Thank you. I have a step-uncle who fought with the Black Devils, so he would have been fighting alongside Americans. He won a Silver Star at Anzio and was captured there. Side note that you may find amusing. My father-in-law (Canadian) was a bombadier flying against the Japanese, based in India. Despite being British (we were still a colony in those days) they flew B-24 Liberators because the British bombers (Lancasters, etc) could not handle the humidity of India. Interestingly, I worked briefly with a guy who flew Beaufighters in the same area but they handled the humidity fine.
THANKYOU CANADA FOR SAVING MY DAD WHO WAS ONE OF MONTY'S MEN STRANDED ON ANZIO, THANKYOU FOR VOLUNTEERING FROM THE START TO DEFEND MY FAMILY AND COUNTRYMEN . THERE AREN'T ENOUGH WORDS IN ANY DICTIONARY TO DESCRIBE HOW DEEPLY WE FEEL ABOUT YOUR GIFT BUT PERHAPS GOD CAN ...BLESSINGS OF PEACE TO ONE AND ALL. AGAIN THANKYOU.
My Grandfather fought in Italy. He was a Canadian Member of The U.S./Canada First Special Service Force (The Black Devil's/Devil's Brigade). He landed on The Anzio Beachhead & fought through the breakout at Anzio,The Mussolini Canal,Monte La Difensa,The Gustav Line,The Advance to the Tyber and The Liberation of Rome.
My Dad's buddy was Jimmy Piggott, who was 1st SSF. He followed the trail your Dad did, he was a great guy. He was drafted by the Argos but broke his leg and that was the end of that.
@@maplerice6226 cool he was a famous football player. I wouldn't know him because he probably did that way before my time. Actually it was My Grandfather that was in The FSSF not my Dad . Perhaps my Grandfather and your Dad's friend may have known each other ? He was HQ Det 1st Rgt
My great grandfather served with the Devil’s brigade in Italy as well. He passed back in 2016, never told the family much of anything once he got back.
@@SirSpiderPig That's Awesome. Thanks for your Great Grandfather's service. It's unfortunate you didn't get to hear any stories Before he passed. Like my own Grandfather there was more than likely a lot of bad things about the War He wanted to forget. My own Grandfather didn't start going into a lot of detail about it until I got up into my Teens & Adulthood & before he passed away. Sad because every year now our Veterans are getting older & we're losing them & in a lot of ways I think it's important to leave their stories for future generations. Again Thanks for your Great Grandfather's service 🙏🇨🇦 🇺🇲
I love that Canada's campaign in Italy is being remembered. It's never discussed in schools at all. I remember writing a poem about the Italian campaign from the perspective of a soldier when I was in elementary school and a veteran who was reading it while I was at cadets suddenly burst into tears while reading it. He was part of the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment.
I have a friend whose dad fought in WW2 from 1939 through 1945. On D Day, he was fighting in Italy. He came home from the war and lived to the age of 82 in the mid 90s.
Thank you all for your service. 🇨🇦Canada🇨🇦 is struggling right now, let’s hope that changes. Thank you for giving Canada recognition, seems to always be missed. 🇨🇦
It is a wonderful historical coverage video about glorious time and appreciative of Canadian sacrifice during WW2 in Sicily....thank you 🙏(war stories) channel for sharing
I didn't learn of this battle in school. It was actually today I learned of it, which is sad because there is alot of Canadian history that's been overlooked
I never met my grandfather, but his was in the princess Patricias rifles, I know that unit was on reserve for Ortona, but im not sure if he saw any fighting there, I would assume because of how much of a grinder ortona was that the princess Patricias went in.
Ortona was one of Italy's few deep water seaport, on the Adriatic Sea which meant the supply lines could be shortened. That is why Ortona was important.
My Grandfather fought with the Princess Patricias Canadian Light Infantry, and took part in Italy’s Campaign. The stories he had shared were fascinating. Lest We Forget.
My grandfather aswell, I never met him, but all I really know about his service is that his regiment was on reserve for ortona, our grandfathers could have fought together, what do you know of his service? Me and my father have been requesting his records for years but can't get hold of them, he never spoke a word about his experiences apparently.
@@kalebfitzgerald9102 Hey have you tried the National Archives of Canada ? They should be able to help you out. I'm sure they would have some records of your Grandfather's Military Service in WWII. By the way Thanks to your Grandfather for his Service 🙏🇨🇦
@@kalebfitzgerald9102 They very well could have fought together. I was going to recommend searching the Archives as well. Some google digging can turn up a lot.
My grandfather and my great uncles all fought in the war. On land, air and sea. Absolutely incredible to imagine what they all went through. Bravest men I’ve ever known ❤
That was excellent. We spend a lot of time... And rightly so remembering and being grateful to the soldiers who died.... But behind those sodiers were this brave women and folks back home so I would like to say that I am grateful to those people too.
My uncle Jack fought and died in Italy (ortana) in 1943 he was 23 years old. Being Canadian most of us have family that fought in both world wars. We never get much credit but let me tell you we were everywhere!
Thank you for your Uncle Jack's Service. Ortona was an absolute slugfest and a costly victory for The Canadians. No wonder it was nicknamed "Little Stalingrad". They were up against some of The toughest & best Soldiers of The German Army. Your Uncle Jack is a Heroe & May he rest in Peace.. Again a tremendous Heartfelt Thanks from a grateful Canadian 🙏 🇨🇦
@@snipes_1138 My dad was in the 48th. , Ontario Regiment as a tanker and was injured by shrapnel in Ortona and woke up in England. He never did talk much about it though.
7 місяців тому+1
Smoky Smith and the Seaforth Highlanders of Vancouver BC also fought in Ortona
My God I LOVE that generation We looked up to them when I was a child in the 70's (my dad & Grandpa) I wish our society would go back to being so united like those Brave young men & Beautiful young women were
I have to say I agree 100% with your Comments. I was compelled to reply. I felt the same way about My Grandfather. I was born in the 1970's. That Generation came out of The Great Depression then had to face A World War. I miss my own Grandfather when you felt down, Scared or stressed having someone around like that who could talk to you made it feel much better & could inspire you to be a stronger person. There's really Not alot around like that anymore & I don't think the newer Generations Understand what it's like to Struggle & fight the way they did. Again I loved your comments. I can surely relate. All the best 🙏
I'm a 70's kid had family in every theatre of the war when i was 19 when i went to the bar my friends would get mad at me for not hanging out with them cause i'd be hanging out with the old fellows listening to they're stories miss them all but still remember the stories
I am a proud Canadian. My grandfather and great grandfather were in WW1 and WW2. My grandfather never talked about it. But my grandmother told me few stories. He lost his brother and got wounded by hand grenade.
My Grandfather (1886-1979) was wounded three times in WWl. If that was not bad enough he was also gassed. Pretty special guy. Thanks to all our allied vets.
Before starting the documentary I want to say that I am very pleased that the Canadians of the greatest generation are getting some recognition for their actions and achievements, along with the ANZACS and all the other countries fighting men, and the women who stepped up to ensure that the axis forces were defeated, they have never had the full recognition that they earned and truly deserved. Thank you from my heart, RIP the fallen, Lest We Forget. Per Ardua Ad Astra. I can not imagine what these men went through, what they had to do to survive, what they saw and how they endured it all, I was in two combat zones during my military service and I was lucky that I didn’t ever have to go into battle/combat, I saw 👀 some things that I still have problems accepting and forgetting, but these men must have seen and did things that nobody should have had to face, even today, for the few still with us, recounting their experiences must be extremely difficult and painful, as though it was only yesterday, and they are still showing that same level of bravery, extraordinary people.
I look and listen and hope I see my grandad in every clip documentary. Cowichan First Nation fought in Italy. I love him and grateful he came home. If not for Canadian. The war ww2 , so brave and true, well things would have been so much different I’m sure.❤
Funny my grandfather was also injured...they had a fire going at night and the sergeant told them to put it out. Someone handed my grandfather a jerrycan filled with gas instead of the one filled with water, lol. Woof, burnt hands!
Thank you for this. We should always remember the sacrifices made both at home and on the front lines. Now more than ever, we need these reminders. Both my grandfathers fought. Both came home. One was actually in the Italian theatre as a tank operator. The other was a submariner, operating from the Atlantic to Asia Pacific. I'm so thankful that they both made it home, may they rest in peace now. Blessed are the souls who go off to fight the war. Wicked are the souls that require them to. God bless.
My grade 3 teacher was an Italian war bride. Her husband was with the Canadian army when they met during the campaign. She may have been with the Italian partisan forces who fought Mussolini. She terrified the whole school. Even the Christian Brothers gave her a wide berth! :)
The introduction speaks loads. Not everyone goes into war blindly. A man that knows he can die, but can still make his arms and legs function using a functioning brain (that's a lot to ask of a person) is a force to be reckoned with.
My grandfather, god rest his soul, from the shores of Bay of Fundy volunteered, and was 1st Canadian Armour, my grandmother got me to try on his uniform one day and his reaction was one thing I will never forget. He immediately demanded that i take it off, he said he didn't spend 6 years killing to see me ever to glorify it. I obviously didn't understand but hecwas such a stoic reserved man , so intelligent that any time he did speak it was always something important. He will always be the person I most respect and it still chokes me up thinking of his dedication, even though i am almost 50 myself now he still is teaching me things through my memories of him. His memory is the sole memory where heavy emotions are almost overwhelming. I feel if i could be 1 / 1000th of the man he was would be my personal pride. I will never allow the disrespect of our Canadian Veterans and will demand they be honored by Canada for as long as I havre the strength to
My father served with the PPCLI, "The Pats" in Italy. The more I learn about this campaign, the more I'm amazed that he survived! Especially at Monte Casino. Only 12 of his conmpany answered roll call after that battle.
My great-uncle William “Bill” Saunders, from New Brunswick, Canada, served in the Italian campaign and he made it home after being awarded many medals for his bravery. Like myself he later chose to live in the province of Alberta and I found out in the 1990’s that he was living in Edmonton. I lived only 50 miles from him and I had the great privilege to meet him there. Myself and my second-cousin were the only ones at his funeral to represent all of his many relatives living back in Eastern Canada. It was an honour to be there but also a sad day. Like many veterans of war he took most of his battle stories with him. My father, who served in Korea, was the same. His father (my grandfather) was the same about his WW1 experiences. Grandpa served in France and made it back, but not without a lifetime of PTSD. His brother Eric never made it home and is buried in a military cemetery in France. I know where his grave is and God willing I can go there one day to pay my respects.
My Grandparents came to Canada in 1955 and other side in 1965. From my grandparents (both) thank you. They aren't around to let you know themselves, but theyd want ypu to know. No one says "propaganda " like my Nonna did when she heard Mussolini's name.
Thank you for this my grandfather land in Italy and he never really talk about it I read the regimental records and they fought for every inch in Italy was always proud of our boys and what they did and the fact our country doesn't even teach this to our kids sickens me candains had a huge part in both world wars Korea and Vietnam
My great uncle was John W. "Jack" Teece of the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada. He earned the Military Medal at Ortona for rescuing an artillery observer, which he claimed he got because 'someone important saw him do it' (referring to the observer himself). He did not talk much about that place, only speaking of it as a very, very dark time in his life in which he did a lot of things he'd never thought he'd do, and that he never wanted to do again. He's passed on from this world, but I think about him a lot. He was an inspiration to me, both for being a remarkable but humble fighter, but for also telling the next generations of my family that war is not a frivolity, it's just something that *sometimes* needs to happen, and should never be forced or pursued into action.
@@lyndoncmp5751 you need to go back to WW1 re read history especially Vimmy Ridge. Which Canadian Troops captured. Canadian and Australian troops fought along side independent of British Troops.
My great grandfather was there, from the Mining Industry. They liked to put them in the royal engineers. He mentioned a "Castle" too. I think this is Monte Casino?
see how adaptable we people are. you go along doing something and then all of a sudden you get thrown into something you never expected to have to do. so you do it, and you do it well. my mom was a nurse and my dad was RCNVR.
My grandfather fought in Italy. That’s the only thing i know. I watch as many videos i can trying to learn more. He died when i was around 7 so i never heard anything from him.
Thank you for your family members service. I know that the Black Watch of Canada had a costly battle to take Verriers Ridge during the Normandy campaign. Very Grateful for their Sacrifice & Service 🙏🇨🇦
Can hardly believe the privilige I had growing up. Parents and kin of both World Wars, from the Gaspesian Bay de Chaleurs area (highest per capita recruitment area), few with more than a grade 5-7 education, so destined for active front line duty, we humans I knew and appreciated enough to pay strict attention to. Collected their stories over a life time. May God bless them all. May God pity me. They are now long gone but their ranks have not filled . . .
My grandfather served in Italy after Sicily fell. The first few years of the war he was stationed in Scotland cutting down timber for the war effort. He arrived in Naples in November 43 and was transferred, as far as I can tell from the war records, to the Royal Canadian Regiment which no doubt had losses in Sicily. I assume he was a replacement for the dead. My father told us stories about how strict they were about eating all the food on their plate when he was a kid. My grandfather saw the starving Italian citizens and demanding that his kids after the war not waste any food. Sadly he passed at a fairly young age (mid 60s) because of his dislike/fear of doctors. Imagine being brave enough for WW2 and surviving but then dying because of your dislike of doctors. Life is strange.
"there was nothing to do", well peace time sucks this way, not as much jobs, not as meaningful anyway(lighter packing). Though it gives room for family and kids then. What I find similar with these women and vets and current former soldiers is that conviction, purpose that shines from their eyes even now that they got to experience as 20-something.... which can carry person through life for sure.
An uncle of mine, Sapper Leonard LeBlanc, with the RCE, survived Dieppe, went on to Sicily, mainland Italy, then France, etc, etc. Via his widow (married late in life), I am heir to two 'love letters' and a photo of his, from an Italian girl that made the translator of them for me, cry. Also have his map of his route through Italy as well as some very remarkable photos of his progress through a destroyed town/city (or city-towns?) he travelled through. Most remarkable and curious of all, are several snaps of a 'Mosquito' doing a very low-level pass(s). The last snap is a close up of a crashed, crumpled, smoking 'Mosquito'. Don't know what happened or the fate of the crew was. Len never talked about the war to me. Got all his stories via family & his friends gossip. Sorry I never asked him aything. Liked him a lot but being a natural coward myself, was afraid it was rude to ask if not self-voluntered in conversation.
Lads, if you like old stories like this, be sure to check out the "The Berenstain Bears", with those wholesome bears and "The Babar Series", with those lively pachyderms.
The women back then were such gems. I can see why men went off to war to fight for them and their families. They were definitely worth it. Modern women on the other hand, no chance.
My paps was one during the invasion of Sicily. He said after a couple years in England, once they went through the Straits of Gibraltar in the middle of the night they knew it was real.
Looking at the Bomb Girls. Everyone is skinny because of no processed foods and burning calories instead of sitting in front of a screen. Once saw an old map of where the CIL plant (munitions) was in Ajax Ontario. My house was on what was once the shop floor lol.
Some of the most pivotal battles fought in ww1 and ww2 wouldn't have been won without the help of the Canadians and yet you pretty much never see them in any war movies/shows. Everything needs to be an "American" victory.
Italy had to be invaded for one main reason, to keep as many as possible of their divisions from transferring to France when the Normandy invasion began. Think sideways occasionally.
@@anthonyeaton5153 Yes, there are arguments for it. When one considers Churchill's catastrophes like the Gallipoli Campaign or Dieppe, it seems he didn't mind too much sending out cannon fodder.
When the Canadians broke through at Ortona and a few hours later were outside Rome if Allied command had of allowed them to go down and take Rome it would of trapped the Germans who were 90 miles to the south. Thereafter it would of been a race all the way to the Alps and the German border. A huge strategic loss on how the war went.
I served for 36 years in the Canadian army. These were tough men
Thank you for your Service from a grateful Canadian 🇨🇦 🙏
Thank you
Thank you for your service
Thank you very much for your service!
Thank you for your service, and saving all us Canadians and the rest of the world. You are a hero.
Greetings from the u.s.a. I'm proud to have Canada as a friend and neighbor. They made a huge contribution that's often overlooked.
thank you man👍
Thank you, we always appreciate the recognition, cheers from Canada 🍁
My Grandfather fought & Bled alongside The Americans. They were his Brothers in Arms 🙏 🇺🇲 🇨🇦
Thank you. I have a step-uncle who fought with the Black Devils, so he would have been fighting alongside Americans.
He won a Silver Star at Anzio and was captured there.
Side note that you may find amusing. My father-in-law (Canadian) was a bombadier flying against the Japanese, based in India.
Despite being British (we were still a colony in those days) they flew B-24 Liberators because the British bombers (Lancasters, etc) could not handle the humidity of India.
Interestingly, I worked briefly with a guy who flew Beaufighters in the same area but they handled the humidity fine.
@@guywerry6614 My Grandfather was also a member of That Outfit
THANKYOU CANADA FOR SAVING MY DAD WHO WAS ONE OF MONTY'S MEN STRANDED ON ANZIO, THANKYOU FOR VOLUNTEERING FROM THE START TO DEFEND MY FAMILY AND COUNTRYMEN . THERE AREN'T ENOUGH WORDS IN ANY DICTIONARY TO DESCRIBE HOW DEEPLY WE FEEL ABOUT YOUR GIFT BUT PERHAPS GOD CAN ...BLESSINGS OF PEACE TO ONE AND ALL. AGAIN THANKYOU.
What a fantastic documentary, and an Excellent tribute to the oft-overlooked contribution of the Canadians in WW2!
Thank you Veterans 🙏 🇨🇦 🇺🇲 🇬🇧 🇲🇫 🇵🇱 🇭🇲 🇭🇲 🇧🇷 🇮🇳
For what? Winning the war for International Bankers?
You have way too many flags there. But you must be a lefty who hates western civilization.
@@sharkarkheart9085right because ww2 was about a banking issue not an aggressive expansionist dictator… turn your brain on
U forgot the biggest factor In all of ww2 and the most casualties the Russian flag
My Grandfather fought in Italy. He was a Canadian Member of The U.S./Canada First Special Service Force (The Black Devil's/Devil's Brigade). He landed on The Anzio Beachhead & fought through the breakout at Anzio,The Mussolini Canal,Monte La Difensa,The Gustav Line,The Advance to the Tyber and The Liberation of Rome.
My Dad's buddy was Jimmy Piggott, who was 1st SSF. He followed the trail your Dad did, he was a great guy. He was drafted by the Argos but broke his leg and that was the end of that.
Every single one of the greatest generation deserve our eternal gratitude and respect. Lest We Forget.
@@maplerice6226 cool he was a famous football player. I wouldn't know him because he probably did that way before my time. Actually it was My Grandfather that was in The FSSF not my Dad . Perhaps my Grandfather and your Dad's friend may have known each other ? He was HQ Det 1st Rgt
My great grandfather served with the Devil’s brigade in Italy as well. He passed back in 2016, never told the family much of anything once he got back.
@@SirSpiderPig That's Awesome. Thanks for your Great Grandfather's service. It's unfortunate you didn't get to hear any stories Before he passed. Like my own Grandfather there was more than likely a lot of bad things about the War He wanted to forget. My own Grandfather didn't start going into a lot of detail about it until I got up into my Teens & Adulthood & before he passed away. Sad because every year now our Veterans are getting older & we're losing them & in a lot of ways I think it's important to leave their stories for future generations. Again Thanks for your Great Grandfather's service 🙏🇨🇦 🇺🇲
Canadians. Topgun fighters. WWI and WWII. The most feared fighting force in battle.
🇨🇦 🥇
Thank you for your kind words from a Grateful Canadian 🙏 🇨🇦
Ahh come on, I know we're overlooked but don't give us all the credit
Don't say that to the Aussies! They have been shouting for decades of how they won WW1 and WW2.
@@anthonyeaton5153 to be fair Aussies contributed nothing to the western front, and mainly fought the Ottomans.
@@vothbetilia4862 wrong war.
Amazing documentary!! My Dad was in Italy. He was a Seaforth Higlanders from Vancouver. His parents had immigrated to Canada from Italy.
Thank you for your service and sacrifice so that we may know freedom
Thank you to all Canadians who served in world war II for their service.
From Ottawa Canada.
With love.
My dad and Uncle were there
My Uncle Leonard went from Dieppe to Sicily during WW2. His night terrors were horrific. So proud of him and grateful for all those who fought.
I had no idea, this is like episode 1 of band of brothers except the Canadians in Italy. I’m so grateful this exists
I love that Canada's campaign in Italy is being remembered. It's never discussed in schools at all. I remember writing a poem about the Italian campaign from the perspective of a soldier when I was in elementary school and a veteran who was reading it while I was at cadets suddenly burst into tears while reading it. He was part of the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment.
The Canadians fought bravely in both European wars.
Remember Hong Kong too.
A country of 11 million people (at that time) sent 1 million of her sons into combat. Small in size, mighty when called upon
God bless Canada 🇨🇦
I have a friend whose dad fought in WW2 from 1939 through 1945. On D Day, he was fighting in Italy. He came home from the war and lived to the age of 82 in the mid 90s.
@@djf817 and except for a handful they were all volonteers
Thank you all for your service.
🇨🇦Canada🇨🇦 is struggling right now, let’s hope that changes.
Thank you for giving Canada recognition, seems to always be missed. 🇨🇦
It is a wonderful historical coverage video about glorious time and appreciative of Canadian sacrifice during WW2 in Sicily....thank you 🙏(war stories) channel for sharing
Two words every Canadian knows, 'Bloody Ortona'.
Ortona "Little Stalingrad" a Slugfest " That was a really tough battle and costly victory for the Canadians .🙏🇨🇦
I didn't learn of this battle in school. It was actually today I learned of it, which is sad because there is alot of Canadian history that's been overlooked
I never met my grandfather, but his was in the princess Patricias rifles, I know that unit was on reserve for Ortona, but im not sure if he saw any fighting there, I would assume because of how much of a grinder ortona was that the princess Patricias went in.
My grandfather was in the 48th highlanders and was in the battle of Ortona. He carried PIAT ammo pack for a AT team as well as a tommy gun.
Ortona was one of Italy's few deep water seaport, on the Adriatic Sea which meant the supply lines could be shortened. That is why Ortona was important.
My Grandfather fought with the Princess Patricias Canadian Light Infantry, and took part in Italy’s Campaign. The stories he had shared were fascinating. Lest We Forget.
Thank you for your Grandfather's service 🙏 From a Grateful Canadian 🇨🇦
My grandfather aswell, I never met him, but all I really know about his service is that his regiment was on reserve for ortona, our grandfathers could have fought together, what do you know of his service? Me and my father have been requesting his records for years but can't get hold of them, he never spoke a word about his experiences apparently.
@@kalebfitzgerald9102 Hey have you tried the National Archives of Canada ? They should be able to help you out. I'm sure they would have some records of your Grandfather's Military Service in WWII. By the way Thanks to your Grandfather for his Service 🙏🇨🇦
@@kalebfitzgerald9102 They very well could have fought together. I was going to recommend searching the Archives as well. Some google digging can turn up a lot.
My father was injured in Leonforte . He was a Major with the PPCLI Major A.E.T Pâquet .
My grandfather and my great uncles all fought in the war. On land, air and sea. Absolutely incredible to imagine what they all went through. Bravest men I’ve ever known ❤
That was excellent. We spend a lot of time... And rightly so remembering and being grateful to the soldiers who died.... But behind those sodiers were this brave women and folks back home so I would like to say that I am grateful to those people too.
My uncle Jack fought and died in Italy (ortana) in 1943 he was 23 years old. Being Canadian most of us have family that fought in both world wars. We never get much credit but let me tell you we were everywhere!
Thank you for your Uncle Jack's Service. Ortona was an absolute slugfest and a costly victory for The Canadians. No wonder it was nicknamed "Little Stalingrad". They were up against some of The toughest & best Soldiers of The German Army. Your Uncle Jack is a Heroe & May he rest in Peace.. Again a tremendous Heartfelt Thanks from a grateful Canadian 🙏 🇨🇦
My grandfather was in the 48th highlanders and was in the battle of Ortona. He carried PIAT ammo pack for a AT team as well as a tommy gun.
@@snipes_1138 My dad was in the 48th. , Ontario Regiment as a tanker and was injured by shrapnel in Ortona and woke up in England. He never did talk much about it though.
Smoky Smith and the Seaforth Highlanders of Vancouver BC also fought in Ortona
Smokey Smith was A VC Recipient I believe for his Actions at the Savio River Bridge Head
16:23 You can see the PTSD in Mr. White’s eyes, God bless him.
My God I LOVE that generation
We looked up to them when I was a child in the 70's (my dad & Grandpa)
I wish our society would go back to being so united like those Brave young men & Beautiful young women were
I have to say I agree 100% with your Comments. I was compelled to reply. I felt the same way about My Grandfather. I was born in the 1970's. That Generation came out of The Great Depression then had to face A World War. I miss my own Grandfather when you felt down, Scared or stressed having someone around like that who could talk to you made it feel much better & could inspire you to be a stronger person. There's really Not alot around like that anymore & I don't think the newer Generations Understand what it's like to Struggle & fight the way they did. Again I loved your comments. I can surely relate. All the best 🙏
@@palmergriffiths1952 Thank you!
Good to know I'm not the only one in the insanity our world & country have become.
I'm a 70's kid had family in every theatre of the war when i was 19 when i went to the bar my friends would get mad at me for not hanging out with them cause i'd be hanging out with the old fellows listening to they're stories miss them all but still remember the stories
very well done, don't get the women's story often. I enjoyed your program. Thank You!
I am a proud Canadian. My grandfather and great grandfather were in WW1 and WW2. My grandfather never talked about it. But my grandmother told me few stories. He lost his brother and got wounded by hand grenade.
My Grandfather (1886-1979) was wounded three times in WWl. If that was not bad enough he was also gassed. Pretty special guy. Thanks to all our allied vets.
Thank you for your Grandfather's service 🙏
All for nothing.
Before starting the documentary I want to say that I am very pleased that the Canadians of the greatest generation are getting some recognition for their actions and achievements, along with the ANZACS and all the other countries fighting men, and the women who stepped up to ensure that the axis forces were defeated, they have never had the full recognition that they earned and truly deserved. Thank you from my heart, RIP the fallen, Lest We Forget. Per Ardua Ad Astra.
I can not imagine what these men went through, what they had to do to survive, what they saw and how they endured it all, I was in two combat zones during my military service and I was lucky that I didn’t ever have to go into battle/combat, I saw 👀 some things that I still have problems accepting and forgetting, but these men must have seen and did things that nobody should have had to face, even today, for the few still with us, recounting their experiences must be extremely difficult and painful, as though it was only yesterday, and they are still showing that same level of bravery, extraordinary people.
I look and listen and hope I see my grandad in every clip documentary. Cowichan First Nation fought in Italy. I love him and grateful he came home. If not for Canadian. The war ww2 , so brave and true, well things would have been so much different I’m sure.❤
I live in Cowichan area . Thank you for your granddad’s service. We should all be forever grateful.
These are experiences the younger generation , mine included will hopefully never know. Yet to hear of these stories ... so important
My uncle was " wounded" in Italy. 3 days in a wine cellar, then fell off a ledge..😅
Funny my grandfather was also injured...they had a fire going at night and the sergeant told them to put it out. Someone handed my grandfather a jerrycan filled with gas instead of the one filled with water, lol. Woof, burnt hands!
Always enjoy hearing about the Canadian contribution and stories. 🇬🇧🇨🇦
Thank you all in this video here and gone for our freedom! You were the greatest generation
Well done! I often wish I could be back in my classroom to share great docs like this with my students,,,
21:00 damn im not gunna lie that made me tear up. Bless that man
The Canadians did things in WW2 that were astounding, it is pleasing to see them acknowledged.
Just as all other Allied nations did. Canada was no better nor worse than.
@@anthonyeaton5153 Dieppe.
I would love to see more stories about how the people at home lived and worked during the war, both in Canada and Britain. So many stories to tell.
I'm proud to be from Canada 🍁
With the government Canada has in Ottawa now, and with the way Canadians buckled under to the mandates, being Canadian is nothing to be proud of.
@@lawrencewright2816We’re proud of our nation not our government!
Respect!
Thank you for this. We should always remember the sacrifices made both at home and on the front lines. Now more than ever, we need these reminders.
Both my grandfathers fought. Both came home. One was actually in the Italian theatre as a tank operator. The other was a submariner, operating from the Atlantic to Asia Pacific. I'm so thankful that they both made it home, may they rest in peace now.
Blessed are the souls who go off to fight the war. Wicked are the souls that require them to. God bless.
My grade 3 teacher was an Italian war bride. Her husband was with the Canadian army when they met during the campaign. She may have been with the Italian partisan forces who fought Mussolini. She terrified the whole school. Even the Christian Brothers gave her a wide berth! :)
The introduction speaks loads. Not everyone goes into war blindly. A man that knows he can die, but can still make his arms and legs function using a functioning brain (that's a lot to ask of a person) is a force to be reckoned with.
Our forefathers fought with a full heart with duty and dignity, and so did our beloved allies in arms, may their stories echo for generations.
My grandfather, god rest his soul, from the shores of Bay of Fundy volunteered, and was 1st Canadian Armour, my grandmother got me to try on his uniform one day and his reaction was one thing I will never forget. He immediately demanded that i take it off, he said he didn't spend 6 years killing to see me ever to glorify it. I obviously didn't understand but hecwas such a stoic reserved man , so intelligent that any time he did speak it was always something important. He will always be the person I most respect and it still chokes me up thinking of his dedication, even though i am almost 50 myself now he still is teaching me things through my memories of him. His memory is the sole memory where heavy emotions are almost overwhelming. I feel if i could be 1 / 1000th of the man he was would be my personal pride. I will never allow the disrespect of our Canadian Veterans and will demand they be honored by Canada for as long as I havre the strength to
This is a brilliant documentary. Thank you for sharing it. We will always remember you heroes for your sacrifices, #lestweforget.
My father served with the PPCLI, "The Pats" in Italy. The more I learn about this campaign, the more I'm amazed that he survived! Especially at Monte Casino. Only 12 of his conmpany answered roll call after that battle.
My great-uncle William “Bill” Saunders, from New Brunswick, Canada, served in the Italian campaign and he made it home after being awarded many medals for his bravery. Like myself he later chose to live in the province of Alberta and I found out in the 1990’s that he was living in Edmonton. I lived only 50 miles from him and I had the great privilege to meet him there. Myself and my second-cousin were the only ones at his funeral to represent all of his many relatives living back in Eastern Canada. It was an honour to be there but also a sad day. Like many veterans of war he took most of his battle stories with him.
My father, who served in Korea, was the same. His father (my grandfather) was the same about his WW1 experiences. Grandpa served in France and made it back, but not without a lifetime of PTSD. His brother Eric never made it home and is buried in a military cemetery in France. I know where his grave is and God willing I can go there one day to pay my respects.
The GREATEST generation!! 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
Never seen anything on the italia campaign or really much about the Canadian contribution of ww2. My Grandad fought in Italy.
My Grandparents came to Canada in 1955 and other side in 1965. From my grandparents (both) thank you. They aren't around to let you know themselves, but theyd want ypu to know.
No one says "propaganda " like my Nonna did when she heard Mussolini's name.
excellent video
Canadian Women 💪 🇨🇦 ❤
Granny set that interviewer straight when he played the guilt trip about making guns. She was damn proud of making a good Bren gun, as she should be.
My favourite Canadian moment "we had our feet in the ground most of the time, eh" 6:09
29:53 "My Prayer" by the Ink Spots.
Great documentary. I seen this documentary a while back. Or i seen a documentary with some of the same vets about this war not to to sure!!
My maternal grandfather was there. Artillery gunner. From Sicily to Belgium and across the Netherlands.
Thank you for this my grandfather land in Italy and he never really talk about it I read the regimental records and they fought for every inch in Italy was always proud of our boys and what they did and the fact our country doesn't even teach this to our kids sickens me candains had a huge part in both world wars Korea and Vietnam
Canada has a very long Military history.
Bless their Soldiers.
I wish my Grandma was as cool as Tish! Imaging talking about the making of a Bren gun over coffee or tea in the garden 😎
@10:27 love the battle of Québec reference
My great uncle was John W. "Jack" Teece of the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada. He earned the Military Medal at Ortona for rescuing an artillery observer, which he claimed he got because 'someone important saw him do it' (referring to the observer himself). He did not talk much about that place, only speaking of it as a very, very dark time in his life in which he did a lot of things he'd never thought he'd do, and that he never wanted to do again.
He's passed on from this world, but I think about him a lot. He was an inspiration to me, both for being a remarkable but humble fighter, but for also telling the next generations of my family that war is not a frivolity, it's just something that *sometimes* needs to happen, and should never be forced or pursued into action.
Forever remembered. Never Lost. Peace for the Fallen.
wasn't just the Americans doing it !! Canadian Women were as Canadians in the War before the Americans !! Bravo to ALL THOSE BRAVE CANADIAN WOMEN !!
Canadian troops led the drive Rome, until they were ordered to slow dow to allow the US troops to enter first and get the glory.
That statement is very suspect. Check your history.
@@anthonyeaton5153you need to check the history as the story is absolutely true.
Canadian troops were in British 8th Army, along with British, Polish and NZ etc divisions.
@@lyndoncmp5751 you need to go back to WW1 re read history especially Vimmy Ridge. Which Canadian Troops captured. Canadian and Australian troops fought along side independent of British Troops.
My great grandfather was there, from the Mining Industry. They liked to put them in the royal engineers. He mentioned a "Castle" too. I think this is Monte Casino?
Hope you check the post I made about my uncle in the RCE (appears right after yours. That world was small. Maybe our kin knew each other ?
Sir please do a documentary on contribution of Indian soldiers in both the world wars
21:00 😢
Canada should always be proud of their sacrifice for freedom. Tragically its like two different countries now.
see how adaptable we people are.
you go along doing something and then all of a sudden you get thrown into
something you never expected to have to do.
so you do it, and you do it well.
my mom was a nurse and my dad was RCNVR.
Don't ever ask a Canadian soldier to do something because they will.
My grandfather fought in Italy. That’s the only thing i know. I watch as many videos i can trying to learn more. He died when i was around 7 so i never heard anything from him.
Young people today have no idea. They are entitled. I salute the greatest generation!
There are no words for what that 'generation' did for this world. THANK YOU is the best I can do. I do have to ask though - what happened?
i have two family members in ww2 canadian one as in army ww1 but that in ww2 graud ww2 that other one was in black watch
Thank you for your family members service. I know that the Black Watch of Canada had a costly battle to take Verriers Ridge during the Normandy campaign. Very Grateful for their Sacrifice & Service 🙏🇨🇦
Can hardly believe the privilige I had growing up. Parents and kin of both World Wars, from the Gaspesian Bay de Chaleurs area (highest per capita recruitment area), few with more than a grade 5-7 education, so destined for active front line duty, we humans I knew and appreciated enough to pay strict attention to. Collected their stories over a life time. May God bless them all. May God pity me. They are now long gone but their ranks have not filled . . .
My grandfather served in Italy after Sicily fell. The first few years of the war he was stationed in Scotland cutting down timber for the war effort. He arrived in Naples in November 43 and was transferred, as far as I can tell from the war records, to the Royal Canadian Regiment which no doubt had losses in Sicily. I assume he was a replacement for the dead.
My father told us stories about how strict they were about eating all the food on their plate when he was a kid. My grandfather saw the starving Italian citizens and demanding that his kids after the war not waste any food. Sadly he passed at a fairly young age (mid 60s) because of his dislike/fear of doctors. Imagine being brave enough for WW2 and surviving but then dying because of your dislike of doctors. Life is strange.
Wow - the picture @32:29 - My grandmother (2nd from right - front row) I have a copy of that very picture
My grandfather fought in Ortona, and lost his best friend there.
As a Canadian sometimes I’m a little ashamed I know way more about American war history.
The Women's half is very endearing!
"there was nothing to do", well peace time sucks this way, not as much jobs, not as meaningful anyway(lighter packing). Though it gives room for family and kids then.
What I find similar with these women and vets and current former soldiers is that conviction, purpose that shines from their eyes even now that they got to experience as 20-something.... which can carry person through life for sure.
I am a very proud Canadian and they were know as shock troupe
An uncle of mine, Sapper Leonard LeBlanc, with the RCE, survived Dieppe, went on to Sicily, mainland Italy, then France, etc, etc.
Via his widow (married late in life), I am heir to two 'love letters' and a photo of his, from an Italian girl that made the translator of them for me, cry.
Also have his map of his route through Italy as well as some very remarkable photos of his progress through a destroyed town/city (or city-towns?) he travelled through.
Most remarkable and curious of all, are several snaps of a 'Mosquito' doing a very low-level pass(s).
The last snap is a close up of a crashed, crumpled, smoking 'Mosquito'. Don't know what happened or the fate of the crew was.
Len never talked about the war to me. Got all his stories via family & his friends gossip. Sorry I never asked him aything. Liked him a lot but being a natural coward myself, was afraid it was rude to ask if not self-voluntered in conversation.
Lads, if you like old stories like this, be sure to check out the "The Berenstain Bears", with those wholesome bears and "The Babar Series", with those lively pachyderms.
We need to keep these men in our hearts they gave it all to save our world. o7
And after all that Patton told the Canadians that if they marched into Rome he’d open fire on them, because he wanted to.
The women back then were such gems. I can see why men went off to war to fight for them and their families. They were definitely worth it.
Modern women on the other hand, no chance.
My paps was one during the invasion of Sicily. He said after a couple years in England, once they went through the Straits of Gibraltar in the middle of the night they knew it was real.
My grandpa served in the Hastings Prince Edward Regiment.
Looking at the Bomb Girls. Everyone is skinny because of no processed foods and burning calories instead of sitting in front of a screen. Once saw an old map of where the CIL plant (munitions) was in Ajax Ontario. My house was on what was once the shop floor lol.
these men and women were canada`s greatest generation
My dad fought in Italy ,Cassino .
That was then this now … unfortunately
The srategic value of their effort was lost when Clark decided to take Rome, rather than turn the Nazi's flank
my great grandfather died in the dieppe raid
My father and uncle were there.
The Maple Leaf Forever!
A. Very. Loyal. Nation. Canada. Fighting. Long way. From. Home. !!!
Every Allied nation fought a very long way from home. Canada was not unique.
Some of the most pivotal battles fought in ww1 and ww2 wouldn't have been won without the help of the Canadians and yet you pretty much never see them in any war movies/shows. Everything needs to be an "American" victory.
WW1 would have still been won without Canada but not won without Britain think about it.
@@anthonyeaton5153 do more research my friend
This was Churchill's crazy idea.
Italy had to be invaded for one main reason, to keep as many as possible of their divisions from transferring to France when the Normandy invasion began. Think sideways occasionally.
@@anthonyeaton5153 Yes, there are arguments for it. When one considers Churchill's catastrophes like the Gallipoli Campaign or Dieppe, it seems he didn't mind too much sending out cannon fodder.
When the Canadians broke through at Ortona and a few hours later were outside Rome if Allied command had of allowed them to go down and take Rome it would of trapped the Germans who were 90 miles to the south. Thereafter it would of been a race all the way to the Alps and the German border. A huge strategic loss on how the war went.
Needed Americans to liberate Rome eh