Exploring Historic Camp Bouse Arizona : Patton's WW2 Desert Warfare "Gizmo" Training Site

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  • Опубліковано 16 лис 2023
  • Today we journey to one of more than a dozen large Desert Warfare Training Camps that were set up under the direction of General Patton during World War Two. These camps were designed to train over one million U.S. Army soldiers in the art and hardships of desert warfare before being shipped to North Africa to fight and defeat German and Italian forces occupying that area.
    Camp Bouse was established as a top-secret camp where a new U.S. wonder weapon was tested and readied for our entry into the war. What exactly was this wonder weapon called the "Gizmo"? The answer to this mystery is answered in this video. I hope you enjoy finding out about the "Gizmo"
    About Aquachigger:
    I enjoy metal detecting for historical items like gold coins, relics, silver coins, and other buried treasures. I also metal detect for gold and silver nuggets and even meteorites. I like to make videos that promote my choice of lifestyle that includes outdoor adventure,
    metal detecting, yapping, searching for river treasure, SCUBA diving, exploring abandoned places, hiking, caving, caring for animals and pets, and observing the things outdoors that often go unnoticed by most people who are not familiar with outdoor adventures and nature. I keep my UA-cam "Aquachigger" channel family-friendly and hope you subscribe if you like my style.
    BTW, you can also catch me here, / chiggsarmy ,but I may get a little edgier there. FB isn't a place for kids anyway...lol.
    Affiliate links to see and purchase the gear I use:
    T-Shirts: www.bonfire.com/store/aquachi...
    Follow the ChiggsArmy!
    My Patreon: / aquachigger
    Instagram: / aquachigger
    Facebook: / chiggsarmy
    Twitter: / beauouimette
    I hope to see you guys out there!
    #chiggsarmy #aquachigger #garrett
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 199

  • @aquachigger
    @aquachigger  7 місяців тому +66

    I hope you guys like today's little adventure. If so, please let me know. Thanks for watching.

    • @Fried-Pig-Nipples
      @Fried-Pig-Nipples 7 місяців тому

      The 11m on that wooden plaque is an infantry mos. Mine was 95B. If I'm not mistaken, you were 12 something, right?

    • @SandyWolf-
      @SandyWolf- 7 місяців тому +2

      I liked 😁✌

    • @dannydaniels3593
      @dannydaniels3593 7 місяців тому

      Hey chigg just to let you know they were three ring mini balls

    • @headrot2443
      @headrot2443 7 місяців тому

      We loved this adventure

    • @westenicho
      @westenicho 7 місяців тому

      11M = mobile infantry MOS

  • @slidezone9056
    @slidezone9056 7 місяців тому +7

    Thanks for taking us along. My grandmother's 2nd husband was in the tank corps. All I know is that he fought in Africa. No doubt he trained out there somewhere. He passed before I developed an interest in WWII. Uncle Lloyd was a big man who was gentle, kind, and very quiet. Take the time to talk to any old timers you might know. Most of the time they'll take real pleasure in sharing their knowledge and experience with you. Do it while you can.

  • @RK57AZ
    @RK57AZ 7 місяців тому +11

    Hey Chigg,
    You forgot to mention the table that the sign-in box was on.
    It’s a WWII military truck grill. Not sure if it’s from a deuce and a half.
    As always stay safe and healthy.
    Ron

  • @lilianmcguigan9240
    @lilianmcguigan9240 7 місяців тому +8

    You would think someone would have clued into the fact that a strobe light is still light in the darkness. I felt that chill as well, thinking about all those soul out there in isolation, thinking about what's coming. So many never came home.

  • @rossmacintosh5652
    @rossmacintosh5652 7 місяців тому +26

    It was 10,000 troops (not 20k) who trained at Camp Bouse between 1943 and 1944. The 'Gizmo' secret weapon was one the British came up with but requested Patton test. Clearing the distant hills of miners & homesteaders probably made sense given they were testing a light system that could be seen for many miles. The Army needed 35,500 square miles to keep the system secret! Although the gizmo system was never used in battle for the original purpose of blinding the enemy, it was used to facilitate efficient river crossings in the theatre of war.

    • @phillypersonpretzel
      @phillypersonpretzel 7 місяців тому +1

      Thank you for that articulate detail. I love studying history.

    • @chdnorm
      @chdnorm 7 місяців тому +6

      My grandfather trained there, with the 526th armored infantry bn. As far as I know, they never actually used them in combat. They had them in England before D-day, but did not take them across the channel. It was the terrain that negated their usefulness. The idea was to blind the enemy, while the infantry moved in the “cloak of darkness” between the lights. It was not well suited to the close range assaults of the hedgerow country. That was according to my grandfather.
      The units had an interesting service, especially after the CDL tanks were withdrawn. Due to the security clearances required for their work at Bouse, The 526th wound up attached to 12th army group hq as an intelligence unit (TF-T) while C co was detached to serve as the guards for the SHAEF HQ.
      They were primarily tasked with seizing high value targets and intelligence. But, found themselves right in the middle of the German advance during the Battle of the Bulge. In the movie Battle of the Bulge, the scene where Henry Fonda destroys the fuel dump in front of Peiper’s panzer group was based on actions taken by the 526th.

    • @rossmacintosh5652
      @rossmacintosh5652 7 місяців тому +1

      @@chdnorm Thanks for the information! Must be cool watching the Chigg when you have a family connection to the place.

    • @treepotato9273
      @treepotato9273 7 місяців тому +1

      That's interesting, thank you. I had no idea it ever actually got used for anything.

    • @chdnorm
      @chdnorm 7 місяців тому +2

      @@rossmacintosh5652
      I’d never seen one of his videos before. Hadn’t searched for anything Camp Bouse related in a few years. But, this video popped up right at the top of my recommendations. That’s a hell of an algorithm they’re tracking us with.
      But yes, cool video.

  • @user-ol8od4bd5e
    @user-ol8od4bd5e 7 місяців тому +1

    Thanks Chigg, for honoring the men who kept us free. And I'll wave at you if you pass through Albuquerque!

    • @greggiles7309
      @greggiles7309 7 місяців тому

      Hirohito's war plans was to destroy the Pacific Fleet then negotiate a Empire Deal.
      Your FreeDoms have only been ever threatened by the Confederacy, and tRumpF.

  • @speakfreely.1776
    @speakfreely.1776 7 місяців тому +9

    Another great desert adventure. Thanks for the history and the tour!

  • @earlt.7573
    @earlt.7573 7 місяців тому +3

    The metal grill on top of the barbed wire pigtails is a radiator / light guard off a 1940s Dodge or GMC truck. When you said "beatniks in the 60s" made the PEACE signs, first thing popped in my mind was Maynard Krebs, ha,haaa.

  • @kathybrandt6060
    @kathybrandt6060 7 місяців тому +4

    I always love when you go out to the desert and bring us along. I live in New Jersey right on the edge of the pine barons, so you can tell we have sand but you can’t see anything because of the trees. The desert is a beautiful place and its own right. Again, thank you for taking us along.

  • @Fitzgoodntight
    @Fitzgoodntight 7 місяців тому

    I absolutely LOVE when you are detecting old military posts or training grounds! By far some of my favorites!

  • @richardbrady2818
    @richardbrady2818 7 місяців тому +4

    Thanks for the awesome ride Chigg, I could never get enough of the desert

  • @ralphwatten2426
    @ralphwatten2426 7 місяців тому +2

    With all those cans laying around I'd say that beans was the top secret weapon.

  • @arthurbolton8477
    @arthurbolton8477 7 місяців тому +4

    i think that wire sheathing is modern ,some toerag stole a bunch of cable ,and went somewhere quiet to strip it out. cable in the 40s was woven cloth or rubber coated and that looked like plastic. happy hunting.

    • @j.f.christ8421
      @j.f.christ8421 7 місяців тому

      Weird place to go to strip some cable, but tweakers will be tweakers I guess. The rubber coated stuff would have crumbled away to nothing out in that sun. It rots away just sitting in your house walls, let alone out in the desert.

  • @viewer1431
    @viewer1431 7 місяців тому +4

    You were featured briefly in TheWhyFiles YT channels recent video about the M cave haha. Cool to see your name

    • @earlt.7573
      @earlt.7573 7 місяців тому +1

      I just saw that WF episode pop up, gotta check it out, Hecklefish, AJ, AND Chigg ? HOLY COWOLA !!!

  • @dannydaniels3593
    @dannydaniels3593 7 місяців тому +9

    Hi chigg I just got done Detecting
    I found some Civil War bullet's and a few things that are junk. I hope everything is going well with you. I'm having a blast looking at your videos and then going metal detective Have fun

    • @aquachigger
      @aquachigger  7 місяців тому +3

      I wish you luck out there.

    • @iancameron198
      @iancameron198 7 місяців тому

      Look up these patents on chem trails
      4686605
      4999637A

  • @KNOXBLOX
    @KNOXBLOX 7 місяців тому +3

    Beautiful cactus

  • @nicksweirdchannelofgarbage9928
    @nicksweirdchannelofgarbage9928 7 місяців тому +4

    Very nice, I find all of your videos fascinating. But I especially love the videos you do out west. Lessons in history, hunts for the missing, and overall a different yet beautiful area. Keep it up Chigg! Happy hunting!

  • @TheOVERMUCH
    @TheOVERMUCH 7 місяців тому +5

    Hi Chig, are you going todo a follow-up on the Kenny case?

  • @jeremyo8233
    @jeremyo8233 7 місяців тому

    such another fine adventure Beau!! Thanks for letting me join ya!!

  • @Digger-rn9yh
    @Digger-rn9yh 7 місяців тому +4

    Awesome video, very interesting!!!! I love the beauty of that spot and the history.

  • @slimwantedman6694
    @slimwantedman6694 7 місяців тому +2

    Good afternoon from Southeast South Dakota

  • @mariekekappers6504
    @mariekekappers6504 7 місяців тому +1

    Yes it is always interesting to learn about history

  • @skyepilotte11
    @skyepilotte11 7 місяців тому +2

    Thanks for the walk back in time...had to be tough out there in the desert heat...brave souls.

  • @TomFromMN
    @TomFromMN 7 місяців тому +2

    Yay! I'll need an extra large bowl of popcorn and a very large beverage to watch this one!

  • @joycest.martin3013
    @joycest.martin3013 7 місяців тому +2

    Chig, I really look forward to your adventures. Thank you for all of your knowledge of everywhere you go!!!

  • @anandrew6641
    @anandrew6641 7 місяців тому +1

    Interesting US history. Thank you for sharing. I learned something new.

  • @rodneyparks6489
    @rodneyparks6489 7 місяців тому +1

    When I go to the desert , i like to carry a icè chest full of ice . That makes it more bearable, and helps to keep you hydrated !!!

  • @EricReynolds66
    @EricReynolds66 7 місяців тому +2

    Thanks for the visual history lesson. My grandfather's generation were some tough SOB's.

  • @CadillacCabinLife
    @CadillacCabinLife 7 місяців тому +2

    This is awesome

  • @trudyhodson7669
    @trudyhodson7669 7 місяців тому +1

    Wow. Very interesting.

  • @rockhunter6260
    @rockhunter6260 7 місяців тому +3

    Kool camp👍🏻

  • @rondathiesen9317
    @rondathiesen9317 7 місяців тому +2

    Chigg this is very exciting. Love these adventure videos. Take care n God Bless.👍😘

  • @granvillewooster7673
    @granvillewooster7673 7 місяців тому +1

    Great video brother thank you so much for sharing 👍👍❤️

  • @joemabry9643
    @joemabry9643 7 місяців тому +4

    I wondered if you ever saw strange things in the sky out there. Thank you.

  • @parkride313
    @parkride313 7 місяців тому +2

    I wish they would let you look through the 29 palms training area. There is ordinance all over the ground. Still find m1 garand clips. Lots of native artifacts out there as well. I didn't see any desert tortoise for years, then in one year I saw 4.

  • @user-Icicleandfireball
    @user-Icicleandfireball 7 місяців тому +2

    6th like, i love WW2, and the history and how they fought.

  • @theraptorsnest5891
    @theraptorsnest5891 7 місяців тому +2

    I love these adventure videos. I always wanted to just go off and have adventures like these but just haven't ever done it. I should make it a bucket list item and get it done!! Thanks for taking us along Chigg!

  • @kj7a--
    @kj7a-- 7 місяців тому

    Thanks for another adventure Chigg!

  • @dennisbrowning6589
    @dennisbrowning6589 7 місяців тому

    I enjoy your trips on the history of the army trining areas during world war ll

  • @rockercater
    @rockercater 7 місяців тому

    *BROTHER I can watch you while the family is yelling ,Fighting. YOU take me away Brother...AWESOME VIDEO AGAIN *CATER*

  • @SmallWonda
    @SmallWonda 7 місяців тому

    Yes, is fascinating - always enjoy your trips out West. I think the Gizmo is hilarious! Poor buggers!! (when you think they were there for no good real reason!!) Keep safe.

  • @darkspar72
    @darkspar72 7 місяців тому

    Some soldiers became hippies and went on to become the biggest hippies of all. Hippies who knew how to shoot, use heavy machinary, electrical engineering and sundry other strategic/highly practical skills. The forests and mountains out here are still crawling with them. Much respect. Peace out!

  • @Love2Wander
    @Love2Wander 7 місяців тому

    Close to home will have to check it out. I love the history of the area. Stay safe on your adventures, my friend

  • @MsHighpockets
    @MsHighpockets 7 місяців тому

    My Dad PVT Ray Holderman 426th served there in 1943 till shipped out to Germany. Top secret weapon was search lights on tanks but it was never used. My father's ashes are also spread there.

  • @mercedithcompala8148
    @mercedithcompala8148 7 місяців тому +1

    Thank you for your Service...for our Country Chigg❤

  • @janblake9468
    @janblake9468 7 місяців тому +3

    General Patton left the Desert Training Center in July 1942 to help plan the North African invasion. Camp Bouse was constructed a year later so Patton had nothing to do with Bouse. The 'table' supporting the register box is a grille brush guard off a military truck. DTC camps were salvaged and demolished in 1944-45. At 26:46, the hole may have been an underground pantry. At least one Calif camp has a row of them and one is intact. At 28:50, that triangular rock used to be painted with an Army unit insignia.

  • @thurin84
    @thurin84 7 місяців тому

    always enjoy seeing the ww2 sights chig! thanks for taking us along.

  • @kw6919
    @kw6919 7 місяців тому

    The top of that sign-in desk on Barbed wire rods was a Brush Guard for a Old Army Truck.

  • @normpaddle
    @normpaddle 7 місяців тому

    My great uncle was there. He fought with Patton at the Bulge and lost his leg. Tough bastards!

  • @rogerallen6644
    @rogerallen6644 7 місяців тому

    Interesting little journey!

  • @luke8210
    @luke8210 7 місяців тому +1

    Chigg, could you do some camp videos? Setup of your truck, what you cook on ect..
    Thanks!

  • @benroper7290
    @benroper7290 7 місяців тому +1

    Chig always thinks of the animals. ❤

  • @kncochran1
    @kncochran1 7 місяців тому +2

    Love the video!
    Can't wait to see more!

  • @_DaBoys_
    @_DaBoys_ 7 місяців тому +1

    Gotta love that Arizona pinstripping

  • @jonathansmith8682
    @jonathansmith8682 5 місяців тому

    Thanks for sharing your adventure with us. Have you ever explored modoc County in northeastern California, Beautiful high desert country rich history. Last Indian war was fought in the lava beds.thanks again for sharing your videos with us .

  • @eastside907ak9
    @eastside907ak9 7 місяців тому +1

    I like these Arizona ones

  • @RichardCockerill
    @RichardCockerill 4 місяці тому

    really enjoyed this,currently camped in Quartzsite

  • @ronaldschmuck3901
    @ronaldschmuck3901 7 місяців тому +1

    Very cool history, something from a kid in Michigan would never get to see. Thanks, Chigg.

  • @neillh
    @neillh 7 місяців тому +1

    Thanks for sharing another great adventure 👍

  • @rachaelleann9847
    @rachaelleann9847 7 місяців тому +1

    The most exploring i'll prob ever enjoy love it Chigg cant wait see more

  • @kevinallman6700
    @kevinallman6700 7 місяців тому

    Thanks so much for all the hard work you put into your videos.. I have recently gotten into detecting and searching for artifacts here in the UK and know you from river hunters.. your enthusiasm is infectious and love every bit of what you share with us.. I am a recovering addict and learning about history and people's lives in the past is helping me one day at a time.. anyway, once again many thanks from a new fan👍😊

  • @donHooligan
    @donHooligan 7 місяців тому +2

    You had a cameo on Why Files, Chigg!
    a Kenny Veach episode...

  • @ryanosourus
    @ryanosourus 7 місяців тому +1

    Thanks for the adventure Chigg!

  • @mikenienburg5737
    @mikenienburg5737 7 місяців тому +1

    The table for the sign in book looks like a WWII dodge grill guard

  • @damxgopak457
    @damxgopak457 7 місяців тому +1

    I drive through bouse often always wondered what was out there thanks for the adventure without the effort.

  • @andrewterry1801
    @andrewterry1801 7 місяців тому +5

    I still think you missed your vocation as a history teacher .
    Amazing story telling

  • @chrisramsey7598
    @chrisramsey7598 7 місяців тому +2

    Dude please make some videos of your camps with stories by the fire

  • @monomarino5349
    @monomarino5349 7 місяців тому +2

    Sweet visit my friend.

  • @MichaelKilby
    @MichaelKilby 7 місяців тому +1

    Fascinating! Thank you.

  • @anthonyhro1903
    @anthonyhro1903 7 місяців тому

    ENJOYED, THANKS !

  • @andrewhibbard1820
    @andrewhibbard1820 7 місяців тому +1

    Love it! I'm on your vacation keep it coming

  • @robertdiehl1281
    @robertdiehl1281 7 місяців тому +6

    So I thought I would look and see how many ground troops did not come home from the war in Europe/WW2. Google says 141,000. With an additional 42,500 in the skies and at sea. Did not include pacific theater. So Chigg your chills are certainly for real.

  • @davidsharpe426
    @davidsharpe426 7 місяців тому

    I love the Chigg!

  • @bextar6365
    @bextar6365 7 місяців тому +1

    My oldest bro. long time dead now was sent to that area for training before being sent to Germany.
    I think he was 20 at that time,

  • @knine8154
    @knine8154 7 місяців тому

    Reminds me of the huge IR lights on the Corps m-60 tanks they used in the Zimbales, Philippines training area when I was there.
    Thanks Chigg.

  • @dougalexander7204
    @dougalexander7204 7 місяців тому

    Woodrow, who lives in the trailer next door, comes over to watch Chigg on my plasma tv and borrow a few adult beverages. He said he’s beginning to think this is aquachigger’s twin brother, sandchigger. IDK.

  • @HappyHands.
    @HappyHands. 7 місяців тому +2

    5:03 That backhoe sitting out there in the middle of nowhere. Thats about 10k just sitting there doing nothing but dry-rotting. Did they forget where they parked it? 😅

  • @YzUpColors
    @YzUpColors 7 місяців тому

    Chigg!!! Im down the road in vicksburg, come on by!? Old mining town of Winchester...

  • @HappyHands.
    @HappyHands. 7 місяців тому +1

    That burro path was interesting . I didn't know burros did that

  • @thurin84
    @thurin84 7 місяців тому

    the british tank museum has one of those gizmo tanks that they jointly developed.

  • @grandpamoonstone7772
    @grandpamoonstone7772 7 місяців тому +1

    That was a BBQ Grill for the front of a Military Truck!😂

  • @AdventureswithLogan60
    @AdventureswithLogan60 7 місяців тому

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family Chigg

  • @dickjohnson1158
    @dickjohnson1158 7 місяців тому +1

    Maybe the crosses on the ground were Christmas decorations ?

  • @Demy1970
    @Demy1970 7 місяців тому +1

    Just started watching, hope you found some old coins, wow that spike is dangerous

  • @getting3844
    @getting3844 7 місяців тому +1

    That is a front brush guard of dodge wc series (table top).

  • @alanhall3297
    @alanhall3297 7 місяців тому +2

    I like your comment "one day comes the mother. One day comes the wolf. Ain't that the truth

  • @randlerichardson5826
    @randlerichardson5826 7 місяців тому

    Interesting

  • @EggnogonthebogProductions
    @EggnogonthebogProductions 7 місяців тому +2

    The Gizmo. Such a bad idea. LOL!

  • @kennethrobertson6567
    @kennethrobertson6567 7 місяців тому +4

    Be careful out there!

  • @MoHelal4000
    @MoHelal4000 7 місяців тому

    Afternoon sir 😊 12:10 AM here .. Egypt

  • @48thstateprospecting
    @48thstateprospecting 7 місяців тому +2

    You are very close to quartzite I have a friend with a placer gold claim over there so if you want to grab a gold nugget before you leave that area let me know. That place is huge looking at it from google earth never knew it existed so thanks for sharing the tour and adventure see you on the next one 👍🏼👊🏼

    • @aquachigger
      @aquachigger  7 місяців тому +2

      Thanks, but I have already headed out of that area. Maybe next time?

    • @48thstateprospecting
      @48thstateprospecting 7 місяців тому +1

      @@aquachigger 👍🏼👊🏼 you bet just say when

  • @interestingtimes6439
    @interestingtimes6439 7 місяців тому

    I cannot imagine anyone using that giant water pit in the summer... the water would evaporate as fast as it was being pumped from the wells

  • @jeremyneff6331
    @jeremyneff6331 7 місяців тому +1

    that thing mounted on the post looks like a brush guard for a jeep

  • @markcherriman6136
    @markcherriman6136 7 місяців тому +1

    We Brits used a similar idea and called it the Canal Defence Light mounted on a LEE/Grant tank .

    • @stubstoo6331
      @stubstoo6331 7 місяців тому

      Someone just commented that the British came up with the idea and I guess the testing happened in Arizona. Apparently it was used at River crossings to blind the Germans

  • @ggill1313
    @ggill1313 7 місяців тому

    I always love the Mojave stuff so much.

  • @danclark3436
    @danclark3436 7 місяців тому +1

    The rocks in a triangle are in the shape of an Armor division patch. I suspect that what what they were for.

  • @TomFromMN
    @TomFromMN 7 місяців тому +1

    Can't believe how fast that half-hour disappeared! Never enough. Didn't they use those stone walkways around some of the Civil War camps?

  • @charlesbee8740
    @charlesbee8740 7 місяців тому +1

    Chigg, The wire gate is a Texas gate at least that was what I was told. Really enjoy the desert shows, you should try the Sonoran desert it is so much more pretty that the Mojave desert. It looked like Camp Bouse was at the very end of the Sonoran desert. Keep up the good work.

    • @milwaukeeroadjim9253
      @milwaukeeroadjim9253 7 місяців тому +1

      I've seen that type of gate in South Dakota, Colorado and Wyoming as well.

    • @charlesbee8740
      @charlesbee8740 7 місяців тому

      Cheap and effective.

  • @TheLordMarshal
    @TheLordMarshal 5 місяців тому

    The British code name for this weapon in WW2 was the Canal Defence Light (CDL) tank, based on a Matilda tank chassis. It was apparently quoted as the 5th most Secret British weapon of WW2. Tests were carried out at Brougham Hall and Lowther Castle in NW England, the extensive concrete tank parks hidden in the woods and Bailey bridge over the river are still there. Here is a video about it from the Tank Museum in the UK ua-cam.com/video/QDKjTkekYRc/v-deo.html

    • @TheLordMarshal
      @TheLordMarshal 5 місяців тому

      Here is a lot more information also showing a Grant tank chassis used too panzerserra.blogspot.com/2014/06/grant-cdl-case-report.html

  • @cyndybutler7330
    @cyndybutler7330 7 місяців тому +1

    Interesting place