Was This The Most Dangerous Man Of World War 2? | Ulysses Files 🇬🇧

July 1940. On the face of it, William Ewart Fairbairn was an aging policeman, newly commissioned by the British ‘Special Operations Executive’ - the SOE - as an Army Officer. The reality was, however, that this recently recruited soldier, this ‘force of nature’ - could kill you in a dozen different ways. He was the survivor of literally hundreds of deadly knife fights in the years before World War 2 whilst working the streets of Shanghai, China. His body was covered in the scars of these violent encounters and so I put it to you that this man has to be a serious contender for the title of ‘Most Dangerous Man of World War 2’…
Similar videos:-
• America’s W.E. Fairbai...
• This SAS soldier terro...
ULYSSES FILES is a KZbin channel dedicated to showcasing primarily military history content (plus certain other topics) in short documentary form, featuring interesting and quirky characters and stories from the late 19th Century on through the 1st and 2nd World Wars to the present.
It is not always possible to find 100% accurate footage to illustrate these cinematic short films, but where possible ULYSSES FILES strives to keep it authentic. Background music will always attempt to provide appropriate emotional mood.
Topics and content are thoroughly researched and portrayed in their historical context for both educational and entertainment purposes. We try our best to be accurate in terms of the data in our short films, but are not experts in all areas and are always learning new things, so if we get something wrong - please feel free to contact us. Also if you have an idea you believe may fit the scope of our channel - again - do not hesitate to let us know.
*******************************
#fairbairn #commando #ww2 #fairbairnsykes #dagger #soe #oss #pointshooting #bodyarmor #bulletproof #knife #knifeskills #jujitsu #judo #boxing #japanesemartialarts #darkdocs #documentary #viral #viralvideo #historylegends #history
PIXABAY LICENSE CERTIFICATE ============================================== This document confirms the download of an audio file pursuant to the Pixabay License as defined in the Pixabay Terms of Service available at pixabay.com/service/terms/ Licensor's Username: pixabay.com/users/musictown-2... Licensee: u_p14vwlamil Audio File Title: Cinematic Atmosphere Score 1 Audio File URL: pixabay.com/music/main-title-... Audio File ID: 22134 Date of download: 2023-02-15 08:33:30 UTC Pixabay GmbH c/o Lacore Rechtsanwälte LLP

[@Pablo-nd2sr]

In 2013 I was a "witness & subject" of demonstration "knife using" by RM Commando veteran. I was 39 yo and he was almost 90...he used butter knife for my safety;) I can tell only that knife (every kind) in experienced user's hand even that old is "deadly combination". Especially when you don't expect to meet an old man trained in knife killing.

[@UlyssesFiles]

Ahh interesting. There’s a video on KZbin where a WW2 vet commando talks of the same - Stan W Scott courtesy of the National Army Museum in 2011: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3WqeX6vd5iHlbcsi=BKGZ4zqovt2MvnpF

[@MichiganHiker]

My father was a Ranger in world war II, he never talked about things but one day he brought home a knife and said here, this is the kind of knife we used. He had someone make it for me. It was a Fairbairn fighting knife. I didn't realize the significance until after my father had passed away. Indeed my father was one of the most lethal but caring men I have ever met. Still miss you pa.

[@UlyssesFiles]

🙌🏻

[@synthWizkid]

❤️👊☮️🙏😎

[@mjtriola5638]

My late dad used to keep a sheath knife underneath the front seat of the family car, presumably for self-defense since he had never served. Only recently, decades later, did I realize it wasn't just a knife, it was a Korean War-era bayonet. I've seen Fairbarn-Sykes knives in various catalogs over the decades. Still available at a reasonable price from many makers.

[@patrickedwards7107]

That was a very special gift and communicates it was a part of who he was that he wanted to pass down to you the martial spirit of this and what it embodied he still had respect for it years later hard to explain with this art some things are not to be loved no pleasure is taken in them but still regarded as necessary when you hold that knife understand that it exists out of a reverence for life as effective as it was in taking as beautifully crafted as they are they are from pommel to tip made for ugly work telling no lies in their form. Your right to breathe matters and no man should ever feel comfortable in depriving you of it such trespass should be met with answer. Fairbairns belief set is present within his defendu martial science the wages for invading another man's space with intent are steep violence is answered in a universal language when theres a breakdown in civility.

[@MichiganHiker]

@@patrickedwards7107 Yes it was Patrick, a very special gift and my father taught me to be honorable and never stand down. Always stand up for what you believe in, protect those who need protecting. And it is something I'm very proud to say my two sons embrace. I went on to become a second-degree black belt, now I'm in my late '60s and my son's tell me their friends are still afraid of me - lol. But being serious we are all responsible for who we are. My father was a good man an honorable man and I hope I embody what he wanted me to be.

[@steverobinson2501]

Fairbrain, Sykes and O'Niel no doubt were 3 of the most deadly men of WW2. Fairbrain has to be considered one of the greatest martial artist to ever live. 600 plus life and death encounters! We owe a great debt to these men.

[@HHHGeorge]

I am amazed that Fairbairn actually survived 30 years as a policeman in Shanghai and the Far East. It goes without saying that he knew how to survive so his fighting techniques were sound.

[@roninroshi44]

When I was a kid my dads best friend was a Ranger who trained in Scotland with the Brit Commandos. He taught me some very ‘cool’ combat skills that actually were very useful in my late teens and early 20’s and in the military during the Vietnam area where I was stationed from 64-68. Great film thanks for posting it!

[@hardrock1826]

Fairbairn was definitely a contender for most dangerous Man. But what truly made him dangerous over and over again. Is that he trained many other soldiers in his fighting techniques. So he was responsible for the creation of an army of equally dangerous Men as himself.

[@UlyssesFiles]

Yes so true… 👌🏻

[@robertdipaola3447]

A force multiplier at that, the father of what green beras do today

[@glen1arthur]

I would put Corporal Bill Underwood against him, for many of the same reason.

[@hardrock1826]

@@glen1arthur I met Bill Underwood twice. He did set up a school in the city where I lived. I went there with the intention of taking instruction but I could not afford it being in High School. My parents couldn't afford to pay for me as I was already training at a few other schools of Martial Arts that they were paying for. I don't know how much in the field, real hand to hand combat Underwood had. Or using a knife. But it seems Fairbairn had a great deal of real life experience.

[@glen1arthur]

@@hardrock1826 well that is very true but you don't need to be the best hockey player to be the best hockey coach. Wow! - on meeting Bill.

[@lorenzcassidy3960]

“Beware of an old man in a profession where men usually die young. Old warriors did not get old by accident; they got old by being wise, having the right knowledge, and being tough. Never underestimate an old man who has grown up in a rough profession or a rough environment. These men have been around. They have done things, and experienced things, that you probably have never even thought about. They are tough, their minds are tough, and they have the knowledge, the skill, and the will to finish you off, if you force them to do so. A boy will fight you, but an older man will hurt you.” - Bohdi Sanders

[@chrishoff402]

He appears mild mannered which gives proof to the adage of never underestimate your opponent.

[@UlyssesFiles]

Ah yes

[@gazza9463]

It's the quiet, unassuming men,who have been trained to look after themselves, who are the ones to fear. Not the loud mouthed cocky individuals, who would wet themselves if they picked on one of these types. My great uncle was one of these men. A soldier of the Great War, small in statue, but he knew how to handle himself. He used to enjoy going for long walks, always taking a cane with him. One day a young man of the type above, confronted my uncle , with the intent of mugging him. Suffice to say he regretted his actions when he ended up on the floor with the cane resting firmly on his throat. My uncle was 80 at the time. Arthur adcock was his name. I carry that cane today when I go walking.

[@markd1810]

He is one of those men who would be considered dangerous in any time period and also anywhere on earth.

[@UlyssesFiles]

Yes true 👌🏻

[@kendallkahl8725]

The Fairburn Sykes dagger is probably the best dagger ever invented. I examined a few and because they are so thick in the middle they are veritable wedge of death. Made of the finest Shefeild steel they have O give to them. Reports of tanks running over them and they were undamaged are to be believed. Even breaking the tip is extremely difficult. Until this video I thought they were made by Wilkinson of razor and sword fame.

[@UlyssesFiles]

Yes it’s a great dagger. Made by a variety of firms though Wilkinson Sword were the first to make it. A pilot batch of 1500 mark I’s being made at the Wilkinson factory in Nov 1940.

[@malbig2344]

Steven Seagull told me that he trained Fairbairn in the early 60's.

[@UlyssesFiles]

😂

[@HarryFlashmanVC]

That would have been before Seagal joined Meal Team Six 😂

[@malbig2344]

@@HarryFlashmanVC known as The Maccy D's

[@TheOriginalRick]

There's a story about Fairbairn when he was much older and out for a walk with his cane at his side. A couple of young punks thought they found an easy mark. He was considerate enough not to kill them, but they certainly regretted their poor potential victim selection skills afterwards.

[@UlyssesFiles]

Ah I’d not heard that story. Yes I wouldn’t have wanted to bump into him in a dark alley…. 😅

[@jamesabestos2800]

Ultimate Lad Mad

[@UlyssesFiles]

@@jamesabestos2800 yes deffo

[@xusmico187]

yep, heard that from a cadre ata MOTC '86. many of his blade skills were taught SERE IQC. the AF kinfr is ok but not with a sharp pount. the US made (not asia) blackhawk is better. the spartan made dagger is my current use, infront of the randall 14.

[@UlyssesFiles]

@@xusmico187 interesting. I know the Randall. I’ll look up the Spartan.

[@lv2465]

Fairbairn absolutely deserves recognition because he's faced the most dangerous men on the streets and on the battlefield multiple times. A master in his own right.

[@UlyssesFiles]

Yes agree. He’s a very notable character in the field 👌🏻

[@jonstone9741]

When I saw those photos of bulletproof vests being tested by having one man shoot another man wearing a bulletproof vest (3:29), I thought: Good grief, that's brave but fricking insane.

[@arielhermoso4262]

@@jonstone9741 They tested it first to a prototype model- thats why the gunner was 100% sure - the bullet from the gunner has no caoability to penetrate the "experimental" sample- being worn by the body armor wearer..

[@johnraina4828]

@@arielhermoso4262 yes of but it gonna hurt anyways

[@DamienNeverwinter]

I agree -but you mean "in his own right" though, a "rite" is a religious ceremony

[@tnreprasentog7769]

This guy trained the spys of the OSS in WW2... A bad man indeed

[@les3449]

I would say that Col. Fairbairn is at the top of the list of most deadly soldier of WW2.

[@UlyssesFiles]

He’s gotta be way up there. Agreed

[@liverpoolscottish6430]

100% Fairbairn was absolutely nails. I have the original handbook on unarmed combat that Fairbairn produced in the 1930's. The techniques are generally simple to execute- especially under the stress associated with a physical confrontation- when fine motor skills tend to go out of the window with most people. His system is extremely effective and brutal. Fairbairn developed his techniques after narrowly averting disaster in a number of street fights that he experienced as a Shanghai police officer. He developed his system with the intention of enabling a man who isn't trained in martial arts to defeat those who were highly proficient in such skills. His techniques produced THE most dangerous men of WW2 on any side of the conflict- the British Commando's. There is an interesting anecdote in Brigadier C E Lucas- Philips book, 'The Greatest Raid Of All,' concerning the legendary raid on St. Nazaire by British Commando's. No 5 Troop 2 Commando Liverpool Scottish Commando's participated in the St. Nazaire raid, where they fought in the Forbes tartan kilt- the last time British soldiers went into battle in the kilt. Prior to the actual raid, No 5 Troop were billeted in a Scottish town, which was in close proximity to a base where a Polish infantry battalion was based. Many of the Poles were dating local girls, so when the Liverpool Scottish lads went into town to the pubs, and attempted to chat girls up, trouble quickly flared up and a fight took place between the British and the Poles. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the British gave the Poles a hiding- they were all highly trained in Sykes-Fairbairn unarmed combat skills. When the RMP arrived on scene to deal with the disturbance, the Commando's and Poles joined forces and fought the Military Police! Numerous individuals were arrested.......The following day, a decision was taken to relocate the Liverpool Scottish Commando's to another town, in order to avoid further problems with the Poles. The Polish CO got wind of the plan to move the Commando's- who would be marching out of the town. The Polish Colonel paraded his battalion in the town, and lined both sides of the main street that the Commando's would be marching out of the town on. When the Commando's appeared, the Polish CO brought his battalion to attention, and he saluted the Commando's as they marched past. That display of respect transformed the future relations between the two respective units. The Commando's and the Poles developed close links, socialised together and played sports together. The incident serves to highlight how effective Sykes-Fairbairn fighting skills were, despite being heavily outnumbered, the Commando's defeated the Poles- who are robust, tough people and capable fighters. Over the past 30 years, I've read numerous accounts involving muggers who made the mistake of targeting old blokes- believing they would be an easy mark. These incidents have resulted in muggers being given terrible hidings by old boys who were intensively trained during WW2 and beyond in Sykes-Fairbairn unarmed combat skills. One Para veteran took the knife off his assailant, took him to the floor, and stabbed the attacker in the scrotum! A former Royal Marine confronted a burglar in his kitchen, who produced a screwdriver and threatened to stab him. The result? The burglar was stabbed to death with his own weapon- which had been promptly taken from him and used against him. The Marine was a post WW2 era RM. The late MP Paddy Ashdown was a Major in the SBS. Somebody made the mistake of trying to mug him in London with a knife. The result? Ashdown went for the guy, disarmed him and applied an arm lock which produced full compliance from the would be attacker. Ashdown restrained the male until the police arrived. I personally knew a guy who had served in the Royal Marines, and he was member of their unarmed combat demonstration team. He was utterly fearless and would tackle anybody- regardless of their size. He had a very positive mindset and total belief in his ability to defeat any opponent. Sykes-Fairbairn skills are alive and well to this day. The OSS used Sykes-Fairbairn tactics- which were taught at Camp 'X' in Canada by British instructors. The CIA still use the same unarmed combat tactics to this day. Royal Marines still do a certain amount of training based on Sykes-Fairbairn tactics, as do the SBS. The manual can be easily acquired to this day. ;)

[@RasheedKhan-he6xx]

You seem to know quite a lot about it. I've heard of the Israeli krav-maga having similar genesis. Could you compare/contrast the two?

[@brunod8578]

You definitely can produce a video with this quote!

[@UlyssesFiles]

Ahh very interesting and well-informed comment thanks Liverpool Scottish - that book on Operation Chariot is v good. Love your anecdotes especially the one on Paddy Ashdown! ❤🙌🏻

[@liverpoolscottish6430]

@@UlyssesFiles Yes indeed, Paddy Ashdown took his assailant out in seconds- the vast majority of people would have been in serious lumber facing such a scenario. PA had the knife off him and a compliance hold on the guy in seconds. In a war situation, he would have simply snapped his neck- Endex. I've seen WW2 training footage of unarmed Commando's training to take down an enemy charging at them with a rifle and bayonet. They used the momentum and body weight of their opponent to throw them, whilst simultaneously seizing the rifle- which was then used to bayonet the prostrate enemy. Here's a fine example of Sykes-Fairbairn type tactics from the 1974 film, 'Callan.' Callan is a British intelligent agent and assassin- his background history was that he was a Commando who fought in Malaya- where he excelled at unarmed combat. Harry H Corbett- who appeared in 'Steptoe & Son,' served in the Royal Marines during WW2. He saw action in SE Asia. On one occasion, he killed two Japanese soldiers in close combat. He did one with a bayonet, and the other with his Sykes-Fairbairn fighting knife. He was very 'useful' bloke Harry- at one stage, he worked as a doorman in Soho to earn extra money as a struggling stage actor. Watch this clip from Callan- utterly ruthless take down of a very powerful opponent-Darth Vader no less! Not for the faint hearted- Stun punch to the solar plexus- causing excruciating pain, the reflex action is to throw the head back- exposing the throat- straight full power punch into the throat- smashing the wind pipe, then a follow up bladed neck chop- Goodnight. Mr Fairbairn would heartily approve. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d32semenrLejg6c

[@UlyssesFiles]

Hajaa I enjoyed the clip - Edward Woodward played the part so well - tks 🙌🏻

[@Greylocks]

Many of the men in the OSS, SOE, Red Devils, SAS and more owe a lot to this man. I had the privilege to meet a former member of the Red Devils. He was a very old man but there was still the 'look' in his eyes. That look said you had just been measured, and you could feel that pushing him would still be a fatal mistake. Men like this still exist. We owe a lot to them, yet we'll never know who they are until a good 50 years later.

[@UlyssesFiles]

Yes very true. I was a cadet as a very young lad and our instructor (a ‘Sergeant Bourne’) was a red beret in WW2. He jumped at Arnhem. A v old guy but still strong and steely. A right character.

[@thomasshepard6030]

Read about Christopher lee he was an SOE OPERATIVE DURING WW2 when he was in the film lord of the rings the director asked him to try and imagine what it would be like to cut someone’s throat he said I don’t need to imagine that

[@andrewcrompton9455]

@@thomasshepard6030 well this has just made my day, Mr Lee is massive forever in my mind.

[@conmcgrath7174]

Yeah, there's a photo on the wall of a pub 'somewhere in southern England' of a man Honourably Awarded a Black Belt in Ninjitsu. Out of interest he watched some of the locals (there are some very adept pracritioners there) in their training. He corrected them on a few points...you might guess they concerned lethality...!? This man was a legend unspoken and there are stories about him I just don't have the time or right to relate and the good judgement not to divulge. I think I'm safe to say he was original SAS and they used to bury themselves under a desert track awaiting armoured vehicles to pass over so that they may attatch magnetic mines. I can only try to imagine what that was like. Not like the movies, buried in hot sand, breathing through a straw and listening to the approaching 'doom' of heavy armour that would crush you in an instance even by accidentally straying off the track. God speed Sir. Here's where I say how much I trained full contact and studied, well yeah, I did and I have nothing but respect to those that learn and those that 'did it for real''. I was passing Royal Hospital Chelsea a few years ago and this 'man' that was surely late 80's passed by me, all gristle and bone, he looked at me and decided I wasn't a threat, lucky me. Pax

[@steve3198]

@@conmcgrath7174 8

[@qqqsfdf1232]

Something else he said was "quarter of an inch of blade pushed into the back is enough to render the strongest of men at your bidding"

[@mixedandknot5911]

I am a woman and learned a lot about Fairbairns and not to give up and keep movin. Loved it.

[@exwade8777]

Yes, what a great man! Invented all these marvelous techniques for killing people, and then proceeded to devote his life in teaching them to everyone he could. What a treasure to society.

[@Rustebadge]

@@exwade8777 The techniques for killing was actually to save lives.

[@neisserguerrero1648]

Yes. I too keep moving. I run like the wind and don't give up till I reach a place of safety! 😮😎

[@BlackRiverRoyal]

I’ve met a dutch SOE member, the hand to hand combat was one of the things he remembered most .

[@snarflatful]

Fairbairn didn't just talk the talk, he walked the walk. 👊

[@timsimpson9367]

Now that's one man you don't want to mess with. The bloke knew all the moves. Legend.

[@Tentacl]

His knife style is really close to Esrkima. In the end, what works is what works, no matter the origin.

[@Wutzmename]

It's crazy watching all those people standing so close to ricochets coming off those surfaces.

[@CSGraves]

Love Fairbairn's knife designs (& by extension, Sykes' work as well). I've got a couple reproductions of the F-S in my collection. Here & there you find folk who believe it was designed exclusively for thrusts, which shows they haven't actually read Fairbairn's own words on the matter. Got a reproduction smatchet too. Definitely feels like a parallel to the smaller examples of the Filipino barong, with its broad leaf blade. Much more compact than those Welsh WWI swords.

[@UlyssesFiles]

I was thinking the same r.e. the smatchet. Definitely not as cumbersome as the Welsh Fusiliers thing and more like a barong. Oh and agree on the knife 👍🏻

[@georgewilkie3580]

Col. Fairbairn, and German Outstanding Waffen SS Kommando, Col. Otto Skorzany were two extremely Lethal Men. I must also include the Great US Army Knife Fighting and Hand-to-Hand Expert, Col. Rex Applegate. Col. Applegate wrote the Famous WW2 Hand-to-Hand, and Combat Knife Fighting book titled, "KILL, OR BE KILLED". Col. Applegate also designed the famous Applegate Combat Fighting Knife. Col. Applegate, and Col. Fairbairn were friends, and would always get together when one of them were visiting the USA or Britain. My sincere Thank You to the producers of this truly excellent historical video... BRAVO!

[@UlyssesFiles]

Thanks George 🙏 yes they were good friends. Col. Applegate (and Skorzeny) were truly remarkable. Imagine sitting and having a beer 🍻 with these 3 😜😍

[@davidmount9117]

That is an amazing list there! Applegate Is another one to make a video about! Never met the man, but I have a shelf of books with information I hope I never need, and there are a number of books there with his name on it. Lots of his books made it into those Army Navy Surplus stores that used to be everywhere. Cheap paperbacks but life enabling knowledge which, as I said, I hope none of us ever have a need to know.

[@stefanschleps8758]

Kill or be Killed? I'm still studying my fathers copy from WWII. He served in Third Armored from 1944-1966 as an M.P. with the 503rd. That was the very first book on martial arts I ever read. It's a gift that just keeps on giving.

[@georgewilkie3580]

@@stefanschleps8758 Hello, Stefan Schleps. My sincere Thank You for Your kind reply. Please give Your Father my very best. I'm a combat Vietnam Vet., and I proudly served with the, U.S.Army 505th PIR 82nd Airborne Division. I've been a Martial Arts Instructor for 51 years. My style is Traditional Japanese Shotokan Karate. I now hold an 8th Degree Black Belt (Hachidan in Japanese). While I was at Fort Bragg, N.C. I had the pleasure of meeting a full Bird Colonel that was a student of the great Hand-To-Hand Combat Instructor, Rex Applegate. I was a Staff Sergeant, and was already a First Degree Black Belt (Shodan) in Shotokan Karate. There were very few Martial Arts Black Belts at that time (The mid 60's). So, the Colonel watched me training at the base Gym. I was wearing my Karate Gi (Karate Uniform), so the Colonel came over to say, "Hello" to me. I was very honored that a Senior Officer conversed with me for about 2 hours. The next day, he even took me to lunch. Anyway, I gained much insight into the career of the legendary Col. Rex Applegate. And, I even learned more about the great British Col. Fairbairn. (Col. Applegate and Col. Fairbairn were good friends). By the way, my Dad was an NCO with the 42nd INF. Which was a part of Gen. Patton's 3rd Army. My Dad was badly wounded in the Ardens Forest during the Battle Of The Bulge, and that ended his Military career. So, I can really relate to Your great Dad, and his courageous service to our Great Country. Again, my heartfelt Thank You for Your kind reply. I really appreciate Your input. God's Speed To You and Yours.

[@UlyssesFiles]

@@davidmount9117 yes his point shooting stuff is fantastic. A great man

[@mattmoochdogvlog]

The fact that many troops preferred his methods of unarmed combat to actual 'armed' combat speaks volumes. A thoroughly dangerous man, who was clearly not just very tough but also highly intelligent.

[@GF-nm1cl]

The guy that played saruman was the real James bond. And he certainly knew he way around that knife

[@UlyssesFiles]

Ah Christopher Lee. Yeah I saw that story. Interesting 👌🏻

[@tomsmith2209]

By passing on his hard earned knowledge and training to so many, he probably did more damage to the enemy than just about anyone else. A proper force multiplier.

[@UlyssesFiles]

A good way of putting it… ❤

[@dirk143]

Actually that was his impact,.Everybody knows there were were Gurkha and Japanese Soldiers that were more dangerous, but didm't teach.

[@UlyssesFiles]

@@dirk143 👌🏻

[@Mbstr1]

Great point. I would say however that despite him training others, I still think the Finnish sniper nicknamed "White Death" was more dangerous. Just like the training of others is a force multiplier, the fear and reputation of white death is also a force multiplier as it spreads through all the Russian soldiers unfortunate enough to fight on his front.

[@thedeathwobblechannel6539]

A proper British officer and gentleman.

[@johnbell4481]

I purchased a Fairbairn Sykes knife for my son when he was a US Marine and served in Syria (with the Green Beret) and Iraq. My great uncle was a Scots Guard at Buckingham palace and after Dunkirk became a British Commando. He was consumed with athletic prowess and keeping in shape long after the war. This was really a fantastic presentation and yes I think if Fairbairn did all these things and trained commandos like my uncle Tommy, he was probably the most dangerous man of WWII. They made Tommy chief constable of Coventry after the war.

[@UlyssesFiles]

Still a great knife to carry after all these years. Your great uncle was quite a character!👌🏻

[@tonobehnke5885]

To me, this man saw more action than most WWII commandos. And he survived to later teach those commandos to carry out their missions.

[@UlyssesFiles]

Great point Kako 👌🏻

[@mediocreman6323]

He was obviously really good at what he was doing. Those who weren't, probably didn't live to teach their craft.

[@UlyssesFiles]

True …

[@alanrobinson4318]

Whereas a gun is offensive, a knife is offensive and defensive.

[@leegreenwood6316]

Yes, most certainly the most dangerous man. He was a precious jewel found at the right time in British history.

[@eipi5173]

Metal of Honor recipients. They walked the walk.

[@MediaFilter]

"The world needs bad men. We keep the other bad men from the door."

[@sopwithcamelus]

He still influences any serious student of combatives to this day.

[@UlyssesFiles]

How true 👌🏻

[@martinwebster1544]

Family legend tells that my Grandfather, who served in WW1, taught explosive demolition at a 'Commando school' in WW2. This was allegedly at a local stately home but I can, of course, find no record of it! I sadly lost his notebook from WW1 which had beautiful hand-drawings of cutaway hand grenades and drawings of weak points in bridges. We would walk around our home city and he would point at a building and ask me 'How would you bring that down, lad? Four or five year-old me would reply 'Take it's knees away Grandad' in the approved fashion. He was and remains, my hero.

[@UlyssesFiles]

Wow how cool was your grandfather 😜👌🏻👌🏻

[@martinwebster1544]

@@UlyssesFiles Very! He was in the Bradford Pals, joining on the second day of recruitment. They were sent into the Yorkshire Dales to feed up the malnourished at what was basically a scout camp. My Grandad was in the 'Church Lads Brigade' so fitted right in. Surprisingly, although he later went to France and was wounded twice his first posting was to Egypt to guard the Suez Canal. Imagine what that was like for lads who had never been out of their City, let alone their country. Although he started in the West Yorkshire regiment he ended up in the Royal Artillery after a cricket match! They held a single-wicket competition and my Grandad and another two were top scorers. they were immediately seconded to the RA as bomb-throwers. He was eventually invalided out in 1918 as he had a whitlow (a boil) on his trigger finger and in pre-antibiotic days, lost the end of it. Some people were known to shoot off their trigger finger to save being sent back but my Grandad told the tale of the poor lad who was left-handed and shot off the wrong finger. Like many of his fellow survivors, he didn't really speak about the bad things he experienced in France, apart from one time just before he died when he was in hospital and unburdened himself as he felt it was important that I knew what it was like so it wasn't over-glamourised, since he wanted better for me. I still think of him, especially on Remembrance Day

[@zaczac3024]

Possible he taught at Shrivenham near Swindon, now the Royal Military College of Science

[@UlyssesFiles]

Those Pals Battalions were something else. Nice idea in principle. Your grandad sure saw a lot. Unbelievable. Thanks again Martin 👌🏻🙏🙏

[@jonathanbaron-crangle5093]

Sounds like a good hand-book for sabotage & general demolition, what a shame you lost it.!

[@RickJZ1973]

Excellent presentation! Fairbairn can definitely be considered the grandfather of modern close quarter fighting techniques.

[@UlyssesFiles]

Thanks Rick - yes he’s got to be the or a grandfather of tí…👌🏻

[@robertlehnert4148]

Students of Fairbairn included not just David Niven and his "batman", Peter Ustinov, who also served in the Commandos, but also Christopher Lee and Ian Fleming.

[@larrycantwell1740]

Total respect to a incredibly skilled man, we owe him so much.

[@UlyssesFiles]

Yes, thanks Larry 👌🏻

[@jasonpoilovs4903]

Awesome video! He must be a candidate for most dangerous man of WWII as it’s 83 years on and I’ve actually hear of him.

[@UlyssesFiles]

Cheers Jason 🙌🏻

[@tanosanti]

He was one of the most complete soldiers to develop teaching and techniques to produce the most dangerous forces

[@UlyssesFiles]

Yes Tano 👌🏻

[@markwalker4142]

I’ve trained in Karate since 1981 . I then policed from 1993 . There is a massive difference between both worlds . My Karate gave me advantages but not the full answers . The street and dealing with very violent people did . Fairburns books grace my book shelf . He policed a very different culture and attitude to weapons . Huge respect for the man .

[@UlyssesFiles]

Great comment thank you 👌🏻

[@fugu4163]

I come from a karate background and it have saved me from various encounters with violent criminals though out the years. Training in a dojo are very different from the real thing.

[@CaesarInVa]

I'd love to hear more about the differences between martial arts training and your real-life experiences on the beat.

[@batrocbjj7866]

@@fugu4163 thats why they invented that thing called mma

[@jerryoshea3116]

Respect to ur experience..And a straight Leg kick to the 'Shin bone' should never be underestimated,if it's executed Correctly!!. .But I think the difference with someone like this,was down to pure ' street' experience! Now I'm sure any confrontation he had was never treated like a 'walk in the Park' but I would imagine he became like a top 'Prizefighter' in control &relaxed! (And the type of control= being able keep fully calm,with measured breathing so u see&feel everything,l like a MA Master of the street!)

[@MrBillinoregon]

Well-deserved remembrance of a brilliant soldier and policeman. There is a brief mention of Col. Rex Applegate passing on many of Fairbairn's techniques to the OSS. Many years ago I was at a small gun show in the southern Oregon town of Roseburg put on by the local Lions Club. I passed a rather portly older fellow with a friendly smile selling a book, "Kill or Get Killed." The title didn't interest me greatly at the time, I am sorry to say, because the gentleman I exchanged "hello, how ya doin's" with was indeed Rex Applegate. I could have chatted him up for half an hour if I had known who he was and what he had lived through. It was at another of these small southern Oregon gun shows that I met another man whom I had the sense to chat with: Ian Skennerton.

[@UlyssesFiles]

Wow I wish I’d met those 2 - incredible.

[@brucefile7430]

The only other person in WW2 who was comparable to him was Otto Skorzeny...

[@jimksa67]

Mu uncle was a policeman in Cdn Army WW1 and served in WW2. When in his late eighties he was jumped by a local thug- he wiped the floor with him. Great guy, very polite but not one you would want to cross. These are violent times for civilians- get prepared!

[@UlyssesFiles]

He sounds similar to Fairbairn. Old but gold 👌🏻

[@josephgavron1099]

With the street thugs and Antifa types rampant in Chicago Fairbairn’s techniques are a necessity

[@lindafoxwood78]

Great story! Reminds me of my teacher; Mister Chin. He was in America because his father was an international rep for the republic of China in Fayetteville, NC with the Army. His son when he turned 18 went to Hay Street - Ricks Lounge on his birthday. (back then 18 was legal to drink beer.) Chin was telling me this story. .... "I was so scared! Today - MY birthday!. I go to HAY Street; the most dangerous place to go!" He had his face down, I was only 13 years old; I felt scared too. I just looked at my clock! This story takes 30 minutes. Mr. Chin did not go to jail for 200yrs and General Westmoreland put Chin into the 82nd and et al. That was my teacher when I was 13.

[@dullahan7677]

Reminds me of an account told to me by a person that supposedly witnesses the event, in which a couple of young girls were being harassed by four men in a bar, while they were serving drinks. Eventually, a little old man came in and sat down at the far end of the bar. Without a word, one of the girls brought his drink and went back about her duties. The old guy first witnessed the ongoing harassment, and even warned the tourists that type of behavior wouldn't be tolerated. So, as drink and bravado can pad good judgement and strip the armor from one's ego the four drew themselves up on the guy, who calmly finished his drink and invited the four outside, as he told them that the medics would have an easier job if everyone was outside. Furthermore, he told the four that he didn't wish to tear up the bar, either. Of course, the four roared with laughter, and proceeded to the door, which the guy was actually holding open for the group. The bar girls were pleading with him not to go outside, but the little old guy would have none of it. The story's source said that the old man said something peculiar as he went outside, telling the girl to lock the door behind them. The simple version is this: The old man waded into these four like Moses parting the Red Sea. It was a merciless, savage beating. After the guys were all on the ground having a rest while awaiting the ambulance, the little old guy came back inside a little beaten up and covered with blood, more their's than his, but he was at least walking while the four were laying outside perfectly starched. Turns out, the guy actually was the owner of the bar, the girls, his daughters, and was retired SAS.

[@UlyssesFiles]

@@dullahan7677 just shows you never know who you’re messing with

[@davidmount9117]

Met the man, I also have a knife forged for him personally, so thank you so much for honoring a true hero. I will say I could only wish I had become the man he was. Salutes.

[@UlyssesFiles]

My goodness that’s amazing, I’d loved to have been in your shoes. I wonder what the circumstances were in you meeting him and coming to possess one of his blades?

[@davidmount9117]

@@UlyssesFiles Hi there Thanks for the reply! Circumstances included my father who was very much known for 2 things, one being he was a 10th Dan martial artist and trained until the very last years of his life. They met and I had no pat in that but I did meet him. Obtaining the blade those was quite a matter of luck and timing, I can't remember dates so well but was a few months before his passing. I think the blade, which was the last design he made, was basically the same shape except it was all black with a bigger tang, bigger bolster and riveted handle with a different pommel to match. As it is one of my most prized possessions I still have it, I think it was #009.

[@leonardangermund6262]

Dangerous Dan, has my vote!!!

[@UlyssesFiles]

@@davidmount9117 gosh your father was amazing. Your blade is pretty unique. A prized possession indeed, I can only dream 😍

[@UlyssesFiles]

@@leonardangermund6262 hejee great choice!

[@mikederasmo7621]

the biggest weapon a human can Carrie with him or her, it's a sheer determination to live and survive!

[@UlyssesFiles]

True 👌🏻

[@sid35gb]

Literally laid the foundations of all SF CQB training. A very dangerous man.

[@UlyssesFiles]

Yes true 👌🏻

[@joesgotya9930]

Nope lol.. Nobody uses this shit.. “Knife fighting is a complete waste of time.” - Delta Force operator John McPhee

[@michiveritas1420]

@@joesgotya9930 Pish😂 Knife fighting is a waste of time?? It's an art and a skill. On the flip-side is knife-crime... I wonder how those cut, slashed, stabbed feel about that - I for one, also those dead by knife injuries would if they could(?)🤔

[@UlyssesFiles]

Hmmm famous last words… 😜🤣👌🏻

[@UlyssesFiles]

Exactly 👌🏻

[@DaveSCameron]

And here's me believing my grandad who told me he was the most feared warrior in Europe 😂. Thanks again for your work and efforts uploading these. 👍

[@UlyssesFiles]

😁

[@googleisshittoss]

My Dad was in F-Section..and would have agreed with you..He taught Fairburn's skills to the French Resistance

[@UlyssesFiles]

Wow very interesting 😍

[@aidanmcmillan-dx8lq]

gotta love commies, right

[@matthewhopkins239]

Please spell his name correctly.

[@sergiozammel8261]

As a understudy of Fairbairn, and others without being armed, this man is definitely on the top of the most dangerous list.

[@UlyssesFiles]

Yes agree Sergio 👌🏻

[@Dragonscout]

Great low key video with detailed facts on an eniigmatic figure that still impacts the military today. I missed a chance in the 70's to pick up an authentic Fairburn-Sykes when I was stationed in the Pacific and have regretted it ever since. The crap in the movies makes me ill because as a vet and former cop I can tell you up close and personal...no-one wins a "knife-fight". And it never lasts more than a few strokes since hydraulic shock from blood loss is a REAL thing. He was a great man that used his life experiences to benefit the free world in defeating utter darkness. And more importantly, teaching generations to do the same. Great work...you gained a subcriber.

[@UlyssesFiles]

Thank you Dragonscout. Ah those original FS blades are a pretty penny these days too, I feel for you… Agree on the knife fighting thing 🙌🏻

[@dennycraig8483]

Rickmansworth is a very small area but has produced lots of people who helped shape ww2 and history. Good and bad,Kim Philby also lived in the area. Heronsgate, Chorleywood, was also home to some very prominent people...

[@ZEP0034]

True this man taught a lot his methods at the time arguably the main martial artist

[@stephenbailey1931]

What a hero. Respect and thanks.

[@Denver_Risley]

Well researched and produced. Kudos. I have to agree that W.E. was pretty damn dangerous. I have all his books in one hard-bound volume and have studied, on and off, various true combat fighting systems throughout history. His is a very modular system, meaning only a few basic techniques need to be learned to be effective. These modular systems, I have found, are always down-n-dirty and all about getting it done.

[@skivorable]

Fairbairn also gets credit in the book " Churcill's Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" by Giles Milton. An essential read for anyone interested in the plethora of tactics used by Britain in WWII (and a travesty that those who contributed so much to victory remain unknown through petty jealousies of government officials).

[@UlyssesFiles]

I must cop a copy of this; thanks for bringing it up Ivor 👌🏻

[@al82117]

I'll second the book recommendation, it's a cracking good read!

[@UlyssesFiles]

Tks Andrew. I’ll order it on Amazon soon hejee 🙌🏻

[@andym1594]

Along the origins of the SAS book (the origins, work in africa, italy and eventually Dday)- this is a must read.

[@daniellyne1]

Yes I fond your commentary very good & easy to listen to ,very interesting & informative I look forward to more like this . Thank you for taking the time to make it

[@UlyssesFiles]

Thank you Daniel 😀🙌🏻

[@wayneleeke8724]

He deserves the title. My father served with the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada during WW2 and he introduced me to Fairbairn fighting skills and knife when I was a child. I bought a Fairbairn commando fighting knife over fifty years ago at an estate sale. Unsure of its authenticity though

[@UlyssesFiles]

Ah interesting. Is there any mark or writing on the ricasso?

[@MartynTaylor50]

The smachet was indeed influenced by a blade carried by members of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers in WW1 modelled after a celtic short sword, a surviving one being in the regimental museum at Cardiff castle.

[@thefnaffan2]

Great video, thank you for sharing

[@johnprudent3216]

I’d heard about Fairbanks years ago cuz I across his story amongst others during a random search on WWII. I’d always been curious about him. This is the most I’d ever seen or heard about him. You never here about his style of combat as you always hear about the more John Wayne style epic battles and fights from that era. I think this guy would make a great subject for a movie.

[@UlyssesFiles]

Ah I agree the subject would make for a great movie 🎥👌🏻

[@nacholibre1962]

Fairbairn and Sykes were also responsible for the setting up and running intially of Camp X, in Canada. To this day, the Canadian Army organization for secret military operations is called JTFX (Joint Task Force X). I have an original 1940s-era F&S Commando dagger. Of note: The OSS (the precursor to the CIA) was set up indirectly by Sir William Samuel Stephenson (a Canadian, codename Intrepid), in 1941. He was the inspiration for the 007 character, James Bond, created by Ian Flemming, also formerly of British military intelligence..

[@UlyssesFiles]

So many fascinating links there, thank you… Your original fs knife is it a mark 1, 2 or 3?

[@tonykulikovsky]

Inventors of the double-edged fighting knife

[@joelpiva1541]

You don't really mean that, do you? There's been double edged fighting knives for a long time before 1940.

[@tonykulikovsky]

Did they not also have a training camp I Scotland for commandos

[@Marvel66666]

"Ian Fleming formed a unit of commandos, known as No. 30 Commando, composed of specialist intelligence troops.The unit was based on a German group headed by Otto Skorzeny.The German unit was thought by Fleming to be one of the most outstanding innovations in sercret intelligence service. " " Fleming was a known admirer of Otto Skorzeny who revolutionized the asymmetric warfare in his use of intelligence and guerilla tactics, combining them with criminal practices, like blackmail, kidnapping, and extortion. The infamous German officer would later serve as inspiration for the character of Hugo Drax, the supervillain from Moonraker and Goldfinger. "

[@justjosie1163]

Loved this as well as your video on d'Eliscu. Perhaps in the future you could do videos on Pat O'Neil, George de Relwyskow, and others who have not received the proper recognition of there outstanding accomplishments. Thank you for your time in providing these.

[@UlyssesFiles]

Hi and thanks Josie. Good suggestion. I’m researching one currently on Anthony Biddle, and will look into Pat O’Neill and George de Relwyskow too now - these guys are legends in their fields for sure and as you say do not get their proper dues… 🙌🏻

[@justjosie1163]

@OdysseusFiles Will be waiting to enjoy seeing the Biddle presentation. Thank you ever so much for all you do!

[@UlyssesFiles]

@@justjosie1163😍🙌🏻

[@marcoslaureano5562]

Pat O'Neil who worked under him in the Shanghai police was the man who trained and lead the Devil's Brigade (FSSF). He also helped design the V42 dagger for the First Special Service Force - which was a joint American/Canadian special operations force which was basically the precursor to CAG. Even Delta's red Airborne patches are similar to the FSSF.

[@michiveritas1420]

Pat O'Neil... You sure?? I thought it was Pat McGroin🤔🙂

[@michiveritas1420]

PS lol... Only teasing😆

[@justjosie1163]

Yes, sadly he is rarely mentioned. He developed different "systems" based on who would be using them. So he taught one "system" to the Devil's Brigade, another to LEOs and another to intelligent agents after the war it is reported. I only wish we had resources to see the details of his systems.

[@steverobinson2501]

O'Neil was an OSS agent when he was with the FSSF and after in Japan.

[@GreasyBelcher]

Himself vs Otto Skorzeny in a fight to the death, would have been a clash of the Titans.

[@derekstocker6661]

Thanks for this very well done documentary, the Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife must be one of the most recognisable weapons of all time, treasured by its users and owners alike, early models fetch a premium price now and still have the power to haunt with their history.

[@UlyssesFiles]

Thanks Derek and very well put about the Fairbairn-Sykes knife.

[@derekstocker6661]

@@UlyssesFiles More than welcome, great video. Very well researched!

[@binomesprite7829]

There's a documentary where they get someone who teaches these techniques today and he tries to train some modern American troops. It's an eye opener. Several of them back out of the experiment saying it was immoral.

[@HeavySig]

Thanks for this. I found a copy of Get Tough in a house our family lived in 50 years ago and was captivated by the brutality of the techniques it contained, with explanation on how long it would take people to die from the various holds and knife wounds. I have always been on the lookout for more information on the infamous William Fairbairn.

[@UlyssesFiles]

Ah that’s an old copy then, maybe an original printing? Yes his stuff is v direct 😜👌🏻

[@HeavySig]

@@UlyssesFiles My guess is original; from the home/office of a British doctor who had immigrated to Canada after WWII. Since it was aimed at the Home Guard, that was my theory. Wish I still had it.

[@UlyssesFiles]

Ouch yeah a really old maybe original copy then…

[@andym1594]

Funny thing- when I was taking EMT training- I was thinking to myself of how an assassin could take all of this life saving info and use it in reverse and wondered about that.

[@Tipasa100]

Best defense against the knife? A sprint worthy of an Olympic final.

[@UlyssesFiles]

I agree 💯😜

[@johnkracy9190]

Thank you ! Semper Fi !

[@UlyssesFiles]

😜👌🏻

[@notoco1199]

I saw on few videos of soldiers from Ukraine having Fairbairn Sykes Dagers. Actually that brings me here to acknowledge a little bit of history behind it. It is very unusual design for fighting knife and itis not crazy haevy to. I think Fairbairn Sykes is a legend! Example of a tough man who serve and give a lot to his country. Recently I was visiting RRS Discovery in Dundee going through its history etc Incredible achievements and person of Robert Falcon Scott have that feelings that people like Fairbairn Sykes or Robert Falcon Scott are much harder to find or even exist in today's society.

[@UlyssesFiles]

Great comment - yes they’re legends - though I think there are some interesting characters in every generation that go on to this kind of fame

[@UlyssesFiles]

Agree about the dagger and interesting to see that you’ve seen Ukrainian soldiers carry it

[@otisbeck5327]

Supposedly the Sniper Elite series' protagonist OSS Agent Lieutenant Karl Fairburne is based on William E. Fairbairn. He has similar hand-to-hand combat techniques.

[@user-lastoutlaw]

"Get tough, get down in the gutter, win at all costs... I teach what is called 'Gutter Fighting.' There's no fair play, no rules except one: kill or be killed" William Ewart Fairbairn

[@unklbuk1]

My father was a member of the Canadian special forces unit called the ‘Special Service Force during WW2. They were called several names like, "Braves" the Black Devils, and the Devils Brigade until it was changed to Special Service Force. Remembering all the stories he had told my brother and I around a campfire back in the day at our lakeside cottage (I'm 67 now) were pretty gripping, and mind boggling. Those ole time Vets were definitely some bad asses, I miss him so.

[@UlyssesFiles]

Very interesting comment your father was so cool - thank you for commenting 🙏

[@johnnyquest5942]

That’s an amazing unit .. Thank you for your fathers service … Your father made history.

[@unklbuk1]

@@johnnyquest5942 Thanks for the kind words, he was an amazing man.

[@unklbuk1]

@@UlyssesFiles Thanks, he definitely was one in a million.

[@doclockwood8809]

My father, too, was in the Black Devils, and is now at Arlington Cemetery overlooking Memorial Bridge, the Lincoln Memorial, the Mall, the Washington Monument, and of course, the Capitol. And I can tell you honestly that he would rise from his grave to fight AGAINST the neo-fascists who stormed the Capitol in their cowardly and feeble attempt to overthrow our democratic elections. He fought fascism in Italy, and would not hesitate to fight it here in the US. I grew up in Arlington and the Cemetery was close enough for me to hear the caisson horses stomping their hooves in their stalls eager to pull yet another of thousands of caskets to its burial site. These men and women fought and died to keep fascism out of the US, and now it threatens us here at home as Traitor Trump threatens to take office once again. My father, a decorated FSSF commando, a hard right registered Republican, would make short work of Little Donnie Bone Spurs, a trifling pile of treasonous trash who wouldn't even brave the rain to pay respects to the fallen GIs at Normandy. He has no respect for Veterans. Trump is a fascist, a coward, and a loser. Hopefully, he won't share any hard fought ground with the real patriots at Arlington Cemetery. Btw, Brad Pitt's shoulder patch in "Inglorious Basterds" is the red Arrowhead of The Force...the 1st Special Service Force. Please google: "SUPERCOMMANDOS" for more info, and yep, that's Dad watching over the Mussolini Canal on the cover of the book.

[@lewisnapton8399]

Some must kill so that others may live. How fortunate the man that knew he had their back. He was a force of nature.

[@UlyssesFiles]

Yes a force of nature is an apt description 😜👌🏻

[@philipswain4122]

My English teacher fought in Burma against the Japanese. His face and arms were covered with deep scares. He never spoke about his experiences, but his quiet disposition and pained look gave away his memories

[@UlyssesFiles]

Ah interesting, Philip. My fathers uncle also fought in Burma and was captured by the Japanese and forced to work on the infamous Burma Railway. My father describes his disposition in a similar way.

[@philipswain4122]

@@UlyssesFiles you just can’t imagine the trauma they went through. I guess the greatest generation had that certain stoicism born out of the 1930’s Depression.

[@Grumpy_Cyborg]

8:18 At this moment the look in the eye and grin on the face tells you everything you need to know about this man.

[@revolverocelot9891]

He's pretty good.

[@williamharrison7797]

I am sure he studied Hap Kido, the Korean martial art, also an ideal form of street fighting

[@aatee5840]

Unlikely, as he studied martial arts in the 10-20s and one of Hapkido founders, Choi Yong-Sool was born in 1904. Likely it was a form of daito-Ryu that later became also HKD

[@andrewholmes1889]

I remember reading a story about two young punks who jumped on to a bus full of retirees. The mistake the two young guys made was that all the retirees were SAS soldiers on a day out. Which they found out when they woke up chained to a post outside a police station.

[@UlyssesFiles]

Fantastic story… ❤

[@am4793]

Apocryphal.

[@johnteets2921]

@@am4793 A story that good doesn't need to be true, c'mon MAN 😁

[@HarryFenton6124]

These stories are always good. My old Dad was a guest scrum half for the Met police rugby team for evening away game. After the match they were all on the coach travelling home when they stopped at a transport cafe, late at night, for a piss stop. To their delight, when the coach stopped they were surrounded by a large gang of Teddy Boys, trying to look 'ard. Dad said their was a stampede to get off the coach, which was followed by a huge fist fight. 50 a side. No need to say which team won.

[@katumus]

That would be so nice to see if there just would have been a security camera in the bus....

[@adrianlouviere7650]

Thanks for the information. Nice job

[@UlyssesFiles]

Thank you 👌🏻

[@tango6nf477]

He was 100% right about attitude, I was a Police Officer and thankfully have never been seriously injured or had to seriously injure another but I have had to face deadly and extremely scary moments. When this happens you need to be able to switch to a higher level of mental toughness, you need to think, not act instinctively, and you need to be able to get really mean and be prepared to use a serious degree of force if necessary. This doesn't only refer to knife fighting, but any kind of physical threat. If you cant do this then you are likely to get hurt because the next guy probably can.

[@UlyssesFiles]

Great comment and speaking from from the front line… 👌🏻

[@highgatehandyman6479]

Had no idea Fairborn and Sykes were two guys who were experts self defense

[@raycope2086]

What an extraordinary documentary! I'd never heard of this gentleman, and his incredible contribution to our country's armed forces, when it was most needed. What an incredible life he has led. Is there a book about him? I hope he died peacefully, and lived a happy and well loved life after all the violence was no longer required from him. Thank you for introducing more of us to this brave man.

[@UlyssesFiles]

Thank you for your comment here Ray; yes he was a most interesting man - an incredible character. I don’t think I’ve come across an autobiography/biography - but he wrote several books on self-defense…

[@simonmaguire5250]

@@UlyssesFiles Not yet read it but try THE LEGEND OF W. E. FAIRBAIRN. GENTLEMAN & WARRIOR (THE SHANGHAI YEARS) by Peter Robins.

[@DavidSmith-xs3or]

I'd love to see a movie based on his life- like the way Hollywood used to make movies, similar to Lawrence of Arabia. But I cant think of directors up to the level of David Lean around Hollywood these days.

[@raycope2086]

@@DavidSmith-xs3or Oliver Stone might have made a good attempt when he was directing, but I agree with you about today's lot. Of course these awful days, the " woke " vermin wouldn't have allowed it to be made. Or else our hero would be a trans.

[@UlyssesFiles]

@@simonmaguire5250 ahh nice one I’ll try to find this 👌🏻

[@RakkasanRakkasan]

With out a doubt he was,is,and will always be the real toughest most dangerous man of any age. I was trained by a man that was trained by a man who was trained by him.

[@UlyssesFiles]

That’s a link straight to him then. Nice 👌🏻

[@qtpwqt]

@@UlyssesFiles Same for me .

[@RakkasanRakkasan]

The early u.s. special forces were trained by the old WW2 guys mind this was in the 80s the guy that taught me was trained in the 60s by the guy's from the 40s. There is a remarkable book about them and the Shanghai riot squad.

[@qtpwqt]

I live in Toronto and my teacher trained with Bill Underwood.

[@UlyssesFiles]

@@RakkasanRakkasan fantastic link to those early legends…

[@robertburch153]

There is no doubt in the special operations community's mind as to the danger and discipline of Fairborn . He was and remains a world shaker. Years ahead of and has very few living or deceased peers. Captain Amigo

[@UlyssesFiles]

Absolutely. Agreed

[@nevadafitch5647]

I have known of Fairbairn, Sikes, and Applegate for many years. There is made a newer knife in a few different sizes, called the Applegate/Fairbairn Commando Knife, which is slightly shorter and has a little better handle on it, then the original Sikes/Fairbairn knife of WWII. It's still a double-edged dagger. As a civilian, I carry the Applegate/Fairbairn knife, in a custom kydex scabbard, whenever I leave home as a backup to my CCW pistol.

[@UlyssesFiles]

Ahh nice comment thanks. I know the Applegate knife you refer to, it’s a very good design.

[@misterstrongerman]

What is your reasoning to cary a knife instead of a backup pocket pistol? There are .32ACP models which are smaller and lighter than a knife. And the statistical probability of both pistols jaming and no time to rack the slide is negligible. While a knife fight most certainly would result in bodily harm to you even if you win.

[@nevadafitch5647]

@@misterstrongerman, It's not really a backup in case my pistol jams. In close combat, a good knife is sometimes better than a gun. And when carried on the off side, correctly, it can be drawn faster than a gun, and deployed forwards or backwards, and it doesn't jam or run out of bullets.

[@lifetruth.2631]

100%. He was a man way ahead of his time. Many of his techniques are effective still today. The knife is absolutely the deadliest weapon ever.

[@UlyssesFiles]

Agree 👌🏻🙌🏻

[@elijahrobinson2362]

No. It puts one in danger from an opponent. Guns are far more dangerous as they allow one to inflict damage from a safe distance.

[@bryanbenson6551]

Lol, not even close! I'll take my AR 10 or .45 over your knife any day.

[@lifetruth.2631]

@@elijahrobinson2362 You are talking about professional soldiers, which you and I are not. If it happens, you most likely will face a single criminal, and he will not expect you to have a knife. Since I have faced that situation more than once, I can tell you, make sure you have a good knife.

[@lifetruth.2631]

@@bryanbenson6551 depends on a lot of things. Trust me you cannot carry an AR10 in most public places. That takes care of your long gun. Next is depending on what the surroundings are that we meet. And that will be by my choice. The greatest weapon is the brain, and I tend to use mine.

[@chemtrailseventysix8952]

Thank you for this great video!

[@UlyssesFiles]

Thanks 🙌🏻

[@joelmonkley6177]

I honestly think Charlie Upham was the most dangerous allied soldier of ww2 he was recommended for more than 2 Victoria crosses and his dispatches were always full of him really taking the fight to the Germans no hold bared he was a no nonsense soldier Fact Rest in peace ☮️🙏

[@UlyssesFiles]

He was unbelievably brave. How he survived the War I’ve no idea. His exploits in Crete make for especially fascinating reading 😍

[@julianwalls1077]

Years ago my late father great friend from serving in ww2 Ted Sims later to run Ted Sims Engineering of Whangarei New Zealand that built boats etc was himself a Crack soldier he may have been trained by Fairbarn u like my Dad who served for 25 th battalion as ordinary soldier and later Nz army intelligence Ted was in a Crack unit that went behind enemy lines and killed Germans with his bare hands working with the Gurkas who were even better at killing people. To meet the man he was only about 5 ft 2 I remember meeting him when was about 14. A story went round in New Zealand in the 1970s during the height of industrial unrest where the Boilermakers union was very strong a visit to his premises of 6ft heavy built union delegate went to see Ted and said Mr Sims you have 20 engineering employees here and I note they are not a member of the union if they don t join the union you will have industrial problems!..well the guy was not standing for long Ted put over a engineering bench and threated to break his back I'm 2 places.. well after that he never saw a union official again 🙄

[@RobWrinkle]

I watched his funeral cortege marching to ChCh cathedral in 1994. Very solemn but also celebratory procession

[@douglasgreen437]

Mad Jack Churchill was bad ass...

[@UlyssesFiles]

Great story 😜🙌🏻

[@danbaumann8273]

Very interesting. Love the history on this stuff and martial arts in general. Always wondered about the others too such as Applegate, Bill Underwood and Charles Nelson, and any friendships, possible rivalries or influences they had on each other

[@UlyssesFiles]

Yes it’s a fascinating topic overall 👌🏻

[@danthompson1m]

Subscribed. More like this, please. I could watch hours of the original Fairbairn footage. Please post more of whatever you have.

[@UlyssesFiles]

Thanks Daniel. Here’s our latest, about Paddy Mayne: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGi1h5eYp6x1jdE

[@UlyssesFiles]

It contains references to Fairbairn 🙌🏻

[@gregary100]

Just watched this .. very interesting, never realised the the history behind the Fairburn Sykes knife . Well done... what a man he was ,such experience ... 👍

[@UlyssesFiles]

Thanks Greg. Yes he’s quite a legend

[@mht525]

Awesome. Cat on a hot tin roof ( light on the feet) My bro RIP 🙏 was a Master of the arts and trained with plastic knife's dipped in red paint to mark contact points. This stuff can only be achieved with years of experience. Thanks for the content. RIP Damo 🙏 ✌️❤️🇦🇺

[@UlyssesFiles]

Sorry to hear he passed on. It sounds like he was a great character 😍

[@stevenmallory3768]

Even the Australian Commandos in WW2 had the Fairbairn and Sykes fighting knife made in Australia under their Patent Blueprint.

[@UlyssesFiles]

Yeah I read that. Aussie Commandos were excellent 👌🏻

[@stevenmallory3768]

@@UlyssesFiles Hi, I have just read a great book called the " The Guns of Muschu", by Don Dennis, eight men went in and only one returned, good read if you are interested in Commando WW2 true story.

[@UlyssesFiles]

@@stevenmallory3768 I’ll look that up thanks Steven

[@patv693]

excellent, very informative, thank you for your compilation

[@UlyssesFiles]

Thank you Pat 🙌🏻

[@douglasericschultz]

Great video!

[@UlyssesFiles]

Thanks Douglas!

[@bigtimepimpin666]

I was a "student" in the John F Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School in the early 2000s. He and Sikes were still legends.

[@UlyssesFiles]

Ah interesting- it’s fascinating to see how they’re still relevant 👌🏻

[@houserental5424]

Who is “he”?