I'm born and raised at Chateau-Thierry, and i walk into Bois Belleau time and time again, and each time it shake my guts to see all those white crosses, and the canons exposed uphill of the cimetary, or those trenches and shell holes that are still visible today. I really want to express my deepest respect to all the marines and american soldier who fought in my town side by side with our french poilus. We will never forget their sacrifice. 🇨🇵🇺🇲
And just 26 years later they came back and did it again! Not only liberating the French from the nazis and traitorous Vichy regime but allowing the French to again govern themselves. This was not the case for eastern Europe who when liberated from the tyranny of Nazism by the Red Army became slaves to the USSR by having the yoke of communism placed around their necks! WWII never really ended until November 9th 1989 when the Iron Curtain and the Berlin Wall 🧱 came down and Europe was finally liberated! I missed it by two years as I left West Germany 🇩🇪 in the fall of 1987. I served two years as a member of NATO with the 7th Corp 9th Combat Engr Bn in Aschaffenburg in northwestern Bayern.
5 місяців тому+63
When I found your channel, I binge watched the entire content about the Great War in almost one sitting. Unlike other channels who only focus on the big picture, you are showing these events from a very human perspective. With the visuals, eyewitness accounts and old photos/footage I can almost feel every time what these men were feeling and experiencing a hundred years ago. This video is no different. Keep it up!
As a former Marine infantryman I am continually amazed at the times that my life was put in jeopardy by inept leadership too lazy or afraid to question plans made based on piss poor reconasence
A rare, but appreciated Army mention. Too many people have no understanding that Army units were involved at Belleau Wood, let alone that they lost 650 men killed and thousands more wounded, including two Army engineer battalions whose job it was to simultaneously dig the trenches and fight as infantry as they advanced with the Marines into the woods.
Yeah we do a lot of research to try and uncover the lesser known aspects of battles and the like and this is just one of those things we thought worth mentioning as it is often overlooked.
The only reason the Marines were even there was because they were one of the few American units that had any kind of experience or training at the start of US involvement in the war. This battle here is the reason why they have been a front line fighting force ever since. I served as an infantryman from 2002-2006 deploying to the Iraq War. Up until the time of The Great War the Marines had only been used in their primary role as an armed infantry force for the Navy to be able to deploy as needed and as shipboard and Naval base security. It’s one of the reasons why you don’t hear much about the Marines during the Civil War. Belleau Wood planted the legacy of the Marine Corps firmly and ensured that they would always be “the first to fight”. (Not technically but it’s an old catchphrase the Marines used to use)
Thanks for this. My grandfather, my father's--father, Austin Grimes was a member of the 5th Marines at Belleau Wood. He was blinded and burned by mustard gas in the battle, but survived to eventually be a successful lawyer and the Mayor of Little Falls MN. He was awarded a ceremonial band by the French government that I still have. I appreciate this detailed account.
Neither legend nor disaster. It's what Marines do when the odds are against them. I served 21 years in the Marine Corps as an infantry officer a very long time ago with 3 years in combat. I was a Marine platoon commander in the Vietnam War in 1968-69 (well over 50 years ago). Hard year. Lost a lot of good Marines killed and horribly wounded. Once they were evacuated, we saddled up and continued our missions. Whether it's Guadalcanal, Peleliu, Tarawa, Okinawa, Iwo Jima (all far more difficult than Belleau Woods), Marines prevail against the odds. We trained hard, fought hard, and played hard. No regrets. It's not because we are suicidal, rather it's because we don't like losing.
Marines just shoot better! I recall there was a bunch in Iraq with bullets in their heads, and it was thought it was a war crime, nope, just Marines with M-4s making 700-meter shots. The Wood is a storied part of a Stoired History of the USMC!
It took me listening to this 2x before I realized your statement about the US Army 3rd Division's involvement. Looking at my great-uncle's brief time-line of his service as an Army Private in France, my great-uncle was in the 3rd Division, 30th Infantry, Company 6, and his service record lists him being at Chateau-Thierry from June 6th to July 14, 1918. We have very little information about his involvement during the 1st World War. He came home after being stationed in Germany in December of 1918 and was admitted to a veterans Hospital in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. He was a patient there until he passed away in 1961. Thank you for this bit of history, it allows us to learn more about some of my family's past. Great video!!!!
A great book about the Marne battles is Rock of the Marne by Stephen L. Harris. Though it's primarily about the 38th Infantry, 3rd Infantry Division, the 30th Infantry was in the same brigade and both regiments fought together ( and their commanding officers competed against each other). You might find some information there.
In 1985 I was a young Marine and we took a tour to Paris which would include Belleau Woods. We planned to ditch the tour and just party for three days. Fortunately the Lt Cmdr who was in charge made us go on the tour. It was a wonderful tour and the caretaker of the memorial site was wonderful and said that even in WW2 the Germans who visited the site were respectful of it.
Wrote my college exit paper on this battle. It was the only paper I actually enjoyed researching and writing, as well as the only one I got done not at the last possible moment. Two of my professors wound up asking for a copy which made me proud of all that work.
US Corporal William Doss fought at Belleau Wood earning a silver star. His son Desmond Doss a conscientious objector who served as a medic in the Pacific Theater in WW2 earning two bronze stars and a medal of honor. He is only one of three objectors to earn the medal of honor. The 2016 film Hacksaw ridge is based on Desmond's (played by Andrew Garfield) struggles through training and his heroic efforts in the battle of Okinawa. In the film you can see the struggles William Doss (played by Hugo Weaving) faces coming home after the battle of Belleau Wood and WW1 as a whole.
@@BattleGuideVT I have researched high and low as to where the Marines' jump off point was on June 6th was. Where was it? What was the distance across the open wheat fields to Belleau Wood. I have heard all kinds of responses... anywhere from 200 yards, or 500 yards to 700 yards? Does anyone know? I would love to hear from you.
I've watched both this and afterward your 'Lost Battalion' video. I'm not used to non-Americans doing such thorough work on American units and actions regarding WWI. You and your crew did an amazing job on both videos, and I thank you very much for it.
I just toured Belleau Wood and the Aisne-Marne cemetery this past June. It is an incredible area; the battlefield remains largely untouched, and the ground is hallowed and sacred. I encourage every American to get to France and see these fields and rows of crosses for themselves. It is hard to image such devastation in such a beautiful landscape, but it is absolutely worth the trip. Chateau-Theirry is a great town and it's only a 40-minute drive north to the Oise-Aisne American cemetery. Monuments and memorials to the memory of the US effort in the First World War are scattered across the countryside. As a Navy vet who served in tandem with the 6th Marines, it meant a lot to get there. Great video, you did a great job accurately representing the battle lines and movements.
This area is due for a Lidar survey from the French IGN next winter, and will be made publicly available along the others on their LidarHD website. I've posted some maps over Le Hamel, the Somme, Vimy and the Chemin des Dames in the ww1 subreddit.
Great video. I visited this place. I was at the Somme battlefields and I got up early and drove to Belleau Wood. I hiked all around the woods. You could really see how the Germans had the high ground. The wood had a dark and sinister feel to it.
Thanks so much for your videos and podcasts. I very much appreciate the attention to this conflict as an American. It is very overlooked here in media and education and it is such important part of world and military history. It’s by far my favorite topic in military history and it is difficult to find such high quality content and information on it. You and Spence do a fantastic job breaking down so many topics as well. Thank you so much.
I served in both the 9th and 23rd regiments of the 2nd Infantry division during my time in the army, and I never heard that either unit was present! It makes me very proud to have served in such prestigious units.
There is a farm near the American Cemetary. In it is a spring/fountain and the ancient figurehead at the fountain is a Devil Dog. It has become somewhat of a pilgrimage among Marines to visit this spring and drink the "sacred water" to honor our Brothers still on duty. Semper Fi!
I’m a Big fan of the Channel. Your research is expansive. (The voice over is on point!) Well done as usual. Like another poster mentioned , it’s nice to see the inclusion of the Army’s and other units involvement. .”Semper Fi “
To any US Marines, I thoroughly recommend The Fat Electrician's doc on Dan Daley. Humorous, interesting with a bit of swearing, he does loads of stuff about the US military and history. This doc is really interesting as it takes you step by step through the battle and you can hear the makers enthusiasm shining through.
According to the DIvisional history from 1937, the 4th Brigade was originally to Army units assigned (in training at Gettysburg, PA) when they swapped for the Marines. What most don't appreciate was the divisional artillery and other assets were Army units. The 3rd Brigade was all Army. My grandfather was in Company E, 23rd Infantry and was in line during Belleau Wood. According to the Divisional history, "Retreat hell, we just got here" is disputable but 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines did receive written orders to retreat from a French officer as noted in the Battalion war diary.
For anyone interested in the story of American troops in the AEF during WWI should check out the book "The Doughboys; The Story of the AEF 1917-1918" by Laurence Stallings. It's still the best book about WWI that I've ever read (except maybe for "The Guns of August") and it covers from the high command all the way down to the low level. I'm pretty sure nearly every American division which fought in the trenches of WWI has a chapter. Laurence Stallings himself was a US Marine Corps officer during the war (and he even admits that the Army did the vast majority of the fighting but the Marines just had better PR haha!). It's a great book and an exciting read for any military history fan.
PR has always been vital to my Marine Corps because its very existence has been threatened again and again by politicians (and sometimes the top Army Brass) with the Corps itself being dissolved and absorbed into the Army. In those upper level policy offices, it's about money and personality clashes aka egos.
Excellent video and a great analysis. There's a renewed interest in WWI happening in the United States and videos like this are a valuable tool for education. After studying the AEF, I'm glad this video finally addresses the myth that this battle saved Paris. The goal of splitting the Franco-British armies was a goal for the German Army for a long time, but this battle has become so wrapped up in lore for the America that we seem to forget that we tend to forget the larger picture. Still, American can take pride that the contributions of the American Expeditionary Force were vital and created a third, large military obstacle that allowed the British and French to launch the 100 days offensive that helped end the war. I served in the Marine Corps and had the opportunity to visit Belleau Wood and the Aisne-Marne cemetery and what's striking is how small it is. I think many tend to believe the wood is a large forest, but it's actually fairly small and I believe it's no bigger than Central Park in New York. It really gives an idea to how fierce the fighting must have been.
Such an interesting story that in a neighbour village where I live in Slovakia in 1886 was born one man. His name is Matej Kocak, in early 1900's he went to US for working opportunities, then he decided to join the USMC. He fought some wars with the USMC prior they moved to France. This guy fought in Bellau Wood in a rank of Sergeant and due his very heroic deeds, attacking and capturing a german MG nest alone along with finding lost French troops, he became a recepient of TWO Medal of Honor medals. He later died in Champagne, 4th of October 1918. For me it's very incredible because it connects my small region in the world with such a history event, such a military unit and such a country. God bless USMC.
Great topic told in amazing detail. Love the references to Dan Daly! Seeing the wheat fields in person gave me chills and appreciation for courageous sacrifices that were made
@@BattleGuideVT After watching through the video, I am extremely disappointed. That it ended so soon! Your content really is the best for visualising the battlefield as it may have been at the time, and those videos of the modern site are just 👌
I am in amazement at how well done and informative these videos are. Your channel and everyone involved is so well done it's impressive how the videos keep me engaged and always wanting more. My hats off to you and your team that to me make this one of the absolute must watch channels so that we don't lose our past and everyone that died to protect our freedom
I am a 3rd gen Marine, Marines are taught a little bit about Belleau Wood in boot camp and Dan Daly but this is great. I love history and the Marine Corps this is a in depth a fantastic. Semper Fi.
Excellent video, thank you. The US army and Marines had to learn the hard way what German machine guns would do to waves of infantry advancing across open ground, and lacking artillery support. The British learned the same lesson on the Somme two years earlier! Adapt and survive, and be quick to learn.
Excellent video! There is a ton of great information. I enjoyed this even more because it helped reinforce what I learned through the podcast (Not So Quiet on the Western Front). The maps were very helpful, as it helped me picture the battle much more. The music is superb as well. Dan's narration, as always, is awesome. He does a nice job. Good work again. Take care.
I stayed in the village in a gite for 2 weeks and this was my first experience of a beautiful well maintained American cemetery, I had no idea it was there, but made me explore the area much farther. Very interesting yet sad at the same time.
Love your channel! Humble video request - Desmond Doss WW2 Okinawa Japan medic. They made a film called Hacksaw Ridge about his story. I think that would be a pretty awesome video, plus, excuse for you to fly to Japan with your drone for the video lol. Make sure to try their curry.
The Germans called the Marines, "Devil Dogs" during this battle, which became a nickname, that's what the Marines called themselves from then until now. Either it's an insult for the Marines by the Germans or kind of a good thing, either way translated it's a badass nickname.
Fascinating details & brilliant production - cheers. The US Marines based in Camp Bastion, Helmand Afghanistan called their area of operations just outside the camp Task Force Belleau Wood & when the Taliban attacked Camp Bastion on Sept 14 2012 those Marines showed the same courage their predecessors demonstrated at the original Belleau Wood. If @BattleGuideVT would do a video on the Sept 2012 Task Force Belleau Wood area battle, I'd be very happy to provide details & photos of the area.
Many years ago, I went to Belleau Wood. I was travelling thru Europe with a Eurail Pass and took the train to Chateau-Thierry and then walked to Belleau Wood (It's only 10 kms away). Interesting place. There is a chapel that contains the names of all those who were killed or missing. The chapel was built during the interwar years and during the invasion of France in 1940, the chapel was damaged by a tank round next to the main entrance.
My dad in the early 90s served on the USS Belleau Wood (LHA-3) and I have a friend who's in his mid 60s who's father served on the USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24) back in WW2. I remember walking aboard the lha-3 and seeing a big painting of the devil dog mascot on the wall in the hanger deck.
A friend of mine ,the son of a WW1 British officer , his father told him when the Americans entered the front line they set up row upon row of very neat white tents. They were advised to dismantle the tents and dig in. Advice they are gently ignored. Then German artillery shelled them during the night with great slaughter.
Yep they thought they knew better in WW1 and 2. In WW1 they were advised by French and British generals what to do and the Americans just ignored them and they were slaughtered! Joys of turning up late
@@philblake1240 Ah yes, listen to the ones that sat in the same trenches ordering pointless assaults that killed millions for ego and greed. Oh yes great leaders and strategy the euros had. Ah the joys of not understanding or being deluded to the facts of where the US was economically and militarily at the onset of WW1 and WW2. After the US joined WW2 some of the largest operations argued for, planned and led by euro leaders ended up as total disasters or meatgrinders (Italy campaign, Operation Market Garden, among others). Hell, the French could have ended WW2 before their country fell if they believed what their reconnaissance units were telling them of a massive German military traffic jam in the Ardennes. French leadership literally said "that's not possible" then cue the next 6 years of war that led to millions dead thanks to more euro greed and incompetence.
Can you please do a video on Mametz and High Wood? My great great grandfather served in the 14th (Service) Battalion RWF at Mametz, and later with the 2nd Battalion RWF at High Wood. Love your work on the WW1 battles!
@@BattleGuideVT If you or your team ever come across a Private 20109 Harry (in English, Henry) Owen during your research I would love to find out more. We think he was severally wounded at High Wood after Mametz and sadly died at Leeds Military Hospital in November 1916, aged 27. I've been researching everyone on my local war memorial at Dinas where he is buried, also visited Mametz and High Wood a few weeks ago. Placed a wreath for him at the 38th (Welsh) Division memorial.
My grandfather and his brothers worked as civilian wranglers with Pershing going after Pancho Villa. My grandfather didn't serve in WW1 but his brothers James and Mac serving at Belleau Woods both sustained gas wounds.
From my knowledge about the battle, it was potentially a disaster, they couldn't coordinate enough artillery support, the Germans had a very strong defensive position, and the American logistic was being tested the first time in major modern combat, but the amount of FK IT WE BALL energy from the marines, combined with proper aggressive tactics in the appropriate situation flipped the table in the American favor
That's where their legend status is known in WW1. But knowing of Marines' legend status more would happen in the Pacific Theater of WW2 about 2.4 decades later.
Lost a fair few relatives in WW1 ( English, Welsh and Irish ) and I am still shocked at how many men were thrown away by Officer REMF's eager to show how good they were but weren't.
My dad served in the 23rd Infantry Regiment during the Korean war. There was a French infantry battalion attached to the 23rd during the battles of Twin Tunnels and Chipyong-ni
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We're born in France in '17, In the Hell of the First World War. With Infantry and Proud Marine, We Bravely Fought Amidst the Cannons Roar. The Warriors went Across the Meuse and River Marne, Our Names and Our Fame Were Won. We marched Home Proudly with Flags Held on High, And They Called Us, "SECOND TO NONE"
There’s such a sort of whimsical character to the AEF that I love. We Americans were there to kick ass and chew bubble gum. And they ran out of bubble gum.
Outstanding!!! I walked those woods and the cemetary. This brought it all to life for me. Walking among the graves in the meticulously kept cemetary was very emotional. As a veteran it is hard for me to understand how Donald Trump would not have honored these interred Marines when he had the opportunity to do so.
"retreat? Hell, we just got here"... I think there is a bit of a misunderstanding here... the French were making fighting withdrawls... not fleeing... as such they had the perfect supply situation, while the German supply lines stretched to breaking point.... At the moment the US units entered the line, the French still had its best divisions in the area, they had not yet taken part in the battle... their role was to counter attack, not become involved in a defensive battle... if a German breakthrough was expected they would have been used, but the danger was not there. Allied commanders had already recognised that each succesive german offensive in the battle was weaker than the one before, this last one weakest of all. So by the time we get to the phase along the final line of the advance (including Belleau Wood) the Germans have stretched lines of communication,,, and no defensive positions. A visit to the wood shows the germans had not yet had time to prepare any real defences, so the Marines and Germans were both basicaslly out in the open. Tough fighting, and hats off to all, but the German division was one of the lowest rated on the western front (by the allies). A 1918 letter to a US paper by an officer of the Army Brigade of the 2nd division complains that the newspapers totally ignored their brigade although they actually made more ground. And just to make myself more unliked... The Marines are indeed "Devil Dogs"... but that name was not given to them by the Germans, A US jourrnalist had used it some time before the battle. Great fight by the marines, deserves its place in history, but lets keep the history real.
@@BattleGuideVT Nope, good video, just a collection of thoughts to add to the pot. My Wifes Great grandfather was on the other side a few KM to the north fighting a french colonial division so the push is something thats intrests me
I wish you'd told Douggie MacArthur. (Sigh). No disrespect to the many, many, many fine Americans, and you are not the only ones to have "interesting" Commanders, but I do wish you'd sent someone else. Cheers...
Would recommend "At the front" by arthur impey. One of the things mentioned that ive not jeard anywhere else is German knowledge of code words of tje somme offensive. Bot earlier then American involvement properly,but worth a read.
Maybe, one day, you’ll understand the meaning of “decisive” as it relates to the will of those fighting, not just to the scope, scale or location of the physical action… 👍
I have a colour photo in a 1929 issue of National Geographic that shows the wood as it was then. There was still a row of German machine guns left behind 11-years-later.
It would be interesting which unit faught on the other side of the front. The German regiments and division have names too. It would give a complete picture of the events. Maybe in future one could that do and give credit to the other part!
I'm not sure but I think my great-uncle Joe Opdahl who has my Grandma Goranson's brother fought here. I remember he was fighting in the area according to his obituary. He never talked about his own experiences but as I studied the war when I got older I understood why. The fighting was the worst. Seeing your buddies blown to bits or shot to pieces would have shook up anyone's mind.
I am going to be visiting the belleau wood battlefield in mid September 2024. I am thinking of hiring a local guide. Does anyone know such a guide that they could recommend parting you have personal knowledge. I don’t speak French so would need a guide fluent in English. Thank you
I appreciate the fine video, but one quibble: @ 9:50 you state that "no reconnaissance had been performed" prior to the June 6th assault, but "On the night of the fourth Lieut. [William Alfred] Eddy, the intelligence officer of the Sixth [Regiment (Marines), 2nd Division, A.E.F.], with two [enlisted] men stole through the German lines and penetrated almost as far as Torcy." They reported that "the Germans were organizing in the woods and were consolidating their machine gun positions, so that a sortie in force seemed not unlikely." Quotes from the NY Sun newspaper, March 9, 1919, by Brig. Gen. A. W. Catlin. See also the wiki page for "Col. William Alfred Eddy". Lieut. Eddy received the Navy Cross, Army Distinguished Service Medal, and the Silver Star for this reconnaissance (purple heart on for wounds on the 26th), so there was partial awareness of what was in the woods, and it was appreciated at the time, however terrible the ultimate cost in casualties during the battle.
I'm born and raised at Chateau-Thierry, and i walk into Bois Belleau time and time again, and each time it shake my guts to see all those white crosses, and the canons exposed uphill of the cimetary, or those trenches and shell holes that are still visible today.
I really want to express my deepest respect to all the marines and american soldier who fought in my town side by side with our french poilus.
We will never forget their sacrifice. 🇨🇵🇺🇲
OORAH Frenchmen
Semper fidelis
Thank you so much
Viva la France!!
And just 26 years later they came back and did it again! Not only liberating the French from the nazis and traitorous Vichy regime but allowing the French to again govern themselves. This was not the case for eastern Europe who when liberated from the tyranny of Nazism by the Red Army became slaves to the USSR by having the yoke of communism placed around their necks! WWII never really ended until November 9th 1989 when the Iron Curtain and the Berlin Wall 🧱 came down and Europe was finally liberated! I missed it by two years as I left West Germany 🇩🇪 in the fall of 1987. I served two years as a member of NATO with the 7th Corp 9th Combat Engr Bn in Aschaffenburg in northwestern Bayern.
When I found your channel, I binge watched the entire content about the Great War in almost one sitting. Unlike other channels who only focus on the big picture, you are showing these events from a very human perspective. With the visuals, eyewitness accounts and old photos/footage I can almost feel every time what these men were feeling and experiencing a hundred years ago. This video is no different. Keep it up!
Thanks so much... you are the viewer we are aiming for. :)
As a former Marine infantryman I am continually amazed at the times that my life was put in jeopardy by inept leadership too lazy or afraid to question plans made based on piss poor reconasence
@@jackalbright8803 Remember the motto of military intelligence, “We bet your life!!!”
A rare, but appreciated Army mention. Too many people have no understanding that Army units were involved at Belleau Wood, let alone that they lost 650 men killed and thousands more wounded, including two Army engineer battalions whose job it was to simultaneously dig the trenches and fight as infantry as they advanced with the Marines into the woods.
Yeah we do a lot of research to try and uncover the lesser known aspects of battles and the like and this is just one of those things we thought worth mentioning as it is often overlooked.
Credit given where credit is due!
The only reason the Marines were even there was because they were one of the few American units that had any kind of experience or training at the start of US involvement in the war. This battle here is the reason why they have been a front line fighting force ever since. I served as an infantryman from 2002-2006 deploying to the Iraq War. Up until the time of The Great War the Marines had only been used in their primary role as an armed infantry force for the Navy to be able to deploy as needed and as shipboard and Naval base security. It’s one of the reasons why you don’t hear much about the Marines during the Civil War. Belleau Wood planted the legacy of the Marine Corps firmly and ensured that they would always be “the first to fight”. (Not technically but it’s an old catchphrase the Marines used to use)
Yeah thats a fair comment. @kingjoe3rd
Army are bums
Thanks for this. My grandfather, my father's--father, Austin Grimes was a member of the 5th Marines at Belleau Wood. He was blinded and burned by mustard gas in the battle, but survived to eventually be a successful lawyer and the Mayor of Little Falls MN. He was awarded a ceremonial band by the French government that I still have. I appreciate this detailed account.
Holy smokes, my Granddad saw action at Belleau wood and was decorated in the mid 70’s by the French.
Neither legend nor disaster. It's what Marines do when the odds are against them.
I served 21 years in the Marine Corps as an infantry officer a very long time ago with 3 years in combat. I was a Marine platoon commander in the Vietnam War in 1968-69 (well over 50 years ago). Hard year. Lost a lot of good Marines killed and horribly wounded. Once they were evacuated, we saddled up and continued our missions.
Whether it's Guadalcanal, Peleliu, Tarawa, Okinawa, Iwo Jima (all far more difficult than Belleau Woods), Marines prevail against the odds.
We trained hard, fought hard, and played hard. No regrets.
It's not because we are suicidal, rather it's because we don't like losing.
Marines just shoot better! I recall there was a bunch in Iraq with bullets in their heads, and it was thought it was a war crime, nope, just Marines with M-4s making 700-meter shots. The Wood is a storied part of a Stoired History of the USMC!
And that you guys have no fucking idea what you’re doing. Stick to amphibious stuff
Semper Fidelis!!
Semper Fi!
Not counting Guadalcanal, in all the other battles the odds were massively in the Marines side.
It took me listening to this 2x before I realized your statement about the US Army 3rd Division's involvement. Looking at my great-uncle's brief time-line of his service as an Army Private in France, my great-uncle was in the 3rd Division, 30th Infantry, Company 6, and his service record lists him being at Chateau-Thierry from June 6th to July 14, 1918. We have very little information about his involvement during the 1st World War. He came home after being stationed in Germany in December of 1918 and was admitted to a veterans Hospital in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. He was a patient there until he passed away in 1961. Thank you for this bit of history, it allows us to learn more about some of my family's past. Great video!!!!
A great book about the Marne battles is Rock of the Marne by Stephen L. Harris. Though it's primarily about the 38th Infantry, 3rd Infantry Division, the 30th Infantry was in the same brigade and both regiments fought together ( and their commanding officers competed against each other). You might find some information there.
In 1985 I was a young Marine and we took a tour to Paris which would include Belleau Woods. We planned to ditch the tour and just party for three days. Fortunately the Lt Cmdr who was in charge made us go on the tour. It was a wonderful tour and the caretaker of the memorial site was wonderful and said that even in WW2 the Germans who visited the site were respectful of it.
Actual quality narration from a human! Bravo.
I have searched many times trying to find a decent documentary on this subject but never found one until now. Thank you.
Wrote my college exit paper on this battle. It was the only paper I actually enjoyed researching and writing, as well as the only one I got done not at the last possible moment. Two of my professors wound up asking for a copy which made me proud of all that work.
US Corporal William Doss fought at Belleau Wood earning a silver star. His son Desmond Doss a conscientious objector who served as a medic in the Pacific Theater in WW2 earning two bronze stars and a medal of honor. He is only one of three objectors to earn the medal of honor. The 2016 film Hacksaw ridge is based on Desmond's (played by Andrew Garfield) struggles through training and his heroic efforts in the battle of Okinawa. In the film you can see the struggles William Doss (played by Hugo Weaving) faces coming home after the battle of Belleau Wood and WW1 as a whole.
You're one of the best battlefield storytellers out there.
Thank you.
@@BattleGuideVT I have researched high and low as to where the Marines' jump off point was on June 6th was. Where was it? What was the distance across the open wheat fields to Belleau Wood. I have heard all kinds of responses... anywhere from 200 yards, or 500 yards to 700 yards? Does anyone know? I would love to hear from you.
That was a fairly accurate depiction of events. Such battle has been passed down via tradition to every Marine thereafter, myself included.
I've watched both this and afterward your 'Lost Battalion' video. I'm not used to non-Americans doing such thorough work on American units and actions regarding WWI. You and your crew did an amazing job on both videos, and I thank you very much for it.
I just toured Belleau Wood and the Aisne-Marne cemetery this past June. It is an incredible area; the battlefield remains largely untouched, and the ground is hallowed and sacred. I encourage every American to get to France and see these fields and rows of crosses for themselves. It is hard to image such devastation in such a beautiful landscape, but it is absolutely worth the trip. Chateau-Theirry is a great town and it's only a 40-minute drive north to the Oise-Aisne American cemetery. Monuments and memorials to the memory of the US effort in the First World War are scattered across the countryside. As a Navy vet who served in tandem with the 6th Marines, it meant a lot to get there. Great video, you did a great job accurately representing the battle lines and movements.
Your war stories are absolutely outstanding.
Thank you.
Thanks for watching!
The consistent quality of the videos you put out is staggering, I love them.
Thank you... they take a lot of work to put together but we believe it is worth it. :)
This area is due for a Lidar survey from the French IGN next winter, and will be made publicly available along the others on their LidarHD website. I've posted some maps over Le Hamel, the Somme, Vimy and the Chemin des Dames in the ww1 subreddit.
Great to know, thank you!
@@BattleGuideVT (tbh, Vimy and the Somme aren't public yet but soon enough, I hope)
Great video. I visited this place. I was at the Somme battlefields and I got up early and drove to Belleau Wood. I hiked all around the woods. You could really see how the Germans had the high ground. The wood had a dark and sinister feel to it.
To all my Marine brothers and sisters watching. Semper Fi brother.
Another fantastic video! Have been to Belleau Wood twice, but this all helps me sort it out better in my mind before my next visit.
Thanks man - appreciate the comment.
Thanks so much for your videos and podcasts. I very much appreciate the attention to this conflict as an American. It is very overlooked here in media and education and it is such important part of world and military history. It’s by far my favorite topic in military history and it is difficult to find such high quality content and information on it. You and Spence do a fantastic job breaking down so many topics as well. Thank you so much.
You are very welcome. Thanks for watching.
After just finishing the not so quiet on the western front episode, this UA-cam video complements it perfectly. Keep up the great work
Wow, thanks!
I served in both the 9th and 23rd regiments of the 2nd Infantry division during my time in the army, and I never heard that either unit was present! It makes me very proud to have served in such prestigious units.
These videos are so well made. Much respect!!
There is a farm near the American Cemetary. In it is a spring/fountain and the ancient figurehead at the fountain is a Devil Dog. It has become somewhat of a pilgrimage among Marines to visit this spring and drink the "sacred water" to honor our Brothers still on duty. Semper Fi!
I’m a Big fan of the Channel. Your research is expansive. (The voice over is on point!) Well done as usual. Like another poster mentioned , it’s nice to see the inclusion of the Army’s and other units involvement. .”Semper Fi “
Thanks Stew! Glad you enjoyed it.
Excellent mix of maps, diagrams, film from the war, and explanatory comments. Superb! Thanks.
To any US Marines, I thoroughly recommend The Fat Electrician's doc on Dan Daley. Humorous, interesting with a bit of swearing, he does loads of stuff about the US military and history. This doc is really interesting as it takes you step by step through the battle and you can hear the makers enthusiasm shining through.
My wife's great great Uncle died in this battle, years later his body was brought back to Hondo,TX
According to the DIvisional history from 1937, the 4th Brigade was originally to Army units assigned (in training at Gettysburg, PA) when they swapped for the Marines. What most don't appreciate was the divisional artillery and other assets were Army units. The 3rd Brigade was all Army. My grandfather was in Company E, 23rd Infantry and was in line during Belleau Wood.
According to the Divisional history, "Retreat hell, we just got here" is disputable but 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines did receive written orders to retreat from a French officer as noted in the Battalion war diary.
For anyone interested in the story of American troops in the AEF during WWI should check out the book "The Doughboys; The Story of the AEF 1917-1918" by Laurence Stallings. It's still the best book about WWI that I've ever read (except maybe for "The Guns of August") and it covers from the high command all the way down to the low level. I'm pretty sure nearly every American division which fought in the trenches of WWI has a chapter. Laurence Stallings himself was a US Marine Corps officer during the war (and he even admits that the Army did the vast majority of the fighting but the Marines just had better PR haha!). It's a great book and an exciting read for any military history fan.
PR has always been vital to my Marine Corps because its very existence has been threatened again and again by politicians (and sometimes the top Army Brass) with the Corps itself being dissolved and absorbed into the Army. In those upper level policy offices, it's about money and personality clashes aka egos.
Excellent video and a great analysis. There's a renewed interest in WWI happening in the United States and videos like this are a valuable tool for education. After studying the AEF, I'm glad this video finally addresses the myth that this battle saved Paris. The goal of splitting the Franco-British armies was a goal for the German Army for a long time, but this battle has become so wrapped up in lore for the America that we seem to forget that we tend to forget the larger picture. Still, American can take pride that the contributions of the American Expeditionary Force were vital and created a third, large military obstacle that allowed the British and French to launch the 100 days offensive that helped end the war.
I served in the Marine Corps and had the opportunity to visit Belleau Wood and the Aisne-Marne cemetery and what's striking is how small it is. I think many tend to believe the wood is a large forest, but it's actually fairly small and I believe it's no bigger than Central Park in New York. It really gives an idea to how fierce the fighting must have been.
The photos and videos (now & then) have an amazing ability to put me on the battlefield. And they keep getting better!
Thank you very much mTk!
Such an interesting story that in a neighbour village where I live in Slovakia in 1886 was born one man. His name is Matej Kocak, in early 1900's he went to US for working opportunities, then he decided to join the USMC. He fought some wars with the USMC prior they moved to France. This guy fought in Bellau Wood in a rank of Sergeant and due his very heroic deeds, attacking and capturing a german MG nest alone along with finding lost French troops, he became a recepient of TWO Medal of Honor medals. He later died in Champagne, 4th of October 1918. For me it's very incredible because it connects my small region in the world with such a history event, such a military unit and such a country. God bless USMC.
Great topic told in amazing detail. Love the references to Dan Daly! Seeing the wheat fields in person gave me chills and appreciation for courageous sacrifices that were made
Thank you.
Been waiting for this one! Your channel does these videos with extreme talent, please keep them coming!
Thank you for the kind words... we hope it was worth the wait?
@@BattleGuideVT After watching through the video, I am extremely disappointed.
That it ended so soon! Your content really is the best for visualising the battlefield as it may have been at the time, and those videos of the modern site are just 👌
@@TheIrishvolunteer Thank you. :) You had us going there for a minute.
Thank you for an in-depth overview of the fighting.
I am in amazement at how well done and informative these videos are. Your channel and everyone involved is so well done it's impressive how the videos keep me engaged and always wanting more. My hats off to you and your team that to me make this one of the absolute must watch channels so that we don't lose our past and everyone that died to protect our freedom
Thanks so much for the very kind words! We are delighted you enjoy the content.
Another wonderful video displaying your hallmarks of superb narration supported by clear graphics. Than you.
I am a 3rd gen Marine, Marines are taught a little bit about Belleau Wood in boot camp and Dan Daly but this is great. I love history and the Marine Corps this is a in depth a fantastic. Semper Fi.
Can you please do a podcast on the Territorials please? Would be a great listen and a chance for you to talk more about the Hertfordshire regiment!
Excellent video, thank you. The US army and Marines had to learn the hard way what German machine guns would do to waves of infantry advancing across open ground, and lacking artillery support.
The British learned the same lesson on the Somme two years earlier! Adapt and survive, and be quick to learn.
My uncle, Pvt James Williams, was there, a gas casualty. He was very old when I was a little kid. He seldom spoke of it.
Thank you for another top quality presentation.
Thanks for watching. :)
Excellent video! There is a ton of great information. I enjoyed this even more because it helped reinforce what I learned through the podcast (Not So Quiet on the Western Front). The maps were very helpful, as it helped me picture the battle much more. The music is superb as well.
Dan's narration, as always, is awesome. He does a nice job.
Good work again. Take care.
Glad you enjoyed it!
@@BattleGuideVT :) You do awesome work. I enjoy the podcasts and UA-cam documentaries :).
I stayed in the village in a gite for 2 weeks and this was my first experience of a beautiful well maintained American cemetery, I had no idea it was there, but made me explore the area much farther. Very interesting yet sad at the same time.
Love your channel! Humble video request - Desmond Doss WW2 Okinawa Japan medic. They made a film called Hacksaw Ridge about his story. I think that would be a pretty awesome video, plus, excuse for you to fly to Japan with your drone for the video lol. Make sure to try their curry.
The Germans called the Marines, "Devil Dogs" during this battle, which became a nickname, that's what the Marines called themselves from then until now. Either it's an insult for the Marines by the Germans or kind of a good thing, either way translated it's a badass nickname.
It is a badass name, but unfortunately one of several myths of the battle.
They didnt.
@@BattleGuideVTpolitically correct mf
5 th Marine Regiment was at Camp Pendleton in the mid 1970’s when I was stationed there. A storied group with a rich history.
Fascinating details & brilliant production - cheers. The US Marines based in Camp Bastion, Helmand Afghanistan called their area of operations just outside the camp Task Force Belleau Wood & when the Taliban attacked Camp Bastion on Sept 14 2012 those Marines showed the same courage their predecessors demonstrated at the original Belleau Wood. If @BattleGuideVT would do a video on the Sept 2012 Task Force Belleau Wood area battle, I'd be very happy to provide details & photos of the area.
Many years ago, I went to Belleau Wood. I was travelling thru Europe with a Eurail Pass and took the train to Chateau-Thierry and then walked to Belleau Wood (It's only 10 kms away). Interesting place. There is a chapel that contains the names of all those who were killed or missing. The chapel was built during the interwar years and during the invasion of France in 1940, the chapel was damaged by a tank round next to the main entrance.
My dad in the early 90s served on the USS Belleau Wood (LHA-3) and I have a friend who's in his mid 60s who's father served on the USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24) back in WW2. I remember walking aboard the lha-3 and seeing a big painting of the devil dog mascot on the wall in the hanger deck.
A friend of mine ,the son of a WW1 British officer , his father told him when the Americans entered the front line they set up row upon row of very neat white tents. They were advised to dismantle the tents and dig in. Advice they are gently ignored. Then German artillery shelled them during the night with great slaughter.
Easy mistake for fresh soldiers who just entered the war. I don't think anyone would deny their heroism.
Yep they thought they knew better in WW1 and 2. In WW1 they were advised by French and British generals what to do and the Americans just ignored them and they were slaughtered! Joys of turning up late
Sounds accurate. France, Britain, and Germany made the same mistakes in the early days of the war.
@@philblake1240 Ah yes, listen to the ones that sat in the same trenches ordering pointless assaults that killed millions for ego and greed. Oh yes great leaders and strategy the euros had. Ah the joys of not understanding or being deluded to the facts of where the US was economically and militarily at the onset of WW1 and WW2. After the US joined WW2 some of the largest operations argued for, planned and led by euro leaders ended up as total disasters or meatgrinders (Italy campaign, Operation Market Garden, among others). Hell, the French could have ended WW2 before their country fell if they believed what their reconnaissance units were telling them of a massive German military traffic jam in the Ardennes. French leadership literally said "that's not possible" then cue the next 6 years of war that led to millions dead thanks to more euro greed and incompetence.
Yes, then we kicked their ass😂
Can you please do a video on Mametz and High Wood? My great great grandfather served in the 14th (Service) Battalion RWF at Mametz, and later with the 2nd Battalion RWF at High Wood. Love your work on the WW1 battles!
For sure they are on our project list. :)
@@BattleGuideVT If you or your team ever come across a Private 20109 Harry (in English, Henry) Owen during your research I would love to find out more. We think he was severally wounded at High Wood after Mametz and sadly died at Leeds Military Hospital in November 1916, aged 27. I've been researching everyone on my local war memorial at Dinas where he is buried, also visited Mametz and High Wood a few weeks ago. Placed a wreath for him at the 38th (Welsh) Division memorial.
Great script and excellent video. Thanks!
My grandfather and his brothers worked as civilian wranglers with Pershing going after Pancho Villa. My grandfather didn't serve in WW1 but his brothers James and Mac serving at Belleau Woods both sustained gas wounds.
My great grandfather was there right under Daly , 73rd machine gun Co. 6th Marines
The most brilliant analysis
From my knowledge about the battle, it was potentially a disaster, they couldn't coordinate enough artillery support, the Germans had a very strong defensive position, and the American logistic was being tested the first time in major modern combat, but the amount of FK IT WE BALL energy from the marines, combined with proper aggressive tactics in the appropriate situation flipped the table in the American favor
That's what marines are known for
Excellent documentary!
Regarding thumbnail pic … Dan Daly was already a legend!!!!
Good video!
Loyd Williams is from my county, Clarke in Virginia. I grew up in the same area he did. Semper Fi Marine.
Great documentary. Good work.
My grandfather fought in Bella Wood, and his son, (my father), fought across the Pacific, from Tarawa to Okinawa.
Good video guys. Great job!
Absolutely excellent content. thank you
Much appreciated!
That's where their legend status is known in WW1. But knowing of Marines' legend status more would happen in the Pacific Theater of WW2 about 2.4 decades later.
Lost a fair few relatives in WW1 ( English, Welsh and Irish ) and I am still shocked at how many men were thrown away by Officer REMF's eager to show how good they were but weren't.
Another superb video...👍👍
Thank you for the kind words.
My dad served in the 23rd Infantry Regiment during the Korean war. There was a French infantry battalion attached to the 23rd during the battles of Twin Tunnels and Chipyong-ni
Great video. Can say the same about some of the advertisements.
Yes, UA-cam is in charge of the adverts being displayed. Sadly, to finance our research, battlefield visits and the production of this free content they are a necessary evil. Hopefully one day we have enough supporters through the likes of Patreon to not have to rely on YT ads interrupting your viewing. If you are interested in becoming a Patreon please check out this link. www.patreon.com/BattleGuide
We're born in France in '17,
In the Hell of the First World War.
With Infantry and Proud Marine,
We Bravely Fought Amidst the Cannons Roar.
The Warriors went Across the Meuse and River Marne,
Our Names and Our Fame Were Won.
We marched Home Proudly with Flags Held on High,
And They Called Us, "SECOND TO NONE"
Thank you for presenting the facts that’s so many US folks get wrong. Especially the DD moniker and other sayings.
It good to hear about all these little details, but for the regimental commanders it must have been tougher to make choices.
Very informative.
Glad it was helpful!
There’s such a sort of whimsical character to the AEF that I love. We Americans were there to kick ass and chew bubble gum. And they ran out of bubble gum.
My great-grandfather, Col. Ben Metcalf, was a regimental surgeon in the 12th Field Artillery, 2nd Division. He must have had a very busy time.
Outstanding!!! I walked those woods and the cemetary. This brought it all to life for me. Walking among the graves in the meticulously kept cemetary was very emotional. As a veteran it is hard for me to understand how Donald Trump would not have honored these interred Marines when he had the opportunity to do so.
"retreat? Hell, we just got here"... I think there is a bit of a misunderstanding here... the French were making fighting withdrawls... not fleeing... as such they had the perfect supply situation, while the German supply lines stretched to breaking point.... At the moment the US units entered the line, the French still had its best divisions in the area, they had not yet taken part in the battle... their role was to counter attack, not become involved in a defensive battle... if a German breakthrough was expected they would have been used, but the danger was not there. Allied commanders had already recognised that each succesive german offensive in the battle was weaker than the one before, this last one weakest of all. So by the time we get to the phase along the final line of the advance (including Belleau Wood) the Germans have stretched lines of communication,,, and no defensive positions. A visit to the wood shows the germans had not yet had time to prepare any real defences, so the Marines and Germans were both basicaslly out in the open. Tough fighting, and hats off to all, but the German division was one of the lowest rated on the western front (by the allies). A 1918 letter to a US paper by an officer of the Army Brigade of the 2nd division complains that the newspapers totally ignored their brigade although they actually made more ground. And just to make myself more unliked... The Marines are indeed "Devil Dogs"... but that name was not given to them by the Germans, A US jourrnalist had used it some time before the battle. Great fight by the marines, deserves its place in history, but lets keep the history real.
Right, agree with what you say, but I don't think we misrepresented anything here?
@@BattleGuideVT Nope, good video, just a collection of thoughts to add to the pot. My Wifes Great grandfather was on the other side a few KM to the north fighting a french colonial division so the push is something thats intrests me
Fantastic video liked and subscribed.
Great video guys, you nailed it, It was a terrible loss of men, But the Marines learned from it That is why Best military in world USA!!
I wish you'd told Douggie MacArthur.
(Sigh). No disrespect to the many, many, many fine Americans, and you are not the only ones to have "interesting" Commanders, but I do wish you'd sent someone else.
Cheers...
Thank you ..Taylor's 🇺🇲
Would recommend "At the front" by arthur impey. One of the things mentioned that ive not jeard anywhere else is German knowledge of code words of tje somme offensive. Bot earlier then American involvement properly,but worth a read.
Great channel - deeply appreciate lack of AI voice!
Excellent!
Many thanks!
i love how the Marines act like this was the decisive battel of the war. it was a side battle in a back water
Maybe, one day, you’ll understand the meaning of “decisive” as it relates to the will of those fighting, not just to the scope, scale or location of the physical action… 👍
@@cd231 I think after after almost 4 years of combat I have a good sense of what decisive looks like.
Semper Fidelis
The place is now known as the "Bois de la Brigade de Marine".
I have a colour photo in a 1929 issue of National Geographic that shows the wood as it was then. There was still a row of German machine guns left behind 11-years-later.
The guy in the thumbnail looks like Paulie Walnuts. FUGHEDDABOUDIT!
It would be interesting which unit faught on the other side of the front. The German regiments and division have names too. It would give a complete picture of the events. Maybe in future one could that do and give credit to the other part!
Good brave lads, all of them. Hot work done very well, Yank.
Great video
Thanks.
Being a Marine we were taught the truth in boot camp. The tactics and the cost.
Did they teach you the Germans didn’t call the marines devil dogs ?
"Do an expose on the Harlem Hell raisers."
Desmond Doss' father was there , anyone know what regiment?
I'm not sure but I think my great-uncle Joe Opdahl who has my Grandma Goranson's brother fought here. I remember he was fighting in the area according to his obituary. He never talked about his own experiences but as I studied the war when I got older I understood why. The fighting was the worst. Seeing your buddies blown to bits or shot to pieces would have shook up anyone's mind.
I am going to be visiting the belleau wood battlefield in mid September 2024. I am thinking of hiring a local guide. Does anyone know such a guide that they could recommend parting you have personal knowledge. I don’t speak French so would need a guide fluent in English. Thank you
I appreciate the fine video, but one quibble: @ 9:50 you state that "no reconnaissance had been performed" prior to the June 6th assault, but "On the night of the fourth Lieut. [William Alfred] Eddy, the intelligence officer of the Sixth [Regiment (Marines), 2nd Division, A.E.F.], with two [enlisted] men stole through the German lines and penetrated almost as far as Torcy." They reported that "the Germans were organizing in the woods and were consolidating their machine gun positions, so that a sortie in force seemed not unlikely." Quotes from the NY Sun newspaper, March 9, 1919, by Brig. Gen. A. W. Catlin. See also the wiki page for "Col. William Alfred Eddy".
Lieut. Eddy received the Navy Cross, Army Distinguished Service Medal, and the Silver Star for this reconnaissance (purple heart on for wounds on the 26th), so there was partial awareness of what was in the woods, and it was appreciated at the time, however terrible the ultimate cost in casualties during the battle.