The Spitfire: History's Real X-Wing Fighter -- Star Wars Meets World War II
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- čas přidán 24. 10. 2019
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"Crossing the Chasm" & "Lost Time" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
Michael returns to his lost childhood with his two long-neglected bins of Space Lego.
#RetroBlasting #Spitfire #Xwing - Zábava
Never in the history of human conflict was some much owed by many to so few.
Winston Churchill
I wish modern fighters looked as good as these war birds. The spitfire is a thing of beauty.
Agreed.
Cough hurricane cough
In their own way some of them DO, things like the F22 and F18 ARE beautiful in their own right too, doesn't take away from the 'Spit's' sublime elegance in any way though
Well said.
@@vasili1207 and mossie. But definitely the hurricane. Maybe typhoon too
I wish there was a way to "Double Like" a video here on CZcams.
Anthony Sabularse me too!
Me as well... TWO thumbs way up!!
It's no exaggeration to say that a handful of RAF pilots saved civilization. I envy your experience re-tracing their footsteps.
And, as this video should decisively show, this IS your lane.
Outstanding! This one example of what elevates this channel above others. As a history major and enthusiast, I feel like I understand what this flight meant for you. I’m so happy you were able to do it. Thank you for sharing your experience with all of us!
Sounds like that commentor was gatekeeping his interest, world war history is an important thing to be shared, and not gatekept, because some feel others aren't worth knowing the history of war, or even having an interest in it...
Classic cars, history, toys, roleplaying games, video games - gatekeepers abound. We (me especially) need to have more courage to tell them to buzz off.
@@queenannsrevenge100 whose to say they'll listen? But it is worth a try
agreed
Gonna be honest, years from now, I'm going to be glad when a lot of these 21st century "PC" "terms" serve as examples when society backpedaled on progress in order to serve their more selfish, entitled wants. As opposed to, I don't know, genuine, shared and reasonable debates between people over two opposing opinions that may not be completely right, but still contain positive merits.
@@IsiahTomas whatever term is used is irrelevant, as long as it applies, abd gatekeeping seems to apply here, sorry if that bothers you, but it's an apt term, if you ask me, and I know you didn't, and that's ok, buy if the shoe fits...
That was great.
What I expect to be just a "Let me show you how much I actually know" turned into a amazing little mini documentary about a subject you have a great passion for.
Well done.
It was done so expertly, wasn't it?
Superb ! At the age of 48 I too am a massive Star Wars fan and RAF fanatic and most importantly live in Biggin Hill and have done since 1971 ! I’ve visited the heritage hanger several times but as yet not had the money for a flight. They go up nearly every hour during the summer and the pilot throttles back over my house, I never tire of that sound of a Merlin and I have never forgotten the sacrifice made by the few, it’s a humbling place to live and I often have tears in my eyes as I watch a spitfire fly over me. On remembrance week the airfield and Biggin Hill has Poppy’s on every lamppost as a thank you. Once again thank you for sharing these facts with others and if you ever come back give me a call I’d love to discuss our history further. Love this video ! Mark from Biggin Hill .
My grandfather was a bomber pilot in WWII and for about a decade afterwards. His war would be in the Pacific, against Japan and his home would be Saipan and Tinian islands where he flew B-29's under the command of General Curtis LeMay. He few B-17's when he first joined the USAAF (1943) but never in combat. According to him he flew just about everything with a 'C' or 'B' designation. The last thing he would fly before the now USAF promoted him out of the cockpit would be the B-47. He retired a Lieutenant Colonel in 1965 and passed away in February 2014 at the age of 89.
I absolutely appreciate and share your Passion for History Michael and those Old Men you met during your time at RAF Bassingbourn loved to have a young man learn about and appreciate its history.
"Stay in your lane?" LOL...Definitely NOT the thing you should be saying to RETROBLASTING. BAND OF BROTHERS is one of my all time favorite series. Glad you were able to live out one of your dreams! Just followed you on twitter: claysisk
That was definitely a "Mike Drop" in more ways than one, especially with that brief moment of the air duel. Been a history buff since my Step-father fought in the Pacific. And like you, the little film with Indy that sparked something with others like me personally with my paintings/models of the China Clipper planes along with my vintage fedora collection. Glad that you had to the chance to experience that, Mike. Awesome video.
To that "other youtuber" I believe the word you are looking for is OWNED
I watched a lot of the old war movies with my Dad on the weekends I was at his house. The Great Escape is still one of my all-time favorite movies.
a keyboard critic that THOUGHT he knew something about what other person knows, i wonder what he thinks about this video ?
Watching you digitally punch trolls has become one of my favorite pastimes. I watch Jabba's Barge at least once a week. But this actually tops that.
Shep
That was a really lovely little film about something you obviously have a real connection to and appreciation for. As a Briton, you can't avoid WWII history. The house I lived in when I was born had bomb damage, because there was a Spitfire production plant down the road. I've always considered the Battle of Britain as perhaps the lost important battle in the whole Second World War - if we'd have lost that (as we so nearly did), then there wouldn't have been any way to base US and Canadian forces, along with Free French, Poles, etc and act as a staging ground for D-Day later on.
I often think about what it must have been like to be alive at that time, when freedom on oppression seemed like a distant dream. There's a series running on the BBC at the moment - "World on Fire", and is doing an excellent job at telling the earliest days of WWII from multiple perspectives. It states Helen Hunt and Sean Bean. I would also urge everyone to watch Harry Saltzman's "Battle of Britain" to get a good overview of what those months were like.
Personally, I learnt a lot about the Battle of Britain from the old Amiga combat flight simulator. The campaign in that game took place over the sand amount of time, and the manual had a comprehensive breakdown of the BoB. It's still worth playing today if you have a suitable emulator.
Excellent rebuttal. As a proud Englishmen, I have a huge fascination and interest in all things Spitfire and the period of the war during the Battle of Britain. I was pedalling my bike to RAF Uxbridge and RAF Northolt as a young teen to stare at the Spitfire gate guardians. I ended up joining the boys RAF, the ATC, Denham squadron ATC in the mid 1980s. This allowed me to shoot and March with the QCS at RAF Uxbridge, and fly in De-Havilland Chipmunks 3 times. Twice aerobatic.
I now live reasonably close to RAF Hendon and not so far to RAF Duxford. I even had the wonderful experience of sitting in the cockpits of Mk1 Spitfire N3200 & MkIIb Hurricane BE505 at Duxford a few months ago. What an amazing experience that was!
Anyway, great video. One of my favourite books on the Spitfire would have to be by Alex Henshaw, called ‘Sigh for a Merlin’ excellent book. ‘First Light’ by Geoffrey Wellum is also an incredible read.. as well as now film.
Edit. My great uncle was a Lancaster bomber pilot with 100 squadron. He was KIA Feb 1943 aged only 23. I am very proud to have his logbook.
Lest We Forget.
Awesome! The best part is at 3:56. "And then they'd laugh and laugh." A bit mischevious perhaps but really just good natured fun in all its glory! So cool how you tied the mighty Spitfire to the mighty X-Wing. I think you're right on about it NOT being inspired by the Mustang (also a mighty bird and had the Spit's engine to boot!) Your time in England and interest in the RAF is clear and I did not miss that you even pronounce Hurricane in the English way. Good on you for looking up Art Donahue. He's from the same neck as the woods that I came from: southern Minnesota. Those shots of the Cliffs of Dover were amazing. This was one of your best!
I can see you're a fan of Dad's army.
we,re doomed, doomed!!!!
loons13 You stupid boy!
Percy66 c - I know I am 🇺🇸 The American soldiers who fought in WW2...are a rare breed of guts and toughness....🇺🇸bless our troops caught up in this current mess !🇺🇸
Ferg Wait what?
A classic show. Still funny, even now. What makes it great is if you really pay attention to it, all human life is there. The characters are all rounded believable human beings, some with secrets, like the bumbling Godfrey, who, although was a conscientious objector in the First World War, served as a stretcher bearer with the Royal Army Medical Corps and saved several men under fire at the Battle Of The Somme, for which he was awarded the Military Medal. The character of Pike, the 'Stupid Boy', is based on the show's creator, Jimmy Perry, who served in a Home Guard platoon.
I love the old WW2 films my father, brother and I watched together on video when I was a kid. Battle of Britain, The Eagle Has Landed, A Bridge Too Far, Where Eagles Dare, The Longest Day. Great memories of rainy Sunday afternoons. It was my first exposure to the sacrifice of those who fought for our freedom. I'll never forget.
Thank you Mike, this video brought back stories from my late Father who was on the ground in Germany and France, and he would tell me that when he would hear P51 air cover coming he knew he could take a breather and have a cigarette, and he wasn’t a smoker!... Lol
Thank you for being real...that’s it Brother
Cheers
I've watched this about 5 times now and it's still incredible viewing. Outstanding work Michael!
I've long been a history buff, too, although my WWII interest skewed toward the Pacific theater since my grandfather served there as a Navy Seabee. Sadly, he passed before I could get to talk to him about his experiences and from what I've been told, he never really talked much about his service, but I have a feeling we could've had some great conversations. More recently, I've begun to delve into the European theater history.
It's important to maintain and learn the history of the past since those who fought and lived during that time are gone now, and with them, their knowledge and experience. I am glad Michael had the chance to work with and learn from those veterans. It is indeed important never to forget both the horrors and atrocities AND the bravery and sacrifices made.
Glad you got to go on that Spitfire ride :)
Good video my Great uncle was on Omaha beach as part of the big red one
God damn, the Rolls Royce Merlin is a beautiful little piece of machinery. I get giddy seeing the museum pieces in Imperial War and Science Museums in London.
You lucky duck getting to go up in one around Battle of Britain day. The atmosphere must've been electric!
Another fantastically researched and pieced together video with a subject near and dear to me. Adore the Y Wing/Hurricane comparison as a huge lover of both of those craft.
Rolls Royce also makes the Pegasus engine for the Harrier; one of my favourite fighters.
the hair on the back of my neck stands up and I get goose bumps every time I hear a Merlin, whether its from a Spit, a Mustang or anything else. For my money there is no better sound.
I'm pretty sure that the later Spit in the above film has a Griffin rather than a Merlin, but what the hell!
@ugly looser I should I have been clear on that. Yes, I was referring to the carrier-based variant. But thank you for making the point.
@@white-dragon4424 Spitfire IX Tr9 MJ772 has the Merlin 61 engine. RR Griffon was used on the later series XII Spitfires.
Micheal won the argument when he showed the “Stunt Fighter” clip...
This looked like it was an awesome experience for you! I too have an interest in WWII history that was brought on from the stories that my dad and uncles told me of serving in the war. Dad worked at Bowing in Seattle WA and worked on the B17 Flying Fortresses so that is my favorite plane from the war. He also was involved in the Battle of the Bulge and I have a lot of interest in it. He was an engineer in the 99th Infantry and was later absorbed into the 1st Infantry that they refereed to as the "Big Red 1."
Fantastic video Michael. Looks like you found a new "lane" for us to enjoy.
This was the most extraordinary video yet. Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge. I knew George Lucas used WWII footage to construct animatics for the battle scenes, it never occurred to me that SW was metaphorically was WWII. This video was very enlightening as well as awe-inspiring. Just watching you ride in the Spitfire was nothing short of amazing. You never cease to amaze me. 😎👌
The Dam Busters is one of my favorite WWII movies and it's all thanks to Star Wars (and Pink Floyd's The Wall) that I even know about it.
And this right here shows why you are more than 'just a toy reviewer'. Many would explain the history of a toy, but you go beyond and explain the history of the toy's inspiration. Many years ago, my elementary school went to the National Museum of the USAF in Dayton, Ohio. Many of the specifics have left me over the last thirty years, but the one thing I'll never forget, is when they let my class climb into the cockpit of one of the fighters. I, sadly, don't remember which fighter, (I think it was a Mustang. I was seven, sue me) but sitting in that cockpit began my love of the old prop planes.
Holy cow! I've seen a Spitfire having it's engine running at a 40's day at Hurn aircraft museum next to Bournemouth International Airport, Dorset back in 2013...it was amazing to hear by the way....but getting the chance to fly in it!!!! You are one lucky fella.
Brilliant! And Uxbridge is really near where I live here, in Marlow. I should really take the time to go and check it out. Love it x
You are more than qualified to talk about WW2 and the Supermarine Spitfire. My own toy interests and hobbies helped to chart my path on a love of history. Writing articles about models helped be to refine my writing style to where I am now a published aerospace historian. Building and weathering techniques on my Trek and SW models easily are adaptable to my historical aircraft models. Two of my favorites are of course the X-Wing (original 1978 issue MPC kit) done up as Red Leader and an Airfix 1/48 Spitfire Mk I built and painted up as a 1939 vintage bird from 19 Squadron Duxford. Two of "The Few".
I personally want to thank you for this video. It has been a lot of years but as a teenager, a friend of mine who was big into ww2 history & warplanes introduced me when he had created a pen & paper game called "Sortie" ( similar to the old Dungeons & Dragons game). I became fascinated by the various warplanes & more importantly, the pilots. I read books about Douglas Bader, Papy Boyington & Adolf Galland among others. You may have rekindled my interest & I applaud you, sir!
Random guy: “stay in your lane”
Retro blasting: I’m about to end this mans whole career
If you haven't already, watch 'James May's Toy Stories' he builds a 1:1 scale Airfix Spitfire
One of the most amazing things I've ever seen is watching pro model builders/painters u ever watch Plasmo channel he makes some of the greatest models I've ever seen, truly works of art.
I saw "May" do that episode. It was cool!..
You sir have a good soul and have a very loving family for arranging an experience like that
You got to ride in a piece of history. That was epic.
Great job! The Spitfire was a huge inspiration to me as a child, then along came the X-wing in '77 and soon after the Colonial Viper in '78
This video....Michael's passion unapologetic approach....and I could go on and on....making my stupid leaky eye leak....keep up the amazingly amazing great work
I really love that you did this episode. We really don’t think enough how blessed we are for the sacrifices of the thousands of men like Mr Donahue. I’m Andrew Wallace I’m almost 14 and have been a subscriber for about 3 years and love all your content. My Papa would have loved this, I feel Michael and him would have gotten along. He had a small model of a Spitfire in his office, his name was Jack Wallace From Starkville Mississippi . Thank you Retroblasting, and God Bless.
Your impromptu dogfight on battle of Britain day in a Spitfire is one of the coolest stories I've ever heard.
- Lt Col Dan Johnson, USAF
TOPGUN class 02-08
The number one rule in air to air combat. Whoever sees the other first usually wins the fight. Keep your eyes constantly scanning the sky because you never know if you are going to be jumped by another vintage warbird. Just to post this for those who don't know, the Hurricane usually went after the German bombers while the Spit took on the fighters. I'm a Corsair guy myself. All those Black Sheep Squadron TV episodes I grew up watching.
Awesome video as usual, but this one was extra special. One of my favorite WW2 movies is Where Eagles Dare. I can remember watching that movie with my Dad countless times.
You were an eagle scout? congratulations! Great video, that must've been an incredible experience and I'm glad you shared.
You really outdid yourself on this video, this should win an award.
Beautifully done. This had tears streaming down my face in admiration and appreciation for what the RAF accomplished through perseverance. Thanks for sharing this experience with us!
Hi Michael, Basingbourne and Duxford?! 30 year old living in Hertfordshire and watching this video it made me feel so emotional as I have been to both of these places myself; it’s amazing even though we haven never met and live on opposite sides of the world we share such similar experiences; thank you for such great content!
As always excellent video, but this was something different, when you spoke of flying over the white cliffs of Dover in a spitfire, it is no exaggeration to say it gave me chills. Thank you for sharing this.
It's not "what" you talk about, it's the passion you have FOR it that counts the most. I honestly could listen to you talk about anything as long as it's something your passionate about.
One test of just how good a video is hinged upon how re-watchable it is. This one is very rewatchable! Just as enjoyable as the first time I saw it!
I love how the clone wars gave a WW2 radio style narration at the start of the episodes and would love to see black and white star wars with the radio host news from the battle front narration
The Star Wars OT is basically ww2 in space, which is one of the reasons it’s so loved by many. The biggest influence for the ending of ANH and ROTJ was the 1955 film The Dam Busters!
I will NEVER FORGET! These men are the greatest we ever produced
Very good video-grew up on the outskirts of Biggin Hill,and have a home in the shadows of Dover Castle,the Spits are often seen flying over on the clear days,sometimes in loose formation, an unforgettable sound and sight.
Man I love listening to people talk about something they love and are passionate about.
Hey Michael,
Loved the video and the history lesson. This inspired me to look into the Battle of Britain further.
In doing so I found something I wanted to share. The song "Aces in Exile" by Sabaton - a tribute to the 303rd of Poland, the 310th of Czechoslovakia, and the 401st of Canada. Heroes whose sacrifice I would never have heard of if not for you and Sabaton.
Thank you
The Spitfire and the Curtis P-40, my personal favorites.
Came across this on channel. This was an exceptional story Michael!
Great story, Michael. You're braver than me in that, I'd never do such a thing. Scared of heights.
A true and authentic voice in the toy collectible scene
I got chills when the Merlin engine fired up, it sounded so good.
The Death Star run in New Hope was pretty much lifted from the 1955 film The Dam Busters so absolutely, the DNA of this film was absolutely inspired from WWII.
Lovely post, you shot some great footage whilst in the Spitfire Michael. 👍
I would have said 633 squadron rather than damn busters.
@@edmundscycles1 you may have made a good point! This may be correct.
@@justinreilly6619 I was thinking of the type of attack . A bomb tossed against a small target and a trench run .
@@edmundscycles1 definitely possible. The bombers flew down a valley and I thought in The Dam Busters film of flak positions all along the valley before the Lancasters released their bouncing bomb payloads. But I haven't watched either films for over 20 years maybe and its possible I've mixed everything up in my mind.
@@justinreilly6619 hang on I'll get a side by side comparison
As a US Military Retiree, this is one of the coolest videos I have ever seen. With your love of WWII I'm surprised you never served
There was, thanks to that generation, no immediate conflict, and my parents, while certainly supporters of veterans, asked that I attend college instead. Sometimes it happens that way.
@@retroblasting and that's the great thing about our country, not everyone has to serve.
Thanks for sharing your experience with us viewers, you’re so lucky to have flown in a Spitfire. I don’t know too many people who were into the Brutish side of WW2, most the Americans in the Pacific and European theaters. I’m particular fond of The Flying Tigers, the First American Volunteer Group (AVG) that was part of the Chinese Air Force In 1941-42. Led by Claire Lee Channault. The group saw action starting in December 20, 1941 and ended in July 4, 1942 when they were absorbed into 23rd Fighter Group Of The U.S. Army Air Force having shoot down 296 enemy aircraft and losing 14 aircraft, I even a few of their patches
. A couple notable books about Gen. Chennault and the Flying Tigers are A Few Planes For China: The Birth Of The Flying Tigers by Eugene Buchain and Flying Tiger: The True Story Of General Chaire Chennault and the U. S. 14th Air Force In China by Jack Sampson. Thanks to the brave men in China and the U.S. volunteers in Britain they saw the enemy for what they were and risked their lives and Citizenship so others can be free.
The irony of Peter Cushing playing a thin version of Goering is simply wonderful.
Thank you so much for sharing this Micheal and Melinda! Dude, you and I are cut from the same cloth. I have a huge interest in WW1 and WW2, and Star Wars. My uncle was a B-26 pilot in WW2. He told me about flying missions over France and Germany. One of his most vivid memories is when his squadron was on a mission over France. Being medium fast bombers, they flew lower than heavy bombers. He looked down and saw a German tank commander pointing up towards them directing the infantry to fire at them, just as a bomb from a plane ahead and right of theirs, hit the tank. He said the men just vanished and the tank turret flew into the air. He vividly described that moment, which happened in 2 seconds from 50 years ago, back in 1997. The expression on his face spoke volumes. One of my other uncles never talked about his service in the Marine Corps in the Pacific Theater during WW2.
Thank you so much Michael for sharing your awesome experience with us! I too am a lover of WW2 history. I'm sure I haven't studied as much as I should but there's just something about those old warbirds! I really appreciate this opportunity to see this battlefield in the skies over Dover! Thank you for the ride in the Spitfire! If I had lived back then I would think I would have been a Combat pilot...
EXCELLENT VIDEO OF AN EXCELLENT MOMENT! Whoever told you to stay in your lane need to kick rocks and stay home AWAY from the internet! Great video! And keep up the always great work Michael!
Another comment to say how incredibly moving and powerful this video is. It took me by surprise. Respect to you and the brave people who risked their lives.
Thank you SO much for sharing this!
Beautiful piece not only historically and personally, but perfectly shows to never judge anything or anyone by the wrapper,
This...was different. Thank you Michael.
That was amazing. Thank you so much for sharing it.
This was so wonderful. Thank you for sharing!!!
wow just wow like this is some authentic star wars fandom stuff you went straight to the source great vid, and you got be in one and fly around i loved it. again thanks for sharing that experince.
Excellent post and thanks for sharing!
What an amazing video! I’m blown away! Thank you, Michael! Looking forwards to Wednesday!
Amazing Vid. Thank You. Beautifully done.
Excellent piece, good work!
Thanks for this amazing video🙌 goosebumbs at some moments. 👍
Gosh, that was a gorgeous video.
Spitfires are beautiful planes. I never tire of watching them fly.
Huge respect! I was in the RAF for 10 years and I couldn't get enough of the pure joy and thrill of it. I wasn't a pilot,I was a driver so I used to refuel all the aircraft and get up close and personal,it was my job,I was at the UK's most northerly fighter base so I saw and experienced so much,I miss it tons. Thank u! Been following retroblasting for years,never had a clue about your passion for this! Blown away! Keep up the amazing work!
Thank you so much for your service in the RAF, Ian. You are, literally, one of my heroes by default. - Michael
Brilliant vid...Thank you for sharing.
Excellent video sir... thanks for sharing!
Great video Michael, Bravo!
Absolutely fantastic video y'all!!
A very touching video. Kudos to you sir.
GREAT video Michael!
Beautiful video....wow what an experience for you. Thanks you for sharing.
Thank you so much for sharing these memories and experiences.
What a beautiful video, just awesome!
Awesome stuff! Great video and very well made 👍
Amazing video. Thank you for sharing this wonderful experience.
Great vid. Both my grandfathers and a grand uncle served in ww2 (pacific theatre). One on a B-17 crew, the other on a Navy destroyer, and my grand uncle a Corsair pilot. I will remember their stories for the rest of my life. It's a golden opportunity to do what you did and I'm happy to hear you had such a great experience.
Great video as always Michael! I am big plane fan in general. One of my favorite places to visit is the US AIr force Air Museum in Dayton OH. Such a great place for planes and they have soooo many WW2 planes from all countries. Great place to spend the day and its free! If you ever wanna visit the museum let me know would be happy to go with you and hang out. And btw, way to stick to the jerk that made that comment, I hope they have the honor and respect make a formal apology to you.
I’m a bit late to the party, but that was absolutely wonderful. What a thrill that must have been. And ever so humbling to boot. I too am a fan of the Spitfire, and it’s history and have always believed in the it’s connection with the Star Wars world as well. Incredible story, Micheal. Your a dedicated and very lucky man. 🙂👍🏻
whoa once again great vid rb,
One off the best videos I have seen I a long time... Thank you Michael ☺️