What did a WW1 soldier carry in his pockets?

[@joops110]

177k and we keep going up! Go Kevin!

[@tomwilson9024]

Great isn't it. I joined the channel around 24k I think it was, and not too long ago!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks. I've been surprised and very humbled by everyone's support and kind words. I look forward to bringing more videos to you all in 2023.

[@thehistorysquad]

@@ThatsRoyal How lovely, thanks so much!!

[@kaciegiles9235]

People like you keep history alive. I'm 36 and love history. Hopefully younger people carry it on and put their phones down. When it gets forgotten it's repeated. Thanks.

[@beanie1792]

I'm 37 and love history too, but one of the greatest tools to access history is our phones! It's about getting the younger ones intrested in it. There has been some absolutely amazing people in history, some monsters too. But you know what they say...

[@HomoLegalMedic]

Put our phones down? The ones we're using to learn history from this great man? Wouldn't that be counterproductive?

[@johnhenderson131]

Couldn’t agree more with you. I wish more people appreciated history as you do, they might actually learn how important history is..For those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it! This especially applies to war, I was in the army and I assure you, there is no glory in combat just fear pain and suffering. If more people studied history as you do it could save a lot of terrible suffering. Sincerely, Doc Ex combat medic

[@johnhenderson131]

@@beanie1792 I can guess, Those that don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it? I’m 62 and get frustrated that younger people don’t know history or appreciate the sacrifices made by my parents generation fighting WWII for our freedom. I was a medic in the army for over 6 years. I experienced limited combat but enough to know that war is not pleasant and consists mostly of hours of boredom interspersed with terrible moments of fear, pain, suffering and misery. If people learned from history maybe the suffering could be avoided. It shocks me when I hear kids today that have never heard of WWII let alone WWI , Korean War or even Vietnam. Sincerely, Doc

[@KlebsonOliveiraSilva]

Oh yeah, I'll put my phone down and start watching videos such as this one in history books. Phenomenal ideia! Jk!

[@theblackprince1346]

9:05 swagger stick strategically placed I see Kevin haha. Another great and insightful video.

[@TheSteve0583]

Kevin, I so enjoy just listening to you talk in your calm even voice. In a chaotic day, it's a respite for sure. On top of that, your love for the subject of history and military is obvious. Your interest in what you speak about makes the listener even more interested. Thanks for doing what you do!

[@thehistorysquad]

My pleasure Stephen, thank you for watching 👍🏻

[@als3022]

Amazing how much of a single person's life can be stuffed onto their person. And each man in the front carried something that his friends did, and some that were just for him. Something every soldier throughout time probably understands. Love these videos and can't wait for the medieval medicine one.

[@ponyote]

I absolutely love the humanity you get to show us with these videos. And this is a far better answer than Gollum got in the famous duel.

[@lindaashford7187]

Very interesting. My relative was a 2Lt in WW1 and this has helped me understand about the kit he had. Thanks.

[@TheItalianPepe]

Seriously love this channel. The little tidbits of history you bring to attention that are overlooked tend to be the more interesting ones I think. Stay warm this winter History Squad! BTW, I really hope you cover the 1914 Christmas Truce. Love to hear your take on it.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks so much!! Not this year, the Truce, but I'll make sure I cover it next year. 👍🏻

[@scrappydoo7887]

The general character and presentation has something special that totally sets it apart from other history channels. It's definitely a firm favourite

[@end0skeleton404]

This channel does more than the history channel on TV has ever done, thank you.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks!!

[@end0skeleton404]

@@thehistorysquad No, thank you.

[@SanTM]

Very educational. The Imperial War Museum in London has a breakdown similar to this as well, but seeing it explained live is always better than text

[@keving1318]

You always give such fascinating tidbits of obscure history. Thank you so much for making the past more relatable. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas surrounded by family, friends, and peace.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Kevin and a Merry Christmas to you too

[@arthurdoucette1786]

Greetings once again from nova Scotia, thanks Kevin, I really enjoyed this one. I love how much things have changed, but are still the same. I wanted to say how much I admire the respect you have for those who came before us, the reverence for the every day soldiers, those who served. Blessings, stay warm, be safe and as always best regards, Arthur

[@thehistorysquad]

How lovely Arthur, thank you, and a Merry Christmas to you and yours.

[@arthurdoucette1786]

@@thehistorysquad thank you Kevin, Merry Christmas to yours as well, all the best in the year to come. Cheers Arthur

[@emoryfindley8702]

Fmr US Army 1980s. When I got home my friends called me “Spoon Boy” - I ate everything quickly with just a spoon. Took a long time to eliminate that habit.My Great Uncle ( I had the honor of meeting at age 7) served in WW1. God bless You for this-

[@thehistorysquad]

I know that feeling. Funny enough in 1980 I had leave from Northern Ireland and I'm around a table in a restaurant with my family and everyone stopped to look at me in horror as I lifted up my plate and shovelled it all in with a spoon

[@emoryfindley8702]

No Matter the Army- We are all “Mates “ after all-

[@josephinequinn8782]

My grandfather enlisted aged sixteen in 1916 and fought in the Somme at Mamet's Wood. He probably carried all those items.

[@Richard-fv7rq]

Like the way you take time to reply and like your viewers comments. So many 'youtubers' do not take the time to do such. Very interesting pieces of history info Kev.

[@thehistorysquad]

It's my pleasure, I see it as part of the job to be honest, though it does take up time, I hope to keep it up as long as I can as the numbers grow.

[@dmcarpenter2470]

Splendid video, Kevin. The detailed minutiae are what make history come alive. As a former Grunt (squaddie, later a Rupert), these details are very interesting, and they connect with my experiences.)

[@thehistorysquad]

A woooopert indeed 😜 Well said! Isn't it great when we can make history relatable, it's so much more engaging. 👍🏻

[@vortega472]

"Remember boys, flies spread disease, so keep yours closed". - George Luz Band of Brothers

[@undeadOtter]

My Good Sir, your dedication abs commitment to your videos is admirable. The length you go to accurately depict the clothes/uniforms is astounding. Please keep it up. Your a great historian

[@thehistorysquad]

Will do, thank you!

[@johnhenderson131]

As a veteran medic what shocked me was the number of wounded soldiers in WWI that did not know how to use their issued medical kit correctly. So many wounded poured the iodine directly into their wound (it destroys living tissue)rather than apply it to the bandage then place the bandage over the wound. I can’t imagine trying to fight infection without penicillin, we take antibiotics for granted today but my grandfather was wounded in the back of the neck at the Ypres salient. He survived the wound but nearly dies from infection. He passed away in 1954 before my birth but I was told the wound troubled him the remainder of his life. Hope you enjoyed our balmy Canadian winter, I was born in Manitoba, the prairies, mind you are colder than the other provinces, although I still don’t forgive my parents for immigrating here on certain bitter cold days, when they chose Canada over Australia! Sincerely, Doc

[@thehistorysquad]

Haha, I totally understand. After our fourth winter, the novelty has now worn off and I'll be looking for a bit of warmth for the next one 👍🏻

[@alancartwright2244]

Another great little explanation of how our grandfather's (or great grandfathers) went into battle, in WW1. Thanks!

[@nooneimportant460]

I absolutely adore these kinds of videos. Very simple yet informative. And im so very curious what a soldier during that era would have carried. Being an American airman myself during 99-04, always curious to see what similarities there would have been with a ww1 era soldier vs a more modern soldier Brilliant as always Kevin. You are a real treasure. A gentleman and a scholar. Wish you and your family a happy late Christmas, and a happy new year.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks so much, & a Happy New Year to you too. 👍🏻

[@davidstrother496]

It is amazing how so little of what a soldier carried has changed. Of course there is no need for the pay book anymore, but overall things have remained essentially the same. Merry Christmas, and stay warm. Cheers from Texas.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks David, and a very Merry Christmas to you and yours too. 👍🏻

[@michaelusmc9322]

Very interesting to see some examples of personal effects. Thank you.

[@briancross7835]

Fantastic as always, Kevin! I would love to see a video of what a young Kevin carried in his pockets as a soldier or as a police officer. I'm sure that many of your viewers are former or current law enforcement officers or soldiers (myself included, I retired after 20 years of US Army service). Keep it up, Kev!!! 👍

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Brian. I actually don't have any of my own old kit, police or army, other than my bible, whistle and discharge papers.

[@groundbanshee]

I really appreciate your history lessons! You add such a personal touch with the interesting tidbits and stories in your videos. I can’t wait to see what you upload next!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you very much!

[@calicoasting]

Your content is great the variety of information you pass along is much welcomed.....Thanks

[@ironmike2732]

Awesome short history show. I was engaged and enjoyed every minute. Keep them coming!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you! Will do!

[@kakarikiIck]

I love the diversity of video subjects on this channel, always a quality watch.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks very much!!

[@ryanjardine4206]

My uncle served in the first world war Daniel Laidlaw luckily he is immortalised in a documentary but sadly most weren’t, it’s always interesting seeing these sort of videos as often the soldiers are just viewed as objects that were there and not people with their own lives with pockets full of personal items just like us now.

[@patriot5.56]

Thanks Kevin for another great video!!

[@kamilla1960]

Marvellous channel! I was born in Saskatoon. I don't know how we did it, but we would go outside and play in that kind of cold.

[@looksgoodonpaper]

Another awesome video, thank you!

[@uglymolly2138]

Thank you for these, Mr. Hicks!

[@locustsun]

Very interesting! We have learned a lot of warfare since then, and not even the battlefield but logistics and supply side. That spoon would be something you would not want on your calf, easily collecting dirt and such. The dog tags being cardboard are also kind of a sad issue considering how hard it would be to ID from a corpse in a muddy trench. It is interesting how revolutionary the 1900s were across the board.

[@johnhenderson131]

The aluminum dog tags weren’t much better. There’s nothing worse that a soldier KIA whose identity is lost forever.

[@patrickfreeman1250]

Didn't know that about the hankies. You can see the sense in it. Cheers, Kevin.

[@gilanbarona9814]

Someone I know here in Adelaide, Australia, bought an old book in a 2nd hand bookshop. In it he found a letter that a British soldier wrote to his wife, dated 1917 or so, but was never able to post. He traced the name of the wife on the letter, which also bore a British address. He found the great granddaughter of this couple and sent her the letter. Apparently, the soldier had died before he could send this letter, but how it ended up in South Australia is anyone's guess. If only these things that soldiers kept in their pockets and books could speak up and talk. Thank you again, Sir. This video simply proves an old assertion of mine: all soldiers have more in common than not, no matter what armies they serve with or what eras in history they might have done so.

[@thehistorysquad]

What a lovely story, thanks. I worked at Dudley museum for short time, sadly no longer in existence, where a WW1 bible had been handed in and it had a bullet hole in it, half the bible was blood stained. We traced it to an Australian soldier that had been killed in France. His widow in England remarried after the war and kept his few possessions in a tin under the bed. Her new husband who had been a soldier in WW1 said 'we must keep it for him' but, as time went by, people passed away and the tin was thrown on a dump and found and brought to the museum. I've never forgotten when we handed the tin over to his Australian descendants who travelled half way around the world for the bible with a hole in it.

[@worldcomicsreview354]

I bought a book which had been given as a gift in 1917, with that ornate Edwardian handwriting in the inscription. It was then passed on again in 1943. Also an issue of Union Jack from 1908, advertising an article about the German army in another magazine (probably the Penny Popular). Under the advert, somebody's despairingly scrawled ""last war", shall we ever learn?"

[@rhondaenglish4022]

I am delving into my history and still so praying all is revealed. Love you. Bye for now. ❤.

[@cheeseman1860]

always a treat to watch these types of videos

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers, thanks for watching.

[@BleedEaglesGreen023]

Your World War 1 kit is in great condition. Thanks for posting the notes up close so I could read them.

[@owenshale8719]

Another wonderful history squad video lots of wonderful information keep up the amazing work Kevin

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Owens 👍🏻

[@frankieblue1945]

That was excellent Sir, thank you for educating us. Your channel is so very informative.

[@Okiip]

Great video! As a fellow resident of Saskatchewan this one was especially neat to see, keep warm!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks, you too! If you're ever in Saskatoon on a Thursday or a Saturday, drop in and say hello 👍🏻

[@michaelpage4199]

Truly a great bit of history. I enjoyed watching this

[@calebswanson462]

Nicely done! i felt memories allmost.😊👍i love your channel the History Squad .Allmost sent me back in time.the Canadians were the most daring warriors.

[@thehistorysquad]

Brilliant, thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@TankManHeavy]

I'm a simple man, I see a video with Kevin Hicks & The History Squad, and I click it.

[@thehistorysquad]

😄 simple is good 👍🏻

[@nicthecow1340]

Very interesting film! Saskatoon museum looks pretty nice too!

[@ZvZd]

Kevin, I absolutely adore your channel, keep it up!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks!! Will do. 👍🏻

[@gerardhogan3]

I've always enjoyed your stories Kevin, cheers Gerard and greetings from Australia

[@thehistorysquad]

G'day mate, you'll be having a warmer Christmas than me. Thanks for watching the channel 👍🏻

[@passionforlust]

Excellent and most informative video Kevin, cheers!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Dan, glad you liked it.

[@SHDW-nf2ki]

Of course the officer is indoors during the winter! Keep up the amazing content.

[@shadowsam4208]

I absolutly love these videos!

[@wolfgangholtzclaw2637]

So sorry -30 for you Kevin, and me in Florida and right now about 70 degrees in Tallahassee! So keep warm... Love how you review what the troops have and hold on to. Having been one myself. Remember on the DMZ Korea 1976, the Platoon Sergeant looks at me and says: "Hey Wolfgang, you are now our "hunter killer" team". So they gave me a 66mm LAW (Light anti Tank Weapon). And their I dug in behind the platoon position. Idea was if the N. Korean T 55 drives up I can take a nice quick shot before it pivot steers me into the soil. But no one said anyone attacking that day, so took my C Rat apart got the coffee, creamer, and cocoa beverage powder made some nice Mocha. You take the brown cardboard sides of the C Rat and the matches, tear them up and then from the coco bev can you cut it into a little stove, put the canteen cup on top and in 5 minutes brewing time its ok! Sipped and enjoyed being 20 years old and a long way from home. In my pockets had that can opener thing and yes the New Testament book of John, you know King James Version which is the only version I read today, lots of yanks like me. We had to all read it cover to cover when we got saved back at the old Baptist Church at Bienville Parish, Louisiana. My Uncle Jesse, made the motion that I be voted in as a member due to my conversion. He was a World War One American and occupation of Germany soldier. So glad it was only Mocha and not bits of me ground around. Just like every soldier another day with Tea or Coffee and a little grub... well you are still alive you sorry mother!!!! That is what it really means, you are young and still alive.. Old now... You get me in the heart. Peace to you in the name of Jesus, yes King James Version!!!

[@thehistorysquad]

Only a soldier knows how eh? God bless to you too. 👍🏻

[@catfish4729]

Well done thank you for doing what you do people should never forget what people went through back then if it wasn't for people like you everything would all be forgotten about and children need to know everything about wars and what it was all about thank you

[@hemaccabe4292]

Fascinating. Not interested so much in WWI, but you make it so interesting.

[@TEXASREDD76]

Very sharp uniform and very insightful to what many Great War soldiers had on them on the daily aside from rifle and kit

[@stephenwarhurst6615]

I've seen in WW1 archaeological digs the only way to identify skeletal remains of the falling are Spoons because the soldiers would carve their names , initials or service number on the spoons to stop them from being stolen by their trench mates.

[@marksaint-john3722]

Thanks History Squad for some fine and interesting content.

[@thehistorysquad]

Our pleasure!

[@kingjoe3rd]

great as always kevin

[@philslaton7302]

''A little memento of France,'' love it Kevin! All young guys should have a ''memento'' of France.

[@thehistorysquad]

😂

[@MoreofMac]

So interesting. Love these.

[@sirwi11iam]

It's -6 here in Blighty and I think that's cold enough 🤣

[@michealgillman7418]

Brilliant Kevin as always. Often wondered what was in all those pockets! It's positively balmy here in the UK, only around -3 at the moment! Regards Mick

[@thehistorysquad]

😜

[@noahculver8936]

I'm an early war german reinactor and boy I use my Gurffle at every meal. Wherever I go, I'm never without my spork. Love your documentaries.

[@gloworm6387]

-30d! 🥶 🌬️ 🌨️ Lord have mercy! Fascinating wardrobe. Merry Christmas Kevin.

[@thehistorysquad]

Same to you! Thanks

[@edgaraquino2324]

Very interesting, thanks! Had no idea the variety of items a soldier would have on his person...& not counting his field kit, helmet & rifle...subbed...

[@thehistorysquad]

Great, thank you, and thanks for your sub too, it's appreciated.

[@edgaraquino2324]

@@thehistorysquad you are most welcome!

[@Seldris]

9:01 Nice Strategic Swagger stick placement lol

[@SteveMikre44]

Thank you Kevin for thus very interesting episode. The Great War is my favorite history topic so I truly enjoyed every minute of the video...

[@thehistorysquad]

Thats great to hear, thanks 👍🏻

[@carlmitchell3431]

Wow fantastic as always Kivin my I take this opportunity to wish you and your family a very happy Christmas and New year.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you Carl, and you too. 👍🏻

[@YewrinePish]

Holy shit, man. This is great! Big ups

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers!

[@larryselkirk426]

Thank you. My grandfather's brother would have worn a uniform similar to that.

[@legus9684]

Good stuff. It's always interesting to see the little details that sometimes have absolutely nothing to do with the event that era came to be known for. A spoon, an old watch, a picture of some french lady. Who knows what other random stuff these lads would carry with them.

[@mickusable]

Too many of todays youngsters know little to nothing of their countries history, you Sir make history interesting be it recent or way back in time, keep up the good work Kevin, Happy Yuletide to you and yours 🤘🏹

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Mick, and a Happy Christmas to you too.

[@mickusable]

Thank you Sir 🤘🏹

[@blueneeson9888]

Thanks Kevin For This Brilliant Video From Blue

[@thehistorysquad]

Very welcome

[@peoniesandpetunias61]

Very interesting, thanks!

[@SolidSnnake]

Love your channel Kevin

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers mate 👍🏻

[@HobbiesHobo]

Always interesting content, glad I found this channel, Seasons greetings Kevin! Mike.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Mike 👍🏻

[@yvonnepetty3400]

Thanks Kevin 🇿🇦. I still have my Father in laws sewing kit. He was gassed twice and sent back to the front. He lied about his age. I think he was 17yrs old. My best to you & your Wife. Wales for ever. Xxx

[@thehistorysquad]

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 thanks Yvonne

[@gabbagandalf7815]

Thank you for your great Videos :D greetings from germany and have a wonderful christmastime all :D

[@lonewolfandcub668]

Great stuff

[@Jellybeat90]

your videos are the best Kevin. thank you for sharing all your knowledge. i am from the netherlands and was on a road trip last summer in northumberland. we visited Alnwick castle (beautifull!) and i saw this person shooting a longbow in the distance. had to get closer to check if it was you.. that would have bin a really big coincedince offcourse. i wish you and yours a merry christmas ♥

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Jellybeat, and a Merry Christmas to you too. I have visited Alnwick, but never worked there 👍🏻

[@kirkmorrison6131]

Wonderful video, the kit doesn't change to much over time. Items are added and dropped but for the most part the basic kit is the same.

[@mapatterson173]

Thank you for another interesting video. Really never thought about the problem with white handkerchiefs. Of course, I always carried brown. I hope you do a Christmas video. No matter your religion, it always seemed the Christmas season was dear to all soldier’s hearts.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Margaret, yes there'll be two out next week, Julie's still to edit them. 👍🏻

[@mapatterson173]

@@thehistorysquad yay. Thank you.

[@murkyseb]

That was very interesting great work

[@ronyolo8419]

I subscribed after 10 seconds

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, thanks 👍🏻

[@bryanferguson4927]

Love this channel.

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad to hear it! Thanks 👍🏻

[@ludecom-cz1wz]

A spoon in the boot was an excellent ending .

[@soma4u289]

Looking magnificent in that uniform Soldier! But apart from Duty that must be done I wouldn't have swapped my Christmas at home for the trenches. Those personal momentos are so important a reflection of lives that could have been. R.I.P. Uncle Albert and the rest.

[@reaperiscomingforme]

@historysquad can you do an episode about your uncle please if it doesn't upset you that is I'm sure we would love to hear what he did and what regiment he was and combat he saw. With respect to you uncle

[@thehistorysquad]

What a lovely idea, I've not thought of doing it but certainly will now. I'll have to see what more information I can glean from my Dad 👍🏻

[@reaperiscomingforme]

@@thehistorysquad thank love your channel sorry I can't support moneys tight cost of living but I subscribe and liked

[@thehistorysquad]

@@reaperiscomingforme We're just super glad to have you aboard and appreciate your sub. Sharing vids is another way that helps the algorithm 👍🏻

[@JohnDoe-bw7bq]

What?!? No knife?!? No matches?!? No maps?!? No file or saw?!?... Gun?!?... those poor soldiers were indeed in the face of peril... 😯

[@RichardT2112]

Welcome to Canada! Happy Christmas from Vancouver!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you! Same to you!

[@jbradshaw4236]

Always have your racing spoon handy!

[@thehistorysquad]

Always!

[@thehistoadian]

0:16 I am definitely (surprisingly) missing the -30 weather! Oklahoma is much warmer than the good ol' Canadian prairie. Can't wait to return in a couple years

[@thehistorysquad]

Interesting isn't it, we prefer the dry cold here to the damp miserable cold of England. We get much more sunshine too 👍🏻

[@Hhobby79]

Love your films

[@Tracy81258]

Any vet can tell you that you live out of your rucksack, but you survive out of your pockets.

[@bobthompson4133]

I’ve got 4 shillings a sixpence, a thruppence a penny a ha’penny and a farthing all dated 1911-1917

[@dinnerwithfranklin2451]

Very interesting, thank you.

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@sandwichdelta]

"Don't forget your stick, lieutenant." "Bravo, sir. Wouldn't want to face a machine gun without this!"

[@thehistorysquad]

😜

[@najroe]

I still always Carry a spoon! Knife and ligheter, as well as a light source, and I am well past 50, the habit just was very convenient for me as my work after military was outdoors and more or less solidified the habits as useful.

[@tdoran616]

Amazing, would love for you to do a video on the Home Guard “Dads army” during WW2

[@thehistorysquad]

Good idea, I'll add it to my list 👍🏻

[@worldcomicsreview354]

Especially on the haphazard kit issue before production ramped up, expected to fight with sharpened broom handles, and so on!

[@justinwarren7643]

Thanks!