It is men like your great grandfather that has enabled following generations to exist. On behalf of my family past , present and future. Thank you. Dave
Tom Van Gool : Dearest Tom. It is comments, and most importantly, actions from guys like you that truly explains the importance of the incredibly brave men in this operation and others who gave their lives to give us the life that we have had and the hope and truth that their sacrifice has enabled us all to live as we do today. I realized the meaning of their sacrifice at the time of the Falklands war. I volunteered to serve but at the age of 36 I was too old :) how stupid. Please encourage more of your comrades like this documentary. God bless you and thank you. Dave
Inspirational! I completely agree with "persapapi4474" - Clarkson, get your finger out and make a series of this stuff - it's just fantastic, much better than watching you fanny about in some old tin crate spouting total guff! Come on man, make it so! 👍👌👏👊😁
That’s wasn’t just a job for Clarkson. He really put his heart and soul in the narration. He is the one producers should turn to if they want someone with genuine passion.
My father was one of the assault troops on this raid, Gdsman H C Lloyd 6 troop 2 Commando. I'm enormously proud of him. He & his comrades, many of whom I met in later years, were some very special characters.
Massive respect to your father sir. And to all men who were on that mission. Yeah I reckon I'd be a proud man if my dad had that story to tell first hand. Lest we forget.
@@grahamkeeton6643 I thank you gentlemen, on behalf of my father, for your kind words. He was the cliched picture of a commando, a colossus of a man, enormously strong, tough as nails but a kind, gentle man unless provoked, then a wholly different character emerged. He told me once, (virtually never spoke of his adventures) that the true cost of the raid was brought home to him when he went for breakfast on the morning after their return to Plymouth. There were places for the 25 men of 6 Troop involved in the raid, however, there were 6 of them huddled at one end of the table, of those 25 men, 14 were killed, 5 captured & 6 returned. Dad, among other wounds, fractured his skull when blown down a hatch by a shell exploding beside him, this was only discovered in November 1942 when boxing for the commandos, being KOd by a punch to the temple. This led to his return to the Grenadier Guards. He considered this a disaster, being unable to cope with all the BS he endured at hands of NCOs after the self discipline of the Special Service Brigade. He told me of the disciplinary problems subsequent to his leaving the brigade only a couple of years before his death, no one else had any idea of this. I kept his secret from my mother & siblings until then. I couldn't have wished for a finer father & I miss him terribly even 23 years later.
"I'm sure the youth of today would do the same as we did. I'm sure they would..." is the saddest sentence of the whole documentary. Thank you for your service Sir.
I am Scottish and many of us whilst having family who fought against Germany etc etc do not and have not ever called themselves Brits, or British. The term Britain also has no legal status or significance whatsoever. The UK legally exists and it is a bipartite Union between two Kingdoms. Scotland and England. Those two Kingdoms still very much exist to this day. No matter what the propagandists in Westminster and Whig historians try tell us. The UK is a political construct that is on its knees.
@@jambammz9908 Typical moaning, miserable Jock; still sour from the independence referendum. Congrats on trying to turn some decent, friendly sentiment towards your pernicious political agenda. Play a different tune for God sake; it's so boring listening to you lot prattle on with your po-faced, divisive drivel. I'm glad none of the lads this documentary are anything like you, otherwise it wouldn't matter what you called yourself, you'd be bent over Adolf's knee, speaking German instead. Bugger off, give us English tax payers our money back and throw Nicola Sturgeon into the Channel while you're at it.
Thank you Jeremy, having served with the Royal Marines for 23 years, and heard many lectures and tutorials on this awesome attack, your portrayal is by far the best. We will remember them.
I've had the rare privilege of having participated in a joint training with Zulu company in 1996. Was an eye opener. Great lads. Awesome officers. Your guys really liked our M203 ;P
Some years ago I was at Flambards in Cornwall looking at a diorama of the Campbeltown smashed into the dry dock gate. A man in a wheelchair was pushed to the same diorama so I move to one side to allow him to get closer. "That was my boat" he said. He then proceeded to tell the story, his story of the St Nazair raid. I do not know his name, he never gave it, but the emotion and the detail of his account was incredible. By the time he had finished, some dozen of so grown men had listened to this incredible man and looking around there was not a dry eye to be seen. Thinking about it gives me goosebumps; he pointed to some of the buildings and named those killed and wounded at each one. The date of my visit was March 28th, he made the trip that day each year to remember his fallen friends, as he could not do this anywhere else. Clarksons documentary is indeed very good, but listening to that humble elderly man was in another class.
I really hope Mr Clarkson does more WW2 documentries like this... say what you want about him but he's a bloody brilliant writer and narrator. He really knows how to tell a captivating story.
@@odfkjdhgovj Ah, good point. An other reason for not making more of these is because there are clearly to many bellends (this is the moment you look in a mirror) in the country that don't deserve more great documentaries.
@@woutervanr So it's my fault that Jeremy Clarkson is not making more WW2 documentries? Can you explain what your first comment was supposed to mean please?
When I was 16 I built an Airfix model of the Cambelltown and read about the bravery of those brave men. I am 72 and still remember that clearly . Thanks to Jeremy for this documenary. Mike from Oz
@Real Thailand my guy, I commented on this video 8 months ago in appreciation of somebody’s passion. My snide remark was because I literally don’t even remember the details of the video, so I’m not gonna try to argue with you because you’re probably right. If that’s the case, I urge you to make your own WWII videos. You’re obviously just as passionate and 40 years of study is valuable. Instead of arguing your point in the comments of a video, where everyone seems dead set on argument, put that knowledge to use and share it.
So honoured to find this documentary. My Grandfather was on motorboat 262. He was a Sapper, Royal Engineer commando no 3. He was captured after this raid and spent rest of war as a POW. I often think of how he must have felt not being able to communicate back home for such a long time, although eventually letters written by him reached my Grandma. Training was brutal, it was a suicide mission, no one expected to come home. I wished he was here to answer questions, but (in his strong geordie accent) he would have told me not to talk about it. We should all be grateful for every single man who went, who didnt leave and who survived this mission.
Respect to him. I've read a little about what happened the smaller boats of the flotilla and ML 262 was apparently one of the very worst hit, repeatedly shot up with loads of casualties.
In 1983 I was a village policeman in Southsea when I met a humble quiet man living in a council house who had been a commando on this raid. I befriended him and after two years he confided in me that he had been on this raid. He gave me a penguin book of the raid with a picture of him wounded on the raid. 30 years later when I retired I went to St Nazairre to pay my respects to him and all those on the raid. It was emotional . This short film narrated by Clarkson tells the story well. The bravery is in another league. I stood on top of the U boat harbour and thought about what they had done . Amazing guys. God bless them . Clark sons ex wife’s father held the V.C. Some people are so brave yet humble .
Wow, my dad was the village policeman in Rake on the Hants/Sussex border late 60s to 1981. Dr John Roderick was involved in the raid, was a lieutenant back then, shot in the leg and ended up a POW until the end of the war. Did his medical training and became a DR in Liss/Hill Brow area. Was my GP when I was a kid. Small world
God bless him. In the 80s one Cdo was a security doorman at the old pensioners flat Old Saints Road. He was an old bloke and loved the fact i was gonna join. God bless the old
Does he still have a column in the Times? I ask because he writes there lie a completely different person (who much plays himself down for Top Gear.) He’s certainly adaptable.
Being an American school kid in the 1970's. The Battle of Britain and the Spitfire were taught in our history classes. We knew more about the Spitfire than we did our own Fighter planes. Those pilots in the Spitfire and Hurricane were such heroes even way over here across the Atlantic. But as shown in this video there are so many many more just an incredible generation really.
@@HL5IHarrier hurricane is what I was thinking of sorry, I got confused. But anyway you're right most think that the spitfires won the battle of Britain but there weren't many spitfires made in time whereas the hurricane really did win the battle of Britain.
Jeremy Clarkson has presented this event with national pride. I have watched this a dozen times from time to time. A few times more for sure. The entourage to this production, also needs a top notch tribute. A brilliantly produced documentary. Respect to our fallen and survivors.
The hand to hand fighting clip, I love with its deceidely British Sense of Humour with "Trip him up spoil his prospects (Kick him in the Balls with your Ammunition Boots on) and pinch his weapon.... !
I served for 17 years, and these guys have my utmost respect for what they did that night. True hero’s everyone of them. To the lads that didn’t make it back, god bless and rest in peace.
satan=staat ! sie sind für satan maschiert und WIR ALLe wissen , das sie nicht, NIEMALS im HIMMEL landen werden bei GOTT! sie wurden betrogen um ihre seelen , weil sie bei satan unterschrieben ! MASSENMÖRDER NR1 = staat
US: So... Where is it? UK: Oh, it's in drydock now. US: Hmm. UK: Yes, we're currently trialling revolutionary tactics for denial of enemy shipping. US: How's that going? UK: Smashing success. US: ...So, where's the ship. UK: Oh. It's still in drydock. US: Hmm...
Seriously Phrasing the American version would be: listen here son there are two types of men in this world, men who won’t charge a machine gun and you. Now come on you sons of bitches you want to live forever?
@@robertwanko219 Don't believe everything you see on the internet or newspaper. We know what happened to Johnny Depp because of these false accusations.
@@mr.tobacco1708 I too, have been accused, and wrongly so. Fortunately my wife and two other witnesses were present and truthful, but it was still a hard, hard thing to endure.
There are at least two independent sources who have claimed that Clarkson raped a female student in a female toilet at Sheffield College where they were both studying. The college hushed up the incident.
RubberDuck141 Their actions made Britain proud, so he has every right to be prideful of being from the same nation as these brave men. You’re probably too young to understand
28 March 2022 marks the 80th anniversary of the St Naizaire Raid. I watched this documentary “by accident” when it first came out 10-15 years ago as is left the tv on after Top Gear. I then discovered that one of my family members had been involved in this raid. He died in the 80s and until this program was aired no one really had any idea what he’d been involved in as that generation didn’t talk about “those kind of things”. Truly amazing story.
Yes you can say what you like about him (and there are plenty of not-so-complimentary things I would) but serious-mode Clarkson is a measured and most importantly, genuinely enthusiastic narrator.
@ He is a legend at scamming the tax-man and being involved in off-shore companies to get out of paying his taxes and scamming other people out of fake investments as has been exposed by Gorden Bowden and many others that is being covered up by the BBC and our corrupt government/political parties etc.
Very good he’s got the face for radio though ha ha just kidding I think he’s the best tv presenter. He loves motors and understands the appeal of them. Especially when he drove the Eagle GT. I thought he was going to shag the exhaust pipe the tv crew see him on all fours around the back of the car and said he was just checking if it had a spare 😂😂😂
@@johnthomaso4208 Values like non-violence in the work place? John, I do hope you do not condone the unprovoked physical and verbal attack by Clarkson on a member (an effective one) of the production team. The BBC (who as a result lost one of its most highly rated programmes) would have appeared to do just that if it had retained Clarkson's services after such an attack, acknowledged (to his credit) by Clarkson himself. None of this is relevant to the quality of his presentation in this video or of his prolific other work. My view, for what it is worth, is that the BBC acted justifiably and with integrity and were not driven (as you possibly are) by the pursuit of some political agenda.
I watch a ton of WWII docs,and, while I knew about the commando raid, this is one of the best production of ANY WWII documentaries I can think of. Well done, Jeremy, anytime I see actual archive study, I know it's accurate...nothing like first hand accounts, but, you have the actual remaining raiders, so, bravo,a fantastic piece of history.
@@highcountrydelatite if you really read my comment, it's more about the production value of this documentary, not splitting hairs over what's 'the greatest'.
They are known as The Greatest Generation for good reason. 75 years ago, young men summoned all their courage and ran headlong into near certain death. Today, they run to their "safe spaces" because they heard a comment or opinion they didn't like. A precipitous drop in valor I must say.
Blah blah blah brainwashed bullshit. All brits and yanks are heroes. Everyone else is a terrorist. Yeah yeah you're fighting for freedom, the rest of the world is fighting for enslavement. Yeah yeah heard if all before fools. 🇦🇫 🇵🇰 🇮🇶 🇸🇾 🇮🇷 🇱🇾🇾🇪
@@georgewing5514 don't have to meet them to know that the end goal of exterminating an entire race is pretty evil and anyone that kicks their ass back to where it came from is a hero. But you know you can disagree and be a Nazi sympathizer and be on the definitively wrong side of history.
The interviews with Mountbatten and the various other survivors were conducted 32 years after the events described. I served in the Royal Marines around that time - the early 70's. A few years after I left the Corps lots of my oppos went to the Falkland Islands for their war. It is now 38 years since most of them came home. I always felt huge admiration for the WW2 generation but I think that each one which follows is just as capable. Commando training is physically still very much the same as it was in 1942 and in 1971 when I joined, so those who choose to undertake it now perform just the same with just as much courage, intelligence and a sense of humour as their forebears. To all those generations of Commandos who served from their inception I salute you, including my father who was in 40 Commando. Aye yours, gentlemen!
The Traveller the Mountbatten boat that got blown up by the IRA was used by him & his elite paedo pals., allegedly. Shame so many of people and names we grew up with turned out to be such wrounguns.
Mr Watto presumably because you are suggesting something which was not part of my original post? Which in itself suggests you are looking for an argument which in turn makes you a troll!
The majority of Squaddies are not whizzo Prang merchchants they are the most common who write about it As in the navy it's the butcher the baker and the candle stick maker that are the vast majority of fighting men and are the vast majority that die.
I still find it so surreal how much of an impact Winston had. What a wise man to have apart of my family. "Fear is a reaction. Courage is a decision." - Winston Churchill These men were riddled with courage.
Sir. Your late relation saved the world and is a man I hold in highest esteem. Yes by today's standards he wouldn't be very liked. But in my eyes and many like myself, the world needed him and I owe the very fact I can say with pride that mainland Britain was never invaded due to sir Winston Churchill and the iron will the great man had and spread throughout the country and world. MASSIVE RESPECT TO THAT.
@@kek7320 That's fine pal, but when we really needed someone to stand firm. He did it. That is very reason we owe the man so much. Yes he wasn't perfect but I'll take the fact my family survived the blitz and war and my pride is overflowing that we weren't invaded as well under his reign. Gallipoli was a failure due to naval ill timing a bombardment in conjunction with the anzac army attacking at the same time. Yes it went badly wrong. But in my eyes Churchill carried that guilt and maybe used it as the reason to be as determined to beat the Nazi regime. Was Chamberlain a better choice? Not bloody likely. Lol
I'm almost 50 and have never been to war because of men like these, and thankful for it So sad that each upcoming generation won't be as thankful and yet behave as if all they have, that was earned by the blood of those that came before them, is theirs simply because they exist They have no idea of sacrifice and that is why I have nothing but contempt for them
You can tell you haven't been to war because of the way you glorify it. You could have gone to war if you'd decided to join the army. You could have sacrificed yourself to protect us from the invasion of Argentina or Saddam's wmd. You decided instead to not join the army, but promote the idea of other people sacrificing themselves, whilst implying that you would follow them - very brave.
55:45 that's how a hero sounds. They don't look down on others in pessimism. They are always humble and endlessly believe in others. They don't judge people based on their generation, they don't blame someone for something before they did it and they don't believe themselves to be better than the next person. Unlike you, clearly.
I disagree, I am a civil war veteran, seen more bodies than I can count, we love what the previous generation have shaped this World, we will always fight against tyrants, we will never surrender
K... I'm a fourth generation retired soldier and when it comes to war doc's my grandfather, my father and myself have seen them all. English, French, German. Name it, we've seen it but this doc is easily in top five best I've ever seen. Brilliant piece of work.
Explosive training with Royal Engineers involves blowing up a lot of cars. I did a Robin Reliant & really old style Vauxhall Cavaliar. Best fun was turning a coke can, wire coat hanger & 2p coin into a bunker busting shaped charge, end result moulton coper shooting through reinforced concrete.
@@stanlee2200 no you're right, and I know that.. I've been trying to stop, its something I'm trying to work on... hey so when is the next superhero movie coming out
It's just so humbling to hear and see these men talking calmly about things beyond some mad imagination. Bit thanks to JC for putting to good use some of his talents! I salute the Brave Generation of men who had the honor, the modesty and the wit (all in one) to deliver the nation at such troubled times!
Over the years, I have watched many videos/films about this raid. This is the best I have found. My father was there on ML103, and survived and was one of the few to return. he previously was on 2 of the Norwegian raids. He went on to continue to serve with No 3 Commando at Dieppe, D-Day and Arnhem. These people were very special, and I have only been able to uncover the details since his passing by getting his service records from the MoD. I think it is typical of that generation to not wish to talk about their service. I am not sure any of the current generation could go through this without needing to plaster it across the many social media platforms.
I didn’t realise you can apply for service records from the MoD? My Grandfather was in this raid and I would really like to have his records. He passed away in 1997. I know he also went to India at some point.
Many years ago, I had the pleasure of talking with Tom Sherman, interviewed in this video. A delightful man, he told of his escape from the raid by Motor Boat. Returning to the quay he found one of the MBs still afloat and went aboard. There was no sound from the engines, and going below there was a crew member working hard to get the ship moving again. Eventually he was successful and on the trip back to Britain, found that pre war the crew member had worked for the AA (Automobile Association) Thereafter if anyone asked Tom how he got back from the raid, he would reply, ‘The AA got me home!’ Incidentally Tom’s commando knife saved him from being badly wounded when it stopped a German bullet which nearly bent it in half. A remarkable man, a remarkable story.
Peter King Gosh...Peter...that is a fabulous story...Thank you for sharing it with us.... It brings it all so vividly alive for us. I will treasure that vision of those blokes getting that engine going and their return to England....I'm an "engine" man and can nurse most engines back into life..... But I rather doubt I could have done so under those circumstances..... I am in awe. Totally. God rest these brave men who did so much. Stay Safe. Steve.
They're referred to as the "The greatest generation" but to me that just doesn't quite go far enough. These men are legends and their sacrifice and bravery should always be remembered. Thank you gents.
My father who was based in Debach, England in the US Army Air Corps, Eighth Air Force, talked often about how great the British soldiers were. Luckily, he survived 33 missions bombing Nazi targets in Europe. He was part of The Lucky Bastard Club. You only could gain entry only if you survived more than 3 missions. The British did a great job covering our guys as we returned the favor to them.
I read the book from the school library when I was 14 or 15. Made a huge impression on me then and it is still epic. The Greatest Raid of All! I'm now 71.
This story is "GI-Free", no Ben Affleck part etc etc, so no Hollywood interest. The same applies to the Falklands Conflict - the "Wrong Side" won. Had Argentina prevailed, you can bet Mel Gibson would've been in it, as some Argentine commander/hero :(
Always makes me wonder why this was never made into a film. It has everything and the ingredients to entertain, though beyond that, these men should be immortalized.
These men are national hero’s and treasures and should never be forgotten. Their monumental actions and sacrifices helped save the nation and the world. When i see what these men accomplished it makes me so proud to be British
josh taylor - So you are so proud of man who fought to stop the German people from being free form this corrupt SLAVE system that we live in that they escaped from - Google Paisley Expressions and the Jesus, Hitler and Wizard of Oz post on there just now exposing the TRUTH about WW2 and how "free" we really are - Part 2 of that soon is going to expose even more including how this totally FAKE pandemic is going to take away what is left of our "freedom".
It's rare I find a WWII story I haven't already heard 100+ times, this is amazing! I hate the fact I can only "like" it... but in some weird way it seems fitting? My true feelings drastically understated in a very British fashion. Utmost respect and cheers from Arizona, you truly badass warriors!
Same here. The story of the WWII Kraut airborne soldier sentenced to 25 years hard labor in a Siberian lead mine who escaped by trekking 7,000 miles to Iran is another that needs telling.
Very sad to say but I don’t think this happened. I think they exposed it few years back. His book has some critical/important things in it that simply couldn’t be true, and are central to the account I think Cornelius something he is called
The fact that the raid itself was deemed impossible by most officials and officers on both sides, debunks any notion that getting to spain was somehow impossible either. The key difference between Fiction and Reality... is that Fiction has to make sense.
@@KowboyUSA If you are talking about _The Long Walk_ the story was told in the film _The Way Back:_ en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Way_Back_(2010_film) but it is unlikely it ever happened in the way described: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C5%82awomir_Rawicz#The_Long_Walk www.explorersweb.com/trek/news.php?id=19859
After HMS Glowworm fought valiantly and very fierce against Admiral Hipper (even ramming it) and was sunk. The captain of Hipper Hellmuth Heye send a letter via the red cross to the british admiralty and recommended Broadmead Roope as VC recipient, an honour he was given post mortem and being the first VC recipient of the 2nd world war.
while not a medal recommendation, I like that time when 3 Brazilian soldiers died attempting to bayonet charging a german position in Sicily after running out of ammunition, the Germans buried them, made a cross and wrote "three Brazilian heroes" on it. Respect between enemies is quite admirable.
@@terra2805 That's the true gravity of brave. Knowing your probably gonna die is in my eyes the bravest act of all knowing you were given the choice to walk away. God I'm proud of these men and to be able to say I'm British.
As you should be my friend. I find it amazing to know that there was a day when our people’s did not get along so well... for there’s hardly another Allie I’d lay my life down for if asked. It’s events like these, maybe, that’s brought us so far.
@@KyleOzz Making a typo is not proof that he didn't pay attention in English class. There are typos in published books that have been written and read by people who definitely passed English.
They had a job to do and they did it, even knowing that most of them wouldn't come home. Can't get more British than that can you. Much respect from Australia. We will not see their like again.
Oh hello there old chap. I haven't seen you since we used to stroll amongst the grassy fields of Chapplefield - I fondly remember our wonderful conversations in the mess hall. Well tally ho, old bean. Hopefully we will meet again. God speed.
@@Moggy471 Never knew much of my aussie past (grew up abroad), but from what I know, Gallipoli shouldn't have happened... I do think back to the ANZAC troops and what they knew was gonna happen.. on a side note, kinda obvious we'll beat the poms in the Ashes ;)
@@joesprinks4215 blah blah "toxic masculinity" blah blah "violence is never the answer" or some other version of pre prepared mentally ill bullshit they spew out on the internet.
@@Moggy471 the Anzacs were a formidable outfit. As a brit I say thanks to the Aussie sacrifice and am glad we still have the ashes as a thing of friendly rivalry between us. Much respect for 🇦🇺 from 🇬🇧
fighting back tears i cannot find words that would even describe my thanks and my total admiration of these brave brave soldiers my prayers tonight will be for these brave souls and every other hero that fought for our freedom in WW1 and WW2 thankyou to you all 💐
@mu al Ooh enlighten us, Mu... Then tell us all about the arab & turkish empires and what these empires managed to do that never seems to have this shame levelled at them (apart from being not white obvs)...
mu al if you dig that hole you can jump right into it and me or one of my navigators can fill it in, then sail the seven seas create trade routes to better the world not just its empire. We also created time zones that's why we are 0 on the globe slap bang in the middle and much much more to be extremely proud of.
Ive actually visited this place when the Royal Navy hosted the veterans for an anniversary of the event. We had a couple of the comandoes and some of the Navy personell on board. The dry dock is truly staggering in size and the sub pens themselves are insanely impressive, you can see why bombs were ineffective, you can even see the damage on one from a grand slam bomb (Its now an observation deck over looking the harbour). To add, the ship we went on was HMS Campbeltown, now decommissioned and we followed the same path from Falmouth all the way.
Apocryphal but possibly some truth in it - charge of the light brigade. Russian interrogator : you have no sign of intoxication, why in he Name of God did you do it? Reply. Oh, you know,. Make you chaps keep your distance.
Thank you Jeremy Clarkson for such a wonderful documentary in these troubled times. This American will always remember their sacrifice and be the better for it...
@Joey Mccullough im 23, don't count us out just yet. I'm proud of our history and there isn't enough money in the world that could make me apologies for a single bit of it.
I am 71 years old and i have never been called to fight in a war: I thank these men from the least to the greatest. Sometimes I despair when I see what the following generations are doing with their freedom.
@@markhaworth5129 , that's right, but to show some kind of respect, thankfulness or knowledge in a small way of why they have that freedom ?, not too much to ask really, Al forbes is demonstrating the 'generation gap' here, but things change, people change ...
@@markhaworth5129 Oh dear... Mark: They were defending that right. People like you... simply abusing that right on the basis that "You have the right to abuse that right" Where on earth are you coming from? I'd dearly love to know: You have an alternative theory as to the reason for mankind? Love to hear it. Bestseller. Sure. Go for it.
All of those who took part in the Raid, we owe an immense debt of Gratitude. For their selfless courage and remarkable bravery and sacrifice. Thank you. You are all Heroes. R.I.P. From an old former Infantry Soldier. I salute you.
Opening up fire whilst sailing under the flag of another country is illegal and a war crime. So as soon as they started shooting back they had to change flags.
Absolutely love this this part haha 'I'm not going down as a Nazi!'. May be rules of engagement under normal circumstance, certainly makes no difference under this heavier fire and questionably under any special operations. It's more self preservation you don't want to be captured as a spy, not due to rules of engagement hahah That's probably why they came up with certain rules of engagement. Look dress in your uniform and you're a prisoner of war, dress as them and you're a spy and will be shot.
Sam Beattie is my great grandfather. Its nice to have this documentary to remember a man i never got to meet.
There’s great blood going through your veins ... be proud!
It is men like your great grandfather that has enabled following generations to exist. On behalf of my family past , present and future. Thank you. Dave
Nice 😊👍🏼
Tom Van Gool : Dearest Tom. It is comments, and most importantly, actions from guys like you that truly explains the importance of the incredibly brave men in this operation and others who gave their lives to give us the life that we have had and the hope and truth that their sacrifice has enabled us all to live as we do today. I realized the meaning of their sacrifice at the time of the Falklands war. I volunteered to serve but at the age of 36 I was too old :) how stupid. Please encourage more of your comrades like this documentary. God bless you and thank you. Dave
@@daveroberts7373 strange, the armed forces still accept at that age.
I’ve only known Jeremy Clarkson for Top Gear and his automotive journalism, but I must say he makes a bloody good history narrator!
look up his victoria cross documentary
look up his victoria cross documentary
Too true. He is a delight to listen to and always keep up the interest. Brilliant man.
Another good one of JC's ua-cam.com/video/dnVZpVUevdI/v-deo.html
His doc on Isambard Kingdom Brunel is fantastic
I wish Jeremy made more of these documentaries in a series
Here's one more if you haven't seen it already - PQ 17: An Arctic Convoy Disaster
Inspirational! I completely agree with "persapapi4474" - Clarkson, get your finger out and make a series of this stuff - it's just fantastic, much better than watching you fanny about in some old tin crate spouting total guff! Come on man, make it so! 👍👌👏👊😁
He also did a great one on the VC combined with the story of operation market garden (a bridge too far)
He could have a short guy that was good at hurting himself and a tall guy that put up with that d1ckgead Clarkson.
No, wait BBC banned car shows.
@@T0rt0ise there’s a series called inventions that changed world that’s good
That’s wasn’t just a job for Clarkson. He really put his heart and soul in the narration. He is the one producers should turn to if they want someone with genuine passion.
Clarkson is a genuinely phenomenal narrator. He especially shines during these historical pieces.
"That is was not a job for Clarkson." Please translate.
100% agreed
They talk about national treasures, I don't think anyone would argue that Jeremy Clarkson is an international treasure😊
@@james-faulkner "wasnt just a job" meaning that it meant more to him than that
“How to tackle a bloke with your bare hands: knock him out, spoil his prospects & pinch his weapon ... and his gold watch too, if he’s got one!” LMAO
😆🤣😆🤣😆🤣😆🤣😆🤣😆🤣😆🤣😆🤣
That was hilarious 😂
@@HarveyJohnWillmott call
@MichaelKingsfordGray Fucking tosser!
That made me laugh!
My father was one of the assault troops on this raid, Gdsman H C Lloyd 6 troop 2 Commando. I'm enormously proud of him. He & his comrades, many of whom I met in later years, were some very special characters.
Massive respect to your father sir. And to all men who were on that mission. Yeah I reckon I'd be a proud man if my dad had that story to tell first hand.
Lest we forget.
Thank you for your father
Those guys are true heroes
Unlike some so-called historian who claims that this whole thing is bullshit
@@grahamkeeton6643 I thank you gentlemen, on behalf of my father, for your kind words. He was the cliched picture of a commando, a colossus of a man, enormously strong, tough as nails but a kind, gentle man unless provoked, then a wholly different character emerged. He told me once, (virtually never spoke of his adventures) that the true cost of the raid was brought home to him when he went for breakfast on the morning after their return to Plymouth. There were places for the 25 men of 6 Troop involved in the raid, however, there were 6 of them huddled at one end of the table, of those 25 men, 14 were killed, 5 captured & 6 returned. Dad, among other wounds, fractured his skull when blown down a hatch by a shell exploding beside him, this was only discovered in November 1942 when boxing for the commandos, being KOd by a punch to the temple. This led to his return to the Grenadier Guards. He considered this a disaster, being unable to cope with all the BS he endured at hands of NCOs after the self discipline of the Special Service Brigade. He told me of the disciplinary problems subsequent to his leaving the brigade only a couple of years before his death, no one else had any idea of this. I kept his secret from my mother & siblings until then. I couldn't have wished for a finer father & I miss him terribly even 23 years later.
@@keithlloyd4254 Fascinating stuff Sir. Thank you for sharing .
@@keithlloyd4254 wonderful, wonderful story...and men.
Mr Clarkson was made for narrating this historic stuff. This is the second one of this kind that he has done.
Have you seen his documentary about the convoy PQ17? Again excellent narration, and a story of real bravery.
It's right in his wheel house.
Enjoyed watching every bit of it. 👍👍
That's a very nautical reply.😂
A superb documentary with great narration by Mr.Clarkson. Respect.
AL N that was fascinating. He does a fantastic job. Very to the point, no waffling, he cuts straight to the chase.
"I'm sure the youth of today would do the same as we did. I'm sure they would..."
is the saddest sentence of the whole documentary.
Thank you for your service Sir.
Doubt it, they are all gay and trans
The man of this era from Europe and America did extraordinary things under the worst conditions people today couldn’t handle it
@@joecummings9662 Of course they could. Humans adapt quickly.
@@DrMcMoistall we can hope is that we will be able to live up to this level of valour if time calls on us young adults.
What is it there worth fighting for?
I’m a 70 year old American Army medic vet. I’m impressed.....very damn impressed. Amazing, my cousins, the Brits!
Think you mean Uncle Brits, nephew. 😃
@@myview5840 ahhh you.... always a humorous nature you lot across the pond... much thanks and good tidings... wish you well in this new year
I am Scottish and many of us whilst having family who fought against Germany etc etc do not and have not ever called themselves Brits, or British. The term Britain also has no legal status or significance whatsoever. The UK legally exists and it is a bipartite Union between two Kingdoms. Scotland and England. Those two Kingdoms still very much exist to this day. No matter what the propagandists in Westminster and Whig historians try tell us. The UK is a political construct that is on its knees.
@@jambammz9908 Typical moaning, miserable Jock; still sour from the independence referendum. Congrats on trying to turn some decent, friendly sentiment towards your pernicious political agenda. Play a different tune for God sake; it's so boring listening to you lot prattle on with your po-faced, divisive drivel. I'm glad none of the lads this documentary are anything like you, otherwise it wouldn't matter what you called yourself, you'd be bent over Adolf's knee, speaking German instead. Bugger off, give us English tax payers our money back and throw Nicola Sturgeon into the Channel while you're at it.
@@jacobdrummond3013 Thanks for having my back there mate, can I toss it in the kitchen sink too? You know just for laughs
Thank you Jeremy, having served with the Royal Marines for 23 years, and heard many lectures and tutorials on this awesome attack, your portrayal is by far the best. We will remember them.
I've had the rare privilege of having participated in a joint training with Zulu company in 1996. Was an eye opener. Great lads. Awesome officers. Your guys really liked our M203 ;P
Richard Waterhouse as a royal marine cadet I thank you for your service and hope to become a royal marine myself on day
@@harleyokeefe5193 Good luck, it is not easy, but if it was, everyone would have the coveted 'Green beret'!
Richard Waterhouse ye ik, I’ve been prepping for a few months now still got a year till I apply and do the PRMC tho
Essence
Some years ago I was at Flambards in Cornwall looking at a diorama of the Campbeltown smashed into the dry dock gate. A man in a wheelchair was pushed to the same diorama so I move to one side to allow him to get closer. "That was my boat" he said. He then proceeded to tell the story, his story of the St Nazair raid. I do not know his name, he never gave it, but the emotion and the detail of his account was incredible. By the time he had finished, some dozen of so grown men had listened to this incredible man and looking around there was not a dry eye to be seen. Thinking about it gives me goosebumps; he pointed to some of the buildings and named those killed and wounded at each one. The date of my visit was March 28th, he made the trip that day each year to remember his fallen friends, as he could not do this anywhere else.
Clarksons documentary is indeed very good, but listening to that humble elderly man was in another class.
Jeremy's talents are just unreal. He's a sensational broadcaster.
Sadly real white men are cancelled by lefty wokists,
I really hope Mr Clarkson does more WW2 documentries like this... say what you want about him but he's a bloody brilliant writer and narrator. He really knows how to tell a captivating story.
What makes them good are the people who were actually there and guess who are dead or just died because someone fucked up the whole corona thing?
Wouter vanR what
@@woutervanr what the fuck are you on about you dribbling spastic?
@@odfkjdhgovj Ah, good point. An other reason for not making more of these is because there are clearly to many bellends (this is the moment you look in a mirror) in the country that don't deserve more great documentaries.
@@woutervanr So it's my fault that Jeremy Clarkson is not making more WW2 documentries? Can you explain what your first comment was supposed to mean please?
When I was 16 I built an Airfix model of the Cambelltown and read about the bravery of those brave men. I am 72 and still remember that clearly . Thanks to Jeremy for this documenary. Mike from Oz
Did you build it as per the "disguise"?
@Wayne Hitchcock thats fantastic. the book," the greatest raid of all time" by C.E Lewis is well worth a read too.
Mike, I also built that Airfix model and read a book about the exploits, I guess in about 1961. JC did a brilliant job.
As an american ans sometimes I appreciated the comment ‘Americans [ would call it] the ‘Camptown’!
You can't deny, Jeremy is one passionate man.
@Real Thailand hell yeah brother you tell em, the BBC should hit you up next time.
@Real Thailand my guy, I commented on this video 8 months ago in appreciation of somebody’s passion. My snide remark was because I literally don’t even remember the details of the video, so I’m not gonna try to argue with you because you’re probably right. If that’s the case, I urge you to make your own WWII videos. You’re obviously just as passionate and 40 years of study is valuable. Instead of arguing your point in the comments of a video, where everyone seems dead set on argument, put that knowledge to use and share it.
@Real Thailand you just seem to hate clarkson
So honoured to find this documentary. My Grandfather was on motorboat 262. He was a Sapper, Royal Engineer commando no 3. He was captured after this raid and spent rest of war as a POW. I often think of how he must have felt not being able to communicate back home for such a long time, although eventually letters written by him reached my Grandma. Training was brutal, it was a suicide mission, no one expected to come home. I wished he was here to answer questions, but (in his strong geordie accent) he would have told me not to talk about it. We should all be grateful for every single man who went, who didnt leave and who survived this mission.
Respect to him. I've read a little about what happened the smaller boats of the flotilla and ML 262 was apparently one of the very worst hit, repeatedly shot up with loads of casualties.
Men of absolute *steel*
We don't even come close 🙏🏻
What a shame you didn't record his stories would of been a great video..🫡
@@jocannon4146 Thanks 😁👍
In 1983 I was a village policeman in Southsea when I met a humble quiet man living in a council house who had been a commando on this raid. I befriended him and after two years he confided in me that he had been on this raid. He gave me a penguin book of the raid with a picture of him wounded on the raid. 30 years later when I retired I went to St Nazairre to pay my respects to him and all those on the raid. It was emotional . This short film narrated by Clarkson tells the story well. The bravery is in another league. I stood on top of the U boat harbour and thought about what they had done . Amazing guys. God bless them . Clark sons ex wife’s father held the V.C. Some people are so brave yet humble .
Wow, my dad was the village policeman in Rake on the Hants/Sussex border late 60s to 1981. Dr John Roderick was involved in the raid, was a lieutenant back then, shot in the leg and ended up a POW until the end of the war. Did his medical training and became a DR in Liss/Hill Brow area. Was my GP when I was a kid. Small world
Those humble people are truly the bravest ones. They are actually embarrassed that they get praise. A different breed.
@@yute-hube779 💯💯💯
God bless him.
In the 80s one Cdo was a security doorman at the old pensioners flat Old Saints Road.
He was an old bloke and loved the fact i was gonna join.
God bless the old
Does he still have a column in the Times? I ask because he writes there lie a completely different person (who much plays himself down for Top Gear.) He’s certainly adaptable.
Being an American school kid in the 1970's. The Battle of Britain and the Spitfire were taught in our history classes. We knew more about the Spitfire than we did our own Fighter planes. Those pilots in the Spitfire and Hurricane were such heroes even way over here across the Atlantic. But as shown in this video there are so many many more just an incredible generation really.
Usually everyone talks about the spitfire winning the battle of Britain, but really the hurricane planes were the real hard hitters.
@@Joe-hl2ts The Hurricane was the workhorse of RAF.
@@HL5IHarrier hurricane is what I was thinking of sorry, I got confused. But anyway you're right most think that the spitfires won the battle of Britain but there weren't many spitfires made in time whereas the hurricane really did win the battle of Britain.
@@kikihapexamendiosisaklepto7397 da fuq??
@@Joe-hl2ts In the second half of the war, maybe that's correct, but the Lancaster was not even test flown when the Battle of Britain was fought.
British humor, "Well there we are, four minutes late."
Thats not humor thats our basic standards.
Aussies would say...
only a typical bloody Pom can say that lol.
@@zaceriwata G day sir do i still need a criminal record to come and see you?
Seriously though thanks for both WW1 and WW2 I can't thank your country enough. Much love from the north of England. And me.
Jeremy Clarkson has presented this event with national pride. I have watched this a dozen times from time to time. A few times more for sure. The entourage to this production, also needs a top notch tribute. A brilliantly produced documentary. Respect to our fallen and survivors.
"Dont hang about here, its decidedly unhealthy." As bombs were going off on the deck. What a legend.
Classic British understatement.
@MichaelKingsfordGray Who is?
The hand to hand fighting clip, I love with its deceidely British Sense of Humour with "Trip him up spoil his prospects (Kick him in the Balls with your Ammunition Boots on) and pinch his weapon.... !
2
That is a understatement
Coming from an American, i really admire the British. Courage and bravery lies in them that they would face death with a sense of humor.
Kind ofa wizard
So us Brits about our American Cousins
I served for 17 years, and these guys have my utmost respect for what they did that night. True hero’s everyone of them. To the lads that didn’t make it back, god bless and rest in peace.
honors to you as well
satan=staat ! sie sind für satan maschiert und WIR ALLe wissen , das sie nicht, NIEMALS im HIMMEL landen werden bei GOTT!
sie wurden betrogen um ihre seelen , weil sie bei satan unterschrieben ! MASSENMÖRDER NR1 = staat
scheiß auf dich und deine satanistische freiheit - ich stoppe hier , sonst kotze ich noch in allen regenbogenfarben !
alfa156c achtung spitfire........
@@reccerat4446 or dresden or hiroshima - firebombs , from satan
Few things get me choked up and emotional but the extreme acts of bravery of men like this really get me. What a generation! Men and Women.
I share that emotional feeling. When your confronted by such monumental bravery, courage and endurance it’s not difficult to shed a tear
Me too, i do not think i would of been so Brave
If our commandos knew what was going to happen to BRITAN I think they would of dropped there guns and fought for Germany..
Me too
UK: Can you lend us a destroyer?
US: Sure, but we want it back in the same condition it is in.
UK: Understood
Destroyer - slightly used ,low mileage, never used in anger , minor wear and tear
Did not lend it to us it was ships for UK bases round the world
Neil Laidlaw it’s still a funny thought
US: So... Where is it?
UK: Oh, it's in drydock now.
US: Hmm.
UK: Yes, we're currently trialling revolutionary tactics for denial of enemy shipping.
US: How's that going?
UK: Smashing success.
US: ...So, where's the ship.
UK: Oh. It's still in drydock.
US: Hmm...
Seriously Phrasing the American version would be: listen here son there are two types of men in this world, men who won’t charge a machine gun and you. Now come on you sons of bitches you want to live forever?
Jeremy Clarkson shouldbe cherrished as a national treasure, excellent narrator.
He raped a female student at university.
Su~re he did (sarcasm).
If I had a penny for every fake accusation of that sort made against famous people, I'd be a millionaire.
@@robertwanko219 Don't believe everything you see on the internet or newspaper.
We know what happened to Johnny Depp because of these false accusations.
@@mr.tobacco1708 I too, have been accused, and wrongly so. Fortunately my wife and two other witnesses were present and truthful, but it was still a hard, hard thing to endure.
There are at least two independent sources who have claimed that Clarkson raped a female student in a female toilet at Sheffield College where they were both studying. The college hushed up the incident.
These men are the epitome of the Greatest Generation Ever. What a brilliant documentary, well done!
It was shit generation (just like every before and after) that created so much shit, it forced all the remarkable people to act strong.
I worked with 42 Royal marine commando in South Armagh 40 odd years ago, the finest men I've ever served with.
Jeremy is secretly one of the greatest story tellers and has a fantastic narrator voice among many other quality's a national treasure of the UK.
So have all the past C-ntservative leaders since WW II who have pronounced England is still a force in the world 🤣🤣
Don't feed trolls
"Oh stop shouting and get on with it" LOL, what a great story of these brave men. Makes you proud to be British.
@RubberDuck141 'Their actions HAVE got nothing to do with you!!!
'*
This is the sort of programming school children should receive....not the other type of programming: Marxist programming.
RubberDuck141 Their actions made Britain proud, so he has every right to be prideful of being from the same nation as these brave men. You’re probably too young to understand
@@wizardflaps Well, technically the "got" is redundant so it should be, "Their actions have nothing to do with you".
@@wizardflaps Grammar Nazi detected!!
28 March 2022 marks the 80th anniversary of the St Naizaire Raid. I watched this documentary “by accident” when it first came out 10-15 years ago as is left the tv on after Top Gear. I then discovered that one of my family members had been involved in this raid. He died in the 80s and until this program was aired no one really had any idea what he’d been involved in as that generation didn’t talk about “those kind of things”. Truly amazing story.
I quite like jezza narrating something historic.
I agree, Clarkson is better at these things,
He has a genuine interest and passion for the subject and the people involved.
But I'm so used to Top gear and GT and I find it hard to comprehend a serious Jezza
Yes you can say what you like about him (and there are plenty of not-so-complimentary things I would) but serious-mode Clarkson is a measured and most importantly, genuinely enthusiastic narrator.
@ He is a legend at scamming the tax-man and being involved in off-shore companies to get out of paying his taxes and scamming other people out of fake investments as has been exposed by Gorden Bowden and many others that is being covered up by the BBC and our corrupt government/political parties etc.
the whole world owes everything to people like this.
Jeremy Clarkson has to be the best television presenter ever. Guys a legend.
I totally agree!
Very good he’s got the face for radio though ha ha just kidding I think he’s the best tv presenter. He loves motors and understands the appeal of them. Especially when he drove the Eagle GT. I thought he was going to shag the exhaust pipe the tv crew see him on all fours around the back of the car and said he was just checking if it had a spare 😂😂😂
😴
@@johnthomaso4208 Values like non-violence in the work place? John, I do hope you do not condone the unprovoked physical and verbal attack by Clarkson on a member (an effective one) of the production team. The BBC (who as a result lost one of its most highly rated programmes) would have appeared to do just that if it had retained Clarkson's services after such an attack, acknowledged (to his credit) by Clarkson himself. None of this is relevant to the quality of his presentation in this video or of his prolific other work. My view, for what it is worth, is that the BBC acted justifiably and with integrity and were not driven (as you possibly are) by the pursuit of some political agenda.
john thomaso - However, what he says is true.
I watch a ton of WWII docs,and, while I knew about the commando raid, this is one of the best production of ANY WWII documentaries I can think of. Well done, Jeremy, anytime I see actual archive study, I know it's accurate...nothing like first hand accounts, but, you have the actual remaining raiders, so, bravo,a fantastic piece of history.
@@highcountrydelatite if you really read my comment, it's more about the production value of this documentary, not splitting hairs over what's 'the greatest'.
seeing humans this badass speaking of their service brings a tear to my eye
i toast my beer to many more years for these magnificent men
They are known as The Greatest Generation for good reason.
75 years ago, young men summoned all their courage and ran headlong into near certain death.
Today, they run to their "safe spaces" because they heard a comment or opinion they didn't like.
A precipitous drop in valor I must say.
Blah blah blah brainwashed bullshit. All brits and yanks are heroes. Everyone else is a terrorist. Yeah yeah you're fighting for freedom, the rest of the world is fighting for enslavement. Yeah yeah heard if all before fools. 🇦🇫 🇵🇰 🇮🇶 🇸🇾 🇮🇷 🇱🇾🇾🇪
@@georgewing5514 so you think the Nazi's were good people. thats good to know
@@bert5003 I couldn't say, I never met them you fool.
@@georgewing5514 don't have to meet them to know that the end goal of exterminating an entire race is pretty evil and anyone that kicks their ass back to where it came from is a hero. But you know you can disagree and be a Nazi sympathizer and be on the definitively wrong side of history.
The interviews with Mountbatten and the various other survivors were conducted 32 years after the events described. I served in the Royal Marines around that time - the early 70's. A few years after I left the Corps lots of my oppos went to the Falkland Islands for their war. It is now 38 years since most of them came home. I always felt huge admiration for the WW2 generation but I think that each one which follows is just as capable. Commando training is physically still very much the same as it was in 1942 and in 1971 when I joined, so those who choose to undertake it now perform just the same with just as much courage, intelligence and a sense of humour as their forebears.
To all those generations of Commandos who served from their inception I salute you, including my father who was in 40 Commando.
Aye yours, gentlemen!
The Traveller the Mountbatten boat that got blown up by the IRA was used by him & his elite paedo pals., allegedly.
Shame so many of people and names we grew up with turned out to be such wrounguns.
Mr Watto I take it you know cause you got off it just before it blew.......
Mr Watto names? Maybe you’re referring to the children who were aboard?
jarrad Moore I said allegedly, so why the childish comment?
Mr Watto presumably because you are suggesting something which was not part of my original post? Which in itself suggests you are looking for an argument which in turn makes you a troll!
"So, chaps, your mission is to shoot everything that moves and blow up anything that doesn't."
"Jolly good, Sir. That's the spirit!"
BadTrip Nice! Precisely why the Allies won. 🇺🇸🇨🇦🇬🇧🇦🇺🇫🇷
@A if you were an adult in WWII era, you would be one of the Nazi soldiers blown up on that dock hunting for souvenir of 'Allies of Jews'
@A Don't forget Australia. We've been invaded without a fight too. Instead of bombs and bullets, political correctness was the weapon this time.
@A rassist much> you have been a proud nazi........ or tumprard.
The majority of Squaddies are not whizzo Prang merchchants they are the most common who write about it
As in the navy it's the butcher the baker and the candle stick maker that are the vast majority of fighting men and are the vast majority that die.
Us Americans love the Brits. Thank you guys for still being our friends.
whether we are friends depends if you support Trump or not.
I don’t want be your friend.
@@artful1967 I support trump and i'm british. Biden is senile and dementia ridden. The democrats have destroyed America.
@@artful1967 If it was not for our industrial might and our grandfathers sacrifices you would be speaking German. Watch your foul mouth.
@@artful1967Pathetic little worm you are 🤡 ⚰️
Seriously. Get Clarkson to do more stuff like this. Awesome
Yup
Get Clarkson to do you. Right up the ****ter.
He can't, the bbc hate heroes like these men, sadly
I still find it so surreal how much of an impact Winston had. What a wise man to have apart of my family.
"Fear is a reaction. Courage is a decision." - Winston Churchill
These men were riddled with courage.
Sir. Your late relation saved the world and is a man I hold in highest esteem. Yes by today's standards he wouldn't be very liked. But in my eyes and many like myself, the world needed him and I owe the very fact I can say with pride that mainland Britain was never invaded due to sir Winston Churchill and the iron will the great man had and spread throughout the country and world.
MASSIVE RESPECT TO THAT.
Quite right, right man, right time, right place.
@@kek7320 your point being??
@@robginnaw8131 that I Don't hold him in the esteem you do
@@kek7320 That's fine pal, but when we really needed someone to stand firm. He did it. That is very reason we owe the man so much. Yes he wasn't perfect but I'll take the fact my family survived the blitz and war and my pride is overflowing that we weren't invaded as well under his reign. Gallipoli was a failure due to naval ill timing a bombardment in conjunction with the anzac army attacking at the same time.
Yes it went badly wrong. But in my eyes Churchill carried that guilt and maybe used it as the reason to be as determined to beat the Nazi regime.
Was Chamberlain a better choice?
Not bloody likely. Lol
As a former commando soldier this makes me proud of my forebears achievements. The ethos certainly hasn’t changed in today’s world. Great video
Thank you for your service sir.
I cannot even fathom the immense bravery of these men. Heroes all, and so nonchalant in describing their actions. Amazing
I'm almost 50 and have never been to war because of men like these, and thankful for it
So sad that each upcoming generation won't be as thankful and yet behave as if all they have, that was earned by the blood of those that came before them, is theirs simply because they exist
They have no idea of sacrifice and that is why I have nothing but contempt for them
absolutely right!
You can tell you haven't been to war because of the way you glorify it.
You could have gone to war if you'd decided to join the army.
You could have sacrificed yourself to protect us from the invasion of Argentina or Saddam's wmd.
You decided instead to not join the army, but promote the idea of other people sacrificing themselves, whilst implying that you would follow them - very brave.
55:45 that's how a hero sounds. They don't look down on others in pessimism. They are always humble and endlessly believe in others. They don't judge people based on their generation, they don't blame someone for something before they did it and they don't believe themselves to be better than the next person. Unlike you, clearly.
I disagree, I am a civil war veteran, seen more bodies than I can count, we love what the previous generation have shaped this World, we will always fight against tyrants, we will never surrender
K... I'm a fourth generation retired soldier and when it comes to war doc's my grandfather, my father and myself have seen them all. English, French, German. Name it, we've seen it but this doc is easily in top five best I've ever seen. Brilliant piece of work.
Only Jeremy would find an excuse to blow up a car during a history documentary.
It wasn't an Allegro... an opportunity lost!
Wonder what the 4 1/2 *tons* of Amatol would have done to that car.
Should have been a caravan
What car!!!!
Explosive training with Royal Engineers involves blowing up a lot of cars. I did a Robin Reliant & really old style Vauxhall Cavaliar. Best fun was turning a coke can, wire coat hanger & 2p coin into a bunker busting shaped charge, end result moulton coper shooting through reinforced concrete.
One of the best documentaries I have ever seen.
I live in South Africa and I am so very honoured and so proud of these brave human beings that gave their lives for our freedom. God Save the Queen
These guys are real life batmans and supermans, heroes in every goddamn sense of the word.
dont cuss god....thats bad juju mark my words
@@stanlee2200 no you're right, and I know that.. I've been trying to stop, its something I'm trying to work on... hey so when is the next superhero movie coming out
@@treykearns4867 i would tell you but theres a slight problem with my schedule...
Im dead
@@stanlee2200 sooooo, what are you saying? it's going to be a few days??
It's just so humbling to hear and see these men talking calmly about things beyond some mad imagination. Bit thanks to JC for putting to good use some of his talents! I salute the Brave Generation of men who had the honor, the modesty and the wit (all in one) to deliver the nation at such troubled times!
Over the years, I have watched many videos/films about this raid. This is the best I have found. My father was there on ML103, and survived and was one of the few to return. he previously was on 2 of the Norwegian raids. He went on to continue to serve with No 3 Commando at Dieppe, D-Day and Arnhem.
These people were very special, and I have only been able to uncover the details since his passing by getting his service records from the MoD. I think it is typical of that generation to not wish to talk about their service.
I am not sure any of the current generation could go through this without needing to plaster it across the many social media platforms.
💯💯
I didn’t realise you can apply for service records from the MoD? My Grandfather was in this raid and I would really like to have his records. He passed away in 1997. I know he also went to India at some point.
@@louiseemery9478 Hi, start here www.apply-deceased-military-record.service.gov.uk/
we are all indebted to men like your father. i wish the
younger generation unstood their sacrifice
Many years ago, I had the pleasure of talking with Tom Sherman, interviewed in this video. A delightful man, he told of his escape from the raid by Motor Boat. Returning to the quay he found one of the MBs still afloat and went aboard. There was no sound from the engines, and going below there was a crew member working hard to get the ship moving again. Eventually he was successful and on the trip back to Britain, found that pre war the crew member had worked for the AA (Automobile Association) Thereafter if anyone asked Tom how he got back from the raid, he would reply, ‘The AA got me home!’ Incidentally Tom’s commando knife saved him from being badly wounded when it stopped a German bullet which nearly bent it in half. A remarkable man, a remarkable story.
Peter King
Gosh...Peter...that is a fabulous story...Thank you for sharing it with us.... It brings it all so vividly alive for us.
I will treasure that vision of those blokes getting that engine going and their return to England....I'm an "engine" man and can nurse most engines back into life.....
But I rather doubt I could have done so under those circumstances..... I am in awe. Totally.
God rest these brave men who did so much.
Stay Safe. Steve.
Ironically, you have the same name as one person who would be able to make this into a movie
They're referred to as the "The greatest generation" but to me that just doesn't quite go far enough.
These men are legends and their sacrifice and bravery should always be remembered.
Thank you gents.
true and now you have skip rats and other vermin even our bloody government leaving these blokes pennyless
My father who was based in Debach, England in the US Army Air Corps, Eighth Air Force, talked often about how great the British soldiers were. Luckily, he survived 33 missions bombing Nazi targets in Europe.
He was part of The Lucky Bastard Club. You only could gain entry only if you survived more than 3 missions.
The British did a great job covering our guys as we returned the favor to them.
@@OneAdam12Adam Thank you for your father's help in keeping us safe.
We appreciate all he and his friends did for Europe.
5 Commandos made it to Spain? I mean THAT is the documentary I want to watch!!!!!!
"If you think something is impossible, never think so, try it" Wisdom at it's finest, I feel blessed to be able to hear these wise words.
I read the book from the school library when I was 14 or 15. Made a huge impression on me then and it is still epic. The Greatest Raid of All! I'm now 71.
It is stories like this that make one proud to be British!
Well done to Jeremy Clarkson for highlighting this amazing story. It would make an epic movie to remember the bravery of the commandos.
YES!!!!
It just may be the greatest documentary……. In the world
Couldn't laser or GPS guided bombs be dropped from a high flying bomber plane?
@@Kevin-bl6lgOf coarse. I’m amazed they didn’t think of that ! Just like COD .
@@Kevin-bl6lg Well, I suppose they could have if any of those things existed in 1942.
The raising of the ensign at 26:02 gets me every time.
this is just the most heroic thing I have ever heard of... I think we owe quite literally our lives to these amazing men. God bless you, good sirs!
@MichaelKingsfordGray its a manor of speech you tart
Respect from America. Those are some extremely brave men
What the hell Hollywood, are you sleeping? This is blockbuster material!
Probably because it's British.
If Hollywood made this it would be the yanks that did it all 🙄
This story is "GI-Free", no Ben Affleck part etc etc, so no Hollywood interest.
The same applies to the Falklands Conflict - the "Wrong Side" won. Had Argentina prevailed, you can bet Mel Gibson would've been in it, as some Argentine commander/hero :(
Netflix had this under a series called "great raids of WW2" It was very well done, but I thought it deserved a full feature movie.
@@danielw5850 can blame american Hollywood for that. Its british proud history. If they can produce several blockbuster English movie. Why not this??
Always makes me wonder why this was never made into a film. It has everything and the ingredients to entertain, though beyond that, these men should be immortalized.
There is a film about it - called "the attack on the iron coast"
The British film "The Gift Horse" is a fictionalised version of this raid.
I remember when this aired on TV. Incredible story, bought a tear to my eye.
These men are national hero’s and treasures and should never be forgotten. Their monumental actions and sacrifices helped save the nation and the world. When i see what these men accomplished it makes me so proud to be British
HEROES. WTF Is thi's obsessio'n with bloo'dy rando'm apost'rophe's' ?? If you put one in heroes, why not put one in treasures? I give up.
josh taylor - So you are so proud of man who fought to stop the German people from being free form this corrupt SLAVE system that we live in that they escaped from - Google Paisley Expressions and the Jesus, Hitler and Wizard of Oz post on there just now exposing the TRUTH about WW2 and how "free" we really are - Part 2 of that soon is going to expose even more including how this totally FAKE pandemic is going to take away what is left of our "freedom".
William Woods your so dumb really, just leave the comments
The world will never see the likes of those incredibly brave gentlemen again .
There are always heroes in times of great need
British military is full of brave souls
David Ogle the world is
Very well said John but heroes & heroines have a way of appearing in the worst of times.
Bill Callahan great point.
And this is why Jeremy is still one of best storytellers on earth. Thank you Sir.
Please don’t shout, just get on with it. How British, god bless you all.
You can count on the calm, collected, disposition of Mark Felton if that's to your liking. He has that way about him.
@@gmail 0 uu\up uuuuuuuuuu yoo uuuuuuuuuuuuüu77778 7 7 7 88aaa@@qa@@@@ @
@ArmchairWarrior Over the top... That's it.
MichaelKingsfordGray Now there’s an educated response.
Who is shouting? 🇨🇦🤠
It's rare I find a WWII story I haven't already heard 100+ times, this is amazing! I hate the fact I can only "like" it... but in some weird way it seems fitting? My true feelings drastically understated in a very British fashion. Utmost respect and cheers from Arizona, you truly badass warriors!
Not enough of these historical programmes made by Clarkson. Fits his enthusiasm and wit perfectly
@Real Thailand unsubscribe
The bravery of these men involved in this mission is beyond comprehension utter legends of life...RIP to all those brave men...
I want to hear the story of those 5 dudes that treked the 300 miles to spain.
Same here. The story of the WWII Kraut airborne soldier sentenced to 25 years hard labor in a Siberian lead mine who escaped by trekking 7,000 miles to Iran is another that needs telling.
Excellent work Jeremy.
Very sad to say but I don’t think this happened. I think they exposed it few years back. His book has some critical/important things in it that simply couldn’t be true, and are central to the account
I think
Cornelius something he is called
The fact that the raid itself was deemed impossible by most officials and officers on both sides, debunks any notion that getting to spain was somehow impossible either.
The key difference between Fiction and Reality... is that Fiction has to make sense.
@@KowboyUSA If you are talking about _The Long Walk_
the story was told in the film _The Way Back:_
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Way_Back_(2010_film)
but it is unlikely it ever happened in the way described:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C5%82awomir_Rawicz#The_Long_Walk
www.explorersweb.com/trek/news.php?id=19859
"The man was sat there with his leg blown off... Cheering us on!"
Amazing. The most British thing ever. Incredible stuff
@@alex.t76 Truly.
Compare to footballers rolling around on the grass after a small collision
One can still notice the steely determination in the eyes of the veterans.
Yeah I noticed that myself..
This battle deserves a movie
When citation for Victoria Cross comes from the enemy...
That's just bad ass. You know real bravery when you see it. All done under immense fire. Just imagine what that must of been like!!!
After HMS Glowworm fought valiantly and very fierce against Admiral Hipper (even ramming it) and was sunk. The captain of Hipper Hellmuth Heye send a letter via the red cross to the british admiralty and recommended Broadmead Roope as VC recipient, an honour he was given post mortem and being the first VC recipient of the 2nd world war.
while not a medal recommendation, I like that time when 3 Brazilian soldiers died attempting to bayonet charging a german position in Sicily after running out of ammunition, the Germans buried them, made a cross and wrote "three Brazilian heroes" on it.
Respect between enemies is quite admirable.
@@terra2805 That's the true gravity of brave. Knowing your probably gonna die is in my eyes the bravest act of all knowing you were given the choice to walk away. God I'm proud of these men and to be able to say I'm British.
As you should be my friend. I find it amazing to know that there was a day when our people’s did not get along so well... for there’s hardly another Allie I’d lay my life down for if asked. It’s events like these, maybe, that’s brought us so far.
Absolutely incredible story. We shall never forget these men. I am very moved by this.
I dont believe todays youth have this kind of courage...this was the greatest generation. And these were heros everyone of them..
Have seen another documentary about this raid. British grit & determination at its best.
this should be ccompulsory viewing for all school children in the uk
100% 👍🏽
History needs to be remembered
Let's just hope they pay attention in English class. Unlike you, Ian.
@@KyleOzz That's a bit of a zinger
@@KyleOzz Making a typo is not proof that he didn't pay attention in English class. There are typos in published books that have been written and read by people who definitely passed English.
“Don’t stand about here, it’s decidedly unhealthy” Brilliant
Hahaha. I've a feeling the language may have been a bit more colourful.
@@quantumjet253 most probably.
Never so many owe so much to so few. Thank you.
They had a job to do and they did it, even knowing that most of them wouldn't come home. Can't get more British than that can you.
Much respect from Australia. We will not see their like again.
Oh hello there old chap. I haven't seen you since we used to stroll amongst the grassy fields of Chapplefield - I fondly remember our wonderful conversations in the mess hall. Well tally ho, old bean. Hopefully we will meet again. God speed.
@@Moggy471 Never knew much of my aussie past (grew up abroad), but from what I know, Gallipoli shouldn't have happened... I do think back to the ANZAC troops and what they knew was gonna happen.. on a side note, kinda obvious we'll beat the poms in the Ashes ;)
Wonder what the Woke shower would' have to say about this operation ?
@@joesprinks4215 blah blah "toxic masculinity" blah blah "violence is never the answer" or some other version of pre prepared mentally ill bullshit they spew out on the internet.
@@Moggy471 the Anzacs were a formidable outfit. As a brit I say thanks to the Aussie sacrifice and am glad we still have the ashes as a thing of friendly rivalry between us.
Much respect for 🇦🇺 from 🇬🇧
"They said Hände hoch! And I said Hände hoch to you" absolute fucking mad lad badass!
It made me chuckle, like how he gave no fucks while blowing up there whole docks. And just replied to the German like hellooo haha
@@Parkerlee1000 it means hand up lol makes it even better
Laughed my head off at that bit.
every other did not say hände hoch..he would shot without warning. no badass
@@xtrollyx_aut Do NOT call that man a liar! He's better than you'll ever be!
fighting back tears i cannot find words that would even describe my thanks and my total admiration of these brave brave soldiers
my prayers tonight will be for these brave souls and every other hero that fought for our freedom in WW1 and WW2
thankyou to you all 💐
What an inspiring story.
Brilliantly done by JC.
Just brilliant
Incredible bravery that leaves me in awe of their spirit. Real heros. Brilliantly narrated and written by Jeremy Clarkson.
They can say what they like about Jeremy at least he can be proud of his country and it's men. Some man for one man.
Who hates jeremy ? Hes loves cars has a great sense of humour and is humble
Hes a top bloke in my book
@mu al Ooh enlighten us, Mu... Then tell us all about the arab & turkish empires and what these empires managed to do that never seems to have this shame levelled at them (apart from being not white obvs)...
firstname lastnamè
When Jeremy was fired from TG, quite a few people turned on him. IMO, the producer deserved it
@@justat1149 there was speculation from the inside blokes that he punched the producer for calling his daughter ugly or something
mu al if you dig that hole you can jump right into it and me or one of my navigators can fill it in, then sail the seven seas create trade routes to better the world not just its empire. We also created time zones that's why we are 0 on the globe slap bang in the middle and much much more to be extremely proud of.
Ive actually visited this place when the Royal Navy hosted the veterans for an anniversary of the event. We had a couple of the comandoes and some of the Navy personell on board. The dry dock is truly staggering in size and the sub pens themselves are insanely impressive, you can see why bombs were ineffective, you can even see the damage on one from a grand slam bomb (Its now an observation deck over looking the harbour). To add, the ship we went on was HMS Campbeltown, now decommissioned and we followed the same path from Falmouth all the way.
Such brave and yet humble men! I salute you all!
I love how in the most stressful situations they still manage to speak to one another in the most calm British way.
Apocryphal but possibly some truth in it - charge of the light brigade.
Russian interrogator : you have no sign of intoxication, why in he Name of God did you do it?
Reply. Oh, you know,. Make you chaps keep your distance.
Well done Jeremy that was probably the best doc presentation I have ever seen in my 70 yrs! Roll on the next one!
Thank you Jeremy Clarkson for such a wonderful documentary in these troubled times. This American will always remember their sacrifice and be the better for it...
This was great to watch… The courage these men had is off the charts! God bless them all.
45 thumbs down, how society has changed, thankyou for giving us our freedom.
Almost makes you cry for these young guys...
@Joey Mccullough im 23, don't count us out just yet. I'm proud of our history and there isn't enough money in the world that could make me apologies for a single bit of it.
those would be Kehinde Andrews and his students
I am 71 years old and i have never been called to fight in a war: I thank these men from the least to the greatest. Sometimes I despair when I see what the following generations are doing with their freedom.
Isn't the whole point that they have the freedom to choose what to do?
Let us pray it NEVER happens again. !
In peace sons bury their fathers in War fathers bury their sons !
@@markhaworth5129 , that's right, but to show some kind of respect, thankfulness or knowledge in a small way of why they have that freedom ?, not too much to ask really, Al forbes is demonstrating the 'generation gap' here, but things change, people change ...
@@markhaworth5129 But to also carry it on for future generations.. not cheer to bring on Orwell's 1984.
@@markhaworth5129 Oh dear... Mark: They were defending that right.
People like you... simply abusing that right on the basis that "You have the right to abuse that right"
Where on earth are you coming from?
I'd dearly love to know:
You have an alternative theory as to the reason for mankind?
Love to hear it.
Bestseller. Sure. Go for it.
All of those who took part in the Raid, we owe an immense debt of Gratitude. For their selfless courage and remarkable bravery and sacrifice. Thank you. You are all Heroes. R.I.P. From an old former Infantry Soldier. I salute you.
James Henderson your mum isn’t happy.
This is perfection. No one else should ever attempt to make another documentary on this topic. It’s been done.
An incredible feat of daring. The greatest generation to have lived.
I love how they raise the British flag after the Germans started shooting at them, almost saying “to hell with this, FOR KING AND COUNTRY!”
That's my favourite part of the video it's so funny, it's like it's saying " we fooled you Jerry we are the British"
Opening up fire whilst sailing under the flag of another country is illegal and a war crime. So as soon as they started shooting back they had to change flags.
It’s rules of engagement
Absolutely love this this part haha 'I'm not going down as a Nazi!'. May be rules of engagement under normal circumstance, certainly makes no difference under this heavier fire and questionably under any special operations. It's more self preservation you don't want to be captured as a spy, not due to rules of engagement hahah That's probably why they came up with certain rules of engagement. Look dress in your uniform and you're a prisoner of war, dress as them and you're a spy and will be shot.
Did they actually do this in real life?.
Hands down the best ww2 documentary I have seen for a long time. Jeremy should definitely do more like this, was so good