THE WW2 ALAMO! | This Battlegroup Was Destroyed on Film | Normandy WW2
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- čas přidán 28. 12. 2023
- This video is only possible thanks to the excellent research by Mike Bechthold Ph.D . To read more about this subject follow the links below:
In Normandy during the early morning hours of 9 August 1944, a battlegroup under of the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Donald Worthington (British Columbia Regiment (BCRs) and the Algonquin Regiment) set out in the dark to capture Point 195 north of Falaise.
When daylight broke, Worthington confidently reported to 4th Canadian Armoured Brigade headquarters that he was on the objective and requested immediate support to defeat the determined German attempts to dislodge him. Unbeknownst to him, his battlegroup had lost its way in the dark and ended up on a piece of high ground near Hill 140, some six and half kilometers east of its intended destination. Worthington did not realize his mistake until after he lost communications.
Their destruction was captured by chance of film - a reconnaissance aircraft took pictures of the very moment the Germans closed in on the Battlegroup.
By the end of the day his battlegroup had been destroyed at the cost of 240 casualties (85 killed, 121 wounded, and 34 captured) along with the loss of 47 tanks and numerous other armoured vehicles and half-tracks.
OTD Military History:
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Sources:
canadianmilitaryhistory.ca/wp...
www.project44.ca/intelblog/20...
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As an retired armoured officer of the BCR, and qualified in tanks, I appreciate this fair analysis of the Battle. Try navigating at night in dust and under fire in a poorly mapped area where compasses do not work (due to the steel of the tank) and see how easy it is to navigate while bouncing around in the hatch of a tank trying to read a paper map in the dark. The discovery of the aerial photgraphs following the action help to show exactly where the tanks moved both prior to and during the action. Selection of the reverse-sloped position on Hill 140 could not have been better. Night attacks were not part of normal doctrine and this was an innovation ordered by our Corps Commander. The orders given by BGen Booth were late and normal battle procedure did not have time to take place. The Polish Division on the left flank had been hit by friendly fire (air bombardment) prior to the attack, and were slowed in their advance and the following units were unable to push forward to support the attack. Worthington Force fought all day unsupported by artillery but by Typhoons. Commincations between arms at this point in the war and lack of coordination at the higher level also contributed to the result. Some tanks (I think about 4-6) and wounded were able to break through back to our own lines late in the day on orders by Lt-Col Worthington prior to his death. A good number of both regiment's soldiers made it back to our own lines when night fell, breaking through the German lines, and the remainder of the wounded were taken prisioner. Lt-Col Worthington and all three Sqn Comds were killed in action and both units fighting until they were almost out of ammunition and close to being overrun. Having been converted from a Rifle Regiment in 1942, when tanks were knocked out the BCRs fought on foot supporting the Algonquins. The 28th Armoured (BCR) was reconstituted with replacements and those members LOB (Left out of Battle) and were back in action a couple of weeks later through Trun and were alongside the Poles at the closure of the Falaise Gap.
Outstanding comment. Thank you for sharing this detail. I hope you didn’t think I was overly critical. Having spent lots of time in BATUS/Suffield I can assure I’ve become ‘navigationally challenged’ on a few occasions!
Has there been any books written on Worthington Force? I couldn’t find much at all
@@thehistoryexplorer Hey, Suffield is here in Alberta where I live! So, you are a cowboy at heart, eh? LOL! 😉🤠🤠🤠
@@ToddSauveI have some very fond memories there my friend! The stampede in Calgary being right up there
@@thehistoryexplorer I live in Calgary and my family came West in 1875, when it really was the Wild West. My great grandfather used to help take wagon trains from Fort Garry to Fort Edmonton in 1876, stopping at all the NWMP forts along the way. He finally built a ranch in the Cypress Hills only 4 miles south of where NWMP Fort Walsh once stood. So I'm almost an original Westerner. It is mostly only the Plains Indian tribes who have a longer heritage here. Glad you got to spend some time with us. Where you trained at Suffield used to have millions of buffalo roaming there 150 years ago. Sometimes I wish I could have lived back then. But life was vastly harder in those days. My cousin, Jared Parsonage, is a rancher in the Cypress Hills along with a horde of other cousins. He is the Canadian bull riding champion two years running now and led for quite a while at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas just this month until an excellent young Australian bull rider named Ky Hamilton won it all. 🤠🤠🤠
@@ToddSauveoh awesome! I really enjoyed Calgary and my trips to Banff a bit further west. I have some brilliant memories there.
On a weekend off everyone wanted to go drinking but I’d had enough so went for a hike by myself. Walked around lake Minnewanka and up to the top of cascade mountain. Perfect way to spend a day.
It’s a shame training is Suffield has stopped for armoured battle groups
I recall reading that Col. Worthington called in for artillery support and when hearing the rounds landing way off to their right thought they had relayed the wrong coordinates to the artillery and to check their fire. When he heard the rounds landing way off to his right again it was at this point he realized they were on the wrong hill. I can't imagine what he must have been feeling at that moment.
Yes that must have been a horrendous feeling. Poor soldiers
He was thinking, damn, I'm an idiot, I should have went straight instead of turning left.
When I read regularly, that the “British” took too long to breakout from Normandy, and that the Americans moved a lot faster, I get annoyed, the Brits and Canucks were up against battle hardened SS units, some of which had been fighting on the Eastern front for a number of years? The ferocity of the fighting was truly incredible. Great film you’ve put together, very informative.
Thank you so much I really appreciate the feedback. It’s true to the Brits and Canadians faced off against the armoured divisions in the east of the Normandy lodgement. Many people forget about that
@alexwilliamson1486 As WW2 veteran Bill Thompson of the 9th Royal Tank Regiment put it.
*“The Americans thought that the British and Canadians were not moving fast enough, but the fact was on our front we had against us seven and a half Panzer divisions, and the Americans were only facing one and a half.”*
@@Bullet-Tooth-Tony- well said! Not that it’s a competition but it is useful context for those who believe the myth’s perpetuated by movies like Saving Private Ryan etc
@@thehistoryexplorer Indeed Happy new year!
To put a finer point on this situation, 12th SS was largely comprised of Hitler Jugend who were untested in battle, but led by former 1st SS LSAH officers like Meyer, who were very hardened from the Ostfront.
Having been lost in a APC at night on a familiar training area I know it happens, add to that the fog of war, any enemy contact and the ground as you showed I can not blame them. Respect to all involved, they fought it out till the end and inflicted casualties on the Germans that were hard to replace in Normandy. Excellent video mate.
thank you George. Having also been lost a few times myself I can well attest to the difficulty in navigating at night in an armoured vehicle!
This story overwhelms me and I thank you for sharing this story. I’m at a loss for words as to what these men went through. My brothers wife’s father was in US Army and was in the Normandy Invasion. He never spoke about it ever, was a joyful kind man who died about 10 yrs ago.
Thank you very much for your kind comments. This story has captivated me too
Amazing video. I'm Canadian and I visited this cemetery last November. I was touched by the story of Gérard Doré, a 15 year old volunteer who died on July 23 at 16 in Verrières. He was a member of the Fusilliers Mont-Royal.
Thank you, I’d love to cover the Canadian action at Verrieres
I'll just never get over the immense amount of armour that was manufactured and expended during the war on all fronts. Here, in this little corner of the war . . . they lost 47 tanks in a day, as if it were nothing. Brutal.
I know exactly what you mean! During Op GOODWOOD the British lost 253 tanks although a number were quickly brought back in to action in later operations.
@@thehistoryexplorer And Hitler shared our incredulity. Have you heard that recorded conversation in Finland where he can't believe the number of tanks the Soviets were fielding (?): czcams.com/video/WE6mnPmztoQ/video.htmlsi=5bnOA5Ir9XyXrchW&t=264
The book “freedom’s forge” covers the American war industry in depth and it is utterly incredible. I think most people today don’t comprehend the magnitude of what was accomplished in terms of manufacturing materiel.
Thank You for your efforts, clear and concise...
As a Canadian I thank you for telling the story. I can’t imagine being in such a situation as these brave men were.
The worst thing is that I have made all the same mistakes that they did (obviously in training only). I think this is an excellent example to commanders today
Too bad the Britons do not appreciate real Canadian merits in this war.
@@JesusMagicPanties I’m British and I made this video
@@thehistoryexplorer Apologize.
However you probably don't belong in the mainstream. After the war, Canadians were treated almost as badly as the Poles.
@@thehistoryexplorerand I am grateful you made this wonderful film.
‘The Canadian Alamo’ how appropriate to give the viewer a feeling for the battle. You have done a splendid job of presenting us with a gut wrenching situation the Canadians found themselves in. How brave to have stood your ground and did your best in an impossible situation. Yes impossible! The did their best in a desperate struggle to survive the awesome might of the German counter attack. Friendly fire. What else could they have to contend with. Incredible!
You are a credit to the memories of the fallen in this sad tale of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Thank you my brave compatriots of the greatest generation for allowing this 75 year old Canadian to live in relative peace. My heart breaks, but it also beams with pride at the immense contributions this nation of 11 million.1.1 million served with distinction and honour, my father included.
the 12th SS Panzer Division although made up of teenage Hitler Youth members had been intensively trained and led in battle by some of the best, most experienced and battle hardened officers in any army of WW2. This division were extremely formidable foes at the best of times let alone when you are isolated behind enemy lines without crucial artillery and air support. The bravery, commitment, contribution and the ultimate sacrifices of the Canadian armed services in both world wars was incredible and will never be forgotten. As a student of the Normandy campaign I knew all about this battle but your video has brought it to life for me so many many thanks from me. I have subscribed and happy to support your channel and keep up the fantastic work you are doing.
Thank you very much indeed I really do appreciate it. I have plans for many many more series of videos from all over Europe
I wouldn't say best officers. Best Nazis maybe.
I cannot wait@@thehistoryexplorer
Only the previous day, August 8, 1944, Kurt Meyer and a higher officer had sent out Michael Wittmann and a strong force of Tiger tanks including other lesser tanks from Cintheaux to attack the gathering force of Canadian and British armour to their north. Wittmann was killed and three others Tigers were knocked out as well by the Sherbrooke Fusiliers and the Northhamptonshire Yeomanry as they moved north. It sounds like there were many Tigers all around there! These Normandy tank battles were very intense with immense amounts of armour being lost on every side. The 12 SS were basically annihilated in Normandy and the battle won less than two weeks later all around Falaise.
Thank you for telling the tragic story of Worthington Force. I had never heard it before. Very sad. Freedom is seldom free, is it? 🤔🤨😢
Good man, I was going to cover the Wittman event on the way but I ran out of time. I filmed this whole series in a oner which is why I am wearing the same clothes in the videos! I do hope to head back and cover the Wittman event to see where the Canadian and British were located, and where the Tigers were destroyed.
thanks for the feedback really appreciate it
@@thehistoryexplorer Here is a pretty good analysis of how Wittmann was killed and by whom. I hope it is a help for you, especially if you haven't seen it. Paul Woodadge and I natter back and forth at each other over who got Wittmann whenever we get the chance, LOL! 😉 czcams.com/video/uHx5Z9S9yZU/video.html&
More Tigers than that were destroyed, it was 3 by the Northants Yeomanry, & at least 1 (I think it was 2) by the Sherbrookes (one being Wittmann's), let alone the other Pzr IVs & assault guns destroyed. There are aerial & ground photos on the internet.The scars on the remaining outside/garden walls of the old manor house (now gone), where the Sherbrookes fired from, next to where Wittmann was killed are still there, visible on google maps.
@@eric-wb7gj As I recall, and I don't know where from but maybe from a Radley-Walters statement, there was another gaggle of German armour moving north behind the manor where the Sherbrookes were situated. Might have been more Tigers there. Considering there was only about 110 Tigers ever in Normandy, and not all of them ever running at one time, a lot of them were lost right at this time, the second and third week of August 1944, just north of Falaise.
@@ToddSauve I don't know about this. The German armour did attack up the main road, & the attacking Poles on the Northants left, did run into German armour with unfortunately high casualties.
The Germans also lost some Tigers during the night time bombing, there is at least one photo of one upside down.
Wrong paths, right paths, it defiently doesn't matter. They all had one ultimate goal, and that was to help defeat the 3rd Reich. Their actions will never be forgotten, died as heros.
Excellent video, well done , thank you
Well said buddy. Thanks for the feedback
Very well said!
They got behind the Germans who had to then deal with them. That IN itself was worthy of them!
Yes if they could see their homelands now, they’d be so proud.
Yes, they were still heroes! They had to navigate a foreign terrain they had never been before! RIP, Brave 🇨🇦 Canadians. 🇺🇸
As a retired Duke, I really appreciate the video, and your take on the battle. I had the incredible honour of dining with the officer who replaced Col. Worthington, John Toogood, and his account very much jives with yours, although he was LOB that morning.
Thank you so much for your feedback it has made my day. I was very concerned about offending anyone with connections to this action and wanted to tread lightly.
I’ve become so interested in this event I’m reading more and more on it. Absolutely fascinating and a brilliant vignette I will use with those I serve with
My Grandfather was also at this battle. He was a driver. Very proud of him. Up the Dukes!
As a British born Canadian who served in the Canadian Army Reserve (Hastings & Prince Edward Regiment, Toronto Scottish Regiment, Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada), I appreciate the retelling of Canadian engagements in World War II. Thank you for telling it and using the video content the way you have done the retelling. A profound thanks.
You are most welcome Sir. I’m so glad you enjoyed the video
A very clear, concise explanation of the tragedy befalling Worthington Force. I’ve tried to visualize this action for a while. Your episode has helped me understand the situation more clearly. Thanks.
That’s brilliant! Glad you found it useful. Thanks for the feedback
A truly superb film you have put together there. Beautifully narrated and edited. Thank you.
Thank you very much! I’ve so glad you enjoyed it and I really appreciate the feedback
Excellent vid. So well researched and presented. Walking that field and the use of air photographs pinpointig the actual locations made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. What a great way to connect with the past. Very well done.
Glad you enjoyed it! I was so worried I had dragged on a bit that I edited so much stuff out to make this shorter. I’m starting to wish I had kept it in!
Superb analysis. The use of visual overlays in both the video segments and the still photo segments are what separate this analysis from the rest. Keep up the good work!
Much appreciated! So glad you enjoyed it
Your integration of real time visits combined with battlefield maps and historical photos and references is absolutely wonderful.
A pleasure to view. Thank you!
Glad you like them! Thank you very much
Sir, please make more videos like this. They are the best in depth Military History productions on the internet. Cheers and keep ‘em coming!
You’re a gent. Thank you for the kind feedback!
"The best"? 😄 Adequate, certainly and better than I could do but I do not consider them the best. Try look at some from Mark Felton.
@@iainholding3260 you lost all credibility when you referenced Mark Felton 😅
@@thehistoryexplorer I'd rather listen to/watch him than you tbf.
@@iainholding3260 each to their own. He uses archival footage from CZcams and reads Wikipedia as commentary. It’s a brilliant business model and more power to him as it obviously works👌
Thanks man, you couldn't have done a better job I think. Perfect explaination of what happened. Very sad story, I agree that it's unfair to be harsh on dead soldiers who took a wrong turn and defended a hill they didn't have any information about. Let them rest in peace and let us be gratefull.
Well said and great name. Thanks for the kind feedback, really appreciate it
It seems to me if any mistake was made it was that the allied air force could not recognise their compatriots on the ground, even though they were static in a defensive position and had laid out ID markers. If the Typhoons had attacked the German armour the outcome might have been different.
@@thehistoryexplorer Haha, its my WoT and WT avatar, thanks. Just like you I love history and I have great respect for all the young men who gave theire lives for our freedom. Keep up the good work and thanks dor the awesome content! ❤️
@@catinthehat906 War is chaotic at best I'm afraid..
This was so well made I feel like I understand exactly what happened. Your expertise is clear to see Rob. The maps and images are really useful. I hope you make many more videos mate
Thank you. Really appreciate the kind feedback and glad you enjoyed it
Well done. Nightmare situation for those Canadians. The bravery of the Canadians is lesser known over here. Best from Hamburg, Germany
Thank you my friend. A very kind comment 👍
I might be biased because my sister is married to a Canadian but the Canadians have a fierce reputation in battle, very much respected. Greetings from Rotterdam, Holland.
Disorientation is possible on Salisbury Plain at night let alone whilst in contact. As you quite rightly say, those who have not served or been in close contact have no place in being critical. God bless the bravery of our Canadian cousins
Exactly buddy. Thanks for the feedback
To finish work, crack open some christmas left overs and sit down to this video was a real treat. Amazing story Rob
You’re too kind. Thank you buddy and glad you enjoyed it
A great informative video. I thought the scenery was stunning, neatly plowed fields and green pastures.
An interesting side note Hitlerjugend staff officer Bernhard Meitzel was driving in a captured Humber scout car which was knocked out by the Canadians breaking his arm. Meitzel was captured and interrogated, the Canadians repeatedly asked him where the straight road was. When the Typhoon attack came in a number of Canadian soldiers tried to escape back to Allied lines Meitzel suggested they surrender. As he said he arrived back at his command post with 23 Canadian prisoners and a broken arm. Max Wunsche sent 2 platoons of Panthers to deal with the problem.
Thank you Frank, a great addition. I read that too in Mike’s research. You can imagine the uncertainty and confusion they must have experienced on that hill
This was a great and very thorough examination of the battle with real world battlefield eye's view. As a serving troop leader of the British Columbia Regiment your work is much appreciated. I was made aware of this video via a link in our newsletter. Thank you!
Up the Dukes!
No way!? That was quick to appear in a news letter. I hope you thought I was fair and balanced in the video. I’ve become so interested in this event and all the myriad factors that led to the outcome. I’d love to learn more. Has the video been well received within the Unit or are there a few grumbles?
I can’t speak to The association (they’re responsible for research and posting the newsletters. Several Of them also run our fantastic museum), but I intend to bring it up for conversation at the officers mess as a point of conversation and possible professional development. The battle is often mentioned in our regimental heritage and I think it offers many teaching points about navigation, leadership, taking good defensive positions, fallback strategies and communication
Great explanation. Today I discovered that the Worthington battlegroup would have passed through my fathers unit (Lake Superior Regiment) on its fateful mission. Dad would have only been in France a week at most, at that time. Thanks for the doco!
This was the first action of the Worthington Force too, well trained but completely green. I’m so glad you could take away a personal connection from this video 👍
Excellent narration! Our kids sat and watched with stark reality that this was something that happened and recorded for those fallen during their great grandparents time on earth. It’s truly amazing the amount of detail that could be found through research. Many thanks for your hard work!
That is awesome! Glad you enjoyed it! Your comment has made my day buddy
Another excellent video. Your military background really enhances your work and separates you from the others. Well done Rob!
That is very kind. Thank you! I’m learning every day
Great examination of the battle. I wasn’t aware of this action and you covered it in great detail. Another great video. Well done.
that really means a lot, thank you. I'm surprised this action isn't more widely known but it seems most commenters are not familiar with it. If it had been an American battle group I'm convinced it would have been a movie by now!
I do not recall reading of it before. Maybe in Keegan's "Six Armies in Normandy," but he was one of the historians who was broadly critical of the Canadians' overall performance in the war. He did not, and no one should, doubt the valor of the men doing the fighting at the sharp end, though. The Canadians have been overlooked for far too long. They always did everything the hard way, because that's what was given to them.
@@zeedub8560 I think you’re right. I’ve really enjoyed researching the Canadians as it isn’t too saturated like we see with US content
Great explanation and very fair. I like that you are not judgemental of commanders decisions. Too many historians jump far too easily to disparaging remarks about commanders decision making. Understanding the reasons for their decisions is the important thing.
Absolutely! One day that could be me having my decisions torn to pieces.
I really loved all the supporting pictures and maps along with the explanations.
Thank you my friend. I was worried I went into too much detail and dragged on a bit
@@thehistoryexplorer Detail when understanding a battle never drags on. ✌️
Frighteningly brought to life with tremendous sympathetic touch👍👌👏
Thank you my friend. It means the world to hear that 👍
Another great piece of work putting this together. Trying to analyse in comfort with no pressure cannot compare to the brave decisions made by the men on the day with a fraction of the resources we would have at our disposal now. Worthington and his men are true heroes.
I couldn’t agree more buddy, so glad you enjoyed it
Thank you so much for putting this amazing video together. It's a shame there hasn't been a movie made of the battle out of respect for the men who lost their lives on both sides.
Thank you so much. Really appreciate the feedback. I think there should be a movie too
Thanks for this excellent video. Well done and very informative. I visited Normandy in 2017 and made sure to stop at the Worthington Memorial on my way to St Lambert Sur Dives.
It’s brilliant that you did. I get the impression because it is a bit out of the way that the location isn’t visited all that often. Thank you so much for the kind feedback
So easy to become disconnected when reading or even visiting the sites without knowledge about actions like this...This feels very real...Thank you...
You are most welcome. I hope you found it useful
Thank you for sharing. Much respect for your work, research and narrative. Side note doesn't matter was side of the conflict it's young men, fathers, brothers, son, uncles etc killing each other for bankers and the ruling elite. Such a tragedy with the loss of millions of young men lifes
Absolutely. Thank you very much for your kind feedback.
Thank you for this. It was a Great Video on this sad battle. God Bless these Brave men.
You are most welcome my friend. Hopefully I handled this respectfully
Great video! Worthington Force is deserving of much more coverage. I find it utterly fascinating that they broke through the German line by accident. If the artillery had come online as Mike Bechthold discusses than it could have gone very differently.
A forward passage of lines through the Worthington Force with indirect fire support would have seen the Germans withdraw from the area and their forward positions likely enveloped. We may not have seen what occurred later at Falaise
'Soldiers are citizens of Death's grey land
gaining no dividends from time's tomorrows'
Wilfred Owen KIA 1918
Another excellent video Rob, thanks again and best for 2024!
Thanks also to the other viewers making really interesting and insightful comments that are worth reading. Nice change from the teenage slanging one sees on 'YT. I think its a reflection of the quality of your videos attracting quality viewers.
Hey mate thanks for the feedback. As a turret bung myself I have to invoke the phrase ‘death before dismount!’
Glad you enjoyed the video and I hope you’ve had a brilliant Christmas and New Year break. All the best, Rob
@@thehistoryexplorer I think we are all the products of our first postings, in my case three infantry units in a row, never got to wear an emu plume in my slouch hat...which leads me to my comment, I DO much prefer hugging the earth, preferably some meters down, than sitting in a steel box where the temperature could rise from 30 degrees C to 30,000 degrees C post-APDS application. Just saying! All the best, and, thankyou, I've having a great break over Christmas- New Year.
@@ronti2492 I hear you buddy. I’ve got a great picture of me and my ack getting out of our OPV that had no AC, in 36c temps for a over 4 hours. We looked like we’d taken a shower!
Conversely being in an OPV in Estonia would suck the heat from your body. Each to their own though hey! Are you still out East?
@@thehistoryexplorer Hey Rob! Correct about EST but no OPV for me: I'm a lazy, sedentary, happy to sleep under 5 Stars only-type staff officer and my work in EST has been strictly Baltic Defence College stuff.....No, not in EST but back home in Poland and heading back to Home-home , Hobart, TAS for a break January. 'See' you at the 'ask me anything 'session tomorrow mate. Keep well, I might drop you a real email so you can see I'm actually Real and not a St Petersburg Bot !!!!! Best Ron
@@ronti2492have a brilliant break when it comes mate
These lesser known stories carry a lot of weight to what the individual experiences that the common soldiers faced.
Thanks John, this should definitely be a better known event though!
You covered it perfectly whilst being very respectful...👍👍
thank you very much I really appreciate it
As usual a fair and compassionate retelling of a story that many know nothing about. As you rightly say no one should judge anyone from an armchair unless they themselves were involved in the same circumstances.
Thank you Andrew. Much appreciated buddy. I hope you enjoyed the video
Great video and explanation of the action. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it! And thank you for the very kind feedback 👍
Thank you for educating us with a thoughtful, well done presentations.
Thank you so much. Glad you enjoyed the video
Thank you 🙏🙏. It's another example of the Fog of War. The men did their best, but events overcame them. It happened to all sides (& still does). It was though, part of a successful operation to break through the German lines, which the Allies had been trying to do for months. Due to the confused nature of the fighting, we also don't really know how much of a diversion this brave force was to the Germans, & the resources the Germans used here, could have gone elsewhere to stop other Allied advances on the same day.
Yes exactly! Good point. I was worried I had gone on for too long so I edited out some of those details. The Germans certainly diverted resources to hill 140 which enabled the area around hill 195 to be taken
This is an excellent appraisal and worthy of a TEWT (Tactical Excercise Without Troops) and can go into great detail from both sides. Having been on armour myself and been a crew commander I realise that these "mistakes" happen in "the fog of war" however there was also a sequence of events that lead upto this tragic turn for the Canadians (such as the FOO and others becoming lost themselves or immobilised through breakdowns.
My one or two pennies worth from my experience is
1. Where was the reconnaissance (both forward and giving the information to the CO PLUS back to Division)?
1(a) WHY could not a said recce vehicle/runner/ despatch rider have been sent back to Division to state and show where they were?
2. I realise that compass bearings are extremely difficult in an armoured vehicle...however surely others (such as infantry or accompanying forces) were (one would hope) have been reading bearings and map references too.
2(b) Perhaps they too doubted their confidence in perhaps stating to a well respected CO that they were off course..not wanting to "rock the boat"?
3. Map references must SURELY have been made not only by the CO during first and into daylight to pinpoint EXCACTLY where they were..then order 1(a) mentioned?
Like yourself..I am NOT belittling this brave and well established CO or his men, just highlighting my thoughts from experience (WITHOUT A GPS!)
PLUS..I believe to make the perfect storm complete...WHO were the Canadians facing? No stomach battalion here but very well established, methodical, experienced Commanders and crews of 12 SS and of course elements of 1st SS with their Tiger crews.
Please keep these truly excellent contributions coming. They are very enlightening
Thank you Robert what an excellent comment. All questions I asked myself as I drove along the route!
I think they wanted to quickly propel themselves down the route and reach the objective and establish their defences before the inevitable German counter attack. What I didn't have time to add was that the O Gp took place only a few hours earlier with this particular objective originally assigned to another BG. There was no time for an estimate or recce.
It was likely explained as a case of 'follow this main road south for 10km then occupy the high feature at pt195.' the lack of working radios or reports and returns was a real issue too. Ultimately they had never conducted collective training above the Bn/Regt level and seldom trained at night. A terrible day at the office
@@thehistoryexplorer Well..thank you for your kind words and very well informed answer..this explains a hell of a lot.
May I also add something my Grandfather told me..(I believe I have mentioned him before that he was captured at El Alemein by 90th Light at the end of SUPERCHARGE) He stated that the Germans were NOT to be underestimated. The Russians through LUCY had told them this.
It might also be worth mentioning that the "ring" was tightening around Falaise and there might have been an "air of nonchalance" with the Allied commanders in Normandy that the "Jerries were on the run and cornered"
Another quote from my Grandfather.."..there is nothing more dangerous than a cornered rat.." (sic..the Germans!!!)
Plus..one cannot forget...approximately a month later..Monty launched "..those coins burning a hole in SHAEFS pocket" the airborne attack Market Garden
Plus with that operation it has to be said many of the German units there were ad hoc and units (such as SS HOHESTAUFEN) were heavily depleted..down to KG (Kampfgruppe) level.
Once again..I am not demeaning the Commanders on the ground there either just implying some historical context and historical German fact
Once again..keep your SUPERB channel going with your such enthusiastic, professional and obvious military experience.
Already done as a Staff Ride
www.canada.ca/content/dam/dnd-mdn/army/lineofsight/files/articlefiles/en/B-GL-315-001-CACSC-Staff-Ride-Handbook-EN.pdf
@@robertchubb5602 Pardon me for interrupting but what most of us seem to forget is that paratroopers, be they parachute infantry of glider infantry, are essentially light infantry.
Put up against ad hoc units that do have access to heavy artillery and heavy machineguns, even the best paratrooper won't succeed.
Paratroopers are highly trained and motivated, but still light infantry.
My platoon Commander told me "If at any time things get chaotic and I feel like I'm losing my objective I will say 'TUMBLEWEED' and I will look for you to be my coach in my corner to get me back into the fight". He NEVER needed it BTW. The fact that he had a backup plan for his biggest nightmare gave me faith in him I thought I never had.
Armchair quarterbacks have all the time, none of the stress and possibly a tumbler full of brave juice to say how something should have happened. In a world where one second is a literal lifetime hasty decisions are made because they don't have the time, they have so much stress they can taste it and they probably lack the tumbler with brave juice.
Well bloody said. So many people criticise military commanders from the comfort of their armchair and many have never served a day in their life
i wish every yt vid of every battle in hum hist would begin with the simple map graphics this one did, much obliged!!!!
I cannot watch a YT video without a ground orientation! The ground is everything! I always jump on google earth when I watch other people’s stuff 😆
I had not heard of this encounter before. So many heartache stories like this one came from WWII.
I hope you enjoyed learning about this event! Lots more to come 👍
These sort s of battles always seem to go un mentioned .
Very interesting and well presented , good job 👍🏻
Thank you Dean. Out of interest had you heard of this battle before? Had it been a US battlegroup I think it would have much wider exposure
@@thehistoryexplorer
No I hadn’t heard of it , which is why I watched , and I agree that any US involvement would have had a lot more exposure .
A lot of other nations go un recognised for their involvement in such battles , it’s a shame .
@@deanrobb8461 you’re not the only one Dean it’s not a well known event at all. I think it would make a brilliant, year sad, movie or book
My Grandfather was a driver of a Sherman for the BCR and was in this battle. Trooper E. Dyer, I believe F troop
Wow! What a connection. I hope you thought the video was fairly presented. I’ve become obsessed with this battle
@@thehistoryexplorer Trained with a British Tank Unit for 6 months then to a Canadian Armoured Training School in Blackdown England as a tank instructor. Trained on Sherman, Churchhill, Comlander, Ram, Stewart. Joined BCR in March 1944 Groborough England. Was wounded August 9th at Hill 140. Motor shrapnel in the back. He was setting off metal detectors the rest of his life lol. Died 22 years ago. I loved the video. Thank you for your efforts. Its surreal seeing the aerial photos. One of those tanks quite possibly had my Grandfather sitting inside. Brought tears to my eyes. He is my life long hero. He visited the battle site much latter in life and said that there where square places in the field where the tanks sat and burned where nothing has grown. Probably not so anymore with all the farming.
This highlights the immense challenge of coordinating warfare... communications, logistics, etc if any part of the machine fails it can so easily fall apart. Huge respect for any person in that position! I enjoy the site walk arounds, and the maps and overlays were very well done. The personal accounts are also very powerful and always get me... I assume he couldn't bring himself shoot George Warbank?!
Oh, and on a side note, I've never thought of 'metal roads'!! ;P @9:25
George crawled back to the position I believe! He had been left at 30 acre wood.
As for metalled roads it means roads made of successive layers of smaller stones, until the road surface was composed of small stones compacted into a hard, durable surface.
Many of the roads back in 1944 Normandy were just large tracks.
@@thehistoryexplorer That is incredible! Thanks! I'd not heard the term 'metalled roads' before.
Really well done. Thank you for sharing and thanks to all that made the ultimate sacrifice defending freedom.
My pleasure! So glad you enjoyed the video
Excellent documentary . Heroes all , mistakes in war are inevitable but still heartbreaking .
Well said Samsum. A very sad story indeed
So informative, brilliant! Interested in anything WW2...just 1 of many sad conflicts.
So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the feedback
How can any of us, sitting here in comfort and watching this, say what they could have done different? We were not there, we were not under extreme pressure with Nazi tanks and troops butchering our friends as we try to fight. As you said yourself, too many historians say "Oh they should've done this differently", or "They should have done that", with the benefit of not having their heads blown off by incoming fire. Only those that were there knew the truth, it was a pet hate of my mum's when she used to watch history programmes on TV, and she would point out that they knew nothing because they were not there, she was.
Thank you for telling this heartbreaking story.
You are most welcome my friend
Another tragedy arising out of the "fog of war". All respect to the young Canadians of the greatest generation who made the ultimate sacrifice that we may live in freedom. Lest we forget.
Thank you for telling their story so clearly and respectfully.
You are very welcome and I hope you enjoyed the video 👍
We don't live in freedom. I'd rather speak German than have our current regimes across the western world.
Thank you so much mate ! You are doing a wonderful job ! Big congrats !
Thank you so much! You’ve made my day
@@thehistoryexplorer Well deserved ! And you've made mine as well 🙂Please keep going :-))))
Another retired BCR here. I had the honour of accompanying an actual veteran of this battle when we toured the battlefield with the Regiment (yes, the 95-ish year old guy walked all over hill 140 with zero complaints). He was one of those wounded who got back to friendly lines. He spoke of the German high-velocity shells coming in at a flat trajectory, whereas the Sherman short 75 had to reply by "bracketing" (lobbing) shells in basically indirect fire. I asked about Lt-Col Worthington, he said he got shrapnel to the neck from a mortar round. I'm unsure if that was first hand or just what he'd heard.
Also, I went into those hedges there right by where you were standing, there are still the remains of trenches and craters from Typhoon hits. I found a piece of a Sherman, assorted shrapnel, and also the solid core of what measures a 75mm round. I still have them, brought them back with me.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I’m absolutely fascinated by this action and have been compiling accounts. I’d love to write on this one day.
If this was an American unit it would already be a movie I have no doubt
I have a book which contains an 18 page essay called "Lost in Normandy: The Odyssey of Worthington Force" by Mike Bechthold. I'm guessing you're already aware of it? In any case, it has many of those aerial recce photos and quotes from the BCR war diary. You should also check out Grenadier, the memoirs of Kurt Meyer. It's interesting to see this battle through the oppositions eyes (he goes into great detail). As you alluded to, he saw the incursion as a critical threat to the German lines@@thehistoryexplorer
I’ve read Mike’s article and Grenadier. It’s what inspired me to visit this location!
Brilliantly researched and presented. A very sad story. The fog of war...
Thank you very much! Appreciate the feedback
An excellent little documentary that actually shows why the phrase “fog of war”, exists.
Even today, in 2023, the ferocity of the Normandy Campaign is somewhat understated. A Canadian Artillery Officer, by the name of Blackburn, wrote two books (generally sold as one) about Normandy and the war into Germany (Normandy-Holland & Holland to Germany) and I fully recommend obtaining a copy and reading it.
Thank you for your efforts, I’ll be “like and subscribing”!
I’d love to find that book- sounds brilliant. Thank you so much for your kind feedback. Really appreciate it 👍
@@thehistoryexplorer thought I’d managed a reply but it’s not come up....yet! 🙄
George G Blackburn “The Guns of Normandy”. Part two “The Guns of War”.
There is a third book “Where are the Guns” but I’ve not read this
.
The opening broke my heart when I saw the picture with a division of allied Soldiers 😦😞 All died. † May their names be not forgotten and a blessing. †
Terrible isn’t it
I’ve been a WW2 nerd my whole life. But now I am a father of two boys (2 years/2 months) the bond I have with my sons already, let alone after another 16+ years, makes the pain of a father losing both sons incomprehensible. Even to such a noble cause. It used to just a “part of the story” when I would think about casualties being (fathers/sons/brothers) but there truly is so much humanity wasted by war. True tragedy. Unfortunately, Stalin is right. One death is a tragedy, a million deaths is a statistic (something along those lines) I now try to take time to observe the faces on all this old footage, hear the names and actually learn who they were.
I know exactly what you mean. The father of those two boys must have been devastated. What I didn’t add was that their mother also died during WW2 (in 1943 if I remember correctly)
@@thehistoryexplorer I can’t imagine hardship like that. I’m glad someone is telling their stories. I worry that as WW2 moves more and more into the past, that its tremendous importance will be lost, along with all those who served and died for what was truly a noble cause. Great work!
And now for something completely different!
CO died with his men. So, like you said, he's not here to explain his actions, and God bless him. Reading through the lines of history my take on it is: Lousy unrealistic orders from his boss, lousy support all round, lousy comms, lousy conditions = cluster. Lots of leaders involved needed a scapegoat, so "he got lost." I do take umbrage with that slander as you've shown it obscures what was achieved that day. You walked the ground, consider the aim of his lousy orders - reach that hill to take the ridge. In daylight, that ridgeline dominates the terrain so much so that a night attack was considered more likely to succeed than a daylight one. Even though they hadn't rehearsed something like that (crazy! No battle procedure???). He was told the route, and the village on it would be secured - but he was passed by the retreating troops tasked with doing that job. (No talk of their failure in the history books - did they get lost?) Logically, the battle group had to jog left - as you said "in contact and under fire." Approaching the ridge (which they were now also taking fire from), they would then have to swing right according to the original lousy orders - broadside to the 88s on the ridge and the fire from that village. There is no way any leader would do that. In contact, face the threat, fight! The aim of his orders was taking the high ground. Faced with the reality at hand - straight up was the only way. Like you said - achieve the breakthrough. He met the intent - he led like a warrior, setting up that defensive position to hold their gains. I ask - did any other group achieve their positions and make the ridge that night? One could also ponder - if they had got to the assigned hill, what support would they have had there - considering the massive cluster behind them. Same outcome. Col W should have gotten the VC for staying in the fight with his wounded, but all he gets from history is "that lost CO". We owe him and his Dukes more than that. Thank you for telling their story! (Run on sentences is my texting thing)
I hope you think the video was respectful as the last thing I would want to do is criticise someone who isn’t able to defend themselves and also a group of individuals from a country and a military I respect a great deal.
I didn’t have time in this video but your absolutely right about the orders, battle procedure and preliminary moves- not to mention the bombing! - what a cluster!
There is so much that went wrong and had Lt Col Worthington been supported they could have turned the Germans. I’d love to find the German account of this battle but in the short time I gave myself there wasn’t much readily available
@@thehistoryexplorer to explain my interest. One of the wounded Officers up there was left for the German medics as his back was split open and too dangerous to move. The German doctors saved him and after the war he became a HR mgr in a large firm I was trying to join (as a young man). He got me hired and I was privileged to hear his stories. Later I was also honored to lead the guard at his services. Great man.
I love the video's you make. Great detail and actually on the location. Respect!
Would love to have seen the view of the Germans towards the Canadians from those woods. So you can see it from both sides. Keep it up and you should collaborate with History Underground
Thank you buddy. History Underground is on another level! I had intended to go to the woods where the Germans were but I ran out of time and it was getting dark! Next time perhaps
@@thehistoryexplorer I dont agree. You are on the same level but you have not been found yet. Keep it up like this , it is relaxed and very much in detail. Dont change just try to add little parts like the Germans in the woods.... what they would have seen. All the best.
Thank you my friend. That means a lot 👍
Thank you for telling their story. 🙏
It is my honour
Thanks for a great video!!
Glad you liked it! It was my absolute pleasure to make
I had a drill instructor that used to always say,”you armored guys never know where the hell you are”. I guess if you don’t use a compass that makes sense.
Navigating in armour is very different to being dismounted. If you don’t have gps (which we take for granted today) you have to really pay attention to distance travelled and speed. Very difficult to get a n accurate compass bearing from the turret too
The details provided on the battle were amazing. Mistakes in battle are inevitable and commonplace that’s why they call it the “fog of war”. However valor can still shine through and that’s what we have here.
@gregnorman5199
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As a former BCR Corporal, thank you for this great video. The BCRs and Algonquins under Lt. Col. Worthington's command inflicted severe losses upon the 12th SS (and other SS units) that day, and throughout the Normandy Campaign. These men may not have known they were on the wrong hill, but they surely knew it was their hill to die on. They did not retreat. They did not surrender. These were hard men who stood their ground and fought it out to the end, taking many Nazis and lots of Nazi kit with them. Immense respect.
I have the utmost respect for them and hopefully that came across in the video. They maintained an offensive spirit and fought hard on that hill
Great video man, the canadian coverage uve been doing is great it seems very rare to find this type of information even here in Canada no1 teaches this, actually because of your vids i just ordered the ww2 history of the Fort Garry Horse Armoured Unit my grandfather served with during ww2, its called Vanguard, it gives all the movements for the entire war, along with diaries from the troops
I’ve got lots of Canadian military history on my channel.
@@OTDMilitaryHistory I'll check ot out thanks!
That’s awesome to hear! I’d love to know what you think of the book. The Canadians do not get the exposure and credit their deserve and I actually think this is one of the travesties of WW2. I’m a huge fan of the Canadian military today and obviously a fan of their history too
@@OTDMilitaryHistoryyes Brad has a brilliant channel where he promotes these actions too. Be sure to check it out!
@@thehistoryexplorer Thanks!
Excellent detailed content thanks!
That you very much. Really appreciate it
It's interesting to note, after the initial early morning attack by RAF Typhoons on the Canadians, that they then had air support from them for the rest of the battle once the recognition panels were out and identified..
Yes exactly, and they never thought to report the allied battlegroup location so far behind enemy lines. This could have set in motion the allies sending reinforcements and artillery to exploit the Worthington success
Mistakes like this happen all the time in war and sometimes I wonder were there any other commanders looking at the map and route they took that could have questioned the route they were taking? It is very easy to go the wrong way but for every commander in the column to simply follow the leader is beyond comprehension to me. As a Recon Leader myself I would always follow the route we were supposed to travel even if I was the last vehicle to ensure we were traveling the correct direction and I think everyone in a movement that has the capability to track their movements should all be doing exactly that. Great video and thank you for doing it and I don’t know how many you plan to do in the future but I would like to join one of your expeditions if possible, just a thought, thanks again!
Brilliant comment, thank you. I plan on making these until the day I can’t! I love visiting these locations and have been doing it for years, only now I film it while i visit.
I could definitely invite people along as I could always do with more drinking partners 😂 you’re also correct in your comments - I would always ‘thumb the map’ to ensure I always knew where we were.
@@thehistoryexplorer Yes I agree as you don’t want to follow the sheep into the lions den so you might want to check yourself,. Great video and graphic’s and I look forward to maybe attending one of these with you that would be awesome!
Wonderful job. Thank you!
My absolute pleasure
"In the absence of any other orders, always march to the sound of the guns" Napoleon's standing order to his Marshals...The men of this battle group may not have been able to hear the fire coming from the woods as they were inside of their tanks, but they sure could see it and they drove straight at it...brave men all!!!
They maintained offensive spirit that’s for sure! Sending tanks towards an enemy forming up point to disrupt an imminent attack was very brave indeed
My father and uncle served in the Wehrmacht. There is a huge gap between what they supported - willingly or unwillingly but what does that count - and the men who I feel I have to pay my respects to. In fact, it was my grandmother who showed me around the district in Vienna where I live and pointed out the war wounds in the buildings. Of course I asked why and why there were bomber planes coming. Her answer was that there were people here who were so evil that nothing else but bombs could drive them away. Surprisingly her words made me a pacifist.
Well said my friend
Right on. Thanks for sharing.
Outstanding video Thank you
You are most welcome. Glad you enjoyed it
Excellent even handed excerpt of the essentials of this story of these indeed well trained and led heros. Based on actually touring the battle field and based on primary sources such as airial recon photo's and dependable scollary sources.
As a former Dutch conscript gunner tranee and driver version of the Gepard AA Leopard 1 tank, I've in peace time during dusk on a training field where I'd learned to drive thinking that I knew where I was drove off the free for all part of the grounds.
Noone was shooting at me. Still I went far off track. Just showing how easy it is to get off track.
To learn instead of judge these men, I'd say it would have been wise to have several men who are best at navigation put to that task sec in different vehicles. Maybe that was even done? Any system will at a point break down.
Then blue on blue is also so bloody easy to do even today the even greatest risk for NATO allies. Especially so with airpower and AA gunnery.
You need to know exactly where you are and what time it is and what the consigned orders are. IFF even today isn't very trustworthy. So, if you are at a place where you shouldn't be then things can go horribly wrong.
A question I do have is why the artillary support was dependent on only one radio?
And, indeed even though they were in the wrong place yet still had gotten through the first line they weren't supported. Why exactly not?
The task of the overal commander coordenating the support to also figure out where the hell his forces are in time. If need be fire some support shot of coloured smoke which I guess they had and ask where the fall of shot is spotted.
Anyway, I too think that this could have been a game changing error in navigation had support been provided winning the day. It wasn't to be. 28:22
What a fantastic comment. Thank you for such a well thought out response and I really do appreciate the feedback. I agree with all of your points!
At any locations in Normandy, have you ever felt anything eerie beyond just the normal feelings that come from knowing what happened in a particular location?
This location was weird. It’s quite remote, the weather was closing in, it was getting dark and there was nobody around. I went into the hedge to see if there were any signs of the battle and it felt very very odd up there by myself
@@thehistoryexplorer I picked up on that vibe at the end near the hedge lines.
It’s hard to explain but I might say it’s that the peacefulness there now is a cover for the slaughter that happened. Those hedges had some weird energy coming off them.
@@user-pr6ow3ws2c I’m glad someone has said that. When I got back to my wife I said to her I won’t go there again but couldn’t really understand why. Very strange place. They must have been terrified in that hill
@@thehistoryexplorer they seem to cage and trap the area (as they did the men and machines).
They’re still there from the time of the battle and without getting too “woo”, you’re a lot closer to the events of that day than you are on the beachfronts.
Just a couple inches or less down, you’re stepping on the same soil and it’s still probably littered with relics.
The isolation of that area comes through too. Very lonely and sparse and there was nowhere to hide.
Nonetheless, amazing video and the effort put into this is amazing.
For those of us that can’t travel there, your videos are a free mental vacation for us.
@@user-pr6ow3ws2cthank you very much. I really appreciate it 👍
Great video. I have John Keegan's excellent book 'Six Armies in Normandy' that covers actions around Falaise, including that of the Polish armoured division on Hill 262. Although this battle fought by the Worthington Force had a tragic result in isolation, I would like to feel that it made a positive contribution to the overall operation that led to the Germans retreating eastwards.
The breakthrough behind their lines must have been unnerving to the Germans. They would not have been aware that it was in the 'wrong' place and could well have been concerned that it would be exploited by the allies. The forces that were deployed against the Canadians could not be in two places at the same time and so were not available as a reserve or to defend elsewhere in the battle for Normandy.
Yes very well said. It did result in the Germans directing resources to counter the Worthington force which in turn generated opportunities elsewhere
Hey Rob I get a weird feeling from the hill like its a really sad place. Stay well dude
It felt like a sad place! Thanks mate
I've never experienced the fog of war so I'm a little confused about how they got lost. They needed to travel a given distance down a straight road and turn right. Instead, they traveled a shorter distance and turned left. Tank commanders generally operated out of the hatch where a compass would work. There were other vehicles besides tanks in which a compass would work. I assume that they were told to travel a certain distance down the road before turning right. Giving them a landmark to turn at in the dark wouldn't have worked. Any vehicle with an odometer would have told them where they needed to turn.
I'd like to see a "rest of the story" video that covers the Polish 1st Armored attempt to rescue the Worthington Force.
I would love to make more videos on the Polish in Normandy.
A compass can be made inaccurate even by a rifle across your chest, let alone masses of steel.
I understand how it would seem strange to get lost like this but it is actually easily done, especially if they are under fire at the time
They fought bravely and will not be forgotten. But poor communication will cripple the mightiest armies decisively. Lesson to be learned.
Yea many many lessons learned on this day. So sad
Would love to see more of this type of content fro. yourself mate. Question though, is there in documents that cover the panther crew perspective of the day?
Unfortunately many of the Germans involved in this action went on to fight in the Falaise pocket - many were killed. Though the research for this video I realised there isn’t a lot of information on this action. It’s made me want to write a book on it so I can research the German perspective too
WW2 is full of these outings due to high expectations of men and machine and blunders that made break throughs and units like this, they made a difference and distracted German units and supplies so still a winner.
What happened to these men could have happened to anyone. Especially in unfamiliar foreign territory.
I can only imagine the incredulous terror when you realize you are out of place, and completely surrounded in hostile territory. Yet they kept their wits about them and staged an outstanding defense.
Rest in peace Lt. Col. Worthington and company. You are remembered.
Well said Gary 👍
Top Doku.Greetings from Stuttgart.
thank you and greetings!
Interesting Piece of History Cheers..Just looking at the landscape today one can see how the Armoured Vehicles and Sherman Tanks were picked off with each Copse of Woodland and Raised area of the Landscape either a Hedgehog position or killing field
Yes exactly! It felt very exposed all along the route they took. Thank you for the very kind feedback
Great video thank you
So glad you enjoyed it. It was my pleasure to make
Who has not gone the wrong way at night,totally understandable.
Yes exactly my friend. I’ve become navigationally challenged many times!
Sir, you were an amazing officer, as was your father. Thank you for both of your service, and for decades of friendship,(even if i was a dickheaded trooper ) proud to have been in your squadron. Still proud of that.
Hello buddy. Who’s father did you serve with?
Ha! Nope, I served under Jim, the officer who commented above, and his father commanded the regiment before him. I was a proud corporal for life type,
@@munrohelicopter ah I see! It seems like a very close regiment. Like I said, I hope I approached the video in the right way. 👍
Wow...hard work❤thankyou
So nice of you. I hope you enjoyed it
you need a metaldetector on that area... love these video's 👍🏻👍🏻
Great info and well presented. Its nice to see Canadian and German sides to things as USA and English tactics have been done a bit done to death i think. My grandad went to his end on HMS Hood but i dont feel any malice towards the Germans and hold their tactics at awe on some campaigns ...Keep posting these vids sir.
Thank you very much for your kind comment. So glad people enjoy these videos
I'm surprised tanks of the era didn't have some kind of method to take a compass reading inside the tank. They had methods for ships and airplanes.
Would it surprise you to learn that some modern armies require you to jump out of the tank, take a compass bearing, and then jump back in?