Battle Of Ortona: The Bloodiest Fighting Of The Italian Stalingrad | War Story | War Stories

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  • čas přidán 3. 06. 2024
  • Experience the harrowing tale of the Battle of Ortona, a conflict so brutal it is known as the 'Italian Stalingrad'. It was at the town of Ortona in 1943 where Canadian forces clashed with Nazi Germany's elite airborne troops. In this gripping recount, veterans of the battle recall the horrors of war as they describe the sacrifices made and the relentless determination required to overcome adversity.
    00:00 The Battle Of Ortona
    21:55 Italian Tank Battles
    43:13 Outro
    War Stories is your one stop shop for all things military history. From Waterloo to Verdun, we'll be bringing you only the best documentaries and stories from history's most engaging and dramatic conflicts.
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Komentáře • 403

  • @DJPhantomRage
    @DJPhantomRage Před měsícem +125

    Canada doesn't get the credit it deserves. This was an eye opener of what they accomplished and suffered.

    • @bennyboy2023
      @bennyboy2023 Před měsícem +13

      And the Anzac troops of Australia and New Zealand! And it’s the same for WW1 and WW2.

    • @wabankik
      @wabankik Před měsícem +9

      ...Dominion Nations Have Thier Character and Heroism, Unfortunately Most Times identified as English under The U.K.So Many sacrifices and Strategic Victories aren't directed back to Them , Newfoundland, New Zealand, India, South Africa, Burma, Malta, Ireland, Scotland, Australia and Canada!...Definitely made the Difference on All Fronts!!!...

    • @bennyboy2023
      @bennyboy2023 Před měsícem +2

      @@wabankik they made a difference, not necessary “the” difference. We shouldn’t diminish the part played by anybody involved.

    • @michaelwebber968
      @michaelwebber968 Před měsícem +7

      My great uncle said it was so bad that after the Canadian captured parts of Italy they would be pulled back and the tanks would roll in and take the credit

    • @anthonyeaton5153
      @anthonyeaton5153 Před 8 dny +1

      @@bennyboy2023 Wells aid very succinct.

  • @troyspurling1910
    @troyspurling1910 Před měsícem +95

    This American vet salutes all you Canadian soldiers. God bless

    • @juicyj3819
      @juicyj3819 Před měsícem +7

      🇨🇦 ✊🏻. Thank you for your service to Sir

    • @IrishAmerican17
      @IrishAmerican17 Před měsícem +6

      Canadians had Ortona on the east coast, Americans had Monte Casino on the other side, both were costly.

    • @anthonyeaton5153
      @anthonyeaton5153 Před 8 dny

      @@IrishAmerican17 Monte Casino waZealnds American, British, Polish and New Zealanders . Read a bit more proper history.

  • @philgoldsney5951
    @philgoldsney5951 Před měsícem +45

    My father was with in a Sherman tank group of the 8th New Brunswick Hazars. He was wounded just out side of Rome and was sent home to Saskatchewan. This is the first documentary I’ve seen detailing the Canadians advance to Rome….thank-you so much for this series! RIP Dad!

    • @davidsloan3480
      @davidsloan3480 Před měsícem +2

      Hussars perhaps

    • @Birdy890
      @Birdy890 Před měsícem +1

      My grandfather was in the same unit. God bless.

  • @jill2288
    @jill2288 Před měsícem +315

    Stop the CENSORSHIP on history stuff!!!!!!

    • @mrbr4587
      @mrbr4587 Před měsícem +24

      This stuff irritates me so much!

    • @Yvolve
      @Yvolve Před měsícem +26

      Complain to CZcams for blocking/demonetising/age restricting gory images, which are being censored. If you want to watch this on YT, you'll have to put up with it until YT changes their policy. Stop complaining if you don't understand what you're complaining about.

    • @beachcomber1able
      @beachcomber1able Před měsícem +34

      How does he not understand what he's complaining about 🤔 That's a rather silly comment you made.

    • @chutorosan4655
      @chutorosan4655 Před měsícem +5

      Blame it on lily singh.

    • @jonathanfell688
      @jonathanfell688 Před měsícem +7

      Why do you need to see men suffering or dead?
      Show some Respect.

  • @bryanbourrie8738
    @bryanbourrie8738 Před měsícem +39

    A Canadian living in the US. I am proud of all the Canadian contributions to the 2nd WW. Many, many Americans are as well. To this day, US military vets brag on any training or operations done with the Canadian Armed Forces! I have heard many times that if you want someone to stand and fight along side of you, call for the Canadians! They will ALWAYS be there.

  • @gavinrivington4918
    @gavinrivington4918 Před měsícem +67

    My Uncle Jack fought and died in Ortana he was killed just days before Christmas in 1943 at 23 years of age.

    • @grimandproper
      @grimandproper Před měsícem +11

      My great uncle Johnny was also killed at Ortona. December 23, 1943. Also aged 23. Sad.

    • @palmergriffiths1952
      @palmergriffiths1952 Před měsícem +13

      Thank You to both of these Men for their Service R.I.P. 🙏 🇨🇦

    • @JustpissTrudeau69
      @JustpissTrudeau69 Před měsícem

      Sad man,😢 so young .

    • @Mongieboy
      @Mongieboy Před měsícem +5

      I know these brave men will be resting in the most serene of peace. The following generations are lucky 2 have had these men 2 secure their future in freedom. The debt is huge but so is the gratitude. I salute them. From an ex squaddie in England. 🫡

    • @jim2376
      @jim2376 Před 22 dny

      Damn. Hurts to read that. RIP.

  • @hutxn
    @hutxn Před měsícem +58

    I am ashamed to say I have been ignorant of this significant battle all of my 71 years! My father and his cousin were veterans of the US/Texas 36th Infantry facing similar on the western side from Salerno, Cassino and beyond. Thank you for publishing this video!

    • @nebojsanesic5326
      @nebojsanesic5326 Před měsícem +7

      We live and learn, Sir.

    • @battlejitney2197
      @battlejitney2197 Před měsícem +4

      @@nebojsanesic5326I pray we all never stop learning from the past.

    • @bennyboy2023
      @bennyboy2023 Před měsícem +4

      I was about to say the same thing!! I’m only 32 but shocked I had never heard of this battle! Glad we’ve found out now, better late than never

    • @MangoTroubles-007
      @MangoTroubles-007 Před měsícem +8

      My great uncle flew B-26 Marauders over and bombed Monte Casino before the troops went in but he rarely talked about his time at war except right before he died in 2014

  • @daleupthegrove6396
    @daleupthegrove6396 Před měsícem +23

    Not taking away from anything but D-Day and the Pacific have almost completely overshadowed the Italian Campaign. There really need to be more in depth studies of these fierce battles and the men who fought them. Much love and respect to the Greatest Generation.

    • @Bullet-Tooth-Tony-
      @Bullet-Tooth-Tony- Před měsícem +3

      @daleupthegrove6396 Yeah it's certainly an underrated theatre.

    • @anapaulatillman.6133
      @anapaulatillman.6133 Před měsícem +4

      If you showed up and contributed, you deserve recognition, on every front, and every role.

    • @gryph01
      @gryph01 Před měsícem +6

      My Grandfather fought in Italy. He said that many were upset that the Italian campaign was largely forgotten after D-Day

    • @anthonyeaton5153
      @anthonyeaton5153 Před 8 dny +1

      Yes there were about three 'D Days' in the Italian campaign.

  • @arniewilliamson1767
    @arniewilliamson1767 Před měsícem +51

    My Uncle served in the Italian campaign. When they found out the Americans were to take Rome, he and a few others thought about shooting Gen Clarke if they saw him. So many people killed opening the road to Rome only to have another army get all the credit.

    • @maryholder3795
      @maryholder3795 Před měsícem +1

      👎 if you fought like the Canadian then you got to march into Rome. Gen Clark made the wrong decision.

    • @user-nn1gn2ob2h
      @user-nn1gn2ob2h Před měsícem

      Typical yanks

    • @palmergriffiths1952
      @palmergriffiths1952 Před měsícem +1

      I know My Grandfather's outfit was attached to General Mark Clarke's 5th Army. He was in The First Special Service Force. He said they lost a lot of Men during The Battle for Monte La Difensa.

    • @anthonyeaton5153
      @anthonyeaton5153 Před 8 dny +1

      @@maryholder3795 The British and Poles and New Zealanders all fought very bravely.

  • @fedupgamer9075
    @fedupgamer9075 Před měsícem +43

    God Bless You All Canadian Troopers!

  • @Bullet-Tooth-Tony-
    @Bullet-Tooth-Tony- Před měsícem +24

    Quote " *Clark wanted Rome for his own selfish aggrandizement, and it would lead him into wrecking Alexander's plans for destroying the German 10th Army south of Rome."* "
    A Question of Leadership: The 5th Army in Italy

  • @1joshjosh1
    @1joshjosh1 Před měsícem +8

    I'm assuming these were filmed about 15 years ago ?
    These guys are getting older and older and they all look about 85 here not 97. It's saddens me to say every year we lose more and more I am glad we've got some of these stories captured here.

  • @bhut1571
    @bhut1571 Před měsícem +17

    It was the Stalingrad of Italy. My Uncle was a Sgt there. It shook his nerves as well as Monte Cassino. In the early 60's, I talked to an old Perth R (33 min Bold but Cautius) vet who did talk about it. I was also in the RCR's but there was no vets there who talked of Ortona which is one of their battle honours.

    • @anthonyeaton5153
      @anthonyeaton5153 Před 20 dny +1

      I don’t doubt the gallantry and guts of the Canadians but, the Battle of Ortona lasted 7 days, the of Stalingrad lasted more than 6 months which involved hundreds of thousand of troops. Calling Ortona Canada’s Stalingrad is Hype on very tall stilts. Calm down in the rhetoric.

  • @lyndallsymons9767
    @lyndallsymons9767 Před měsícem +24

    It’s sad to see the veterans still hurting after all these years it’s something that never leaves you no one wants to kill but war forces the hand and the pain of doing what u have to do only goes when you die 😢

  • @adamaalto-mccarthy6984
    @adamaalto-mccarthy6984 Před měsícem +40

    Massive respect to Canada.

    • @juicyj3819
      @juicyj3819 Před měsícem +3

      Savage fighters. We won many fierce battles vs the Germans.

    • @adamaalto-mccarthy6984
      @adamaalto-mccarthy6984 Před měsícem +3

      @@juicyj3819You’re just a nice bunch of people. Ice Hockey helps. Married to a Finn.

    • @juicyj3819
      @juicyj3819 Před měsícem +1

      @@adamaalto-mccarthy6984 aww. Thanks eh

    • @adamaalto-mccarthy6984
      @adamaalto-mccarthy6984 Před měsícem

      @@juicyj3819 good sarcasm

    • @juicyj3819
      @juicyj3819 Před měsícem

      @@adamaalto-mccarthy6984?

  • @premierhoner614
    @premierhoner614 Před měsícem +20

    D Day Dodgers??? How could they be so cruel??? My word, the war was all over. Not only fought in Normandy... No mannnnn.. I as a South African salute you all for what you have done.. May you all find peace and rest in peace. Great respect, from Capetown South Africa... ❤❤😢😢

    • @anapaulatillman.6133
      @anapaulatillman.6133 Před měsícem +5

      South Africans played a vital role too, much respect!

    • @palmergriffiths1952
      @palmergriffiths1952 Před měsícem +4

      Yes It was a Very disparaging Label to be put on The Veterans of The Italian Campaign.

  • @adamaalto-mccarthy6984
    @adamaalto-mccarthy6984 Před měsícem +34

    The D Day dodgers thing is sick. Heroes.

    • @anapaulatillman.6133
      @anapaulatillman.6133 Před měsícem +3

      A term coined by a notorious appeaser, Lady Astor, who never met a dictator she didn't like.

    • @jim2376
      @jim2376 Před 22 dny +3

      As a Yank, it makes me ashamed that our brave Canadian brothers were disrespected in such a manner. Petty, churlish, and ungrateful. Sick indeed.

    • @anthonyeaton5153
      @anthonyeaton5153 Před 8 dny

      @@jim2376 No they were not!

  • @alanmilian6592
    @alanmilian6592 Před měsícem +29

    HUGE RESPECT to all war veterans. You can feel the pain they endured, it's in their eyes, the 1000 thousand yard stare 😢 War is the lowest creation of the human race, still seems it goes on repeating every time more deadly...

    • @IrishAmerican17
      @IrishAmerican17 Před měsícem +1

      If only the politicians that started the wars had to also fight them, they would NOT be so common.

  • @nightdragonx123
    @nightdragonx123 Před měsícem +36

    Give you Credit my Canadian brothers. You really should have gotten the Glory of Rome. Blame Mark Clark for that one

    • @Kwodlibet
      @Kwodlibet Před měsícem +3

      Clark basked in his glory for less than 2 days - the D Day happened 2 days after the liberation of Rome and all eyes looked away from Italy 🙃

    • @anapaulatillman.6133
      @anapaulatillman.6133 Před měsícem +1

      Americans and many others, like Brits, Kiwis, Indians, and Poles earned the glory too. As long as the stories are told and understood, I think it's all good.

    • @johnkidd1226
      @johnkidd1226 Před měsícem +6

      And because he went to Rome instead of cutting off the retreat of thousands of Germans, American and Canadian lives were lost fighting them all the way up Italy.

  • @garyhill2740
    @garyhill2740 Před měsícem +12

    Huge respect for the veterans interviewed here. What terrors they lived through!
    Remembrance for the Canadian troops that liberated Rome.
    It can't have been easy to have to relive what they went through to tell their stories. But they did so, that others might know. And likely with hope that others might endeavor to make sure it doesn't have to happen again.
    Because of such struggles, we enjoy freedoms today that should not be taken for granted.
    When we take it for granted, when we don't remain vigilant and strong, it sets the stage for such events to happen again.

    • @palmergriffiths1952
      @palmergriffiths1952 Před měsícem

      My Grandfather happened to be one of The Canadians into Rome. He was a member of The U.S./Canada First Special Service Force.

  • @robertdelacruz2951
    @robertdelacruz2951 Před měsícem +29

    A very fine and fascinating documentary. It is a tribute to the Canadian soldiers in World War II. I honor them as much as I honor our own WW2 veterans. And YES, Gen. Mark Clark was a glory-hound of the worst sort!

    • @ronmailloux8655
      @ronmailloux8655 Před měsícem +6

      HE wanted to show Patton Mongomery and who ever else he was great he was not. His primadona actions cost thousands of lives.

    • @isisnmagic1812
      @isisnmagic1812 Před měsícem +6

      Clarke was warned and told bypass casino but he ignored the advice and look how that turned out, then at Anzio he just turned for Rome like the glory useless hound he was.

    • @Bullet-Tooth-Tony-
      @Bullet-Tooth-Tony- Před měsícem +2

      @@isisnmagic1812 Ike should have sacked him!!!

    • @anapaulatillman.6133
      @anapaulatillman.6133 Před měsícem +3

      Yeah, few people have good things to say about old Marky. Including American soldiers who served under him.

  • @jebbroham1776
    @jebbroham1776 Před měsícem +5

    They were fighting Fallshirmjager, that's why it was so bad for them. The same was true at Monte Cassino andf many other battles in Italy. It's why the campaign lasted so long. Albert Kesselring's defensive genius combined with elite troops like the Fallshirmjager including the elite Herman Goering Division slowed the Allied advance considerably.

  • @robertsolomielke5134
    @robertsolomielke5134 Před měsícem +32

    TY for a good glance into forgotten heros. Among the best work of this channel, the D-day dodgers saw more blood , and no glory. Gen. Clark was a ballerina of fake glory.

    • @hutxn
      @hutxn Před měsícem +2

      Relatives of the US 36th (Texas) Infantry are not fans of General Markie! Those veterans got a Congressional Hearing held on Clark, but he got thru the hearing without censure, perhaps with the help of Ike.

    • @Bullet-Tooth-Tony-
      @Bullet-Tooth-Tony- Před měsícem +3

      @@hutxn At least Karma got him when no one in the end gave a sh*** that he took Rome after the Allies kicked the Germans out of Normandy 🤣

  • @scottsevers6194
    @scottsevers6194 Před 16 dny +1

    Thank you for your service ❤❤❤, The history books don't always know the truth, you served with honour. Rest with that peace of mind, gentlemen. God Bless Canada.... from Australia 🇦🇺 ♥

  • @skinorth22
    @skinorth22 Před měsícem +1

    I grew up in a veteran's settlement area (my Dad was in the Navy) in Ottawa called Carleton Heights. All of the streets were named after places in Europe that figured in the war. I am embarrassed to say that I know very little about any of these places save for Normandy Crescent. Watching this documentary was very enlightening as the United Church that was built in the neighbourhood, which was the cornerstone of the community, was on Melfa Crescent. Ortona Ave was one of the streets that I cycled on as a kid (as were Senio Ave, Apledorn Ave, Arnhem St to name a few). Up until now I was completely oblivious as to why Ortona and Melfa were commemorated in such a way. Thank you for this documentary and thank you to all who served.

  • @davidhouston4810
    @davidhouston4810 Před měsícem +33

    They were called the "D-Day Dodgers" in Sunny Italy, and yet they faced a level of Horror few can imagine.

    • @maryholder3795
      @maryholder3795 Před měsícem +5

      Heroes everyone of the Canadian regiment who fought in Ortona. No Dodgers in that battle - Heroes

    • @IrishAmerican17
      @IrishAmerican17 Před měsícem +2

      They didn't dodge D-Day, they were almost wiped out at Dieppe, so devastated that they were combat ineffective for years.

    • @davidhouston4810
      @davidhouston4810 Před měsícem +1

      @@maryholder3795 Aye, Every one of them.

    • @davidhouston4810
      @davidhouston4810 Před měsícem +2

      @@IrishAmerican17 Any account of the Canadians in WW2, is filled with Honour.
      All the troops who fought in Italy were called the D-Day Dodgers.
      But they fought under horrific conditions where every yard was paid for in blood.
      Their Sacrifice should never be forgotten.

    • @palmergriffiths1952
      @palmergriffiths1952 Před měsícem +2

      Churchill called it "The Soft Underbelly" While The Soldiers that Fought & Bled & Died up the Boot called it "The Tough Old Gut"

  • @ZOIDRAB
    @ZOIDRAB Před měsícem +22

    Canada has never lost a war.

    • @juicyj3819
      @juicyj3819 Před měsícem +2

      Dieppe was a lost battle. But not the war

    • @albertan9386
      @albertan9386 Před měsícem +3

      We have to be grateful for grand allies. we could not have done it without them. That said, we were great allies and partners.

    • @hdillen9454
      @hdillen9454 Před 27 dny

      They lost their whole country to mr.Trudeau,the enemy from within.

    • @adamaalto-mccarthy6984
      @adamaalto-mccarthy6984 Před 21 dnem +1

      Bragging about war is not good

  • @Al-iv3mb
    @Al-iv3mb Před měsícem +10

    Well what a humbling experience to listen to those brave, brave men. I'm embarrassed that I knew nothing of their heroism but I do know that all our Commonwealth cousins who fought against fascism did so with extreme bravery and courage.
    Hats off indeed to those heroic "D-Day Dodgers"

  • @jasonfalladown4827
    @jasonfalladown4827 Před měsícem +3

    Please stop blurring the video, it ruins the purpose of a documentary. Show what war really is.

  • @blockboygames5956
    @blockboygames5956 Před 19 dny +1

    To all the Canadian Veterans. With Respect and thanks!
    A great and moving documentary.

  • @4xhoser
    @4xhoser Před měsícem +6

    Should have 🇨🇦 Canada in the title of this video. Thank you all for your service.

  • @murraymackay8218
    @murraymackay8218 Před měsícem +43

    Amazing story but Why do they have to censor these documentaries 😑

    • @daleupthegrove6396
      @daleupthegrove6396 Před měsícem +2

      Some of these channels do and some of them don't. I watched a video on Battleground I think it was and nothing was censored no matter how gory it was.

    • @TheNelster72
      @TheNelster72 Před měsícem

      @@daleupthegrove6396 Monetisation is the likely difference.

  • @microusb42069
    @microusb42069 Před měsícem +6

    Why are parts of this censored? Why are we censoring the suffering these troops went thru? And in a sense, a bit of history as well?

  • @mohammedsaysrashid3587
    @mohammedsaysrashid3587 Před měsícem +18

    A wonderful historical coverage video about Ortona battles, furious and stubbornly fought occurred between Canadian soldiers and infamous furious Germans Parachutes ...thank you for sharing

  • @Rickasaurus
    @Rickasaurus Před měsícem +8

    The Germans fighting in Italy were of much better quality than those that fought Eisenhower’s troops in France, and they had mountains and rivers to help in their defense

  • @mikeking1698
    @mikeking1698 Před měsícem +16

    Greatest generation ever!! Proud to be a brother in arm with these warriors!!!

  • @jasonparr4275
    @jasonparr4275 Před měsícem +21

    May all the gods bless Canada!! Lest we forget!! My love to the veterans and their families. Love from Australia!!

    • @guywerry6614
      @guywerry6614 Před měsícem +1

      As a Canadian whose father-in-law flew out of India against the Japanese, much respect back to the Aussies and New Zealanders, who fought both the Japanese and Germans with ferocity and courage.
      The father-in-law was a bombadier in a B-24, skipping bombs into the sides of ships from 50 feet off the deck. VERY hairy stuff!

    • @anapaulatillman.6133
      @anapaulatillman.6133 Před měsícem +1

      Much respect, considering how much Aus sacrificed in both world wars.

    • @palmergriffiths1952
      @palmergriffiths1952 Před měsícem

      Thank you for your kind words about our Canadian Veterans 🇨🇦 Thank you as Well To The Australian Veterans 🙏🇭🇲

  • @SamTheElectrician
    @SamTheElectrician Před měsícem +14

    Mark Zuehlke’s book “Ortona” is amazing, highly recommend if you want detail.

    • @JayMH409
      @JayMH409 Před měsícem +4

      His whole series of books on WWII should be read.

  • @ec6052
    @ec6052 Před měsícem +10

    "We we're the best soldiers in the world"
    *Canadians show up
    "We jumped out of windows to get away with our lives"
    😂

    • @anthonyeaton5153
      @anthonyeaton5153 Před 20 dny

      Don't say that to Australians they've been saying that they were the best since Gallipoli 😂

  • @robertdipaola3447
    @robertdipaola3447 Před měsícem +6

    Mark Clark was a dismal glory hound who cost many casualties

  • @JonHullock
    @JonHullock Před měsícem +7

    This is the real savagery of combat.

  • @between666
    @between666 Před měsícem +5

    My grandfather served in the Durham light infantry. WW2 . Don't ask him about the war I was told.

  • @lyndallsymons9767
    @lyndallsymons9767 Před měsícem +23

    As WW3 creeps into view it amazes me we have not learned our lessons 🫡

    • @RichardSparks-qy2rd
      @RichardSparks-qy2rd Před měsícem +3

      Lessons will never be learned when the people and the subject matter never change. It all began with the fall of humanity in the Garden of Eden when Cain killed his brother Abel. There was a time when all the people in this world spoke the same language, and that all changed at the Tower of Babel. Men tried to build a tower to the heights of heaven in an attempt to be like God. Because of the arrogance of man, God confused the language of man and scattered them all over the land. You may not believe this, but how do you account for the different languages and cultures in this world. You take the separation of men and the changing of languages and the development of different cultures and you throw in man's sinful nature and you have a toxic brew that throughout the centuries that have brought us to this point. There is no other explanation, before the fall in the garden as He created the things in the world
      God looked at all that He made and said it was good. We then see the creation of Adam and Eve and all was good, as a result of their sin God removed them from the garden and nothing has been the same ever since. Man has been stained by sin ever since then, passing from one generation to the next. Sin is passed on through the seed of man. How do I know that Mary the mother of Jesus was overshadowed by the Holy Spirit and since no man's seed was involved in the birth of Jesus He was sinless. What are you going to do with Jesus, he preached the gospel and fed the poor he healed the lame but He came not so much to live but to die. God came down and was born in human flesh, so why was he crucified, it says in the
      Bible without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin. He paid the price for humanity when God placed all the sins of the world on Him, and he shed his sinless blood while being crucified. Why did God do this, ever since the fall in the garden man's sin has separated him from God. The question I have for you if you died tonight where would you spend eternity? Would you like peace, and joy in your life, how about a new heart and new mind and eternity with God? It is a free gift of God showing us His mercy and love, as God is holy and righteous no man can stand before Him, when you reject his offer of forgiveness you're telling God that you want no part of Him. God gives you the desire of your heart an eternity separated from Him. The question is do you want to be saved? If you love your sin, keep doing what you are doing. What must a person do to be saved, confess your sins and
      repent of them meaning turn away from the things you're doing and make Jesus your Lord and Savior. The reason most people don't become Christians is not because of a lack of knowledge or a lack of faith it is because of pride. People aren't willing to admit to themselves that they have sinned in their life much less God. They try and save themselves through good works or religion or numbing their mind and bodies with the things of this world. Know this, the only thing you can contribute to your sin is your salvation, and God is only as far away as your knees are to the floor.

    • @wilfredmacdonald8245
      @wilfredmacdonald8245 Před měsícem +4

      The oligarchs who want the wars never have their own families in the war.

    • @DT-wp4hk
      @DT-wp4hk Před měsícem

      The banks only love money. 🔯

    • @Odin00
      @Odin00 Před měsícem

      Who's we?

    • @Odin00
      @Odin00 Před měsícem

      It seems you're some sort of bot

  • @anapaulatillman.6133
    @anapaulatillman.6133 Před měsícem +2

    Great doc, with some stuff I didn't know, and I wrote a book about Ortona! The best thing is the interviews with the vets. Man, you can see the effects of the war lingering decades afterward. That's the true cost of freedom. Sad to see these old guys pass.

  • @deeppurple883
    @deeppurple883 Před měsícem +4

    I've been blessed going through life, not having to fight in any wars in my lifetime. Knowing myself over sixty years, I know I couldn't kill. I'm probably a coward to I just can't do violence. These men on all sides we're brave men. ✌️

    • @anapaulatillman.6133
      @anapaulatillman.6133 Před měsícem +2

      Not being able to kill doesn't make you a coward, friend. Just look at Desmond Doss.

    • @badgermacleod5588
      @badgermacleod5588 Před měsícem

      I served & no sane person wants a war. Not wanting to go to war & kill doesn't make you a coward. People who don't know a damn thing about the military or war are the ones who cheer for a war.

  • @luckyguy600
    @luckyguy600 Před měsícem +16

    RIP Canadians

    • @juicyj3819
      @juicyj3819 Před měsícem

      RIP to all our allies. 🇨🇦✊🏻

  • @kevinvilmont6061
    @kevinvilmont6061 Před měsícem +5

    It wasn’t just their troops, they had an extremely defensible position.

  • @bennyboy2023
    @bennyboy2023 Před měsícem +4

    Incredible documentary… I’m ashamed I had never heard of this battle before!

  • @davidkinney4486
    @davidkinney4486 Před měsícem +5

    General Clark was the one to claim the credit to be the first to enter Rome, huh? Maybe the reason why the U.S. army gets the glory is due to many of the American soldiers, who were American Italians, was meant to be a boost in moral of the troops, as well as the civilians on the home front. I agree that the Canadian veterans deserved to inter the city of Rome first. I guess the situation was a conflict of interest.

  • @LouismarieBelanger
    @LouismarieBelanger Před měsícem +4

    Casa Berardi in Ortona, Capitaine Paul Triquet of the Royal 22nd Regiment ( btw a french speaking regiment) received The Victoria Cross.

  • @jamielawrence7714
    @jamielawrence7714 Před měsícem +5

    The censorship is a shame - show it how it's supposed to be seen.

  • @robmiller6644
    @robmiller6644 Před měsícem +2

    Bless all of the brave souls who fought and died keeping there family's safe back home.

  • @coldfrostice
    @coldfrostice Před měsícem +1

    My father served in 1st.Fallschirmjäger Division Luftwaffe and was there in Ortona. They was sent from Marseille in France and jumped over Sicilia in summer 1943, he and his comrades fought all they way up to Monte Casino and in early 1944 his battalion was sent to Reims and then to Brest building up a new division 3rd. Fallschirmjäger Division and was in Normandy from all the summer 1944. The Green Devils. He was also part of the invasion of Crete/Greece 20 may 1941, later Russia Stalingrad and Leningrad district.

  • @jeffyoung60
    @jeffyoung60 Před měsícem +26

    Speaking as an American, the brave Canadians should have been allowed to March into Rome alongside the Americans. I denounce LTG Matt Clark's shabby treatment of our Canadian brothers.

    • @moss8448
      @moss8448 Před měsícem +2

      Glory Hound he was. You'd think the Citadel would address

    • @badgermacleod5588
      @badgermacleod5588 Před měsícem +5

      I served in the Canadian infantry & my best friend in the world was a US Army Ranger. We know who our allies are.

    • @IrishAmerican17
      @IrishAmerican17 Před měsícem

      It wasn't necessarily intentional, it was geographical. The British and Canadians went up the east side, the US went up the west side and faced Monte Casino. There was a whole mountain range between them.

    • @palmergriffiths1952
      @palmergriffiths1952 Před měsícem +4

      I'm not defending what Mark Clark did But there was Canadians in the Liberation of Rome. My Grandfather marched into the City as a member of The U.S./Canada First Special Service Force.

    • @paulrummery6905
      @paulrummery6905 Před měsícem +1

      Nothing like the nonsense of huge ego's, military campaigning and flying steel. It's a guaranteed nasty mess for the soldier.

  • @igotatan1
    @igotatan1 Před měsícem +3

    Censoring these movies is Not doing it justice... War bloody War needs to be seen as it was. Maybe it will deter more war...

  • @southerncross86
    @southerncross86 Před měsícem +5

    Terrible to hear that enemies throwing their gund and surrendering were "wiped out". Isnt it a crime of war? Not something to brag about

  • @apettit7
    @apettit7 Před měsícem +3

    When I was about 14 I was at my friends house and his dad was watching the game on HNIC with the voume turned way up. I asked my friend why so loud and he replied that his dad suffered hearing loss serving in the Royal Canadian Artillery in Italy during WW2. My friend then added "and don't ask my dad about the war....he won't talk about it"

    • @franceyneireland1633
      @franceyneireland1633 Před 20 hodinami

      My Father-in-law a gunner on tank in the Canadian military, also loss hearing after firing for 10 hours over the Rhine.

  • @lyndallsymons9767
    @lyndallsymons9767 Před měsícem +26

    People seem to think war is an honourable thing but the reality is it’s scary very scary nothing but tragedy in war even if you win 😯 there are no winners

    • @avroarchitect1793
      @avroarchitect1793 Před měsícem +4

      The winner is whoever is still standing at the end of it all. War happens when negotiation becomes impossible, either through ideology or impossible demands by one or both sides. There is only one honourable form of warfare, and that is whatever way gives you the quickest victory.

    • @lyndallsymons9767
      @lyndallsymons9767 Před měsícem +1

      @@avroarchitect1793 some wars need to be fought but in our day and age we should look to the past to see our future and our future is looking bleak 🫡

    • @avroarchitect1793
      @avroarchitect1793 Před měsícem

      @@lyndallsymons9767 I agree. My point is that the only moral form of war is whatever makes it shortest.

    • @Odin00
      @Odin00 Před měsícem

      What fkry you mean there are no winners in war?

  • @pacettid
    @pacettid Před 13 dny

    Excellent video on the Canadian heroes of Italy. Well done gents. Well done. This is one American who totally gets it.

  • @paulrmullen6195
    @paulrmullen6195 Před měsícem +4

    That glory hound Clark should have faced a court martial for his actions in Italy his "come up'ns" was that all the headlines were about d-day not Rome. It was the young men that got the Gustaf "come up'ns"

  • @jerrylewis9699
    @jerrylewis9699 Před měsícem +2

    My Uncle was a Master Sargent and his Lieutenant was Bob Dole, they were hit by 88s, Vernon almost lost his right leg and ended up on the Hospital Ship, the Repose.(US Army)

    • @jerrylewis9699
      @jerrylewis9699 Před měsícem

      The Place was the Pole Valley and the Pole River, where they were hit, Recon Patrol while the 10th Mountain Division seeked out the 88s on the Pole Mountains.

  • @user-de5jn1xg9u
    @user-de5jn1xg9u Před měsícem +2

    Thank you so much. Watch every night. From. Sc

  • @MrNaKillshots
    @MrNaKillshots Před měsícem +3

    The fallschirmjager, after Crete, were used as ground troops piecemeal. Formidable adversaries.

  • @Turah-yz2tb
    @Turah-yz2tb Před měsícem +2

    RIP to the soldiers from both sides . Some died for our freedom !

  • @ronmailloux8655
    @ronmailloux8655 Před měsícem +9

    GREAT retelling of this little known but horrible battle. Too bad about the censorship police treating history like something not to be viewed.

  • @Switcharoo12
    @Switcharoo12 Před měsícem +24

    This censorship nonsense should be an option based on the viewer's preference or a setting..

  • @bruce8321
    @bruce8321 Před měsícem +13

    The Canadian soldier as usual fought above their weight in both wars. We just don't have a Hollywood to show the world like our brothers south of us. The Americans were real late getting into both wars and we had already lost a lot of good men before they arrived. Thank God they finally arrived though. Earlier would have saved many lives but such is hindsight.

    • @TheMrherbgreen
      @TheMrherbgreen Před měsícem +1

      the americans were not late at all.

    • @tonywoodham3760
      @tonywoodham3760 Před měsícem

      The yanks only do something when it benefits them every time, Vietnam was a big shock to their ARROGANT ATTITUDE.

    • @bruce8321
      @bruce8321 Před měsícem +6

      @@TheMrherbgreen America entered the war in Dec of 41. Canadians had been fighting since 39 so how do you figure that man?

    • @TheMrherbgreen
      @TheMrherbgreen Před měsícem

      @@bruce8321 explain to me why America is required to fight in wars? Was America required to be involved in the Franco Prussian war?

    • @bruce8321
      @bruce8321 Před měsícem +4

      @@TheMrherbgreen Its a little thing called saving democracy and all of our Freedom. We all fought for that so you could spout of all you want like now. These were called WORLD WARS FOR A REASON. You need to start reading.

  • @bobyoung1698
    @bobyoung1698 Před měsícem

    This is one of the best presentations on warfare that I've ever seen. It's real. It's honest. It's terrifying, especially in the words of those who fought.

  • @jackrosario9990
    @jackrosario9990 Před měsícem +4

    Censorship is fascism!

  • @Rickasaurus
    @Rickasaurus Před měsícem +2

    32:42 There’s so much footage of Panther tanks in action, and Panzer IIs from 1940 are shown?!

  • @dst4909
    @dst4909 Před měsícem +3

    How is this battle even comparable to the battle of Stalingrad?

    • @donaldatherton319
      @donaldatherton319 Před měsícem +2

      It’s not. I would call it a mini Stalingrad.

    • @markbryski
      @markbryski Před 22 dny

      @@donaldatherton319 That is what they called it back then, mini Stalingrad.

  • @Jack-qu9in
    @Jack-qu9in Před měsícem +3

    I hope the old us vet gets to know that answer when hes gone

  • @andrewstewart9263
    @andrewstewart9263 Před měsícem +5

    Is the censorship really necessary???? Annoying!

  • @klubchez5224
    @klubchez5224 Před měsícem

    Incredible documentary and stories from these men. Some of them haven’t talked about the war till this interview wow I hope the can live and rest in peace now!

  • @webcelt
    @webcelt Před 14 dny +1

    Clark's real comeuppance might have been that his move into Rome happened on D-Day, so almost no one noticed.

  • @deborahmeyer3493
    @deborahmeyer3493 Před 7 dny

    I didn’t know about this. Thanks for the Canadians and US

  • @martinseele325
    @martinseele325 Před měsícem +2

    Heartbreaking

  • @pinth
    @pinth Před měsícem

    The stories of the fighting are inspiring. Invigorating.

  • @victoriaalvarez1557
    @victoriaalvarez1557 Před měsícem +5

    Don’t F with the Canadians.

  • @johnkidd1226
    @johnkidd1226 Před měsícem +2

    Col. Finestone was my Dad's C.O. at Ortona.

  • @JB-rt4mx
    @JB-rt4mx Před měsícem +6

    1st Fallschirjager / Mongomery's Ego / Canadian Heros 🌠

    • @romsebrell710
      @romsebrell710 Před měsícem

      JB ..... Canadian. MERDACCE!?.

    • @orwellboy1958
      @orwellboy1958 Před měsícem +3

      Montys ego was nothing compared to Patons and General Clark's stupidity.

    • @Bullet-Tooth-Tony-
      @Bullet-Tooth-Tony- Před měsícem +1

      *Mark Clarks ego* corrected it for you.

  • @nickgardner1507
    @nickgardner1507 Před měsícem

    Great coverage, and Canda thank you!

  • @yoshshmenge294
    @yoshshmenge294 Před měsícem +1

    In memory of Cpl. Stire Prince Edward and Hastings Regiment. K.I.A Jan 31, 1944 Ortona Italy.

  • @petdoiseauR.H.
    @petdoiseauR.H. Před měsícem +3

    Mercis🙏✨

  • @seanfaherty
    @seanfaherty Před měsícem

    I was lucky enough to know Dan Lewis.

  • @TonyStark-uu9us
    @TonyStark-uu9us Před 16 dny

    I knew nothing about this
    Absolutely heartbreaking

  • @begbieyabass
    @begbieyabass Před měsícem +3

    Brilliantly made

  • @phrayzar
    @phrayzar Před měsícem

    Great Documentary

  • @asullivan4047
    @asullivan4047 Před měsícem +1

    Interesting/informative/entertaining. Excellent still-motion photography pictures/maps/veteran guest speakers. Enabling viewers to better understand what the orator is describing.😉.

  • @jackieking1522
    @jackieking1522 Před měsícem +2

    7.40... the answer is "dumb luck". Now take that luck and make something of it.

  • @CLARKE176
    @CLARKE176 Před měsícem +7

    This battle was nowhere remotely like Stalingrad. Ortona was its own unique battle.

    • @victoriaalvarez1557
      @victoriaalvarez1557 Před měsícem +3

      I think the comparison was the room to room urban combat.

    • @Bullet-Tooth-Tony-
      @Bullet-Tooth-Tony- Před měsícem +1

      @@victoriaalvarez1557 A mini stalingrad

    • @CLARKE176
      @CLARKE176 Před měsícem

      @@victoriaalvarez1557 it can be compared to Caen or Aachen.

    • @CLARKE176
      @CLARKE176 Před měsícem

      @@Bullet-Tooth-Tony- it clearly proves of how these battles like Ortona will always be overshadowed by the Eastern Front.

    • @victoriaalvarez1557
      @victoriaalvarez1557 Před měsícem +1

      @@CLARKE176 The Battle of Ortona happened in 1943 before Caen and Aachen, and so it was coined Little Stalingrad (1942) at the time

  • @thomasfelton5580
    @thomasfelton5580 Před měsícem

    Thank you, as a 61 yr. Old yank, I have never heard of this before... Thank you for sharing.

  • @haroldmclean3755
    @haroldmclean3755 Před měsícem +3

    Very interesting indeed 👍

  • @1joshjosh1
    @1joshjosh1 Před měsícem +1

    Are they censoring some of the images on this wonderfully educational documentary ??

  • @joshlater916
    @joshlater916 Před měsícem +5

    Why do you censor history. The censorship I'm America has become horrible. Let the information out and the ones that can handle it and the ones that can't grow a pair

    • @halcooper3070
      @halcooper3070 Před měsícem

      What's your issue? Where is there censorship?

  • @illyrian44
    @illyrian44 Před měsícem +2

    Ruby Deutsch didn't seem to have any regrets

  • @photosbyjb007
    @photosbyjb007 Před měsícem +3

    War is an evil thing 😢

  • @h.nguyen4193
    @h.nguyen4193 Před měsícem

    Losing 20-30 men a day for 24 months and you live through the whole thing is insane.

  • @belowfray5251
    @belowfray5251 Před měsícem +2

    Wonderful song !

  • @oliverthomas4782
    @oliverthomas4782 Před 20 dny +1

    42:52 I regret having to say this, but the German paratrooper says right at the beginning of the report that it was completely clear to the Germans that they would not be able to hold Ortona. So they did everything they could to inflict as many losses as possible on the Canadian side. The aim was to tie up as many troops as possible and to organize a slow and orderly retreat from Italy, thus holding the German flank. Sorry again, but when we visit Kreta, we visit graves.