How Sir Arthur Currie Became World War I's Greatest General | The Great War With Norm Christie
Vložit
- čas přidán 2. 08. 2024
- Military historian Norm Christie presents a four-part series examining the First World War from a Canadian perspective. As he begins his journey through the historic battlefields of France and Belgium, Christie focuses on the career of General Sir Arthur Currie, a soldier who rose through the ranks from humble gunner in 1897 to lead the Canadian Corps to several victories during the conflict which began in 1914.
It's like Netflix for history... Sign up to History Hit, the world's best history documentary service and get 50% off using the code 'TIMELINE' bit.ly/3a7ambu
You can find more from us on:
/ timelinewh
/ timelinewh
This channel is part of the History Hit Network. Any queries, please contact owned-enquiries@littledotstudios.com
Not only our greatest General he is one of the top five of the 20th century.
An absolute genius!
My great grandmother lost her two brothers and first husband in that war. She watched as men that she loved went off to fight, never to come home again. Their names were Lieutenant George Arthur Ewens, Lieutenant Colin Stanley Campbell, and Private Newman Hall Campbell. Every year I bring out each of their memorial crosses and relish at what these men, whom I never knew, did for freedom. My great grandmother endured and managed to find happiness again alongside my great grandfather Gunner William Benjamin Legate a severely wounded veteran himself who lost his eye coincidentally the same day that her first husband lost his life. My great grandfather’s sister also lost her fiancé and sadly never remarried as she lost the love of her life, his name was Captain John Milton Dobie. They were the very best that Canada had to offer and I’m so proud of them. 100+ years still hasn’t diminished their glory.
Good for You!
Respect
You do them great justice and honor! Brings tears to my eyes, yet joy to my heart that you do this. Especially after watching this documentary. What you do to honor them, made it personal, and I feel that is how it should be. Thank you for that!
Tell their storied to your children. If you can visit their schools and talk to the students. Pass it on so they won't be forgotten.
@@petranilla14 Great idea. I think this documentary should be shown in all schools. 👍
I've got nothing but the utmost respect for my Canadian brothers.Loyalty is possibly the highest trait a person can have.Brave Canadian warriors.Lest we forget.
This story should be part of the Canadian educational curriculum.
A great man, a humble man, an honourable man.
Thank you Norm.
It is I took the high school class about it.
@@GUMMRUCHK I'm glad they did at yours, because they certainly didn't at mine.
He's not? That's sad. In America all we learned about ww1 was we decided finally decided to show the old world how it's and won the war in about 3 months. Oh and about Patton showing Mexicans what for. But not about how terrible our president was. He was such an ivory tower, stuck up, elitist. Essentially he was a coward. Not just because he was terrified of war but because he was terrified of losing votes. He was half dead at the end of his term but rather than resign his wife and closest advisors hid the issues. Equally or worse than FDR's health issues. Then general Pershing was as insane a butcher as any Austrian or Russian general. With the date of the armistice known and set he was still ordering massive attacks. 10s of thousands of men risking their lives and hundreds dying for literally no reason except to stroke Pershing's ego so he could get his dreamed of great victory. Meanwhile I never heard of Currie till the last couple years. And I'm 34 college educated and private Catholic schools growing up. It'd be nice learning about real heros instead of pretending awful people are heroes
Where did you get your information? He embezzled regimental funds before the war to pay his personal debts. He paid it back later, but if this happened nowadays he'd be cashiered.
Sir Isaac Brock as well
I would just like to say that Mr. Christie is another great Canadian. He more than any other Canadian has kept the memoires of our brave soldiers alive. Respect to him and to all who have served their country.
Aaaaaaaaaaa
Im English. And absolutely appreciate the Canadian soldiers of both World Wars. In the woke world we live in now the truth of all history especially both World Wars should be shown and learned from.
This man was a great man for our country. It drives me nuts that our politicians have literally gone out of their way to ignore one of if not THE most important Canadian military figure ever. Here was a man giving his all for his country yet they couldn't return the sentiment. I am glad that the ordinary people of Canada in his home town have done what WE as a country should have done....given him his due and recognition.
Politicians and bureaucrats are all the same - interested in their own reputations and advancement. If they can get on by dragging others down, they will do it. Scum.
@@alwillett1114 So true it hurts. The kind of people that throw you a rope, then let go if you are no use to THEM.
We used to say that Canadian politicians killed more Canadian troops that the enemy ie: Ross Rifle, etc.
The statue only went up in last few years . For the 100th anniversary of Vimy, I believe. For the first 100 yrs there was a small plaque (roughly 18x24 in) at our local high school. I'd guess that maybe 1% of locals have heard of him, and 10% of those could tell you the first thing about him.
The Liberal left dumbing down education
General Curry it might surprise you is very well known in the US and revered by all that are educated about the great war and the heroism of our Canadian cousins. Sgt D.
General Currie was in his day quite the military rebel. He didn’t have a moustache, he was quite portly, and best of all his tactics were based around the want and need to save the lives of his men. He famously had to be locked up for a night by his subordinates when he went into a potentially murderous rage against Douglas haig. Even famously expressing the want to kill him for sacrificing so many men so needlessly. His tactics made some of the first well known and large scale uses of the creeping barrage to soften defences as his men advanced. He also put emphasis on shock troop tactics to demoralize the enemy before larger attacks. In my opinion, not just on of ww1’s finest generals but one of history’s as he was a tactical pioneer and in going against the aristocratic British higher command. Was able to save lives and capture key strategic points previously thought to be impregnable. Truly a man to be admired by both Canadians and history buffs.
@@iangraham6887 Roger that my friend, the good General was meticulous for preparation, my thoughts turned to him frequently as a young Infantry squad leader and I learned from him that if we lose it won't be from lack of effort, training or courage. Sgt D
General Currie's Staff Officer and engineer McNaughton who was brilliant at knocking out German artillery and machine gun posts. He set up listening devices that could help in the triangulation of where enemy guns were located.
@@McLKeith his ability to adapt is legendary, he was ahead of his time, and considering how meticulous he was with his plan of attack I imagine he didn't get much sleep especially because he loved his men like sons .
@@guydegregg6869
L
More important than simply being a military genius ; he used his genius to save the lives of the men under his command . Victory seemed equal in priority to the lives of his fighting men and that was most definitely not the norm for the other generals .
I've always considered Currie a problem solver rather than a genius.
This needs to be done. So, We need to get ready to actually accomplish it.
He developed ways to prepare.
Operations and choosing objectives came later
@@bobbytookalook Thanks for the detail and insight -- he sure was a fantastic leader of men , no doubt about it .
The only thing I can think of so far as why Canadians tend to underplay such things is a parallel I can draw between my own family and Canada ; my family being of mostly Scottish decent and Canada very much so as well . Humility runs deep in both - almost to a fault .
Maybe that is part of it , maybe not .. Either way it is a shame that nationalism especially these days is seen as some sort of evil thing . . Being willing to sacrifice for your nation , community or family for a just cause is and will always be one of the best traits one could strive for in my opinion no matter what the current zeitgeist is .
Cheers.
@@bobbytookalook 28 years in the engineers - - I bet you have some great stories . ;)
I suppose we will agree to disagree on some points here however ; I believe when a nation lacks identity and clear values it leaves the door open for a leadership to steer it into the rocks while the people watch their shows , sports and flippantly don't notice anything wrong until it is too late .
We all have our opinions (especially on the internet eh ??! hehe) and debating them on CZcams won't change anything so I try to avoid it . But thanks for the nice replies - hope this finds you well and have a good one .
A magnificent general, a tremendous leader and a most remarkable man. A wonderful tribute, very far past due.
Respect to all the Canadian soldiers that fight for our freedom 🙌 from Scotland
I lost a grand-uncle under his command during the 1st War but, his 3 brothers made it home. It is astounding just how many victories the Canadian Army was able to achieve under his command. We all should do what we can to honour him.
All of our actions were victories. We never lost a fight in WW1 or WW2.
Honor him? M-m-m, I would say, git shed'a that got dam Trudeau, . . .
My grandfather and his brother fought under Currie in the War. His brother fell in March of 1918 and is buried in Houchin British Cemetery. Granddad, obviously, made it home, forever changed by his experience in the Canadian Corps.
Thank you for your grandfather's service.
What an absolute shame for this country. I'm almost 31 and I've never heard of him until I started my journey into learning the great war.
This should be taught in every high school history class.
My Uncle Jack died at Vimy, he was 23 years old. Lots of generals regarded men like my uncle as mere chess pieces--little bits of iron and flesh that we may use to destroy the enemy. It gladdens me to know that General Sir Arthur Currie was not one of them. Our greatest military hero, bar none.
Thousands upon thousands died so some general could move Thier brandy bar 15 ft closer
Sir Arthur Currie Canada
Sir John Monash, Australia
Sir Herbert Plumer, Britain
Sir Horace Smith Dorien, Britain
Sir Julian Byng, Britain
Sir William Birdwood., Anzacs
Were Generals that ended that War with credits.
Haig
Rawlinson
Townshend
Gough,
Simple, should have beed tried for incompetence.
Frontal assault is stupid, especially with out an accurate cannonade to soften the lines. We can't be afraid to off a general they are a dime a dozen too !
Exactly right . Queen Vickie's grandsons killed millions .the cream of the commwealth died for the royal scum .
My grandfather fought in the first war as a British soldier in the machine gun corps. He wouldn`t talk much about the war but i do remember him saying this................and i paraphrase him...............".There is no finer soldier than a Canadian soldier, if you are in a tight spot then the Canadians will get you out of it and if it`s courage you need then look to a Canadian". I just pitty that victory in war is sometimes not credited to the people who really won it. R.I.P. all those souls who died and were maimed for our freedom.
Thank you sir for serving those words from your Granddad. I served 34 years peacetime service with the BLACK WATCH (Canada) and PPCLI. Did nevertheless 7 off-shore deployments with NATO and the UN. Currie's spirit still lives in the Canadian Army...perhaps not with our politicians.
I nominated Sir Currie as The Greatest Canadian back when Tommy Douglas won that distinction, (some fools thought Wayne Gretzky deserved the title). My only criticism is when documentaries insistently combine dead and wounded together in casualty numbers. I knew many veterans of both wars. My baseball coach lost his leg near Juno Beach, an uncle lost his hearing at Vimy. Two uncles were wounded several times in Holland. None of them could tell me a darn thing without crying. But I knew them. They came home and built a great country. They cried because they were thinking of their dead friends. You should tell me how many of these heroes died in these battles. We remember them all, but the dead deserve special reverence. I know that Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae would agree with me.
How can you know John McCrae would agree with you?
@@mikehunt3746 Because he wrote a poem about it. It's a pretty good poem. It's pretty specific about the debt we owe to the dead.
John McCrae was born in my home town.
@@gryph01 No kidding? I wrote a play about him. I recite the poem at our cenotaph every year.
@@goldbug7127 Nice what's the name of the poem? Would like to read it.
Great documentary- as an Australian, who I admit hadn't heard of Currie, it would seem he was like our General Monash, however Monash was treated as a hero and is on our 100 $ banknote. And mentioned in every yr 9 and year 11 history classroom. It's shameful to forget men like these. Lest we forget.
And has a University named after him (where I happen to work!)
I'm from Strathroy where Arthur Currie was born. Until the recent unveiling of the statue at our local library, the only trace of him I can recall seeing, is a plaque at our high school. And I left high school without ever hearing a single word about him.
Currie and Monash were regarded as the crème de la crème of the BEF in the Great War for their tactical, logistical and steadfast brilliance. There were many great British generals too, but man for man vs ground gained they stood out. Although Currie was in it far longer and had more successes than Monash, the Aussie General does stand out for his tactical brilliance in 1918.
Now, as a resident of a commonwealth country, you know about the best general and the best army of WW1
@@questionreality6003 “Corps”!
man I remember this guy every morning on the history channel back when it was actually a channel about history.
Yup... now i call it the Hysterectomy Channel . Its useless now and has been for a Very long time .
My favourite part of waking up!
It seems extraordinary to me that Canadians don't know who Arthur Currie was, I do and I'm Australian. His Australian contemporary General Sir John Monash is an icon in Australia with a city precinct, university, highway, statues and many more accolades dedicated to him.
At 18:34 in this doc there is a clip of Monash and Currie inspecting troops together, both men were touted as potential replacement for Field Marshal Haig.
I’m Canadian served in the Canadian army for ten years,and think that Canadians make heros of hockey players,American so-called heros, but rarely Canadians.
The Colonial mentality is still present in Canada.
We are in a time where if a man has any flaws we are not allowed to honour him no matter how great his good deeds and any vindication. Unfortunately, to the cancel culture no flaw or mistake is acceptable.
@@XLC-zd8dn Are you trying to say that 'cancel culture' existed in Canada 100 years ago??
@@wizofoz0605 No. I am saying if we tried to put up a notional memorial to Currie there would be protests for some reason. Look at Cornwallis statue coming down in Halifax. Despite the fact that the history of the indigenous group he was in conflict with being violent themselves we have to judge by todays standards and dismiss these people from our public square.
They were the two best...the British were slow to adapt and innovate....both those generals did that and more...
Very well made.
I learned so many things especially how tough the Canadian army was.
So what globalist convinced you to be different?
Canada's greatest military commander.
He deserved more than they gave him after. A brilliant general and a true Canadian patriot.
Well, that issue with inappropriate use of Regimental funds did help tarnish his career. "Embezzlement" is the more common term for it. "On 31 July 1914, Currie received CA$10,833.34 (equivalent to $247,361 in 2020) from the Militia Department with which to purchase new uniforms. Instead of using the funds to pay contractor Moore, Taggart and Co for the regimental uniforms, Currie embezzled the funds to pay off his personal debts."
@@NewDemocraticMan As Father Ted often stated, the money was simply resting in his account; he paid it back in full.
The Brits were complacent and arrogant. It's sickening , Thank God for Arthur they deserve respect and recognition. I thought the tanks won the WW1 bit it looks like the Canadians were the reason
Such is the politics of all wars, nevermind the credit, the postwar connections are most important.
@@thesuncollective1475 Tanks, Canadians, Australians, combined arms tactics and the depleted morale of the Germans is a more accurate description of what ended the war.
Strathroy is my hometown and I was present at the statue unveiling. Many things in the town are named after him, such as the local Legion Hall Br.116. The house he grew up in just outside of town was torn down sometime ago, as well as the high school he attended (Strathroy District Collegiate Institute, now in a newer building). The town is very proud of him and will always be.
As a expat New Zealander, nurse who trained at a repatriation hospital, it is historically magnificent that this documentary was made in absolute honour of Canadian solider's across all theatres of War. Many are not even aware of the 65 thousand Canadians who served in Vietnam. Lest we forget.❤️🙏🇨🇦
Canadians were among the fiercest in the next war too. Feared as enemies, much loved by the people they liberated. Here in the Netherlands they are still spoken of with great respect, gratitude and affection.
I am 65 years old. My grandparents' generation fought in the Great War and my parents' generation in WW2. I remember them. Canadians do not do well in recognizing their great men and women. Seriously. We have a problem with it. What is it with us?
I thank you for the time, effort, money, expertise, and pride you have shown in the filming, archival research, editing, and storytelling. This is a profound story and it deserves to be told.
I too had great uncles who served in the CEF in WWI and uncles and cousins in the RCAF and Army in WWII. Otherwise there was only the inscriptions on the Cenotaph and a few streets named after the major battles covered in this film and the waterfront park named in honour of the participation of the Essex Scottish in the Dieppe Raid (in which two of my second cousins were captured and endured the war in various POW camps). We, as a country, tended to be self-effacing and embarrassed . Or is it fear that we will not be perceived as 'nice' anymore if the world knew that we actually made significant contributions (and sacrifices) to the final victories in South Africa, Europe and Korea?
@@chong2389 Good points
Maybe it has something to do with Lumberjacks.
Hi Robb, I am 62, I am a Brit living in Saskatchewan, I to, respect our forefathers and Mothers, they were regular folk that did what was needed when the time dictated. I am also mindful that it is always the little guys that pay the highest price for the squabbles of the rich. The high command back in the day were often picked for going to the right school, and not skill or bravery on the field. History repeats, will we ever learn.
@@tonyfurneaux3399 Amen
It has always bothered me that we seem to refuse to remember the brave souls who fought/died and came home to build our great country and to give us the freedoms that we now seem intend on destroying. Lets pray that their sacrifices will always be remembered and not wasted.
General Sir Arthur Currie is an grate worrier and a national hero of the Canada. I feel proud for such a grate man in the history of WWI. I hope this documentary will be one of the golden history of the Canadian Army.
Wow I love this. My dad was Robert Currie Gordon and his grandad was Sgt George Currie who fought at Ypres and Arras and won the DCM and MM. We had family in Canada and in Northern Ireland, but most of us are Scots and great grandad was in the Cameronian Highlanders and Seaforth Highlanders. We have a long military tradition and I myself served as an Army Officer in the Rifles and RAMC. Love to Canada from Scotland!
Greatings from Belgium Flanders Antwerpen.
We are Greatfull to allthe Fallen Canadian Heroic Soldiers who gived there life for Freedom, Humanity.
I dint know Him,now i learned about This Great General Arthur Currie. We Salut Him,My he rest in Peace.
Currie was not only a master if war, he also had the uncanny ability to accurately predict losses
Thank you for a great video. I had never heard of Sir Arthur before today (British history lessons being what they are) but I am now a little wiser and a lot more appreciative of how one man could have done so much.
What a patriot. May he be remembered By all Canadians
Fascinating story , beautifully told by Mr . Christie . Well done
On the right of the Canadians at Amiens were the Australians under Monash. Monash and Currie had a similar military background, although Monash had German and Jewish forebears, a fact that did him no good in his career, and he did not have the support Currie apparently got from Byng. Both were the victims of poor British command in the early part of the War. Currie and Monash independently developed almost identical approaches to an attack. Basically, plan to the last detail, rehearse and train. Both had success when given overall command. Currie and Monash were finally put together for Amiens, and it was a great success, across a wide front. It has been argued that these two, had their talents been used sooner, could have shortened the War. Monash, also, was treated poorly by his Government on his return.
Please give details about your claim that Monash's career suffered due to prejudice about his German/Jewish ancestry. Seems to me that a citizen soldier rising to command all Australian forces on the Western front in France was a very successful career
If only the ANZACs had the same recognition as the Canadian corp. We were an elite force and did alot for our depleted forces but not alot of recognition. Especially the New Zealanders which sacrificed more of our population than any other country.
The ANZAC had the unfortunate experience of being stuck in as just any other division in the massive BEF. The Canadians made a point of sticking together as a unified Corps throughout the war (at one point to the chagrin of Douglas Haig), and even going so far as to act almost independently of the rest of the BEF. This is what gave the Canadians a step above the rest of the units in the BEF. Nothing underscores this separation in quality between the CEF and the rest of the BEF more than Passchendale, where the Canadians were brought in to finish in 3 days what the British and Australians and the rest of the Commonwealth were unable to do in 2 months.
@@Masonms427 if you believe that, you may want to research the ANZACs more.
@@Ulfhednir9 I have extensively. They have a well deserved reputation, and I'm not trying to downplay any of their accomplishments. I'm simply stating the fact that they suffered a lot more from being victims of the great British war machine than the Canadians did. Monash would have entire divisions taken from him and sent off to fight under mediocre British generals, and this had a major impact on SOP's within the ANZAC divisions and other Commonwealth forces. A perfect example of this discrepancy between most units in the BEF and the Canadains was the Provost commands for unit priority on the roads in Passchendale. BEF Provosts gave infantry priority, so artillery was never able to be replaced at the front. As soon as the Canadians took over the line the Canadian Provost immediately gave artillery the priority and the worn out BEF artillery was replaced with brand new Canadian artillery with it's own direct supply line. Currie then did exactly what he said he would and took Passchendale ridge in 3 days of operations after the Germans had held off the entire BEF for 2 months. The Australians were some of the top rated divisions within the BEF, but the Canadian Corps was a step above and regarded as the BEF's elite formation that could be sent into spear head any objective the Allies absolutely needed taken. Numerous German commands, units and headquarters staff all recognized that the Canadians were the premier fighting force on the Western Front, and the war.
@@Masonms427 9 April-16 May: Battle of Arras
7-9 June: Battle of Messines
12 June: NZ Division pushes German outposts back to La Basseville
27-31 July: NZers capture, lose and recapture La Basseville
4 October: NZ attack on Gravenstafel Spur succeeds
12 October: NZ Division suffers devastating losses at Passchendaele
18 October: NZers relieved by Canadian troops
6 November: Canadians capture ruins of Passchendaele village
20 November: British high command ends Passchendaele offensive with objectives unachieved
3 December: NZ Division attacks Polderhoek
@@Masonms427 have you read yet, about the final coming together of all the Australian Divisions, along with the Canadians and Kiwis under Sir John Monash's generalship and planning with the likes of Sir Arthur Currie to actually turn back the germans during their last push and then brought about the end of the wat by attaching and gaining all the ground from Albert to and through the Hindenburg line?
Rich and beautiful history ! Even myself being in the USAF knows where YOU Canadiens must feel ! This story shows the raw courage of the man believed in himself as well as his beloved Canada ! Truly one man I give a total hardy salute for his life let alone the free world of that time in the world !
Thank you for this.
I have never heard of this great general before. Wish he and his men got the recognition they deserved.
If you were interested in this history do some research on the Australian General Monash. Another general from the colonies who respected the lives of his men and believed in training and preparation to improve the chances of victory at a lower cost in lives.
Lest we Forget. Love to my Canadian 'cousins' from Sunny Australia!!!
It bothers me a great deal how so many people today are aware of just how important WWI is to world history and modern society, and that men like Currie should be forgotten is a travesty of the highest order.
Thank you Mr. Christie for enlightening us on the 'unknown' history of this extraordinary man. Canadians, Americans, and all of the Allies were fortunate to have had Arthur Currie leading some of the toughest and bravest soldiers in the Great War. His story should never be forgotten.
The romance of war to a British officer is to see how many of his men die well without regard to strategy and their safety.
Men like Currie inspire ordinary men to do extraordinary feats.
Excellent video. Thank you. I was born in Strathroy. Went high school there. Never once heard of Sir. Arthur Currie until reading Pierre Burton's Vimy. Excellent book by the way. Just one more example of how our educational system is less than it should be. God forbid that we should forget......
I so agree, Canada should be remembering her hero's, I am a Brit and I also know about the Canadian WW2 fighter Ace that was stationed in Malta, George Beurling. Do you.
@@tonyfurneaux3399 Yes, thank you. Have read about George. Although, I read everything I could about WWll fighter aircraft when younger. It is important to know our history eh?!
I'm a United States Citizen Soldier with Canadian ancestry. Served during the Viet Nam Conflict. Non - Combat Support. Thank you for this enlightening story of General Sir Arthur Currie, a Canadian Corps General. God Bless those who still remember those who gave of their time and lives to provide the Security & Freedom that all North Americans have experienced the last 100 Years. Americans have been in Conflicts even for those who disregard the sacrifice of those, now all dead, in the Great War. Americans - Both Canadian & US Citizens - have always answered the call to preserve their homelands. Thank you for this Documentary.
Great doco, and wonderful to see Currie honored. I had no idea he isn't remembered in Canada. I thought Australians were bad, remembering football & tennis players over giants who had a real impact on history. My limited knowledge of Currie has nonetheless placed him at the top of the list with Monash as the greatest WW1 generals. They took a similar approach to executing the war and I have always thought of them together as the great innovators. Thanks for increasing my knowledge of Currie.
What a wonderful documentary,Norm Christie at his best in making a tribute to a remarkable man.
The pressure on Currie must have been extreme in balancing his care for his Canadians with the demands made by the British General Staff.
A truly heroic figure.
Thank you for this Homage........Who knew! truly a great General and soldier.
No longer unknown to me, thank you 🇬🇧 🇨🇦
Sir John Monash greatest Sin was that he was of German Parentage ( they came to Australia to escape the ante Jewish racisms ) He was Jewish, and most unforgivable by British standards was an Australian, he suffered constant Racisms form the anti Jewish media and from War Correspondents but aside from this he rose by sheer ability to the top of the Army, once the war was over as with Currie his face no longer fitted and his efforts were quickly forgotten by all. Monash was the designer and construction engineer for the Victorian War Memorial which was dedicated to the common soldier ( not the Generals or politicians - he insisted on this requirement- well worth a visit for tourists to Melbourne ) Monash was also a brilliant Civil Engineer building several bridges and the Yallourn power station in Victoria and was the first Engineer in Australia to use pre stressed Concrete in construction
As a Gunner I find it amusing to be thought of a 'Gunman,' as you have titled Currie. I'll use that when reminiscing, thanks, Haha !
A very moving story of a Great man.
Thank you , Timeline .
Holidays are over , so you know nothing Dan Snow !
🐺
I had never heard of him. Seems he was a great man. Thank you.
FYI - in the novel "Starship Troopers" by Robert Heinlein, the training camp for the troopers is called Camp Currie, obviously named after this general.
The utter ineptitude of the British general staff was inexcusable. Why they were not sacked, demoted and sent to the front line is also a crime. There were many officers British, Canadian, Australian, South African, New Zealand, Indian, who knew what needed to be done and how to do it. In the end Only the Australian and Canadian generals ignored the General Staff and did it properly.
thats utter nonsense
@@corinth492 .. Really. Just look at this video and then at the one about the Australian generals almost the same story line. Commanding officers ignored standing orders from the General Staff and did it their own way and got results. Then British brigadiers and colonels began doing the same.
Which is the “smarter man”… the one who fights and dies for someone else’s country/empire or he who has others fight and die for HIS country/empire? Look at the history of the English Empire and darkness ye shall but find.
Possibly their promoting upper ranks to the ruling upper class is what contributed to the demise of the British military on the world stage.
@@dcabana1 ..There has been no demise of the British Military on the world stage. The British Soldier on the ground succeeded despite the incompetence of the General Staff. Things have got better overall but the biggest change since WW2 is that every British soldier is trained to think for themselves and not overly rely on what the higher ups are telling them.
brilliant,what a story what a great man arthur was i knew about how good the canadians where in the great war but nothing about sir aurthur currie thanks for sharing this
Thanks again Norm for continuing the honorable fight for Canadian recognition on the battlefields.
I was on the committee that raised the funds to erect Sir Arthur's statue. We tried several angles to try and save the house. We could not find any interested parties to get involved.
Love this kind of forgotten historic people documentary!!
The Barracks that I trained at in Catterick Garrison (The largest Garrison in all of Europe) was named Vimy Barracks in honour of the WW1 battle grounds & the great battle of Canadian & British forces wining the day against German onslaughts
I'm Australian who reads WW1 and WW2 history and know and rate Arthur Currie as a military planner and leader.
Canada, Australia, New Zealand have all produced first class Military officers. It is to our shame that we don't know more about them. John ... UK ... Oxford
A WONDERFUL WORK. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
WE LOST A GREAT UNCLE , HARRY FENTIMAN, SERVING IN THE CANADIAN ARMY
IN THAT WAR. HIS BROTHER, MY GRANDFATHER FRANK FENTIMAN ALSO FOUGHT
AND SERVED KING AND COUNTRY "OVER THERE".
Vary well made documentary. I now have a sense of who sir Arthur Currie is
I am a Ex British serviceman, Royal Navy / Royal Marines, I must offer a most deepest of deepest apologies, at attitudes by British General attitude to our commonwealth cousins, I’ve been blessed to work along side Canadian servicemen and women, I have so much deepest respect to our cousins , great nation , plus great people plus such a beautiful country. Please do not judge idiots of our Officer’s who of that era, today all British servicemen and women , hold the most highest respects
More detail about how Currie and the Canadians accomplished victory would be illiuminating and helpful.
Amazing. Thanks for letting all know.
My son became familiar with Gen. Currie about 4 years ago. Unfortunately, Canada does not celebrate its 20th century military history. Up until late 1960's, our military role has diminished focused on peacekeeping. It's unfortunate. It's ironic that Canadians were mentioned in some epic Hollywood war movies before 1980. As an immigrant, I am proud my son is now enrolled in Royal Military College as a Canadian. I would like to see our military return to its honourable past, prior to 1970s. The most unfortunate, the fallen should always be remembered.
I enjoyed that very much. Thank you.
I was fortunate enough to grow up with my grandfather who served in the 116th Battalion CEF. I have his helmet, his ribbons, his 116th badge, a pair of German binoculars he liberated and a bayonet (he claimed was his but after his death, it was German!). Heard his stories, he was 18 years old when he enlisted. Also met my great grandfather who served with the KOYLI. A career soldier, He was wounded in 1914 and hospitalized in England. Heard his stories, too. They will never be forgotten!
I'm proud of Canada's actions during WW I and WW II and am glad to see Currie getting the recognition he deserves. My great grandfather and his 2 brothers fought as infantry during Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele, they were all injured but luckily all came back to Canada alive.
An excellent documentary. Thanks
Jeez as a young lad he had a far far better life and house than he would of had staying in ireland or the UK ....
wow this is amazing so awesome thank you Documentary.
Both during the first and second war, the victory belonged to British and American armies, and the contributions of other nations were never highlighted. Like the contributions of Canadians, Australians, Indians etc.
Nonsense.
This is amazing!
Only 0:55 into this video, and I'm already enjoying Norm Cristie participating in a Will Ferrell lookalike contest.
I'm glad you showed the story of Gen. Arthur Currie and the great achievements of the Canadian expeditionary forces during ww1, Before I saw this vid. clip it was all about the Americns and British.
Always had great respect for the Canadian soldiers, then and WW2 and today. Today we can still learn from his example. RIP Sir.
Canada 🇨🇦 has much to be proud of and many people and nations, owe them a debt of gratitude. Another story of Canuck prowess, is the paratroopers at wars end in 1945 and their dash north to face up the advancing soviets and deny them access to Denmark. 🇨🇦🏴🇨🇦
Crursed is he who puts his trust in man
Then to have joined us in the beginning, the Canucks preferred to remain as subjects; now, they let a bunch of governmental bureaucrat punks take their guns
@@phillipgaley4416 Your arrogance is exceeded only by your ignorance.
A great man and a good man. Rare qualities found in combination. Possibly contributing to his lack of recognition. Dying at only 58 in 1933, I wonder what he thought of the political situation in Europe at that time? Did he perceive his fears of having to do it all over coming true?
My fleet commander started out as a marine grunt in nam then ended up as a 1 star Navy admiral in enduring freedom neat old warhorse to talk with
STA 21?
As an American, I have great respect for General Currie...Salute!!
He's not forgotten. Through this documentary. He's reborn in history. Well done Canada 🇨🇦
What a wonderful story of an incredible man
I'm from the USA and was not aware of this great man until now. God rest his soul and thanks for this video.
Another brilliant Norm Christie video.
My great-uncle, Norman Maclean, originally from Inverness, Scotland, but in Canada in 1914, joined the Black Watch of Canada as a Private, and rose to the rank of Captain, before being killed by friendly artillery fire in 1917. ...... I once had his Glengarry hat, and his medals, but my house was seized by squatters, then repossessed by my mortgage company, and I lost the entire contents. ...... I am saddened by this even after 30 years.
He wouldn't have been happy with you calling his Glengarry a hat.
@@whitmanpriceandhaddad3074 Fair comment. ...... I added the word 'hat' for those readers who might have no idea what a glengarry was! ...... It can be correctly called a number of things, though Norman probably simply called it a glengarry. ...... Wikipedia:- ...... glengarry - /ɡlɛnˈɡari/ - a brimless boat-shaped hat with a cleft down the centre, typically having two ribbons hanging at the back, worn as part of Highland dress. ...... Merriam-Webster:- ...... The meaning of GLENGARRY is a woollen cap of Scottish origin - also called a glengarry bonnet.
@@zen4men Just meant it as a gentle poke because I know he'd have said that. Sad story, but a brave man by the sounds of it. 👍
@@whitmanpriceandhaddad3074 He was from a large family - 5 brothers were killed.
In a world occupied by men grasping for renown, it’s often the case that the most deserving are ignored.
But in the end, those considered the least here on earth will be considered the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
What an amazing Canadian General who was devoted to his men. What a great story.
I would argue that John Monash of Australia would give Currie a run for his money as the greatest general of WW1. However, I salute Currie and note with pride that it was the Commonwealth generals that saved the British and French.
As a proud Brit, I would say, it is always the little guy that pays the highest price, no matter if they are commanded by a great General or a dumbass. The Commonwealth is lucky the OLD school tie system is not used so openly, to promote for profit, and not merit.
Currie was in it far longer than Monash and had more successes. Monash had the advantage of having studied Curries successes, while the latter didn’t. This always has been a bone of contention between the Canucks and Aussies as to who was better, but based on many criteria like, time served and man for man vs ground gained etc., Currie stands above. Monash was a brilliant tactician, exampled by the attack at Hamel and Amiens ( although the two worked together on that one), yet it was the Canucks that were brought into the line secretly and also gained the most ground as a spearhead force. The only thing that could compare the two was more time, thankfully they didn’t get it. But, if one were to measure success across the whole war, then that would go to Currie.
His years as a real estate agent most likely contributed to his intuitive grasp of valuable terrain
Location location location!
Much better to have Canadians on your side, than against. Brave and tough fighters.
Thank you.
Currie barracks in Calgary was named after him.
Excellent
Love this channel as a history nerd and love books just love the stuff
Well Done!
Thanks!