He is still the only guy I know who says " secreted" to mean hidden instead of the normal meaning which is to excrete a substance, splodge, something like that.
As a German Historian who grew up and lives in Berchtesgaden and in fact has worked on the "Dokumentationszentrum Obersalzberg" (Documentation Center Obersalzberg) which anyone can visit, i'm naturally fascinated with everything related to the Obersazlberg, Kehlsteinhaus and of course all the former Buildings that are now Ruins or completely gone. In fact, there are still Families here who used Statues, Stones and even Furniture from those Places inside their Homes or Restaurants. Because after the War there naturally was a Lack of those Items so People took what they could. And i'm glad they did because they're all important Pieces of History and basically prevented them from getting destroyed. Prost & Cheers from Berchtesgaden in the Bavarian Alps
I was in Berchtesgaden about ten years ago, met some of the locals, and had a chance to see furniture that had made its way from the Berghof to local homes and shops. Was also fortunate to see a remarkable private collection of looted personal items....
@@apstrad I'm not surprised by that at all. One of my Grandfathers was part of the Allgemeine SS and briefly worked as Driver for Diplomats etc visiting Hitler and others up there. Later like many he went to the Waffen-SS and foughton the Eastern Front, then in Italy and then in the Battle of the Bulge (Ardennenoffensive for Germans) and after that in Hungary against the Soviets from which he succesfully fled back home and into US Territory (Something a ton of German Soldiers did to avoid the Gulag). He in fact is still alive and just turned 105 on 1st of September. And before anyone asks, yes he was checked, cleared like 4 Times between 1945 and 1970. He ended up helping US Military regarding Soviet Forces and his Experience fighting Communist Partisans and even once was invited to speak infront of US Military Personnel on that Topic. He ended up becoming Friends with many US WW2 Veterans, including People he fought in the Battle of the Bulge. So i grew up meeting many of them together with him and his former Waffen SS Comrades, usually during BBQ which helped me understand that former Enemies necessarily don't have to hate eachother andn that's what got me into becoming a Historian. Prost & Cheers from Berchtesgaden
My grandfather was an infantry Captain during WW2 in the US 100th Division. After the fighting was over, he visited the wrecked Berghof during occupation. He brought back a piece of slightly melted glass he had picked up off the floor in the room where the big retractable window had been. I still have that piece of glass.
@@ottoskorzeny9805 I don't think a melted piece of glass is that big a deal but I have seen an Antiques Roadshow where someone turned up with a valuable object that a relative had 'liberated' from occupied Germany after WWII. To me that was appalling: in effect bragging about stealing.
@markjohnstone798 depends on the buyer, I'd guess. If a piece of wood from Jesus cross were up for sale ,I'm pretty sure it would fetch a nice amount. Same goes for our german God AH also . A piece of glass from the great ones house would almost be viewed as the holy grail by is true believers. Glad your grandpa made it home .
I'm not sure if I'm more impressed about the fact that a single individual makes such amazing content, or that big media companies are so far behind when it comes to make such quality content. To me, personally, this is the beauty of youtube, you can find the very best of the best unpretentiously.
Dr Felton is remarkably good at filtering well-known information via his own research, followed by 'connecting the dots' as Steve Jobs would have phrased it.
As an Australian ; I have always been interested in the wars in Europe. As both of my Grandfathers served in both world war, ( not at the same time ).. During a holiday in Austria , we went by bus and the tour bus driver said, up in the mountain is 'Eagle's Nest ', as the bus drove past below. Thank you , Dr. Felton , for your tireless research in producing the videos.
I visited Obersalzberg in1990. Walked through some of the tunnels. For me, it was the pinnacle of my time in Germany. This was a very informative video. Thanks, Mark!
My grandfather was part of the control commission, under the four occupying powers,and was based in the obersalzberg region in 1947,sadly we lost all his diaries and photos in a house fire,but I recall looking through his albums with my grannies as a kid.i also visited years later when I was stationed in Germany.
My dad was in the 83rd Infantry during the war and I have a picture of him sitting on the blown out window. I also have a picture of him standing next to a handwritten sign which said “Hitler doesn’t live here anymore”. The G.I.s took turns taking photos next to it.
And to think it didn't take that many decades for us to figure that "not living here anymore" meant he was packed up and shipped to America to teach muh demz
my father entered the war late and told me he loved the area around the eagle's nest and quite a ways to the east, the town of Garmish-Partenkirchen near Munich.
What’s really amazing to me is in this, and the other videos regarding Hitlers staff, is the number of plane trips that were taken in the closing days. One would think that the airspace over Germany in 1945 would have been crawling with Allied fighters.
I believe at least one of these flights was shot down. It's covered in another of Dr.Felton's videos. The flight in question had important documents on board though I don't recall if there were any senior staff as well.
When you consider that an airplane is a relatively small object in a very large sky, it's really not surprising that a well-trained and experienced pilot could evade detection, especially if they knew which routes would be safest.
Easily the best military historian on UA-cam. I have been to the town of Berchtesgaden, and also to Obersalzberg to see what was left of the Berghof, and then on to the Eagle’s Nest on the mountain Top. Mark’s videos made these visits all the more interesting and informative. Suburb as always.
Exactly. If you spend enough time in Germany/Austria and get to know some locals, you will hear stories and see artifacts that are absolutely out of this world.
When I was in the U.S. Army my company did a trip to the ubersalzberg it was quite fascinating. The Gen. Walker Hotel (Platterhof) was really very nice. I don't understand why it was demolished.
My family spent several days at the Gen. Walker Hotel in the early 80s. You could go down into the underground for a small fee. I looked it up several years ago, and the area is now literally a parking lot.
There's a small part of me that wishes the Berghof was still standing. I understand the reasons behind having to destroy it, but judging by Eva's home movies, it was spectacular. And I've always read that Goering had Carinhall purposefully blown up in the closing days of the war.
I do _not_ understand the reasons for destroying it. The bombing campaign, sure, but then, up until today, the German or Bavarian governments are still erasing always more of the house and surrounding buildings. Why? Do they think a Fourth Reich will suddenly emerge if simple tourists (and even "fans" of Hitler and the Nazis!) are allowed to visit a tea house or an old garage (Hitler's garage at the Berghof was demolished pretty recently)? Do they think the ideas will disappear because the buildings are gone? And on the other hand, there are far more important Nazi sites still perfectly preserved and maintained such as the Nazi Party Rally Grounds in Nuremberg. That seems like a very weird and nonsensical double standard to me...
Goering had Carinhall destroyed to deny its use to the Russians. Goebbels on the other hand left his country estate outside Berlin intact, he just didn't care at that point. It was used as a rec center by the Russians and the East Germans for many years after the war and still stands today, although unoccupied at the moment.
@@francesco245 you can’t erase the “site”, on the other hand all the Nazi-era constructions of the Nuremberg Grounds were demolished, not exactly “perfectly preserved” like you imply, it was returned to its role as a park of 1906, I won’t question the current German society, it’s their land, their history but it isn’t unreasonable considering horrific human cost of National Socialism what the current fairly liberal German nation was/is doing in that area.
I know how you feel. Watching these movies I naturally respond to the beautiful scenery and buildings and wish we could visit them, I but have to curb my "enjoyment" with the knowledge of what these "elegant", "good living" people did, even the bloodshed and cruelty which was directly involved in financing construction and upkeep of the site. Before even thinking about the war, the first "crime" was stealing the land from the Germans who owned it. "Sell for a pittance, or else". I am very glad they were destroyed, so there's no chance for people now to enjoy that which was built from cruelty and bloodshed.
There's a UA-cam video called 'Obersalzberg Now and Then' that wanders around the area as it is today, and stops to juxtapose black and white photos of what was there back then (during the war), blended into the modern-day scenery. Spots you might walk right past and not even notice today. Maybe the closest one can get to seeing the historical reality of the place. I'd want the video with me if I ever toured.. Both eerie and fascinating.
Got to visit the Berghoff in 95 as a Single Soldier doing a retreat at the Gen Walker hotel. Then the garage at the Berghoff was still "intact" you could still climb inside. The guest house was still there but very much just a shell of what it once was. The 2nd floor was pretty much collapsed in on the 1st. The bathrooms were still intact minus the fitting. I still have 2 pieces of green tile from both bathrooms in storage.
Fantastic account of the final chapter at the obersalzburg , the research and detail are very impressive , the Narration and pronunciation of the German words are unrivalled.
I had a lot of fun there as a kid in the late 70s and early 1980s. Of course, we were there courtesy of Uncle Sam (U.S. Army) and loved the skiing. The hotel has always stuck in my mind as a really neat place! It was known as the General Walker Hotel then. We even toured the bunker. Visiting the many sites of WWII horror and seeing the Iron Curtain in action made an impression on me that lasts to this day. I never take my relative safety here in the U.S.A. for granted!
Mark Felton, you are my hero! The information in your videos and research is beyond comprehension. I am grateful to have found your channels on UA-cam. I have learnt more about WWII from you than from any other source. It is sad that most of the bunkers and tunnels in Obersalzberg have been destroyed. This is relevant history, important history. Thank you for all you do.
The irony of some of the most evil people in history living in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. The Eagles Nest especially..."And the man was afraid of heights" I will never forget the air raid sirens when you were visiting the Obersalzberg Dr. Felton. Haunting.
This is genuinely fascinating. Interesting how their unity of purpose and behaviour basically fell apart with the news of Hitler’s death, and straightforward self preservation took over.
As allways Mark. Much appreciation! Regards from South Africa. As you can imagine, us 'post war' germans love your documentaries! Keep up the great work. It is a fact that South Africa has a rich and diverse heritage and the germans, afrikaaners and british have, well, an intrigueing history. Thanks once again!
Dr. Felton, I've been a student of WW2 for almost 60 years, and I've been to many of the famous war sites. I'm learning ever more from your podcasts, though. Please keep up the great work! Cheers.
Mark, Another great and entertaining episode. I hope as well as many others I’m sure that you never stop providing these great historic events. You bring so much that we would never know about otherwise.
It is surprising how many of the top level nazis lived beyond 1945. Even generals and other combatants lived to fight another day so to speak. It always seems as the common men and women take to brunt of death and destruction. I enjoy your videos immensely Mark. Thanks for looking into the rest of the story.
That is usually how it goes. Churchill? Who single-handedly pushed for and caused the Dardanaelle fiasco - went on to become prime minister and decided to let millions starve in Bengal - yet he died an unquestioned "hero" of his people and its still nearly impossible to criticize him for some of his decision. The myth is unquestionable. Or all the US folks who made the invasion of iraq by outright lies, killing hundreds of thousands and shattering the country while loosing thousands of US soldiers? In large parts are at this point honoured and loved elder stasmen or still in positions of power. The japanese WW2-leadership? Practically took over governement after the war as if nothing changed and many got interred as respected war heroes in Yasunuki shrine. The denazification program was aware they would need the german managerial elite after the war to form germany into and anti-soviet ally, so they did not look to closely. My Grandfather was a occupation policeman in "Reichprotectorate Böhmen&Mähren", later turned Waffen-SS fighting the warshaw revolt. Always a minor man at the ground, he got banned from getting another job in the police or state service after the war for nearly a decade (rightly so to my mind) Until he chance-met his former Gauleiter, now police chief in the BRD, who got him back into uniform again. He had never stopped being a police commander, before or after the war.... Sadly, those in power rarely tend to fall far.
Many top National Socialist figures became a part of Operation Paperclip, they were transferred to the United States to work on top secret projects including exploring Antarctica and the so-called Space program. Werner von Braun is the most famous of these men...
A lot of them were shuffled off to the USA because of what they knew as far as technology is concerend. Far too many went back to their former professions, police officers, buergermeisters, dentists, doctors and lived out their lives as free men. Sick.
I had been trying for about three years to be the first one to give you a thumbs up and I finally did it today... LOL thanks Mark keep up the good work
Congratulations! That is a difficult accomplishment, given the immense and immediate enthusiasm for Mark's newest videos. You deserve to give yourself a weekend treat.
Bravo Mark! Although all of your videos are well structred and brilliant in their own way i believe this is the best and most interesting piece I've watched this year. Keep up the amazing work!
Thanks for another great video. Full of info. I have used a lot of your videos to plan my trip from NZ. I am in Munich today and spending the next 2 days exploring Berchtesgaden and Eagles nest area. Hopefully, no more rain.
I interviewed a WWII veteran in Rye, NY, who was a communications officer on Ike's staff for my senior thesis a decade ago. He took a dining set from the Eagle's Nest that was a gift from Hirohito to Hitler. He was rather coy when I pressed him on other possible souvenirs.
@@trek520rider2 I can see where you're coming from but have you ever heard the phrase "To the victor go the spoils?" You don't like it? Then make sure you don't lose, or start a war to begin with. And until you've been in the same situation of a WW2 GI, Tommy, Aussie, Kiwi, or Ivan think twice before you call them thieves. They didn't ask to lose several years out of their lives so if they took something in the way of a souvenir, compensation, or payback who's to blame them? Not me. You? What do you know? Were you there?
@@wayneantoniazzi2706 He’s posting his ignorant comments on other posts too. Ppl like that would be like goering looting trainloads of art if he could.
It is always an extraordinary privilege to view a Mark Felton presentation. So decisive and researched these are. Nothing is comparable. An insight never shared elsewise. Ace drama.
I enjoy Mark's videos so very much and so respect his research that I feel obliged to point out a small error in this video, in the interests absolute fact for posterity: the final bombing raid on the Obersalzbeg by the 460 Squadron was on 25 April 1945, not 23 April as reported above. That said, another fascinating and excellent video . Great work Mark
Thank you for the section on Erich Kempka. I’ve often wondered about his story, since I have worked at the Canadian War Museum where we house one of Hitler’s personal Mercedes that were driven by Kempka.
Stellar, Mark - you continually outdo yourself. This Hitler death extended series has been incredibly entertaining and well done. You hit another level, you are in a leaugue of your own.
Awesome Awesome upload ! So many stories what was happening before n after the fall of the Nazi regime. It shows ur meticulous research into the subject mater with archival films n still still pics. Kudos. Looking forward to ur next vid. Peace
Your knowledge of history is so appreciated. Unfortunately history repeats itself. History repeats itself when people cash in their souls and hearts for superficially promised security and a supposedly easier way through life.
Professor Mark Felton's channel is the best broadcast history channel internet/tv. It should be a part of curricula for public school students, history, journalism, law students to teach them how to record and communicate factual events. (I often think with terror about how easily modern German society, despite Germany's horrendous recent history, has succumbed to the mass psychosis that now is epidemic across the Western world).
Incredible place, whole Obersalzberg, it's truly a heaven on Earth, peacfull and quiet, and nature is beautiful. I visited ruins of Hitler's house, it's hard to believe that beautiful house was there once. Kind regards
Another brilliant upload,I was always interested in one of hitlers secretary’s traudl junge who wrote all the paperwork in the last days of the bunker…There is a few interviews on you tube over different time periods in history with her.I remember the world at war interview I think in 1972 and a few others in the 80s and 90s,quite interesting indeed.
The more I look at old photos of the Berghof, the more I understand why Hitler and other NSDAP criminals liked this place so much. This region is an absolutely stunning place to live.
There's a fascinating UA-cam video called 'Obersalzberg Now and Then' that wanders around the area as it is today, and stops to juxtapose those old black and white photos of what was there back then (during the war), blended into the modern-day scenery. Spots you might walk right past and not even notice today. I'd want the video with me if I ever toured the place. Both eerie and fascinating.
There's several reasons not to. Not very high value unless Hitler was there and even then it was "iffy." First, it couldn't be known with any certainty Hitler was there and second wasting heads of state, even enemy heads of state, is something that "Just wasn't done." Mind you, if they knew then what we know now they'd have wacked Adolf without hesitation at first opportunity! When the Berghof became a high-value target due to the possibility Hitler would turn it into a last-ditch headquarters then it was bombed. Although I'm sure the RAF boys got a grim satisfaction out of bombing the place whatever the reason was. One other thing. Look at a map and see just where Berchtesgaden is. Bombing the place would have required what was called in those days a "Deep penetration raid." VERY hazardous for an American daylight raid without fighter escort and bear in mind the P-51 Mustang long range escort wouldn't show up until early in 1944. An RAF nighttime raid might have been slightly less hazardous but navigation to the target would have been problematic. So it's no surprise that when the RAF did bomb the Berghof it was a daylight raid after the Luftwaffe had been for all intents and purposes eliminated.
I always enjoy that I learn something but I’ll add a little more. These videos and others play a role in mental health. For example I just lost my job. Smoking a number and watching this and saying well at least it’s not 1945…. Much love and respect from Cleveland
Outstanding documentary work, as always! However, I have one correction to insert. At 1:32 the narration states, “after prevaricating (lying) for several days.” I believe you meant to say, “after procrastinating (hesitating) for several days.”
My mother who fled Hitler in 1938 from Vienna, visited the Obersalzburg in 1948 and fell here hurting herself badly. His ghost must still be in the area.
Hitlers ghost may be on earth wandering. Heaven wouldn't let him in, Satan was afraid he'd take over. Failing that, punishment in Hell would make one want to linger as a ghost on the spirit plane. fascinating story. Prayers for your mother. God Bless.
I believe that in 1948 the foundations had not been completed demolished. My mother always laughed about the irony of hurting herself at his house where in fact Hitler met the Chancellor of Austria (Kurt von Schussnig) in February of 1938 and was yelled at by Hitler forcing him to include Nazis in his Government.
Earlier this year i saw several videos by The History Underground, and other channels, on the Obersalzberg, the Berghof, and the Eagle's Nest. I thought they were really interesting, and I wish the Berghof was preserved, but I understand why it was destroyed. There was a story recently about a man on the Berghof site doing NAZI salutes.
Would love to hear the story of Owen Braggart. A US Navy member who supposedy disabled a japanese fighter plane/pilot while parachuting from his downed plane
What a dumb decision to bomb the Berktesgarten complex. They should dropped paratroops and they could have easily secured the buildings and all of the documents. That area would have been one of the major tourist areas in the world if they had kept it intact.
I am German, born in 1983. I am truly incredibly sorry for what my home country did back then. As children, we are educated about this topic at school, which I personally think is very good. For me there is no national pride, I have never owned a German flag and I never will. I never committed any crime, but I still feel somehow guilty because of WW2. The bad thing is, if you look at Russia now, a lot of things are being done there that are increasingly leaning towards National Socialism. So many flags overall, Z symbol (like the German H-kreuz), children in uniforms with weapons in their hands (like H-Jugend). It's so sad that many Russians don't even notice it. It would be very important if we all stick together and support the Ukrainians so that the aggressor Russia loses this war in the end. Thank you so much for this video. Have a nice weekend.
@@jonthinks6238 Well said! Yes, Nazi Germany is something to be ashamed of, but there's a LOT more in German history to be proud of. And what the Russians are doing with their children is nothing more than a continuation of the Young Pioneers organization of the Soviet Union days.
How you can be ashamed of being German? Every European country had some bad history. Belgium did much worse atrocities in Congo, France, the UK, Spain etc. It has nothing to do with you. Germany is a completely different country now that you should not be ashamed of.
First of all, thank you for your comments. I think there is a misunderstanding. I'm not ashamed of being German, I'm actually happy about it. It is a privilege to grow up in a functioning democracy with freedom of speech and no oppression. BUT we deal with our dark past and do not remain silent about it. It is our job to ensure that everything that happened in WW2 never happens again. We are aware of our responsibility. And we don't think we're any better, so we don't have much national pride here. I only know very few Germans who own a German flag, so I'm not the only one who think so. Except when the World Cup is taking place, you hardly see flags anywhere. And since we finished the last two World cups in the preliminary round and were eliminated, it was hardly worth hanging up the flags. 🙈😅
When I was a child, I can remember my parents (mother-German nurse father-Dachau liberated Ukrainian) knowing a Puttkammer in Chicago after relocating there in the early 50's.
My wife and I are going to Munich in May and we have an overnight trip planned for Obersalzberg. My trip in April 2020 got canceled and I’m looking forward to this one. I have a tour planned of the Eagles Nest but want to do one of those walking tours in the woods where the house and the huge window stood.
You know it's a good day when Mark Felton uploads.
Simple but effective. You might win.
@@b2tall239 aye.
🐐🐐
He is still the only guy I know who says " secreted" to mean hidden instead of the normal meaning which is to excrete a substance, splodge, something like that.
So it’s a good day every day!
How the chauffeur got out of Berlin and all the way down south is probably worthy of a movie in itself
True
Always thought a TV series on the rat lines and the mosard hunt for the war criminals
@@Theshropshireratter... ??? MOSSAD!
@@PauloPereira-jj4jv that's the one sorry I am useless at spelling
GTA skills
Genuinely the best history channel there is. Not political, not judgemental, just factual and the more interesting for it.
Imagine thinking Nazis aren't political.
No dramatic music or sound effects. "judgmental"
@@jude999 Do you think we shouldn't judge Nazis?
@@seanmacreachtain1742 id prefer to just hear history
😂
As a German Historian who grew up and lives in Berchtesgaden and in fact has worked on the "Dokumentationszentrum Obersalzberg" (Documentation Center Obersalzberg) which anyone can visit, i'm naturally fascinated with everything related to the Obersazlberg, Kehlsteinhaus and of course all the former Buildings that are now Ruins or completely gone.
In fact, there are still Families here who used Statues, Stones and even Furniture from those Places inside their Homes or Restaurants. Because after the War there naturally was a Lack of those Items so People took what they could. And i'm glad they did because they're all important Pieces of History and basically prevented them from getting destroyed.
Prost & Cheers from Berchtesgaden in the Bavarian Alps
Frank Loyd right style? His house burned down twice, along with his huge art collection. He used the pieces to build anew.
I was in Berchtesgaden about ten years ago, met some of the locals, and had a chance to see furniture that had made its way from the Berghof to local homes and shops. Was also fortunate to see a remarkable private collection of looted personal items....
@@apstrad
I'm not surprised by that at all. One of my Grandfathers was part of the Allgemeine SS and briefly worked as Driver for Diplomats etc visiting Hitler and others up there. Later like many he went to the Waffen-SS and foughton the Eastern Front, then in Italy and then in the Battle of the Bulge (Ardennenoffensive for Germans) and after that in Hungary against the Soviets from which he succesfully fled back home and into US Territory (Something a ton of German Soldiers did to avoid the Gulag).
He in fact is still alive and just turned 105 on 1st of September.
And before anyone asks, yes he was checked, cleared like 4 Times between 1945 and 1970.
He ended up helping US Military regarding Soviet Forces and his Experience fighting Communist Partisans and even once was invited to speak infront of US Military Personnel on that Topic.
He ended up becoming Friends with many US WW2 Veterans, including People he fought in the Battle of the Bulge.
So i grew up meeting many of them together with him and his former Waffen SS Comrades, usually during BBQ which helped me understand that former Enemies necessarily don't have to hate eachother andn that's what got me into becoming a Historian.
Prost & Cheers from Berchtesgaden
I'd like to talk to you more about this, can you email me at the following address - hello@markfelton.co.uk
@@MarkFeltonProductions
Hey Mark! Definitely will do! I really appreciate your Videos! Cheers
My grandfather was an infantry Captain during WW2 in the US 100th Division. After the fighting was over, he visited the wrecked Berghof during occupation. He brought back a piece of slightly melted glass he had picked up off the floor in the room where the big retractable window had been. I still have that piece of glass.
Soooo,gramps was looting huh ?
@@ottoskorzeny9805 I don't think that really can be called anything of value.
@@ottoskorzeny9805 I don't think a melted piece of glass is that big a deal but I have seen an Antiques Roadshow where someone turned up with a valuable object that a relative had 'liberated' from occupied Germany after WWII. To me that was appalling: in effect bragging about stealing.
@markjohnstone798 depends on the buyer, I'd guess. If a piece of wood from Jesus cross were up for sale ,I'm pretty sure it would fetch a nice amount. Same goes for our german God AH also . A piece of glass from the great ones house would almost be viewed as the holy grail by is true believers.
Glad your grandpa made it home .
@@trek520rider2 Whatever
I'm not sure if I'm more impressed about the fact that a single individual makes such amazing content, or that big media companies are so far behind when it comes to make such quality content. To me, personally, this is the beauty of youtube, you can find the very best of the best unpretentiously.
Big media only produces propaganda and it is wise not to believe anything they put out.
Remember when The History Channel was almost this good?
Big media companies are in it for the money, and sensationalism and partisanship are very sellable.
Big media dont see education or history as profitable hence no content
Just when you think you have read or seen it all, Dr. Felton adds more to the story. Fascinating as usual.
Dr Felton is remarkably good at filtering well-known information via his own research, followed by 'connecting the dots' as Steve Jobs would have phrased it.
@@perhagen1719 Yes, phrased it.
As an Australian ; I have always been interested in the wars in Europe. As both of my Grandfathers served in both world war, ( not at the same time ).. During a holiday in Austria , we went by bus and the tour bus driver said, up in the mountain is 'Eagle's Nest ', as the bus drove past below.
Thank you , Dr. Felton , for your tireless research in producing the videos.
Thank your family for their service with the Allied armies...Aussies are tough soldiers!!!
@@QualityModelRailroad , thank you .
I visited Obersalzberg in1990. Walked through some of the tunnels. For me, it was the pinnacle of my time in Germany. This was a very informative video. Thanks, Mark!
I study and write articles about the Third Reich and WW2 since 20 years and I would like to say that the video of this channel are top class.
By the way, sorry for my English, I am Italian.
This keeps the history of WW2 alive as it sits on the very edge of living history.
The greatest UA-cam historian that has ever been. Quite literally the only channel I’ve ever actually considered donating to
@ Dr.Mark Felton
I'm a US retiree. We are grateful 🙏 for your work. Your releases are the highlight of my week. Thank you and God bless.
My grandfather was part of the control commission, under the four occupying powers,and was based in the obersalzberg region in 1947,sadly we lost all his diaries and photos in a house fire,but I recall looking through his albums with my grannies as a kid.i also visited years later when I was stationed in Germany.
My evening is saved ! A new smashing upload from Mark Felton! Thank you for the time, and efford you put in these videos. Greatings from Denmark
Thank you, Dr. Felton for sharing your vast knowledge of these forgotten historical facts. You and your channel preserves WWII history.
Dr. Felton, thank you for once again shedding light on this absolutely fascinating and tumultuous period of history.
My dad was in the 83rd Infantry during the war and I have a picture of him sitting on the blown out window. I also have a picture of him standing next to a handwritten sign which said “Hitler doesn’t live here anymore”. The G.I.s took turns taking photos next to it.
Endless respect to your dad. I wish I could articulate how much respect I have for him and his brethren
My uncle was 83rd Infantry, 331st Regiment, 3rd Battalion, Company K.
@@johnwelsh2769 My dad was in the 330th Cannon Co. The 83rd Infantry was in combat on the front line for 244 days and was in five major battles.
And to think it didn't take that many decades for us to figure that "not living here anymore" meant he was packed up and shipped to America to teach muh demz
my father entered the war late and told me he loved the area around the eagle's nest and quite a ways to the east, the town of Garmish-Partenkirchen near Munich.
What’s really amazing to me is in this, and the other videos regarding Hitlers staff, is the number of plane trips that were taken in the closing days. One would think that the airspace over Germany in 1945 would have been crawling with Allied fighters.
I believe at least one of these flights was shot down. It's covered in another of Dr.Felton's videos. The flight in question had important documents on board though I don't recall if there were any senior staff as well.
@@morningstar9233yes was a FW-200 Kondor if I'm not mistaken.
When you consider that an airplane is a relatively small object in a very large sky, it's really not surprising that a well-trained and experienced pilot could evade detection, especially if they knew which routes would be safest.
@@TS-mo6pn And at night.
If fighters were not escorting a specific bombing mission there would generally be little reason to be flying around randomly
Easily the best military historian on UA-cam. I have been to the town of Berchtesgaden, and also to Obersalzberg to see what was left of the Berghof, and then on to the Eagle’s Nest on the mountain Top. Mark’s videos made these visits all the more interesting and informative. Suburb as always.
Exactly. If you spend enough time in Germany/Austria and get to know some locals, you will hear stories and see artifacts that are absolutely out of this world.
When I was in the U.S. Army my company did a trip to the ubersalzberg it was quite fascinating. The Gen. Walker Hotel (Platterhof) was really very nice. I don't understand why it was demolished.
I was stationed in Idar Oberstein been to the General Walker many times beginning in 1990. I was bummed that it closed for good around 1996.
@@jonnyqwstyou got bummed?!
😂
@@CL-vz6ch no son, your mom was bummed. My meeting was it was a bummer when it shut down.
My family spent several days at the Gen. Walker Hotel in the early 80s. You could go down into the underground for a small fee. I looked it up several years ago, and the area is now literally a parking lot.
There's a small part of me that wishes the Berghof was still standing. I understand the reasons behind having to destroy it, but judging by Eva's home movies, it was spectacular. And I've always read that Goering had Carinhall purposefully blown up in the closing days of the war.
I do _not_ understand the reasons for destroying it.
The bombing campaign, sure, but then, up until today, the German or Bavarian governments are still erasing always more of the house and surrounding buildings. Why?
Do they think a Fourth Reich will suddenly emerge if simple tourists (and even "fans" of Hitler and the Nazis!) are allowed to visit a tea house or an old garage (Hitler's garage at the Berghof was demolished pretty recently)?
Do they think the ideas will disappear because the buildings are gone?
And on the other hand, there are far more important Nazi sites still perfectly preserved and maintained such as the Nazi Party Rally Grounds in Nuremberg. That seems like a very weird and nonsensical double standard to me...
Goering had Carinhall destroyed to deny its use to the Russians. Goebbels on the other hand left his country estate outside Berlin intact, he just didn't care at that point. It was used as a rec center by the Russians and the East Germans for many years after the war and still stands today, although unoccupied at the moment.
@@francesco245 you can’t erase the “site”, on the other hand all the Nazi-era constructions of the Nuremberg Grounds were demolished, not exactly “perfectly preserved” like you imply, it was returned to its role as a park of 1906, I won’t question the current German society, it’s their land, their history but it isn’t unreasonable considering horrific human cost of National Socialism what the current fairly liberal German nation was/is doing in that area.
I know how you feel. Watching these movies I naturally respond to the beautiful scenery and buildings and wish we could visit them, I but have to curb my "enjoyment" with the knowledge of what these "elegant", "good living" people did, even the bloodshed and cruelty which was directly involved in financing construction and upkeep of the site.
Before even thinking about the war, the first "crime" was stealing the land from the Germans who owned it. "Sell for a pittance, or else".
I am very glad they were destroyed, so there's no chance for people now to enjoy that which was built from cruelty and bloodshed.
There's a UA-cam video called 'Obersalzberg Now and Then' that wanders around the area as it is today, and stops to juxtapose black and white photos of what was there back then (during the war), blended into the modern-day scenery.
Spots you might walk right past and not even notice today.
Maybe the closest one can get to seeing the historical reality of the place. I'd want the video with me if I ever toured.. Both eerie and fascinating.
Got to visit the Berghoff in 95 as a Single Soldier doing a retreat at the Gen Walker hotel. Then the garage at the Berghoff was still "intact" you could still climb inside. The guest house was still there but very much just a shell of what it once was. The 2nd floor was pretty much collapsed in on the 1st. The bathrooms were still intact minus the fitting. I still have 2 pieces of green tile from both bathrooms in storage.
Fantastic account of the final chapter at the obersalzburg , the research and detail are very impressive , the Narration and pronunciation of the German words are unrivalled.
Another gem by Mark!
I visited Eagle's Nest this summer, and it's an amazing place!
I had a lot of fun there as a kid in the late 70s and early 1980s. Of course, we were there courtesy of Uncle Sam (U.S. Army) and loved the skiing. The hotel has always stuck in my mind as a really neat place! It was known as the General Walker Hotel then. We even toured the bunker. Visiting the many sites of WWII horror and seeing the Iron Curtain in action made an impression on me that lasts to this day. I never take my relative safety here in the U.S.A. for granted!
The US is dropping it's own Iron Curtain today!
The communist-fascist system gets worse by the hour.
TY for your service, my family enjoyed our stay as well.
Mark Felton, you are my hero! The information in your videos and research is beyond comprehension. I am grateful to have found your channels on UA-cam. I have learnt more about WWII from you than from any other source. It is sad that most of the bunkers and tunnels in Obersalzberg have been destroyed. This is relevant history, important history. Thank you for all you do.
Excellent presentation.
Thank you.
Fascinating. I never get tired of learning what actually happened to all of these people. Great episode.
The irony of some of the most evil people in history living in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. The Eagles Nest especially..."And the man was afraid of heights" I will never forget the air raid sirens when you were visiting the Obersalzberg Dr. Felton. Haunting.
Eagle's nest wasn't intended for living there.
You mismatch with the berghof
@@badbotchdown9845 true, it was intended to be a place for Hitler to enjoy and relax. Which he never did, because... he was afraid of heights.
This is genuinely fascinating. Interesting how their unity of purpose and behaviour basically fell apart with the news of Hitler’s death, and straightforward self preservation took over.
Thank you Mark Felton-berg. The footage of Uncle, his home and acquaintances is much appreciated and will be put to good use.
I sincerely appreciate your research, pronunciations, and bringing these stories to life. 👍🏽
Keep 'em coming Mark...these vids are so incredibly good that it is impossible to say how good they are.
As allways Mark. Much appreciation! Regards from South Africa. As you can imagine, us 'post war' germans love your documentaries! Keep up the great work. It is a fact that South Africa has a rich and diverse heritage and the germans, afrikaaners and british have, well, an intrigueing history. Thanks once again!
Dr. Felton, I've been a student of WW2 for almost 60 years, and I've been to many of the famous war sites.
I'm learning ever more from your podcasts, though.
Please keep up the great work! Cheers.
Mark, your videos are always first rate. I appreciate all the hard work you put into them.
these mini docs are just superb. so well done. i love this channel so much.
Love your videos Dan!
Mark,
Another great and entertaining episode.
I hope as well as many others I’m sure that you never stop providing these great historic events.
You bring so much that we would never know about otherwise.
Thanks!
It is surprising how many of the top level nazis lived beyond 1945. Even generals and other combatants lived to fight another day so to speak. It always seems as the common men and women take to brunt of death and destruction. I enjoy your videos immensely Mark. Thanks for looking into the rest of the story.
That is usually how it goes.
Churchill? Who single-handedly pushed for and caused the Dardanaelle fiasco - went on to become prime minister and decided to let millions starve in Bengal - yet he died an unquestioned "hero" of his people and its still nearly impossible to criticize him for some of his decision. The myth is unquestionable.
Or all the US folks who made the invasion of iraq by outright lies, killing hundreds of thousands and shattering the country while loosing thousands of US soldiers? In large parts are at this point honoured and loved elder stasmen or still in positions of power.
The japanese WW2-leadership? Practically took over governement after the war as if nothing changed and many got interred as respected war heroes in Yasunuki shrine.
The denazification program was aware they would need the german managerial elite after the war to form germany into and anti-soviet ally, so they did not look to closely.
My Grandfather was a occupation policeman in "Reichprotectorate Böhmen&Mähren", later turned Waffen-SS fighting the warshaw revolt. Always a minor man at the ground, he got banned from getting another job in the police or state service after the war for nearly a decade (rightly so to my mind)
Until he chance-met his former Gauleiter, now police chief in the BRD, who got him back into uniform again.
He had never stopped being a police commander, before or after the war....
Sadly, those in power rarely tend to fall far.
Some of them even made it into the Bundeswehr.
"We can't have 18 year old generals!"
Many top National Socialist figures became a part of Operation Paperclip, they were transferred to the United States to work on top secret projects including exploring Antarctica and the so-called Space program. Werner von Braun is the most famous of these men...
A lot of them were shuffled off to the USA because of what they knew as far as technology is concerend. Far too many went back to their former professions, police officers, buergermeisters, dentists, doctors and lived out their lives as free men. Sick.
They were too talented and knowledgeable to kill after the US & Brit dummies realized the Russians were the real theat that continues to this day!
Channels like this is what makes UA-cam great. Great work Mr Felton! Cheers from Sweden
Another fantastic program, Dr. Felton. I learn more every time I watch your videos.
This is one of the BEST channels available anywhere .
I had been trying for about three years to be the first one to give you a thumbs up and I finally did it today... LOL thanks Mark keep up the good work
Congratulations! That is a difficult accomplishment, given the immense and immediate enthusiasm for Mark's newest videos. You deserve to give yourself a weekend treat.
Bravo Mark! Although all of your videos are well structred and brilliant in their own way i believe this is the best and most interesting piece I've watched this year. Keep up the amazing work!
Nothing better then another Dr Felton video.
I love these videos from Mark Felton. If I had Mark Felton in school as a history teacher, I would've gotten straight A's!
Dr Felton it’s about time for a 2 Million subscriber special! Well deserved 👏🏻
No one knows how to discuss history like Dr F!
This is the period in history that I find fascinating.
Excellent video, Dr. Felton!!👍👍
When you see a Mark Felton movie and you can't click on it fast enough!!
Thanks for another great video.
Full of info.
I have used a lot of your videos to plan my trip from NZ.
I am in Munich today and spending the next 2 days exploring Berchtesgaden and Eagles nest area.
Hopefully, no more rain.
I interviewed a WWII veteran in Rye, NY, who was a communications officer on Ike's staff for my senior thesis a decade ago. He took a dining set from the Eagle's Nest that was a gift from Hirohito to Hitler. He was rather coy when I pressed him on other possible souvenirs.
See my earlier comment. I know it sounds sanctimonious but the man was a thief. No wonder he was coy about other stuff.
@@trek520rider2 I can see where you're coming from but have you ever heard the phrase "To the victor go the spoils?" You don't like it? Then make sure you don't lose, or start a war to begin with.
And until you've been in the same situation of a WW2 GI, Tommy, Aussie, Kiwi, or Ivan think twice before you call them thieves. They didn't ask to lose several years out of their lives so if they took something in the way of a souvenir, compensation, or payback who's to blame them? Not me.
You? What do you know? Were you there?
@@wayneantoniazzi2706
He’s posting his ignorant comments on other posts too. Ppl like that would be like goering looting trainloads of art if he could.
@@mrsbluesky8415 He'll learn. The easy way it he's lucky.
Many soldiers brought home with them suitcases of souvenirs from war ravaged Germany!! Spoils of war.
It is always an extraordinary privilege to view a Mark Felton presentation. So decisive and researched these are. Nothing is comparable. An insight never shared elsewise. Ace drama.
I enjoy Mark's videos so very much and so respect his research that I feel obliged to point out a small error in this video, in the interests absolute fact for posterity: the final bombing raid on the Obersalzbeg by the 460 Squadron was on 25 April 1945, not 23 April as reported above. That said, another fascinating and excellent video . Great work Mark
An upload from Dr Mark Felton always lifts my spirits. My grandfather got to sleep in Mussolinis palace so this Era fascinates me
Mark, your materials are very good, especially from the period of collapse of the 3 Reich. Good job!
Fantastic stuff, man! Since I use an ad blocker, just gonna put my money where my mouth is. :)
Thank you for the section on Erich Kempka. I’ve often wondered about his story, since I have worked at the Canadian War Museum where we house one of Hitler’s personal Mercedes that were driven by Kempka.
Just as I am going to sleep after a long day in hospital, new video from dr. Felton pops up and I know, that sleep just has to wait.
Stellar, Mark - you continually outdo yourself. This Hitler death extended series has been incredibly entertaining and well done. You hit another level, you are in a leaugue of your own.
Great show Dr Felton. Would be good to see it all tied together in a much longer video. The escape from Berlin.
Awesome Awesome upload ! So many stories what was happening before n after the fall of the Nazi regime. It shows ur meticulous research into the subject mater with archival films n still still pics. Kudos. Looking forward to ur next vid. Peace
A Saturday morning well spent, watching Felton's documentary.
Your knowledge of history is so appreciated. Unfortunately history repeats itself. History repeats itself when people cash in their souls and hearts for superficially promised security and a supposedly easier way through life.
Wow what great video…💪💪💪 love how thorough all Marks researches are and how he is able to present a deep yet clear explanation of the events 👏👏👏
Simply fascinating. Hats off to Mark for his superb research into the afterwards. 🎩
Professor Mark Felton's channel is the best broadcast history channel internet/tv. It should be a part of curricula for public school students, history, journalism, law students to teach them how to record and communicate factual events. (I often think with terror about how easily modern German society, despite Germany's horrendous recent history, has succumbed to the mass psychosis that now is epidemic across the Western world).
Incredible place, whole Obersalzberg, it's truly a heaven on Earth, peacfull and quiet, and nature is beautiful. I visited ruins of Hitler's house, it's hard to believe that beautiful house was there once. Kind regards
Another brilliant upload,I was always interested in one of hitlers secretary’s traudl junge who wrote all the paperwork in the last days of the bunker…There is a few interviews on you tube over different time periods in history with her.I remember the world at war interview I think in 1972 and a few others in the 80s and 90s,quite interesting indeed.
Thank you, Mark Felton. I had some of it muddled, but you have straightened me out. Much obliged.
The more I look at old photos of the Berghof, the more I understand why Hitler and other NSDAP criminals liked this place so much. This region is an absolutely stunning place to live.
They are only considered criminals because they lost. Churchill and Truman were basically mob bosses.
There's a fascinating UA-cam video called 'Obersalzberg Now and Then' that wanders around the area as it is today, and stops to juxtapose those old black and white photos of what was there back then (during the war), blended into the modern-day scenery.
Spots you might walk right past and not even notice today.
I'd want the video with me if I ever toured the place. Both eerie and fascinating.
This is my favorite UA-cam channel I binge these on my days off
Sir, I have one question for you: will you make a 2 million subs special video?
Another amazing & well done Mark Felton Production. Mark's vids are better than a book.
Utterly remarkable the Berghof was only bombed in the closing stages of the war. 🤫😳🤐
Relatively small target, and not really high value maybe?
@@kbanghartnot high value ???
@@dennisvanoord3278It’s not like they had people and machines there churning out ball bearings and machine parts.
There's several reasons not to. Not very high value unless Hitler was there and even then it was "iffy." First, it couldn't be known with any certainty Hitler was there and second wasting heads of state, even enemy heads of state, is something that "Just wasn't done." Mind you, if they knew then what we know now they'd have wacked Adolf without hesitation at first opportunity!
When the Berghof became a high-value target due to the possibility Hitler would turn it into a last-ditch headquarters then it was bombed. Although I'm sure the RAF boys got a grim satisfaction out of bombing the place whatever the reason was.
One other thing. Look at a map and see just where Berchtesgaden is. Bombing the place would have required what was called in those days a "Deep penetration raid." VERY hazardous for an American daylight raid without fighter escort and bear in mind the P-51 Mustang long range escort wouldn't show up until early in 1944. An RAF nighttime raid might have been slightly less hazardous but navigation to the target would have been problematic. So it's no surprise that when the RAF did bomb the Berghof it was a daylight raid after the Luftwaffe had been for all intents and purposes eliminated.
@@rdhunkins wait…. Are u trying to imply that’s what you’d see as “high value” worthy in this situation?
Spellbinding. Dr Felton's commentary takes you right there.
I always enjoy that I learn something but I’ll add a little more.
These videos and others play a role in mental health. For example I just lost my job. Smoking a number and watching this and saying well at least it’s not 1945…. Much love and respect from Cleveland
Your videos make my day. Great way to start the weekend soon. 👍 The Berghof and Obersalzberg had a lot of history behind it. Thank you for this video.
Wow. 2nd on a Mark Felton production. Wow. Honored.
🎉
Lessgo
You really should get out more an enjoy life. Being "honored" to be the 2nd person to comment on a UA-cam video isn't exactly and achievement lol.
@@austinpowers8550yeah, I wonder about some of these people😅
Outstanding documentary work, as always! However, I have one correction to insert. At 1:32 the narration states, “after prevaricating (lying) for several days.” I believe you meant to say, “after procrastinating (hesitating) for several days.”
My mother who fled Hitler in 1938 from Vienna, visited the Obersalzburg in 1948 and fell here hurting herself badly. His ghost must still be in the area.
Hitlers ghost may be on earth wandering. Heaven wouldn't let him in, Satan was afraid he'd take over. Failing that, punishment in Hell would make one want to linger as a ghost on the spirit plane. fascinating story. Prayers for your mother. God Bless.
I believe that in 1948 the foundations had not been completed demolished. My mother always laughed about the irony of hurting herself at his house where in fact Hitler met the Chancellor of Austria (Kurt von Schussnig) in February of 1938 and was yelled at by Hitler forcing him to include Nazis in his Government.
Always a good time with Dr. Felton.
Brilliant series
Earlier this year i saw several videos by The History Underground, and other channels, on the Obersalzberg, the Berghof, and the Eagle's Nest. I thought they were really interesting, and I wish the Berghof was preserved, but I understand why it was destroyed. There was a story recently about a man on the Berghof site doing NAZI salutes.
Thanks Dr. Felton for this excellent segment.
Would love to hear the story of Owen Braggart. A US Navy member who supposedy disabled a japanese fighter plane/pilot while parachuting from his downed plane
Another straight banger from the best historian on UA-cam
What a dumb decision to bomb the Berktesgarten complex. They should dropped paratroops and they could have easily secured the buildings and all of the documents. That area would have been one of the major tourist areas in the world if they had kept it intact.
Right on folks
I’m sure that was their main objective at that point in history. Make sure the area is preserved for tourists.
Said from a soft fluffy world behind a keyboard.
They were fighting 4 years...why risk lives at wars end..
Another Felton video, another educated afternoon! Cheers, Mark!
I am German, born in 1983. I am truly incredibly sorry for what my home country did back then. As children, we are educated about this topic at school, which I personally think is very good. For me there is no national pride, I have never owned a German flag and I never will. I never committed any crime, but I still feel somehow guilty because of WW2.
The bad thing is, if you look at Russia now, a lot of things are being done there that are increasingly leaning towards National Socialism. So many flags overall, Z symbol (like the German H-kreuz), children in uniforms with weapons in their hands (like H-Jugend). It's so sad that many Russians don't even notice it. It would be very important if we all stick together and support the Ukrainians so that the aggressor Russia loses this war in the end.
Thank you so much for this video. Have a nice weekend.
You have nothing to be ashamed for. Enjoy your life and support your government and flag. They are now on the right side of history.
@@jonthinks6238 Well said! Yes, Nazi Germany is something to be ashamed of, but there's a LOT more in German history to be proud of.
And what the Russians are doing with their children is nothing more than a continuation of the Young Pioneers organization of the Soviet Union days.
How you can be ashamed of being German? Every European country had some bad history. Belgium did much worse atrocities in Congo, France, the UK, Spain etc. It has nothing to do with you. Germany is a completely different country now that you should not be ashamed of.
First of all, thank you for your comments.
I think there is a misunderstanding. I'm not ashamed of being German, I'm actually happy about it. It is a privilege to grow up in a functioning democracy with freedom of speech and no oppression. BUT we deal with our dark past and do not remain silent about it. It is our job to ensure that everything that happened in WW2 never happens again. We are aware of our responsibility.
And we don't think we're any better, so we don't have much national pride here. I only know very few Germans who own a German flag, so I'm not the only one who think so.
Except when the World Cup is taking place, you hardly see flags anywhere. And since we finished the last two World cups in the preliminary round and were eliminated, it was hardly worth hanging up the flags. 🙈😅
Think about what you and Germany would need in 2033, ignore whatever happened in 1933.
Mr. Felton amazes me with his gems of WWII!
Remember: for a more authentic WWII announcer sounding experience, turn up the video speed to 1.5 or more!
Mark, you're a god-tier historian let it be known.
When I was a child, I can remember my parents (mother-German nurse father-Dachau liberated Ukrainian) knowing a Puttkammer in Chicago after relocating there in the early 50's.
Always a pleasure for a new Felton video!🎉
Really enjoying your channel! Thank you for your dedication and outstanding programs.
My wife and I are going to Munich in May and we have an overnight trip planned for Obersalzberg. My trip in April 2020 got canceled and I’m looking forward to this one. I have a tour planned of the Eagles Nest but want to do one of those walking tours in the woods where the house and the huge window stood.