A German Uniform Found In A LOST WWII BUNKER in Normandy! | American Artifact Episode 19
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- Опубліковано 6 лют 2025
- In Episode 198 of History Traveler, we were exploring the German bunker complex of Crisbecq Battery on the Normandy coastline. But there was far too much to see for just one episode. In this episode of American Artifact, we're taking a closer look at one of the bunkers at Crisbecq and even better, a German uniform that was recovered in a unlikely place after having been buried for years.
This episode was produced in partnership with The Gettysburg Museum of History. See how you can support history education & artifact preservation by visiting their website & store at www.gettysburg...
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Other episodes that you might enjoy:
Crisbecq: A GIANT German Bunker Complex in NORMANDY! | History Traveler Episode 198
• Crisbecq: A GIANT Germ...
Juno Beach: The Fighting Canadians on D-Day | History Traveler Episode 194: • Juno Beach: The Fighti...
The 12th SS Massacre of the Canadians in Normandy | History Traveler Episode 195: • The 12th SS Massacre o...
Holdy Battery: The Sister Gun Battery of Brecourt Manor | History Traveler Episode 187: • Holdy Battery: The Sis...
German Bunkers of UTAH BEACH (D-Day!!!) | History Traveler Episode 190: • German Bunkers of UTAH...
The Private Collection of Major Dick Winters (EP 151): • The Private Collection...
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I wanted to tell you this for awhile: you’re genuinely living the life I’ve wanted to live for years. Visiting, documenting, preserving cemeteries, traveling to historic sites, this is “the life.” While I’m jealous and envious, I’m so friggin proud and happy to see someone doing this. Your whole channel, every video, dude, thank you. So. Much. Thank you
I concour with that statement.
Why don't you start realize your dream? You can do exactly the same. :)
Noone cares.. if u want that life go live it and stop crying about it online
Lots of genuine treasures to discover ,not to mention toe tappers to discover also
@@bumblebee623 rude!!!! Sometimes people put other priorities first then there dreams goofy
The solder had no idea his uniform would be shown on UA-cam 80 years later. Would be crazy if he were able to see this.
The soldier had no idea that Normandy were to be his grave. What youtube and nonsense... generations passed and brains got bad.
When I first visited Batterie du Crisbecq in 1999, the whole area was overgrown with weeds and you had to look hard to find the bunkers. Since the huge revival of interest in sites in Normandy following the release of Saving Privat Ryan, the French have done a tremendous job restoring this site. Also, the huge proliferation of Museums and other restored sites does Normandy the credit it deserves.
Thank you for showing this German bunker complex JD & Erik. Not many people get to see this, because they usually don't have the time in one day tour. Such great videos especially the ones taken with the drone, love it ! I have been giving D-Day tours for 20 years and still learn every day, especially thanks to the stories from my clients (I actually had the privilege to have both German & American veterans/clients in the past and you learn so much from them). I had read years ago that it was 7 Americans that were killed in this bunker by accident because someone smoked there after the battle (I forgot where I read it & I might be wrong). What strikes me is that the same story pretty much happened in the battery of Longues sur Mer, killing tragically 4 servicemen one month after D-Day by accident because someone smoked near the ammunition storage in casemate #4 from what I read. If someone knows more and has reliable sources about this, I am always interested to learn ;)
I'm sure that whoever tossed that uniform away never could have thought that someday people would find it and make a big deal about it.... Funny how history evolves. Thanks for your great work.
Yeah he was probably scared to death and wanted to get rid of the uniform so he wouldn't get shot or maybe he hid it for some other reason.
Perhaps he wanted to come back and get the uniform for his children and grandchildren after the war was over. I wonder if he perceived that The Invasion would spell the defeat of Nazi Germany.
If he is still alive. Would be a real story
@@paulpaul246 that’s a great surmise. Yea to blend in with civilians.
JD... Again another superb video of Normandy. You have preserved history for future generations. Your reenactment of this battle is so realistic your viewers are actually there walking beside you and Eric. Thank you
Absolutely! Well observed!
I was stationed in Baden Baden from 1990-1993. When we would do morning PT (fitness) we run in the blackforest off the beaten track and every so often one of our platoons would find hidden trenches and the odd camouflage shacks. Germany I would say, still has many a hidden gem to be found one day.
I wish I could find a good stash
i am from baden baden ( or atleast very close to it ) what you saw was the third and last line of defenses of the westwall that was built before the war as a counterpart to the french maginot line
the third line had mostly communications anti air and command facilities
when i go into my local forest i can find bunkers very easily as when you find one you just need to follow the defense line and you will find more
one time i found an old bunker oven in it and sold it for 500 bucks on ebay
@@tavish4699 what else you found man
@hertoramann well recently I had to carry firewood from the top of a barn into a wagon outside and I kept walking past this weird old whine crate that I just kept looking at for some reason
I just couldn’t stop looking
Then I realized it had heeresmunition written on it
It was a crate for 7.5 cm shells for a anti tank gun
I then asked the man if I could have it and he said sure
It’s probably something his father brought home from the war
@@tavish4699 who’s that man? Owner ? That’s nice. I wonder if there still supply stash of heer arround world? Because due to information from a book which name is für vaterland und fuhrer German soldiers retreat so quick even they had to left supply points and abandoned. Of course red army could find it but what if there are still some of them available somewhere else
Im so very jealous of you two young men. When i was your age i always wanted to see the places my uncles fought in. Thanks for making this video tour possible.
my grandfather also wore a uniform jacket, also with the award ribbon to the iron cross second class in the buttonhole and he was also there at the time of the invasion. he was captured after hard fighting and was in American captivity for 2 years until he returned to destroyed Berlin in 1946 where he met my grandmother on the black market and married her in 1947. my grandfather still has nightmares at night until the 1960s from which he woke up screaming
Wait so was he a nzi
@@shunumiah8041he was a soldier
@@shunumiah8041why would you think that?? I never read that in this comment?? The person said his grandfather was a soldier who spent 2yrs as a POW nothing about him being a nart-see!!
@@shunumiah8041not all Germans were socialists.
Amazing. The german uniforms were extraordinary good looking as well.
I love WW 1-2 era history. I don’t want to say WW2 was my “favorite war” but I do enjoy learning and watching videos like this on it because my old neighbor who has past on now was Military Police during the war. He’d always tel me stories when I was growing up of what it was like. Before he past on he gave me some of his service medals. Great video!
Thanks!
Back in the day of 1980, a neighbor of my then girlfriend used to come over the house, especially on holidays. Super nice guy named Hans. One of those guys in his late 50's that didn't look a day over 35. He spoke perfect English but could switch to German if someone asked. He had his full regular army uniform from the war in his closet. He brought it over one time and put it on for everyone. It still fit him perfectly. I wish I had been up on uniforms and awards back then.
Tja der Hans der kanns,, schneidig ist die Infanterie.
What a channel, by far it's the best I've ever watched. I spend hours from Normandy to Germany watching your amazing discoveries. Thank you and keep up the great work 👍👍👍👍👍
Wow, thank you!
That is truly amazing! I am shocked that that tunic was not eating up by mold or some kind of a critter mice whatever. Thank you JD and Eric.
Very well done, throughout the some 50 yrs.of collecting, studying history, teaching, etc... my uniform collection has grown to 519 pieces dating from 1754 to the 1980s Cold War, I own a complete O.Rs panzer uniform Grossdeutchland, low boots, M43 cap, mouse gray shirt, necktie, headset, wound badge 3d class, panzer assault badge along with a Lance cpl 's uniform m1940 of that division Grossdeutchland Infanterie Reg',t complete. My Abn. Paratrooper collection alone is huge including an M42 jump uniform of the Devil's Bde.with the early M1C fixed bail pot and Hawley liner NCO bar on the pot. Imagine the faces, men, expressions, fear, hatred, etc. The diaries, memoirs, hand drawn maps, battlefield drawings in my paper collections, hair raising reading what Pvt. Jim Watson saw in Chickamauga Co. D 1st Fla. Cav. Also an autographed photo of field Marshall Rommel I found tucked away in one of my Musette bags. My Sharp's carbine M1859 has the man's name scribed into the shoulder stock P.Flynn Those aren't even the mind blowers from.my collections
Crazy the story that thing could tell if it could talk! All I could see in my mind while looking at it was the German soldier looking around and seeing all was lost. So he took off his uniform, hide it by stuffing it in there and ran away thinking maybe he could blend in with civilians. Who knows how it really happened but it is one very interesting story no less. Great stuff y'all!
Great series, have a hard time understanding how all this concrete was produced all along the coast, to build these bunkers, this was done with 30’s equipment, the elaborate interiors of some are amazing it’s incredible to believe the Germans were so determined to win the war. But made too many mistakes in the end. History is so fascinating.
Slave labour is how
Yes, they made crucial mistakes. Switching from attacking RAF airfields to bombing London allowed Fighter Command to catch its breath and regain the upper hand. Turning on Russia was a major error as well. Putting faith in the "wonder weapons" instead of conventional ones and not exploiting the advanced aircraft they had all contributed to the downfall of Germany. Good thing they made those crucial errors when they did, history might be different today.
@Carmen Schuler Weren't many workers from the Todt Organization too?
@Carmen Schuler . Agree .
@Carmen Schuler Severe concrete burns? Ok.
You show us so many incredibly beautiful places and so much interesting history of value that many of us followers have heard about but will not be able to see and we are so grateful that you can show us those places.. it feels so amazing and we are eternally grateful for what you show us :D
JD, Another fantastic episode! Thank you for all that you do! Erik, thank you for preserving history, and it's humbling to see you bring artifacts back to the location. The cemetery visits get me all the time!!!!
That Crisbecq Battery Bunker Complex was quite fortified. Glad they kept the Artillery in place. Thanks.
Very cool that Erik received that jacket. Who knows how many items like that just get tossed out after all these years. I'll see you guys shortly 😁.
Thank you both.
How this channel doesnt have millions of subscribers is beyond me. I guess people would rather watch others play video games than learn this history. Such good content. Thankyou
So glad you went back and shared another video of this place!! 🥳 Very cool!! Thanks for taking us along 👍😎
These artifacts are amazing! So is this series!
Great job JD and Erik. I'm amazed at how much I've learned from you guy's.
Awesome as always, thanks JD and Eric
I had to chuckle when he was talking about camouflaging the bunkers from aerial surveillance. I would think those huge structures in the middle of a field would stand out like a sore thumb regardless of what you did to them. Another great video, thanks!
I seriously can't get enough of this.
Click bait. He said she said... I found this clean uniform like years ago. Totally believe it from the years of it sitting in a hole when it magically appears dry cleaned in some guys hands
Not sure if this is true or not, but I had heard more than once before, that some of the greener German troops in Normandy took off there uniforms and donned french civilian clothes and tried to blend into the countryside to escape capture or death. Some were captured and that was how this came to light. Mayne that uniform in the duct work was a product of that folklore. We may never know.
I agree
@ Michael Douglas . I’ve heard about such stories more or less the same back in the 60’s while I was in the then British HongKong from the Royal Military WW2 veterans . Then in the70’s , I heard about such stories from several WW2 veterans that I worked with back in USA . I’ve got drafted in November 1969 .
Hi Mr Douglas. Not folklore. It’s a fact. Not only the regular troops, but especially those of higher rank, particularly if they had been involved in the more ‘questionable’ actions of the war. Not surprising really. Anonymity would be highly desirable if you are on the losing side and want to avoid any potential reprisal.
This was my first guess
@Carmen Schuler stop learning history from hollywood
Your concept of bringing history to all people is both educational and rewarding, another wonderful video. Shame with what's going on in another part of Europe that some people will never learn from history that taking land by force only creates losers on all sides.
seen that guy on Pawn Stars several times. He once was trying to sell a coat belonging to Elvis lol
Yep!
I just have to say I love this channel so much. You make some fascinating videos. Thanks for what you do! You really are doing your part at keeping history alive for the next generation!
Oh glad to see uniform has been brought back to be put on display in the bunker where it came from for everyone to see when they come there
Great artifact. The man who owned this was a combat veteran as evidenced by the EK2 ribbon in the buttonhole. German troops were somewhat unique in that they wore their decorations on their combat uniforms. The jacket also doesn't appear to have the white colar piping or any other distinctions to identify him as anything other than a Landser.
Think that's why so many actual decorations have been, and are, found out on the old areas of engagement.
The ribbon looks way to new for 80 years old..
White piping? You mean infantry, yes?
An M-36 early war tunic with pleated pockets and the bottle green collar still being worn in 1944, I suppose it's possible, but one might expect to find a NCO tresse around the collar with corresponding collar tabs and shoulder boards
many european countries wore their awards in combat conditions.
Oh wow... When Erik mentioned that 12 American servicemen lost their lives there because one of them, or a different American soldier not killed, was smoking a cigarette near the ammo stores. So heartbreaking and tragic.. to live through D-Day and some vicious fighting, only to be killed over a silly accident that could have been prevented easily. RIP to each of those men, as well as all service members of each of the Allied Countries that fought and lost their lives while trying to make sure the rest of the world was safe from tyranny. God Bless. 🙏
Exactly my thoughts!
As my dad used to say, "those things will kill ya."
I visited that place when the digging just started. Love to go back and see the end result.
Love your videos J.D in seeing history, with Eric and his relics. That has also been superb. His knowledge and names he knows in and around France has been great. Thank you also Eric.👏🏻
On another issue the ribbon is the wearer of a Iron Cross Second Class J.D. So he had to have done something still brave enough to earn it. But just not enough to get the real Iron Cross.
My first thought was that perhaps smoke was pouring in the air duct and perhaps a German infantryman jammed it up with this coat to keep from choking...just a thought
One of my uncles who was overseas sent a complete German uniform back home. My grandmother, who detested the Nazis and hated that her four sons were in both Europe and the Pacific Theatre, took that uniform outside one day and burned it. Needless to say that didn’t go over well with any of the family, boys and girls (one aunt was in the WAC). A piece of history lost in a fire on the home front. I have my father’s wartime mementos, few that they are, except for the suitcase full of letters, photos, clippings and telegrams, all that my parents saved. They were just dating at the time my father went into the military and their courtship is mostly all there in those many letters. They’re both gone now, and having these things means so much.
Another outstanding video. Thanks again for sharing these educational videos 👌🙏
Literally history at your fingertips!
Amazing find!
So very cool, I've seen you on TV a few times. You are always a wealth of information!!!! TYVM
👍🏻
Another amazing episode ….I am completely hooked
7:28
Nice shot of the uniform, it's almost like he's standing there.
Thank you for sharing.
Sure hope that was donated back to where it came from , It should be on display there along with the story !!!
Goose bumps right there!! How very cool!!!
Like others, curious why the other battery is not accessible.
Full of uncleared munitions, maybe. There's several along the whole length of 'the Wall'.
To be that close to history must be a TRIP !!!!!
What a find 👍🏴🇬🇧
Amazing, thanks!
Just when I thought I saw all of Erik’s stuff, you guys pull this thing out !! Wow, that was awesome for real ! Man Erik’s the man for real, Wow dude ! So so cool ! You should do a WW1 series with all of his stuff too cause it’s incredible as well as I’m sure you well know.
👍🏻
Amazing! To be in the bunker where it was found. Very cool
😂❤ thank you for Info and Video sir ! 📽️👍⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My pleasure!
Yes sir I agree your living my dream.keep up the good work for the world to be in touch!!!
Thank you guys, I am happy I found this channel
Gotta love that 🌈 rainbow @2:25 something tells me it’s those soldiers that didn’t come back home letting us know they are ok in God’s realm.
wow what an impressive story JD. About the discovery of a german uniform. i love the artifact series 👍🏼
Well done as always.
👍🏻
Wow! When we say smoking kills people-we aren’t joking! Lol seriously good episode!
Another really interesting video JD! You have done a great job with the battle in Normandy. Thx
Thanks!
I feel like the method that was explained on how the camo pattern was inlayed into the concrete is slightly in accurate the paper would have had to have been adhered to the forms walls when they poured the concrete into them there would have been no way to access the wet concrete to put these in once it was poured hence why I think the method described is in accurate it is more likely they put waste pieces of rebar on the forms so when they pulled the forms off the rebar would be easy to pull out where paper and other things would get the folds caught in the concrete and rip out leaving remnants of the material in the grove
Wonderful who the holder of the EK2 was and if he survived the war. Interesting video.
Very cool! Great background music as well!
The Red Ribbon meant something.
You guys have an Amazing Channel
Iron Cross 2nd Class!
Thanks for another great video. I noticed at the end credits the British flag has been raised incorrectly.
The red "stripe" in the lower left quarter should be furthest from the flag pole.
Well spotted...when hoisted like this, it is a sign of distress.
What a story... awesome artifact! am catching up on some episodes 👍
History kept alive even during worst time in history
Another great episode!
That's a real example of "smoking kills." How sad. Survive the landing and you get a moment to relax and it takes you.... :(
Wow what an amazing find!
You guys need to go to Maisy Battery if you havent yet...amazing story.
Had plans but schedules didn’t quite line up.
Very cool! Love the videos.
Man you NEVER disappoint.
That guy sat at the table chilling in his thermal undergarment been missing jacket for years.
So bizar that this bunker is actually a grave as well.
I wonder what was on the minds of these young men as they defended those bunkers and casemates. They mustve been scared as the invaders were as well.
Amazing find this tunic!
Incedible story, thank you so much.
Amazing video, thanks!
Fascinating video that again personalizes WW2. The tunic is really interesting. Why would it be stuffed in an air vent? Was it to prevent gas or explosives being dropped down the vent from the outside?
It’s unlikely unless a real novice with no understanding of his bunker. There were grenade traps (designed to prevent ingress using a baffle to redirect it outside) and the bunkers were designed with gas attacks in mind. Airtight doors and hatches with special filtration design to prevent gas entry into the bunker.
@@francisjohnification Ok then maybe he and his bunker mates were smokin some weed and didn’t want the officers outside to smell it. After that I’m out of ideas so come up with your own.
@@Chiller01 Ahaaa. Now we’re thinking outside the box, and I like it. You could be onto something there. 👍🏻😵💫
What a great thing to have acquired! So awesome!
Amazing 👍
I wonder if the Kreigsmarine "borrowed" an army uniform to stop a drafty air duct? The air duct would have to be pretty well sealed at either end for this to happen unless it was like 1970s or before? I once found a cardboard stationary box from ww1 inside a metal tin 4ft below the ground so these conditions preserved it. Great video ive been to Normandy 4/5 times and I didnt know about this place.
My dear dad fought the Krauts, the storys he told me of how cruel they were, May he Rest in Peace now, this jacket sends shivvers up my spine, worn by a callous, heartless Nazi, had to stop the video when i saw that swastika, left me stone cold, before that interesting video
You always have very interesting content. Thank you.
Another really great episode, thanks for bringing back the tunic to the bunker. Could you do a episode on the accident that killed the American soldiers? May be they could put a plaque on the wall to remember them?
That is really cool that would be better then finding a brand new car !! That is real history! To bad you can't come across an mp 44, thank you Frank from montana....
This is awesome! Thank you! Keep em coming.
Great video! I'm loving this channel.
Another outstanding episode from Erik and yourself. The minutia that y'all uncover is fascinating.
Kudos for bringing out the drone. The overhead shots, in this case, the Crisbecq Battery, adds a great perspective in terms of showing the massive size of this complex.
Without giving too much away, are there plans to chronologically retrace the order of battles all the way to the Eagle's Nest?
Well Done, once again.
Those German uniforms were really well designed 👌🏻
6:25 Zugluftleitung not Zulufleitung
When they write It on the wall, it should be right. Great Videos btw.
Best regards from Germany
It's hard to believe the naval bombardment didn't do more damage...then again, look at all that rebar! The concrete walls must be two feet thick. The grass is so well kept, it looks like one big putting green.
Coffee break!!
The story goes that when a German forward observer (who survived the war) on D-Day early morning first saw the massive Allied armada off the Normandy coast his first words were "My God , we've lost the war". German propaganda told their people that the allies didn't have nearly that much men and material. The massive armada literally filled his view sight
Great find .. has a German Sargent ribbon on the front as well
Waw that is just crazy amazing, im lucky that i got to subscribe to this channel✌🏻✌🏻
Fantastic explore and great video loved it JD
Great to hear Lili Marleen.