Italy Switches Sides in World War Two - War Against Humanity 077 - September 11, 1943

[@WorldWarTwo]

Join the TimeGhost Army: bit.ly/WAH_077_PI What has Italy's role been thus far in the war against humanity waged by the Axis? Do they really deserve any credit for the meager protection they offered their Jewish citizens from Germany, or is their alliance with the Nazi state by extension a partnership in crime?

[@SamAronow]

Yes.

[@tomgjgj]

As an italian, individual italians and even fascists may have helped jews. Most didn't care about them either way. But as a collective society, we were allies of the Nazis, and therefore I believe we shared in their crimes.

[@danielnavarro537]

I don’t think all of Italy should be responsible. But those, people who partook in crimes and other acts of barbarism shall be punished. Acts of brutality in Yugoslavia, Albania, and Greece. The Italians who brought suffering and death to civilians should face punishment.

[@ИльяКим-ю3е]

@@tomgjgj in 1944-1945 Giovanni magli, alberto da zara, Giuseppe de stefanis were against germans and RSI? It's truth???

[@nationalcarshippinginc645]

What was the point of keeping german troops in Italy at this point in the war, Why not consolidate all these troops and fall back to defensive lines in Austria and layer them to the German Border. Also, how much longer does war go on if germany doesn't attack during battle of bulge and saves all that equipment and divisions to defend german territory? Does war last another year maybe 2 and they are able to negotiate a limited surrender?

[@TLTeo]

My grandfather was an army doctor in the military hospital in Turin. On Sep 8th when the surrender was revealed, he was left with no orders or instructions like most of the rest of the Italian Army in the North, so he decided to try to get to Milan to check on his family. When he got there he was arrested by German soldiers and, in his words, "taken away". He would always tell the story of how he'd walked the whole way between the two cities hiding from Allied aircraft and German patrols, but he refused to say anything about his captivity. Never a word about where he went or what he saw between 1943 and 1946 when he managed to return to Italy, he took it all with him when he passed away. My grandma said that he was changed after the war - his personality got darker, as if he couldn't feel happiness anymore, and eventually their marriage collapsed. Never forget.

[@lynnwood7205]

Thank You for this post. Prayers for your grandfather.

[@657449]

@@lynnwood7205 thank you for sharing his story. I hope that he finally found peace.

[@lynnwood7205]

@@657449 please, I was thanking Matteo who posted this story of his grandfather.

[@samdumaquis2033]

Very sorry for him

[@neilwilson5785]

It is so sad when someone survives but cannot get back to a happy life. Primo Levi wrote about his life in the aftermath of the German takeover of Italy, and his time in the concentration camps. I reccommend his books if you wish to learn more.

[@brainyskeletonofdoom7824]

My grandpa was a soldier ( formerly mountain artillery) deployed in the naval base of La Spezia as a Flak 88 gunner during the 8th of September. He told me that the commander gathered eveyone on the base and told them the can either go back to their families or follow German orders. Luckily he lived relatively not too far from there, and he was able to walk home in one day, hiding from the German troops looking for disbanded soldiers. He buried his uniform and under false identity he returned to his farming life in the mountains, able to provide again for his struggling family. The secluded valley where he was from was choosen by ex-soldiers to became the base of the first partisan formations of the region, that later became a full division (Divisione Cichero); this made the nazifascist distrustful of the local peasants, and they set fire to the village two times. My grandpa, while refusing to fight directly, as he was a devout christian with a religious education, saw the partisans as starving men hiding from the invaders, and helped them with food and info, becoming personal friend of their commander, nicknamed Bisagno. The nazifascists destroyed his home twice, and twice he rebuilt it with his own hands, stone after stone, and everytime they stole everything he had. Coming from a military background, those partisans were very disciplined, effective and with high morale, so they became allies of the farmers, with a written code of honour that stated, between other things: "never steal from the people, always ask and always be thankful". The partisans power increased greatly when they managed to recruit a battalion of fascist Alpini recruits sent for an antipartisan raid (from the Divisione Monterosa). With this added manpower and equipment they managed to encircle the German garrison of the city of Genoa (one of the main Italian ports and industrial centre), which surrendered to them in exchange of being allowed to live the region unharmed. They liberated the strategic city before the arrival of Allied land forces. After the war my grandfather became known as a firsthand source on partisan war, as he saw most of the major events with his own eyes, and even wrote two books, a great achievement at the time for a poor farmer. He passed away at 97 in 2010, having great health and memory until the end, proud to have saved his hometown and family more than one time without ever harming anyone. The valley still is full of solitary crosses, marking executions in the woods and on the roadside, reminding us of what fascism did to those who wanted freedom and rights.

[@lynnwood7205]

Thank you for giving us this account. God Bless

[@brainyskeletonofdoom7824]

@@lynnwood7205 thanks :)

[@ridethecurve55]

Sparty, I was wondering if there were any historic accounts of the stories people spoke or wrote about in this invasion? First-hand accounts are SO moving, and Vital for history...and the Time Ghost members! Thank You!

[@ThePizzaGoblin]

What were the books he wrote? My dad might like them

[@brainyskeletonofdoom7824]

@@ThePizzaGoblin the books were published by a small local editor, and copies aren't available anymore, one was about the history of the province from pre-roman times to the '60s and the other about the resistance war, but they were incorporated and expanded in research books by historians of (I think) the Genoa university. If I can find the name of those I'll write it here

[@alexamerling79]

Italy: "Woohoo the war is over!" Wehrmacht: "Not so fast."

[@Marco-1997]

Italians: Il Piave mormorò, non passa lo straniero

[@kinglars2280]

the Italians know, what the Germans talk about of, when they say: "Strike hard, strike fast!" - this was 1943 ... the French know it too. from 1871, WW I , and WW II / 1940 ( War is Shit!)😎

[@FlagAnthem]

You had people cheering for the King, for the country and the end of the war and throwing down Mussolini statues and fasces then the nazis invaded the King fled the civil war started

[@Leonard-td5rn]

You had traitors like Badoglio who invited the Germans into Italy then he and the King abandoned the Italian army

[@hillbillykoi5534]

The endings of this series are always so powerful. I end up just sitting in silence. Thank you all for what you do every week. Never forget.

[@Carewolf]

I thought they were better when they were less expected, and only for special episodes.

[@v_iancu]

@@Carewolf WAH are all special episodes.

[@roderickcampbell2105]

Hi Hill. Me too. I always prepare myself before WAH. So hard to watch, but it must be watched. Never forget alright. Peace to you.

[@WorldWarTwo]

Thank you for your very kind words of support. It's thanks to you & everyone in the TimeGhost Army that we're able to make this production and remember the victims of this war. Never forget

[@francescorossi3194]

My grandfather Giuseppe fought with Rommel in Africa and was captured in Tobruk 1943. His brother Iano fought in Greece, when the armistice came he was deported to Germany but survived.

[@rosstapson]

My grandfather, Nathan Feldman, was captured by the Germans in Tobruk. He was fortunate, I suspect, to have been held in an Italian POW camp, and he returned to his family. He was a gentle, quiet man, whose memory I hold dear. I know that many Italian POW's were held here in South Africa, and many of their descendants live here still.

[@francescorossi3194]

@@rosstapson Germans didnt treat well Italian POWs

[@tancreddehauteville764]

@@francescorossi3194 Because they were considered traitors. But those who joined the RSI army or volunteered to help the Germans in some capacity were treated fine.

[@francescorossi3194]

@@tancreddehauteville764 i know. On my father side instead, some of my grandmother's Brothers fought for the Germans

[@ИльяКим-ю3е]

In 1944-1945 giuseppe de stefanis, alberto da zara, giovanni magli were against germans and RSI? It's truth?

[@MrHusker1996]

My high school used to organise trips to Auschwitz and Terezín, where we even spent few nights with holocaust survivors telling their stories, visit to that place made sure that I will, as you say, never forget.

[@arseface2k934]

watching this series makes it all the more satisfying to watch the axis start collapsing in the main series

[@hannahskipper2764]

How did I miss this episode for almost a week? I'm glad I finally caught it. Excellent work, Sparty and team. Never forget.

[@dylanhess791]

That closing monolog was pure unfetered poetry of the highest order!

[@michealscott7292]

I undoubtedly concur!!

[@Geoduck.]

Your last words were so appropriate while at the same time chilling. Well stated and true, thank you Spartacus,

[@WorldWarTwo]

Thank you for watching & helping us remember the victims of this terrible war.

[@mammuchan8923]

Every time in this series when I hear of a group of Jews that was previously “safe”, and are now going vulnerable to being caught up in the monstrous Holocaust, I feel sick to my stomach, in addition to the usual horro of these episodes. These people must have lived with the hope that they stood a chance to survive the war. Hope, such a bittersweet and dangerous emotion.

[@gianniverschueren870]

Ooof that's a really classy colour scheme, especially i combination with the jacket. Excellent tie indeed. 4.5/5

[@spartacus-olsson]

Thank you!

[@averymiller2255]

Yes you look great Spartacus, I aim to be as classy one day

[@Aramis419]

My ancestors - first generation Italian- and German-Americans were sent to the Pacific during THE War. They all survived, by the grace of whatever deity you believe in - and always laughed when they heard someone say "Violence doesn't solve anything!" and would respond, "TELL THAT TO TOJO AND HIMMLER!"

[@WorldWarTwo]

Thank you for sharing about your family here.

[@Rendarth1]

I really wonder what could have happened if Italy had planned more for the armistice. Most units had no orders at all on what to do. A general announcement to resist and hold positions (or conduct orderly retreats) could have gone a long way toward defeating Germany earlier.

[@tomhenry897]

Italy surrendered, why would die for it

[@michaely6665]

There was little planning in Italy's whole war effort 1940 -> it was tragic and flawed. They should have followed Spain's example. Mussolini's writings "a year in a week" (translation?) describing the collapse of "his" government is excellent and worthwhile reading, he was a journalist after all!

[@FlagAnthem]

@@tomhenry897 how about NOT being invaded, occupied, sacked and mass murdered?

[@FlagAnthem]

Ideal: sealing the Brenner, building a reverse gothic line, while intimate Germans to leave OR ELSE... Pragmatic: fortify Rome, sending the whole fleet and air force to South, secure the Royal succession and command chain while leaving both the chief staff AND the King in Rome Reality: ...we know what happened

[@Rendarth1]

@@FlagAnthem Yes, the pragmatic one is what I had in mind. It would be easy to coordinate with the Allies in terms of the fleet and airforce, and while the army would still be quite demoralized, there would be less confusion and more of an understanding of what to do and why.

[@lttacos2092]

Excellent audio my dudes! I can hear you clearly and at 90%!!! Not sure what your doing but keep it up! Love the series when i can hear it!

[@gunman47]

Missed the premiere due to the late timing and will probably catch the video later after work. Still, Italy's surrender and the changing of sides does make things a little complex to judge at times. Thanks guys for the great coverage as usual. Never forget.

[@ridethecurve55]

I now know where the musical group 'Mannheim Steamroller' got their name. I wonder if any British bombers were given this name before flight?

[@thebog11]

@@ridethecurve55 The name "Mannheim Steamroller" comes from the term "Mannheim Roller", which is a term from classical music. It has nothing to do with the war. You can read about it here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mannheim_Steamroller

[@WorldWarTwo]

Thanks for your unwavering support, Dickson! I'm catching up on comments so this one will be late, but we're always glad having you with us!

[@briantarigan7685]

Italians: *decided to surrender their weapons, sold them, or outright defect to Greek Partisans Greeks: Christmas come early boys !!!

[@andrewedwards2211]

Nothing is ever simple is it.

[@SasBald]

Thanks!

[@WorldWarTwo]

Thank you for watching!

[@MGood-ij1hi]

I've watched a lot of documentaries on World War Two , but this series alone is like having my face rubbed in the ugliness of that war because it covers the horror in weekly detail where most other examinations of that war just skim over it.

[@WorldWarTwo]

Unfortunately to study this war, there is no way other than to have your face shoved in the ugliness of it. Though we cover this seemingly endless carnage every week, we don't get used to it. Like hope, love for our fellow humans springs eternal. And it's only through an earnest exploration of others' lives and suffering that we're able to take positive lessons from such hate. Thank you for watching and helping us remember the victims.

[@naveenraj2008eee]

Hi Sparty Another week of suffering. But still there is hope. Never forget.

[@tailgunner2]

Makes me wonder what my grandfather had to face. Granted, he was a humble worker, employed to make rope for the Italian navy. But to suddenly lose his job in 1943, then get hired by Gen. Patton's forces, again labor (I still have his old paychecks stamped U.S. Army) that would be too much. However, he did manage to emigrate to the U.S. with his family. Me, I'm first generation American, though my dad can tell me ALOT of the day to day emotions that was going on. Like how 70,000 soldiers were supposed to return home from fighting the Russians, but Musolinni had them sent to Germany instead because "It would hurt public morale." From the stories they would tell.

[@WorldWarTwo]

Thank you for sharing about your grandfather's experience in Italy

[@chuckvt5196]

It is just so hard to comprehend the torment and suffering of so much of humanity during these times. It just boggles the mind, and yet, we see it repeated throughout history and even going on today. It's so hard to fathom.

[@ToddSauve]

When people get put in a difficult position they do what they usually do. As in most do nothing.

[@MrFetalposition]

At 12:45 an unfortunate typo. I think you meant humanly and not humanely. I don't Himmler ever did anything humanely. Thank you so much for your efforts and great videos!

[@jonathanbeeson8614]

Yes, the irony of that typo was chilling.

[@MrFetalposition]

@@antonisauren8998 What?

[@antonisauren8998]

@@MrFetalposition Sorry, didn't read that properly.

[@harryspeakup8452]

"Do everything humanely(!) possible" is an uncharacteristic and ironic typing error in the Himmler quote

[@lacasadipavlov]

Italy did not switch side, it sued for peace

[@FlagAnthem]

and obtained it and the Nazis backstabbed

[@GuyInBlackClothes]

Didn't know you were uneducated in WW2 history. The southern part of Italy who were saved by the Allies, surrendered to the Allies and became the Italian Co-Belligerent Army. This includes Royal Soldiers of the King Emmanuel III. Nice try lol

[@lacasadipavlov]

@@GuyInBlackClothes what a toxic way to start a comment... Anyway, after the armistice the Germans invaded and raped Italy. On the 13th of October Italy finally declared war, receiving the status of co-belligerent. The first nucleus of the Italian Co-belligerent Army was created only in November. Next time think twice...

[@brokenbridge6316]

What you said about Hatred itself Sparty. Really got me. Truest description of that emotion I've ever heard. Never Forget.

[@WorldWarTwo]

Thank you for your ardent support and always kind words. I've probably said it before, but you're a Robust Bridge who builds connections here, not a Broken one! We really value those of you whose names we see every single episode, and your reflective, appreciative comments really do make a difference to us. Thanks for always being here and helping make the TimeGhost community so great.

[@rabihrac]

How powerful is your message, Spartacus, indeed, never forget... I think resistance to tyranny is the right answer, but one can only kill hatred with love. Keep up with your great work! Can't wait for the next episode WAH 078

[@WorldWarTwo]

Thank you for watching every week, and we'll see you next time!

[@rashkavar]

With the use of the delayed explosive bombs mentioned here, any shadow of an argument for the goal of these raids being infrastructure damage goes completely out the window. In modern versions, the delay of these explosives is extremely small and they are used in guided bombs and missiles intended to smash through a bunker through pure kinetic force before detonating inside. These munitions are known as bunker busters. That is not the case here: these delayed bombs in WWII are intended to go off much later, disrupting salvage operations, killing cleanup crews and generally making people fear that a bombed area will have bombs just waiting to go off. More sophisticated ones used later in the war are triggered not by a timer but by tamper-detection systems like a tilt sensor, thus only triggering when salvage crews disturb it or when bomb disposal crews are trying to disarm it. The air crews may well not have known the true goal of their bombing raids. My grandfather was a navigator on a Lancaster for much of 1944, and in his memoirs he claims emphatically that they were sent to bomb factories, not people. But, unless there's a dramatic shift in bombing practices coming up in the next 5-6 months (which seems unlikely) it seems he was misled by his superiors.

[@stevekaczynski3793]

Delayed-action bombs were also frequently used in air raids on North Korean cities during the Korean War.

[@lordgarion514]

Actually, those fuses make perfect sense. The goal was to put things out of commission, for as long as possible. What better way than to kill a bunch of the people who know how to disarm bombs, and make it take much longer to clear the bombs.

[@garcalej]

Italy: It’s over. We shall fight no more. Hitler: Execute Order 66…..

[@FlagAnthem]

uncannily true

[@hreader]

Well said from around 16:00. Never forget!

[@WorldWarTwo]

Thank you Humphrey

[@jerrydeem8946]

I just had a " hey take a look at this channel that just rolled in on the "algo" moment. Glad l did, I'll be perusing you commentary more often. I liked the delivery. Thanks.

[@WorldWarTwo]

Jerry I'm very glad the algo connected us! Welcome to the channel and I hope you enjoy all our weekly and special episodes! Be sure to check out the community tab for daily WW2 posts as well, and welcome aboard!!

[@belbrighton6479]

Another great episode, thank you.

[@WorldWarTwo]

Thank you Bel

[@ianjentle5483]

A very small correction Spary. The Guardian newspaper was based in Manchester, not London and didn't drop that city's man from it's banner until 1950.

[@fredaaron762]

Italy could have done more to protect the Jews living there. As you point out, those in the north and central parts were as surprised by the announcement of the armistice as their soldiers. It is an incredible lost opportunity since Badoglio and his fellow leaders had a full week to organize resistance, as well as to set up a means to evacuate Jews and other at risk civilians before they could fall into the clutches of the Germans. Vittorio de Sica made a brilliant film called Il giardino dei Finzi Contini (1970) about a wealthy Jewish family in Ferrara in the years leading up to and ending with the Nazi occupation. It is based on the novel of the same name by Giorgio Bassani, and I highly recommend it for anyone interested in this era and the experience of Jews in Italy during this time period.

[@euanthomas1313]

Oh Spartacus another extremely powerful presentation. I believe your video should be shown to all young people so they learn the true horrors of the Second World War. Keep up the great impressive work old boy.

[@WorldWarTwo]

Euan Thank you for the very kind words of support. Please stay tuned every week for more of our coverage

[@jameslebron2403]

That monologue at the end was epic.

[@WorldWarTwo]

Thank you James

[@scottjuhnke6825]

Thank you for never shirking from the Horrors of War.

[@WorldWarTwo]

Thank you for helping us remember these horrors, Scott

[@Game_Hero]

The new thumbnail look is quite confusing, I thought this was a regular episode. In the old one, different series were clearly distinct in style from one another (and with the text on the thumbnail's banner indicating clearly what series it was)

[@FilipSzB]

That ending man... DAMN! GJ TG

[@spartacus-olsson]

Thank you

[@AdamPernak]

You mentioned 350 000"rod bombs" dropped on Ludwigshafen - were they some sort of inert kinetic munition ?

[@petergray7576]

British incendiary bombs were cluster munitions, and magnesium rods were their most common payload.

[@heididragonfly]

Bravo. Thank you SO much. Amazing content. Never surrender!!!

[@WorldWarTwo]

Thank you heidi! We could not do it without you in our wonderful audience, please stay tuned and tell your friends to join the TimeGhost Army today and help us make more historical content you love! www.patreon.com/join/timeghosthistory

[@SuperArkleo]

Excellent presentation!

[@WorldWarTwo]

Thank you!

[@eisbergsyndrom5010]

The part at the end was very well written and executed.

[@spartacus-olsson]

Thank you!

[@barrygray3615]

Just to save you from reading 80% of the comments: 1. The United Nations were really a thing during the war. 2. Rod bombs are incendiaries. 3. There’s a typo in one of the graphics 😱.

[@spartacus-olsson]

😂 thank you

[@JnnyUtah35]

I love the series so I don't want to sound critical, just constructive. Listening on mobile it's still difficult to hear the end of a lot of Spartacus's sentences. But thank you, and keep the great content coming!

[@oliversherman2414]

I love your channel keep up the great stuff!

[@WorldWarTwo]

Thanks Oliver!

[@onanthebarbarian9883]

The running bit of "Smiling Albert Kesselring" bit makes me happy every time I hear it.

[@FlagAnthem]

you won't like it once you'll know the 10 to 1 punishment ratio

[@kostassalerakis1024]

It's probably the only thing on the whole channel that I don't like. Wtf does it even mean, dude's a war criminal.

[@stevekaczynski3793]

Mannheim's relatively good air raid shelter programme is mentioned. Dresden neglected such defences, as will become clear later in the war.

[@jjeherrera]

As a former Italian officer, who served in the Eastern front, once told me: Italy lost the war twice.

[@comdo831]

WWII was one of those wars where being on the losing side actually carried many benefits. Ask Poland what it meant to be on the winning team.

[@cwovictor3281]

I don't think Poland got much good out of the arrangement either.

[@andrewklang809]

@@diegoz-j6z They lost to the Allies over three years of fighting, including losing almost everyone they sent into Russia, and then when they surrendered to the Allies, they lost to the Germans in three days.

[@potato88872]

@@andrewklang809 duh, we were disbanding, did you expect anything more ?

[@andrewklang809]

@@potato88872 I would expect anyone with any sense NOT TO TRUST THE NAZIS.

[@elveheim]

Great video as always!

[@DrJones20]

1:20 Wasn't Amon Goeth's daughter born after the war? That's all I can find on Google.

[@varana]

The daughter you're referring to (I think) was from his liaison with Ruth Kalder during his time in Krakow and Plaszow; he never married Kalder, though. Göth was married twice; the second marriage lasted from 1938 to 1945, and his daughter Ingeborg (the girl on the picture) was born in 1941.

[@DrJones20]

@@varana I can't find any information about Ingeborg, do you have any links?

[@varana]

@@DrJones20 Not really. His wife Anna (née Geiger) stayed back home in Vienna during Göth's time at Plaszow, and they got divorced in late 1945. She and their children seem to have faded from the public eye. Both Göth's daughter from the relationship with Kalder (Monika Hertwig) and her daughter (his granddaughter, Jennifer Teege) wrote memoirs, but AFAIK, they only very briefly refer to the other children (basically only that they existed), and don't mention them at all in the post-war time.

[@DrJones20]

@@varana Strange.

[@jkuhl2492]

Jesus christ, the end speech is haunting but appropriate.

[@Zen-sx5io]

Thank you for the episode.

[@WorldWarTwo]

Thank you Zen.

[@oneshotme]

Enjoyed your video and I gave it a Thumbs Up for the support of your channel

[@WorldWarTwo]

Thanks for your support as always 👍

[@FloridatedH2O]

What are "rod bombs"?...after a quick Google search the best I could find were cluster bombs with many non-explosive solid steel kinetic projectiles ("Lazy Dogs") inside. Are these the same thing?

[@Anton_Chigurh_2007]

I had the same question, I've never heard of these. I think some large darts were dropped over trenches during WWI and there were some container bombs during WWII that would scatter flechettes when detonated, but I've never heard them called that and the projectiles don't look like rods.

[@blueboats7530]

I suspect this refers to magnesium incendiaries which are essentially fat metal rods which ignited at one end and so they will burn for quite awhile and they cannot be extinguished

[@spartacus-olsson]

@@blueboats7530 correct

[@ryangale3757]

@@spartacus-olsson Thank you for the clarification; that was my guess, but was gonna ask the same question as well cause I had never heard of rod bombs before. Not often these days that I learn something new in that area haha.

[@ggregd]

Doesn't everyone call them incendiaries? I've never heard the term "Rod Bomb."

[@zakariaalami1491]

I'm from Morocco and my maternal grandfather fought with the allies to liberate italy he will go on until they reach germany itself ,probably baden wutenbourg , i dont remember him very much because he died when i was 6 yo , but my mother told us about a story in wich hes unit occupied a german farm, the owner of the farm was forced to eat in the kitchen with his familly while the dinning room was reserved . My grandfather comming from an islamic culture where the man of the house in always respected told hes comarades that this behavior is disrespectful and stupid. And vefore he know it the news reached hes commander ( probably a french ) , he summoned him , poor gramps was afraid that he was going to be executed or at least punished , but the officer congratulated him and permitted the farmowner to dine with them as a sign of respect . The wife and daughter of the german farmer were very thrilled and often smuggled nice , fresh food to him and his moroccans camarades . Ps : he also was shot in the leg in Italy .

[@WorldWarTwo]

Zakaria Thank you for sharing that story from your grandfather, amazing how a little unexpected kindness can save someone in war, and eventually brings you here to share it with us. I hope that shot in the leg didn't cause him too much trouble.

[@zakariaalami1491]

@@WorldWarTwo thank you for the reply , nope he lived a good life , untile he died peacefully in his bed at age 80

[@divarachelenvy]

Never Forget..

[@WorldWarTwo]

Thanks for always being here to help us remember, rachel

[@kidmohair8151]

it is good that the Allied war crimes against humanity are included in most episodes...we weren't all sweetness and light in our waging of the war. never forget. never again

[@WorldWarTwo]

Thank you for helping us remember this tragic war every week. See you next time, Kid Mohair

[@darvennej4495]

There was 31 Italian Esercito/Occupation divisions in the Balkans ,not many got out> and it wasn't the just the Germans, the Croats,Bugarian,Hungarian and Rumanian troops filtered into the Yugoslavian Topography to either take them for POW's hardily likley and they lined them up and executed them. Balkanization is and always been a grab for land. The ones who kept their guns and material was prepared to go down fighting ,instead of being slaughtered.

[@kdavidson1386]

Its so weird to see this video, my ancestors prior to 1900 were primarily from Mannheim and Ludwigshafen on Rhein. Weird to think I might've had some relatives still there at the time of the bombing. My family still has the "fine china" cutlery and plates supposedly passed down over the last 100 years. Very interesting stuff to look at, it at minimum regardless of where it came from is 80+ years old.

[@WorldWarTwo]

Thank you for sharing about your family history

[@salvatorepitea5862]

Curious as to whether Helga and her family made it out alive at the end of the war ??

[@varana]

Yes. She was deported to Auschwitz later but survived. She died in 2020.

[@earlyriser8998]

well written alliteration of how the last months (years) of the Reich were for those in the occupied territories I can't help but get concerned about the language used in the USA to describe political opponents by those in power and wonder where that will lead

[@villesaarenketo2506]

Most powerful ending speech so far.

[@WorldWarTwo]

Thank you for watching and helping remember the victims

[@skyden24195]

I find it incredibly ironic that Himmler would use the phrase, "And do everything *humanely* possible." -As if Himmler had any real idea of what "humanely" meant.

[@myyoutubeyee]

Great episode.

[@WorldWarTwo]

Thank you Geoff

[@arutka2000]

Sparty, I won't ask if you're ok. Anyone doing this much in depth research on this subject can't be. I did want to say that the past few weeks I've noticed that your ending monologues are getting more and more passionate. It's almost certainly caused by the fact that we're approaching the crescendo of this nightmarish tale of human suffering and depravity. Steady on though. You and the others are doing important work. Especially now, as the generations that survived and witnessed these events are burning out. Very soon, this will no longer be in living memory. And we can already see the world is forgetting. It's as you say at the end of each and every episode: Never forget. Because we cannot afford to.

[@robertmiller9735]

It doesn't help that we're falling into the same pit again now.

[@arutka2000]

@@robertmiller9735 That's what I'm saying. Because our memories of this are dying. And those who have certain motives are using revisionist history to justify their terrible ideas.

[@robertmiller9735]

@@arutka2000 Holocaust denial was a thing 40 years ago. I'm convinced most people will refuse to acknowledge it's happening until they, personally, are killed. This knowledge needs to be preserved, but I don't think it'll prevent anything, sadly.

[@stewarti7192]

A small point, but the Guardian was not a 'London newspaper', but at this point still called the Manchester Guardian, as that is where it was published.

[@WorldWarTwo]

Thank you for the correction Stewart

[@waltuh11121]

Funny thing: In my phone, KZbin is trying to avoid this video, I stop at the thumbnail and KZbin automatically scrolls down. I hate this platform

[@jasonmussett2129]

A brilliant series. Never forget.

[@scottmwilhelms2437]

Forgetting doesn't seem to be the problem as too many refuse to accept or remain ignorant of how black a human heart can get. There are beliefs that are incompatible with civilized society that deserve only contempt, salted ground and if required eradication. Most monsters aren't merely born they're cultivated in humanity's tainted fields leaving them well fed.

[@paulrobertson4058]

so powerful. thank you so much

[@WorldWarTwo]

Thank you for watching, Paul

[@5777Whatup]

Already starting the DDay project? Oh yes, this will be more than amazing!!

[@WorldWarTwo]

Actually we started research for the D-Day project almost a year ago! The crew and interns put in many, many hours already, so I hope you'll stay tuned til the big show in June

[@5777Whatup]

@@WorldWarTwo oh I should have been specific. I meant video/travel for the project. I knew you had already done some script work. Will be here lord willing! Have not missed an episode yet! EXCELSIOR!!

[@stevekaczynski3793]

14:10 - Despite Nazi racial theory it is striking how "Aryan" several of the Jewish children look.

[@veeaa]

What's up with your audio in the last two videos?

[@rogiernorbruis9672]

Incredible to see a monster like amon goeth with his tiny daughter that he probably loved very much

[@stevekaczynski3793]

In photos of him Goeth often looks like a typical Austrian or German who is too fond of beer and likes to peel his shirt off when it is sunny but is otherwise unremarkable.

[@z000ey]

Great episode as always, many thanks! One note though, there is a lack of coverage of the Italian surrender in Dalmatia and the consequences? I sure hope that is planned for the following weeks, since in Split there was a large Partisan resistance movement that apprehended the Italian forces and their weapons and formed a substantial liberated territory in the outskirts of the 2nd largest city in Croatia. The Germans sent large elements of the 7th Prinz Eugen SS Division to quell that rebellious territory, which they achieved through 17 days of fierce fighting, in which the Germans lost some 800 troops KIA, MIA and wounded. In the aftermath the Partisans succeeded to flee into the mountains with heaps of weapon stores badly needed for the previously mauled Partisan movement (in Fall Weiss - Neretva and Fall Schwartz - Sutjeska), while the SS took over the Italian soldiers and turned 9000 of them into POW's, while also sentencing 40 Italian officers (among them 3 generals) to death.

[@WorldWarTwo]

marko we'll cover it when we get there. It's still only September

[@jnnfccc1794]

This channel is harder to watch when it doesn't start off with the host on a pointless pretend phone call at the opening

[@docutube9701]

This guys the best man That ending...

[@WorldWarTwo]

Thank you for watching

[@jameskuyper]

The English text you showed for Himmler's order said "everything humanely possible", while you read it as "everything humanly possible". That one letter changes the meaning considerably. Your reading fits the context better. Perhaps the translation was inaccurate?

[@spartacus-olsson]

Autocorrect error while our dear editor was typing the quote more likely…

[@stewartmckenna3013]

Best one yet!

[@WorldWarTwo]

Thanks Stewart!

[@daveleslie4396]

Great ending!

[@WorldWarTwo]

Thanks dave

[@cpt_bill366]

Mind telling me what a "rod bomb" is in this context?

[@ven7165]

Italy is probably more likely to outlast Germany if you protect the Czechs because you couldn't afford to lose 200 Political Power.

[@FlavourlessQuark]

12:41 An unfortunate typo

[@danielgreen3715]

As each week goes by so increases the cycle of violence Revenge and Murder as if that Final act of violence to another will somehow help solve the ills that beset Mankind ..Thankyou Sparty and Team ..Till next time

[@ToddSauve]

I doubt anyone thought it "will somehow help solve the ills that beset Mankind." Just rid the world of some human vermin for the time being.

[@WorldWarTwo]

Thank you for watching as always, Daniel

[@Williestyle-RobotechxMacross-x]

3:30 there is a historically recorded reason the new Nazi administration extended death penalties for resistance activities and knowledge: it had been fully uncovered there was a decent resistance network that gave good advance weather and meteorological information to Great Britain and the U N Allies. It proved valuable to bombing and invasion planning. I have seen sources that said passive resistance was displayed by wearing ( hidden or partly disguised ) the royal cypher of the Danish King up to this time period as well, with things going much further underground to avoid reprisals in these days and weeks in 1943.

[@Williestyle-RobotechxMacross-x]

... speaking of "reprisals" and far worse in the East, wonder whatever becomes of this Hans-Adolph Prützmann ? Anyone know?

[@robviousobviously5757]

one down... sadly too many to go still

[@abbynormal5849]

Nice that Himmler wanted scorched earth policies enacted as humanely as possible. (at 12:45)

[@ruralhobo]

I spotted that one too. No doubt the true translation would be "humanly".

[@spartacus-olsson]

@@ruralhobo I suspect our dear editor had an autocorrect mishap

[@HeinzGuderian_]

I feel bad for the Italian soldiers who were left to the "mercy" of the Germans on the Eastern Front. They got none.

[@Blezerker]

that…was a very specific spider reference 🤣

[@spartacus-olsson]

What can I say… arachnids lend themselves very well for metaphors of horror (I’m saying that as a great fan of spiders and scorpions - mites and ticks; not so much).

[@jjeherrera]

It should be pointed out that Theresienstadt was meant for people who had a special status in the arts or academy. They could have better accommodations and privileges... until it was decided they should be treated as any other Jews.

[@michaelgreen1515]

Never Forget, and also cling to the goodness ❣

[@WorldWarTwo]

Thank you for helping us remember humanity as we explore these dark times

[@darthtrudeau4907]

Does anyone know what a rod bomb is? Is it a kinetic weapon?

[@spartacus-olsson]

Incendiary cluster bombs with magnesium rods.

[@TheElnots]

I hadn't heard of Rod bombs before and apparently Google calls them theoretical?

[@spartacus-olsson]

It’s a term used for an incendiary bomb that disperses burning magnesium rods.

[@Significantpower]

I believe Landon has aforementioned magnesium bombs confused with "rods from god", which are a theoretical space based kinetic WMD.

[@syasya117]

You should do the fall of Singapore and lieutenant Adnan

[@philipbirzulis5099]

The Wilno ghetto was in occupied Lithuania, not Estonia as stated.

[@spartacus-olsson]

Yes… I never said anything of the sort. The Vilna ghetto deportees from last week were however taken from Vilnius to a concentration camp in occupied Estonia.

[@stevekaczynski3793]

In fact pre-war Wilno (Vilna, Vilnius) was in Poland - it was annexed in 1920 by Polish general Zeligowski, and Lithuania's armed forces were too weak to prevent it. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oberschütze#/media/File:Bundesarchiv_Bild_146-2000-009-04A,_Litauen,_Soldat_mit_jüdischen_Männern.jpg A photo of a German soldier talking, probably threateningly, to two elderly Jewish men in Lithuania shortly after the start of Barbarossa. The sign on the wall, "szewc", is in Polish. It means "cobbler". Possibly one of the Jewish men owns the shop.

[@philipbirzulis5099]

@@stevekaczynski3793 During the 1939 Soviet invasion of eastern Poland, the Sovets seized Vilnius. Under a mutual assistance pact a short time later they gave the city to Lithuania. Some months after that they swallowed up Lithuania. So by the time the Nazis arrived Vilnius was part of Soviet-occupied Lithuania. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vilnius#World_War_II

[@philipbirzulis5099]

@@spartacus-olsson thanks for the explanation.

[@warrenpeace6366]

The info is great and enough by itself to watch thr whole video. I did find myself intrigued to find out if I could see outside to his yard from the reflection of the door in his glasses. Would love to see more WW2 info about the African campaigns and their effect on the outcome. Any recommendations?

[@Riolupai]

test

[@oat138]

I think that they should have never let the world know that Italy had surrendered at that moment!