Unspeakable Tragedy at the WWI Battle of Vimy Ridge | History Traveler Episode 387

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

⭐️ If you've watched a few episodes and feel like I've earned it, be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any new content when it comes out. Also be sure to check out The Gettysburg Museum of History and their store at www.gettysburgmuseumofhistory.com. Thanks!

[@AndreCharron-z9r]

If you get a chance, check out beaumont-hammel Memorial. Another tragic story from the Royal newfoundland regiment during the battle of the somme. It's on my bucket list to check out. From what I've been told by people who have went its a very moving memorial. As a Candian and somwone whose very passionate about military history I appreciate the video series you're doing!

[@TheJamesOutlaw]

Amazing video. As a Canadian I thank you for including some of our history on your channel! I have 4 big war journals from my great grandfather who fought in WW1 including Vimy. He was an artillery gunner and in the journals drew pictures explaining what a “creeping barrage” was and how it worked. And drew pictures showing how you could see 3 towns from the ridge. I visited Arras in 2005 to retrace his steps so this means a lot to me. The story of the father and son was painful to hear. So many stories we will sadly never hear from all those boys who lost their lives on the front.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Wow! That is amazing. And thanks for the kind words.

[@OTDMilitaryHistory]

That's an amazing artifact to have! I'm jealous.

[@mikevoisine2886]

I'm Canadian Veteran. Served for 17 years. I was there last year and to me this is sacred ground. Thank you for your coverage of our History, which is instrumental in the making of what my country became. 🌺🍁🇨🇦🇨🇵

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

@@mikevoisine2886 thank you.

[@martindavis9930]

A communist paradise ?

[@dougwatt6303]

Thank you for your service.

[@holysmoker8359]

​@@martindavis9930hahaha. I laugh but really I want to cry. I am also a Canadian Veteran and Its so sad whats happened to Canada

[@C77-C77]

@@martindavis9930 Not for much longer, we are done with that nonsense and things are going to change, one way or another.

[@brianhilsden2880]

This is one of the finest, if not the finest film you’ve ever made JD. The raw emotion (and anger I’m guessing) you conveyed was tangible and it affected me too.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Appreciate that. Thank you.

[@MbSaidSo]

One of the most moving videos you've made to date, JD. I cannot imagine the terror of having to close-follow a creeping barrage, or the horror of being so close by but being unable to save your son. Incredible.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

@@MbSaidSo 🙏🏼

[@2BoTube2]

I was really moved by this episode. My uncle, though not in WW1 was with the South Saskatchewan Regiment in WW2 at Dieppe on Aug 19 1942. He survived and wrote an airgraph to my mother. He died many years later. I have photos that he took ( not allowed during that time) from those days, before he left from, and after, and his story , which did not end after the war.This video really brought it home. Love your series. I learn so much, and your delivery has so much respect and honour for all. Thanks so much.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh wow. Thanks for sharing that.

[@austinporter6701]

Alot of people don't know that canada was apart the first invasion of Europe before d day can you imagine if we took it? How highly we would have been held. I've gotten into many arguments over this raid and people defend d day as the first. But I beleive if we took that port we would have held on to it to begin the inland invasion towards Germany.

[@mikemontgomery2654]

@@austinporter6701I don’t believe you’d be correct. The point of that invasion was to distract from the main operation happening to the south of Dieppe. Only a few years ago, the truth of why the Dieppe raid happened, was declassified for the public to see. The details of it are mind-blowing, including the architect of the operation. At any rate, the beach was never going to be held for long. The planners of the raid, which included Churchill himself, debated about what to do if the Canadians had successfully captured the beach and maintained its defense from the Germans. The final decision, in that case, was to retreat off the beach after the operation was concluded.

[@FiveLiver]

Your uncle's photos might be something The Imperial War Museum would be interested in.

[@2BoTube2]

@@FiveLiver I would be interested in sharing them with the Museum. I also have the copy of the airgraph he sent my mother, from his hospital bed, after being wounded . I will have to do some research on that.... good idea.

[@Lighthand3079]

Pierre Burtons book “Vimy” should be mandatory reading in our schools. It captures the first hand experiences of these men in astonishing detail. Thanks for another great video!

[@katiem6773]

I agree, this book is so well written, vivid in the detail.

[@franceshendry5656]

This was an excellent video, thank you. I am Canadian, with no family ties to WW1, but I still have tears running down my face as I write this. I don't know why.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you. I appreciate that. Feel free to share it out with some of your fellow Canadians. 🙂

[@glennbray4695]

You live in a free country. You have a connection. Those guys gave all for freedom. Just remember on11/11

[@fumblerooskie]

Thank you so much for covering Vimy. You do it with such sensitivity and beauty. It's an incredible story, worthy of the treatment you've given it.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you.

[@crazycatlady68]

Thank you so much for honouring Canadian soldiers. I was born in England but raised Canadian. We are so proud of their sacrifice.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

My pleasure.

[@Hobbitma]

All war is tragic. Thank you for bringing in the human toll. Your stories of remembering them is beyond touching. Thank you.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Appreciate that.

[@danerdog]

All of the Great War is a tragic story. Excellent video and well presented. Heartbreaking to recount this story even though it happened over 100 years ago and is just one among many. May their names liveth forevermore.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

@@danerdog thank you for watching.

[@RoyMcnicholas-o8k]

I'am from the UK but my wife is Canadian and she has a tear in her eye watching this .

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Pretty moving and sad story.

[@bradhood9080]

I read other sources that indicated the creeping barrage was something that the Canadians came up with after failures of the French and British attempts at capturing Vimy. You deserve credit for covering an important topic involving a country other than your own.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you. Appreciate that. Much more to come. 🙂

[@kravin74]

I just want to say that how you found that soldiers name on the church and putting his picture up was a tremendously cool thing. Sad he didn't make it home but he isn't forgotten, he never could have known that 106 years later his face would be shown to thousands of people across the planet. I don't know how to put it into words but that was really a nice thing you did.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you. Glad that I was able to make the connection.

[@Kazahad1110]

Thank you for coving more on the battle of Vimy Ridge. As a Canadian man, with a family i love dearly, this is a heart wrenching tale. Thank you for showing all of us a little bit more of our past.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you. Feel free to share it out on social media. Some of your fellow Canadians might find it to be of interest.

[@briangibbs3774]

I have been following your most excellent series for many episodes. As a retired Canadian Sapper, please accept my grateful thanks for your very sensitive treatment of the stories of Canada in two World Wars. My grandfather was from the 3Rd. Bn. Toronto Regiment and survived the attack on Vimy Ridge, as well as many other famous Canadian battles. "Ubique".

[@Muzdrums22]

The barrage map you show at the17:00 mark I have hanging on my office wall. Another great episode. You are walking the lesser known paths of the Battle of Vimy. Thanks again for showing this aspect of the battle.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad to share it!

[@oneofmanyte3321]

I dont know why, but I am drawn to this war more than any other. I guess its the amount of Unknown, Missing, and stories like the father-son that gets to me and cant help but feel the sadness. Thanks for the video.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

It’s one of the most fascinating periods in history to study.

[@justynsauve5120]

As Canadian that loves history, and your channel I just wanna say a big thank you for these videos of our history. Also in your previous video, I found a family member that I didn’t know about it in one of the close ups of the memorial at hill 145. Keep up the amazing content!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh wow! Amazing. Thank you for the kind words.

[@justynsauve5120]

It was around the 41 minute mark, one up, one right of A. Taylor. The name R. Tansey

[@AdVd-us9cr]

Poor Canadian soldiers rip😢 brave men

[@yesitreallyisme]

Big thanks for bringing these names back to life JD.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@mikerologameplay8281]

Wow, such an incredible job JD with this story. Definitely hits home as a veteran and father. Couldn't fathom anything happening to my son, let alone being right there by his side fighting. Very touching tribute! Love this series!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you. Appreciate that.

[@karlhaug5001]

As a canadian all I can say is Thankyou kindly for giving our military the respect it deserves. GOD BLESS

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you. Feel free to share it out on social media with your fellow Canadians. 🇨🇦🙂

[@Wreckdiver59]

Personalizing the story makes it much more relatable. I can't imagine what those guys went through following the advancing barrage 😮

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Unreal to think about.

[@TampaPete]

Powerful. I spent a lot of time driving around the Battlefields of WW1 passing by small war cemeteries. I walked around a few not knowing any history just names of the soldiers. Thank you for making these videos. Now I know.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Appreciate that. Got a few more cemeteries from the Vimy sector that I’ll be visiting before I move on.

[@goldenveinband3620]

Being Canadian this battle is very personal to me. You did an excellent job JD thanks for all that you do man, it’s very special to me.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I appreciate that!

[@nanetterolph2972]

I sit here crying for a family i will never know. I grieve for their loss! Yes that was a immensely sad story that probably was repeated over and over! I am here today because my grandfather came home!!! Thank you JD!!!!!!!

[@adamthemustache5975]

🇨🇦 🫡 got family buried somewhere around that area. Gotta say your editing and presentation has gotten so good over the years. As a proud Canadian the way this presented.. all i can say is thankyou JD

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Appreciate that. Thank you.

[@theantheron85]

Thank you for this! It is sad that we can not honor each soldier of each war in this way. Keep up the good work.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you. Feel free to share it out. 🙂

[@Fmxsupasta]

4:12 Name looks like C. Carroll? Thanks for including some Canadian history on the Great War! Love your videos, keep up the good work!

[@cbow8926]

As a Canadian - I can't thank-you enough for sharing the stories of our fallen heroes! You're doing so much for so many, You're the best!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you like them! Feel free to share them out with a few of your fellow Canadians.

[@RLS-bu4bj]

This was a beautiful, sad video. What a lovely tribute to these soldiers

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you.

[@GridDownSurvival]

My great uncle fought in WW1 at Verdun.. he ended up living till 1982, but never smiled or laughed again for the rest of his life.

[@julienporisse9902]

My grandfather and his elder brother fought in WW1 in the French infantry, my grandfather made it back seriously injured, his brother Julien Porisse was killed in October 1916 at Thiaumont near the Douamont fort (Verdun). Like many he was killed by mortar bombing returning to the front lines with food supplies. My grandfather never talked about his experiences of WW1. He died in 1973. To all the Canadians, of which I have been lucky to call my friends, I say thank you. My father was also given the name Julien, as was I.

[@hakim4463]

Thank you for posting this beautiful, sad story. We are going to the cemetary in Vimy Ridge next week.

[@xerttangofoxtrot1549]

If you have a chance please look for the gravesite of Pte. P Moore, # 787646 38th Bn. Canadian Infantry He was killed on April 9th, 1917. He was only 16 years old. I’ve been to Vimy four times. This is one of the youngest soldiers I could find at Vimy. It’s truly shocking to see such a young boy die for our freedom.

[@andrewmelville9639]

Another excellent video JD. Especially so close to Remembrance Day. Thank you for these.🇨🇦

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks for watching

[@johncannings1015]

Thank you for this wonderful portrait of the Vimy battle It is both thorough and compelling and does not shy away from the realities as horrible as they were. On a totally different point Greg Clarke was a well known humourist who wrote for the Toronto Star weekly magazine for decades after the war. He was a practical joker with original gags, He circulated a totally fictious rumour that he had lost his left arm at Vimy. I met him for lunch with my father in the early 1970s. I heard the ''lost left arm'' story after that meeting. I could not get over how I had not noticed his missing left arm after a two hour lunch! Only to discover it was a gag. He told us the true story during the first day of the battle of feeling an excruciating pain as he as lunched in a shell hole eating a can of baked beans which he had borrowed from the pack of a nearby dead soldier. He had bitten into a stone in the beans and had broken a tooth. The stone was inserted into the can by the manufacturer in order to meet wieght requirements. Thereafter he would loudly excoriate the responsible person whenever he heard or saw the name of the owner of the company (who happened to be highly respected member of society) which manufactured these beans...a name that he never repeated. Thank you again for your thoughtful, careful and objective reporting.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Wow! Thanks for that extra info.

[@3John16]

Thanks so much for teaching us JD.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

@@3John16 🙏🏼

[@la_old_salt2241]

What a sad story to come out of a wretched war. Thanks for sharing JD. God bless, Rob

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you.

[@KPhillips007]

Seems fitting as a Canadian that you post this just as I start wearing my Poppy in Remembrance 🇨🇦. Thank you .

[@sbishop6450]

Gosh JD I cried over this one. More of these guys stories needs to be found and told. The telling of WW1 has become rather factual and the tragedy of loss and suffering forgotten. Bless you for this. 🇬🇧❤️

[@WendiintoancientHistory]

My grandfather was a WWII vet and never talked about his war time. We all asked him through out the years to please share his stories, but sadly they went with him to the grave. Grabdma only told us he experienced unspeakable things and he never really told her much either. I hope when I am on the other side that I will have the chance to ask him. Thanks JD for telling these stories, it helps me sonewhat to know what he might have gone through.

[@RiseFromTheDead]

I know the chaos and nuances of war do not allow such things at times, but I wish they could have been laid to rest next to each other

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I agree.

[@jeffe9842]

This was a powerful and emotional episode, JD, especially re: the Stokes father and son.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

One of the saddest stories I’ve come across.

[@Mark-c4t9j]

Wow, your storytelling and production skills just keep getting better. I've been following your material for years and am amazed at the high level of work you're putting out. This series on the Canadians at Vimy was a great idea, highlighting a part of WWI not generally known to most Americans (even those who know something about WWI). For anyone interested in reading more about the Canadian experience from an American viewpoint I'd recommend "A Rifleman Went to War" by Herbert McBride, an American who enlisted with the Canadians and fought as a sniper. It's a great first hand account and is one of the best ones about early sniper engagements. Thanks again for your hard work to keep WWI in the consciousness of today's viewers. Content like yours is what makes KZbin worth spending time on.

[@Dkingery]

My heart goes out to the young men like soldier Stokes

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@Thisthstandtheother]

Thank you so much for this insightful explanation of the battle of Vimy Ridge. My grandfather fought there as a Private soldier in the Bedfordshire Regiment UK. Some years back I did visit the battle grounds where my grandad fought and saw the very many men’s graves from Canada 🍁 🇨🇦 The Canadians paid an extremely high price for our freedom. God bless them. My grandad was injured, I believe by a sniper. He lost the left side of his jaw and unfortunately wounded in the buttock but he lived. He wasn’t called up for service in WW11. He raised 6 children and died in 1965. He swore that he would never ever leave the UK after the WW1 and he never did.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Can't imagine what those guys went through.

[@Obizzil.]

Such beautiful and quiet countryside, war is hell.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Very much so.

[@la_old_salt2241]

Indeed

[@Carolbearce]

Well done J D. Thank you for sharing these stories.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

My pleasure. Thank you.

[@edwardberthelette2700]

This has to be one of the most powerful pieces (and one of my favorites, to date))that you have produced. The story is so moving.... but the beautiful way you filmed and your absolutely respectful way you present it...just moves me to no end. Love your work, thank you for all you do ❤

[@danmeehan1390]

If you ever have the chance to read the book "Vimy", by Pierre Berton, you will read of the men who went over the top that day. Pierre was a Canadian author, who wrote several books on Canadian events that include many personal accounts as with his book on Vimy. He makes you understand that these were real people, not just opaque characters from a time gone by. I highly recommend it.

[@OTDMilitaryHistory]

Tim Cook's books on Vimy are much better. Berton was not very concerned with finding out if the stories he was told were true. His research skills were poor at best.

[@PathfinderHistory]

13:12 I’ve had the privilege of visiting WWI and WWII cemeteries in France and I have great respect for the people who maintain them. They are pristine.

[@davidcampbell7593]

Absolutely amazing video I have learned so much since I have been watching your videos as a history nerd well done my friend

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@davidcampbell7593]

You are welcome sir

[@ericscottstevens]

I highly respect the Canadians. These are hearty people tamed that wild land and stood with Great Britain in time of need. Honored to call them our neighbors.

[@beckybanta126]

Again, you show with respect the names & faces of those who fought for our freedoms and have left me in tears. I believe the other victims of war are the ones who had to retrieve the bodies & parts of for burial... especially those they fought with. Each military cemetry reminds me of this. True of any horrific death; remembering 9/11 & those who found the ones who leaped out. Police, firefighters, EMTs....bless them all. 🙏✝️

[@mommamooney]

This series has been really well done. This episode really shows the utter waste war brings. It’s regular families that pay the ultimate price.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Got several more to come.

[@ryanaines6617]

Great video, just drove past the local cenotaph, lots of names from WW1, I’m sure some were lost at Vimy and Arras

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Most likely. Unreal what those guys went through.

[@xTraculx]

Being a Canadian and watching your Vimy Ridge videos really hits home. We learnt so much about Vimy in being the first defining moment of Canadian History. Thank you for bringing to light the personal names and stories of these brave souls!

[@mikefriend1514]

20:24 beautifully told, JD. The personal stories really bring these immense losses into some kind of perspective. My great uncle Edward Thomas Friend, serving in the 2 Bn, Honourable Artillery Company, would die aged 25 a month after Stanley Stokes at the very southern end of the Arras battlefield, during the second battle of Bullecourt. He was an only son and his body was never recovered, just one of 16,000 dead and wounded British and Australian soldiers that fell between 3-17 May 1917 around that small village.

[@tjcurran4912]

A very sad and touching episode. Thanks JD.

[@Anonymouse-d3m]

You gonna make me cry man with that ending.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Tragic.

[@sscinamon]

Didn't know much about World War I but thanks to you videos I have a newfound interest thanks for all you do keep up the good work

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Feel free to share it out with others to help them learn a bit more as well.

[@stuartosborne5069]

Looking through a local abandoned cemetery, I also found the markers of a father and son. The son died on July 3, 1863 at Gettysburg, being 27 years old. The father, though also serving in the Union Army survived the war. No doubt he would have gladly exchanged places with his son. War is the tragedy of all tragedies taking the brightest and the best. May their souls rest peacefully in the hands of our gracious heavenly Father. 😢

[@ospreycove]

Thank you for this story and all of the others you have done!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Appreciate that.

[@darmun1134]

As a Canadian with WW1 and 2 ancestors thank you, this moving, honest and personal. Beautiful work.

[@albertabirdman]

At 6:50 in the video.... The W. Masey I found is a Pte Walter Maisey, 31 Bn, served from August 24, 1916. Reg #447826 He survived the war and returned to Calgary Alberta.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh wow. Thanks!

[@davidf.3628]

I love this channel so much! Thank you for all the wonderful content. As a New Englander, I love the old battlefields and stories. We have lots of history around here, but you take us around the world.

[@dawnlefevre9172]

Gut wrenching and moving! As a mother and wife I can't begin to imagine what these women went through. To lose a child has to be absolutely soul hollowing and then to also lose the rock to which you bind yourself, your husband...just heartbreaking. Great video and story JD. Thank you for enlightening us. And your new opening graphics are fantastic!

[@OTDMilitaryHistory]

1st Battalion is one of my hometown units. I've done some research on the soldiers, especially those killed in thefighting during the Hundred Days Offensive. Unfortunately many more sad stories were to come.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh wow! Interesting. Would love to get back over and walk some of the battlefields associated with the Hundred Days.

[@OTDMilitaryHistory]

@@TheHistoryUnderground Canal du Nord is my top recommendation for a Canadian battlefield.

[@cjsdad93]

Jd again, thank you for your story today it was so nice to have an American touch on such a story of bravery and love for a country he's not even from. I have been watching all your channels for almost 2 years now. I have learned so much Thanks

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Appreciate that.

[@marionjohansson4235]

I was just watching a couple of nights ago. Apparently it is very prevalent in young soldiers to carve their names in anything before they go to battle. It is a kind of last Will and testament. Very sad.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Very much so.

[@InformedConsent99]

Thank you for caring to tell these stories. Even though it breaks my heart. The saving grace, their graves are not too far apart and now their stories are spoken once again. May all fighting end and their story never have to be duplicated. This one is going to be with me for awhile. Blessed are these men and for reminding us the worth of rights, freedom and being Canadian.

[@corychecketts]

Thank you for sharing Stanley and Horace's story. You consistently raise the bar on your videos.

[@Caneandunable]

Great episode 👍

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@alanclark4951]

Thanks for sharing this tragic story of Father and Son who were both killed in action here.Your compassion is heard for this family and the Canadian soldiers during Vimy Ridge battles. I as a proud Canadian need to visit Vimy someday before I'm gone,thanks again JD ❤

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you. Feel free to share the video with some of your fellow Canadians.

[@alanclark4951]

@TheHistoryUnderground thanks JD, will pass on your great work, wish I could walk in your footsteps,if just for one day in those historic, hallowed grounds. ❤️

[@dankorolyk5917]

Great job JD showing the Canadian perspective of that battle

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

@@dankorolyk5917 👍🏻

[@karlhaug5001]

I sure iam not the only one to shed a tear watching you videos. Keep up the great work

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you.

[@1psychofan]

That letter after Stanley’s death!!! Just wow! I have no words

[@markalexander6517]

You do a superb job telling these stories. My grand aunt’s Canadian husband, and his three brothers were all wounded in WW1. They all made it home, but one brother passed in 1921 due to his war injuries. My grand uncle died in the Somme in 1916. I hope to walk the Somme someday. Thanks for your work JD.

[@joshuagibson2520]

Hey there JD. Gotta love some papaver somniferum. I have never heard much about the Canadians in the war. Nice that you are highlighting some of it so well.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@Mist3rData]

Man, the father and son story hit hard! JD you are an amazing story teller. Thank you for educating us.

[@unstopabell]

My Grandfather and Great Uncle both fought at Vimy. I was lucky enough to visit the battlefield when I was a young man.

[@edwinbruner1026]

I like probably others am in awe of the upkeep of some of these military cemeteries from both sides of The Great War. The war to end all wars.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

The Commonwealth cemeteries are beautiful.

[@FilipDePreter]

Thanks JD. Great episode. Will be walking those grounds again next year.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Heck of a place.

[@robmisener2786]

Such a great video I watched it twice! Thanks for all you do JD!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@brucebokovay]

The fathers grief at having to bury his son............................unimaginable.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Awful.

[@joshuagibson2520]

That church is unreal. It wouldn't be an easy build today, let alone back then. Wow.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Loved that part of the trip.

[@North-of-the-49th]

Lest We Forget. 💙 🍁 💙 🍁 💙 🍁 💙 🍁 Proud military family.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🇨🇦

[@Belfast1966.]

I’m also Canadian, thank you for taking time to talk about a very important time in our history. Your content is so good. I looked up Mr Boag and read about him. I will think of him on Nov 11th.

[@waynewallace2583]

My Grandfather, John D. Wallace, a Scot assigned to the 3rd Bn (Toronto Reg) CEF, was WIA (GSW) at Fampoux village near Arras.

[@nicholaspatton1742]

We Will Remember Them. Thank you historian of merit for your remembrance and your witness.

[@stephen5548]

You’re one hell of guy! Thank you for this. This was heart wrenching. I presume you and your son came home together. You (and your son) are awesome.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you. Appreciate that.

[@stephenrrose]

I'm not crying, you're crying! Man, that one pulled at my heart! and I got emotional! Very well-done Brother! Salute to the Canadians that fought and gave the ultimate sacrifice! And to the family back home, wondering, worrying, and praying! ........

[@michelleray1338]

Outstanding job JD…I think your most moving video. Thank you!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Wow, thanks!

[@lappin6482]

So respectly made JD, thanks for bringing these heartbreaking stories back to life...they need to be retold for future generations 🤝

[@1psychofan]

I am crying JD! Just wow!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Tragic story.

[@RandySchaff-mu5gq]

Thanks for doing this! My grandfather got on a train here in W. Canada on his way to France on the first morning of the battle of Vimy Ridge.

[@robmisener2786]

Another fantastic video JD! You really brought the emotion with the way you presented the father and son tragedy, one of many reasons why your channel is the best, without question. Thank you.

[@charliemansonUK]

6:06 Sadly.... Private William David Boag Canadian infantry 4th Bn Died 09 August 1918 Aged 21 Buried at Bouchoir Cemetry Plot II. A. 27 Son of Henry and Alice Jane Boag, Burwash Ontario. He carved this on 3rd July and was killed 37 days later ❤

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Sad.

[@trainencounters586]

JD, I wonder if his family knows of this carving. Perhaps they should be informed. If you had the time sir,...

[@JoeRitchie-e5l]

So very sad. The Canadians suffered much in these two World Wars. Much thanks to the Canadians for helping to maintain freedom

[@edgarroste7855]

My father was in WW2. I have always been proud of him and Canadian soldiers punching above our weight in the two world wars. But since that time we have been led by weak leaders who have systematically destroyed our military capability. The free world can no longer count on us to answer the call. It would take a decade for us to rearm if a war broke out.

[@shable1436]

Were you in the Canadian armed forces?

[@edgarroste7855]

@@shable1436No. I wanted to go to the US during the Vietnam war and sign up with the marines. However, I was only 16 at the time and my father would not allow me to go. By the time I graduated high school, it was apparent the US was not serious about winning the war and I lost interest. My grandparents were all Americans who had moved to Canada, so I have always felt a loyalty towards the US that perhaps other Canadians do not.

[@Voucher765]

​@edgarroste7855 Awesome, I might be joining the USMC or Army soon because my Uncle's father was in the Navy in WWII during the Pacific War and my first uncle in Germany post VE Day 1945 and another 2 Uncle's in Korea with the Army

[@edgarroste7855]

@@Voucher765That’s wonderful to hear. Thank you. We need more young people like you who are willing to stand at post and defend what was won at such a great cost.

[@Voucher765]

@edgarroste7855 Same, Most guys my age aren't even interested in signing up but I am since I'm patriotic, Chances are I was someone who fought in WW1 and WW2 in my past life