The Gruelling Life Of A WW2 Commando | Behind Enemy Lines | War Stories

After the Allied catastrophe at Dunkirk in 1940, Britain begins a daring program of training select troops to strike fast and deep behind enemy lines. These troops were called the Commandos, and they were characterised by their unequivocal acceptance that one day, they would die for their country.
War Stories is your one stop shop for all things military history. From Waterloo to Verdun, we'll be bringing you only the best documentaries and stories from history's most engaging and dramatic conflicts.
You can find more from us on:
/ warstoriesdocs
This channel is part of the History Hit Network. For any queries, please contact [e-mail].
00:00 Introduction
01:24 Guernsey
05:26 HH Promo
06:02 Life as a Commando
#warstories #documentary #military Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free exclusive podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Matt Lewis and more. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code WARSTORIES bit.ly/3rc7nqm

[@bulldogstrut1]

This last segment where the veteran returns the little religious case and tells the story is, to me, very profound and heart warming. "Do not be afraid, I am here. . . " Wow. God bless him and the lady who gave this case back as a gift.

[@robertdeen8741]

I remember reading about that. Just starting to watch this. That was a beautiful moment. Him feeling guilty for steeling it and she giving it back.

[@leddielive]

A wonderful lady to give that Commando her Grandmothers silver box full of prayers, bless her heart.

[@michaeldillon3113]

In Westminster Abbey there are statuettes of a commando , a Para , and a submariner . All amazingly brave men . My father was a submariner 🇬🇧.

[@billt6116]

It takes a brave man to ride a ship that's already sunk. The same was jumping out of an airplane for seemingly no reason. But the commando may have to do either of those things, and more!

[@14goldmedals]

Michael Dillon, your father had to be a brave young man with nerves of steel. There's no way I could serve in a sub. I have jumped out of airplanes and served on a National Police Force. Infantry would do for me back as a young man.

[@michaeldillon3113]

@@14goldmedals Thank you on behalf of my dad and other submariners for your kind comment . Sadly , like many of his era , he didn't talk much about it . Ironically it was only after I watched Das Boot that I had an inkling of what he had been through . It was only late in his life I discovered how damaged mentally he was from his wartime experience. On patrol in the Malacca Straits his sub ( Tally Ho ) was rammed by a Japanese sub hunter . He had a fantastic skipper ( Bennington - all of 30) who managed to evade destruction despite being pursued and depth charged for hours after the initial attack . After the attack ended they managed to sail back to Trinco with a 15 degree list . There was an order of automatic execution ( beheading) for captured allied submariners - apparently an act of respect towards them from the Japanese who had no regard for the captured . Hence RN subs in theatre sealed the escape hatches as they compromised the strength of the hull . Very late in life my dad told me that after that attack he suffered from bouts of ' coffin syndrome ' - extreme claustrophobia known to submariners . Despite that he still saw out the rest of his 12 year service .I am often embarrassed when I look back at a few snowflake moments of mine at school or at work when my dad was alive . Thank you again for your comment.

[@14goldmedals]

@@michaeldillon3113 I understand the claustrophobia as I’ve had it my entire life. Knowing that feeling is part of my huge respect for the sailors below the waves.

[@MrGraemeb2022]

At 42.54 it is quite moving to see the regret in this mans eyes. The fundamental decency of someone forced to take extreme measures in circumstances most people are fortunate never to have to experience. I hope he found peace.

[@mattdamon-jk3bu]

True heros one of the reasons I joined the military

[@markwoods1504]

My Late Grandfather was one of the First Commandos, he was in First Special Service Brigade SOE Commando, Later they became 1 Commando. Unfortunately like a lot of WW2 Commandos, the War took it out of him he passed away when he was 66 and when I was 17yrs old I'm 55 now but I still miss him. One thing he never did was talk about the war my Late Grandmother told me about some of his missions and the time his Bren gun hit the cliff whilst abseiling coming home from Norway the barrel was through his side until he got back to Scotland.

[@tribeoflight-ireland868]

My grand dad wasn't in the Commandos but was in the D day landings with the Hampshire Regiment, he too didn't talk about the war. I am 55 also, and he passed when I was 17, when I read your comment it amazed me about the similarity of things. My grand dad was very good with me but harder on his kids, the war took it's toll I am sure.

[@davidgray3321]

Extraordinary that the gentleman returning the box at the end survived all those dangerous experiences. The Norwegian ladies English was perfect. She was lovely.

[@1978JonBullock]

Now if these documentaries don't touch your heart and soul are you still even alive. Men. women and children from so many countless countries showed amazing bravery and courage to fight for their countries less so we should not forget them.

[@simonrichards6739]

What a beautiful thing for the lady to do at the end! I bet that meant the world to him.

[@robertcorradi8573]

Real men .... True, honorable Patriots .

[@crikey6981]

"...do not fear, it's Me, do not fear...be brave" The 'mike drop' moment in this documentary

[@MorrisonLee-wt2jp]

Beautifully-human interviews where the chaps get to tell their own story against a background of helpful information. Beautifully touching. Thank you so much for posting this. Australia.

[@garymcburnie8323]

Emotional ending. I was in the forces. But never anything like the lads went through in ww2

[@garyclarke4471]

such sincerity such empathy when the hero goes back to the house made me tear up bless him and all the brave men and women that helped me be here today love to all ...

[@mikerage1011]

Amazing how that little box had such a big impact on his life and how he had it all that time. Just once again proves that it's the little things in life that has the biggest impacts on our oives

[@GinaScott0315]

Absolutely loved this story!!! Humor, heartache and triumph all in one… and what a great endearing ending 😊

[@reddevilparatrooper]

The British set the standard of the unconventional warrior for modern military elite units during WWII till today.

[@wbell539]

The end of this programme is so very touching.

[@michaeldillon3113]

C'mon Spielberg make the film - The Silver Box !

[@davidcowley]

There is No Way Spielberg would make a film showing Brits in good light, he hates them

[@michaeldillon3113]

@@davidcowley You are probably correct ( even though typically he accepted a gong from the Queen ) - like most of the liberal elite he likes to bash or ignore the Brits . Compelling story though - made more compelling that it is real and not subject to Hollywood license. They might make it with Tom Hanks in the lead role !? ✌️

[@derin111]

I hope he or Hanks never do such a thing! This sort of thing should not be sullied by Hollywood.

[@markolson9913]

This series was so well done. The dramatization with the veterans' stories and the sound mixing is superb. Really makes you feel the suspense of what's going down!

[@robert3987]

It's incredible that some commandos couldn't swim.

[@markadams7597]

Excellent, with a very poignant ending! Thanks for posting...

[@TheJimbojetset1]

i cried at the end bit

[@basicbrit1]

So did I

[@yakekaj]

Me too.

[@32shumble]

Very close to it.

[@jacksonpauljackson2557]

Very emotinal such brave guys we own them so much god bless em all

[@Treeman196]

Your not on your own

[@tonyt7948]

Game old birds Makes me proud to be British

[@fusilier9276]

Gotta respect the fella with the silver box..Dieppe Sicily and Sword Beach too!

[@MichaelKingsfordGray]

In Australia, learning to swim, is akin to learning to ski to Norwegians!

[@angloaust1575]

Different era people much more Robust then very few cars making People lazy no junk food No wasting time in schools Over the age of 14 out to work Earning a crust Morals stronger no people on dole Scrounging a living!

[@davidscott3820]

Commandos! Much respect!!

[@acaciablossom558]

49:04 I’m not crying, you’re crying!! Damn onion cutting ninjas! Omg my heart

[@Puppy_Puppington]

Oh man. That ending :( it’s beautiful.

[@philltatham4732]

Wow these gentlemen are the true meaning of dare I say it "heroes" in this case in the real sense of the word. Bless em all ❤️

[@Midnight_x_Sin]

One of the best one they made so far. The other ones more just like facts. This one was fact and humanity. It was incredible

[@Mrs.A583]

Poor Fred Drain non swimmer :(

[@Voice1414]

4 years and a half in prison, they sure wished they had learn how to swim 😮. Nice documentary as always.

[@columbmurray]

These were the forerunner of ALL the Special Forces in the world. The true green berets . As a child after the war I read Commando comics and when I found out they still existed I had to join.

[@alexvanderlinden6027]

These are Real man we need for example today big respect

[@leonrosser183]

excellent stories , true gentlemen ! , I have the utmost respect for them!

[@russell4495]

There are men who go into the night to assure we sleep in our homes comfortably . Winston Churchill

[@golic7123]

This was quite emotional . . . . . Great Documentary - Thanks for unloading it

[@barrykevin7658]

Such a Beautiful lady at the end .

[@chelamcguire]

Thank you so much for this most educational and touching documentary. I have truly wept. Thanks again.

[@johnmcpherson1713]

The ending is heart wrenching. I have some guilt i carry from the war in Somalia... one day i will have to go back.

[@jgonzalez101]

Such an awesome story! Such courageous men! And Almighty God was with Mr. Peel in such a special way, to place those scriptures cards box in his path!

[@richardmorgans7010]

Me too,very moving

[@robertdeen8741]

I had a lady friend 20 years older than me. She'd been born in Shanghai. Her father served on the police force with the man himself. William Fairbairn.

[@spoils2873]

These young men are a different breed

[@flyduck]

Brave lads who have my utmost respect. Best dits

[@davidgray3321]

Brilliant, hope we still have people like this.

[@luapnosboh7421]

We do 👍

[@phillywilly4155]

My great grandfather was in France during ww2 he was deep in enemy lines tasked with laying down land lines for communication I can’t imagine what he saw.

[@MWM-dj6dn]

A thousand greetings, great respect and admiration for your esteemed and wonderful channel, which provided accurate and useful information. I wish you lasting success. A wonderful work and a great effort that deserves pride, appreciation and pride. My utmost respect and appreciation to you

[@MWM-dj6dn]

I thank you for your great effort in providing accurate, useful and wonderful information on your esteemed channel. A thousand greetings of respect, appreciation and pride. I wish you success and progress in your wonderful work. Much respect

[@MWM-dj6dn]

The greatest words of respect, praise and appreciation I dedicate to you for this wonderful and distinguished work Thank you for your great giving and effort I wish you lasting success. My utmost respect and appreciation

[@theweatherrealm]

Well the ending is exactly what I needed to see today…..🫡 to the many and to the fallen 🇬🇧

[@kevinpennick3604]

Top men...

[@MWM-dj6dn]

A wonderful channel that deserves a thousand thousand greetings, great admiration and greater respect. Your esteemed channel is full of very accurate and useful information. Your effort is remarkable and great. I wish you lasting success. And I write to you with the utmost frankness and respect, and in the form of hope ((translate into Arabic)) The number of your followers will increase greatly. I am absolutely confident that you are interested in providing benefit to everyone without exception. My utmost respect, appreciation and pride to you, gentlemen

[@666ZSATAN]

I didn't expect the ending :(

[@joeTaipei]

Wow

[@planet43]

Wow, this is film making at its best.

[@AlkoDehond-xz3js]

Hoor al 60 jaar niets anders 🙄 heb het nu wel gezien en gehoord . !

[@MWM-dj6dn]

wish you continuous success . A very beautiful and wonderful work that deserves admiration and all appreciation. Never stop.. It would be great if all your works are translated into Arabic. I wish you well and happiness. Thank you for your exceptional and distinguished effort in presenting this very beautiful work

[@Dullborn]

The Sea Bubble...they don't make nicknames like that anymore...

[@courtpaul9334]

Can you imagine a guy took God outta his thoughts & try to creep up & try to rob one of them ? 😳☠ Once a commando always a commando ! 🇬🇧

[@davidh6300]

Very gentlemanly men.

[@andrewarthurmatthews6685]

Whilst I find these documentaries fascinating the use of music is just too distracting and in my opinion, unnecessary. It adds nothing to these tales

[@waceyseufer7083]

Make me cry at the end, why don't you!!! Lol!

[@markedmunds1966]

Seabubble!

[@contony81]

Churchills idea behind the commandos were inspired by the Flying columns during the Irish war of independence from 1919 to 1921. The IRA would blend into the country side, attack the RIC, Black and tans and Auxiliary force who terrorised the local populations in retaliation to IRA attacks. The were so successful that they managed to eliminate a number of top military and intelligence officers during Bloody Sunday. The Dublin IRA executed 13 suspected "British spies" in the morning. In the afternoon a Gaelic march was to be played in Croke Park where 10000 supporters were watch a challenge match between Dublin Vs Tipperary. The Auxiliaries and Black and Tans were ordered to surround Croke park and separate the crowd to find IRA members. Instead following orders members of the Auxiliaries opened fire killing 14 spectators.

[@MrGraemeb2022]

This is incorrect. Churchill's Commandos were based on the South African Boer 'Commandos'. Churchill served in South Africa as a war correspondent and had first hand experience of these groups. The IRA may well have been influenced too by the Boer commandos, but their 'flying columns' were certainly not the inspiration for Britain's commandos in WW2.

[@chrisholland7367]

The concept came from the Anglo Boer War. The Boers were organised in groups called Commandos they also gurilla warfare to pin down large numbers of British troops. Although they had no formal military training, they were all expert marksmen and horsemen. Experts at concealment. Churchill had witnessed this first hand as he was a participant in the Boer War he was also captured by Boers.

[@contony81]

And who organised them? John McBride was in Charge of the Irish Brigade of the Boer war and A leader of the IRB who inflicted most casualties to the british during the Boer war. McBride was excuted during the 1916 rising. Collins was a huge admirer of McBride. All leads back to Ireland lads

[@chrisholland7367]

@Conor Carey it wasn't just Irish volunteers that fought with Boer, but some Americans did . The concept of 'hit and tactics ' is nothing new . The British Army faced similar problems fighting in American revolutionary wars and again in South Africa. The British Amy adopted tatics like this in ww2 and became very adept in unconventional warfare. The role was then transferred to the Royal Marines although some army commando units still exist

[@wor53lg50]

@@chrisholland7367 thats more than likely where it did come from, commando literally means operation beyond enemy lines, in merican war for independence they was simply known as rifleman,due to using a shorter rifle barreled gun with smokeless ammo for sniping instead of powdered smoothbore roundshot, also dressed in green instead of red and used mud on their faces to conceal them better, usually waiting for officers and above..

[@beachcomber1able]

My dad was a conchie. 🙁

[@joeysausage3437]

Wow, Only the Brits can put humor into war, but make an informative documentary. And the soldier who tried to return an object that was taken. That's a Stand Up Guy. Isn't it true that the top brass wanted nothing to do with the Commando's at first?

[@BellogsTheChicken]

Men

[@davidrose2382]

Legends ,when compared to the pansies today😊

[@JohnSmith-cz9om]

Treat grown men like grown men and you will be shocked at the outcome. Focus and propose are the two greatest motivators of an elite unit. Yell at sheep and cattle to herd up

[@Freetheworldnow]

So much publicity cuts! It ruins the documentary!!

[@waynepodmore5949]

😉

[@dap3023]

Real Army Commandos. Not the diversity ruined shambles of todays AACC. God bless these men.

[@grahamwatts8836]

The Commandos were the first real special forces, plus the SAS started from the ww2 desert campaigns as well.

[@milanmadmanvuckovic6021]

the first real special forces is a Serbian Cethniks and first Gerila Woriors !!!

[@behindthespotlight7983]

A bit Vaudevillian in presentation. British Commandos were anything but the spinning plates man and his bulb horn blowing seal Henry

[@jeffc445]

They don't make men and women like this any more, good program.

[@scomo532]

“……they were called Commandos” But, the question remains…….Did they wear underwear?

[@evilstorm5954]

I’ve got a real Comando’s story. Not these “d day” “commandos” . Real original Royal Marine Commandos.

[@1990pommie]

french forieng legion training far tougher even today. al train in mag kava martial arts. 40km with full packs daily common

[@milanmadmanvuckovic6021]

The first real special forces is a Serbian Cethniks and first Gerila Woriors of General Dragoljub Draza Mihajlovic remember that !!!

[@randywhite2335]

Nothing more baddass than the raid at st. Nazair france.

[@govolsfightvolsfight2908]

I love the documentaries, but the sudden impulse of noise and techno music every so often if highly irritating!

[@billt6116]

I understand that England is not exactly a tropical paradise, But how could anyone grow up on an island and never learn to swim? It seems inherently wrong. Final story...🫡👍

[@noreenbedford7106]

The water is to cold