I’m a 63 year old American. Believe it or not , I have known of Albert Ball since I was a young boy in grade school because of my love of aviation. He and Edward Mannock were some of my heroes
I'm from Nottingham, and Ball was previously a big part of our county's story, although I think my own crop of teenagers would have no idea who he was. I dimly remember that some of his possessions - including the windscreen from his SE5a - were on display at the Castle. What draws me to Ball, as well as to Mannock and McCudden - is that they weren't archetypal officers. They were all misfits who didn't slot neatly into the idea of the 'huntin' and shootin'' pastimes of the ideal, aristocratic young officer. In fact, Mannock loved animals and would never have shot at them, which makes me like him enormously, and McCudden came up through the ranks, having been a mechanic first and then an observer.
@@davidjohns4745 I am 61 and grew up fascinated with the knights of the sky. My dad flew A-4 Skyhawks in the United States Navy. One of his best friends was killed flying for the Royal Navy as an exchange pilot, up in Lossiemouth Scotland. Went into the Moray Firth. Flying The Blackburn Buccaneer, with the 700Z squadron.
I taught his Great niece, Angela Ball in Alderney in 2001. We did a history project on her great uncle that resulted in the family being flown to Nottingham castle to see the Albert Ball Museum. Prior to this, the family had not even heard of him. The family now proudly display his framed dispatches etc in their home. She looked so much like him it was uncanny. She is very proud of him.
I visited Balls grave in France, on a grey windy day. When we dropped my brother off at Trent College in, Long Eaton during the fall of 1976. His headmaster was shocked that a 13 year old American knew more about Albert Ball than most of the faculty and all of the students. I was 14 when we went to his burial site on my insistence. I fist read about him at the age of 7. My father being a Navy Pilot helped a lot, as our home was stuffed to the gills with books on aviation.
Mannock was our highest scoring ace and it was he who shot down 72 German aircraft. It was also said that Mannock credited other pilots with kills that he himself was responsible for. Apart from that good video
My Dad worked as an apprentice at Elliot's garage on Derby road Nottingham. When Alberts father was Mayor he hated having his chauffer stop to refuel his Mayoral car so he had cans of petrol delivered to his house. This was a job my father usually did and each time he would "borrow" a pint or so from each can and fill his Scott motorcycle up for free! So my claim to fame is my Dad pinched petrol off Albert Balls Dad.
Well, if it was a Scott, he'd need a lot of petrol if the one I had is any guide! I was born and brought near Nottingham and went to school there. I remember seeing an SE5a windscreen supposedly from Albert Ball's aircraft on display in the Castle museum, and I built and flew an SE5a radio control model some years ago. I still have it.
I am simply amazed and what this man accomplished in a short young life. His story should be shared with all British youth as an inspiration. Bravo and kudos, amigo.
At the risk of sounding like a grumpy old man, they wouldn't care. He wasn't a gamer, he didn't have a budding career as an influencer and he didn't have blue hair or facial piercings. Ball's achievements seem to count as nothing in the face of this.
@@Hartley_HareAs a British youth, I take care to remind older members of society that all they read and hear and see of the younger generation is a loud and attention-seeking minority. As it has always been.
I am 77 yrs old. My Grandfather helped in WW1 & my Father fought in WW2, yet I've never heard of Albert Ball ?! What a man he was! What a Hero. Thanks for posting this, regards, John.
Wondeful story, wonderfully told. My grandfather was a RFC/RAF fighter pilot. He died long before I was born, and, my mother says, he never spoke about the war so we know nothing about his time in the conflict.
Always enjoy your videos but for me this is the best yet. Albert Ball has been my “aviation hero” for more decades than I care to count. I have all of the available biographies plus copies of some of his combat reports. Thank you for bringing his story to a wider audience.
In an age where people look up to UA-cam 'influencers', sportsmen and pop-stars, I think it's great that you are resurrecting the stories of those that actually deserve our respect.
Darren thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. I appreciate your ongoing support and it was great that you were able to join my live. History talk last night
My ancestor was a partner with Ball's Father (there were three partners) in the purchase of land in what is now Aspley/ Bilborough / Strelley. The purchase went from what is now Gregory Boulevard all the way up Aspley Lane. My own family sold the land that is now Blue Coat School and were market gardeners/ Nursery men in to the 1980's in this area. The land that Ball's Father bought was developed in to a huge swathe of what would be Council and private homes. As an aside, in the 1990's I served with the "Robin Hood Rifles" (tracing its lineage to the 7th Battalion), when it was a constituent company of the 3rd Battalion the Worcester & Sherwood Foresters Regiment.
Thank you Chris for yet another wonderful video. I have know about Albert Ball for many years, but this is the first time his fascinating life has been made clear to me. Thank you. One minor correction. The plane you identify as a Bristol Scout is a Bristol Fighter. I believe the Scout was a monoplane. The "Bisfit" came along later in the war and was the favorite mount of Keith Park 20 kills, New Zealand's second highest scoring ace of WWI. He is much better known for his exploits in WWII.
@@brianwilcox3478 Yes you're right. I was getting the Bristol Scout mixed up with the Bristol Monoplane Scout or Bristol M1 that didn't flu until 1916.
What a hero and a great British airman Albert Ball was!! Loved listening to another amazing story of heroism in WW1 and yes please more videos on WW1. Thanks.
Thanks for an interesting account of our local Hero, not forgotten around Nottingham, I live not far from his folks place, very tragic to die so young, RIP Capt Ball.
I went to college in Nottingham in 1952 , the Castle museum had lots of damaged memorabilia ofAlbert Balls planes 😊The story of his death was that he sometimes circled a French church to set his watch before returning. The Germans mounted a machine gun in the tower , damaged his aeroplane, Ball hit a fence trying to land and died.. He was also known to play a violin for relaxation
Thanks Chris. I'm a big WW1 enthusiast. My father has a scrap book of WW1 planes and pilots. He was born in 1918 and loved aviation. I did some WW1 reenacting for a few years. Cheers Ron
Thanks for posting this! Great video about a larger than life hero you don't hear about anymore. As a kid I was fortunate enough to be given a book on WWI aces, men like Albert Ball, Billy Bishop, Mick Mannock, Raul Lufberry, Frank Luke, and Eddie Rickenbacker among others. I dogeared and read it until it literally fell apart.
Seventy years old,but known about these guys since I was a kid in the sixties.More recently read a book about learning to fly during this period. You could not write some of the things they got up to. There seems to have been two types of person. Stark staring mad,or totally fearless. They always come across to me as incredibly brave men. There was one story about a guy who fell out of the cockpit whilst changing amunition magazines. The aircraft flew beneath him right way up and he fell back in again according to him. I swear its in print ! Another ex pilot,in his sixties by this time got a warning from the cops for setting about two young muggers with his walking stick, in London, in the sixties.A Mad Irishman. Figures
I learnt about Albert Ball, during my history lessons at school, and my love of aviation. What a courageous young man he was. Like so many other young men,…to die so young.! Very sad.
Wonderful story told with your usual flair Chris! Albert Ball´s extraordinary tally of 44 victories within a year may be the, perhaps, the best performance of a fighter ace in WW1. I have to say that the images of WW1 sadden me very much. Thanks to my father I learned to respect and admire the heroism of soldiers regardless of their uniform; the fact that I was born and bred in Argentina also helped me because I was free from the traditional hatred or resentment that most Europeans inherit from their ancestors due to a long series of wars against their neighbours. The scale of the slaughter of WW1 is unparalleled. The finest men of our race killed each in the most horrendous fashion for nothing. Our grandparents fought a 20th-century war based on ideas and sentiments of the 19th-century. As a British stateman said: "It was the end of an era"
Billy Barker (VC) is a great Canadian WWI ace-pilot who really doesn't get enough mention, considering that he is our most decorated serviceman. he died young though, while the other ''B.B.'' became much more well known. tyvm for another upload Chris (et al) 🫎🇨🇦😁
I’m 56 now I used to go regularly to Nottingham Castle with my Grandad as a boy, He knew Albert from Long Eaton.He used to tell me the story of his VC and they even have his windshield complete with bullet holes , I was fascinated.
Another brilliant presentation. Being from Nottingham, your production brought a tear to my eyes. It's always the young men who fight and die for us. 'How many hours of Spits ? 7 Sir, 10 Sir, stick to me like glue'. And there the thousands of crosses are marked out in so many Cemeteries. Albert Ball, killed in action in May 1917...at the age of 20 ! So he was flying at the age of around 17. So he might've been only 16 when he first took to the air......May God rest his soul. Respects to a brave kid (kid because he wasn't an adult. Old enough to fight, but not old enough to vote). My only issue with your production is that in NO WAY did he split a stick, with a revolver at 50 yards. I feel that this is one of those stories that becomes folk law after its been repeated down the pub till the handle drops off. Otherwise, informative, kept my interest and gave me a tear. Well Done.
Thanks, that revolver story also sounded a bit far fetched to me. Long ago, when the developing museum site at Duxford still had a usable firing range, I tried out an ex-WW2 British issue Smith and Wesson M&P model revolver at 25 m. On my first go, i put a tight group of 5 consecutive shots into the 1" wide post holding up my target, breaking the post and causing the target to fall down. So, at 25 yards, an expert shot will be able to consistently shoot 1" groups with a good revolver. But by 50 yards, those groups will have spread out somewhat, so you'd need quite a wide stick to hit it every time or most of the time.
If you are from Nottingham, you might also enjoy (?) my story about the Chilwell Munitions Explosion during WW1: ua-cam.com/video/cnaz36nE6QY/v-deo.html
@derekp2674 My respects as a fellow marksman. At Strensall military range near York, my club arranged a 100 yard pistol competition. All members were Marksmen. (Of course they were). At 100 yards, our target was a piece of 8" x 4" piece if paper. We all hit the target. I don't think that anybody could split a stick at 100 yards unless they were using a rifle. But HeyHo. Let legend prevail. High 5s to your Sir.
@@oldgitsknowstuff Respects to you too. That's quite decent shooting for that distance. There was a time when the UK had long range pistol competitions at 100, 200 and 300 yards. I think the main challenges were figuring out where to aim and then aiming precisely enough with normal pistol sights.
My interest in Ball comes from the tales my uncle Jim told me of his antics on their motorcycles, once riding them in the corridors of the High School which got them into a lot of trouble.
Like Tomtaylor, I 'm 66 yrs. old and read about Albert Ball in 7th grade. He was my first WW I pilot that I read about. I out very much like to hear more stories about WW I Briitish pilots!! As well as British WW I naval pilots as well. Thanks Chris!
Yes! When I was very young, I fell in love with history, primarily focusing on WWI aviation at first. Ball was definitely one of those I read about at length. This was well-done & very enjoyable. Thx!
Yes please Chris .. More ww1 VC winners .. Your narration and your stories are so interesting.. There was another story of a pilot from ww1 who got his foot /part of his leg blown off ,and although due to the severe loss of blood went on to shoot down the German. Jeremy Clarkson mentioned him from when he covered a programe on the VC about his Father in law at Arnham a Major Caine .
What great young men we made, with great for thought and courage,, of course at the time there were no parachutes real brave, smart kid landing and playing dead,, Reminds me of the movie Ace's High with Robert Shaw😢🙏🆘🇬🇧💯 we have killed a lot of great men and women 🙏💪😥 ESPECIALLY THE GREAT WAR.. Your enthusiasm brings a tear Thanks Chris for their story's 🆘🇬🇧💯🙏💪✌️
For such a young man, Albert had a lot of fight in him which is what you need in war. Abraham Lincoln once said, "It is not about the years you live in your life, but the life you live in your years". Albert Ball had an exceptional life in his 20 years on Earth. Today's generation of fighter pilots can learn a lot from his example. A very sad but good story. Albert Ball, may God rest his soul. Keep rolling them out, Chris!
Hi Chris, I didn't know anything about this Ace. Thanks for telling his story. Of course the name rings a bell from the world cup football heroe, both great fighters at very young age. Perhaps its something in the name. How sad that he died so young. Great respect. What a great story, excellently told as always. Have a great weekend!!
Each year on the anniversary of his death there is a service at his memorial. Albert Ball senior initially wanted the monument to be in the city centre but this idea was vetoes. The monument was almost left incomplete as there were insufficient funds to finish it. Albert Ball Senior pushed and managed to raise the funds.
Your presentation on Albert Ball was so interesting. When I was a student, they really didn't teach anything about WWI.I guess it was because it was mostly a European war. I still had WWI veterans living in our neighborhood who used to tell me stories. I always had a love for the airplanes of the period, and I built models of his plane and others. You really bring history to life😊.
@TheHistoryChap One fellow was in the Austria army as a machine gunner. He told me they had to live on turnips because of food shortages, so he never ate them again,then my neighbor was an auto mechanic, so when he was drafted, he was assigned to the air force because he knew how to work on motors.
Thank you Chris for an excellent and interesting video on a fascinating character. I have come to really admire your well researched and nicely presented videos. I see that I am not the only nerd that spotted the Bristol fighter ( which Capt Leif Robinson VC was flying when he was downed) being described as a Bristol Scout.
Well done, Chris! Another superb tale, richly told !! Albert Ball VC, is yet another example of an English hero, whose deeds are legendary. It always strikes me as amazing how so many people do something amazing for God, King and Country, and for such a variety of reasons. God bless them all ! And thank you for this awe-inspiring presentation, in your inimitable style...
Hello Chris, thankyou for another smashing video. I'm born and raised in Nottingham, so I know the story quite well. However, some great facts that I've not heard before. As an aircraft enthusiastic, it would be good if you could cover some more air aces, as a suggestion. As ever, I am looking forward to your next video.
I have his wristwatch that he was wearing when he was killed coming up for sale later this year at Bamfords Auctioneers. The lot will also include his RFC calling card, a Bowie Knife, photos, etc. The watch was returned by the Germans to his father. His father later gave it to his chauffeur. Albert Senior had the watch repaired at the same retailer in Nottingham where Albert had purchased it. The chauffeur’s son who knew Albert as a boy later wore the watch to school. The watch comes directly from the family.
@@Hartley_Hare It is not maker marked. But has Swiss movement. White enamel dial with Arabic numerals and separate seconds dial. The back of the case is engraved with a stylised motif of featuring a steering wheel above a single wheel which is flanked by a pair of wings. When Albert Sn had the watch repaired one of the hands was replaced with a similar one but not an exact match as this was damaged along with the broken crystal. It is on a brown leather military style strap.
@@georgemacdonell2341 Sadly Nottingham Castle which would be the ideal place for the watch to go have no funds. The vendor and myself are exploring different avenues to try and get the right parties interested to ensure the watch stays in the UK and preferably in the East Midlands on public display. I am a Nottingham lad myself and Albert was and still is a hero of mine.
Another great video. I’ve known of Albert Ball but had not realised the extent of his bravery and skill at such an early age. I’ll certainly try and visit his grave the next time I go to France 🙏
I can recommend the 2008 documentary ‘World War One Aces Falling’, about the very young British aces and their fates. On You Tube, not HD but watchable. This excellent video really adds to the life of Ball.
Have always had in interest in combat aircraft and those that flew them. Read about Albert Ball years ago but always willing to listen to new stuff. Your comments about his design being made at Longbridge is new to me, the site is about 3 miles from where I live and indeed for about 5 years I worked from a base on the old factory's site. As you say history is closer than you think.
Yes. I would, very much, like to see more videos like this one. I was, just, 16 years old (I'm 74 years old now) when I first heard of Albert Ball. Keep up the good work 👏 👍
Great story and next time I'm in Nottingham I'll certainly visit his statue. I had a look on the list of Nottingham tram names (they're named after an impressive list of local achievers) and was disappointed that he wasn't listed!
They say the was honour amongst pilots in WW1 well that gets thrown out the window with the fact they turned up with 3 extra planes ✈️, but seriously what a hero and such a shame he died like so many young men 😞
Such a Sad loss of a Such a fine young man like so many other millions. Fighting for freedom. Only they must be appalled to see England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland now.
I would be more than happy to watch any other videos on Great War aviators that you would care to produce, Chris. If I may, I would like to suggest that you take a look at Raymond Collishaw, the top scoring RNAS (Royal Navy) ace who was also the second highest scoring Canadian pilot of the war. The RNAS is usually overlooked, which is a great pitty.
As mentioned in the video Albert realised as he became a more experienced pilot that when he pulled his over wing Lewis gun backward on its "Foster rail" for reloading the end of the rail tipped the gun vertical giving access to the magazine, this allowed him to shoot above him into the enemy aircrafts body while he was hidden from its pilots view in this way he accounted for many kills. This same tactic was used by the Luftwaffe against our bombers in WW2 with angled almost vertical firing machine guns codenamed schräge musik (Jazz Music) He once flew back to France after his leave delivering a new plane to the front practicing this method, his fellow pilot had no idea he was there for the whole journey!
First read of pilots in WWI in a little paperback book entitled Iron Men With Wooden Wings. Bought it for less than $1.00 from the Weekly Reader book club. That 7th grade purchase began a lifetime of interest in aviation.
Yes, and since you have done one on a Kiwi, I'm sure you'll have a go at Albert Jacka now. And although an Australian republican myself, that was not the case for so many Australians, New Zealanders, South Africans, and Canadians who considered themselves British at that time. So, to be fair to those who served in the great war, and as a British historian, well, you get the gest. And by the way, that was a brilliant summary of Ball.
I know you are mainly a British history channel, but it would be cool to see you cover some of the American military exploits of the 19th century, like you do with the British. It's an era that is quite often overlooked but still has some fantastic stories to tell, and a lot of them are British Empire adjacent. One that comes to mind is the story of Commodore Perry and his black ships. You have covered many American topics before, and that's why I think you would be excellent at covering something like that, as you have a very neutral perspective that doesn't try to glorify or cut down based on bias. While watching your recent Opium War video, I was struck by this idea and had to let you know.
I visited the grave of Albert Ball back in 2010 en route to Mons, his elaborate tomb was in stark contrast to the simple iron crosses of the German graves. I've also visited Nottingham Castle a few times to see the memorial statue there, but not since the City Council introduced extortionate charges to enter the Castle & grounds.
Loved the story, I have never heard of Albert Ball. What a story.an amazing young man. Re other stories, can you tell the story of H. M. S Glowworm. Loving the stories, so many incredible young men and women. Thank you.
Sir, I first came to your channel seeing the Indian Stories. I request you to please do more videos related to the Indian VCs and more stories about the British Adventures in India, modern day Pakistan, Afghanistan and Burma.
I’m a 63 year old American. Believe it or not , I have known of Albert Ball since I was a young boy in grade school because of my love of aviation. He and Edward Mannock were some of my heroes
I hope you enjoyed this particular story about Albert Ball
I was too, as an American, we share those two points in common. I'm sure that in time we will discover many more.
I'm from Nottingham, and Ball was previously a big part of our county's story, although I think my own crop of teenagers would have no idea who he was. I dimly remember that some of his possessions - including the windscreen from his SE5a - were on display at the Castle.
What draws me to Ball, as well as to Mannock and McCudden - is that they weren't archetypal officers. They were all misfits who didn't slot neatly into the idea of the 'huntin' and shootin'' pastimes of the ideal, aristocratic young officer. In fact, Mannock loved animals and would never have shot at them, which makes me like him enormously, and McCudden came up through the ranks, having been a mechanic first and then an observer.
Yea I’m 63 for another week and same.
@@davidjohns4745 I am 61 and grew up fascinated with the knights of the sky. My dad flew A-4 Skyhawks in the United States Navy. One of his best friends was killed flying for the Royal Navy as an exchange pilot, up in Lossiemouth Scotland. Went into the Moray Firth. Flying The Blackburn Buccaneer, with the 700Z squadron.
I taught his Great niece, Angela Ball in Alderney in 2001. We did a history project on her great uncle that resulted in the family being flown to Nottingham castle to see the Albert Ball Museum. Prior to this, the family had not even heard of him. The family now proudly display his framed dispatches etc in their home. She looked so much like him it was uncanny. She is very proud of him.
Thanks for taking the time to share your experience.
I visited Balls grave in France, on a grey windy day. When we dropped my brother off at Trent College in, Long Eaton during the fall of 1976. His headmaster was shocked that a 13 year old American knew more about Albert Ball than most of the faculty and all of the students. I was 14 when we went to his burial site on my insistence. I fist read about him at the age of 7. My father being a Navy Pilot helped a lot, as our home was stuffed to the gills with books on aviation.
Whot a great story ... thank you
Leslie, thank you so much for sharing that story. I love your connection to Trent College. I used to live in nearby Attenborough
@@TheHistoryChap it's amazing how connected we all are in the world. I want to thank you personally. My brother loved seeing his alma mater.
Mannock was our highest scoring ace and it was he who shot down 72 German aircraft.
It was also said that Mannock credited other pilots with kills that he himself was responsible for.
Apart from that good video
@@ColinScudder interesting 🧐 👍🏻
My Dad worked as an apprentice at Elliot's garage on Derby road Nottingham. When Alberts father was Mayor he hated having his chauffer stop to refuel his Mayoral car so he had cans of petrol delivered to his house. This was a job my father usually did and each time he would "borrow" a pint or so from each can and fill his Scott motorcycle up for free! So my claim to fame is my Dad pinched petrol off Albert Balls Dad.
Just the tax money coming back home, great story!
Well, if it was a Scott, he'd need a lot of petrol if the one I had is any guide!
I was born and brought near Nottingham and went to school there. I remember seeing an SE5a windscreen supposedly from Albert Ball's aircraft on display in the Castle museum, and I built and flew an SE5a radio control model some years ago. I still have it.
Thanks for watching my video & for taking the time to share your family story
Thanks for watching my video
What a lovely connection. Cheers for telling us.... Really enjoyed reading it.
Thank you Chris, he's my favourite WW1 ace, have you seen the poem written about him, simply titled "Albert Ball VC".
Thanks for the feedback
I am simply amazed and what this man accomplished in a short young life. His story should be shared with all British youth as an inspiration. Bravo and kudos, amigo.
At the risk of sounding like a grumpy old man, they wouldn't care. He wasn't a gamer, he didn't have a budding career as an influencer and he didn't have blue hair or facial piercings. Ball's achievements seem to count as nothing in the face of this.
@@Hartley_Hare Not completely true. The RAF Air Cadets of Nottingham still celebrate his memory.
@@stevemills9982 And bless them for that but they're a vanishingly small minority.
Thanks Harry
@@Hartley_HareAs a British youth, I take care to remind older members of society that all they read and hear and see of the younger generation is a loud and attention-seeking minority. As it has always been.
Thank you for telling Albert's story, Chris. We will remember them. Regards, Ian
My pleasure, thanks for watching my video
I am 77 yrs old. My Grandfather helped in WW1 & my Father fought in WW2, yet I've never heard of Albert Ball ?! What a man he was! What a Hero. Thanks for posting this, regards, John.
Thanks for your support & for watching my video
Wondeful story, wonderfully told. My grandfather was a RFC/RAF fighter pilot. He died long before I was born, and, my mother says, he never spoke about the war so we know nothing about his time in the conflict.
Thanks for watching my video & sharing your family story.
Always enjoy your videos but for me this is the best yet. Albert Ball has been my “aviation hero” for more decades than I care to count. I have all of the available biographies plus copies of some of his combat reports. Thank you for bringing his story to a wider audience.
really pleased you enjoyed it.
In an age where people look up to UA-cam 'influencers', sportsmen and pop-stars, I think it's great that you are resurrecting the stories of those that actually deserve our respect.
Darren thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. I appreciate your ongoing support and it was great that you were able to join my live. History talk last night
Great story Chris. I have always been fascinated by the stories of the First World War pilots. A brutal and terrifying role they played
Glad you enjoyed. Amazing how young they all were (when compared to the films)
Was privileged to see Albert's medals including his VC at Nottingham castle a few years ago.
thanks for watching my video & your interesting comment.
Definitely do more of these. There are some incredible stories about the WW1 pilots that need to be kept alive.
I am surprised how few people on UA-cam spent time making videos about WW1
@@TheHistoryChap Given the rote formulaic approach to documentaries, they may not have heard of WW1, or anything else.
My ancestor was a partner with Ball's Father (there were three partners) in the purchase of land in what is now Aspley/ Bilborough / Strelley. The purchase went from what is now Gregory Boulevard all the way up Aspley Lane.
My own family sold the land that is now Blue Coat School and were market gardeners/ Nursery men in to the 1980's in this area.
The land that Ball's Father bought was developed in to a huge swathe of what would be Council and private homes.
As an aside, in the 1990's I served with the "Robin Hood Rifles" (tracing its lineage to the 7th Battalion), when it was a constituent company of the 3rd Battalion the Worcester & Sherwood Foresters Regiment.
War is madness! Sadistic…
@@georgehead6780 and this has what to do with property development by the Ball family?
Thank you so much for taking the time to share that local Nottingham History. As a former resident of the city, I found, found it fascinating.
Thank you Chris for yet another wonderful video. I have know about Albert Ball for many years, but this is the first time his fascinating life has been made clear to me. Thank you. One minor correction. The plane you identify as a Bristol Scout is a Bristol Fighter. I believe the Scout was a monoplane. The "Bisfit" came along later in the war and was the favorite mount of Keith Park 20 kills, New Zealand's second highest scoring ace of WWI. He is much better known for his exploits in WWII.
you are right Brian. but the Bristol scout was a rotary powered biplane. first flown in 1914
@@brianwilcox3478 Yes you're right. I was getting the Bristol Scout mixed up with the Bristol Monoplane Scout or Bristol M1 that didn't flu until 1916.
Glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for your feedback
What a hero and a great British airman Albert Ball was!! Loved listening to another amazing story of heroism in WW1 and yes please more videos on WW1. Thanks.
Thank you very much for your kind comment. If you haven’t already, please do subscribe to my channel so you don’t miss future videos
Thanks for an interesting account of our local Hero, not forgotten around Nottingham, I live not far from his folks place, very tragic to die so young, RIP Capt Ball.
Thanks for watching my video & for taking the time to comment
Thank you for taking the time to tell this young man’s story.
It’s my pleasure. Thanks for taking the time to watch.
I went to college in Nottingham in 1952 , the Castle museum had lots of damaged memorabilia ofAlbert Balls planes 😊The story of his death was that he sometimes circled a French church to set his watch before returning. The Germans mounted a machine gun in the tower , damaged his aeroplane, Ball hit a fence trying to land and died.. He was also known to play a violin for relaxation
Thanks for watching my video & sharing your interesting story.
Thanks Chris. I'm a big WW1 enthusiast. My father has a scrap book of WW1 planes and pilots. He was born in 1918 and loved aviation. I did some WW1 reenacting for a few years. Cheers Ron
Glad you enjoyed it
Rest in Peace dear Albert. Thank you for your service.
Thanks for watching my video
Thanks for posting this! Great video about a larger than life hero you don't hear about anymore. As a kid I was fortunate enough to be given a book on WWI aces, men like Albert Ball, Billy Bishop, Mick Mannock, Raul Lufberry, Frank Luke, and Eddie Rickenbacker among others. I dogeared and read it until it literally fell apart.
Seventy years old,but known about these guys since I was a kid in the sixties.More recently read a book about learning to fly during this period. You could not write some of the things they got up to. There seems to have been two types of person. Stark staring mad,or totally fearless. They always come across to me as incredibly brave men.
There was one story about a guy who fell out of the cockpit whilst changing amunition magazines.
The aircraft flew beneath him right way up and he fell back in again according to him. I swear its in print !
Another ex pilot,in his sixties by this time got a warning from the cops for setting about two young muggers with his walking stick, in London, in the sixties.A Mad Irishman. Figures
Glad you enjoyed it & for your comment.
I learnt about Albert Ball, during my history lessons at school, and my love of aviation. What a courageous young man he was. Like so many other young men,…to die so young.!
Very sad.
Thank you for watching my video and for taking the time to write your comment
Just another wonderfull story of a brave young man long forgotten , thanks Chris for reminding us of who we have to thank for what we have today .
Glad you enjoyed it.
Another great warrior, a tale well told. Well done, Chris.
Glad you enjoyed it.
Beautifully told, but a sad tragic story. How very brave he was.
Thanks for the feedback
Brilliant post. Many thanks for taking your time to do this. Proper enjoyed watching it. What an amazing young man Ball was.
Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching
Wonderful story told with your usual flair Chris! Albert Ball´s extraordinary tally of 44 victories within a year may be the, perhaps, the best performance of a fighter ace in WW1.
I have to say that the images of WW1 sadden me very much. Thanks to my father I learned to respect and admire the heroism of soldiers regardless of their uniform; the fact that I was born and bred in Argentina also helped me because I was free from the traditional hatred or resentment that most Europeans inherit from their ancestors due to a long series of wars against their neighbours.
The scale of the slaughter of WW1 is unparalleled. The finest men of our race killed each in the most horrendous fashion for nothing. Our grandparents fought a 20th-century war based on ideas and sentiments of the 19th-century. As a British stateman said: "It was the end of an era"
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Billy Barker (VC) is a great Canadian WWI ace-pilot who really doesn't get enough mention, considering that he is our most decorated serviceman.
he died young though, while the other ''B.B.'' became much more well known.
tyvm for another upload Chris (et al)
🫎🇨🇦😁
Barker, like Ball, is one of those that really demand a bio-pic.
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I’m 56 now I used to go regularly to Nottingham Castle with my Grandad as a boy, He knew Albert from Long Eaton.He used to tell me the story of his VC and they even have his windshield complete with bullet holes , I was fascinated.
Thanks for taking the time to share your family story
Thanks for a great video about another brave young man who sadly died far to young doing his duty for a better future, stay well.
Glad you enjoyed it.
Yes Please, all your videos are excellent
Very kind of you, thanks
Yes please share more. I like your narrative style and it’s a very well told story,
good job
Glad you enjoyed my video
A great story, thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Saw his display in the Nottingham museum
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Love your documentary’s , & yessss 👍
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Fascinating post thank you
Glad you enjoyed it.
Absolutely fantastic video ..yes please do more videos on ww1
I certainly will. Thanks for the vote.
Another brilliant presentation.
Being from Nottingham, your production brought a tear to my eyes.
It's always the young men who fight and die for us.
'How many hours of Spits ? 7 Sir, 10 Sir, stick to me like glue'. And there the thousands of crosses are marked out in so many Cemeteries.
Albert Ball, killed in action in May 1917...at the age of 20 ! So he was flying at the age of around 17.
So he might've been only 16 when he first took to the air......May God rest his soul. Respects to a brave kid (kid because he wasn't an adult. Old enough to fight, but not old enough to vote).
My only issue with your production is that in NO WAY did he split a stick, with a revolver at 50 yards. I feel that this is one of those stories that becomes folk law after its been repeated down the pub till the handle drops off. Otherwise, informative, kept my interest and gave me a tear. Well Done.
Thanks, that revolver story also sounded a bit far fetched to me.
Long ago, when the developing museum site at Duxford still had a usable firing range, I tried out an ex-WW2 British issue Smith and Wesson M&P model revolver at 25 m.
On my first go, i put a tight group of 5 consecutive shots into the 1" wide post holding up my target, breaking the post and causing the target to fall down.
So, at 25 yards, an expert shot will be able to consistently shoot 1" groups with a good revolver. But by 50 yards, those groups will have spread out somewhat, so you'd need quite a wide stick to hit it every time or most of the time.
If you are from Nottingham, you might also enjoy (?) my story about the Chilwell Munitions Explosion during WW1:
ua-cam.com/video/cnaz36nE6QY/v-deo.html
That snippet was taken from "Britain's Forgotten Fighter Ace" a biograghy on Ball written by Walter Briscoe & H. Russell Stannard.
@derekp2674
My respects as a fellow marksman.
At Strensall military range near York, my club arranged a 100 yard pistol competition.
All members were Marksmen. (Of course they were). At 100 yards, our target was a piece of 8" x 4" piece if paper. We all hit the target. I don't think that anybody could split a stick at 100 yards unless they were using a rifle. But HeyHo. Let legend prevail. High 5s to your Sir.
@@oldgitsknowstuff Respects to you too. That's quite decent shooting for that distance. There was a time when the UK had long range pistol competitions at 100, 200 and 300 yards. I think the main challenges were figuring out where to aim and then aiming precisely enough with normal pistol sights.
Brilliant ,thank you for telling Albert's Ball story
thanks for your support, glad you enjoyed my video
My interest in Ball comes from the tales my uncle Jim told me of his antics on their motorcycles, once riding them in the corridors of the High School which got them into a lot of trouble.
Thanks for watching my video & for taking the time to share your family story
Like Tomtaylor, I 'm 66 yrs. old and read about Albert Ball in 7th grade. He was my first WW I pilot that I read about. I out very much like to hear more stories about WW I Briitish pilots!! As well as British WW I naval pilots as well. Thanks Chris!
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Yes! When I was very young, I fell in love with history, primarily focusing on WWI aviation at first. Ball was definitely one of those I read about at length. This was well-done & very enjoyable. Thx!
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Albert was a remarkable man a hero of mine since I was a boy I went to visit his grave and visited Nottingham to see his medals and where he lived
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Yes please Chris ..
More ww1 VC winners ..
Your narration and your stories are so interesting..
There was another story of a pilot from ww1 who got his foot /part of his leg blown off ,and although due to the severe loss of blood went on to shoot down the German.
Jeremy Clarkson mentioned him from when he covered a programe on the VC about his Father in law at Arnham a Major Caine .
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What great young men we made, with great for thought and courage,, of course at the time there were no parachutes real brave, smart kid landing and playing dead,,
Reminds me of the movie Ace's High with Robert Shaw😢🙏🆘🇬🇧💯 we have killed a lot of great men and women 🙏💪😥 ESPECIALLY THE GREAT WAR.. Your enthusiasm brings a tear
Thanks Chris for their story's 🆘🇬🇧💯🙏💪✌️
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Thanks for the video of Albert Ball, very interesting.
Glad you enjoyed it
For such a young man, Albert had a lot of fight in him which is what you need in war. Abraham Lincoln once said, "It is not about the years you live in your life, but the life you live in your years". Albert Ball had an exceptional life in his 20 years on Earth. Today's generation of fighter pilots can learn a lot from his example. A very sad but good story. Albert Ball, may God rest his soul. Keep rolling them out, Chris!
I love that Abraham Lincoln quote.
Thanks for sharing
Another enthralling piece Chris. Yes to more pieces on the gallant “20 minuters” as Lord Flashheart would call them. 😉
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Hi Chris, I didn't know anything about this Ace. Thanks for telling his story.
Of course the name rings a bell from the world cup football heroe, both great fighters at very young age. Perhaps its something in the name.
How sad that he died so young. Great respect.
What a great story, excellently told as always. Have a great weekend!!
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Each year on the anniversary of his death there is a service at his memorial. Albert Ball senior initially wanted the monument to be in the city centre but this idea was vetoes. The monument was almost left incomplete as there were insufficient funds to finish it. Albert Ball Senior pushed and managed to raise the funds.
total respect....
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Another great hero rescued from oblivion, thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it
Your presentation on Albert Ball was so interesting. When I was a student, they really didn't teach anything about WWI.I guess it was because it was mostly a European war. I still had WWI veterans living in our neighborhood who used to tell me stories. I always had a love for the airplanes of the period, and I built models of his plane and others. You really bring history to life😊.
I am so pleased that you enjoyed it.
I remember WW1 veterans but never took an interest in them. Wish I had.
@TheHistoryChap One fellow was in the Austria army as a machine gunner. He told me they had to live on turnips because of food shortages, so he never ate them again,then my neighbor was an auto mechanic, so when he was drafted, he was assigned to the air force because he knew how to work on motors.
Thank you Chris for an excellent and interesting video on a fascinating character. I have come to really admire your well researched and nicely presented videos. I see that I am not the only nerd that spotted the Bristol fighter ( which Capt Leif Robinson VC was flying when he was downed) being described as a Bristol Scout.
nothing wrong with nerds!
Well done, Chris! Another superb tale, richly told !!
Albert Ball VC, is yet another example of an English hero, whose deeds are legendary. It always strikes me as amazing how so many people do something amazing for God, King and Country, and for such a variety of reasons. God bless them all !
And thank you for this awe-inspiring presentation, in your inimitable style...
Thanks for taking the time to comment, glad you enjoyed my video.
Hello Chris, thankyou for another smashing video. I'm born and raised in Nottingham, so I know the story quite well. However, some great facts that I've not heard before. As an aircraft enthusiastic, it would be good if you could cover some more air aces, as a suggestion. As ever, I am looking forward to your next video.
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When I was at primary school in Nottingham around 1960 there was a painting of Albert Ball VC on the wall.
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I have his wristwatch that he was wearing when he was killed coming up for sale later this year at Bamfords Auctioneers. The lot will also include his RFC calling card, a Bowie Knife, photos, etc. The watch was returned by the Germans to his father. His father later gave it to his chauffeur. Albert Senior had the watch repaired at the same retailer in Nottingham where Albert had purchased it. The chauffeur’s son who knew Albert as a boy later wore the watch to school. The watch comes directly from the family.
keeerch i i i ng !!
The museum should win the bid .
As well as being a history nerd, I'm also a watch nerd. Can you tell me more about it?
@@Hartley_Hare It is not maker marked. But has Swiss movement. White enamel dial with Arabic numerals and separate seconds dial. The back of the case is engraved with a stylised motif of featuring a steering wheel above a single wheel which is flanked by a pair of wings. When Albert Sn had the watch repaired one of the hands was replaced with a similar one but not an exact match as this was damaged along with the broken crystal. It is on a brown leather military style strap.
@@georgemacdonell2341 Sadly Nottingham Castle which would be the ideal place for the watch to go have no funds. The vendor and myself are exploring different avenues to try and get the right parties interested to ensure the watch stays in the UK and preferably in the East Midlands on public display. I am a Nottingham lad myself and Albert was and still is a hero of mine.
Thanks Chris, a brilliant telling about an amazing man. I also wonder what he could have achieved if he had lived. Thanks again, Cheers
Glad you enjoyed it.
Another great video. I’ve known of Albert Ball but had not realised the extent of his bravery and skill at such an early age. I’ll certainly try and visit his grave the next time I go to France 🙏
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Thanks for another interesting and informative video.
My pleasure
What an amazing young man
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I can recommend the 2008 documentary ‘World War One Aces Falling’, about the very young British aces and their fates. On You Tube, not HD but watchable.
This excellent video really adds to the life of Ball.
Many thanks for both watching my video and also recommending that documentary.
Have always had in interest in combat aircraft and those that flew them. Read about Albert Ball years ago but always willing to listen to new stuff. Your comments about his design being made at Longbridge is new to me, the site is about 3 miles from where I live and indeed for about 5 years I worked from a base on the old factory's site. As you say history is closer than you think.
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Yes. I would, very much, like to see more videos like this one. I was, just, 16 years old (I'm 74 years old now) when I first heard of Albert Ball. Keep up the good work 👏 👍
Thank you for your comments
Great story and next time I'm in Nottingham I'll certainly visit his statue.
I had a look on the list of Nottingham tram names (they're named after an impressive list of local achievers) and was disappointed that he wasn't listed!
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Another fantastic video. Perhaps you could do a video on the craiglockhart military hospital in edinburgh and the famous soldiers treated there.
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Crazy brave ! A born hero !
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Brilliant video.
"YES"
Cheers
Glad you enjoyed it
Very brave indeed.
Be interesting to hear about the aces in WW2 aswell
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Another great video, keep up the good work!!!!
Glad you enjoyed it.
HI Chris, Have you thought about doing a video on Lieutenant -Colonel Stewart Blacker?
Wasn't even aware of him. Going to look up now.
They say the was honour amongst pilots in WW1 well that gets thrown out the window with the fact they turned up with 3 extra planes ✈️, but seriously what a hero and such a shame he died like so many young men 😞
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Such a Sad loss of a Such a fine young man like so many other millions. Fighting for freedom. Only they must be appalled to see England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland now.
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Excellent. Another great story.
Glad you enjoyed it.
I would be more than happy to watch any other videos on Great War aviators that you would care to produce, Chris. If I may, I would like to suggest that you take a look at Raymond Collishaw, the top scoring RNAS (Royal Navy) ace who was also the second highest scoring Canadian pilot of the war. The RNAS is usually overlooked, which is a great pitty.
Very True,It was the Navy that first took up flying not the Army. Was'nt called 'The Senior Service'for nowt!
Thanks for taking the time to watch my video & also for your comments. Will add your suggestion to my every increasing list.
Yes
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As mentioned in the video Albert realised as he became a more experienced pilot that when he pulled his over wing Lewis gun backward on its "Foster rail" for reloading the end of the rail tipped the gun vertical giving access to the magazine, this allowed him to shoot above him into the enemy aircrafts body while he was hidden from its pilots view in this way he accounted for many kills. This same tactic was used by the Luftwaffe against our bombers in WW2 with angled almost vertical firing machine guns codenamed schräge musik (Jazz Music) He once flew back to France after his leave delivering a new plane to the front practicing this method, his fellow pilot had no idea he was there for the whole journey!
Thanks for taking the time to go into more detail and for sharing how the Germans used the same tactic against our bombers in WW2
First read of pilots in WWI in a little paperback book entitled Iron Men With Wooden Wings. Bought it for less than $1.00 from the Weekly Reader book club. That 7th grade purchase began a lifetime of interest in aviation.
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Yes, more Great War airwar stories please. Cheers!
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed my video
Yes. I would love to see a video about a niteable tanker.
Thanks.
yes more on ww1
Many thanks
Yes Chris to more first world war stories. This video was riveting. Maybe something about tunnelling in the war.
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Excellent job👍
Thanks 👍
Please do more distinguished British fighter aces/soldiers/officers.
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Yes, and since you have done one on a Kiwi, I'm sure you'll have a go at Albert Jacka now. And although an Australian republican myself, that was not the case for so many Australians, New Zealanders, South Africans, and Canadians who considered themselves British at that time. So, to be fair to those who served in the great war, and as a British historian, well, you get the gest. And by the way, that was a brilliant summary of Ball.
Thanks for your feedback
Enjoyed that thanks 👍
Pleased you enjoyed it.
I know you are mainly a British history channel, but it would be cool to see you cover some of the American military exploits of the 19th century, like you do with the British. It's an era that is quite often overlooked but still has some fantastic stories to tell, and a lot of them are British Empire adjacent. One that comes to mind is the story of Commodore Perry and his black ships. You have covered many American topics before, and that's why I think you would be excellent at covering something like that, as you have a very neutral perspective that doesn't try to glorify or cut down based on bias. While watching your recent Opium War video, I was struck by this idea and had to let you know.
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Yes what ever you like. Great content
thanks, glad you enjoyed the video
Again another unknown history,what a story 🎉🎉
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It's just heartbreaking really init boys and girls....Wee Albert.....hats off!✌️
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@@TheHistoryChap Tis my pleasure chap....keep pushing the Regiment into the fray what.....ta!✌️
Yes,yes, yes please
I think that is a positive vote🤣
More Great War tales please
Glad you enjoyed it.
I visited the grave of Albert Ball back in 2010 en route to Mons, his elaborate tomb was in stark contrast to the simple iron crosses of the German graves. I've also visited Nottingham Castle a few times to see the memorial statue there, but not since the City Council introduced extortionate charges to enter the Castle & grounds.
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yes
Thank you
Loved the story, I have never heard of Albert Ball. What a story.an amazing young man. Re other stories, can you tell the story of H. M. S Glowworm. Loving the stories, so many incredible young men and women. Thank you.
Thanks for watching my video and the suggestion which I will add to my every growing list of talks.
A fascinating story 👏 👌 👍
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Sir, I first came to your channel seeing the Indian Stories.
I request you to please do more videos related to the Indian VCs and more stories about the British Adventures in India, modern day Pakistan, Afghanistan and Burma.
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