want to enjoy history, not be bored to do death by it.

[@dvestal7583]

I agree with you also Mr. Peyman. Your channel and presentation are the greatest!

[@K.Lovelace1968]

Love this, thank you so much.. Never get tired of military history.. I used to sit and listen to my dad tell me stories of his military days, I always found it very interesting, of course I am myself a history buff.. Your videos have helped me in my recovery ((had a massive heart attack back in March))... once again, thank you so much.. Have an awesome day..

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you for sharing that. Glad that the videos have served to fill some time during your recovery.

[@peacemaker-du4hz]

i want to personally thank your dad for his service and also wishing you well on your recovery

[@tomy.1846]

Hope you continue to recover, be well!

[@durango8882]

@@TheHistoryUnderground Yes thank you. My uncle was killed in The Battle Of The Bulge. Everyone gave in WW2 My other uncle was a POW. My father benefited by his brothers missing and they removed him from orders to go to the front in Italy.

[@Crossant.p]

I may not be a ww2 history geek but I've always liked watching documentaries, shows and movies about it. Here's to more success to you and your channel!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@davidrudderham7659]

Better content than what’s on TV. Put this man in charge of the history channel

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Ha! Thanks. I would definitely have a few changes that I’d make if they put me in charge.

[@wayne1097]

This is no doubt the best channel on KZbin ,I thoroughly enjoy every video.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Feel free to share it with a few others.

[@faadar]

I would love to add something to this . I was hoping to have interviews of German soldiers from the day , But I want to share with you all a story . I am a US veteran and combat soldier . Not from D Day and every soldier has a story to tell. I served in the US army In Germany in the Cold War 1986-1992. I stayed in Germany after Desert storm and I have been integrated into Germany and France . I am lucky enough to be fluent in both languages. About 10 years ago I visited this beach . I can tell you I was totally geared up to stand here and to try to imagine what these boys went through . I honestly cannot imagine and I still cry thinking about this. What struck me is there are still people who leave flowers photos and post cards here. It gives me great hope in humanity to see people have not forgotten . Mt story is really from the other side . I was with Michele he is a French Man proud truck driver and worked in his adult years driving for the US military supplying US troops to Germany well into his 80’s he spoke German which was amazing and I spoke with him that day of my visit to Normandy Michelle was a 5 year old boy in Deauville France not far away from the beaches . On the day of the embankment he and his family packed up what they had and went further inland with all they could carry on their backs to avoid what was to come . The French adults knew what was happening as people do . Michelle remembered his times learning German from the German soldiers stationed there . He at the age of 5 was pretty much buddies with German soldiers. He told me he would play soccer, run errands and felt safe with his German friends . When he and his family left Deauville to live in the woods and fields he remembered seeing smoke and fires in the horizon . A few weeks later he and his family returned to Deauville only to see his village was destroyed and the German soldiers he called his friends were stacked high with corpses . He at his age could not understand how his life his village lay in ruins and the people of his village were happy to see these American GI’s marching in and everyone was happy however for him it was very confusing and he needed to accept the reality of the times . And this was the story of Michelle . I have been blessed to listen to stories of the other side , and I have seen the other side where modern youth idolize the Nazi’s , they are punks and they do not see both sides of the story . History is always written by the victorious , I again have been blessed to be a US combat veteran, and to learn the other side of the story. So I thought I would share this with you all and the story of Michelle. And also to warn all of you .. If you go to the beaches of Normandy and you stand there looking up and try to imagine these impossible odds … it will change your life forever and make you realize the bravery of these young men and still to see that there are still people out there who still lay memories of these days .

[@metalmusic4958]

I was born in the 1970s and am from England. My grandfather fought in the war but not involved in D-Day. Around 10 years I drove to Greece, my vehicle broke down in Belgium, got recovered to a mechanics garage to get it fixed. The manager, upon learning I was english, proceeded to start thanking me. Naturally, i thought he was mad. I asked why and he replied, dont you know what the date is ? Well yes, i said, it's the 6th june. And that was why he said' thank you' several times. Speaks volumes, doesn't it. Fuck nazis . Fuck tyranny.

[@faadar]

@@metalmusic4958 what is you Point Mate ? I was a US soldier 1986 -1992y I served in the Cold War and served In desert storm . So what in my text states Nazi? A French 5 year old boy and his view of the time? Honestly mate what are you trying to say ?

[@BratvaTV]

Hi buddy. Nice story. While I dont have time to teach you history, after hearing this story, you might be interested in learning more. History is written by the victors. For instance you do realize that it was France that declared war on Germany, right? After Poland fell in just 4 weeks, Germany reached out to both England and France to have them take their war declarations back... there was no need to go to war, but they refused despite having nothing to gain from a war against Germany. For months nothing happened, but with their refusals to call off the war, Germany had no choice but to go on the offensive. As soon as they had good weather, on May 10th, 1940, Germany marched west. France was steamrolled in just 6 weeks. France surrendered, their government fled and a new government installed and France was officially knocked out of the war. It should be noted that the new government signed a peacful and honorable surrender and Germany only occupied northern France. Half of France was completly German free. And they were only occupied because they were still at war with the British. Had Britain agreed to a peace, Germany would have just gone home. They did not want anything to do with the West. They were merely acting in self defense against two countries who declared war on them. France remained a free but partially occupied country for the next 4 years until the Allies came to rain hell on her in order to "liberate" it... But as you can see, its not strange to hear stories where the French people lived peacefully under German occupation. Germany had no interest in France. After surrendering, Germany did not impose a harsh treaty of revenge as the allies did to Germany after ww1. Germany took nothing from France. Germany even had Napoleans son moved to France from Austria to be buried with his father. . More destruction fell in France from the allies liberation than from Germany. History is written from the victors.

[@faadar]

@@BratvaTV Hi Bodhi yes you are right in a lot of points also France had an Allianz with Russia. There was a lot of „old money and blood@ in the WWI/WWII conflicts . Was the beginning of the globalization ideology and it honestly has not stopped . I think it more interesting using history not to stop at WWII , but to learn what is happening now and the reasons behind this push such as the EU idea and the UK Brexit . In many ways the war never stopped . For me I was stationed in Germany in 1986 and stayed here . Now living in Strasbourg France . Here alone it was a piece of history and a French initiative to make Alsaceian people French . A lot of history here supporting your comments . I have however been blessed to command German and French and be able to communicate with that generation . I am not even going to mention who taught me to fly . That’s a hole other story . But the European history is very interesting for sure . Would love to debate on such topics with you .

[@faadar]

@@BratvaTV and 100% correct ..history is always written by the victorious .

[@sallybrown1459]

A very good friend of my husband was a RANGER that went up that cliff. They were from different wars, but had a lot to talk about. So much of their conversations was just between them, we always respected that.

[@mitch1611]

they kept it between them because a militairy life is just not the same as a civilian one and the things they have seen and been true no civilian can understand so they dont even try to explain, you cant blaim them.

[@joeritchie4554]

I have read Stephen Ambroses book on D-day. After seeing these videos, I can't believe that the men who landed on Omaha beach were able to establish a beach head and overcome all of that fire power.

[@bradmitchell3765]

Very interesting and educational video. My dad worked for the Battle Monuments Commission in the 50's. We visited those beaches in 1953 staying with close friends of his who lived near Normandy. Dad spoke fluent French making their acquaintance shortly after D-Day. They stayed in touch up until Marcel passed. From a French prospective both of Marcel's parents died from the allied bombings, he held no animosity towards the allies blaming their deaths on the Germans. Lastly to those who served on both sides it took a terrible toll on the survivors. My dad relived that war every night in his sleep for the rest of his life.

[@borisempire]

I am surprised this channel doesn’t have millions of subscribers. This are the best videos so far and the quality is amazing!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Probably has something to do with how the host looks, but thanks!

[@borisempire]

@@TheHistoryUnderground Naah, you are doing great job! You channel will grow big I have no doubt. There is no other channel like yours.

[@Britspence381]

Thanks for this video, good to see a different view of that day. My Dad's best friend survived the invasion, never said anything about it until I asked him in my later years. Dad served in the Pacific Theatre. They were, indeed, the Greatest Generation.

[@your_royal_highness]

I am reading a book in preparation for my bucket list adventure to Normandy this July (I am soooo jealous of what you are able to do for a living dude!). On Sword the Brits had a Sexton armored vehicle, essentially a tracked howitzer. This guy and his crew were following three Shermans that were blown up from a bunker like these. A soldier ran up and told them where the enemy was. After thinking for a moment the crew chief said that they were going to attack at their fastest speed, then stop on a dime and try to put a round into the embrasure. They of course were going to be sitting ducks if they missed. The guy related that the odds were very small they could accomplish this. The first shot hit close to the opening which stunned the gun crew inside the bunker. The chief ordered the gun up slightly and to the left and the second shot went right in. Amazing heroism.

[@jefferyfowler7860]

My uncle told us his experience on Omaha Beach but it's very interesting to see it from the German side. Great job JD. 👍

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks. Can’t imagine the stories that your uncle must’ve had.

[@MrWhitelightning73]

As The Rolling Stones famous song goes…….”sympathy for the devil”

[@uglytuco3829]

Company C boys were absolute studs for rushing those cliffs. Depicted incredibly well in SPR.

[@johnholmes6897]

In 1987 I took a buddy of mine who I served with in the 82nd airborne to Normandy. He was from Nigeria and had no idea of the history of that place. At low tide I took him to the edge of the water line and scooped up the sand and "pebbles" . What I actually scooped up were spent rounds. 42 years later and still inky spent rounds. Giving me pause and making me imagine the hell those poor men, those absolute heroes went through on D Day. Thought it was worth sharing with you. Fantastic KZbin site.

[@CC-8891]

RiP to these brave men. My grandfather fought with the US Army thru the Pacific Campaign against Japan. He was wounded in the battle of Attu in Aleutian islands. His brother was a DDay veteran though. I dont know what he did there but I know he was a Seabee in the navy. He never spoke about it and most of us didn't know he was there at DDay until after he died and we read his obituary.

[@alexanderkelly3496]

Was there in 2012 with my wife and two daughters. Was very moved by the experience. Many thanks for making this.

[@toneian]

JD, incredible narrative. I’m not an emotional guy but thinking about the weaponry and the defeating noise must have been unbelievable for 17-19 yr old kids getting through that sand.

[@veteranmuscle]

I had the absolute honor and privilege to visit these beach heads in 2014 when I was stationed in Germany. Definitely puts into perspective, or rather gives some perspective, as to what both sides had to deal with it. Thank you for doing what you do.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Definitely. Thank you!

[@Toe_M]

On a visit to the American cemetery at Colleville overlooking Omaha beach a few years ago my wife just happened to say "I wonder if anyone with our surname is buried here?" Literally 5 seconds later we passed the grave of PFC Derril G Mellon of the 116th regt of the 29th Div died 7th June 44 RIP. Great channel by the way!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you! And thanks for sharing that.

[@harrisongray9172]

Videos like these give me goosebumps. Just looking at an area where 100s upon 100s of men gave they’re lives. History is so important and I think more people should know at least the basics…for the simple reason of not forgetting and teaching people the sacrifices these men made. Anyway…love the video again!!! Cant get enough of the new upload schedule 🙌

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

100% agree. And the new upload schedule is pretty exhausting, but if it's getting more people into history, then it's worth it.

[@harrisongray9172]

@@TheHistoryUnderground I can imagine it is..And that’s the best thing. Keep it going I can’t get enough!!! Cheers again mate

[@dwizzleusa4202]

Thousands of men

[@MrGruffteddybear]

I've seen pics of Omaha Beach before but this was amazing. To see it from above and how clear the fields of fire were I'm amazed the invasion succeeded. In the end the sheer numbers of allied troops, their training, and bravery just overwhelmed the Germans in the end.

[@starbolin]

Thank you for your ground level treatment of this large complex subject. Your attention to detail, the effort and the research you have put in, makes the history real and personal.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@scotth9857]

Great video.. really enjoyed it. During my time in the Air Force, I was at the 45th Anniversary DDay commemoration. Those are sacred sites for those who appreciate the massive sacrifices our troops paid that day. Thanks for posting!

[@dreday6134]

Thanks for the video. I’ll be there in a few days. I’m in Bastogne today. As a Marine combat veteran these places hold a special place in my heart

[@rockstarJDP]

I was so confused when I visited Omaha as a youngster with no real understanding of military tactics - where were all the gigantic pillboxes I saw in SPR and MOH that made easy targets to shoot back at? Surely they were such big targets they'd be easy to take out? The reality is what made it such a massacre was the defences were so small and well camouflaged you'd have been lucky to even see muzzle flashes among the smoke, shells, and sheer chaos with saltwater in your eyes and abject horror going on all around you. I know in media its simply to give the audience perspective, but I was truly humbled to stand at the shore line when my dad pointed out one of the REAL pillboxes on the drawer and I couldn't even see it. Gave me shivers, and this video illustrates the disadvantage those poor lads were at so well. Good job!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Saving Private Ryan has definitely colored people's view of the battle. I plan on addressing that in a future video.

[@rockstarJDP]

@@TheHistoryUnderground You already have my friend - that's the point of my comment, and why I and many others love your channel as much as we do. You show the true reality of the warfare that took place, and both acknowledge how its displayed in Hollywood and how the reality actually was, whilst respecting the perspectives of both. I've been a huge fan of your channel for a long time for this exact reason, because you are able to give us context to what we see on screen to the reality of what actually happened so succinctly. Keep it up!

[@Assdfgresa]

My great uncle when he was dying a few years back, relived his experience on Omaha beach while on his death bed before he died. First time he ever talked about it and last. I have his dog tag he wore that day, besides my family, it's the most important thing to me

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh wow. That is something. Thank you for sharing that.

[@gemmint77]

Brave American men fought in these battles. Thanks for the tour of the area.

[@kevinpowers9024]

It was so awesome to walk on all the D Day beaches last month. If you are interested in the D Day invasion I can't stress enough going here for a few days. It's one thing to watch videos like this on KZbin, but standing in these places is something that is hard to put in to words. I remember standing at the waters edge in front of WN62 and my eyes welled up with tears. My Son had walked down the beach and I was standing alone just listening to the waves and slowly panning my video camera back and forth. Quite a moving experience.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

It definitely holds the weight of memory. No other place like it.

[@eze8970]

@@TheHistoryUnderground Please try the Somme, the locals still stack up gas shells containers & other shells they find in their gardens, the farmers fields are covered in war debris. Supposedly 30 tons of metal an acre are dug up there. With the Allied cemeteries everywhere, from small plots up to several thousand. The main monument at Thiepval has the names of OVER 73,000 MISSING engraved on it. Huge mine craters also still visible. This area also has a 'feel' to it, all the people here have left an 'imprint'. Thank you for all your videos, a great series.

[@jared1870]

I've been waiting for this, and you upload at the same time as Sidestep Adventure.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Ha! Go with Sidestep Adventures. He’s better at this stuff than I am 😄

[@ae9980]

I have been to this area in your video. You can feel the significance of Omaha while your there. I was standing almost on top of WN 71 looking towards the beach and, for the life of me, still cannot see how those brave men got off that beach.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

That bunch was something else, for sure.

[@vivians9392]

I think their youth and adrenaline helped get them off the beach...

[@CSltz]

I remember watching another documentary about from the German side on tv. Where they were interviewing a German machine gunner. He said something very stunning about that morning and shooting at all the landing craft when the ramps would come down. “There comes a point where you just get tired of killing.” What horrendous nightmares that day must have produced for both sides. You would have thought that we could have learned to trade and “get along” After the first one.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Pretty awful all around.

[@quentinquentin6752]

The terms of the Versailles treaty were so harsh and unfair, truly unfair, no country could have accepted it. Also remember that the Allies continued to blockade Germany into 1919 after the war ended thereby continuing the literally starvation of German women and children which costs thousands of lives and the Allie knew would cost those lives even after Germany surrendered. The way the allies treated Germany was nothing short of barbaric. You don’t build trust and friendship when you beat and honourable and when he is down you kick him in the teeth and then lay into his wife and kids !!!! Think about it.

[@eze8970]

@@quentinquentin6752 War is a human tragedy, but don't forget the Germans started the war, & destroyed so much of France & Belgium, including it's people. When withdrawing in 1917 & laying even more waste to the French countryside, Allied soldiers found the Germans had even bayonetted a cat & beheaded it's kittens, to stop them being used by the Allies against the rats. Wells were poisoned to. The Germans used gas first & would have employed fire bombing against Allied cities, if they didn't think they would get greater retaliation. The German WW2 fire bomb is only a slight variation of their WW1 type. The Germans shelled Paris & other places with their huge siege artillery. The German treaty of Brest Litovsk against the Russians was also very harsh, look at how much land it lost, so the Allies knew what to expect if Germany won. The Germans would try any weapon if they though they would win. The Germans also NEVER decided to withdraw & seek peace unilaterally. Even when it did consider peace, it looked for large gains. German units even attacked Turkish units in Turkey when they got in their way in 1918. There were lots of honourable Germans & good people, the same as any country, but lets not forget what Germany did. In hindsight, perhaps the Allies should have continued the war, to beat Germany in the field (like 1945), to strip away the lie of the Hitler myth, that Germany had been 'stabbed in the back'. However, how many people (incl civilians) would have died & land laid waste in Germany if that happened? Even now, there are reminders of the fighting on the Somme, pieces of equipment, bones, weapons, gas shells etc. Standing next to an Allied cemetery in the middle of a farmers field, I found brick rubble, but there were no buildings nearby. I realised that the pieces must have been blown there from the village up the road that had been obliterated by the fighting. Also remember, the Germans NEVER, paid back all the reparations what they had destroyed EITHER in WW1, or WW2, while bankrupting the British, French & Belgians (I can't say about the Russians, but no ones economy was in good shape). At the very least, the effects on the British economy are felt today. The British only finished paying back the American WW1 war loans a few years ago. Also, how many people died of Flu (on all sides in Europe) as they were weakened by war conditions? Possibly a war would have happened due to tensions at that time, but at the end of the day, it was a war that Germany started. Whatever the Germans paid back, some would argue they got off lightly compared to what they did.

[@quentinquentin6752]

@@eze8970 they could argue but they would be wrong! Even the British and French realized they had massively miscalculated in their treatment of Germany which is partly why Hitler ran riot for years. Versailles placed the entire burden for the war on Germany. But were they the ones solely responsible? The French were militating for a war since they lost the great Franco-Prussian War of 1870. At the eve of war the French army was the same size as the German army despite German having 3:2 ratio of a numerically larger population. We wont agree. But whilst you are so worried about cats and kittens bear in mind women and children were being starved to death by an allied blockade that was itself actually illegal. How many died? 1-2 million. Women and children and old people. That’s ok in your books because why exactly? Cats and kittens and rats? I would give you a failing grade if you were to volunteer such silliness in any history essay you submitted.

[@eze8970]

@@quentinquentin6752 Thank you for you reply, yes we won't agree. You downplay the Germans own role in this tragedy. The main FACT is they invaded first. You actually have to look back further to the Franco- German war of 1870, to the centuries before when the French were dominant in Europe, which finally collapsed in the wake of Napoleon's actions. The French were always itching to get this dominance back. The loss of the 1870 war to France, with German rising power, & Austrian weakness, made this even worse. The French realised they had a smaller population than Germany (Napoleon can share blame for this, due to his casualties among French manhood), so needed a large army to counter the German one. It was also why the British & French became Allies. I would agree that with the tension between all the Empires, war was more likely than not. My cats & kittens reference was in context of how thorough the Germans were prepared to wage war, incl their use of poison gas, poisoning the land (of others) firebombing, destroying farmland & towns etc. No more than that, I'm not making it more important than human life. They had a disdain for anyone they conquered. If they had won, there would have awful conditions for the Allies (see Brest Litovsk). The blockade was designed to stop war making material getting to Germany, the food imports were a by product of this. Germany (like others) decided to go to war without being able to feed or supply it's population, knowing what the Allied response would be, that's the German High Command's own Strategic decision. They thought they would win the war & dictate terms (like they did all the way up to 1918), which would negate any blockade. They had no 'Plan B'. Britain put full embargo of trade to Central Powers in early 1915, but German raiders & navy were already attacking Allied shipping (which carried passengers) from the start of the war, moths earlier. Blockade & attacking enemy supplies were an established method of war. BOTH sides were at it, even if 'illegal'! Britain had a very small army in 1914, it spent most of it's money on the navy, which is another reason it chose to blockade. Even if the Allies had been more lenient, I'm not sure there still wouldn't have been another war, as I don't think all the issues between the countries were resolved, & new problems, i,e Soviet Union had arrived. Wilson's 14 points may, or may not have proved better, but they were put forward from an American viewpoint, one which didn't take into account how much the Allies had suffered stopping the German aggression. Didn't Wilson also put them forward without consulting the other Allies? We have differing views, but that doesn't make them any less interesting, thank you for the time taken in your reply.

[@SavageVoyageur]

My last trip to France I was able to walk from the water to the hills at Omaha beach. I could just imagine what those brave soldiers went through. But what really shook me was the American cemetery. The price of liberty and freedom.

[@terrapinrocks]

Notice how Saving Private Ryan begins and ends there. You're not alone in that.

[@bryangarska3823]

I was able to do the same a few years back, very humbled.

[@charlessnider883]

Not sure I could handle the cemetery Very moving I'm sure

[@timothymcknight9485]

Well done, JD! I enjoy how you take a small location and tell a story with, that gives us a new perspective on how it was!! Thank you, brother!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Much appreciated! Hopefully, these small slices here and there contribute to a greater overall understanding.

[@brianjohnson3256]

What an awesome video, thank you for this. You gave a great detailed explanation of what took place in the invasion. I commend you for not only telling the story but showing the land marks and being there on the spot where a timeless and unforgiving battle took place. Like the great Churchill said “those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it” please keep up with doing what you do. I’ll sit and listen to you any day explain history sir.

[@johnb2706]

Amazing video. Truly gave me goosebumps thinking about what those men went through taking those beaches. Thank you for the education!

[@emilyshort7694]

I love how you show case what happened during WWII from both sides, American & German, great job JD

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! I thought it was pretty interesting to get up and look at things from a perspective that you don't often see.

[@robslipsky9066]

What I enjoy about your documentaries is your pleasant tone. It makes listen to it very easy. You do good work thank you

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Appreciate that.

[@robertmashburn8330]

These Men are truly National Treasures! Heart Touching to see this Video. Thank you for a good job!

[@chocolatte6157]

The 88 was fearsome indeed. The projectile was about 3.5 inches in diameter and was a high velocity round. It was conceived as an antiaircraft weapon but became anti-tank and all around artillery weapon.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Scary weapon, for sure.

[@queencerseilannister3519]

I often wondered this as well. Not many survivors were left of course to tell the tale, but I'm sure we can imagine the amount of relief the had left in their trousers. Terrififying!

[@DrMyEyes]

Very good job young man. That this is being remembered makes me proud of the generations behind me and hopefully those yet to come. Many thanks.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@michelebaker3457]

Thank you for looking at both perspectives. My father fought in World War II as an airman. But I also think about the people fighting on the other side and the loss that they felt.

[@rayoeler3055]

Been there and done this myself ! one of hardest things that come to my mind was the loss of life on these sights ! Yet if you realize what it is all about at that time in 1944 and the war ! Well you must admit it was a great undertaking experience of the 20th century ! For all the men who gave of their lives shall never gp unforgotten For the ones who survived the war I give total salute of thanks ! One must remember freedom comes with a price and never I said never forget what was done here !

[@JamesLee-lk4kx]

Boggles my mind how you don't have over a million subs.you put together some of the best historical military videos I have seen.your hard work is highly appreciated

[@davidlinehat4657]

I never knew how gorgeous the terrain is. Thank you for the video!

[@larryburwell8550]

Really great history lesson to those that don't know this history. And great lesson to those that know the history and just can't get there like myself. Thank you

[@philipprice171]

Looking on the beach at low tide clearly shows the numerous runnels that greatly hindered the landing craft and men wading ashore. Many craft were stranded between these lines of deeper water on the sand and it took great skill for the pilots to avoid this hazard throttling down before the sand bar before throttling up and allowing the wash to carry them over. Men would emerge from landing craft and find themselves in a deep water runnel or would make some progress only to encounter a hidden one further on.

[@michaelpoyntz774]

Absolutely excellent production.Provided information about D Day that I never ever was told. Really well thought out script, interesting details, delivered in a manner that is a blend of reality, authenticity and spoken like a guy who might just be sitting beside you in a bar just sharing his I was there perspective!

[@paulb1912]

Did a tour of Normandy a few years back including the American Cemetry. Thanks for these videos as it brings back some memories.

[@oregonoutback7779]

Must have been chilling to be on either side that day. Thanks, JD.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Can't even imagine it.

[@horatiodebonairepicklehoun1415]

Brilliant video mate.. I too like to see the defences from the German side.. I used to work with a guy in Birmingham UK who’s father was a an SS Kopfjager during the war and was captured by commonwealth troops in Normandy and was imprisoned in Ludlow. He settled in the UK after the war and I met him only once in the early 90’s shortly before his death. He recalls being moved up to shore defences as the invasion was taking place, but couldn’t get to the German lines right on the coast because the Royal Navy had destroyed so many of the roads leading up to the coast. He said that manyGermans were glad of the invasion because they accepted defeat was imminent, but he couldn’t get over the relentless shelling from the Navy. He recalled some German soldiers being executed by the advancing allied troops who made it off the beach, but he never forgot the amount of allied bodies who he saw piled up on the beeches just before he was shipped to the Uk.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh wow! I would have loved to have spent an afternoon talking with him.

[@malcolmmorton989]

I often wonder how long it would take to run from the waters edge to the sea wall , and then imagine trying to do it with full pack and under fire .. truly heroic .

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

….and soaking wet.

[@silent_fungus]

………cold and terrified

[@andyhamilton8940]

Thank You for all your time reviewing such important history.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@samkangal8428]

As a German i say thank you for showing our perspective too .Well done history lesson like always .

[@Mystic_Gohan97]

ja danke

[@durango8882]

Incomprehensible bravery. Heroes All!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Agreed.

[@alexd2927]

It's so beautiful there makes it really hard to imagine what this looked like during D Day

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Agreed.

[@yanzhao7298]

Once again the best documentary of WWII

[@DrRockter5150]

I often wondered when watching "Saving Private Ruan" or "Band Of Brothers", what it must have been like that morning from an enlisted German soldier's aspect. Waking up that day, putting on the uniform, having breakfast, arriving at your post, like every other day... not realizing what was about to go down. Then... seeing his reaction when he looks over the horizon and sees the monster that was approaching. It had to be a "change my shorts" moment! The movies "Flags Of Our Fathers" and "Letters From Iwo Jima" were interesting from that aspect. It would be nice to see something like that about D-Day. I look forward to your videos each day! It's refreshing to see a channel about history that really explains it.. not just a "name & date" point of view. Yours has a realness to it that makes history come alive. Thank you for that!

[@billn8304]

300 yards of beach to run across from the waterline to the bluffs and nothing to hide behind. Amazing that anybody made it to the top of those bluffs.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

That first wave got hit hard.

[@thomasdunn8214]

Excellent presentation. Let us not forget their sacrifice so we can live free.

[@matthewbaker7540]

Cannot imagine being in that house, talk about a front row seat to history!!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

That’s no lie.

[@brandongardner3073]

Um don't Think They would have stayed And watched the show LoL

[@simonshotter8960]

I dare say the friendly Germans would have “repositioned” the owner

[@markanderson3376]

Good video. I'll be watching more of your output in future.

[@fredv7487]

Thanks again. Great job. And hope you are having fun.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Appreciate that. Probably my favorite place on Earth.

[@kathleenkeene]

Beautiful, humbling, and very educational. Amazing video with a view from another perspective. Thank you for all you do to keep history alive.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Wow! Thanks 🙏🏼

[@mattstrevig287]

Absolutely great job at showing a different prospective

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Kind of interesting to see the events from a different view.

[@mikeybraz915]

Great video ...... really puts in perspective how daring and courageous these soldiers were.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Very much so.

[@jacqueshollands5630]

Brilliant presentation, I love the respectful manner in which this video was presented. History should always be presented in a fair and true manner. You have done just that.

[@STL2steppin]

Thanks for broadening the scope of this series a bit and showing this perspective JD. I'm sure you'll get plenty of negative comments accusing you of sympathizing with those that were on the bluffs that day. There are so many stories in history...from both sides. Really digging the way this episode opened as well with ambient sounds of the environment and your footsteps.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks. Seeing it from all perspectives gives you a better understanding of the overall action. It actually made me appreciate what the U.S. troops did even more.

[@olahaldor]

Once again, well told. I'm in awe and grateful for your perspective, time and effort that went into making this!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Much appreciated! Thank you for watching and for the kind words.

[@222ableVelo]

Fascinating documentary. Thank you for making this! I was just wondering what it might have looked like from the German perspective, and here I find your documentary. I can't imagine the fighting on that day.

[@danielcraig5248]

Thanks for sharing My Uncle was a Paratrooper in the D-Day Invasion and Miraclousy Survived He Also Did Time in the Bulge He and Bastonge

[@cliftonking2004]

My wife and I visited Omaha Beach a few years ago. Her uncle died there on D Day. We were unable to hold back the tears when we stepped onto the beach. I came away with this: Omaha Beach today there is no blood in the sea no fallen soldiers on the beach no sniper fire no incoming rounds from battleships parked miles off shore no landing crafts overturned in the surf no enemy machine gun fire piercing the air no cries of medic no young lives seeping into the sand I cup my hands raise the cold Atlantic to my lips taste the salt of a nation's tears

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Quite the place. Thanks for sharing that.

[@allencollins6031]

Beautiful

[@MjrCarnyx]

Fantastic video, the imagery is amazing. Thanks so much for taking us along

[@__hjg__2123]

"D-Day through German Eyes" is a great book. There is some question to it's veracity - but, wonderful perspective that is worth a read.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Yeah, a lot of stuff in that book has been called into question. Thinking about the view from the German perspective is interesting though.

[@Iceman8723]

@@TheHistoryUnderground Paul Woodage of WW2TV, someone you collaborated with provides great detail on the reality of Ste Mere Eglise. You should cover it.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

@@Iceman8723 - I thought that he did a fine job. Definitely something to think about.

[@jharchery4117]

Regarding "D-Day through German Eyes"; It is a fiction. You might as well sit down and make up a bunch of stuff "through German eyes" on your own. It would have as much validity. I got about halfway through and realized it was written by one person. His "eyewitnesses" began repeating themselves. I will give you that it was an exciting read, but no different than any novel written about WWII.

[@GlasgowCeltic88]

Thank you for these videos. My Grandpa, Mjr Anthony Barker Royal Engineers, had a hand in designing the Mulberry Harbours and his Port and Bridges team were responsible for visiting all the Ports and Bridges to assess their structural viability, replacing any bridges that needed to and what equipment the Ports needed to stay open. He wasn't all that complimentary of how the US Forces assembled and maintained Mulberry Harbour A. He felt they were in too much of a hurry and he believes had they assembled A in the same way B was then it would've withstood the storm.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Yeah, he's absolutely right. The Americans really messed up with Mulberry A. If they had anchored it in the same way that that they British did to B, it may very well have weathered the storm.

[@GlasgowCeltic88]

@@TheHistoryUnderground would having had that second Mulberry operational sped up the advance through Normandy and the Villa Bocage at all? I wish my Grandpa hadn't had such a fondness for Gin and Tonic (without the Tonic), I'd loved to have learnt more about his role in designing the Harbours and his subsequent action with 20 Port Group.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

@@GlasgowCeltic88 - It sure wouldn’t have hurt anything.

[@bigjimmyenglish]

Excellent video. I live 2 mins from Omaha beach but never really go see many of these sectors, we just walk down the beach. Might pop down today and check these out.

[@tyeeggleston6159]

Great vlog. Interesting to see the invasion from the "other" side. I am amazed that any of the troops survived the initial landing with all of the German firepower concentrated on that beach. It had to have been a spectacular sight.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Definitely interesting to look at the battle from another perspective.

[@vivians9392]

A terrifying sight for the Germans...

[@Swedish_historian]

I have met and interviewed one of these Germans. He was right there shooting 10 000 rounds down on the beach and as a senior citizen he had a summer house there. Met him on June 6, 2004

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Wow!

[@ShmokeyBandit]

My god… its one thing to visit these beaches, but to live on them??? Absolutely mind boggling.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I know. I'd love to know the stories of the people who lived in those homes.

[@Jimmy911ism]

@@TheHistoryUnderground why not take an interpreter and ask to talk with them?

[@paxster76]

Your videos are perfectly in sync with your narration. Awesome job, I really enjoy and appreciate your work. Such a sacred site in world history.

[@kmpaton]

It was nice to meet you on Omaha Beach last week JD. Ironically it was this video I was showing my dad before we walked the beach.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Nice meeting you as well!

[@mamab4211]

Speechless ….. Thank you so so so much! Another great and informative video!! Thank you for taking us along 🥰

[@cyndiebill6631]

Another great video. Having Uncles that fought in WWII I love watching these. It brings their stories to life for me. Love these and thank you again for doing them👍😊

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you!

[@tch1225]

Always interesting to see the other sides perspective

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Definitely.

[@j1st633]

I had the experience of visiting the beach on my trip to Paris. A remarkable humbling site. I strongly recommend a visit.

[@josefincastelar1081]

Excellent video my friend. I was there 3 months ago and it was an incredible experience. I wish I had seen your videos before!!

[@michelehurt9258]

Thanks JD, another great one. Makes you wonder what the Germans thought At the sight of the armada.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Can’t even imagine. Must’ve been a demoralizing sight.

[@just_some_internet_guy]

@@TheHistoryUnderground They must have thought, 'We are going to die here'

[@shirleybalinski4535]

Guess we got our work cut out for us!

[@mattfoley6896]

Amazing job! Would love to join you on a HT group tour of Normandy if you decide to schedule one!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Looking at next September possibly 🙂

[@rw9866]

Still amazed to see the beach again when I was there I just stood and couldn't believe what happen there and the fact I was standing on the beach and by the bunkers.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Pretty amazing what those guys accomplished.