Several viewers have taken issue with the note that Australians were only eligible for the Victoria Cross until 1991. To clarify, Australia left the British honors system in 1991, and Australians are no longer eligible for the Victoria Cross. Rather, the award was replaced within an Australian honors system, and is now called the Victoria Cross for Australia.
The awards made before 1991 are often referred to as the Imperial Victoria Cross, post 1991 your naming conventions are correct.Interestingly retrospective awards can be made as such is the case with Ordinary Seaman Edward "Teddy" Sheehan, who is the Royal Australian Navy's only recipient, the awarding action fought during the Second World War yet he is awarded a "Victoria Cross for Australia"
Australian military members are still eligible for the British Victoria Cross if they serve with the British Military. Many do on exchange and one received the British VC while serving in Afghanistan.
Bill Newton was a student of Melbourne Grammar School and the school holds his Victoria Cross on display in the Memorial Hall with another student's V.C from WWI. As a Maintenance Carpenter at the school of 16 years service, I have had the honour and privilege to have installed the bolts and frame that I concreted into the wall for both of the frames upon which the display cases are mounted. I also routinely perform the Half Mast Flag duties for ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day Ceremonies atop the flag tower base at the top of the school Witherby Clock Tower. Having served in the Australian Army Reserve in Signals and later the Engineers, these are solemn duties for me. The foyer of the Memorial Hall bears the names of students who were amongst the fallen in WWI and WWII. There is also an Honour Board for students who served in the South African Boer War. There is also a small wall plaque displaying the tarnished, dinged and bullet holed brass plaque that was attached to one of two Model T Ambulances that O.M.s (Old Melbournian students) raised the funds to purchase for service on the Western Front in Flanders during WWI. Winston Churchill was serving as a Major in the same area at the time. The Ambulance was destroyed by shell fire and a Sgt from the RMC (Royal Medical Corps) later rescued the plaque from the vehicle. His family found the plaque amongst his belongings at home after he passed away and they returned the plaque to the School. Mark Fryer, Melbourne Grammar School, Maintenance Carpenter.
My dad was 5th AF B-24 crew in New Guinea. He grew up in Missouri and had done a lot of hunting and camping. He said New Guinea would be a miserable and dangerous place to camp even in peacetime. I am very thankful for all those of the "greatest generation" like my father who were able to survive and then restart their interrupted and forever changed lives. But the real heroes, just like this fine young Australian man, did not come home. RIP
At 66, I still find it difficult to reconcile the peaceful Japan we have known for decades with that of 80-some years ago. Japan’s war machine was as brutal and inhumane as any that has ever existed. For a culture so wrapped up in honor, it is ironic and appalling that for the Japanese, there was no such thing as honor among combatant soldiers. Lt. Newton should have come home from the war, but instead, the Japanese executed him in a disrespectful and dishonorable way.
The imperial Japanese idea of honor wasn’t about fair treatment of one’s enemies, only loyalty and commitment. That’s how they were able to see themselves as honorable and superior while committing atrocities
I am the son of an American Army Captain and Fillapino mother. What they both went through and survived, I’m sure UA-cam and is WOKE algorithms would never let me describe here. But I can say, during that time. There was nothing Honorable about the Japanese . Many people here in the United States sometimes though my mom Racist. But the fact of the matter is. She didn’t hold any Racist feelings towards the Japanese. They simply were the Enemy . And after what she saw, went through, and survived. No one with a brain could blame her. RIP Mom, you are missed.
This was the mindset of the military and not necessarily of all Japanese civilians. My mother taught voice at the Miyagi School for Girls in Sendai between 1934-1938 before Ambassador Grew strongly and personally suggested she leave for home soonest during a recital at the embassy in 1938. Military pounding on doors at the small hours of the morning to collect metal pots and pans for the war in China - it was a stressful environment for the civilian populace as well. Still, she made life-long friends that connected after the war concluded and remained close for the remainder of their lives often visiting us.
Excellent! Had heard about Newtons VC, but not his death. My grandfather fought the Japanese in the islands with the 2nd AIF. He never forgave their brutality, to those fighting them as well as the islanders (whom he loved). He survived and died with Japanese lead in his leg in his 80s.
It’s a small thing, but the respect you show in using the British (and Empire, as it then was) pronunciation of “lieutenant” when referring to Newton’s rank, is noted and appreciated.
As an Aussie who lives near a RAAF base that plays home to P-8A Poseidon aircraft that practice fly over my house at least a dozen times a week I love that you’re covering this! The base has a small historical tour that provides a glimpse of this as well.
Thank you for the lesson. For those of us who are American and know little about other countries efforts in WW2. Port Moresby on Papua New Guinea was a vital location in the South Pacific. If it fell into enemy hands, Austrailia would have been in range of Japanese aircraft. The Battle of the Kokoda Track was a desperate brutal fight under the harshest of jungle and mountain conditions.
Australia was in range of Japanese aircraft and did come under attack with the "Battle of Darwin" (our Pearl Harbour) being the most well known. The top end of Australia from Western Australia across the Northern Territory and over Queensland were bombed a total of 111 times by the Japanese. Then there were the sub attacks in Sydney harbour and the sea battles off our shores, HMAS Sydney was lost to a German raider off the Western Australian coast.
There were more Japanese aircraft on the first raid on Darwin in 1942 than there were on the Pearl Harbour raid. Multiple Australian cities, including Darwin, Broome and Townsville, were bombed on multiple occasions between 1942 and 1944.
Bit of additional background - Port Moresby was an extremely hot base, under attack regularly. Salamaua was also a critical objective for the land attack and Bostons were also not heavy-duty aircraft like Beaufighters and modified B25s. Good work by a good bloke, would be the Australian interpretation
"I've been trying to imagine... just 23 years old, do the things he did, and I marvel at it." The Greatest Generation, indeed. The nephew isn't alone. Lots of others marvel at it as well, myself included, in no small measure. Sir, his words, and the way you told them to us, honestly made me weep. I was listening whilst at work, as I am want to do. I am in flooring, we install for production homebuilders. I'm alone a lot of the day, and catch your episodes as I'm working. Im glad i was alone for that one. And boy, did that one catch me... Thank you for your always reverant when you need to be historical storytelling. Sometimes, its not history that needs to be remebered; its history that needs to be known. G~❤
No one seems to be able to describe the "uncommon valor" in those who go well beyond the call. Those who can be asked about their uncommon bravery always say, TO THE MAN "I was only doing my job/duty" believing that they were not doing anything remarkable, and do it again, believing the same. God bless them all. I wonder, would you or I be able to :go beyond the call"? Old Muttley (on the left) Gives this mana proper RIGHT handed salute. I just wish I could give more than one thumbs up, at least a dozen. ;-)
A wonderful tribute to Lt. Newton, someone I'm sure I never would have heard about otherwise! His story made me think of my grandmother's cousin, Sergeant G.C. Hughes, Jr. He was reported MIA while aboard a U.S. Army Air Corps bomber over Leyte in 1944. He was awarded an Air Medal a few months later, but no trace of him was ever found. RIP Lt. Newton, Sergeant Hughes, and everyone else lost in WWII.
My grandfather taught American pilots for WW2 and I grew up hearing about the RAAF and RAF, it is so strange to me that people don't know about their contributions to the war effort but then history is taught in such a limited scope. Thank you for sharing the things the textbooks left out.
What a true hero William Ellis Newton was! He was just a boy as were most of them. My father & 4 uncles, 3 of which were dad’s brothers all served in New Guinea during WW2. Dad was in the 2nd AIF Heavy Anti-aircraft regiment. He told me of the brutality he & his mates encountered during those years there. He’d heard of the beheadings of our soldiers, & allies during that time. Dad stayed behind at wars end in New Guinea to help repatriate our POW’s. He described our boys as living skeletons. He never forgave the Japanese! He, & his brothers all came home thank God, but all carried the scars for the rest of their days. “Lest We Forget”.
Whoa. I typically skip ad reads but I actually meet those guys at warbirds over scone this year! They showed me the fuselage and I bought 3 merlin engine valves as presents. They threw in one from a Packard.. Great project and great folks.
Very interesting story. I live not far from a military aircraft museum that has regular flying days, including two spitfires. This airfield used to be an initial training base for WW2 RAAF pilots. Many of my family live very close to a RAAF airbase. The son of a good friend of mine is a RAAF squadron leader. Also, I used to fly. So, this story was of much interest for me.
I lived in Papua New Guinea back in 1984 and immediately recognized the photo of Port Moresby. It had changed dramatically by the time I was there, but there are still unmistakable landmarks like the boat ramp where the Yacht Club is that say this is Port Moresby. While living there I had the opportunity to visit the WWII cemeteries outside both Port Moresby and Lae. They were immaculately tendered for, but there was this overwhelming feeling of grief, despair and even horror at the loss they remind us of. They truly are a testament to the futile waste of humanity war brings. II believe the Ode of Remembrance as recited in Returned Soldiers League Clubs around Australia, Papua New Guinea and other Pacific Island Nations, each day around sunset sums it up very well. "They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning we shall remember them." "LEST WE FORGET"
His mother's name, Minnie, is the same as my mother. As to his daring in battle, he definitely deserved his V.C. However, he had a crew, and we never hear about themn, or the crews of other medal recipients. These leaders put not only themselves, but their crews also. We never know if the crews were as brave as their officers. I wonder if these leaders were justified in exposing their crews to extra danger without the crew members permission. It is one thing to place yourself in extreme danger and placing your crewmen lives at such extreme risk of dying. In the case of an American bomber pilot, another 10 men may also die some of whom may be husbands and fathers.
Everyone born since 1945 owes a debt to the soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen of the Allied forces a debt that could never be repaid. Great work as usual, Lance.
This is a little side note to your excellent presentation on Bill Newton. In the early 90's I believe it was, the RAAF recovered 2 Boston aircraft from the jungles of New Guinea and eventually restored them to excellent static display standard. One was a 22 SQN Boston which suffered a brake failure on landing, the result of enemy action, and ran off the edge of the airfield. It had a broken back and thus was written off. The other is a USAAC Boston but I'm uncertain of it's history. The RAAF aircraft is now on display at the RAAF Museum at Point Cook, Victoria and the other, the USAAC aircraft, is currently held on display at the RAAF Heritage centre at RAAF Base Amberley, QLD, for ultimate delivery to the PNG Defence forces. They're beautiful looking aircraft and beautifully restored, a tribute to all who flew them. As a personal note, I was a RAAF Engineer Officer and served with the RAAF Museum on my final posting.
The island off nz i used to live on, a gypsy moth used to land on the island to deliver mail and supplies back after the war . And one ran out of gas and landed in this patch of bush , he walked out until he found a Shepard on a horse who was able to give him a ride to pick up some fuel then back to his plane and to get out the pilot had to tie the back end to a tree and get the Shepard to cut the rope when he built up enough power for short takeoff
For 14 & 3/4 years I served in the RAAF at 76 Squadron and 77 Squadron. I got to meet some of the WWII veterans. Their stories were both fantastic and dark. Both the Squadrons were formed to protect Australia. I met the daughter of the Commando Warrant Officer who led Operation Rimau after Operation Jaywick. Thankfully the Japan of today in no way reflects the brutal Japanese of WWII.
My father was a navigator on a Beauford Bomber in New Guinea in WWII, badly wounded by sharpanel in his plane. Earlier had fought hand to hand with the Japanese as they tried to take the airfield at Milne Bay. Only really began to detest the Japanese after he was part of the forces who repatriated the PoW's from Changi Prison in Singapore after the end of the war and saw what their brutality and utter inhumanity had wrought on the surrendered soldiers. He never forgave them. Interestingly enough he always wanted to go to Japan in his later life for Cherry Blossom season. Talk about the duality and contradictions of man hey?
Thank you for a very good video, giving the RAAF a good rap. As an ex RAAF(ie) for 19 years with an uncle who served for 33 years from WW2 and my father served as army millita in Paupa New Guinea in WW2 I appreciate Australia getting recognised by those other than Australians.
The brutality of the Japanese military machine during the war was truly unrivaled. This was especially true when it came to allied pilots. They cared not a whit for the Geneva Conventions, and yet far fewer Japanese war criminals were ever prosecuted than Nazi war criminals. The genocidal actions against the Chinese (for example, Nanjing) taken together with the aforementioned war crimes leads one to question this seeming imbalance in bringing Japanese war criminals to justice. Quite the impressive and harrowing story. It saddened and angered and inspired awe in me at the same time. Keep up the excellent work!!
To be clear, I think the actions done were completely horrific and beyond the pale, but I want to clarify one thing, simply because we are here for history. The first of the Geneva Conventions wasn't until 1949, long after WWII. The Geneva Conventions exist _because of_ WWII (and other atrocities). They couldn't care about something that didn't yet exist. That said, the reason we don't commit war crimes, crimes against humanity, and various atrocities isn't "because the Geneva Convention says so" but because _humans shouldn't treat other humans like that_ and we kinda thought we were vaguely on the same page on that for the most part. Turns out the average person was all in agreement on that idea, but once things like war and extremism and such got really going, people all over were surprisingly willing to start treating other humans as worse than animals. Sure, some were way worse than others, but if you look at history as a whole, not a lot of societies have clean hands even if we are really lenient. The reasons for the WWII Japanese soldiers behaving how they did and commiting the atrocities they did are varied and complex, but a major factor was that a literal divine emperor told them these people and lands needed to be conquered, and their military leadership and propaganda pushed that as these people being subhuman or at least impeding divine will. Whether or not an individual believed the emperor was divine didn't matter as much when basically everyone around them did and was pushing them to act in certain ways, and potentially endangering them if they didn't. It didn't matter if the idea came from the emperor if people thought it was what he wanted them to do to win at all costs. And that is only part of one possible factor. I suspect part of why they weren't prosecuted as much was the US was basically in charge of remaking Japan into what it wanted it to be, the emperor got demoted to mortal human, that the US dropped atomic bombs on two Japanese cities, and a general feeling that the whole populace was brainwashed because of how history and religion were used... but probably mostly the first few... the allies punished Japan and the emperor not individuals because it is more collectivist (and was especially collectivist at the time). In Germany they punished individuals for taking individual actions instead. Right or wrong, that is how it played out.
Each year 22SQN commemorates his dedicated service with the Bill Newton Dinner held at RAAF Base Richmond NSW where the Governor of NSW is the patron. It was a great honour to be the Unit WOFF at such occasions. Conflict with the Japanese and the communists have a special relevance to my career. Particularly given my wife lost her father in the first incident of the second Malaysian/Malayan Emergency (one of the 17 killed by the MCP). She was just four years of age on that fateful day (17 Jun 1968) and her only brother never got to be nursed by her dad.
One correction, American did not declare war on Germany two days after the Pearl Harbor attack. Rather, Germany and Italy declared war on the USA, after the USA declared war on Japan.
As well researched and factually accurate as always (military aviation being something of an obsession, initiated by my father, the late Dr J. D. Nelms, a research scientist at the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough, UK in the early 1960s).
Thank you for this testimony of how original Australian spirit was so special… I am so proud of that generation of Australian’s and so ashamed of the current way government is destroying Australia.. Lest We Forget
There's a whole day dedicated to it coming up. And this video. Countless memorials around Australia and the world. Cemetaries in foreign lands many tended by the decendants of the enemies forces. You are welcome to start your own you tube channel. It would be very successful. If you actually wanted to DO something to honour those who sacrificed - research, writing, producing etc.
A wonderful documentary so well done. Too many use AI with all the mistakes that entail. My father cousin was in the RAAF and name's at the Australian War Memorial. A Lancaster gunner I was told shot down over the Hooke Netherlands (please forgive me where I get the spelling or something else wrong). Online it says cause of death air battle Belgium, Rex was dad's favourite cousin. My maternal grandfather a Gallipoli ANZAC, all my uncles on both sides and both my parents served. Mum being the odd one out being RAAF with crabs on her shoulders (fists clenching lightning) the rest were 2nd AIF. Dad says he been in a Sunderland not of Coastal Command but a Qantas and Imperial Airways flying boat. When 90, nearly half his squadron flew from Townsville to Port Moresby. Then by Dakota to Wau to reinforce Kanga Force. My dad and his brother Syd's mob didn't take prisoners (you can't when behind enemy lines) and by then they said they never be taken alive. So last bullet for yourself it wasn't some death before dishonour thing. It was because they never want to fell into the hands of the Kempi Tan (everybody hated the Kempi Tan even the Japanese) and be tortured then killed. They were of 2nd7th Independent Company later 2nd7th Cav Commando Squadron 2nd6th Commando Regiment. The silent seventh double brown diamond. Dad always had great respect for the Japanese.
Actually, Australia left the British honours system in 1975, not 1991. It’s really semantics. The VC for Australia is identical to the VC. It still needs the ultimate approval of the Monarch, as do all Australian honours, through his representative, the Governor General of Australia. This is because Australia’s Head of State is still the King. Many Australians are confused as well, and still believe Australian honours do not need Royal approval. Until/if we become a republic, this situation will remain.
My neighbour,-Mr Doug-West,-from Hazelbrook,N.S.W. was a mechanic on Bostons in New-guinea,in W.W.2--they use to drink at a pub,in Morseby,-that Errol-Flynn used to drink at in the 30's--before he became famous,--the barman complained that Flynn owed the pub 100pound bar bill (200$)-he wrote to Errol saying "now that your a big-shot,how about paying your bar-bill ??"--after a couple of months Flynn sent back a framed picture of himself,saying "kiss-my -arse"--that picture hung in that bar,-for years !!--Mr West,had some fantastic stories !! R.I.P.
@@techo61 When Mr.West told me that story,-I nearly peed myself laughing!!--after the war he owned a Copra-Boat-called the Miamuna-& worked around the Islands,-& helped with "clean-up"of a lot equipment left over from the war .
my late father was a survivor of the infamous death railway.backin the 70,s there was a move by the WA government to invite the japanese consul to lay a wreath on anzac day in a spirit of reconciliation.I pointed this out to my father.He said if they do that I will never attend an anzac day service again.
HG, Australian service personnel are still eligible to receive the VC though it is now an Australian award rather than an Imperial award. It has been awarded only five times since it became a national award in 1991.
The history of this man is inspiring! The watch is beautiful, and I covet it greatly. But at $1,700 bucks it's something that I will only have in my dreams. THANK YOU for another great video.
For any Americans watching the Victoria Cross is on the same level as the Congressional Medal of Honor. Very hard to win, and usually granted posthumously
Very powerful! So young and yet so determined to do his utmost for his country. The letter that was sent home from one of the squadron mate shows that whoever you are, you can make a difference. How much of a difference will you make?
I would think that broadcasting such a heinous wartime act like a beheading would inflame and galvanize the resolve of the other soldiers, not de-moralize them.
I don't have staff researchers- I did the research and script for this episode. But I do have various other people who write scripts, and they are the primary researchers on those. There is a spot in the description that indicates who wrote the script.
My dad saw combat in Korea. He said there were 2 groups of folks you never crossed, allies though they were. The Turks and the Aussies. Glad they were allies!
Bless you sir love your nod to our pronunciations leftenant and aluminium. Did you know that the reason you use thru etc was as a result of print cost per letter in the USA. Cheers!
That is a Man. A Brave One. A Loyal one. The Japanese at the time, who craved honor and bravery. The Japanese were neither Brave or Honorable. They were cowards. They should have honored this Australian. But instead, they couldn't handle that he was a better man than they.
It would be fitting ONE DAY if you could do a story on australia first set battle in ww2 the battle of Bardia in North Africa i feel many Australians still do not know about it ,a battle much never told about ,keep up your good work .
You might be interested in the history of Adrian Warburton - a PR pilot in Malta and the Mediterranean. Very little press for "the most important pilot in the RAF" purportedly from Air Marshall Sir Arthur Tedder. Not many pilots one both the RAF and US DFC.
Lance, just a small correction, Australians are still eligible to receive the Victoria Cross, with our last recipient an Afghanistan veteran. That privilege was never taken away from us, nor from Canada, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea or Fiji.
@@TheHistoryGuyChannel To be fair the VC hasn't been a British honour since 1867, as recently as Vietnam a VC was awarded, in a conflict Britain wasn't in! It would have been more accurate to say the VC is the Commonwealth's highest award (regardless of the variety), they are all approved by the head of the Commonwealth.
Several viewers have taken issue with the note that Australians were only eligible for the Victoria Cross until 1991. To clarify, Australia left the British honors system in 1991, and Australians are no longer eligible for the Victoria Cross. Rather, the award was replaced within an Australian honors system, and is now called the Victoria Cross for Australia.
The awards made before 1991 are often referred to as the Imperial Victoria Cross, post 1991 your naming conventions are correct.Interestingly retrospective awards can be made as such is the case with Ordinary Seaman Edward "Teddy" Sheehan, who is the Royal Australian Navy's only recipient, the awarding action fought during the Second World War yet he is awarded a "Victoria Cross for Australia"
It was 1975 when the Australian Honours System was implemented.
Australian military members are still eligible for the British Victoria Cross if they serve with the British Military. Many do on exchange and one received the British VC while serving in Afghanistan.
@@David-d4k9k Yes it was, however the VC of A was not (re)instituted until 1991.
😊😊
Bill Newton was a student of Melbourne Grammar School and the school holds his Victoria Cross on display in the Memorial Hall with another student's V.C from WWI. As a Maintenance Carpenter at the school of 16 years service, I have had the honour and privilege to have installed the bolts and frame that I concreted into the wall for both of the frames upon which the display cases are mounted. I also routinely perform the Half Mast Flag duties for ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day Ceremonies atop the flag tower base at the top of the school Witherby Clock Tower. Having served in the Australian Army Reserve in Signals and later the Engineers, these are solemn duties for me. The foyer of the Memorial Hall bears the names of students who were amongst the fallen in WWI and WWII. There is also an Honour Board for students who served in the South African Boer War.
There is also a small wall plaque displaying the tarnished, dinged and bullet holed brass plaque that was attached to one of two Model T Ambulances that O.M.s (Old Melbournian students) raised the funds to purchase for service on the Western Front in Flanders during WWI. Winston Churchill was serving as a Major in the same area at the time.
The Ambulance was destroyed by shell fire and a Sgt from the RMC (Royal Medical Corps) later rescued the plaque from the vehicle. His family found the plaque amongst his belongings at home after he passed away and they returned the plaque to the School.
Mark Fryer, Melbourne Grammar School, Maintenance Carpenter.
The word "Hero" has been over used of late, but THIS is most certainly the EPITOME of a wartime hero!
My dad was 5th AF B-24 crew in New Guinea. He grew up in Missouri and had done a lot of hunting and camping. He said New Guinea would be a miserable and dangerous place to camp even in peacetime. I am very thankful for all those of the "greatest generation" like my father who were able to survive and then restart their interrupted and forever changed lives. But the real heroes, just like this fine young Australian man, did not come home. RIP
At 66, I still find it difficult to reconcile the peaceful Japan we have known for decades with that of 80-some years ago. Japan’s war machine was as brutal and inhumane as any that has ever existed. For a culture so wrapped up in honor, it is ironic and appalling that for the Japanese, there was no such thing as honor among combatant soldiers. Lt. Newton should have come home from the war, but instead, the Japanese executed him in a disrespectful and dishonorable way.
The imperial Japanese idea of honor wasn’t about fair treatment of one’s enemies, only loyalty and commitment. That’s how they were able to see themselves as honorable and superior while committing atrocities
I am the son of an American Army Captain and Fillapino mother. What they both went through and survived, I’m sure UA-cam and is WOKE algorithms would never let me describe here. But I can say, during that time. There was nothing Honorable about the Japanese . Many people here in the United States sometimes though my mom Racist. But the fact of the matter is. She didn’t hold any Racist feelings towards the Japanese. They simply were the Enemy . And after what she saw, went through, and survived. No one with a brain could blame her. RIP Mom, you are missed.
That's why I have no bad feelings about the atomic bombings.
@@danm936 - So you would rather have had about 500,000 casualties of our people?
This was the mindset of the military and not necessarily of all Japanese civilians. My mother taught voice at the Miyagi School for Girls in Sendai between 1934-1938 before Ambassador Grew strongly and personally suggested she leave for home soonest during a recital at the embassy in 1938. Military pounding on doors at the small hours of the morning to collect metal pots and pans for the war in China - it was a stressful environment for the civilian populace as well. Still, she made life-long friends that connected after the war concluded and remained close for the remainder of their lives often visiting us.
I find myself lacking when compared to the greatest generation, thank God for men like this.
Very touching, especially how his life ended given that an uncle of mine was a POW and 6 of his buddies suffered the same fate, brings me to tears
Excellent! Had heard about Newtons VC, but not his death. My grandfather fought the Japanese in the islands with the 2nd AIF. He never forgave their brutality, to those fighting them as well as the islanders (whom he loved). He survived and died with Japanese lead in his leg in his 80s.
Yes mu uncles who fought at Milne Bay and my Mother who looked after returning POW's from the Japanese never forgave them.
My Father was at Milne Bay and Buna and till the day he died he dispised them.
Remember Sandakan
It’s a small thing, but the respect you show in using the British (and Empire, as it then was) pronunciation of “lieutenant” when referring to Newton’s rank, is noted and appreciated.
"The H in herb is supposed to be silent, like the F in lietenant."
As an Aussie who lives near a RAAF base that plays home to P-8A Poseidon aircraft that practice fly over my house at least a dozen times a week I love that you’re covering this! The base has a small historical tour that provides a glimpse of this as well.
I spent my 21 years in the Navy in or around the P-3. I’d kill to get a look inside the P-8.
The Australian warrior-ethos combined with the best hardware is FORMIDABLE.
Thank you for the lesson.
For those of us who are American and know little about other countries efforts in WW2.
Port Moresby on Papua New Guinea was a vital location in the South Pacific.
If it fell into enemy hands, Austrailia would have been in range of Japanese aircraft.
The Battle of the Kokoda Track was a desperate brutal fight under the harshest of jungle and mountain conditions.
The UA-cam channel hypohisterical history has long descriptions and analysis of the New Guinea campaigns from the Australian point of view.
Australia was in range of Japanese aircraft and did come under attack with the "Battle of Darwin" (our Pearl Harbour) being the most well known. The top end of Australia from Western Australia across the Northern Territory and over Queensland were bombed a total of 111 times by the Japanese. Then there were the sub attacks in Sydney harbour and the sea battles off our shores, HMAS Sydney was lost to a German raider off the Western Australian coast.
@@1936Studebaker Thank for the information.
There were more Japanese aircraft on the first raid on Darwin in 1942 than there were on the Pearl Harbour raid. Multiple Australian cities, including Darwin, Broome and Townsville, were bombed on multiple occasions between 1942 and 1944.
@@greybirdo Thank you for the information.
The Kings and Generals channel did an excellent job of documenting the South Pacific region during WWII. The Aussie were a hell of a fighting force.
Bit of additional background - Port Moresby was an extremely hot base, under attack regularly. Salamaua was also a critical objective for the land attack and Bostons were also not heavy-duty aircraft like Beaufighters and modified B25s. Good work by a good bloke, would be the Australian interpretation
"I've been trying to imagine... just 23 years old, do the things he did, and I marvel at it."
The Greatest Generation, indeed.
The nephew isn't alone. Lots of others marvel at it as well, myself included, in no small measure.
Sir, his words, and the way you told them to us, honestly made me weep. I was listening whilst at work, as I am want to do. I am in flooring, we install for production homebuilders. I'm alone a lot of the day, and catch your episodes as I'm working. Im glad i was alone for that one.
And boy, did that one catch me...
Thank you for your always reverant when you need to be historical storytelling.
Sometimes, its not history that needs to be remebered; its history that needs to be known.
G~❤
Thank you Sir. 🇦🇺💙
No one seems to be able to describe the "uncommon valor" in those who go well beyond the call. Those who can be asked about their uncommon bravery always say, TO THE MAN "I was only doing my job/duty" believing that they were not doing anything remarkable, and do it again, believing the same. God bless them all. I wonder, would you or I be able to :go beyond the call"?
Old Muttley (on the left) Gives this mana proper RIGHT handed salute. I just wish I could give more than one thumbs up, at least a dozen. ;-)
Blue skies and a tailwind for ya mate. As you fly west, salute.
This hits close to home my grandfather was stationed at New Guinea on the 7mile strip as a Air traffic controller.
One of your best and that's saying a mouthful! An admirable man who died nobly by an ignoble act. HE EARNED his VC! RIP.
A wonderful tribute to Lt. Newton, someone I'm sure I never would have heard about otherwise! His story made me think of my grandmother's cousin, Sergeant G.C. Hughes, Jr. He was reported MIA while aboard a U.S. Army Air Corps bomber over Leyte in 1944. He was awarded an Air Medal a few months later, but no trace of him was ever found. RIP Lt. Newton, Sergeant Hughes, and everyone else lost in WWII.
My grandfather taught American pilots for WW2 and I grew up hearing about the RAAF and RAF, it is so strange to me that people don't know about their contributions to the war effort but then history is taught in such a limited scope. Thank you for sharing the things the textbooks left out.
What a true hero William Ellis Newton was! He was just a boy as were most of them. My father & 4 uncles, 3 of which were dad’s brothers all served in New Guinea during WW2. Dad was in the 2nd AIF Heavy Anti-aircraft regiment. He told me of the brutality he & his mates encountered during those years there. He’d heard of the beheadings of our soldiers, & allies during that time. Dad stayed behind at wars end in New Guinea to help repatriate our POW’s. He described our boys as living skeletons. He never forgave the Japanese! He, & his brothers all came home thank God, but all carried the scars for the rest of their days. “Lest We Forget”.
My Uncle was a Sunderland pilot in 10 squadron, in Britain, for Coastal Command.
He did three tours of duty in WW2.
Whoa. I typically skip ad reads but I actually meet those guys at warbirds over scone this year! They showed me the fuselage and I bought 3 merlin engine valves as presents. They threw in one from a Packard.. Great project and great folks.
Very interesting story. I live not far from a military aircraft museum that has regular flying days, including two spitfires. This airfield used to be an initial training base for WW2 RAAF pilots. Many of my family live very close to a RAAF airbase. The son of a good friend of mine is a RAAF squadron leader. Also, I used to fly. So, this story was of much interest for me.
I lived in Papua New Guinea back in 1984 and immediately recognized the photo of Port Moresby. It had changed dramatically by the time I was there, but there are still unmistakable landmarks like the boat ramp where the Yacht Club is that say this is Port Moresby. While living there I had the opportunity to visit the WWII cemeteries outside both Port Moresby and Lae. They were immaculately tendered for, but there was this overwhelming feeling of grief, despair and even horror at the loss they remind us of. They truly are a testament to the futile waste of humanity war brings.
II believe the Ode of Remembrance as recited in Returned Soldiers League Clubs around Australia, Papua New Guinea and other Pacific Island Nations, each day around sunset sums it up very well.
"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning we shall remember them."
"LEST WE FORGET"
Rash young man, fearless and a leader.
His mother's name, Minnie, is the same as my mother. As to his daring in battle, he definitely deserved his V.C. However, he had a crew, and we never hear about themn, or the crews of other medal recipients. These leaders put not only themselves, but their crews also. We never know if the crews were as brave as their officers. I wonder if these leaders were justified in exposing their crews to extra danger without the crew members permission. It is one thing to place yourself in extreme danger and placing your crewmen lives at such extreme risk of dying. In the case of an American bomber pilot, another 10 men may also die some of whom may be husbands and fathers.
@@williamromine5715 I thought when listening to the story that repeating tactics was very dangerous.
Good morning from Connecticut, fellow students. I was waiting outside the door but for some reason it didn’t open until 8:05!
Everyone born since 1945 owes a debt to the soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen of the Allied forces a debt that could never be repaid. Great work as usual, Lance.
THG...it's the best way to start the day.
His crew member Flight Sergeant Lyon was bayoneted to death also. Lest We Forget.
My father William Guest was in 22 Squadron. He was wounded while serving in Morotai in the Pacific and became a medical orderly.
This is a little side note to your excellent presentation on Bill Newton.
In the early 90's I believe it was, the RAAF recovered 2 Boston aircraft from the jungles of New Guinea and eventually restored them to excellent static display standard. One was a 22 SQN Boston which suffered a brake failure on landing, the result of enemy action, and ran off the edge of the airfield. It had a broken back and thus was written off. The other is a USAAC Boston but I'm uncertain of it's history. The RAAF aircraft is now on display at the RAAF Museum at Point Cook, Victoria and the other, the USAAC aircraft, is currently held on display at the RAAF Heritage centre at RAAF Base Amberley, QLD, for ultimate delivery to the PNG Defence forces. They're beautiful looking aircraft and beautifully restored, a tribute to all who flew them. As a personal note, I was a RAAF Engineer Officer and served with the RAAF Museum on my final posting.
The island off nz i used to live on, a gypsy moth used to land on the island to deliver mail and supplies back after the war . And one ran out of gas and landed in this patch of bush , he walked out until he found a Shepard on a horse who was able to give him a ride to pick up some fuel then back to his plane and to get out the pilot had to tie the back end to a tree and get the Shepard to cut the rope when he built up enough power for short takeoff
I’ve been honoured to stand at his graveside in Lae - he is not forgotten in his homeland- lest we forget
For 14 & 3/4 years I served in the RAAF at 76 Squadron and 77 Squadron. I got to meet some of the WWII veterans. Their stories were both fantastic and dark. Both the Squadrons were formed to protect Australia. I met the daughter of the Commando Warrant Officer who led Operation Rimau after Operation Jaywick. Thankfully the Japan of today in no way reflects the brutal Japanese of WWII.
My father was a navigator on a Beauford Bomber in New Guinea in WWII, badly wounded by sharpanel in his plane. Earlier had fought hand to hand with the Japanese as they tried to take the airfield at Milne Bay.
Only really began to detest the Japanese after he was part of the forces who repatriated the PoW's from Changi Prison in Singapore after the end of the war and saw what their brutality and utter inhumanity had wrought on the surrendered soldiers. He never forgave them.
Interestingly enough he always wanted to go to Japan in his later life for Cherry Blossom season. Talk about the duality and contradictions of man hey?
Thank you for a very good video, giving the RAAF a good rap. As an ex RAAF(ie) for 19 years with an uncle who served for 33 years from WW2 and my father served as army millita in Paupa New Guinea in WW2 I appreciate Australia getting recognised by those other than Australians.
The courage of Australians in war, is a matter of historic fact, that has continued to this day, and will continue.
The brutality of the Japanese military machine during the war was truly unrivaled. This was especially true when it came to allied pilots. They cared not a whit for the Geneva Conventions, and yet far fewer Japanese war criminals were ever prosecuted than Nazi war criminals. The genocidal actions against the Chinese (for example, Nanjing) taken together with the aforementioned war crimes leads one to question this seeming imbalance in bringing Japanese war criminals to justice. Quite the impressive and harrowing story. It saddened and angered and inspired awe in me at the same time. Keep up the excellent work!!
To be clear, I think the actions done were completely horrific and beyond the pale, but I want to clarify one thing, simply because we are here for history. The first of the Geneva Conventions wasn't until 1949, long after WWII. The Geneva Conventions exist _because of_ WWII (and other atrocities). They couldn't care about something that didn't yet exist.
That said, the reason we don't commit war crimes, crimes against humanity, and various atrocities isn't "because the Geneva Convention says so" but because _humans shouldn't treat other humans like that_ and we kinda thought we were vaguely on the same page on that for the most part.
Turns out the average person was all in agreement on that idea, but once things like war and extremism and such got really going, people all over were surprisingly willing to start treating other humans as worse than animals. Sure, some were way worse than others, but if you look at history as a whole, not a lot of societies have clean hands even if we are really lenient.
The reasons for the WWII Japanese soldiers behaving how they did and commiting the atrocities they did are varied and complex, but a major factor was that a literal divine emperor told them these people and lands needed to be conquered, and their military leadership and propaganda pushed that as these people being subhuman or at least impeding divine will. Whether or not an individual believed the emperor was divine didn't matter as much when basically everyone around them did and was pushing them to act in certain ways, and potentially endangering them if they didn't. It didn't matter if the idea came from the emperor if people thought it was what he wanted them to do to win at all costs. And that is only part of one possible factor.
I suspect part of why they weren't prosecuted as much was the US was basically in charge of remaking Japan into what it wanted it to be, the emperor got demoted to mortal human, that the US dropped atomic bombs on two Japanese cities, and a general feeling that the whole populace was brainwashed because of how history and religion were used... but probably mostly the first few... the allies punished Japan and the emperor not individuals because it is more collectivist (and was especially collectivist at the time). In Germany they punished individuals for taking individual actions instead. Right or wrong, that is how it played out.
@samarnadra you might want to look up the earlier Geneva Conventions going back to 1864?
Each year 22SQN commemorates his dedicated service with the Bill Newton Dinner held at RAAF Base Richmond NSW where the Governor of NSW is the patron.
It was a great honour to be the Unit WOFF at such occasions.
Conflict with the Japanese and the communists have a special relevance to my career. Particularly given my wife lost her father in the first incident of the second Malaysian/Malayan Emergency (one of the 17 killed by the MCP). She was just four years of age on that fateful day (17 Jun 1968) and her only brother never got to be nursed by her dad.
One correction, American did not declare war on Germany two days after the Pearl Harbor attack. Rather, Germany and Italy declared war on the USA, after the USA declared war on Japan.
The declarations happened both ways on the same day
This channel has long become my zen when out of town for cell towers carriers. Seriously
As well researched and factually accurate as always (military aviation being something of an obsession, initiated by my father, the late Dr J. D. Nelms, a research scientist at the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough, UK in the early 1960s).
Thank you for this testimony of how original Australian spirit was so special…
I am so proud of that generation of Australian’s and so ashamed of the current way government is destroying Australia..
Lest We Forget
Thank you, THG. You do choose some of the most amazing stories and repeat that history that needs to be remembered.
Thanks for the Bill Newton video
Thank you!
Canada, Australia and New Zealand instituted their own VC's in the late 90's. Australia awarded 3 of them during the Afghan War.
The A-20 Havoc / Boston was a design worthy of those winged-warriors.
The older I get, the more these stories bring pain. What happened to the tradition of remembering great acts of great men in great circumstance?
There's a whole day dedicated to it coming up. And this video. Countless memorials around Australia and the world. Cemetaries in foreign lands many tended by the decendants of the enemies forces. You are welcome to start your own you tube channel. It would be very successful. If you actually wanted to DO something to honour those who sacrificed - research, writing, producing etc.
A very BRAVE man indeed 👍
"It's funny how it's always the best chaps who go..."
That quote hits hard...
It does
A wonderful documentary so well done. Too many use AI with all the mistakes that entail. My father cousin was in the RAAF and name's at the Australian War Memorial. A Lancaster gunner I was told shot down over the Hooke Netherlands (please forgive me where I get the spelling or something else wrong). Online it says cause of death air battle Belgium, Rex was dad's favourite cousin.
My maternal grandfather a Gallipoli ANZAC, all my uncles on both sides and both my parents served. Mum being the odd one out being RAAF with crabs on her shoulders (fists clenching lightning) the rest were 2nd AIF.
Dad says he been in a Sunderland not of Coastal Command but a Qantas and Imperial Airways flying boat. When 90, nearly half his squadron flew from Townsville to Port Moresby. Then by Dakota to Wau to reinforce Kanga Force. My dad and his brother Syd's mob didn't take prisoners (you can't when behind enemy lines) and by then they said they never be taken alive. So last bullet for yourself it wasn't some death before dishonour thing. It was because they never want to fell into the hands of the Kempi Tan (everybody hated the Kempi Tan even the Japanese) and be tortured then killed. They were of 2nd7th Independent Company later 2nd7th Cav Commando Squadron 2nd6th Commando Regiment. The silent seventh double brown diamond. Dad always had great respect for the Japanese.
Most folks in their 20’s think they are invincible/invulnerable. I know I sure felt that way.
Awesome story once again THG.
Til Valhalla Firebug.
Brilliant documentary, Jesus bless all our veterans families and friends.🙏🕊️🇦🇺 Thanks
Thank You.
Iam a proud Australian... Thank you Sir.
A suggestion for one of your video's. Tom Drobney the 15 year old RAF pilot that flew on bombing missions over Germany as Captain.
Actually, Australia left the British honours system in 1975, not 1991. It’s really semantics. The VC for Australia is identical to the VC. It still needs the ultimate approval of the Monarch, as do all Australian honours, through his representative, the Governor General of Australia. This is because Australia’s Head of State is still the King. Many Australians are confused as well, and still believe Australian honours do not need Royal approval. Until/if we become a republic, this situation will remain.
Thank you for the moments of silence.
My neighbour,-Mr Doug-West,-from Hazelbrook,N.S.W. was a mechanic on Bostons in New-guinea,in W.W.2--they use to drink at a pub,in Morseby,-that Errol-Flynn used to drink at in the 30's--before he became famous,--the barman complained that Flynn owed the pub 100pound bar bill (200$)-he wrote to Errol saying "now that your a big-shot,how about paying your bar-bill ??"--after a couple of months Flynn sent back a framed picture of himself,saying "kiss-my -arse"--that picture hung in that bar,-for years !!--Mr West,had some fantastic stories !! R.I.P.
That framed "Kiss-my-arse" is worth more than any outstanding debt.
@@techo61 When Mr.West told me that story,-I nearly peed myself laughing!!--after the war he owned a Copra-Boat-called the Miamuna-& worked around the Islands,-& helped with "clean-up"of a lot equipment left over from the war .
As in Australian, I thank you for retailing the tail of this wonderful fellow.
my late father was a survivor of the infamous death railway.backin the 70,s there was a move by the WA government to invite the japanese consul to lay a wreath on anzac day in a spirit of reconciliation.I pointed this out to my father.He said if they do that I will never attend an anzac day service again.
Some men gave all for liberty and freedom. Rip valiant hero
Some gave some. Some gave all.
@@navret1707 I wasn't quoting anyone I was making my own comment but thanks for being a stickler for what I wasn't saying.
HG, Australian service personnel are still eligible to receive the VC though it is now an Australian award rather than an Imperial award. It has been awarded only five times since it became a national award in 1991.
Respectfully, it is a different award than that which Bill Newtown was awarded. Australia left the British honors system in 1991.
Greatly appreciate the respect you show to all who die in defence of their country/ culture. Take care dude
Love your channel.
Jeepers the account of Newton’s death hit me.
Fascinating.
The history of this man is inspiring! The watch is beautiful, and I covet it greatly. But at $1,700 bucks it's something that I will only have in my dreams. THANK YOU for another great video.
you always do such professional,interesting, and thought provoking videos in a concise comprehensible form.
For any Americans watching the Victoria Cross is on the same level as the Congressional Medal of Honor. Very hard to win, and usually granted posthumously
Not shite Sherlock!!!
Not to be critical, but they are not won, they are earned
There was a kiwi soldier named Charles Upham who was awarded two, I think he’s so far the only soldier to be given two Victoria Crosses.
@@ninjaskeleton6140 He is one of three. Though the other two were military surgeons. So it is fair say he is the only combat soldier to do it
Very powerful! So young and yet so determined to do his utmost for his country. The letter that was sent home from one of the squadron mate shows that whoever you are, you can make a difference. How much of a difference will you make?
I would think that broadcasting such a heinous wartime act like a beheading would inflame and galvanize the resolve of the other soldiers, not de-moralize them.
Perfect timing. I can watch before 8 PM. Then a good night to all
I'm amazed On the detail of your presentation. Do you have a staff of researchers?
I don't have staff researchers- I did the research and script for this episode. But I do have various other people who write scripts, and they are the primary researchers on those. There is a spot in the description that indicates who wrote the script.
My dad saw combat in Korea. He said there were 2 groups of folks you never crossed, allies though they were. The Turks and the Aussies. Glad they were allies!
you are correct in regards to the VC but its still the same award as the old one, nothing really changed
And our fathers coming home from the war continued to hate the japanese for decades, especially the few POWs who survived.
😓😓😓😓 They dont make young men like this anymore sadly. What a hero!!!!
How do you know? They haven’t been tested in the same way.
Yeah they do. you’re just not looking in the right places.
thank you
My uncles fought in New Guinea, Philippines and Okinawa they carried their hatred for the Japanese to the grave
I see you have the mug, or a copy of the mug from the movie 12:00 O'clock High! Good choice for your display!
Bless you sir love your nod to our pronunciations leftenant and aluminium. Did you know that the reason you use thru etc was as a result of print cost per letter in the USA. Cheers!
We walk in the footsteps of giants.
That is a Man. A Brave One. A Loyal one. The Japanese at the time, who craved honor and bravery. The Japanese were neither Brave or Honorable. They were cowards. They should have honored this Australian. But instead, they couldn't handle that he was a better man than they.
There is a lot of interesting info about the EAT scheme in Southern Rhodesia and perhaps the basis of a talk ?
It would be fitting ONE DAY if you could do a story on australia first set battle in ww2 the battle of Bardia in North Africa i feel many Australians still do not know about it ,a battle much never told about ,keep up your good work .
You might be interested in the history of Adrian Warburton - a PR pilot in Malta and the Mediterranean. Very little press for "the most important pilot in the RAF" purportedly from Air Marshall Sir Arthur Tedder. Not many pilots one both the RAF and US DFC.
Lance, just a small correction, Australians are still eligible to receive the Victoria Cross, with our last recipient an Afghanistan veteran. That privilege was never taken away from us, nor from Canada, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea or Fiji.
Australia left the British honors system in 1991. They are now awarded The Victoria Cross for Australia.
@@TheHistoryGuyChannel To be fair the VC hasn't been a British honour since 1867, as recently as Vietnam a VC was awarded, in a conflict Britain wasn't in! It would have been more accurate to say the VC is the Commonwealth's highest award (regardless of the variety), they are all approved by the head of the Commonwealth.
Fabulous and unknown story Thank You
Oh believe me, this is most definitely not 'unknown' as you put it. It is well known in many circles, it's just a shame you're on the outer.
@@techo61 Oh excuse me for my ignorance. You will further educate me no doubt
I appreciate you and thank you for making content.
This one is touching.
Good timing as ANZAC day is 11 days away. Thanks.
You’re mistaken, Australians are still eligible for the VC, for example 2 Australians have been awarded the VC for action in Afghanistan
The best. Thanks.
Forever Young...In God's Hands...
Long time re vids UA-cam algorithms must need adjusting as I have always enjoyed your History vids. Aussie Jeff Moore
Good Morning fellow history fans. Welcome to class. Please be seated.
Present 😎
Sorry I'm late classmates. I have a tardy pass.
You take your mind off of fire like pain of a severe bug bite by thinking about the heroic "Firebug" in WW2. 😜
I’m an announcer and public speaker, and your presentation style is on point. Have I heard you on TV or in documentaries before?
I have occasionally appeared on some television programs on the History channel.