Week 298 - Germany Surrenders! - WW2 - May 11, 1945

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  • čas přidán 3. 06. 2024
  • Germany signs not one, but two unconditional surrenders and the war in Europe is officially over... although that does not mean that all the fighting in Europe is, for there is fighting and surrenders all over Europe all week. The Japanese launch a counteroffensive on Okinawa; the Chinese launch one in Western Hunan; the Australians advance on Borneo and New Guinea; and the fight continues on Luzon in the Philippines, so there is still an awful lot of the world war to come, even with the end of the war in Europe.
    00:00 INTRO
    00:40 THE GERMAN SURRENDER
    03:23 FIGHTING AND SURRENDERS IN THE EAST
    06:53 THE PRAGUE UPRISING
    15:50 THE LAST SURRENDERS IN EUROPE
    18:42 THE POLISH SITUATION
    20:25 THE WAR IN CHINA AND THE SOUTH SEAS
    23:17 SUMMARY
    24:44 CONCLUSION
    Join us on Patreon: / timeghosthistory
    Or join the TimeGhost Army directly at: timeghost.tv/signup/
    Check out our TimeGhost History CZcams channel: / timeghost
    Between 2 Wars: • Between 2 Wars
    Follow WW2 Day by Day on Instagram: @ww2_day_by_day
    Follow TimeGhost History on Instagram: @timeghosthistory
    Like us on Facebook: / timeghosthistory
    Hosted by: Indy Neidell
    Director: Astrid Deinhard
    Producers: Astrid Deinhard and Spartacus Olsson
    Executive Producers: Astrid Deinhard, Indy Neidell, Spartacus Olsson
    Creative Producer: Marek Kamiński
    Community Management: Jake McCluskey
    Written by: Indy Neidell
    Research by: Indy Neidell
    Map animations by: Daniel Weiss
    Map research by: Sietse Kenter
    Edited by: Iryna Dulka
    Artwork and color grading by: Mikołaj Uchman
    Sound design by: Marek Kamiński
    Colorizations by:
    Mikołaj Uchman
    Daniel Weiss
    Jaris Almazani (Artistic Man), artistic.man?ig...
    Source literature list: bit.ly/SourcesWW2
    Archive footage: Screenocean/Reuters - www.screenocean.com
    Image sources:
    Mil.ru
    Národní muzeum
    IWM HU 140996
    Soundtracks from Epidemic Sound:
    Easy Target - Rannar Sillard
    Sailing for Gold - Howard Harper-Barnes
    Rush of Blood - Reynard Seidel
    Break Free - Fabien Tell
    Live, Fight, Survive - Anthony Earls
    Easy Target - Rannar Sillard
    The Inspector 4 - Johannes Bornlöf
    Leave It All Here - Fabien Tell
    Weapon of Choice - Fabien Tell
    Split Decision - Rannar Sillard
    United Fronts - Jon Sumner
    Underlying Truth - Howard Harper-Barnes
    Let Go of Fear - Howard Harper-Barnes
    Shrouded in Conspiracy - Jon Bjork
    Dragon King - Jo Wandrini
    Sense of Betrayal - Experia
    Other Sides of Glory - Fabien Tell
    Ethos - Johannes Bornlof
    A TimeGhost chronological documentary produced by OnLion Entertainment GmbH.

Komentáře • 1,3K

  • @WorldWarTwo
    @WorldWarTwo  Před 24 dny +560

    The war in Europe is over. Hitler’s war of aggression and genocide has reached its end and the Allies stand victorious. But, in the Pacific, fighting continues to rage and all eyes are focused on Japan. Stay with us as the Allies prepare to finish this war. This, and all our work, is possible thanks to the Timeghost Army. Join at Timeghost.tv or Patreon.

    • @thanos_6.0
      @thanos_6.0 Před 24 dny +21

      Wait, Germany lost the war? I did nazi that comming.

    • @brianpalen2337
      @brianpalen2337 Před 24 dny +3

      ​@@thanos_6.0 WOW. That made my morning.

    • @mrbarit529
      @mrbarit529 Před 24 dny +4

      Question this may not be a great place to ask yet but Is this channel maybe going to cover the insurgency of some SS units after World War II? I ask this because I heard there was some tiny SS units still trying to fight a lot war from like a Mark Felton video.

    • @bugman2333
      @bugman2333 Před 24 dny +1

      Please tell us if there will be a between two wars after WWII.

    • @deshaun9473
      @deshaun9473 Před 24 dny +12

      "the balls of St. Paul's." Wow, Indy 😮

  • @-Hezza-
    @-Hezza- Před 24 dny +2200

    I was 18 and had just finished my A levels when I started watching this series, 6 years later I’m now 24 and I’m just about to graduate from university. This series has been a constant companion throughout and something I’ve looked forward to tuning into every Saturday. Thank you Indy and the rest of the team for producing the most in depth world war 2 series out there. Been a pleasure!

    • @deshaun9473
      @deshaun9473 Před 24 dny +42

      Congratulations!! May you have success in all your endeavors, and thank you for being with us here on WW2 and the Time ghost army!!

    • @hetorsalama
      @hetorsalama Před 24 dny +42

      It aint over yet...

    • @Chiller11
      @Chiller11 Před 24 dny +1

      That’s a great story.

    • @leant6487
      @leant6487 Před 24 dny +61

      I remember I was 14 when Indy started with The First World War.

    • @chenglongyin2232
      @chenglongyin2232 Před 24 dny +19

      @@leant6487 15 for me. Now 25. Not gonna lie he is the first person I watched in CZcams who tells history !

  • @chuckvt5196
    @chuckvt5196 Před 24 dny +921

    That generation never forgot where they were when they heard the balls of St. Paul's ring out!

    • @MartinHutasoit09
      @MartinHutasoit09 Před 24 dny +68

      This is why the west has fallen, they never hear the balls of St. Paul rings for a long time!

    • @mgway4661
      @mgway4661 Před 24 dny +21

      😭😭

    • @WalterReimer
      @WalterReimer Před 24 dny +20

      LMAO

    • @elcastorgrande
      @elcastorgrande Před 24 dny +16

      That's Indie for ya, the belle of the ball.

    • @smalltime0
      @smalltime0 Před 24 dny +24

      I expect nobody would forget where they were when St. Paul's Balls rang

  • @144digital
    @144digital Před 24 dny +265

    I can still remember "This week, Germany invades Poland. What did you think I was going to say?"... It's been a journey... Makes you understand how horrible it was for all parties involved. War shouldn't be happening

    • @Warszawski_Modernizm
      @Warszawski_Modernizm Před 24 dny +19

      almost 300 weeks. So so so so long.. Especially for my country, Poland.

    • @LiterallyMe05
      @LiterallyMe05 Před 24 dny +23

      ​@@Warszawski_Modernizmand unfortunately Poland will not be truly free until 1989, when it escaped from the Soviet yoke

    • @metalgearray6832
      @metalgearray6832 Před 24 dny

      Felt like yesterday!

    • @alexhuynh1066
      @alexhuynh1066 Před 23 dny +7

      And war....war never changes

    • @moshonn9318
      @moshonn9318 Před 19 dny +4

      @@LiterallyMe05 Poland started fighting for independence in 1915
      They won that fight in 1989

  • @jameswolf133
    @jameswolf133 Před 24 dny +351

    The Balls of St. Paul swing pendulously!

    • @jewiesnew3786
      @jewiesnew3786 Před 24 dny +45

      The balls were so massive, when they swing and hit each other, a loud banging noise can be heard for miles away...

    • @tripsaplenty1227
      @tripsaplenty1227 Před 24 dny

      actually the balls of the Roman official Saul of Tarsus were not bronze or large. He was a coward and a traitor who was unable to do what obviously needed to be done for the greater good of humanity.
      Christians are still murdering people in the name of their Pacifist lord to this day.

    • @podemosurss8316
      @podemosurss8316 Před 24 dny +29

      Thanks to the 5th Shark Army.

    • @deeznoots6241
      @deeznoots6241 Před 24 dny +1

      @@podemosurss8316no wonder the Germans lost, the Soviets had far too many Shark armies

    • @SyndicateSuperman
      @SyndicateSuperman Před 24 dny +6

      I got a huge laugh out of this.

  • @gunman47
    @gunman47 Před 24 dny +527

    A footnote this week on May 5 1945 is that German submarine U-853 will torpedo and sink the American collier Black Point off Block Island, Rhode Island in the United States, killing 12. 34 crew members would later be rescued. It is noteworthy the Black Point would be the last American merchant ship to be sunk by U-boat in the war.

    • @damascus21
      @damascus21 Před 24 dny +47

      Three little-ass days before the Germans capitulated. That's absolutely heartbreaking.

    • @joebudi5136
      @joebudi5136 Před 24 dny +29

      That's at the mouth of Long Island Sound! I did not know this fact.

    • @ramonzzzz
      @ramonzzzz Před 24 dny +59

      @@damascus21 Not only that, but it's also incredibly idiotic on the part of the U-boat commander, for his vessel was quickly located and sunk with the loss of all 55 crewmen. They could easily have passively waited until the war's inevitable conclusion.
      The collier was the Black Prince, not the Black Point.

    • @Professor_sckinnctn
      @Professor_sckinnctn Před 24 dny +11

      Having grown up in Newport, RI, that's well remembered.

    • @tigertank06
      @tigertank06 Před 24 dny +4

      Or what about that secret german that was sent to Japan w/japanese officers and jet planes to help the japanese w/their defense of the home islands.

  • @thanos_6.0
    @thanos_6.0 Před 24 dny +369

    I hope you release a special episode on the fate of axis and allied POW's in the comming months, since it is a very interesting and tragic topic.

    • @alexamerling79
      @alexamerling79 Před 24 dny +43

      Especially on the eastern front...

    • @Ud1ve
      @Ud1ve Před 23 dny +6

      @@alexamerling79
      Not only there, the Rheinwiesenlager in the west were also bad.

    • @DavidNaval
      @DavidNaval Před 15 dny

      watch armchair historians video on it

  • @actionswon9478
    @actionswon9478 Před 24 dny +141

    Wow… just wow. Ending monologue is tough

  • @pocketmarcy6990
    @pocketmarcy6990 Před 24 dny +228

    40 million people are dead, millions more wounded, but a fragile peace has finally fallen over Europe

    • @jonny-b4954
      @jonny-b4954 Před 24 dny

      Really not that many people when you consider it. I guess it's a lot when considering the worlds population at the time, but still, not really. WW3 will be that many in the first week.

    • @dragonrykr
      @dragonrykr Před 23 dny +1

      Fragile yet long-lasting. A civil war would not take place in Europe until the early 1990's, and a conventional war between two countries would not occur until 2022

    • @Paciat
      @Paciat Před 23 dny +7

      Its sad the war wouldnt happen if treaty of Versailles was enforced as soon as Garmany broke it.

    • @pocketmarcy6990
      @pocketmarcy6990 Před 23 dny +5

      @@Paciat I think the fact is that Britain and France weren’t ready militarily to confront Germany in 1936 (if they’d gone in immediately after Hitler started ramping up the air force and naval construction than Germany would’ve been crushed easily

    • @Paciat
      @Paciat Před 23 dny

      @@pocketmarcy6990 Britain and France were aware that Germany is preparing for modern large scale offensive war since late 20s. Polish intelligence found out about the:
      en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kama_tank_school and
      en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipetsk_fighter-pilot_school and informed its allies.

  • @bigapplebucky
    @bigapplebucky Před 24 dny +109

    Eisenhower: "The mission of this Allied Force was fulfilled at 0241, local time, May 7th, 1945." Perfect.

  • @joebudi5136
    @joebudi5136 Před 24 dny +183

    I hope the balls of st paul stays in the archived version.

  • @k-panga
    @k-panga Před 24 dny +110

    I can say with confidence that Indy, and later Spartacus and Astrid, have been part of my life this last 10 years.
    Since I found the Great War channel I fell in love with history, it introduced me to some great books and has made Saturday this last 6 years my most anticipated day.
    Thank you WW2 crew, I hope to meet you one day!

    • @Jarod-vg9wq
      @Jarod-vg9wq Před 24 dny

      As do I!

    • @jamescassady4629
      @jamescassady4629 Před 23 dny

      Its not over yet, we still have the pacific until august and they are doing the Korean war next so we get them for another three years at least

    • @HighIQHistory
      @HighIQHistory Před 22 dny +1

      they're propagandists, if you haven't realised that after 10 years then wow, never ever consider yourself intelligent

  • @silvioevan11
    @silvioevan11 Před 24 dny +255

    Impossible not feeling nostalgic now:
    - WW2 is over.
    - A few weeks from today: Great War channel will be a decade old.
    (sigh)
    Congrats again, Indy.

    • @MattMeskill
      @MattMeskill Před 24 dny +33

      WW2 very much not over

    • @L.P.1987
      @L.P.1987 Před 24 dny +1

      So so nostalgic

    • @silvioevan11
      @silvioevan11 Před 24 dny +5

      @@MattMeskill You're right! Let me say as Indy at 26:42: "The war in Europe is over."

    • @firingallcylinders2949
      @firingallcylinders2949 Před 24 dny +2

      Now just think, what were you doing when this series started in 2018? Now imagine since then you were in the worst conflict of all time. That's what these people experienced.

    • @tigertank06
      @tigertank06 Před 24 dny +5

      WW2 not over just yet.

  • @stewartmckenna3013
    @stewartmckenna3013 Před 24 dny +208

    My brother in law was in the Luftwaffe in Chechoslovakia. At this time. He tried to lead his unit North from Prague to the American lines. He told me they were marching down a road between a school with diehard SS shooting at them and 'the whole Russian army' came of the hill on the other side... The Russians turned him over to the Chechs and they started killing the officers. He told me that 'Jesus Christ' told him to remove his rank insignia and he ended up in a POW camp in the Caucauses. Eventualy he made it back to Heidelberg and came to the US. Oh, he had two uncles, one owned the Mauser factory, the other was the Mayor of Spandau and he actualy was at the 1936 Olympics in a box with his uncle and saw Hitler. I wish he had written down his full story. I have more if you are interested. His name was Gerhardt Harrer

    • @alexamerling79
      @alexamerling79 Před 24 dny +12

      Really need stuff! I stayed with a host family when I was in Kassel and they had a photo of what looked what my host father's dad in a Heer uniform. I wanted to learn more but didn't feel comfortable asking them about it.

    • @stevekaczynski3793
      @stevekaczynski3793 Před 24 dny +8

      I was in Germany in the 1970s and switched on a TV programme - at the time my knowledge of German was limited, but I could tell they were seeking information on German military personnel who had gone missing on the Eastern Front in particular, or who were known to have been captured there and whose subsequent fate was unknown.

    • @AlexeyProkharchyk
      @AlexeyProkharchyk Před 24 dny +1

      That is a cool story

    • @browngreen933
      @browngreen933 Před 23 dny

      What a great family history. Please tell more.

    • @SgtHolton
      @SgtHolton Před 23 dny +13

      I dunno how you could stand by your sister knowing who she married. Living with a real life monster in her bed.

  • @JD98ns
    @JD98ns Před 24 dny +37

    What a solemn way to end the episode. Despite the celebration all around, the war continues for some.

    • @edopronk1303
      @edopronk1303 Před 24 dny +10

      indeed. Some american troops in Europe will already be prepared to travel to Asia....

  • @NorseNorman
    @NorseNorman Před 24 dny +258

    In the British Channel Islands we celebrate our liberation from Nazi occupation on the 9th of May. My grandad lived through the occupation in Jersey and told me that liberation day was a bitter-sweet moment for him. Whilst most people were in joyous celebration with the end of fascist control, he could only remember the starvation and seeing Soviet POW slave labourers being marched across the island. One night he watched the battle of Normandy from his bedroom window at night, the horizon alight with flame and destruction; he lived in constant fear of those bombs landing on Jersey as well as France. I happily celebrate Liberation Day every 9th of May with everyone else, but I can never forget the solemn stories my grandad told me about the cost of occupation.
    Even though we were liberation nearly 80 years ago now, there are still so many unanswered questions. How many slave workers actually died on Alderney? What was the local government's role in collaboration? How far did London go in covering up war crimes here? Why were resistance heroes shamed and purposefully forgotten after the war? Thankfully we have Liberation Day to remind ourselves of these questions.
    I still can't believe that I have been watching and supporting the Time Ghost team for almost a decade now. This World War Two project has been so useful, insightful and fascinating to watch. Can't wait to see future projects!

    • @Visherex
      @Visherex Před 24 dny +2

      Thank you for that, i had no idea

    • @stevekaczynski3793
      @stevekaczynski3793 Před 24 dny +25

      There is a photo of a British policeman on one of the Channel Islands saluting German officers during the occupation. There was some harassment post-war of women for having relations with German soldiers - they were nicknamed "Jerrybags". As in France, they might have been an easy target, perhaps shielding others who were more culpable.

    • @stevekaczynski3793
      @stevekaczynski3793 Před 24 dny +8

      @@davidw.2791 In both world wars, potato peels were something of a last resort food. Making pie would have implied there was some flour. Chances are if it was available they would have just made bread, or something like it.

    • @littlekong7685
      @littlekong7685 Před 23 dny +10

      I know why resistance heroes here purposefully forgotten: They weren't governmental forces. They were rebels, thieves, murderers, torturers, sadists, butchers and spies. And they were everything the governments and military needed them to be at the time, but in peace, they represent a failure of the military to do those jobs themselves, they represent men who CAN and DID take down a government through force of action, and if the NEW government should fail the people like the occupation governments did... well, these men aren't loyal to the flag and the state like the army is, they might not look the other way. If they are heroes, then the people might follow, and the armies are so war weary, they might not protect the new government quite as vigorously as they might hope...

    • @davidsigalow7349
      @davidsigalow7349 Před 23 dny +3

      I saw a movie about Channel Islanders trying to save an escaped Soviet POW. Can't recall the name, but it was a good movie.

  • @jjjonathan8774
    @jjjonathan8774 Před 24 dny +217

    My grandpa was born on May 14th, 1933 in a small village in Southern Germany. He was almost 12 years old when those events were happening, and we cannot imagine, what he must felt on his 12th birthday. Both brothers were in war, the family did not know what happened to them. His father, a WW1 veteran and socialist, was almost arrested and brought to a Concentration Camp. A big portion of the village was destroyed. I cannot imagine how they felt back in the day when they heard the war is over. Very strong concluding words. We shall never forget, and learn. No more war and dictatorship! Thank you for your job. I started to watch this series regularly in 2020 (or 1941), and now, it's over. Time flies

    • @andrewhawkins6754
      @andrewhawkins6754 Před 24 dny +11

      My grandmother was born in December 1934 in (or near to) Berlin. She's told me many stories but the important part is that she, her mother, and her sister evacuated to the Netherlands in March or April 1945. Her grandmother was Jewish by birth but converted in the late 1800s (for marriage I assume). If she hasn't lost them, she has letters attesting to the fact that her mother was an anti-nazi starting around 1942. I won't know for sure until I can get my hands on them if she hasn't lost them in the last 5 years along with much of her mind. She's still alive.

    • @selfworm
      @selfworm Před 23 dny

      "Both brothers were in war"
      Euphemistic way of saying they were Nazis raping and murdering for their fuhrer

    • @selfworm
      @selfworm Před 23 dny

      "Both brothers were in war" Euphemistic way of saying they fought on the side of evil

    • @thecommissarshatisonfirege4193
      @thecommissarshatisonfirege4193 Před 22 dny +1

      ​@@selfworm almost all german men at the time went to war. You don't know what they did and didn't do. They are victims of the regime, different victims for sure, bit still part of the hundred thousands of men whi will never be buried, never have a plaque to remember their names and be noted under "missing" in the national archives.

    • @jjjonathan8774
      @jjjonathan8774 Před 22 dny

      @@selfwormThey fought in the German army, yes. But they had no choice, otherwise they would have been arrested or worse

  • @piarpeggio
    @piarpeggio Před 24 dny +114

    _"FINALLY it has begun! Hopefully I'll get to live at least 6 more years to see it through."_ - I wrote this on my social media as I shared the first episode of this series back on September 9, 2018. It's truly been an honor to be a part of the journey of this series since then. I have seen so many documentaries in my short life, and I doubt if there will be one better than this in terms of scale and quality. Salute to everyone in the production team and the TimeGhost army.
    As for today's episode, seeing the people celebrate as the surrender announcement plays, I couldn't help but shed some tears. So much devastation, so much carnage, so much tragedy - is finally over, in Europe at least.

    • @Deridus
      @Deridus Před 24 dny +1

      (Looks at Borneo) 4 months to go.

    • @piarpeggio
      @piarpeggio Před 24 dny +2

      @@Deridus My bad. Edited to correct the last sentence.

    • @Deridus
      @Deridus Před 24 dny +1

      @@piarpeggio No worries. I only mentioned it because while the European theatre is closed, there js plenty of fighting for Europeans ahead. Africa, Asia, Indonesia... The World War may be over, over there, but there's plenty of fighting left!

  • @sandhopper99
    @sandhopper99 Před 24 dny +68

    The war in Burma is far from over. About 14,000 Japanese troops are hiding in the Pegu Yomas and as food runs out they will try to cross the Pegu to Tounghoo road and the Sittang River to get to the east side and then south to Tennasserim and Malaya where the Japanese are hanging on. This is called the Battle of the Sittang Bend, and it is estimated 8000 Japanese were killed trying to escape. Wiki has a section on this.

    • @Southsideindy
      @Southsideindy Před 24 dny +18

      It'll get covered, don't worry- it's not for a while yet. The fight in Burma is of course not over, but the Burma Campaign is for the Allies.

  • @helmoh
    @helmoh Před 24 dny +45

    You should make a special episode to reflect on the almost 10 years of making these WWI+II videos.

  • @oneofmanyjames-es1643
    @oneofmanyjames-es1643 Před 24 dny +104

    I've been following this series from day 1, and it's remarkable to see it start to end. I don't think I have ever seen such a dedicated or thorough documentary series, and it's a project that everyone involved should be deeply proud of

    • @neilwieland2748
      @neilwieland2748 Před 24 dny +1

      Amen. This is an absolutely incredible documentary. It's the best content I've ever seen in my entire life, in any medium

  • @jdrobertson42
    @jdrobertson42 Před 24 dny +43

    My grandmother’s brother died this week in 1945 while POW on Rabaul. A thing that struck me when looking through old letters and newspaper clippings is that he was shot down and declared MIA back in 1943 when my grandmother was 16 and a high schooler. His funeral wouldn’t be until early 1949, by which time my grandmother was married and weeks away from giving birth to my father. Even as this war is finally winding down, it won’t be over, to the extent it can be over, for years to come.

  • @lordbeaverhistory
    @lordbeaverhistory Před 24 dny +34

    I started watching this series in 2020 and my english was terrible. I did not understand much, but i loved the topic, it was all about the war in Europe.
    Now i'm 4 years older and i can confidently say that Indy Neidell was my English teacher

  • @Stay_at_home_Astronaut81
    @Stay_at_home_Astronaut81 Před 24 dny +16

    How this channel doesn't have a million plus followers, is beyond me. These videos are brilliant.

    • @WorldWarTwo
      @WorldWarTwo  Před 24 dny +2

      Thanks a lot, mate! -TimeGhost Ambassador

  • @roninwarrior66
    @roninwarrior66 Před 23 dny +10

    As lovers of history My girlfriend and I started watching you guys in the WW1 series and have followed you guys all through this war. Sadly she passed away in October and did not get to see it to the end. I wanted to thank the time ghost army for doing such an amazing job covering everything, and giving me hundreds of hours of memories of time we spent together watching and learning. Thank you guys can’t wait for the next series !!

  • @earmarkaudiologyllc8444
    @earmarkaudiologyllc8444 Před 24 dny +26

    Grandfather was in the 65th Div. We recently received a message from a Frenchman about a month ago. Granddad came home with only one of his dog tags- lost it at Camp Luckystrike in Normandy. 80 years later the Frenchman dug it up, and sent it back to us.

  • @oLii96x
    @oLii96x Před 23 dny +7

    Side fact: In Germany, the 8th of May 1945 was, for decades, mostly seen as a day of downfall and defeat. Until in 1985, when the end of the war was celebrated as a ceremony in the parliament, german president Richard von Weizsäcker held a speech in which he declared this day as a day of liberation rather than defeat, and thus the way this day is remembered changed.

  • @Mike-kc5ew
    @Mike-kc5ew Před 23 dny +5

    My mom had just died when I started watching this series in 2018. As my dad was a huge history buff, and it helped me connect with him better. Unfortunately my dad also passed away in 2021, so I've continued to watch this series, while thinking of both him and my mom often. I'm sure my dad would have loved your work on this as the project nears completion. You have done a wonderful job with it all. Thank you. ❤

  • @excelon13
    @excelon13 Před 24 dny +54

    Happy VE Day! I can’t imagine the relief allied soldiers felt when fighting ended. All eyes on Japan now, who shows no signs of letting up. Thank you and congratulations for reaching this milestone in the war TimeGhost. We’re in the homestretch now.

  • @barrybence4555
    @barrybence4555 Před 24 dny +18

    On this day I was a toddler, living in a small Pennsylvania town with my grandparents, mom, and aunt. I had never seen my Dad who on this day was in Garmisch Parten Kirchen. All but two of my uncles were in active service, and of course I had no way of knowing how the horrors of this war would be part of my life thanks to the PTSD my poor Dad brought home with him. Even after they left European battlefields, those horrors lived rent-free in their lives, and my Dad still had nightmares into his late 80's. True, Hell swept over many lands and seas. Let's just hope there's a heaven for all those whose lives here were cut short.

    • @Rasta8889
      @Rasta8889 Před 23 dny +1

      My paternal granddad never spoke of the war and I never asked. I could see the terrifying darkness and grief in his eyes and I didn't want to reopen old wounds. He died in 2015 with 46 pieces of shrapnel still in his body.

    • @solarisengineering15
      @solarisengineering15 Před 22 dny

      Thanks for sharing your story, even if it is a bit sad. Every one of them counts, the Second World War was experienced by so many people no one book or series, even this one, can capture it in its totality. It is my hope that people on the internet will share their own memories of relatives who lived through the Second World War, to remember those who had to endure such a terrible time.

  • @odra_na7625
    @odra_na7625 Před 24 dny +154

    "In 1945, peace broke out. It was the end of the Joke. Joke warfare was banned at a special session of the Geneva Convention, and in 1950 the last remaining copy of the joke was laid to rest here in the Berkshire countryside, never to be told again."

  • @WFMeyer
    @WFMeyer Před 24 dny +13

    This has been and is a Master Class in WWII History. I cannot thank you enough. You folks are the best.

    • @WorldWarTwo
      @WorldWarTwo  Před 24 dny +2

      Thank you, mate! -TimeGhost Ambassador

  • @trippsallee
    @trippsallee Před 24 dny +21

    I was a college freshman when this series started. I’m now almost two years since finishing college, and I can’t believe I’ve watched most weekly episodes. I don’t really have the words for how important this series has been for our studies and knowledge of the war. I’ve been watching this crew do insane work since the Great War series, and I cannot thank them enough for it.

  • @andmos1001
    @andmos1001 Před 24 dny +42

    Congratulations time ghost!!! Now to the east we go

    • @sandhopper99
      @sandhopper99 Před 24 dny +4

      And Bomber Command dropping food there.

  • @mattmurray764
    @mattmurray764 Před 24 dny +8

    What was the Japanese reaction to the surrender of Germany?

  • @noldo3837
    @noldo3837 Před 24 dny +24

    Hello from Prague. Vlasov's Army has liberated most of the city. By people who remebered them they were not looting, they were polite to civilians, and when asking for food, they were paying for it.
    And, in the end, they were let down by everyone - Allies, Czech, Soviets, Germans. Poor boys.
    One mayor of a Prague district which was liberated by RLA has raised them a statue in his district, as a symbol of gratitude.

    • @dmitriydanilov6367
      @dmitriydanilov6367 Před 23 dny

      Not surprising, erecting monuments dedicated to nazi colaborators is quite trendy these days

    • @DenisBourveau
      @DenisBourveau Před 22 dny

      Vlasov's b*tch*s were racial traitors to the superior Slavic race, if it wasn't for the racially conscious red army Prague would be a German hellhole by now. Vlasov's weaklings could only turn on the G*rmans as a result of the communists crushing the nazi dogs on all fronts. If you are a racially conscious Slav you must be a communist, especially at the time. Collaborationist weaklings have no reason to be respected. Inferior Germans neither. Total terror upon them and their weak men. The red army was far too merciful to the inferior rabble that surrendered to it.

  • @StegoKing
    @StegoKing Před 24 dny +7

    The tears in your eyes when you say "war is hell" are devastating.

  • @punishedvenomsnake716
    @punishedvenomsnake716 Před 24 dny +63

    I've been following this series for such a long time, it's almost surreal to hear that the war in Europe is actually over.
    Two World Wars later but we're finally here. Immensely grateful for this series as it's been with me through all the highs and lows, such a priceless historical record. The war in the far East rages on but the defeat of the Third Reich makes the rest a foregone conclusion.

  • @DocBolle
    @DocBolle Před 24 dny +4

    For my grandfather three years of captivity in the Soviet special camp of Buchenwald began. I guess his celebration of the end of the war really started in the Fifties after he and his family had managed to flee from the Soviet occupation zone into West-Germany.

  • @garydu356
    @garydu356 Před 24 dny +22

    it's really been so long since this series started: most of us are in completely different phases of our lives than six years ago. really made me awe at the length of the conflict and the magnitude of its continuous suffering. thank you!

    • @Primitarian
      @Primitarian Před 24 dny +3

      Such a big event this series was, it may deserve a series of its own. My proposed title: "This Week in This Week in World War II."

  • @Elongated_Muskrat
    @Elongated_Muskrat Před 24 dny +16

    A sort of chill conflict might be brewing in Europe.

  • @d.j.branham4314
    @d.j.branham4314 Před 24 dny +9

    Dividing french indochina definitely won't cause issues

  • @ltdannichols
    @ltdannichols Před 24 dny +21

    Actually, I wonder how many kids are born 9 months from today. In Paris, London, Moscow, and elsewhere that’s got to be a hell of a spike.

    • @lausenteternidad
      @lausenteternidad Před 24 dny +1

      It would be an explosive rise in births. A sort of "birth explosion" I would dare to say.

    • @belbrighton6479
      @belbrighton6479 Před 24 dny +19

      Yes, they are called baby boomers.

    • @stevekaczynski3793
      @stevekaczynski3793 Před 24 dny

      In 1918 when the Armistice was announced, it is reported that quite a few people had spontaneous sex in doorways and public places in London and other places, in particular Paris. Perhaps some 1919 births arose from this.

    • @chrisvowell2890
      @chrisvowell2890 Před 24 dny +2

      I was born in Dorset, England in March 1946 so I guess I'm definitely a 'baby boomer'.
      As I look back on my life, I thank God I was born at a time when so many things have resulted from this war: the jet engine on aircraft that have taken me to places all over the world, the advent of radio, TV and the internet that allows us to explore things that would be almost impossible to enjoy and experience otherwise but, above all, the freedom I've enjoyed due to democracy which could have so easily have been snuffed out by misguided meglomaniacs!

    • @ltdannichols
      @ltdannichols Před 24 dny

      @@belbrighton6479 I'm tracking that generation being referred to as baby boomers, but I was thinking specifically about children conceived on V-E day

  • @kingericson490
    @kingericson490 Před 24 dny +30

    When the war started I had a different job, and am about to finish school to get a different job, thank you guys for the series I never really thought about how long the war was

  • @aronjanssonnordberg307
    @aronjanssonnordberg307 Před 24 dny +7

    The dividing of Vietnam into north and south seems like foreshadowing.

  • @komm6668
    @komm6668 Před 24 dny +167

    And so begins the final step of Japan's transition from military power to making lots and lots of anime.

    • @lausenteternidad
      @lausenteternidad Před 24 dny +36

      Well, some of the creators of landmark anime are children living in wartorn Japan right now. And those experiences will deeply influence their creations. Like Gundam Yoshiyuki Tomino's Mobile Suit Gundam.

    • @jamesrogers47
      @jamesrogers47 Před 24 dny +19

      "But they make such bloody good cameras..."

    • @podemosurss8316
      @podemosurss8316 Před 24 dny

      @@lausenteternidad Or Hayao Miyazaki, of Studio Ghibli fame. He's famous for films like Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, Porco Rosso or The Grave of the Butterflies.

    • @Zen-sx5io
      @Zen-sx5io Před 24 dny +9

      From military great power to anime superpower.

    • @mikloridden8276
      @mikloridden8276 Před 24 dny +7

      It really worked to their favor, thanks to the US it indirectly created one the best futuristic country in the world. Everyone loves Japan today.

  • @joethompson3621
    @joethompson3621 Před 10 dny +1

    That last bit. I cried. I’ve been here since 1914. Thank you Indy and team.

  • @sha2532
    @sha2532 Před 24 dny +18

    Thank you Indy and crew for everything you've done in these past years.
    I can't really put into words how important these series have been to me. Come on now, we have a war in the east to end!

    • @WorldWarTwo
      @WorldWarTwo  Před 21 dnem +1

      Thank you very much, we are glad that you think so! Hope to see you at Korea.

  • @vmycode5142
    @vmycode5142 Před 24 dny +7

    I started to watch this series when i was 13, now I am 19 and it just feels surreal that the war which raged in europe, which was so all-consuming is now over.

  • @DaiElsan
    @DaiElsan Před 24 dny +7

    The most professional well delivered series, enthralling in its daily tradegy. Educational beyond belief. You guys deserve some sort of award for this coverage. Quality beyond expectations.
    Sadly, my Father is still fighting in Burma at this time.

    • @WorldWarTwo
      @WorldWarTwo  Před 24 dny

      Thank you for those kind words! Best of luck to him from this time -TimeGhost Ambassador

  • @Stun2003
    @Stun2003 Před 24 dny +5

    Could we maybe get a special on the Courland pocket? Like the video we got on Rzhev?

  • @matthewcreelman1347
    @matthewcreelman1347 Před 24 dny +4

    Eisenhower’s report on the armistice is one of my favourite statements in history. No statement could be grand or momentous enough to encapsulate the situation. He went the other way. “The mission of this Allied Force was fulfilled at 0241, local time, May 7th, 1945.”

  • @Alex-cw3rz
    @Alex-cw3rz Před 24 dny +7

    24:54 All I can think of is the meme of William Defoe looking upwards in this case at St Paul's Balls

  • @andrewstubson
    @andrewstubson Před 24 dny +8

    From someone who loves history, I can't thank you enough for covering this war. There are still so many lessons from this war that humanity has forgotten, that unfortunately will likely have to be relearned the hard way. Thanks again!

  • @Reddy_Santhosh_
    @Reddy_Santhosh_ Před 24 dny +12

    I have been following from Operation Barbarossa and now to the Battle of Berlin.....What a journey....Thanks to Timeghost,many normies like me got interested in history....What a journey...

  • @snopallchannel241
    @snopallchannel241 Před 22 dny +1

    Tears spontaniously reached my eyes as I saw the image of people celebrating after this horrific war. The feeling of joy and relief in whole Europe must have been overwhelming

  • @mitchellsmith4690
    @mitchellsmith4690 Před 24 dny +4

    On this day, in 1945, my Dad was in the Pacific. He had taken part in the North Atlantic patrols, and had made convoy escort to Murmansk. He had also found himself in the Amphibs, on LSTs, and his last action was Okinawa.

    • @WorldWarTwo
      @WorldWarTwo  Před 24 dny

      Thanks for sharing this with us, let's not forget their service -TimeGhost Ambassador

  • @mbathroom1
    @mbathroom1 Před 24 dny +5

    This is incredible, the fact that you guys covered the entire European war is just insane. Thank you so much for all the hard work, this channel is a masterpiece

  • @finnyishere3532
    @finnyishere3532 Před 24 dny +20

    Watching this in the RAF museum in London right now. Thank you time ghost for an incredible story from the European front! Now to see if the Japanese will lose the war or not 🤔

    • @Gszarco94
      @Gszarco94 Před 24 dny +3

      Rumors say Steiner escaped in a U-boat for Japan and will fight for the emperor. He will single-handedly turn the tide of the war-no worries!

    • @edopronk1303
      @edopronk1303 Před 24 dny +1

      @@Gszarco94 Wauw. I had expected the Steiner story be ended, but no :D

    • @finnyishere3532
      @finnyishere3532 Před 24 dny +1

      @@edopronk1303 Steiner will retake Rangoon, Okinawa and the Philippines with just a battalion of Panzers. What could go wrong 🤔

  • @parsananmon
    @parsananmon Před 24 dny +5

    I'm watching this series ever since Greco-Italian war. This war is darkest stain in our humanity. Thanks for covering it. May God bless all innocent people who died in this war.

  • @jaredwhite200
    @jaredwhite200 Před 24 dny +10

    We finally made it to victory week in Europe

  • @TheDJGrandPa
    @TheDJGrandPa Před 24 dny +10

    Started watching in early 1916 when the Germans were preparing an offensive on Verdun. Following the ww2 series from the start has been such a blast! I'm excited to see not only the final days and weeks for Japan, but the beginning of a new adventure in Korea. Your dedication to these topics is truly inspiring!

    • @davidbuckley2435
      @davidbuckley2435 Před 24 dny

      You started watching in *1916*?! How old are you?! 😜

    • @TheDJGrandPa
      @TheDJGrandPa Před 23 dny

      @@davidbuckley2435 I'm an ethereal being lay of me 👀

  • @fredaaron762
    @fredaaron762 Před 22 dny +1

    Thank you for this powerful series. We live in a time where facts and history are being twisted for political agendas and are being replaced by self-serving narratives. We can see this in real time with the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza. Series like yours help to keep the facts straight, overcoming rumors, half truths and outright lies.

  • @anthonygray333
    @anthonygray333 Před 23 dny +1

    I’d been anticipating this episode since week one. For my Dad and all my uncles who served in the ETO, thank you.

  • @filipkrizan4857
    @filipkrizan4857 Před 24 dny +4

    I started watching this series during the Winter War, and to now see the war in europe end, 5 years later is a surreal experience

  • @duttondailymemes4968
    @duttondailymemes4968 Před 24 dny +3

    I remember starting to watch this series when the first troops crossed the Polish border, I was grade 8 at the time. A few days after the war in Europe ends, I start my teaching degree, which I have chosen history as a subject. I want to thank the team and fans, who have made this all possible. And have inspired me to become an educator myself so I can try and teach future generations, the horrors that aren't meant to be repeated.

  • @rykleyruby1682
    @rykleyruby1682 Před 9 dny +1

    I was in Middle School when this series started now I’m in college. Crazy how it has been 6 years

  • @andersjohansson1889
    @andersjohansson1889 Před 24 dny +3

    Enormous amount of work behind this series. Kudos!

  • @Perebynis
    @Perebynis Před 24 dny +8

    The war in Europe is over, but for the civilians in the ruins of the cities all over Europe and the survivors from the concentration camps there are more black years ahead. As Marcel Reich-Ranicki, a survivor of the Warsaw ghetto, put it: "When the war was nearing it´s end, the german people had just one goal, one instinct: to live through this. (...) For the people set free from the concentration camps, the moment of joy was a very brief one. Because instantly they had to strive to get a job, to make money, to feed their kids and wife." It took nine years, until 1954, that Germany regained some self-respect when the BRD won the soccer world championships. When Bundespräsident Richard von Weizsäcker in his speech on 8 May 1985 (!), commemorating the forty years end of the war, named the 8 May 1945 as "day of liberation", it was the first time that a leading german politician called the 8 May "day of liberation" (instead of day of defeat and/or surrender). - I wish we had more politicians like von Weizsäcker in Europe, to heal the wounds, to tend the scars - and not let another war happen.

    • @ChaptermasterPedroKantor-kv5yw
      @ChaptermasterPedroKantor-kv5yw Před 24 dny +1

      It probably took until 1985 because for decades after the war the Germans did not see themselves as liberated, nor as having done anything wrong. Both of the Germany's paid lip service to denazification, but neither really did it. In East Germany the communists just took over the Nazi state and appointed themselves as its head. In West Germany a new state was created, it just had former Nazis all over the place running it. They just played it smart by pretending to be sorry. True regret probably came decades later when post-war generations took over, culturally and politically. And then went completely overboard in accepting German guilt. No need to do so, guys, you didn't do it, you've created a good country. Feel pride at what it has become.

    • @DrJones20
      @DrJones20 Před 23 dny

      How bizarre of you to mention a soccer game in a comment about concentration camps

  • @AtamiskxIx
    @AtamiskxIx Před 24 dny +4

    God bless Indy and team. Thank you for all of you hard work thus far and for what shall come!

  • @williamtell5365
    @williamtell5365 Před 23 dny

    Bravo! Thank you so much for this entire, beautifully done entry into the historical record.

  • @maddog525
    @maddog525 Před 24 dny +2

    "The balls of St. Paul's ring out...." At least they didn't hang out! Eye-watering stuff! Epic! Thanks for a genuine ROFL amongst the horrors that were and are. GJ and thanks for the great series

  • @tylermorrison420
    @tylermorrison420 Před 24 dny +5

    June 25th couldn't come any sooner for me
    Thank you guys again

  • @Zorn27
    @Zorn27 Před 24 dny +16

    Thank you for the 298 Weeks, I have seen every episode and they were all great. From the fall of France, Battle of Britain to the battle of Alamein, Operation Barbarossa, Battle of Stalingrad and D-Day to the Fall of Berlin. Simply a wonderful series. Fair and accurate telling of WW2. Thank you thank you thank you. I will continue to watch to the VJ Day and your new Korean War series.

  • @leebanner7710
    @leebanner7710 Před 24 dny +1

    What a magnificent series . It has been compulsive viewing for years . Thank you so much

  • @philmbridges
    @philmbridges Před 24 dny +3

    Thankyou so much for all your hard work and amazing series. History is greatly enhanced by your efforts.

  • @ristobenjie
    @ristobenjie Před 24 dny +3

    Thank you Indy, Sparatcus.and staff...I'm still tuning in....I can still freshly remember the invasion of Poland video.

  • @jimkish7128
    @jimkish7128 Před 21 dnem

    Your messages and videos are hands down the best! I have learned sooooo much so thank you!

  • @georgenelson8284
    @georgenelson8284 Před 23 dny +1

    The 16 parallel line dividing Vietnam is a nice foreshadowing of another future war. .

  • @shaider1982
    @shaider1982 Před 24 dny +28

    2:58. Stalin seems to suffer from selective amnesia as he.forgets he was on Team Hitler back in 1939

    • @deshaun9473
      @deshaun9473 Před 24 dny +7

      Irrelevant.

    • @saltzkruber732
      @saltzkruber732 Před 24 dny +13

      @@deshaun9473No

    • @ChaptermasterPedroKantor-kv5yw
      @ChaptermasterPedroKantor-kv5yw Před 24 dny +6

      It doesn't matter on whose side you started, as long as you end up on the right side at the end. Also, Stalin wasn't the only one who successfully 'switched' sides, there's also former Fascist Italy, whose government ditched Mussolini, joined the Allied side and wasn't held accountable for its role in starting the war.

    • @alexamerling79
      @alexamerling79 Před 24 dny +3

      Shhhhh He doesn't want people to remember that lol

    • @stevekaczynski3793
      @stevekaczynski3793 Před 24 dny

      @@ChaptermasterPedroKantor-kv5yw All of the Third Reich's allies dropped it, if they could. The attempts of ROA commanders to change sides showed considerable desperation, though Vlasov's unwillingness to defect a second time and turn on the Germans does reflect some credit on him.
      SPOILERS
      The defection attempts do not work in any case. ROA leaders are handed over and executed in Moscow in 1946. Some individual ROA members who got into the Western occupation zones avoided being sent back to the Soviets but most were repatriated to the USSR. Some were released from the Gulag after Stalin's death.
      en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergei_Bunyachenko

  • @unkledak
    @unkledak Před 24 dny +4

    I started this series at the very beginning back with Between two wars. It has been a gruelling journey. I am very glad I got to experience like this instead of first hand. Thank you for all your hard work.

  • @jonbaxter2254
    @jonbaxter2254 Před 23 dny +1

    Seeing that celebration pic of London in colour really hammered home the war.
    It wasn't distant past in black and white anymoe, but very real and very over. The mood must have been electric.

  • @darthcheney7447
    @darthcheney7447 Před 24 dny +1

    This episode brought a tear to my eye. Great job TimeGhost.

  • @StephenGoodfellow
    @StephenGoodfellow Před 24 dny +7

    Wow. Just wow! Such a profoundly visual presentation and documentation of WWII. Long after these living generations have passed away, this history presentation will itselself become one of the great historic cornerstones depicting this War. I doff my hat!

  • @TheEvertw
    @TheEvertw Před 24 dny +3

    My special congratulations to Spartacus for having reached the end of the holocaust! Some years ago, it was clear that this was a huge burden on him, and occasionally we heard details demonstrating it was a burden on others on the team as well.
    But that document has now been completed. The work has been done. The most comprehensive and accessible document of the worst man has ever done is available to all.
    My hat is off to you, Sir.

    • @JuleyC
      @JuleyC Před 24 dny +2

      Sadly it's not over as now the horrors of the east start to be revealed. Unit 731 and the like were not learned of until the end of the war although Sparty has spoken of them in WAH but the liberations are only now going to begin for many of the Pacific P.O.W.s

    • @anthonyforbes9657
      @anthonyforbes9657 Před 24 dny +2

      Totally agreed . The emotional burden must have been immense.

    • @JuleyC
      @JuleyC Před 24 dny +1

      @@anthonyforbes9657 I have struggled to watch I can't even begin to imagine the toll of researching and writing.

  • @VOJISLAVzvaniGAVRA
    @VOJISLAVzvaniGAVRA Před 23 dny

    Almost cried at the end. Great job guys, it was an amazing experience following this series for the past 6 years.

  • @Lance-Urbanian-MNB
    @Lance-Urbanian-MNB Před 22 dny

    "War is Hell"
    -- What you did, due and shall be doing is very important. Thank you immensely. --

  • @niranjansrinivasan4042
    @niranjansrinivasan4042 Před 24 dny +6

    I started watching regularly from the fall of France in 1940
    That was when I was 18, just a newbie in college
    Now i am in a different country ( Germany) and I am going to finish my post graduation.
    This is the best series if all time about World war 2, my opinion about political events largely changed for the good due to the series. It was a great ride.

  • @petergray2712
    @petergray2712 Před 24 dny +4

    "We now turn to our reporter in the street in Algiers to cover the victory celebrations there. Jacques can you hear us?"

  • @agbook2007
    @agbook2007 Před 22 dny

    The serious and the bloopers…. 👌
    Well done, Indy, Sparty, Astrid, and crew. 👍

  • @vulcanjoe8258
    @vulcanjoe8258 Před 17 dny

    Absolutely incredible series it’s been ..
    I wasn’t sure if we were gonna get another but day by day Korean War.. bring it on

  • @jasondouglas6755
    @jasondouglas6755 Před 24 dny +4

    “All over Europe the lights came back on again”- The Guns at Last Light

  • @McDragoneer
    @McDragoneer Před 24 dny +8

    And so it ends.......What a brilliant production Indy and the team! Honestly should be shown at every school every week

  • @jerrycoob4750
    @jerrycoob4750 Před 22 dny

    I've been following this war since Barbarossa. To finally see one half of this World War finally come to its conclusion reminds me how far we've all come as viewers of this truly awesome and significant documentary series. May the sacrifices of the last World War not be in vain.

  • @johnnynelle5333
    @johnnynelle5333 Před 21 dnem

    I remember just starting my senior year of high school when the first episode came out 6 years ago. Tuning in every Saturday for the last 6 years to watch a new episode and learn more. This documentary was a part of my life from school, to previous jobs, and to finally now the end of the European war. It seems like so much has happened in not only this series but also my life. Thank you Indy and the time ghost army for making this possible, and to continue to deliver great content like this.

  • @JDVassar
    @JDVassar Před 24 dny +3

    Thanks!

  • @David_T
    @David_T Před 24 dny +3

    25:15 That is quite an amazing short video of the Royal family with Elizabeth on the left and Margaret. Note that King George and heir apparent Elizabeth are dressed in military uniforms while Queen Elizabeth and princess Margaret are in blue dresses.

  • @nerothemaad6229
    @nerothemaad6229 Před 24 dny +1

    its been another great journy ive been watching since ww1 week by week. i cant express how much i appreciate all of those who work to make these.

  • @darthtrudeau4907
    @darthtrudeau4907 Před 23 dny

    I have been watching your shows on CZcams for almost 10 years, thank you guys from the bottom of my heart. Nobody else could have done a project like this as well and with as much passion as your crew has.

  • @CARL_093
    @CARL_093 Před 24 dny +3

    thanks indy and crew