Reaction To D-Day from the Canadian Perspective
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- Опубліковано 3 січ 2025
- Reaction To D-Day from the Canadian Perspective (Canadian History)
This is my reaction to D-Day from the Canadian Perspective
In this video I react to Canadian history by looking at the Canadian army and military in WW2 by looking at the Canadian role in D-Day.
Original Video - • D-Day from the Canadia...
Sir Winston Churchill said " If I had Canadian soldiers, American technology and British officers, I would rule the world"
Winnie was wrong on British Officers
@@daveusubiaga4102 I've heard variants of this story since my school boy days in the 1960s but never seen a reliable source for it.
Canadians say: "We could have had French cullture, British government and American know-how but instead we got French government, American culture and British know-how."
My mothers father fought for Canada in the first world war and was gassed and machine gunned across his legs . My father fought in Italy and was at Cassino . My uncle Donald was 19 and was killed just outside of Caan by a German sniper . My uncle Barry fought in the Korean war .
@abrahamdozer6273 maybe you should read about the Canadian engineering that helped put America on the moon.
Unlike other beaches, Juno was spared the amount of pre-invasion bombing and naval salvos delivered elsewhere, because there were too many French citizens there, meaning the towns which were heavily defended by German garrisons were relatively untouched when the Canadians landed.
I have watched many accounts of the day, and in every telling - including English and American, the Canadians were ordered to stop their advance on D-Day. They were advancing so quickly that they risked leaving US and UK flanks unprotected - the Germans could have snuck in behind the Canadian advance and attacked US and UK troops.
As the maps show in this video, Canadians had covered more miles coming from Juno than the UK had, coming from Swordfish - and despite having to deal with urban warfare on the way.
Given the fact that Canadians were told to halt, because other forces couldn’t keep up, it feels a little unfair to suggest that the Canadians 'failed to meet their objective' especially when the Germans had fled. They could have just strolled in and taken it, if not ordered to stay where they were
shows the politics of the day.
Sadly, Canadians were often told to “halt” their advancement…and frequently to their detriment!🇨🇦
This is my understanding as well. I've always read that the Canadians were the only ones to meet all their objectives and told to hold short of the airfield. All too often in WW1 and 2, the Canadians are thrown at the most heavily defended objectives because either they were seen as fierce fighters (true) or expendable to the Brits (also true) respect and yet no respect.
Similar thing had happened 2 days earlier when the Canadian Corps broke through the line at Monte Cassino and General Clark of the US VI Corps, instead of doing his duty of destroying the now cut off German 10th Army, quickly rushed towards Rome so that he would get there first to liberate the undefended city. Jokes on him, the first soldier to enter the city was a Canadian from the 1st Special Service Force.
@@canadianeh4792 my father was at Monte Cassino taking that hill.
Everyone forgets about Canada, when it comes to what Canadian really did. I am proud to be Canadian 🇨🇦
Canadian forever mate 🇨🇦
Because usually the US, and sometimes UK, telling of the story, they lump us in with the Brits.
@@musingwithreba9667 Whenever I hear or see that LUMPING I usually scream "NOT Brits ---CANADIANS".
@@kateleblanc604 me too ✋️
A year before this invasion, my dad was part of the Canadian 1st division that landed on Sicily and the on Italy 1943, the Canadian army fought its way up the East coast of Italy and met the German paratroop division in a town called Ortona, this was a bloody battle fought through Christmas 1943, it was called Canadas Stalingrad!
The Germans had been preparing for weeks to hold the line, after two - three weeks of battle, the German para abandoned their position with very few troop that remained, heavy casualties on both sides .
Their battle continued on for many months until they had the German Army retreating out of Rome, Canada was on the outskirts of Rome ready to roll into the city and accept the liberation celebration, unfortunately at the time even though General Montgomery said the Canadians should have the Honour, there was a feud between Montgomery and General George Patton, Patton insisted the Americans take the honour, seeing how Eisenhower was the supreme commander, he gave the go ahead to Patton.
My dad and the Canadian soldiers remember being held back from Rome while the USA transported passed them into Rome as the liberators, my dad explained that he found out what suffering and lives really meant to political driven people and had lost all respect for Americans and their political grandstanding.
Our family from our mom and dad’s sides, had seven servings members in WW 2 with service in Dunkirk, North Africa Sicily, Italy, Holland and Germany. They all survived the war.
When I was about 10 years old, my uncles on my mother’s side of the family were at our house for supper. They were having a conversation with my father in the living room. I asked if my dad remembered where he was during D-Day since we had just learned about it in school that week. My dad said he was in the English Channel issuing orders to fire 2000 lb. shells on German beach positions. My uncle who was in the Canadian Army at the time asked, “There were Greeks at Normandy on D-Day?” “Sure” said my dad, who was a Lt. Cmdr in the Greek Royal Navy. “We were trying to help the army get ashore by shelling the German positions.” “WHAT BEACH!?” asked my uncle. “The Canadian beach, I don’t recall the name they gave it.” “JUNO BEACH!” said my uncle. “That’s right.” said my father. My uncle added “I was on that beach, struggling to get ashore, it was Hell.” They talked some more. My uncle called his sister (my mother) into the room. Looking at my dad he said "Why didn't you tell me he was at Juno?" My mother looked at my father and said "What! You were at Juno beach?" My uncle explained. Then she said to my uncle, "He never talks about the war unless you ask him specific question." After, my mother (a CWAC during the war) called us to the kitchen for supper and my uncle got up, walked over to my father and hugged him. “Let’s go eat brother.” My dad was shooting at German positions not knowing that his future brother-in-law, who he would meet 15 years later, was trying to get on shore.
That's an amazing story! Many thanks to your family.
What an amazing story! I’m glad that they both survived that disastrous battle!
This tells of one of the c**kups of D-Day. The 'Germans' being shelled above, at some point in the day became Canadians who had advanced 'too rapidly' and took heavy friendly fire.
My grandfather was with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles for D-Day.
If what you say is true, this is quite wholesome. Thanks for sharing.
My dad immigrated to Canada in 1953 when he was 4. They chose Canada because of the heroic acts of the Canadians during the liberation of the Netherlands
Same with my grandfather his dad was a canadian soilder that wifed up a dutch girl and then he took her back to canada after they had their kids in the Netherlands
leo major for the win
and all these years later, we love the netherlands as much as they love us.
My Grand Father...a proud Scotsman and Sargent Major in the Kings army during WWII....was so impressed with Canadian soldiers that when the war ended he left Britain and moved to Canada where he continued his service in the military and spent the next 10 years training Canadian soldiers at the end of his military career he joined Canada post believing that he needed to serve his new country as a show of gratitude and pride as a new Canadian. .......people don't seem to think that way anymore but I always saw it as a major sign of respect that after his experience fighting shoulder to shoulder with Canadian soldiers all those years ago he was inspired to leave his home and serve the country he had so much respect for
My grandfather, Trooper Gerald Francis Hamm, landed in Normandy in July 1944. He was 31 years old. Although he left Canada in 1942 as a member of the Halifax Rifles, while in England, he was transferred into the legendary South Alberta Regiment, equipped with the latest Sherman Firefly Tank. He fought through Caen and into the Falaise Gap, where his Company Commander, Maj Currie won the Victoria Cross at Saint Lambert sur Dives. They chased the Germans across France and into Belgium. Sadly, on 12 Sep 1944, just after the Battle of Moerbrugge, his Squadron was advancing towards Lekkerhoek, when SS units took out his tank with a Panzerfaust. He is buried in the Agedem Canadian War Cemetery in Eeklo, Belgium. His son (my father) joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1957 as a Clearance Diver. Sadly, he too was killed in tragic accident at the age of 34 while serving aboard HMCS Granby. I joined the Canadian Forces at 20 years old, served 30 years with them, and retired at 50 years old, a third generation Canadian soldier, and the only one to reach my pension. In 2019, my son and I flew to France for the 75th Anniversary of D-Day Celebrations at Juno Beach. From there, we spent the next 10 days following my grandfathers battle route, all the way through every town, to his gravesite in Eeklo, where I introduced the fourth generation Hamm boy to his great grandfather. I am extremely proud of what my father and grandfather sacrificed for this nation. Lest we Forget.
It must of been a proud moment to have spent such an important holiday with your son. The best way to keep the family history alive is showing. Thank you for your family's service. From the granddaughter of a Canadian soldier and British military war bride. One of my proudest moments was giving my grandma her service medal which she left England before she could receive. I asked the British military if it was still possible to give to her and they sent it to me as their records showed she never got it.
My dad landed at Juno . . as his landing craft got closer to the beach he asked his wise older commanding officer, a man of 26 yrs of age, my Dad was 22, if he had any last suggestions . . . his CO said, "yea, run like hell" . . my dad would always chuckle when he told that story . . . but he did say he had never run faster in his life to get to the wall. Thanks to all the brave men who stormed all those beaches on D-Day. We owe everything we have to them.
For some reason we🇨🇦 are overlooked in so many battles that changed everything. One that is rarely talked about is the Battle of the Scheldt Estuary. We were to slog through a “swamp” and huge field of very deep mud to help take the Port at Antwerp. It was an unbelievably tough battle. Stuck in the mud, we were a “shooting gallery”. But take it we did. As a nurse who has an extensive knowledge of the Canadian contributions to WWII it always made a big difference to my patients that I could talk to them about it. I have so many amazing stories I will hold in my heart forever.
You are so right - ! We are so modest about ourselves.
Maybe we are overlooked cause our grand and great grandfathers would be ashamed of the country that Canada has become.
@@shawns.6185 No. If you read, it’s about a major battle in WWII. That has nothing to do with this. It got overlooked because what we did opened up the Port at Antwerp. What did that do? All the major supplies went through Antwerp. Why would Eisenhower waste his men’s time fighting a shit job like that? Let’s just get those supplies on so we can get to Berlin first.
Canadians ourselves are some of the most polite yet strong people. Trudeau has seriously pissed us off, which is hard to do. He is about to feel the wrath of pissed off Canadians and our pissed off legal system.
🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
@@jay-tl2un Whatever your opinion may be about that, it has nothing whatsoever to do with our contributions to D-Day, which is what this video is about. Nor does it have anything to do with any of the other battles we fought that brought about the defeat of the Nazis in WWII.
I was a member of the Canadian Scottish when it was a Militia unit in the 60's. They were named the 16th Bn in WW1. Their home base is Victoria, BC. Motto was: Deas gu cath "Ready for the Fray."
Wish I read your comment a day earlier, I just got back from Victoria.
Trust the Scots to call an all-out to-the-death firefight a "fray". Why, that's just a smidge more serious than a scuffle.
Canada gu bràth
I have my Grandfather's beret and the Canadian Scottish patch that was on his uniform.
I worked for the Health Authority in Saskatchewan, providing homecare services for seniors.
I served many veterans of WW2... sadly most have passed now, but I was privileged to meet and assist these elders.
Truly, The Greatest Generation, as they are referred to in Canada
My dad was a member of the 1st. Canadian Parachute Battalion.
He arrived in France around 02:00 on the morning of the 6th.
My parents were married on the first anniversary of that day in London.
And the 1st Parachute Battalion reached Wismar on the Baltic on May 2, 1945 and stopped the Russians attempting to sweep into Denmark. A plaque on the Rathaus says that Wismar was liberated by the Canadians on May 2nd.
@@marshallbowen8693 Correct.
My dad was there.
He was 2IC of the battalion as a result of a battlefield promotion upon the death of CO Jeff Nicklin during the Rhine Drop in March.
@@michaelhilborn4204 I’ve visited Wismar three times since 2007. The city museum has an exhibit showing the role of the 1st Parachute Battalion. It’s now a very nice city.
Brave men! Hard task well won.
I felt that not mentioning the Canadian paratroopers was a major shortcoming of this video when it came out.
Hey Mert: The Canadian military has a lot of Scottish related regiments, particularly back in WW2. As a Scot yourself, you can also be proud as many of those Canadians were probably related to your ancestors. They have been in Canada since the fur trade days. Their bravery is reflected in that John Cleese story about threat levels... "there is a reason the Scots have been on the front line of the British Army for the last 300 years"
Most of those Scottish regiments are still around. The Canadian Army has more Highland regiments than the British Army.
All reservist.
@Phildegu Overseas units of the Canadian Army in WW2 were not Reserve units or Reservists. Most Ccanadians who served in the Second World War never belonged to the peace time Non Permanent units..a simple fact.
Most of the men in our Scottish Regiments were far from Scottish, at least in the west. My father, a Prairie farm boy with the Germanic name of Maerz served in the Canadian Scottish Regiment and he was far frome being alone. See the Casualty lists in "Ready For The Fray" and you will see what I'm saying is a fact. You can find my Dad in the wounded list, 09 Apr 45. Cheers.
@@melcontent9650 I think they mean today
A little late your video, but I actually went to a High school named Juno Beach Academy and our graduations we flew to Juno Beach France to pay our respects and learn our Canadian history first hand. It was a semi-military and public school. An alternative program to reduce bullying with fair discipline and treatment of students while focusing heavily on Canadian history. My Principle was from the Calgary Highlanders regiment along with some of the staff being x-military from other branches.
I ended up working for a couple years after graduation in the Military Museums in my city where I helped guide people around the exhibits or help in the collections department when they were re-organizing many artifacts. But the best part was working with some of the veteran volunteers we had and hearing their stories, which some were always more open discussing it to staff then random civilians and the stories they told vs the people they were then was mind boggling.
I'm always happy to share what I've learned or see any part of Canadian history talked about, some of it I'm proud of and others I'm ashamed of, but that just reminds me anyone who isn't ashamed of some of their history doesn't actually know their own history. Canada had a reputation for getting the hardest tasks done in war, at any cost. Juno Beach was just one of many moments Canada proved itself. Though the one battle that defined Canada on the world stage as a force to fear was the Battle of Vimy Ridge in the First World War, worth learning about if anyone is interested in Canadian History, and the monument their today is eerie and somber.
My great grandfather and his 4 brothers all served Canada during World War II. He served in the navy and his destroyer was sunk in the St Lawrence River by a German U boat, but he survived thankfully. However one of his brothers was killed in the Battle of Monte Cassino in Italy. Grateful and thankful for their service.
My grandfather and all his 4 brothers also served. They were North Nova Scotia Highlanders as mentioned in the video
I'm currently teaching about Canada 's participation in (and many contributions to) the Second World War. Ironically, today's lesson was about Juno Beach and the road to Germany through the Netherlands. I'm the son of Italian immigrants but am a very proud Canadian, largely due to the courage and sacrifices of the men and women who fought to preserve our way of life!
Glad this is still in the curriculum.
My grandfather's battleship went down off the coast of Morocco. He spent 5 months in a hospital in UK. Didn't speak a lick of English but once war ended, he reached out for an english tutor who ended up being my Irish grandmother. I have all his gear. I am not religious but..... God bless
Here you go Mert Can, a lot of things you should know about Canada's role on D Day and the days that followed.
It is interesting to note that as General Bernard Montgomery drew up his plans for the Normandy campaign, the Canadians found themselves assigned to the toughest section of the Normandy front.
Why was it the toughest?
Because it was so wide open in so many places that it was regarded as by far the most favourable territory for tank warfare. So the very terrain of the Juno Beach regions was far and away recognized as the worst for infantry. Hedgerows were fewer or farther between, but the wide open access for the excellent German armoured divisions made it a terrible place to fight for the generally inferior Allied armour. In response to this, D-Day plans called for double the number of artillery pieces to be landed on Juno than on any other Allied beach and immediately put into action, coordinated with the forward-most Canadian infantry units-the Regina Rifles and the Royal Winnipeg Rifles-both of whom had previously stormed the beach early on June 6.
It was in precisely this sector of the Canadian front that the Germans planned to mass their armoured divisions and try to push the Canadians back into the sea, and then spread left and right to attack Gold and Sword beaches. This is what Montgomery realized when he drew up the plans for the Normandy campaign. The terrain literally dictated the Nazi’s strategy.
During the lynch-pin Battle for Bretteville (June 7-10, 1944) this artillery support was vital and broke up numerous German infantry and 12 SS Panzer attacks. That and the sheer guts and unbelievable determination of the two aforementioned infantry regiments saved the day. These were some tough Canadian kids from the Prairies who took on the German SS Panzer divisions and beat them. The commander of the 12 SS Panzer division, Kurt Meyer, had smugly concluded that his men would sweep the Canadians back into the English Channel like so many “little fishes.” Needless to say, Meyer and his 12 SS Panzers were the ones licking their wounds and howling in misery when they finally fled from Bretteville-minus 43 dead, 99 wounded, 10 missing and 29 panzers destroyed including a good number of Panther Mark Vs. And other than the 29 lost panzers, that was just on the first night! The Royal Winnipeg Rifles claimed 6 more panzers in nearby Putot.
It was here and at nearby Abbey d’Ardenne that Kurt Meyer’s 12 SS and the Canadians began executing each other’s prisoners tit for tat, with no quarter given. The two sides really hated each other and this made for likely the bitterest fighting in Normandy.
Here is a limited account of the terrible fighting at Bretteville: www.canadiansoldiers.com/history/battlehonours/northwesteurope/brettevillelorgueilleuse.htm
And here is an excellent and much more detailed scholarly account of the Battle of Bretteville in .pdf format: scholars.wlu.ca/cmh/vol16/iss4/2/
[Be prepared to meet Chief Engineer Montgomery Scott of the original Star Trek series fame, as he was actually right in the area, being a Canadian artillery officer who landed on Juno Beach on D-Day. I bet you didn’t know that! 😏]
In fact, the Canadians made the greatest penetration of the German lines on D-Day, beating them back almost seven whole miles in the first 24 hours. Neither the Americans nor the British came anywhere close. Indeed, three Sherman tanks of the Canadian 1 Hussars actually reached their assigned D-Day objective-the Caen-Bayeux highway next to Carpiquet airfield-before having to pull back when they could not make radio contact with army HQ and request reinforcements. And it was hard fighting with the Canadians losing 359 men killed landing on the first day alone-second only to Omaha for men KIA, but suffering the highest casualties of all the Allied beaches when calculated as a percentage of troops landed! Perhaps the great progress was because the Canadian army was the only Allied army in Normandy that was entirely volunteer.
And yes, the two British and one Canadian beaches faced the bulk of the German armour-something like 80% of all German armoured divisions in Normandy faced us around Caen. Indeed, German armour was lined up virtually cheek by jowl. Historians have carefully investigated the numbers involved and the Germans, Canadians and British had more tanks per square mile all around Caen than the Russians and Germans had at Kursk. Between Caen, Carpiquet and Bayeux alone, the Germans had eight panzer divisions supplemented by an additional battalion of more than 100 Mark V Panthers. They were Panzer Lehr, 2 Panzer, 9 Panzer, 116 Panzer, 1 SS Panzer, 9 SS Panzer, 12 SS Panzer and 21 Panzer. Though few people understand this, these were the heaviest, most concentrated tank battles of WW2.
In his analysis of the fighting against the Canadians of the Regina Rifles Regiment at Bretteville (which contained a number of Sherman and Firefly tanks, as did virtually every Canadian and British regiment), Hubert Meyer, the commanding general of the 12 SS Panzer division (after Kurt Meyer had been captured in September 1944) wrote later in “The 12th SS: The History of the Hitler Youth Panzer Division, Volume 1” that:
“The tactic of surprise, using mobile, fast infantry and Panzers even in small, numerically inferior Kampfgruppen, had often been practiced and proven in Russia. This tactic, however, had not resulted in the expected success here against a courageous and determined enemy, who was ready for defense and well equipped. Through good battle field observation, the enemy had recognized the outlines of the preparations for the attack and drawn his own conclusions. The deployment of D Company [of the Regina Rifles] to Cardonville had prevented a breakthrough by 2./26 [of the 12 SS] from the farm south of the rail line to Bretteville, only 1,000 meters away. The anti-tank defenses all around the village were strong enough to thwart all attempts by the Panzers to by-pass the town to the south and north. The surprising use of parachute flares with glaring magnesium light blinded the Panthers and clearly outlined them to the enemy Pak [anti-tank guns like 6 and 17 pounders]. This enemy was especially strong in the defense and could not be taken by surprise. He fought with determination and courage.” [pages 186-87]
One is unlikely to find higher praise from the SS than 12 SS Panzer General Hubert Meyer had for the Regina Rifles Regiment of the Canadian Army.
And finally, let's look at the private sentiments of General Dwight D. Eisenhower. In a rarely noted statement from him, cited by esteemed British historian Andrew Roberts in his “History of the English-Speaking Peoples Since 1900” 2007, on page 343, Eisenhower declared that “man-for-man the Canadians were the best soldiers in his army.”
In hindsight, it is something of a feather in Montgomery’s hat that he beat his own estimate of 90 days for capturing Caen and destroying the German armies-by two full weeks minus one day-but who is counting when numbers are so great and the opposition so terrible?
Lastly, Montgomery (and all the Allied generals) had insights into overall German strategy and counterattack plans through the Ultra intercepts at Bletchley Park, England. On many occasions he chose to withdraw his forces a short distance in order to preserve them, when informed that much superior German armoured divisions were being moved up to recapture territory lost. This was only sensible. You do not throw away large masses of men and armour to be ground up by superior numbers of enemy armour simply to display your bravado. No, you withdraw and rebuild your own forces until you can overcome what you positively 100% know is a much stronger force facing you only a short distance away. Many have questioned Montgomery’s leadership, perhaps with some reason. But how many know that he had to preserve his forces (as much as he could anyway) when Ultra intelligence revealed that not doing so would only be a futile gesture and the deliberate squandering of many men’s lives? Moreover, London had already told him that infantry reserves were virtually nil (though armour was abundant) and he had better save as many of his men as possible. So let’s try to be a little bit fairer in our criticisms of him.
My hat comes off to the many, many brave and excellent fighting men from the US and Britain. They fought as hard as anyone else but it was a team effort between the three great English speaking nations of the world that defeated Nazi Germany in Normandy, as well as the many brave French, Polish and other freedom loving European soldiers who fought alongside us. Bravo to all involved!
PS I am not trying to glorify war here, just so anyone who might think this to be so can understand that I do not approve of war-for all the good this will do.
Sources for German armoured strength in Normandy.
- Bernages, Georges “Panzers and the Battle for Normandy” 2001.
- Zetterling, Niklas “Normandy 1944: German Military Organization, Combat Power and Organizational Effectiveness” 2000.
My dad joined the Canadian Air Force and one uncle joined the Navy and served in the North Atlantic. They returned home. My mother's little brother joined the army but sadly died at Dieppe at age 20. Jimmy Findlay's photo has pride of place in my living room. Never forgotten.
My grandfather was part of one of the first Special Ops teams that the Canadian Navy employed, and he was part of a covert mission to scout out a landing point the night before D-Day buy sea canoe
Your grandfather helped my grandfather…Grateful!☺
In school we learned about the Canadians of course, but we also learned about D-Day in it's entirety (all the Allied forces). I really appreciate you highlighting our (not mine but Canadians) efforts. Well done.
Did you learn about the sixth beach, Band Beach?
My cousin, Garnett Trimble from Guelph, Ont. died at the Battle of Buron in July trying to take the airfield. He is buried at Beny sur Mer. Two of my father's cousins were also in the battle at Buron but survived. Lost 3 other cousins as well (air force, convoy and Dunkirk) and my dad was in the RCAF (410 Mosquito Sqn.).
My Great Uncle was there,North Nova Scotia Highlanders.He was a giant of a man,funnier than all get out,strong and lovely but only spoke of the war on rare occasions. He could make us giggle with some stories but he just could not say more. He was adored by us all and man are we proud of him
I too had a great uncle who served. He tried to enlist, but his myopia disqualified him. So he got a job at the local distillery, making up special batches of whiskey to be sent to the men at the front. One day he slipped and fell into one of the open vats, which was deeper than he was tall. It didn't help that he couldn't swim. His co-workers tried to save him, but he bravely fought them off, and died a hero's death.
The North Novas had a rough go in Normandy.
My Uncle, Gregory H. McCann, was in the North Shore Regiment. He talked to me about it and it sounded like hell on earth the moment the call to disembark from the landing craft until he was wounded in the battle for the Gap, as he called it. He had a great deal of "survivors guilt", and made me promise to never forget his brethren that were "forever young". I never will, since he left this world for Heaven in 2004, I have never missed a Remembrance Day, I think about him often. I can just see the crazy S.O.B. tearing towards the enemy, in the name of Canada and Freedom, and only caring about his friends beside him, the family he left behind and the way freedom must be for all. I'm his favorite Nephew by far and I'm half German. But I am so proud of him and every other man, woman and child that fought for what they thought was right, on both sides of my family. God bless us all
🫡🇨🇦
Hey, I'm from canada. My great uncle turned 17 on the frontlines in Italy. He was infantry in WW2 and survived. When the Korean War began, he went to Korea and was moved up to special forces. He was a sniper from what I'm told by my grandfather. I think he started sniping while in Italy. Im proud of him regardless.
My uncle Jack (married one of my dad's older sisters) who was more like a grandfather to me. He landed on Juno beach on D-Day. He didn't talk about his time in ww2 much, and I never heard him talk about D-Day. The small town I grew up in sent a lot of boys and men over for both wars, and a lot of them never came home. Every family with roots in that town (neither of my parents grew up there) lost someone. In the 80s some of their mothers, most of their wives, siblings and friends and their kids, nieces and nephews were still living in the town and the local remembrance day ceremony was deeply emotional for them. And it hammered home the sacrifice that was made for the freedoms we enjoyed. Because most of the kids I knew had parents and grandparents that lost loved ones, no one ever dared to act up during remembrance assemblies at school on the 10th. Not only would you get in trouble at school and at home, but you'd probably get beat up too. Canadians are taught just bout everything canada has done in war. I say just about because they always left out the dark stuff.
My grandfather's regiment The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa landed that day.
I am so proud to say I had my father and 7 uncles serve and fight during WW2.One was shot down over Holland ,one survived Dieppe and the invasion of Sicily to Italy, one was a POW from Hong Kong. All but one came home. They are all remembered.
I’m from Winnipeg, and we have a street called “Valour road” that was named after 3 young men who were all born on the street and were all awarded the Victoria cross for acts of bravery during WW1, Canada doesn’t get much recognition during both world wars because we were still considered apart of the commonwealth so most of our victories are considered joint victories for the British and other commonwealth nations
My other grandfather, although wasn't in WWII, was in the Black Watch, which is the Scottish Canadian regiment, he assisted with post war clean up in Germany etc, amazing brotherhood, they still have reunions as far as I know
The Watch is nothing to mess with - as history and tradition states. I was fortunate to see them and hear their amazing Bagpipes when visiting family in Scotland!🇨🇦
@@shelleyhender8537 I live in Nova Scotia, bagpipes are part of our culture, lol Yeah the black watch were notorious
@@marcwright8395 “Notorious” - a very appropriate word! My other side of the family is from Newfoundland, so I know much about Bagpipes and music, as my grandfather was “self-taught” and played multiple instruments throughout WWII and then for us at home!
You Nova Scotians know how to have a good time and enjoy life…which explains why we Maritimers get along so well!
It’s been great messaging with you!😊
Cheers!🇨🇦
@marcwright8695, The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada are one of many highland units in Canada. The Canadian Scottish Regiment are from BC. My youngest son is a member of the 48th Highlanders of Canada, in Toronto.
Hi Marc ~ I just talked to my parents and discovered I had uncles on both sides of my family who were part of the Black Watch! All the more reason to learn about our familial history…never know what one will discover!😊
Cheers!🇨🇦
My grandfather (Queen's Own Rifles) trained many infantry out of Penhold, Alberta. I also had three great uncles that fought overseas. Two returned. Most of their experiences were in Operation Market Garden. They never talked about it. I served for twenty years myself as it felt like a family legacy.
Thanks for doing this video. It means a lot.
I did not know him well, but my family-in-law had an uncle who had been a part of the landings. He did not speak of his experience. The few times I met him he was quite lovely, quiet, and kind. I knew that he drank too much and his adult children told me that his frequent screaming nightmares were never discussed. May he rest in peace.
We are very proud of the men and women who keep our great country free 😊 past and present god bless 😊
My father in law and his 2 brothers were with the Sherbrooke fusiliers. One brother died and is buried in France. My son visited his grave last summer. What is also important to know is that many Canadians joined voluntarily, unlike other countries. My husband is in possession of his father’s war medals and his coming and going during the war. He was a tank driver. There’s a book in Ottawa that honours the men who fought. Every day, a page is turned to honour them.
My great grandfather was in the 3rd CDN Infantry Div, part of the 9th Infantry Brigade, serving with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders. He stormed Juno, fought thru France with the most notable battle being Calais, went to fight in the Scheldt, and went to the Rhineland & fought the germans, it’s also where he ending up looting a jewelry box full to bring back home to share with his wife, daughters, & eventually my mom & her sisters. He passed away about 10 years ago now and my only regret is that he lived so far up north i could never really get an opportunity to ask him more questions. I have so much respect for him tho, he did things that i will never have to do and i thank him for that.
The Royal Regina Rifles are on their way to Normandy to unveil a new statue for the 80th anniversary. The RRR were also called names like "Farmer Johns". These guys all volunteers, did their own training on a guy's farm, with their own trucks and gas, and reloaded all their ammo.
Will statue be near the beach?
My grandfather was in the Royal Rifles of Canada at the battle of Hong Kong. It was a brutal battle, lasting from Dec 8-25th, 1941. He was a prisoner of war from then until the end of the war. As was later told to me, the man who left for war was not the same as the one who returned.
Japanese imprisonment was the worst.
I wrote my dissertation on the Battle of Hong Kong. Those guys suffered terribly during the POW years and after the war.
Canada has a province basically named New Scotland (Nova Scotia), so you can definitely find very strong ties to Scotland.
Bro finally some recognition, us nova scotians dont get any fuckin mentions
Fergus Ontario has annual "Highland Games". My grand-mother used to do a sword-dance thing.
Had 7 family members. Great grandfather his 3 brothers he and 2nd oldest fought in Italy all the way till Holland. 2 great aunts in the medical core. British great uncle on my dads side shot down in the north Atlantic. Will never forget.
Yup,this is how canada put 10% of the population forward...it was not just my grandfather who served,but a couple of his brothers,and cousins etc too,and that was most family's. if you were in the appropriate age range and able,you served somewhere in some capacity.
My old man was an engineer, he spent his time on a boat, going down the Rhine River, probably the driver. Best job for him as he was a lifetime boater in Ontario. He did say it was the best time in his life, never shot a rifle in anger but they did get shot at and he lost some of his hearing. Unfortunately for the rest of his life, he was obsessed with the war, we stopped listening to the stories because young girls don't want to listen to war stories ewww. His unit did stay in touch until their deaths, he was the last.
It must of been hard for him to learn he was the last to survive. If they stayed in touch from beginning of basic training to the 2nd last man in the unit dying he lost a lot of friends.
My grandfather, Ernest McNamara [RSM] went ashore on Juno Beach and ended up in Tilburg Holland. He was sent over to Scotland with the first bunch of Canucks in 1939 and did not return home until late 1945.
Whereupon his wife immediately demanded, in a loud and shrill voice, to know where he'd been for the last six years. "Trying to find a little peace and quiet", is all he said.
Proud Canadian...We are native and my grandfather was in the Military Police. 2 of my Great Uncles were also enlisted.
I always admire it when I hear about Natives enlisting and going to fight. Treated like crap at home before they left and after they came back, it was a noble thing.
John Macgregor - born in Cawdor, Scotland in 1888 - is one of Canada’s most decorated war heroes, even earning the Victoria Cross. His is a really amazing story (incredible, like the story of Leo Major). See "Canadian Scottish War Heroes: John Macgregor, a hero in Canada and Scotland." I really think you'd enjoy this one and I, as a Canadian, was glad to learn about him.
My Grandfather and Great Uncle were in the Canadian army. I'm only aware of my Grandfather being stationed in Italy at some point and my great uncle was part of the Canadian army that liberated Holland. I wish I was able to ask them more questions before they passed away
My father was in the RCAF from 1941 to 1946 and served in Lancaster and Wellington bombers. He had a marine background and was eventually seconded to RAF air/sea rescue dealing with downed flyers in the English Channel and North Sea. Was slightly wounded ina n encounter with a German E-boat. My uncle was in the Canadian Army and served in Holland in late 1944 and 1945.
Also had a great-uncle who served as a sapper in the CEF during WW 1. Also 3 great uncles on my mums side who served in the British Army during WW 1. Lots of stories and hair raising tales….I feel fortunate to have been born in a time that didn’t require me to have to serve and deal with the negative consequences of combat.
I’ve had the opportunity to visit the Juno Beach centre back on the 60th anniversary of
D day. It really was amazing to see it in person. Walking up the beach where the German guns were located really made you realize how brave these men were to run towards these huge German bunkers. I’m will always view what my country’s efforts in WW2 with much pride and respect after seeing Juno beach for myself.
My grandpa fought in WW2 and he met my British grandma who was also in the military while stationed in England. He had service medals from 3 or 4 other countries.
There are a number of Highland regiments in Canada, the most famous being the Black Watch of Canada.
My grandfather was a mechanic in WWII working for the RAF. He opened a small auto-body shop after the war, and later drove a school bus. Sometimes he would park his bus outside when he was visiting and I remember him letting me play in the empty bus. It was eerie being alone in there when my experience with the school bus was always raucous and full of kids. I didn't play in there long lol
Many of my family fought in WW2 but my great grandfather served in WW1 and 2. When he returned from WW2 he and many others in my town got a free house from the government. I grew up in that house..... NS Highlanders kicked some ass.
My father was a MP( military police) during WWII and got blown off his motorcycle and lay in a ditch inside a large tree trunk for 2 days before he was found. Came home in a body cast with a fractured shoulder and broken hip and some broken ribs.
I had many uncles who severed in world war two, a few were bomber crews for the RCAF, mostly gunners. What a terrifying job. My great Uncle Billy was part of the second landing wave at Juno. I never got to meet him due to him living across the country but I would call him on rememerance day, i will always remember him saying "all we needed was our peddle bikes and a barrel of whiskey and we could have gone all the way to Berlin". RIP to all my fellow countrymen, gone but never forgotten.
Little fact, James Doohan from Vancouver B.C. aka Montgomery Scott on Star Trek TOS was a Lieutenant in the Canadian Infantry and was on Juno Beach on D-Day, if you watch his hand (don't remember which one) you will notice one of his finger has a strange shape, that was the result of one German bullet
We in America remember the sacrifice of our brothers to the north and indeed, many of us joined the Canadian armed forces in order to get into the fight before America was committed. As much as we snipe back and forth good-naturedly, for our part, we love and respect the 51st State. 😂
There is a made for TV video about Juno Beach landings that's pretty good. Here's the link: ua-cam.com/video/yoXruon8weA/v-deo.html
We in the Great White North thank American patriots like you who helped us fight the Germans and Italians. Many people often forget that Britain and the Commonwealth went at it alone for over 2 years before the Yankees finally got on board, and almost 2 years before Russia was involved as well.
my grandfather was with the Nova Scotia Highlanders during ww2 and was deployed in Italy
My Dad was n the 3rd. He actually was with a small advance party, I think 6 of them, came with the Brits. We have a plaque for him at the Juno Beach Memorial. ❤️🇨🇦
My Uncle was on one of the RCN support ships in the channel. I asked him about it, but he didn't want to talk about it, and I never learned his D-Day story.
An ex-boyfriend's Uncle was a member of the North Nova Scotia Highlanders, he hit the beach on D-Day, he said he watched a lot of his friends die, some of them in the water, and he somehow made it to the end of the war with nary a scratch. He was in the CBC 50th anniversary documentary. He told stories to the filmmakers that he'd never shared with any of his family, up to that point 😢
I don't even know if they teach any of this in schools now. I graduated hugh school in 1985, and some of my teachers were WWII vets, so we learned it then. Plus my Grandfather and my Uncle served during WWII. My Grandfather was an MP, 2 Provost. But I don't know if my nephews know anything about either of the world wars. 😕
There are 3 perspectives of Canadian D days. Dieppe; the Italian campaign of 1943 and Juno. They all strategically coincided in the ground offence against Nazis in Europe as far as to the Netherlands. After the war, Brit's and Canadians got into a lot bar fights before going back home. But it was fun.
Did you forget Canadian participation landing on the beach with Americans to liberate Kiska Island? The Japanese had evacuated by submarine the night before, but it still counts.
Grandfather was a Sherman tank Driver with the Canadians in Italy. He was taken out of the war when his Sherman was hit by shells in 43. I served with a Highland unit (SD&G Highlanders for a few years at the beginning of my career) that was involved in the DDay landings
Father was in a Sherman also. Canadian 8th Hussars. After Italy, up the Atlantic Wall, then to Holland.
My father served in the infantry under Conne Symthe, who happened to own the Toronto Maple Leafs of the NHL. Being they both lived in Toronto, Conne told my dad to look him up after the war. My dad did go to Conne after the war, and he was given lifetime season's tickets to all Leaf hockey games. He left the infantry and trained as an air gunner. He finished the war serving in the RCAF on a Lancaster bomber. He told me many stories about the war, but they were all about the men he served with and the trouble they got into during leave. He only shared very minor details about the conflicts he was in.
One of my neighbors (Lest we forget) was QOR who landed at Juno in the 1st wave. I watched Saving Pvt Ryan with him. He ordered me- then a vet but new teacher - "Use the first scene in class. They won't get the shock, smell, numbness or sound, but call it "Juno: Why you Never Wanted To Be There" and teach it to your students."
I do, Ron. Every year.
my great grandpa was a tank driver, his tank was hit and he crawled out, realized his friend didn't, so he went back in and pulled his friend out too.
My great uncle was a rear gunner in the war, lost a ton of pilots and somehow survived. He never talked about it over the 20 years that i knew him. One day he randomly starts telling everyone vivid details about what it was like, being shot at as he was suspended in the air, totally vulnerable to enemy fire, and assuming HE would be the one to die rather than the pilots. It was crazy, ill never forget it. He passed away shortly after. Cant imagine what he really went through.
i know this from grade school or elemetry. but love watching other people discover it
I have a long list of relatives who were in the war. Two great great uncles and my Grandfather died. Nearly a dozen came back. Some suffering horribly with PTSD. Not only did Canada make one of the largest per capita commitments of all the Allies, but also suffered some of the greatest losses as a percentage of persons deployed. No one did more with less and paid more dearly than the Canadian 3rd Infantry Division on Juno Beach. We are ignored of course by the American history books that dominate bookshelves.
The post-WW2 American and British historical and publishing community were largely an embarrassment to their nations. There is a silver lining to this however. It is only in the last 25 to 30 years that all the classified Ultra material has been released from the British archives at Kew, and the tale it tells is vastly different from what the British and Americans have told about D Day, and we Canadians turn out to be the stars of the show! Read Dr. Marc Milner's "Stopping the Panzers: The Untold Story of D Day." It will put a huge smile on your face to learn the Canadian army was the one the Nazis feared the most!
@@ToddSauve If I may make a suggestion of my own, I would like to put forward The Guns of Normandy * A Soldier's Eye View. France 1944. By George G. Blackburn. It a fantastic read and the best book on 25 pounders in action I have ever found.
My great grandfather was a soldier in the 1st special service force (commonly known as the Devil’s Brigade) and fought in Italy to what I know. He later had his hand blown off by a hand grenade.
My great grandfather is from Poland, he was on the battleship called the ORP Błyskawica, his was the only one of a battalion of 12 that wasn't sunk. When he passed in 2009 at the age of 98 they donated his navy uniform to a museum in Poland. I also have a commemorative coin of the ship he was on.
The Canadians were so much further inland than any other army on Day 1 that they got bombed by the US airforce who thought they must be Germans... my Dad was there, he told me what happened.
One of my grandfather's brother enrolled the first day to be in charge of payroll in New Brunswick. Not a lot of fighting lol but he secured a job for the country while not being sent to the front. My grandfather got married, so he wasn't enlisted.
Props to the ones that have family members that were sent to the front, no matter if they survived or died, it was for the country!
My grandfather was a Canadian airplane mechanic that spent most of the war in the air force ground crew, fixing Lancaster's and other bombers that made it back to Britain. My grandmother was a Yorkshire woman who came back to Canada with him after the war.
I come from a family with a very strong tradition of Canadian military service. In WW2, I had 5 uncles and one aunt who served, including two uncles who served in the Royal Canadian Artillery and landed at Juno on D+1. Another uncle was nearly killed when his Sherman tank was destroyed at the Melfa River action in Italy in May 1944. It was his first time in battle.
My grandfather on my mum’s side passed long before I was born. He was born in Yorkshire and came to Canada as a child. Fought in WW2 and came home. His wife died and he had to raise 4 boys. My grandmother was raising a child as a widow. Her husband had died in WW2. She became the housekeeper and then eventually married and had my mother and her youngest brother.
I just think how the war affected so many people and their life’s path changed.
My grandfather also came to Canada from Yorkshire as a young child. He fought as a medic and returned home in '46. He passed two years later and my grandma raised all the kids herself.
You're so right about how it all affected us, no matter where we were from. My mum's time with her dad was a few months after she was born until he entered the service, a brief leave home in 1943, where my last uncle was conceived, then a very short time after the war. My elder uncles and aunts all served, as well.
One day, I hope to travel to see where my grandparents came from. I hope you get the chance to connect as well ☺
@@Sp33gan our family histories are more common than we realize. I’ve never been to the UK but would love to.
@@kimc555 Family histories can be fascinating. I hope you get to go. No matter what your interests are, there is so much to see. My ex is English so I've been a few times, though never to Yorkshire nor to my maternal grandmother's tiny town in Devon.
My uncle John Reiter landed in Normandy, he was with the Canadian Black Watch, He fought all the way to Germany mainly being used as a motorcycle dispatch rider. My Grandfather Robert McWilliams also took part prior to the landings. He served in the flotilla of 12 Canadian minesweepers clearing channels through the minefields for the assault boats on June 3 & 4 in very rough seas. Originally D-Day was supposed to start on June 5
I visited the War Museum in Ottawa and it was a very humbling experience. I never knew about alliances between our Europeen friends,!
5:39 as a Canadian with family that served in this, there isn't a mention of the craziest Canadians, the "Highlanders" the ones that "wrote" the GC 😅
7:47 the Canadian Scottish regiment are east coast Canadians but the Highlanders are Cape Breton and Nova Scotian special forces
9:52 ahh, finally my UNCLE was mentioned
Im not entirely sure about the contribution fact there but what i can tell you is that indeed 10% of the country's population took arms and fought and the industry war in overdrive so much so that they had to start taking every bit of scraps they could find to make more tanks, vehicles, ships and planes, the country was producing as much fuel as it could and its food industry was fully dedicated to supporting the war effort first and foremost to a point where people were rationed to make sure food would not run out
Long story short when Canada entered the war against Germany it declared total war, a concept that only Germany itself, Japan and the USSR would adapt for ideological reasons
Also a fun fact about warfare here: 10% of population is the uttermost a country can reasonably afford to dedicate directly to a war before the economic and political structure starts crumbling under its pressure, im not sure this actually has a name per say but i like to call it the "10% rule of warfare"
Your fine observations should be WAY WAY closer to the top of the comments section. I'm glad I scrolled this far. Thank you!
As a proud Canadian I love that others are learning about what we have done as a military. From beating back the US and forge ourselves as our own independent country, to both world wars, we may never actually start the conflicts... but we are also never going to miss out!
My grandfather and his cousins were a mix of infantry paratroopers supply officers and pilots. When i was a kid I used to love listening to them talk about what happened. Of course they didnt speak of it much, but I am a history nerd, so when they realized that i learned alot more. My grandfather passed away almost two years ago at 101, and ill always keep his medals and his memories of how he served my country
My grandfather voluntered, from 1939 until the end and came back broken sould i say. He was a very brave man, infrantry in Royal Canadian 22nd Regiment. Someone from his unit wrote a book during their journey. French title is "696 heures d'enfer avec le Royal 22e Regiment."
they never talk about the 22nd in those video
@@mikhaelvaillancourt8623 Not so! Virtually everyone knows who the Van Doos are.
My great grandmothers first cousin was in the war. and later wrote a book on his experience called "Because we are Canadians" he had passed away before i got to meet him. But i did get to meet his wife at my great grandmothers funeral.
My dad was with the British 8th Army they were in North Africa and dealt with Italy. He was with American troops often and then when waiting to ship home to Scotland he was in Holland with Canadian troops. When my parents decided to emigrate dad refused to consider America. They chose Canada and apparently the Canadian winters were responsible for me lol. I’m pretty sure it was in large part because of the soldiers he met that they chose Canada!❤🇨🇦
Those long isolated Canadian winter evenings ... 🤣😂💘
Our family is from Scotland and England on my mom's side. Our great grandfather made a choice to split the fighting men stay in England, the mother's and daughters and young sons were sent to Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. He was rightfully worried about the Nazi push into England. He fought in WW1 and knew the devastation of war. Two of our family members fought at Juno, one survived, one did not.
As a Canadian, with Scottish ancestry... My late Granny (Dad's mother) was born and raised in Lieth, and came over to Canada during the great depression... found this a very interesting video to watch.
the Canadian Scottish Regiment (C Scot R ) are still very active. I served with them before I went to the P.P.C.L.I.
During WW2 my father was in the Canadian 9th Hussars, and fought in the European campaign was in 5 different European Countries for during his 5 years. He fathered my 2 half brothers while in training. He trained in Farnborough, England. My mother was in the Royal Canadian Airforce British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, BCATP, in Saskatoon ,Saskatchewan, known as Defoe Airforce Base. They trained British and Other Commonwealth Pilots and Gunners, etc. They even trained a number of American pilots. Neither parent spoke about their experiences until much later in their lives.
Both of my grandfathers landed at Juno on D-Day. One a Rifleman with the Queen's Own Rifles and one a tank driver with the Sherbrooke Fusiliers.
Whereupon they soon got into a fistfight over who would date the local pretty French girl. To this day the true family lineage is in some doubt.
My father was an infantry soldier in WW2 with the 1 Canadian Corps, West Nova Scotia Regiment. He was part of a mortar crew and saw plenty of action in Sicily and Italy. He was wounded twice. I remember being in awe of the scars and asking how it happened. As anyone who has the chance to talk to soldiers who were in combat knows , especially those who were wounded, they are very reluctant to speak of their experiences. My father was no different. I do know that he suffered greatly from PTSD. I remember the nightmares he used to have and the screams and moans he uttered while having those nightmares. He worked as coal miner in underground mines in Pictou County Nova Scotia for 40 plus years until he 67yo and would have worked longer had the mine he was working in caught fire and never reopened. I never appreciated his work ethic when I was younger but as I grew older that changed and I grew to love him more and my respect for him grew as well. He lived to almost see his 82nd birthday and passed away in 1999. I’m almost in tears as I write this because even after all these years I still miss him. RIP Dad.
The Germans were embedded in the civilian areas at Juno, limiting the amount of allied artillery and aircraft bombardment that was possible.
My uncle was 1st wave onto Juno Beach. His father (my grandfather) fought at Vimy Ridge. I served in Germany during the late 70s. Interestingly, all 3 of us received our promotions on foreign soil. My grandfather received a battlefield commission, my uncle was promoted to Lance Corporal, and I to Corporal. I toured the battlefields of my grandfather and uncle, and I still can't fathom how they managed to do what they did given the equipment they had to fight with.
My Grandfather landed on D-Day as part of the Canadian Scottish Regiment as an artilleryman. He fought in France, Holland and Germany.
After surviving the war, he worked in the mines in Sudbury and once retired, would lead the annual Remembrance Day Parade in our city.
My inlaw relative was injured on Dieppe and went to POW camp. Ended up attempting escapes and managed to make it back to Canada.
My grandfather was a tank instructor.
The Canadian assault was designed to counter any German armoured efforts. They had the largest concentration of Sherman Firefly tanks. Equipped with the 17 pounder anti tank guns. They were to spearhead the advance on Carpiquet airfield. Unfortunately, the support from the British and, to some extent, the Americans. Was held up. This then fell behined schedule. The bombing of Cean was largely counterproductive. Just like at Monte Cassino in Italy. And Stalingrad in Russia.Giving the German defenders cover in the rubble that also held up the allied armour. The Canadians did achieve their initial objectives and advanced further than any other nation on D Day. That Cornelius Ryan and the movie, The Longest Day. Failed to mention the Canadian contribution was a major disgrace.
That people actually still take their history from both that and "Patton" is inexplicable.
My great grandfather (now deceased) was an aircraft technician stationed in Malta. Fascinating warstories from that little island
I’m actually currently serving with the Canadian Scottish Regiment, I don’t know of any good videos from Juno, but if you look up WW1 battle for Kitcheners Wood is a crazy battle, it was one of the first Gas attacks used against the French so we were tasked with re-taking the previous positions. Crazy battle
My great great uncle, Fredrick Gutormson, landed at Juno Beach on D day. He was in the second wave and part of an anti-tank gun crew. I don't remember the unit he was in. He fought bravely for the first year after D day but after being twice wounded by grenades going off near his head, while dragging wounded comrades to safety, and loosing his hearing, he was sent back to England to do homefront guard for the rest of the war before returning home.
His brother Heinrich was shot down over Hamburg and didn't make it home.
Their sister Helga was my great-grandmother.
I had two great grandfathers and a great uncle who fought in WW2, from Canada. Nobody was at D-day, mostly North Africa and the Italy campaign. RIP.
I just got back from a week long trip to Juno Beach and the Canadian battlefields in Normandy. I’ll be releasing videos about all summer long.
My family has been here since 1812. My grandfather was in a tank group in North Africa with no action. My great grandfather (on his wife’s side) was commander of submarines in the Atlantic in Canada, as well as a submariner in ww1 and a conspiracy theorist, he wrote many books. Also apparently I just learned that he popularized or brought about the use of poppies for Remembrance Day in Toronto.
My Great Grandfather was in the army (as an ambulance driver) and one day he drove over a landmine, it shredded his leg really bad, but he still crawled through the ambulance and pulled the 2 men that were in the back of the truck to safety. He used to tell me stuff about his experiences in the war all the, he was a huge role model in my life. 😢
21 Panzer 125 Panzer Grenadier Regiment commanded by Col. Hans Von Luck (then Major). His memoirs are in a book called "Panzer Commander". Where he discusses the events around D Day. It is a very good account of WW2. As far as my families part in the war 4 Great Uncles 3 survived including a veteran of Italy and D Day. The 4th flew 55 missions completed 54.