An interesting (and gruesome) fact about Wilhelm Keitel, who was mentioned in this video, is that his execution (and many of the other Nuremburg executions, but his was probably the worst) was badly botched because the executioner had lied about being an experienced executioner and still somehow managed to become the top executioner for the Allies. The hole they were supposed to fall through was too small so several of them, including Keitel hit their head on the back of it. The rope was also tied wrong so instead of having his neck snapped, he was strangled to death over 24 minutes. The Allies tried to deny that they were botched, but observers heard some of the people being executed choking and the pictures of some of the bodies clearly show their heads covered in blood.
It's not so much how the ropes were tied, more about the length. If it is too short the neck won't break and the condemned will strangle. Too long and the head will be ripped off of the body. there is a table for the length of drop. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Official_Table_of_Drops Configured by the proscribed force. That has changed over the decades. The current suggested force is 1000 foot-pounds or 1400J.
Funny side note. Among the troops of Wenck was a young soldier, who played an important role 1989 during the end of the Cold War. Hans-Dietrich Genscher was during the time "Außenminister" (Head of Department of State) and he played one important role for the outcome of the events 1989. After Wencks death Genscher said, that Wencks decision to not follow direct orders form the Führer himself, saved his life (and many young men) and so he saved maybe a small important part in the "fall of the Berlin Wall".
The movie “Downfall” is a fascinating examination of the fall of Berlin. It feels like the apocalypse. The war between Germany and the Soviet Union was far more brutal and personal than the war we learn about in America.
Thank you for reacting to this song, that I think is highly underrated but shows a very important part of war, the story of Generals,defying Hitlers orders and do what is necessary instead. Greetings from Germany and keep on with the great reactions.
As someone who was born a generation after the end of the WW2 with Grandparents that were involved. The more I learn about both wars, the more I realise why nobody ever wanted to speak about what happened. Its great to have a band like Sabaton to remind us of these events.
This song is so special for many reasons. for me two of them were 2 of my greatgrandfathers. 1 served on the 12th Army and one in the 9th. and among thos civilians at least one of them found his future wife.
I genuinely love seeing how much you've grown from your perspective on Germany. I am sure you agree that politically today we are not that different with so many being caught up in extremism on all sides without even realising it. I only hope we can learn from history before we repeat it in the darkest ways.
The guitar solo is Air by Johann Sebastian Bach. I was out bicycling, listening to this song with my pods plugged in. I went rigth down the trenches, or more accurate , the ditch. Never play airguitar , bicycling, with the eyes closed! I love this song, and the Wenck story.
Bombing factories where the german nazis made their tanks and military equipment wasnt as effective as the Britains wished . They just built up a new factory somewhere else, so in order to really stop the nazis from producing more military equipment the Brittish goverment came up with the idea; instead of attacking factorys they bombed those parts of Berlin where the civilians lived. Civilians, who was forced by the nazis to work in those factories, was much more difficult to replace than to build up a new factory. So when you say germans was not the only bad guys during the war you are absolutely right. When the Nazis attacked Sovietunion in June 1941 they plundered, raped and murdered thousands of russian civilians, and now in 1945 when Red Army took Berlin it was time for payback. "Eine Frau ist eine Frau" was german words that the Red Army had learned to say (a woman is a woman) before they raped, some as young as 10 year old girls. After the war ends on 8 May 1945, Berlin is nothing but rubble: 600 000 apartments have been destroyed, and only half of the city’s population of 4.3 million still lived in the city.
The thing is people only focus on the facts the Germans committed war crimes against the Soviets and so the Soviets did the same back(which I don't agree) but everyone forgets that the Russians helped the Germans subjugate both Poland and Czechoslovakia and several other slavic countries the Russians especially arguably committed more war crimes than the Germans Rapes and murders ect but the moment the shoe was on the other foot it's like the greatest injustice ever committed and I can't help think piss off what a hypocritical way of thinking and its why I have no sympathy for the Soviet military and its government.
@@TouchyReactions i should clarify the civilians of both nations didn't deserve what happened I have no sympathy for the nazi government the Wehrmacht is a trickier subject when comes to sympathy they where responsible for the majority of war crimes committed at the same despised the SS and everything they did it hard to say whether some did this crime willingly or under threat. I think part of the reason Allied War crimes aren't really brought up primarily Britain and the US is that when you look at how, why and when they are committed they tend to be more reprisals and revenge killings again no I ain't condoning it either.
Touchy, could you react to "Cliffs of Gallipoli" the song means so much to us Australians, as well as New Zealanders, and Turkish people. it is a rolercoaster of emotions
This is one of my fav ww2 songs from Sabaton personality. The game they made this for(Hearts of Iron4) is a very popular and good strategy game that focuses on ww2 their album certainly works for it.
Not so similar to 40:1, maybe, but its structure is similar to the one of Uprising. Sabaton often re-uses song structure to carry over a theme. You'll see what I mean when you've heard The Last Stand and In the Name of God - two songs with the "same" theme, telling the "same" story, but where the motivations, circumstances and outcomes are radically different. I call them "siblings" or "sister songs", in lack of a better word; the similarity in structure enhances the difference in story. Uprising is about the people's defiance and, in the end, how they're betrayed by their own allies and lose. In contrast, Hearts of Iron is about how leaders defy orders to rescue their own people. And the song you're recognising in the solo is Bach's Air - a very uplifting and hopeful tune. Keep your eye on the lookout for Easter eggs like that. Sometimes, Sabaton will use certain melodies or just a couple of riffs or notes as a nod to another song or a tribute to something else entirely.
I really liked this one. This does help clear up some confusion I had, thanks. :) I agree, Heroes is a fantastic album. I keep wishing it had more songs XD
About time! also you are right ,this song is about the Wehrmacht troops under general Walther Wenck(The boy general) that disobeyed orders to relieve berlin (Which was hopeless by this time) to help get the civilians & Wounded troops out of the way of the red army. There goal was to instead surrender to the Americans. Sadly this didn't go as planned as the Americans where ordered to not allow Civilians across to there area and decided to horse whip any that tried to cross. (Which most ignored as it beat taking there chances with the soviets who where acting worse then even the SS at the time) edit: Also If you want an interesting read look into the actions of the soviet army during the closing stages (and after) the war in the baltic states, It makes the Germans look good.
One of my favorite Sabaton songs, really a great song for the headphones, well i just like the musical flow in this, as well as the story.. its where the German people break free from Hitler, and start to act with sense, well for what was posible at this point. and those rimes you often want, here they work to..With Hitlers fall, every German knew the war was lost, Hitler already did go to far in what he belived Germany could stand up against, the civilasation of Berlin knew, if they didnt escape, they would burn up in this city.. no German would really stand up and fight at this point, just try to save as many lives as posible.. as the madman was no longer the one giving orders, the German people could start to use sense instead, as they proberly longed for the whole war..For me the (evil) Germany ended as soon as Hitler was gone, many Germans just did follow orders not to get killed, and some was brainwashes to serve, they did basicly have the option to follow orders, or to live in hell, or be killed, not doing so, and with Hitler gone, they could finally do the right thing, and end the war..
My favorite Sabaton song & history! I'm not entirely sure why I love this one so much but theres just something about it. I also love the game Hearts of Iron 4, its a super in depth WW2 simulator where you take control of a country and its total war econemy and you can either follow history or strike out to change it to your will (communist america, democratic germany etc.) Its a very hard game to even get started in but you might find it interesting just to take a look. TommyKay is a really popular hoi4 youtuber if you wanted to check it out.
My Grandfather used to be a Carpenter and Sports Teacher in a small Village. While many of the Others called Hitler a great Dude he was one of the few who warned "This Guy will send us to War!". We all know he was right. He became Captain of an Mountaineer Company, married my Grandmother on Front Leave and when he came home some Years after the War ended (they kept him POW), his Home was Part of the Czeck Republic. He got the Iron Cross and a Medal from the Pope for Helping and Rebuilding. He never ate Mush in his Life after his POW-Time. He died with 86 because of Cancer. Somewhy I wanted to tell this. Greetings from Germany, Nice Vid.
The americans were on the other side of the Elbe. Watching this and doesnt allowed the germans to cross and capitulate for them. They falled back and let them cross when soviet artillery started to hit the army standing there. Just expect what it has to be. As american: Looking on the other side, seeing all these civilian, soldiers, waiting and just wanting to cross the river as german: Waiting, got declined t ocross, and simply look in the sky and hear the artillery shells fired upon you - till the americans retreat and you can fall back. Fact about Wenck: He was offered being the commander of the german army after the war. The Rank was and is: "Generalinspekteur der Bundeswehr" (Major-Inspector of the german army) and he said he only will be the commander of the german army, if he gets the rank 'Oberkommandierender der Bundeswehr' (Grand-Commander of the german army). The Goverment refused this offer, so Wenck did.
One of my favorite songs and such a story behind it. Also if you enjoy strategy games, i reccomend you check Hearts of Iron 4. Its really enjoyable and the sabaton soundtrack is just awesome As for songs to react to, i suggest Coat of Arms. Its about the Greco Italian War during WW2
in last days of war, Hitler order form new 12th Army, composed from cripled soldiers, old mens and young boys commanded by general Wenck, to fight against advancing Red Army, but Wenck did not follow orders and decide to made coridor for civilians that want escape from Berlin and save at least 250 000 citizens
Hello again! I was wondering of you have done a reaction to White Death! Honestly one of the best history wise and musically (Edit) Another song too! Coat of Arms
I asked this before, but you didn't answer, so I guess I'll ask again: Are you going to watch the live versions and Sabaton History videos for the songs you reacted to before you started doing the deep dives? The Last Battle is one that I think is a particularly interesting story that you should definitely watch the history video for.
@@TouchyReactions You have no idea how happy that makes me it’s good that you’ll go back and react to the history videos for songs you have already done you’ll learn a lot.
fun fact about the lyric video: if you look closely at the german part, you'll notice it's a bit different - that's because sabaton screwed up at their german speaking abilities XD
Sry to burst your bubble but you know US wasn't only country in western front? Ever heard like UK, France, Denmark, Norway, Australia, New Zealand, India, list goes on and on but everybody in Germany knew that time it's better to surrender to west allies than to soviets...Still true today...
An interesting (and gruesome) fact about Wilhelm Keitel, who was mentioned in this video, is that his execution (and many of the other Nuremburg executions, but his was probably the worst) was badly botched because the executioner had lied about being an experienced executioner and still somehow managed to become the top executioner for the Allies. The hole they were supposed to fall through was too small so several of them, including Keitel hit their head on the back of it. The rope was also tied wrong so instead of having his neck snapped, he was strangled to death over 24 minutes. The Allies tried to deny that they were botched, but observers heard some of the people being executed choking and the pictures of some of the bodies clearly show their heads covered in blood.
It's not so much how the ropes were tied, more about the length. If it is too short the neck won't break and the condemned will strangle. Too long and the head will be ripped off of the body. there is a table for the length of drop. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Official_Table_of_Drops Configured by the proscribed force. That has changed over the decades. The current suggested force is 1000 foot-pounds or 1400J.
Oh noooo, how terrible, oh my that is just awwwwful
Funny side note. Among the troops of Wenck was a young soldier, who played an important role 1989 during the end of the Cold War. Hans-Dietrich Genscher was during the time "Außenminister" (Head of Department of State) and he played one important role for the outcome of the events 1989. After Wencks death Genscher said, that Wencks decision to not follow direct orders form the Führer himself, saved his life (and many young men) and so he saved maybe a small important part in the "fall of the Berlin Wall".
“Whoever saves one life saves the world entire.”
The movie “Downfall” is a fascinating examination of the fall of Berlin. It feels like the apocalypse. The war between Germany and the Soviet Union was far more brutal and personal than the war we learn about in America.
It was.
on the latest stage of the war the deathrate of the german army got up to over 2000 dead soldiers per 24 hours on the Eastern Front.
Thank you for reacting to this song, that I think is highly underrated but shows a very important part of war, the story of Generals,defying Hitlers orders and do what is necessary instead. Greetings from Germany and keep on with the great reactions.
Thank You
As someone who was born a generation after the end of the WW2 with Grandparents that were involved. The more I learn about both wars, the more I realise why nobody ever wanted to speak about what happened. Its great to have a band like Sabaton to remind us of these events.
Thanks Touchy, as you said... The song has an important message and needs to be heard.
Thank you
4:43 The 12th Army is credited with evacuating roughly 250,000 civilians.
This song is so special for many reasons. for me two of them were 2 of my greatgrandfathers. 1 served on the 12th Army and one in the 9th. and among thos civilians at least one of them found his future wife.
I genuinely love seeing how much you've grown from your perspective on Germany. I am sure you agree that politically today we are not that different with so many being caught up in extremism on all sides without even realising it. I only hope we can learn from history before we repeat it in the darkest ways.
The guitar solo is Air by Johann Sebastian Bach. I was out bicycling, listening to this song with my pods plugged in. I went rigth down the trenches, or more accurate , the ditch. Never play airguitar , bicycling, with the eyes closed!
I love this song, and the Wenck story.
Yngwie Malmsteen played this solo too, and Thobbe is a huge Yngwiefan.
Lol, nice
Bombing factories where the german nazis made their tanks and military equipment wasnt as effective as the Britains wished . They just built up a new factory somewhere else, so in order to really stop the nazis from producing more military equipment the Brittish goverment came up with the idea; instead of attacking factorys they bombed those parts of Berlin where the civilians lived. Civilians, who was forced by the nazis to work in those factories, was much more difficult to replace than to build up a new factory. So when you say germans was not the only bad guys during the war you are absolutely right.
When the Nazis attacked Sovietunion in June 1941 they plundered, raped and murdered thousands of russian civilians, and now in 1945 when Red Army took Berlin it was time for payback. "Eine Frau ist eine Frau" was german words that the Red Army had learned to say (a woman is a woman) before they raped, some as young as 10 year old girls.
After the war ends on 8 May 1945, Berlin is nothing but rubble: 600 000 apartments have been destroyed, and only half of the city’s population of 4.3 million still lived in the city.
Horrible. Let's hope we never see war again. It brings out the worst in some people.
The red army was utter scum
The thing is people only focus on the facts the Germans committed war crimes against the Soviets and so the Soviets did the same back(which I don't agree) but everyone forgets that the Russians helped the Germans subjugate both Poland and Czechoslovakia and several other slavic countries the Russians especially arguably committed more war crimes than the Germans Rapes and murders ect but the moment the shoe was on the other foot it's like the greatest injustice ever committed and I can't help think piss off what a hypocritical way of thinking and its why I have no sympathy for the Soviet military and its government.
Yes, both sides were awful.
@@TouchyReactions i should clarify the civilians of both nations didn't deserve what happened I have no sympathy for the nazi government the Wehrmacht is a trickier subject when comes to sympathy they where responsible for the majority of war crimes committed at the same despised the SS and everything they did it hard to say whether some did this crime willingly or under threat.
I think part of the reason Allied War crimes aren't really brought up primarily Britain and the US is that when you look at how, why and when they are committed they tend to be more reprisals and revenge killings again no I ain't condoning it either.
SOMEBODY FINALLY RECOGNIZED THE MELODY OF THE GUITAR SOLO! That makes me so happy 😁😁😁
Touchy, could you react to "Cliffs of Gallipoli" the song means so much to us Australians, as well as New Zealanders, and Turkish people. it is a rolercoaster of emotions
Definitely. It is nearly at the top of my list.
May not be one of the most popular but it is important which is why it is one of my favorite songs.
I remember Joakim commenting on Facebook saying he wants to play this live lol
in italy that assolo was for long time "super quark" theme, the title is "air on the g string" author Bach
This is one of my fav ww2 songs from Sabaton personality.
The game they made this for(Hearts of Iron4) is a very popular and good strategy game that focuses on ww2 their album certainly works for it.
Not so similar to 40:1, maybe, but its structure is similar to the one of Uprising. Sabaton often re-uses song structure to carry over a theme. You'll see what I mean when you've heard The Last Stand and In the Name of God - two songs with the "same" theme, telling the "same" story, but where the motivations, circumstances and outcomes are radically different. I call them "siblings" or "sister songs", in lack of a better word; the similarity in structure enhances the difference in story. Uprising is about the people's defiance and, in the end, how they're betrayed by their own allies and lose. In contrast, Hearts of Iron is about how leaders defy orders to rescue their own people.
And the song you're recognising in the solo is Bach's Air - a very uplifting and hopeful tune. Keep your eye on the lookout for Easter eggs like that. Sometimes, Sabaton will use certain melodies or just a couple of riffs or notes as a nod to another song or a tribute to something else entirely.
I really liked this one. This does help clear up some confusion I had, thanks. :) I agree, Heroes is a fantastic album. I keep wishing it had more songs XD
About time!
also you are right ,this song is about the Wehrmacht troops under general Walther Wenck(The boy general) that disobeyed orders to relieve berlin (Which was hopeless by this time) to help get the civilians & Wounded troops out of the way of the red army. There goal was to instead surrender to the Americans. Sadly this didn't go as planned as the Americans where ordered to not allow Civilians across to there area and decided to horse whip any that tried to cross. (Which most ignored as it beat taking there chances with the soviets who where acting worse then even the SS at the time)
edit: Also If you want an interesting read look into the actions of the soviet army during the closing stages (and after) the war in the baltic states, It makes the Germans look good.
Wow, thanks
@@TouchyReactions Your one of the few that review these videos that actually seems to care about the history, which is great to see!
the classical Part is "Air on the G string" by Johann Sebastian Bach
One of my favorite Sabaton songs, really a great song for the headphones, well i just like the musical flow in this, as well as the story.. its where the German people break free from Hitler, and start to act with sense, well for what was posible at this point.
and those rimes you often want, here they work to..With Hitlers fall, every German knew the war was lost, Hitler already did go to far in what he belived Germany could stand up against, the civilasation of Berlin knew, if they didnt escape, they would burn up in this city.. no German would really stand up and fight at this point, just try to save as many lives as posible.. as the madman was no longer the one giving orders, the German people could start to use sense instead, as they proberly longed for the whole war..For me the (evil) Germany ended as soon as Hitler was gone, many Germans just did follow orders not to get killed, and some was brainwashes to serve, they did basicly have the option to follow orders, or to live in hell, or be killed, not doing so, and with Hitler gone, they could finally do the right thing, and end the war..
oh its actually from the game hearts of iron lol thats kinda amusing never realized
That game is so damn good. Paradox make a lot of Great strategy games.
Guitar solo is "Air on a G-String" by Bach
Hey dude, the guitar bridge that you recognize is 'Air for G String by Johann Sebastian Bach' an age-old classical piece.
definitely sounds like a few of their other songs. not that that is a bad thing.
I wouldn't call the song depressing... Just bittersweet.
My favorite Sabaton song & history! I'm not entirely sure why I love this one so much but theres just something about it. I also love the game Hearts of Iron 4, its a super in depth WW2 simulator where you take control of a country and its total war econemy and you can either follow history or strike out to change it to your will (communist america, democratic germany etc.) Its a very hard game to even get started in but you might find it interesting just to take a look. TommyKay is a really popular hoi4 youtuber if you wanted to check it out.
My Grandfather used to be a Carpenter and Sports Teacher in a small Village. While many of the Others called Hitler a great Dude he was one of the few who warned "This Guy will send us to War!". We all know he was right. He became Captain of an Mountaineer Company, married my Grandmother on Front Leave and when he came home some Years after the War ended (they kept him POW), his Home was Part of the Czeck Republic. He got the Iron Cross and a Medal from the Pope for Helping and Rebuilding. He never ate Mush in his Life after his POW-Time. He died with 86 because of Cancer. Somewhy I wanted to tell this. Greetings from Germany, Nice Vid.
Thanks for sharing
Now listen to The Last Battle. Perfect followup to this
The solo is the theme in Aire on the G string
The americans were on the other side of the Elbe. Watching this and doesnt allowed the germans to cross and capitulate for them. They falled back and let them cross when soviet artillery started to hit the army standing there.
Just expect what it has to be.
As american: Looking on the other side, seeing all these civilian, soldiers, waiting and just wanting to cross the river
as german: Waiting, got declined t ocross, and simply look in the sky and hear the artillery shells fired upon you - till the americans retreat and you can fall back.
Fact about Wenck:
He was offered being the commander of the german army after the war. The Rank was and is: "Generalinspekteur der Bundeswehr" (Major-Inspector of the german army) and he said he only will be the commander of the german army, if he gets the rank 'Oberkommandierender der Bundeswehr' (Grand-Commander of the german army). The Goverment refused this offer, so Wenck did.
This is easily one of my favourites. Such a great song. Maybe react to Union and Cliffs of Gallipoli soon? :)
Thank you
One of my favorite songs and such a story behind it. Also if you enjoy strategy games, i reccomend you check Hearts of Iron 4. Its really enjoyable and the sabaton soundtrack is just awesome
As for songs to react to, i suggest Coat of Arms. Its about the Greco Italian War during WW2
Thanks, it's on the list
Yes hearts of iron
You'd probably love the Sabaton History for Sabaton - The Last Battle. :)
Yeah, i'll have to go back at some point and catch up on the history's I haven't watched.
the melody used in the guitar solo
ua-cam.com/video/GMkmQlfOJDk/v-deo.html
The last survivors who ignored hitlers orders and save the semi innocent civvilaian who didnt do anithing
in last days of war, Hitler order form new 12th Army, composed from cripled soldiers, old mens and young boys commanded by general Wenck, to fight against advancing Red Army, but Wenck did not follow orders and decide to made coridor for civilians that want escape from Berlin and save at least 250 000 citizens
Hello again! I was wondering of you have done a reaction to White Death!
Honestly one of the best history wise and musically
(Edit) Another song too! Coat of Arms
Not yet both are on my list.
Not 100% on 40:1, but I always hear The Lost Batallion "And Through The Blockade They Were Finally Saved"
Yo, you could do a reaction to "PvP" by Amaranthe. Pretty good song in my opinion and they've done some stuff with Sabaton too.
I asked this before, but you didn't answer, so I guess I'll ask again: Are you going to watch the live versions and Sabaton History videos for the songs you reacted to before you started doing the deep dives? The Last Battle is one that I think is a particularly interesting story that you should definitely watch the history video for.
He's already reacted to the last battle
I will be revisiting the old reactions for deep dives. Just still have so many unheard songs.
@@johnmurphy7250 But not the history video
@@jasonpade4949 thought he had done a deep dive
@@TouchyReactions You have no idea how happy that makes me it’s good that you’ll go back and react to the history videos for songs you have already done you’ll learn a lot.
Yeah they had the Russians one side and on the other they had the British/ Americans the Russians took no prisoners at all
React to Smoking snakes from Sabaton, amazing song!
Thanks, It's on the list
fun fact about the lyric video: if you look closely at the german part, you'll notice it's a bit different - that's because sabaton screwed up at their german speaking abilities XD
LOL
Melody wise I think this sounds alot more like the lost battalion rather than 40:1
I might have mixed those 2 up.
huh, seems that youtube auto deleted my comment for mentioning some of the bad stuff that went on
Sry to burst your bubble but you know US wasn't only country in western front? Ever heard like UK, France, Denmark, Norway, Australia, New Zealand, India, list goes on and on but everybody in Germany knew that time it's better to surrender to west allies than to soviets...Still true today...
I'm literally screaming "this solo sounds familiar." Bach, bach! bach! 🤣
Did I say the US was the only country on the western front?
soviet, not russians