WW2 Japan's White Soldiers

In World War II, the Germans used some Asian soldiers, but did the Japanese employ any Caucasians in its army? Find out the full story here.
Dr. Mark Felton is a well-known British historian, the author of 22 non-fiction books, including bestsellers 'Zero Night' and 'Castle of the Eagles', both currently being developed into movies in Hollywood. He has written extensively on Japanese war crimes, POW camps, Nazi war criminals, the Holocaust, famous escapes, Hitler and other Nazi leaders. In addition to writing, Mark also appears regularly in television documentaries around the world, including on The History Channel, Netflix, National Geographic, Quest, American Heroes Channel and RMC Decouverte. His books have formed the background to several TV and radio documentaries. More information about Mark can be found at: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Fe...
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Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Mark Felton Productions. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Mark Felton Productions does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.

[@donalddodson7365]

Amazing story. After losing their homeland, Imperial Russia, hiring out to feudal China, switching to occupying Japan, then "disappeared" by both sides.

[@eric777100763]

Well what can I say dude there's a downside to teaming up with supervillains!

[@calypsohandjack9278]

Same thing will happen in the west thanks to you treasonous boomer trash.

[@Britishwolf89]

@@calypsohandjack9278 Shut the fuck up, you forgot to take your medication.

[@TheClone37]

@@calypsohandjack9278 ok zoomer

[@Admiral_Jezza]

@@eric777100763 Well they only had the choice of supervillains.

[@dalegarringer6363]

When I was stationed in Japan in the 1970's, I had a caucasian Japanese man working with me. He said that he came from the Bonin Islands near Okinawa, originally settled by American whalers from New England. All young men were drafted into the Japanese military. He said perhaps 200 during the war. They were used as translators and radio interceptors and interrogation. Most did not survive the war as US troops considered them traitors and shot them. Perhaps an addendum to this story?

[@hosmerhomeboy]

My father told me of a man he knew growing up. Our family was close with the japanese in british columbia, and one man had went home to japan to see the home country- he spoke no japanese. When the war broke out, the japanese drafted him into the army, in an artillery regiment, where he was made to pull the guns with the mules. He was treated and talked to as an animal, and beaten regularly. Upon the war ending he was released and was able to make his way home. He had an abiding hatred of the japanese ever since.

[@pauljefferson9538]

Fake

[@devintaylor1420]

@@hosmerhomeboy Interesting story if you don't mind me asking was this man who went from BC to Japan white or Japanese?

[@mwanikimwaniki6801]

@@devintaylor1420 Japanese.

[@honkhonk8009]

@@hosmerhomeboy Lol im from BC too.

[@glennhubbard5008]

It is seriously ridiculous how much I have learned from Dr. Felton.

[@ericscaillet6087]

He might as well be,we tend to formalize knowledge and grade it through institutions ,all his uploads are indicative enough.

[@Around_blax_dont_relax]

@@elchicano187.... Do you know what a PhD is? Do.... Do you think he is a medical doctor....?

[@hugolafhugolaf]

@@elchicano187 What are you laughing at? He IS a doctor.

[@williamyoung9401]

Now I know why all the kids are on their phones all the time. ;-)

[@nathanmalik7056]

Felton's an interesting guy.

[@isamu17]

"The Soviet invasion placed the White Russians in a difficult position", is quite an understatement. Tremendously informative as always Mark, thank you :)

[@VersusARCH]

They really ended up involontarily betting on the wrong horse every time. In the Russian Civil War they chose the Whites and lost to the Reds. Then they threw their lot with the Chinese which got bullied by the Western powers. Then they switched their allegiance to the Western powers in China who ended up being overrun by the Japanese. Then they joined the Japanese only to be overrun by the Soviets. Some switched their allegiance to the Soviets only to be sent to Gulag for their troubles, and some of the others got killed by the suspicious Japanese before the Soviets managed to overrun them...

[@isaiahcampbell488]

@@VersusARCH It is sad but true. It's almost Shakespearean in how they ended up in such a bad way every time.

[@Nuzjal]

@@VersusARCH With my respect, but they didn't betting on the wrong horse in our Civil War. This is like to say about Greek or French who struggled against Nazi in 1940 and failed "they betting on the wrong horse".

[@VersusARCH]

@@Nuzjal I meant in hindsight. That is why I said "ended up involontarily"

[@lukebruce5234]

@@Nuzjal Seeing how modern "White Russia" which even retains their flag is they sure did.

[@bretteveretthowell3276]

This channel ....about a billion times more worth a damn than the History Channel in the U.S.

[@nownowswanow]

And when compared to Japan's NHK, it is even more hundreds of times more valuable.

[@justincronkright5025]

The History & Geographic channels and so many others are just pure propaganda machines... Add a tit-bit of truth then make up a lot of stuff, as well as put forth a desired perspective & voila - propaganda at it's core.

[@slavabtomat]

You mean the Re-written History Channel? The channel that is more concerned about made up stories than actual history?

[@ok-jl7qo]

@@slavabtomat small hat media

[@nassermj7671]

Come now... Both are Good.

[@krisht1613]

The Unknown soldiers.. It's so heart warming someone remembers of them after all these years..

[@magicman3163]

Krish T Gotta respect the bravery

[@darkknightbatman8269]

F

[@imporiorvelarius6550]

Honour and bravery for the forgotten soldiers.

[@seanconnolly6002]

Interesting? Yes. Heartwarming? No. These guys fought for a brutal colonial regime.

[@matthewsapp8218]

Sean Connolly I know right!? How can you call the atrocities they committed “heartwarming” 😂

[@davidnavratil5349]

I just discovered your channel. I love your style. No stupid intros, no dumb jokes and redundant animations. Pure informational & documentary tone. You got yourself a new subscriber.

[@Jackmerius_Tacktheritrix5733]

You must be a hoot at parties

[@davidferrara1105]

This from you?

[@jel7474]

yes, in the age of reality TV and mockumentaries it is a welcome relief.

[@casualyoutubeviewer9198]

@@Jackmerius_Tacktheritrix5733 You’re a funny guy

[@johnbockelie3899]

Wow ,all their fighting for nothing . Get caught by Russians in the end, then sent to prisons.

[@jdmeaney413]

My grandmother was White Russian. She was born in Manchuria during all of this. They became refugees and went to Canada. Very cool to see that you’ve done a video on this Mark!

[@yoonhyunglee8538]

interesting story.

[@jdmeaney413]

@@thotslayer9914 thats correct. All White Russians were against Red Russians.

[@jdmeaney413]

@@thotslayer9914 absolutely I’m against Marxism and communism. It’s destroyed lives all over the world, including my own family.

[@justarandompersonininterne6583]

@@jdmeaney413 nationalism and capitalism who makes wars all over world.

[@pangorban1]

As an ESL teacher in Australia in the late 80s, I became good friends with one of my students. He was born and raised in northern China and was a descendant of White Russians. His father had served in the Chinese Army in WWII. Later, they were not overtly persecuted by the Communist government, but were treated as second-class citizens. For example, my friend was denied the right to go to University, and priority was given to the Chinese for the better jobs, leaving the Russians to take what was left. He also had to go through all kinds of bureaucratic hurdles to marry his Chinese fiancee, not to mention huge antipathy from his future in-laws.

[@ExVeritateLibertas]

The Russians in Manchuria were doomed when the Red Army came in at the end of WW2 and dealt with the "traitors". However the Russian community in Shanghai, about 25,000, mostly survived. When the Red Chinese captured the city in 1949, they were granted refuge by the Philippines, and later by the United States. You notice that clergy are in many of these photos. The Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR) played a prominent role in leading and representing these people. ROCOR is pretty much inseparable from their story. One of their bishops, St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco, helped negotiate their admission to the US, and is one of a handful of recognized North American orthodox saints.

[@montinaladine3264]

Nice bit of history and probably the best comment here so far...

[@liuwei3102]

thank you for your valuable information.

[@Oline1756]

The real traitors are the communists, and they will always be traitors

[@spacewater7]

There's an Eastern Orthodox church in Atlanta named for St John. Right across the street from Grant Park and the zoo. Lovely church I've attended there a few times.

[@ExVeritateLibertas]

@@spacewater7 Good to know!

[@mysticmarshmallow7581]

I’m happy that now someone recognizes this part of history, as this history is also apart of my own in a way! (none of my relatives were apart of the Russian-Japanese Battalion, but you'll see what I mean) . My great great grandfather and his family were all Baikal Cossacks. He served in the Russo-Japanese War, WWI, and the Russian Revolution/Civil War. My great-great-grandfather fought till the very end of the Civil War, fighting under General Semyonov, who later became the Ataman of the Baikal Cossacks. He also personally knew him as Semyonov tried 3 times to ask his wife to marry him instead, but that’s beside the point. Anyways, as the Civil War became a lost cause for the Whites, almost all the Baikal Cossacks headed toward Harbin, China/Manchuria to escape the Bolsheviks and to escape Communism. Then, when the Japanese took over Manchuria and established Manchukuo, my 2x Great Grandfather worked for the government as a translator, as he knew Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and of course Russian. . When the Soviets took invaded Manchukuo in August 1945 they eventually reached Harbin. There, my great grandfather and some other members of the family (I cannot remember the exact details) were captured. My great grandfather was then interrogated by the NKVD (we have all the interrogation papers with all their questions and his answers) because they deemed him as a traitor due to him “collaborating with the enemy government.” In the papers, they ask him about his service in the White Army, and he talks about all the wars he fought in, and how he was a Cavalier of the St. George’s Cross. The KGB also asked if there were any reliable people that can confirm this, and he said a man named Alexei Baksheev could. I searched up this man's name and it turns out he has an entire Wikipedia about him! Baksheev was awarded the Order of St. George IV Class Which is one of the highest Russian awards, and he was also awarded an honorary “Golden sword of bravery” (also known as the St. George’s Sword). Bashkeev was one of only 2,500 recipients of this honorary sword that was given out from 1750 to 1917. He got it for leading an attack charge of a hundred men to the enemy trench in WWI and boosting the morale of the troops to make them continue to fight. Bashkeev was eventually interrogated and executed alongside Ataman General Semyonov. The NKVD actually let my Great Great Grandfather go because they deemed him to have been a respectable person that fought (previously) with honor (as he was a cavalier of the St. George’s Cross which is one of the most prestige and hard to achieve awarded status in the White Army). If they didn’t let him go, he would have been executed right alongside Bashkeev and Semyonov. My Great Grandfather was one of only a handful of Baikal Cossacks to survive interrogation and not be executed. . His sons on the other hand weren’t as lucky. 4 of them were sent to the Gulags. I know that one of them was sent to a Gulag made specifically for Political Prisoners named Gorlag. My relative who was sent to Gorlag was one of the leaders/one of the people who helped to plan out the Norilsk Uprising of 1953. The rest of the family was forcefully relocated and dropped off into the middle of nowhere in the Kazakhstan desert with nothing. Later, only 2 out of the 4 relatives sent to the Gulag’s made it back and according to my Grandma, she remembers the day that they returned and remembers how they were telling them horror stories of how they were forced to chop wood in the middle of a blizzard with no clothes on and how people were dying daily. When communism came to China, the remaining family still in Harbin quickly immigrated to Australia to escape communism once again. That side of the family is still there to this day, and they still uphold the Cossack tradition and also have their own church. . Edit: Grammar

[@annoyed707]

Sounds like Mark has some research ahead of him.

[@jsthecanuck6804]

holy shit we gotta upvote this its history at its best, uncovering things that have been largely forgotten or lost in time

[@mikehunt3436]

A local ROCOR priest is one of those Harbin Russians that migrated to Australia.

[@kirbyculp3449]

Respect.

[@soulscanner66]

Amazing story. He must have been special for the KGB (NKVD?) to let him go.

[@jduff59]

Dr Felton - that really was what I'd called an "Amazing Story" and worthy of that title. I learned something new today.

[@robboinnz]

Another Felton special. Always learn stuff I never knew or even imagined when I watch this bloke’s videos. Poor fellas, literally stuck between two equally bad situations.

[@stevewilson7857]

Encyclopedia Britannica has been renamed Encyclopedia Felton

[@icuntbreathe3706]

No it was not! It was named Cheddar Encyclopedia!!

[@troywalker8078]

Millennials have no idea what an encyclopedia is...

[@internetual7350]

@@troywalker8078 Ummm I do...

[@jhnshep]

Encyclopedia Britannica has been 'supplanted' by Mark Felton productions

[@thelasthandbook6704]

You need that archaic æ melding of letters in there for it to be offical.

[@MorganBrown]

I met an old man, now deceased, who was a White Russian and spent many years in Japan in the 20’s. He emigrated to the US before the war, though

[@Jckuz1man]

That’s awesome,

[@benm5221]

I remember now that as a kid growing in brooklyn NY in the 60's my father said one of my friend's grandathers was a "White Russian". I had no idea until seeing this what that meant. I never asked, even when I learned that there's a bar cocktail by the same name.

[@MorganBrown]

I need to get the story straight from my wife about his background. Name was Vorobioff. Dude stood about 6’5”, which is crazy for depression-era Japan. Apparently he gained some proficiency in judo and was the first Caucasian to do so. I believe he was actually a Japanese army officer who came to the US on an exchange and managed to stay. I met him maybe 10 years ago, in SArasota, Florida, when he was in his mid 90s. My in laws‘ neighbor.

[@thomasbrown9402]

​@Ben M From wiki: people from Belarus (formerly Byelorussia) were also known as "White Russians". The name predated the Revolution - the distinction here wasn't between Red and White (Communist and Tsarist) but between Black (pagan) and White (Christian). Whoever came up with the cocktail named it White Russian to contrast it to the existing Black Russian cocktail, both of which are made with vodka and coffee and differ only in the addition of cream. Neither cocktail originated in Russia, lol.

[@oddballsok]

Once, couple of years ago, I came to a bar and was offered to try a White Russian. I didnot like it. That 's it. That 's the amazing story.

[@brunoochieng9554]

Your research ability is so good because your channel gives me clips I've never heard...great work

[@ibidapoilawole7120]

I love the way Mark Felton articulates history.

[@wayinfront1]

They had a terrible end. Just about entirely wiped out by Stalin's Russia or the Japanese army.

[@cactuslietuva]

well, they where not wanted by either side. Some should still survived the Gulag system. Gulag mortality rate was inmate's where 'only' 15-25% depending on the region which is quite small compared to the Japanese or Germans camps were it was close to 100%>

[@taidordz]

Actually some did join the USSR's side, but they joined when the ordinary redarmymen approached them, not the NKVDs. Some were spared, some were not. The Harbin Russian population was estimated 120,000, and they lived there till 1960s.

[@taidordz]

@@cactuslietuva they would've been put in Japanese or political camps which is worser, plus I doubt Axis camp was 100% mortality as 3 mil Germans went to gulag and more than 1/3 returned

[@mariano98ify]

@@cactuslietuva Cough Cough Cannibal Island Cough Cough

[@Numira]

@@cactuslietuva I remember for german soldiers it was more like 85-90% mortality rate. Also the surviver who lifed in siberia and married russian exiles where not even allowed to leave their city or siberia till the fall of the soviet union in early 90s.

[@tansult8176]

A Chinese warlord called Zhang Zongchang or "Dogmeat General", was also well-known recruited more than 4,600 White Russian refugees, eventually created a regiment of Tsarist style calvary, and a regiment of White Russian women nurses.

[@CatnamedMittens]

He was quite the character

[@gumdeo]

Dogmeat General is a great nickname.

[@ishitrealbad3039]

He also had many russian women as concubines, he was quite the "mad lad".

[@uzivatel56]

@@CatnamedMittens His poetry is still valid today.

[@_steamfunk_2271]

It's sad that these people were forgotten from history. I'm glad you brought them back to life(metaphor).

[@countrysamurai]

A fascinating historical tidbit.... Thank you again Dr. Felton!

[@TheLeadSled]

I thought I knew most about WW2 and WW1, but I did not know about this. All I have to say is Bravissimo.

[@senorpepper3405]

@Gjr Hatz DU WEIßT NICHTS!!

[@CN-wt2bj]

It's almost like the version we get of some history is censored heavily.

[@KRW200]

More we study, more we know that we know so little...

[@chaosXP3RT]

It's sad that no matter what they did, they most likely weren't gonna live

[@Kabutoes]

They should have converted to anime and then maybe they’d be accepted as Japanese instead of Russian and hide among the population

[@RCAvhstape]

They were the Damned.

[@panenka7656]

@MACK D Why would you be reading these comments before watching the video? Seems pretty idiotic to me.

[@carlosmaldonado5411]

Not sad, glad!

[@paulc8754]

'The enemy appreciates the betrayal but not the traitor', or 'to have a traitor for an ally is to have an enemy in waiting'; for the Japanese, these were people who betrayed their Nation...

[@erickmorell6117]

So thankful for channels like yours that tell all these lesser-known stories about the war. This feeds my history addiction like nothing else

[@dave7072]

Fascinating, I never knew about this. Thanks Mark :)

[@MatthewBoonstra]

You're such a gem Mark, and I love how you can bring history alive so often, and so consistently. Keep up the wonderful work!

[@maxscholz7734]

So true! So interesting! And so worthful work by Mister Felton! Greetings from germany🇩🇪🇬🇧Thank you Mr.Felton!!!👍😊

[@sstritmatter2158]

Yes - professional level documentaries

[@Alftura]

I had no idea! Read a bit about WW2 and watch a few documentaries so not clueless about this massive conflict. This film does not surprise me but still i never knew this.thanks so much

[@db-dl3nu]

He really is. Wonder where he get all his sources from. Even went on a couple historic vacations to locations Mark mentionted haha. I really should sent that guy some flowers as a thank you :p

[@MathiasCzR01]

I think the term "Stuck between a Rock and Hard Place" is appropriate for these poor individuals.

[@timomastosalo]

Think they were too ambitious in thinking they could affect the Soviet Union with their acts. They should have withdrawn inland with the Chinese army, or get in contact with the British or Americans. They should have admitted to themselves how small force they were, and not try these heroics. They were too stubborn to avoid the collision course. Last warning was the Japanese losing at the border river in northern Manchuria.

[@V0YAG3R]

timomastosalo They should have defected or seek refuge in the US or any part of Europe, specially Western Europe, since Central or Eastern Europe would not see them with good eyes after WWI, to say the least, but much better alternative than to defect to such an alien, foreign land like China or Imperial Japan.

[@TheWoodstock2009]

they should have known that they were going to gulag one way or another

[@Maraoder8]

@@timomastosalo After seeing how Britain and America acted during Operation Keelhaul I'm not entirely convinced that they'd get much safety in their hands.

[@whispersinthedark88]

They should have tried to get to Germany where they would have been assets for intel.or maybe spies especially the older ones who had personal experience fighting in Siberia and knew the lay of the land and what to expect. Hitler wouldn't have turned his back on fellow 3rd position allies who wanted to fight to take back their homeland from Stalin and the red army. Hitler bailed out Mussolini several times after he got himself in trouble,but I'm guessing that when Japan attacked the U.S. which ultimately doomed them all he probably wasn't to happy about that.

[@rclaughlin]

Thank you, Mr. Felton, for this essay on a little-known aspect of 20th Century military history.

[@user-cl2ki7eu3e]

Wow, ever first time learn this history! Thanks for uploading.

[@aaa00705]

Now, This is "The WW2 you've never seen before" stands for me

[@morganborzelli8942]

Bf5 reference lol?

[@pablojose4890]

I am surprised Mark Felton doesn't have his own television show. Dr. Felton could compile these youtube videos into a few seasons just to get started. History is very important, especially these days more than ever (at least in the United States).

[@geoffhalsey2184]

The Marxist MSM wouldn't allow it. History is something they want to erase.

[@barry9460]

tv is obsolete, why wait for scheduled time to watch a show when you can watch it whenever you want on youtube?

[@maltesimusfraterdemassimo7215]

@@geoffhalsey2184 What utter nonsense. You dont even seem to have a grasp what marxist means do you? And where the hell is that ,,want to erase history'' bullshit from? Id rather argue the opposite. You Trumpists seem to forget that the statues of your beloved confederates are being criticized due to the Left being extremely sensitive to historical matters and legacies. Please use your brain before typing, it might help you.

[@AirsoftReviewArgentina]

@@barry9460 plus the cost to make this a tv show and all the attached strings that come with it when discussing and/or talking politics and war!

[@anglishbookcraft1516]

I thought he used to work as a narrator for documentaries

[@MrElliott400]

Some profound lessons there: once loyalty is switched, no one will ever trust you.

[@ericscaillet6087]

As for nearly all relationships ,friendship and marriage included.

[@bennichols561]

I imagine that is how the white Russians felt after having the support of others and then watching those same others ally with the Soviet union.

[@224dot0dot0dot10]

The white Russians never switched their loyalty because they were always loyal to the Tsar's government, which was the old Russian government that existed before Lenin's newer Bolshevik government.

[@laserpmr]

@@224dot0dot0dot10 you are dead wrong. white's were never loyal to the tsar. Mark seems to forget to mention February revolution. It wasn't the comunists that overthrew the Imperial government, it was the future white generals. white General Alekseev even personally arrested the tsar. Communists simply overthrew the Provisional Republican government.

[@224dot0dot0dot10]

@@laserpmr Спасибо большое (thank you) for your comment about Михаил Васильевич Алексеев (Mikhail Alekseyev) arresting the Tsar during the February Revolution. In my previous comment, I was referring to the white Russian organizations like Союз Младороссов, who remained loyal to Orthodoxy and the Russian Orthodox Church, and who wanted Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich to be the successor to the deposed Tsar. You do realize that in past times the Tsar had an important relationship with the Russian Orthodox church, right?

[@ibrahimadamou5047]

Half of the reason why I love watching your videos is the introductory music. So nice!

[@prazcuray1388]

I’m happy you mentioned this, these men deserve to be remembered

[@UnicornstalkRGaming]

I love hearing about things that most history books would like you to not think about, or even hide from the general public. Nice video.

[@Kiev-en-3-jours]

History books can't think.

[@KarakNornClansman]

@@Kiev-en-3-jours He mean, by extension, their authors. Of course.

[@hlary8320]

i dont think anyone is trying to hide the existence of a single Russian regiment in the Manchurian army, its just info that isn't very useful to the average person other then a historical curiosity

[@peekaboopeekaboo1165]

@@hlary8320 Japanese Army

[@59patrickw]

@@Kiev-en-3-jours but they can make you think

[@ronaldwhite1730]

Thank - you for also all your Productions.

[@couch_gag]

Incredible video. Thank you!

[@mountainhobo]

I met a number of White Russians (their descendants, often born abroad) when I arrived in San Francisco in the early 80s. Amazing stories they had. This country is lucky to have them.

[@radziwill7193]

Do they remember the Russian language?

[@AnDroid-ep2kn]

The famous hollywood actress Helen Mirren is one of them. Her father was white tsarist officer. Her real name is Yelena Mironova. She was born in England and grown up there, then became talented actress.

[@radziwill7193]

@@AnDroid-ep2kn Her grandfather was a tsarist officer and did not serve in the White army, most likely he was just scared. Her father quickly assimilated. Her Russian family is traitors and not white.

[@mountainhobo]

@@radziwill7193 "Do they remember the Russian language" -- Most knew some Russian. My landlord for a while was an old Italian man. His wife was a daughter of a White Russian, came to the US through Manchuria. She appeared to speak pretty well. However, my Russian is mediocre at best, so my ability to judge is limited. At the time she was in her 70s, it was 35 years ago, so her generation is disappearing.

[@radziwill7193]

@@mountainhobo I really do not understand the Slavs, they are quickly assimilating. Wrangel's plan was not in assimilation, but the creation of a disciplined army abroad.

[@napiersh1]

You find the most seemingly contradictory topics. I love it. Give this man a like!

[@Matt-tc6ys]

Love binge watching these videos, thank you for this channel.

[@Bob_of_the_aif]

Absolutely amazing. You come up with some astounding content. Keep it up.

[@RobARug]

“When I say White Russian, I am not referring to race but to politics.” You are also not referring to the drink either. Are you, Mark?

[@Bangy]

When i hear about Black and Tans I don't think about race either.

[@hitsurapapel1978]

Maybe

[@jedimasterjoe5386]

The dude approves

[@KoiSpain0]

The man wants a drink just leave him alone >:(

[@gavinhudson5251]

I always thought it was a Black Russian.

[@Vespasiaan]

Every time you upload I get a smile on my face. Fantastic work as always Mark.

[@Kondi2100]

Your work is always on top! This was even among a cohort of brilliance one of the best!!!

[@Walker_Bulldog]

A biography of General Joseph Stillwell noted that, while he was military attache in Beijing during the 1920's, Stillwell saw some White Russian Cavalry who he described as the most dangerous soldiers he had ever seen.

[@richardcleveland8549]

Was that Barbara Tuchman's bio - "Stillwell and the American Experience in China"?

[@D2theShizzle]

Felton never ceases to bring truly fascinating and amazing stories to light... fantastic research on this one.

[@spartancolonel]

I actually read about Japan's Russian Brigade a while back. I actually thought to myself "this topic would make a great Mark Felton video".

[@scottcooneymusic6736]

its amazing how many subjects you're able to research and cover. Thanks for your work.

[@johnweber4029]

Wow, I always learn something new with your videos !!! Some really great footage and pictures 👍😎

[@machinesofgod]

You're one of my favorite channels and this video is fascinating. Thank you so much for your work!

[@wenaldy]

This is what i subscribed Edit: Thank you professor ❤️

[@caseymckinney4929]

Your videos are fantastic and I love your narration. Thank you so much for the straightforward history lessons!

[@ftswarbill]

Great info Sir. Thanks for sharing!

[@jadew6652]

another fantastic video mark! im currently a member of the Australian defense force and would love to see a video on the rats of tobruk.

[@ColinH1973]

@fourteenlizard Well said 👍

[@senorpepper3405]

🎶defense attack push em back push em back🎶

[@aussiegod4269]

fourteenlizard to be fair defence is spelt as defense in the US. So he is not wrong

[@UJustMadeMeLOL]

@fourteenlizard let me guess, you probably think there's a right way to spell grey too, or gray... Stop being a dick about our language, jeeze..

[@augustusimperator.avi1872]

Waking up early on sunday bc your phone notifies a mark felton vids is pricless (im from Barcelona)

[@ColinH1973]

Thanks Manuel, how is your hamster?

[@joelouis-arena4061]

@@ColinH1973 Que?

[@lordofdunvegan6924]

Incredible video. Well done. Your best yet. Kudos to you on this revelation.

[@gerometorribio2127]

Great scholarship and production values as always. The archival films are a real find.

[@FedralBI]

Whenever I hear that opening music, I know I am about to learn something I had never heard of before. You are amazing, thanks for all you do.

[@jeffsanders1609]

6:07 That’s so weird and awesome at the same time! Thank you so much for finding this Mark

[@shlomitetro1688]

Wow !!! I didn't know that ! Bless you mark great job amazing info

[@ComputerTechnic217]

Always interesting video topics man! Keep up the good work fella

[@orbyfan]

Victor Starffin was a White Russian who moved to Japan as a child and became the first pitcher in Japanese professional baseball to win 300 games. Despite his success, he was still interned by the Japanese for much of World War II, resuming his career after the war.

[@gumdeo]

He was lucky that the Soviets never got him.

[@sakaimachi9860]

Asahikawa city in Hokkaido Japan was the place he grew up.Nowadays,Asahikawa municipal baseball park is named Starffin stadium.

[@StevenKeery]

Fascinating story, it seems the White Russians lost out here as they had in their own country. Being rounded up and killed by bayonet seems a particularly gruesome way to die. Thanks for researching and uploading, it is an episode of the war I had never heard of.

[@robertsilva8097]

Thank you for the Great video

[@davidroman1342]

Love this channel. Real war stories you never hear. Thnx mark 😀 👍

[@thandir158]

Best Historian and Author on WW2 History!

[@rick081956]

My Uncle , by marriage, was a White Russian. He was from a wealthy family that was stripped of its wealth in the Communist takeover. He did join the Soviet Army, a safe thing to do and spent many years in Manchuria, he stated the most boring assignment one could have. When Hitler invaded Russia, he and some friends defected and joined the German Army. Lucky to survive the Eastern Front, he moved to America after the war and had a productive life within the Russian community in Brooklyn, dying in the mid 70's. His son, my Uncle by marriage, defected from the Soviet Army, with his whole tank crew during the Hungarian uprising. He lives today in Brooklyn after a successful life.

[@RegulareoldNorseBoy]

What a story

[@internetual7350]

@Imnas Roland Nah he's just a idiot wanting attention

[@Eridelm]

@@internetual7350 He's certainly not, most people believed that Patriotic war would be a liberation Russia out of hands of bloody bolsheviks, most of them changed side after witnessed cruelty Germans did to their own people.

[@andy7666]

@Clint Eastwood Not so. I met a gorgeous blonde Russian girl who turned out to be descended of a German who survived Stalingrad and GULAG, and ended up living there. All sorts can happen to people in War, especially a World War. I also knew a girl who's Grandad was a White Russian here in the UK as well.

[@Articulate99]

Always interesting, thank you.

[@benadam7753]

Most of Dr. Felton's productions I heard of at one time or another myself always digging deeper than what the history books tell us! This one I truly never heard of before, very fascinating!

[@Peoples_Republic_of_Devonshire]

Mark, I got a call from my brother yesterday telling me he may have covid-19. I saw him the day before so I'm currently self isolating while we both wait for home testing kits. These videos are so helpful for maintaining a sense of normality in these trying times. Thank you for everything you do

[@raymondkisner9240]

Hope you and your brother will be ok.

[@MarkFeltonProductions]

I hope you and your brother turn out to be negative. My best wishes to you both.

[@gordonhardwick9552]

Stay strong

[@Peoples_Republic_of_Devonshire]

Thanks guys

[@historystorieswithreggie2865]

Best of luck from Philippines

[@fritzVirginSteeler]

1:11 "Yep, that's me. You're probably wondering how I ended up in this situation"

[@TheShadowOfZama]

I was lucky I decided to wait to drink until after I had read your comment, instead of right before it or I would have done a spit take righ then and there. LMAO

[@nemesioordonez7246]

Thanks Thanks Thanks I am going to be a supporter of your work.👍🏻

[@nigefal]

These video's are superb, the pacing and narration are spot on. The dramatic music not too loud and overbearing fits the channell. The level of research shows lots of work is put in as well.

[@RaiderLeo69]

Yet another amazing story that most people have not heard. Thank you!

[@MarkFeltonProductions]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@CelestialSwann]

I was researching about the Imperial Japanese alot recently but for how much i discovered i had no clue they had or even allow a brigade like this so it was really interesting to see you cover it, nice video.

[@fingersliver6101]

Excellent research. Always learning here. Thank you.

[@KingZurix]

Very Informative Video, thank you

[@jeffmoore9487]

Clearly Mark has a time machine and spends his days in the past wandering around old battlefield's collecting stories.

[@ricojes]

Perhaps alien archaeologists in the future would discover evidence of Mark's Tardis.

[@hamaljay]

For this one he dressed up as a White Russian.

[@mattkaustickomments]

I can’t get enough of these oddball scenarios Dr. F. finds and presents!

[@ericscaillet6087]

History is always more than the decisive battles.

[@brokenbridge6316]

Nicely informative video.

[@papabear229]

Discovery, National Geographic & History channel never had this kind of info shared lol amazing work Mark!

[@evelyngravatt3198]

Holy Crap! Someone actually covering this! This is AWESOME. Sorry I found this tiny bit of strange history awesome. The photos and videos too

[@dr.jamespizzadili8833]

There's a great novel titled "Fifteen Flags" about the American Expedition to Siberia during the Russian Civil War. The book describes very interesting characters and their adventures along the Trans-Siberian Railway from Lake Baikal to Vladivostok.

[@alexsutton6166]

You choose some really interesting topics, well done

[@geometer6121]

Like usual, excellent research.

[@daverage4729]

I actually did a doubletake when this one came up. Really strange seeing them in the uniforms clutching their Japanese swords near the beginning of the video. Astounding!!

[@kaisermuto]

Japanese force was composed by 200,000 Taiwanese and 400,000 Korean soldiers too. Some of them could be high post officer in Japan force. Especially Park,Chonghee president of South Korea was famous as a lieutenant colonel of Japan army. And Hong Saik was Korean lieutenant general of Japan army. He was general commander of all Japan force in Philippines until 1945.

[@TheYah00netstar]

*People from different places in Asia were part of a sub-class army attached to the Japanese Imperial Army...their insubordination and poor training caused Japan to lose Manchuria...also engaging in conflicts not authorized by Tokyo...from Manchukuo*

[@gotscroogled]

Stumbled across this video, I have heard this guy in several documentaries on TV. Glad to see him on KZbin!

[@sealove79able]

A great very interesting video as always Mr.Felton.

[@hanschristophercharles6981]

Mr Felton NEVER ceases to amaze me with the information that he's able to present about the Second World War. How he gets knowledge and access to these unknown and obscure facts is just phenomenal! He never fails to inform or educate me on a period that I thought I knew all about. Thank you Mr Felton.

[@Kwamu22]

Fascinating history here. Learning something new everyday.

[@rosscopcoltrane]

Your research skills are faultless and I enjoy all of your content, Mark!

[@roberthockett270]

Fascinating, Mark - many thanks!

[@PSIponies]

Damn, I didn’t expect this to be such a sad story. Truly victims of circumstance.

[@graham9045]

Kojima's metal gear series covers in great length the tragic position soldiers and mercenaries find themselves in over the course of changing regimes and intrigue. Eventually the soldiers stop fighting each other for states and special intetests and form their own soldier state, Outer Heaven. Interesting story atleast.

[@Rkenichi]

@@graham9045 I’ve always found the MGS lore and the attitudes of war in it interesting. Sadly did not feel the same way about death stranding. I hope we get a few more good series out of Kojima since he’s still young.

[@antiquatedideas1107]

I love the videos, Mark. I like your unbiased telling of the 2nd world war. Although, for me here in the US this video came out at 3AM

[@ianmacfarlane1241]

The vast majority of KZbin channels are scheduled to suit American time zones, meaning that the rest of the World has to deal with possibly inconvenient upload times.

[@leonidaliscano6792]

No

[@xollii9593]

Oh what a surprise the guy with the nazi symbol doesn't like it when people say fascists are bad

[@antiquatedideas1107]

@@xollii9593 it's not an NS symbol

[@antiquatedideas1107]

@@ianmacfarlane1241 yeah I don't mind. Just thought it was funny timing

[@rockymountainlifeprospecti4423]

Extraordinary story, thank you for keeping history alive Dr. Felton and keeping us educated so it can be passed on.

[@shadowandbosco]

Very informative and presented very well

[@KiddKoalaz]

Dayum, I freakin love history. Thank you!

[@burningnapalm4436]

Me: I think I know everything about World War Two Mark: But wait there’s more

[@abelis644]

lol, exactly!!!

[@ThorrorkAirsoft]

I'm also glad that it's free, but I'd say he deserves a donation from all of us!

[@ColinH1973]

That's what we all feel! 👍

[@natkingcurrieiv1318]

Very informative,thanks!!

[@paulmurphy42]

A particularly strange one, but well done as always Mark!