@@SyntheticVoices Reviews can't be bought can they? The knives are made with the lowest grade steel possible, they are not handmade. They are cheap Chinese stamped knives. Their listed Japanese HQ is a hotel.
The thing i find incredibly annoying is, while you are listening to Mr. Feltons war story, he suddenly starts doing TelSell and talks about computer games or kitchen knifes. With commercial breaks, at least you realise right away it has nothing to do with the story and you can unfocus for a moment. A war historian trying to talk me into a silly online game really discredits his (otherwise highly esteemed) story.
To: Dr. Mark Felton, I am 82 years old, a former Professor of History and I am always impressed with your research and with your excellent ability to extract new information from the facts of World War II. I look forward to seeing more of your work in future reports. Best wishes and keep researching. J. Hugh Craft
@@HansWurst1569 Get lost kid I remember things when I was 3 he was 5 when the war ended and that was a very big thing in September 45, go somewhere else and read history kid
@@m42037 Settle down okay? I’m a history teacher myself… You’re just forgetting the fact that you are ALOT younger than 82. Remembering things from the war would be nearly impossible as he was 5 years or younger. He might remember a specific memory (either through looking at a photo, or it being a very specific moment)but he would not be able to tell you stories about his time during the war. I have a great grand mother who’s 94! She was much older during the war and even she barely remembers anything of that time. Also part because she blocks it out from her memory but also as you get older your memory just fades more and more. I wasnt offending the original poster, I was just trying to tell you he could not give you any first hand information about the war.
Hitler was tolerant of generals who conflicted with him(Usually he fired them and gave them a hefty pension.) , so it was possible for Fieldmarshal to say such a thing. If it had been Stalin and not Hitler, he wouldn't have dared to say that.
YOU "LOVE" IT?. "IT" IS ATTACHED DIRECTLY TO THE LARGEST LOSS OF LIFE IN ANY WORLD CONFLICT, THE FORCED MIGRATION OF MILLIONS, UNTOLD HORRORS OF TORTURE FOR MILLIONS OF INDIVIDUAL HUMAN BEINGS NOT IN ANY WAY RELATED TO MILITARY FORCES AND YOU SAY YOU LOVE IT?. WHAT A COMPLETE F00L AND M0R0N YOU TRULY ARE.
You could always tell Rundstedt was happy to retire in 38,he wanted to finish with military in his advanced years,after he came back,he always looked tired and unhappy during the war,baffling how he always gave in to Hitler and kept coming back,soldier's duty,plus he wanted the men to be looked after I suppose.
My guess is that Hitler paid him huge sums of money in bribes (as was the case for most if not all high-ranking German Generals) to not only ensure his employment, but loyalty as well.
His entire life was being a leader for the men of germany. When he learns germany is now going to be fighting for its survival there is no way he would have turned it down. Even if he hated it.
My granddad fought under him during Battle of the Bulge. The troops respected him, and everyone knew he loved Germany, but was clearly not a fan of the nazis. He however did his duty as this was asked of him by his beloved country. I think the West treated him to harsh. His comment to "end the war you idiots" says a lot about his care for his country and troops.
I' dont agree: He was still complicit like every other general in this war. He also ignored massacres and warcrimes done under his command. He partly responsible as every other general in the high command for the crimes of the Wehrmacht. Which doesnt mean that he should be treated the same as obvious nazi's and war criminals like Kesselring which were directly in control over this massacres but we still shouldnt forget about his responsibility. He might not have been a supporter the regime and course germany was heading but he still served as a general even if he had the choice not to. In the end he did it like many other generals out of less evilt motives than a nationalist socialist idiology so we can atleast say that he wasnt nearly as evil as many of the nazi officials Seiner Pflicht für sein Heimatland nachzugehen ist nicht, sonderlich ehrenhaft, wenn dieses Heimatland sich verhält wie Deutschland es tat und bleibt moralisch verwerflich. Das Motiv mag zwar seine Taten verständlicher machen, aber ihn von seiner Schuld befreien tut es nicht.
@@tomsoyer5639 Yes? So what? If your army invades a country kills huge parts of the civilian population and you just kinda ignore it, although you are in command, you are obviosly guilty. Btw are you trying to defend those generals by saying "oh yeah but it's all invading armies that commit warcrimes"? That'd be pretty disturbing to say. Edit: What I want to say is: Are you trying to defend those generals just by the fact, that other generals did atrocities too?!
The Film the Longest Day Gives Von Rundstett a sympathetic character I was always led to believe that he stayed out of the 'resistance ' Because he genuinely saw politics and all the Machinations therin as Beneath the Dignity of a German and especially Prussian Officer as is evidenced by his referral to Hitler as being a Bohemian Corporal
I agree with your assessment. He was a professional soldier taking orders from the duly elected leader of Germany. That the latter was a nut-case "Bohemian Corporal" had to be ignored from a professional standpoint.
Clearly I owe a debt of gratitude to Field Marshal Gerd von Runstedt for halting the advance of the German army upon the British Expeditionary Force. Because without that agreement, my Dad (a Sgt in the RASC, which in today's parlance would be referred to as "Logistics") would've likely remained in a perilous position on French soil. Dad was lucky to make it back to the UK after surviving *the sinking of HMT Lancastria,* but that's another story that _Mark Felton must surely have on his "to do list."_
I'm sure your dad would also be grateful to my great grandad, a soldier of the 1st battalion royal Scots who indeed were told to "fight to the last man" to secure the evacuation. My great grandad was captured during this at Dunkirk and later released 🏴
After a meeting with Hitler, Field Marshal Wilhelm Keitel said to Hitler "You know Von Rundstedt calls you a Bohemian Corporal behind your back" Hitler responded "Yes I know, but he's my best Field Marshal"
Doc you have what’s missing and is essential in teaching history and lost with our worlds reporters and politicians. Integrity. 👍🏾 Keep the history lessons coming and we’ll keep watching. God Bless 🙏🏼
Picked it up a few weeks ago for £7.50 in the second hand bookshop on St Giles in Oxford, much to the derision of my family. Amazon has it on for £100.It is excellent. Feeling smug.
The research you put into these videos is extraordinary. I have no idea how large your team is, but congratulations to them as well. The incredible pictures and videos you are able to find continue to amaze me.
By not giving away those who stood up to Hitler this redemption proves he was an honourable German serving his country for 52 years is in itself a great achievement for his country.
This is one of your best works. I am English and my Father (underage), his Father and his Grandfather (overage) all; fought in WW2. Nice to see you are keeping up with Facts and been impartial.
I found a German army rifle in a pawn shop in Texas. It had 'Rundstedt' stamped on the barrel. The name was close to the manufacturers mark. I've always been curious as to what it meant.
If it was related to Gerd von Rundstedt or his family, it would have said "von Rundstedt" or "v. Rundstedt", not just "Rundstedt", a mistake often made by non-german speakers. In German you would never address someone with a "von" only by their last name, but always as "von Rundstedt" or "von Bismarck", as it is a (sorry for my bad Englisch, trying my best here) honorary title and was more than that in the past. If your name would be "Lonnie von Clemens" everyone would have to address you as "von Clemens" when stating your family name, otherwise it would be plain and simply wrong. If a von Rundstedt would have owned this weapon, they would have never, never, ever made such a mistake. Not sure what that means for your gun. Maybe some soldier named Rundstedt imprinted his name on it (never heard of something like that being done) or some reseller tried to raise the price, or maybe something much more different.
@@knispelwedges427 Indicator of low aristocracy everywhere, except England, funnily. In my ancestral land, Scotland, if you had freehold land you added 'of' that place to your name, eg Robertson of Struan, and you'd refer to the person by their estate name. So rare was freehold ownership (my grandma's landlord, the Duke of Argyll, owned 8 % of Scotland) chief tenants were considered the lowest rung of aristocracy and were allowed to put 'in' before their farm name. My grandma's father, thus, was Reid in Polliwilline.
Every time I see a new Mark Felton video I have to click on it, I love them all…. Thanks Mark for everything you do you are by far my favorite historian on UA-cam.
I'd be interested in seeing a piece on POW camps in the US. My grandfather was a guard at a camp in Arkansas which had some higher ranking Germans and Italians--he had a few interesting stories. It is a bit of history most Americans don't know anything about.
Many years ago I saw a documentary about one german soldier who managed to escape one POW camp in the USA. He went to a town nearby and acted like he cannot speak. He worked on farms and learned the language. Later in his life he was able to get new documents because he said that his parents had nothing in the 1920s. Everybody believed his story. He married and said in a TV interview that he was Hitlers last soldier. Its like the one japanese soldier who lived in the jungle until the 1970s.
Indeed. My grandpa used to do farm work in rural Alabama with truckloads of German POWs that they would drive around the county from the local camp. He said once that they would drive the Germans into town on Fridays and get them ice cream before heading back to camp, which they enjoyed very much.
Did you grandfather also tell you stories about internment camps for Japanese-Americans in the same Land of Opportunity as Arkansas had on their license plates back then?
It’s interesting. I’m in my early 30’s and I could tell you more about US, British, German, Soviet, and Japanese generals and admirals of this era than I could of anyone from my lifetime. Very thankful I live in a time where I can put Mark Felton on my phone and mute the zoom call on the computer, and learn some more!
You remind me of an Indian War re-enactor I saw on a TV documentary who specialized in impersonating General Custer. He said: "I can tell you everything about Custer, even the date he graduated West Point. Hell, I can't even remember the date I graduated high school!"
Sir, you are probably reincarnated. I say that with all seriousness and sobriety. Reincarnation is an established fact. Most Christians have no earthy idea that AN ENTIRE AGE (the age we are living in right now called "latter times") the bible actually and litterally states "the rest of the dead lived again". This statement is found in the book of revelations. Jesus even stated that John the Baptist was literally and actually the reincarnation of Elijah Yet Jesus made a statement saying "all men cannot receive this saying" So the TRUTH of reincarnation can ONLY be received if Jesus gives your innerself eyes to see and understand this truth.
I used to live only a few villages apart from Schönfeld but didn't know about the former owners of the castle. Thanks for another fascinating lesson, Mark!
@@a.rodimtsev9446 Why do you say he was a monster? He was a dedicated milatary officer. The locals would have seen him a war hero. Give him credit for saying all of the British and Dunkirk.
@@uptoolate2793 History is written by all sides. We generally live in a world where winners and losers have direct access to free press and publishing. The idea that only ‘winners’ write history is not correct. Stop being lazy and do your research to discover alternative opinions.
@@dougspindler4947 Have a look into his, "Court of Honour" after the bomb plot. Pretty high on the monster scale when you massacre your own kind to save you skin.
Mark, your videos are the best of the best. Concise professional approach and accuracy with a clear voice on exact events during WW2 I am addicted to your videos as they are The Yardstick of Excellence in Historical Research. Dinstinction if I were to grade you Sir.
I know the focus of this video is about von Rundstedt's captivity, but one of the things he is best known for is his difference of opinion with his nominal subordinate, Rommel, on how best to prepare for the Allied invasion of Normandy. Rommel, fearing Allied airpower's ability to interfere with troop movements, wanted to beef up the Atlantic Wall coastal fortifications and defeat the invasion right at the point of landing at the beaches. But von Rundstedt feared Allied naval heavy gunfire and wanted German defenses held back out its range.
Risk-reward. Military personnel are not saints. They are well-rewarded warriors. They are trained to kill people. If they lose, they have to pay the price, just like any other killer. If they win, they get a hero’s welcome.
No mention that Von Runstedt was held for a time at the POW camp at Bridgend Glamergan along with Von Manstein and others. He was given a certain amount of freedom since the war had finished and because of his status. He frequently attended Nolton Church in Bridgend and before returning to Germany wrote a letter to the rector of Nolton Church thanking him for the courteous reception he received. The rector kept this letter for many years afterwards.
Great video loved it and tried to share it on my Facebook and it was removed as false information and against community standards really its freaking history!!!
"End the war you idiots", never heard that one before. Wish I was there to see the looks on their faces, priceless. This is what I have researched elsewhere which kind of contradict this. On 17 June Hitler flew to France and met Rundstedt and Rommel at his command bunker near Soissons. Both Field Marshals argued that the situation in Normandy required either massive reinforcements (which were not available) or a rapid withdrawal. Remarkably, they both also urged that Hitler find a political solution to end the war, which Rommel told him bluntly was unwinnable. So, I will have to take the quote in the video with a grain of salt although I would hope it would be true.
Of course, it might have been a bit better for the world and von Rundstedt's reputation if he had come out with that "end the war" advice in, say, August 1939, when he was helping to plan Hitler's assault on Poland. Outside of Admiral Canaris and a couple of others, there were *no* "good" German flag officers. They were *all* willing accomplices to Hitlerism, and they should have ended up the same way Keitel did.
They worked it into the movie "A Bridge Too Far". Of course, it's the wrong battle and the wrong audience, but it was still pretty funny. Von Rundstedt has been assigned to stop the German rout out of France and his staff greet him to give him a briefing. They tell him they have no tanks, no planes, minimal ammo, minimal fuel, and low morale. His staff asks "What should we do?" when he replies "Make peace, you fools!" His staff begins to laugh but he's serious. "Why are you laughing?" "Because you have never lost a battle." "I am still a young man, give me time."
I don't see how those two contradict each other. First is a quote about ending the war and your example an anecdote about him wanting a rapid withdrawal and urging Hitler to find a political solution to end the war. Those seem pretty well in line, even very similar, to me.
A guy called Professor Ohnesorge (no worries) ran the German post office and developed a nuclear reactor for Hitler. It's funny that scientists like Heisenberg were telling Hitler that a sustained nuclear reaction wasn't possible when one had already been developed!
Dr. Felton. Thank you for this most interesting video. As always it’s a pleasure to educate myself with your vast knowledge. Merry Xmas & happy new year from British-Columbia.
The death Reichenau 3 years earlier gave Rundstedt some breathing room at interrogation. Gerd politely forgot most of what Walter was allowed as a subordinate commander to enact harsh policies upon the Russian population in the summer of 1941. Yet it was von Runstedt who had circulated an order to all his commanders to follow the same draconian policies Reichenau had implemented without hesitation.
@@anthonyinzerillo2804 No what? I thought there was a memo in which Von Rundstedt stated to support an illegal act of war wholeheartedly concerning either killing Jewish civilians or Russian soldiers, I can't remember which one.
Harsh policies were enacted by the Americans during the Vietnam war. Villagers werre forcibly removed from their homes which were burned along with the crops and the livestock destroyed. This was done all over South Vietnam and was a major contributor to Vietcong recruitment. In the case of one village, that of My Lai, all the women and children numbering six hundred were murdered by American soldiers. No one was ever punished for one of the most horrific crimes. So Americans did later on what the Germans did in World War 2!
Exactly. As usual, most posters here still buy into the long debunked "Good Nazi" myth with him, Rommel, etc., along with the other myth that only the SS et al were responsible for atrocities. Rundstedt, like any overall commander, was responsible for the conduct of all troops under his command and there were plenty of atrocities under it. Without the massive political and social power and influence of the pre-war Wehrmacht, Hitler wouldn't have been able to attain power. It's members, including Rundstedt, were all to happy and willing to play along with the Nazis as long as they got something out of it. Only when the war tide turned did it become fashionable to become a so called anti-nazi.
Dr. Felton, I very much appreciate your concise, yet very well researched lessons on UA-cam. Do you possibly consider doing a similar research on Panzer General (later Field Marshal) Ewald von Kleist - who also lived at Grizedale Hall as a POW and talked to Capt. Basil H. Liddell Hart repeatedly since early August 1945?
Great vid Mark and by the way have you by any chance done a video on and if not could you do one on the 83rd infantry division “Rag Tag Circus” charge to Berlin. Thanks again for the great research.
Held by Mark? Under attack by knowledge and quality and little know facts? Yes and yes, we need to take the doc to the UN for scouring the earth laying down too much knowledge to be humane.
Interesting and informative. Excellent photography job still/motion pictures& maps. Class A research project!!! Special thanks to veterans/civilians sharing personal information/combat experiences. Enabling viewers to better understand what/whom the orator was describing.
Rundstedt was an honorable soldier, much like Rommel. He came from the Prussian side of thinking and didn't subscribe to the ideology of Fascism. I think his response to Keitel's question by saying "end the war you idiots" is a perfect example of that.
"Honorable soldier" I am frankly appalled by such a classification. He and many other Wehrmacht generals were brutal war criminals, and should have stand trial as such.
No. His gravest crime was issuing the Commando Order in 1942, which ordered that Allied commandos be executed upon capture even if captured in civilian clothing. While he did make token efforts to prevent the SS from operating in his armies’ areas of operation early on during the invasion of Poland, he did not repeat this efforts in Russia and he and the rest of the German military made no efforts to prosecute or otherwise punish anyone for these crimes during the war, whether they were SS or Wehrmacht.
You mean the people who don't read books. He just reads books other people have written that are building dust in local libraries and makes videos about them. There are entire books on the generals who were wire-tapped as they waited in custody.
Excellent video as always! It never ceases to amaze me how petty and vindictive the allies behaved towards a defeated foe. They stripped the old Field Marshal's unifoem of his medals, epaullettes of rank and cap insignia just to humiliate him. Whatever happened to honour? When you look at him in this video, you can easily see the one thing they could not steal from the soldier ------ his dignity!
A defeated foe responsible for the murder of millions in the gas chambers and many millions more in battle. Not to mention all the allied military personnel who lost their lives to his armies and all the others who did Hitler’s bidding.
@@your_royal_highness Subjunctive speculation. My statement concerned what did happen NOT what might have happened. True gentlemen are gracious in victory or defeat. The allied actions were execrable.
As an advanced German Militaria collector, photographs of GFM Von Runstedt are of extreme interest. He didn't conform to the Wehrmacht dress regulations and wore a dizzying mixture of Kaiserreich/Reichswehr/Wehrmacht uniforms and insignia. Most notable was his tendency to wear the " Infanteriekragenspiegeln" of his former WW1 Infantry Regiment he commanded instead of the usual "Larischstickerei" General's kragenspiegeln. Also he was virtually never seen in the M36 Pattern feldbluse, instead wearing the "Reichswehr Geschmüchtefeldbluse" again piped in "Infanterieweiß" instead of the "Rote vorstoße für Generäle ". Also sad to see, but typical for the time, is as you see the photos shown from the moment he is captured, until after the General's and High command trials, you see him going from wearing full insignia and "Ehrenzeichen" to include his General Feldmarschall "interim stab" (the Field Marschall's informal feldbaton) to having been "gefilzt" (items stolen) by disrespectful Allied soldiers, and in the end wearing just a stripped down General's tunic sans insignia. Some of his awards were whisked away to safety by his Son before his death, with Frau v.Runstedt selling some of his awards in the late 1950s.
WRONG! In the midst of the Dunkirk debacle, there were secret negotiations taking place between Germany & Britain. Hitler believed England was about to agree to a ceasefire by senior Ministers in the Government, led by Lord Halifax. Hitler did not want to create a situation whereby the slaughter & imprisonment of 300k Allied soldiers would be too much for the Allied nations to bare & therefore would not support a peace proposal. So Hitler gave the order to stop further advances while negotiations were in progress. In the end, Churchill prevailed.......only just. Hitler felt betrayed & ordered the German army to continue its offensive..... but too late.
I've seen this man in untold numbers of Nazi/WW2 documentaries since I was a kid but either they never mentioned his name or I never caught it. It's nice to have a name to the face.
Von Rundstedt was a senior officer of the old Prussian class, and despised the SS and Hitler and his cronies, but he kept coming back to support their cause in leading the Wehrmacht divisions. Even his level knew of the atrocities being committed, and turned a blind eye. He was lucky to escape with his life from the trials.
Yes, he could easily have told them he was too old and incapable of doing what they wanted, particularly when it was clear the war was lost and Hitler was determined to waste the lives of as many German soldiers as possible on fantasy nonsense.
Note how he wears the insignia, on his collar tabs and epaulettes, he is entitled to wear as a retired General and having been awarded the title of honorary ‘Chef’ of a regiment. Therefore, he doesn’t wear the red, triple ‘Arabesken’ of a Field Marshal on his collar but the Bars of an ordinary Infantry Officer.
Its a Italian Camo, germans captured (in1943) alot of italian camo fabrics used for production of tent sheets and italian Para Uniforms. this italian camo pattern was in service from 30s up to 60s or 70s in italian Army
Hi mr felton, an idea for a future video, the silbervogel. Keep up the amazing work, you were my motivation to study history and to become an historian myself. Greetings from Belgium
Excellent video. One edit for you, Mister Felton. At about 4:26 in the video, you state "the Americans pushed west to the Rhine river..." I'm sure you meant "pushed east" but then, an easy error to correct, I hope. Love your videos!
About 4 weeks ago, I went to the Friedhof (cemetery) in Hannover-Stöcken to find his grave. I thought I had the exact plot location but I searched and checked over and over again and couldn’t find it! I almost wonder whether it has been removed? Does anyone know?
“Gerd von Rundstedt is buried, in full uniform, with his wife Luise “Bila” in Hannover, suburb Stöcken, Cemetery.” There are pictures online of the grave but they are a few years old….
@@michealscott7292 That's where I was! It's a huge cemetery. I spent several hours there. I thought I had the correct plot reference but still could not find the grave. This was about 4 weeks ago. What I read online it should be in Abteilung (section) 12A; plot 15/16. I'm sure I looked in that location over and over and it's not there.
@@derin111 The German funerary industry are the world leaders at extracting money on an ongoing basis for cemetery plots, and the upkeep of the same. So rather than some act by some civil servant member of the woke Spaßgesellschaft, it may be a money issue. Its also entirely likely that any living family may have become Green, and see some affirmation in either not paying up, or removing the headstone.
@@Fanakapan222 Ah! That's very possible! Even though I grew up and live in England, my Grandfather was also buried in Hannover (Herrenhäuser Friedhof) in 1979. His grave (and stone) were also only kept for 15 or 20 years due to money. I really searched hard for the Rundstedt grave at the location someone had given on a website. I contacted him (he in Netherlands) and he thinks the location is correct! But you may be correct and it has been removed as it is now almost 70 years. I will be in Hannover again soon and will look again. Thanks
@@derin111 Hello , the grave has not been removed.. Section 12A plot 15/16 is correct. Walk into the cemetery from the back entrance (station). Take a left turn at the first split. The grave is located after 20 meters on the right side under a hazel tree
Dr. Felton, I was startled to find out that he was 73 years old, according to your statement. I am 73 years of age at this time, and I'm in excellent condition (most people consider me to be about 50 years old). Of course, though I am a combat veteran (Vietnam, 1969-69). I don't have the long military service, at high levels of rank, that he did. Personally, I consider von Runstedt to be an honorable man.
Mark Felton, I had a chance to join you in a game of Hell Let Lose the other week. Great game. I sent ya a friend request on Steam. I’ve always enjoyed your videos. Thank you for your content!
Go to kamikoto.com/MARKFELTON and get an additional $50 off on any purchase with code MARKFELTON. Thanks to Kamikoto for sponsoring this video!
A dislike and am not going to watch this one when you're associated with this absolute sham (scam) of a company.
@@chriskennedy3402 Trustpilot scores them at 4.4 stars out of 5. Stop being dramatic.
@@SyntheticVoices Reviews can't be bought can they?
The knives are made with the lowest grade steel possible, they are not handmade. They are cheap Chinese stamped knives. Their listed Japanese HQ is a hotel.
You need this ad on your Japanese war crime videos 😀
The thing i find incredibly annoying is, while you are listening to Mr. Feltons war story, he suddenly starts doing TelSell and talks about computer games or kitchen knifes. With commercial breaks, at least you realise right away it has nothing to do with the story and you can unfocus for a moment.
A war historian trying to talk me into a silly online game really discredits his (otherwise highly esteemed) story.
To: Dr. Mark Felton, I am 82 years old, a former Professor of History and I am always impressed with your research and with your excellent ability to extract new information from the facts of World War II. I look forward to seeing more of your work in future reports. Best wishes and keep researching. J. Hugh Craft
You are old enough to remember the war as a child, much wisdom from you as I'm sure you know more than (with all due respect) Mark Felton
@@m42037 No he would not be, 82 would mean he was born in 1940 he would not remember a thing about the war.
Where did you teach?
@@HansWurst1569 Get lost kid I remember things when I was 3 he was 5 when the war ended and that was a very big thing in September 45, go somewhere else and read history kid
@@m42037 Settle down okay? I’m a history teacher myself… You’re just forgetting the fact that you are ALOT younger than 82. Remembering things from the war would be nearly impossible as he was 5 years or younger. He might remember a specific memory (either through looking at a photo, or it being a very specific moment)but he would not be able to tell you stories about his time during the war. I have a great grand mother who’s 94! She was much older during the war and even she barely remembers anything of that time. Also part because she blocks it out from her memory but also as you get older your memory just fades more and more. I wasnt offending the original poster, I was just trying to tell you he could not give you any first hand information about the war.
"That Bohemian Corporal", and "End the war, you idiots!" - I love it!
A little man with a small mind...Your kind WOULD love it!..
That was just about all that Gerd would state in order to object to the way the war went.
Didn't Paul von Hindenburg originate "The Bohemian Corporal" moniker for Hitler?
Hitler was tolerant of generals who conflicted with him(Usually he fired them and gave them a hefty pension.) , so it was possible for Fieldmarshal to say such a thing. If it had been Stalin and not Hitler, he wouldn't have dared to say that.
YOU "LOVE" IT?. "IT" IS ATTACHED DIRECTLY TO THE LARGEST LOSS OF LIFE IN ANY WORLD CONFLICT, THE FORCED MIGRATION OF MILLIONS, UNTOLD HORRORS OF TORTURE FOR MILLIONS OF INDIVIDUAL HUMAN BEINGS NOT IN ANY WAY RELATED TO MILITARY FORCES AND YOU SAY YOU LOVE IT?. WHAT A COMPLETE F00L AND M0R0N YOU TRULY ARE.
You could always tell Rundstedt was happy to retire in 38,he wanted to finish with military in his advanced years,after he came back,he always looked tired and unhappy during the war,baffling how he always gave in to Hitler and kept coming back,soldier's duty,plus he wanted the men to be looked after I suppose.
My guess is that Hitler paid him huge sums of money in bribes (as was the case for most if not all high-ranking German Generals) to not only ensure his employment, but loyalty as well.
He said the last time that he returned that since all German men are in the field serving as soldiers the eldest soldier (him) cannot stay home.
His entire life was being a leader for the men of germany. When he learns germany is now going to be fighting for its survival there is no way he would have turned it down. Even if he hated it.
Mark remains one of the few channels I can hit the like button before watching his videos ... and honestly not once was that premature.
My granddad fought under him during Battle of the Bulge. The troops respected him, and everyone knew he loved Germany, but was clearly not a fan of the nazis. He however did his duty as this was asked of him by his beloved country. I think the West treated him to harsh. His comment to "end the war you idiots" says a lot about his care for his country and troops.
I' dont agree: He was still complicit like every other general in this war. He also ignored massacres and warcrimes done under his command. He partly responsible as every other general in the high command for the crimes of the Wehrmacht. Which doesnt mean that he should be treated the same as obvious nazi's and war criminals like Kesselring which were directly in control over this massacres but we still shouldnt forget about his responsibility. He might not have been a supporter the regime and course germany was heading but he still served as a general even if he had the choice not to.
In the end he did it like many other generals out of less evilt motives than a nationalist socialist idiology so we can atleast say that he wasnt nearly as evil as many of the nazi officials
Seiner Pflicht für sein Heimatland nachzugehen ist nicht, sonderlich ehrenhaft, wenn dieses Heimatland sich verhält wie Deutschland es tat und bleibt moralisch verwerflich. Das Motiv mag zwar seine Taten verständlicher machen, aber ihn von seiner Schuld befreien tut es nicht.
He was a war criminal, nothing more
@@thenarkknight278 By your logic any general is complicit because most invading armies commit warcrimes and atrocities.
@@tomsoyer5639 Yes? So what? If your army invades a country kills huge parts of the civilian population and you just kinda ignore it, although you are in command, you are obviosly guilty.
Btw are you trying to defend those generals by saying "oh yeah but it's all invading armies that commit warcrimes"? That'd be pretty disturbing to say.
Edit: What I want to say is: Are you trying to defend those generals just by the fact, that other generals did atrocities too?!
@@thenarkknight278 US dropped 2 nukes on innocent civilians as a show of force to the Soviets. Yes. So what?
The Film the Longest Day Gives Von Rundstett a sympathetic character I was always led to believe that he stayed out of the 'resistance ' Because he genuinely saw politics and all the Machinations therin as Beneath the Dignity of a German and especially Prussian Officer as is evidenced by his referral to Hitler as being a Bohemian Corporal
Yeah unfortunately it wasn't beneath his dignity to support the various war crimes committed by the German army under his watch.
@@antiantifa886 they were defenseless human beings that were killed that’s why we care
It was against the military law to be involved or discuss politics strictly verboten
@@antiantifa886 I don't believe that's the point he's making there.
I agree with your assessment. He was a professional soldier taking orders from the duly elected leader of Germany. That the latter was a nut-case "Bohemian Corporal" had to be ignored from a professional standpoint.
He should have claimed to have been a rocket scientist and then he would have got a first class flight to America.
Or the Soviet Union.
A first class flight and a first class position with a first class salary. Or he could claim to be an intelligence expert and gotten even more.
Good one😂
It was back in the 1940s one couldn't identify as anything but oneself in those days, unlike today.
I agree, in fact it were the Nazi's who put a man on the moon first. Example of outstanding hypocrisy and double moral of the US.
Clearly I owe a debt of gratitude to Field Marshal Gerd von Runstedt for halting the advance of the German army upon the British Expeditionary Force. Because without that agreement, my Dad (a Sgt in the RASC, which in today's parlance would be referred to as "Logistics") would've likely remained in a perilous position on French soil. Dad was lucky to make it back to the UK after surviving *the sinking of HMT Lancastria,* but that's another story that _Mark Felton must surely have on his "to do list."_
Honestly I don't think you do.
he needed to go home make you...😎
I didn't get notification for this upload in 5 hours late 😪
I'm sure your dad would also be grateful to my great grandad, a soldier of the 1st battalion royal Scots who indeed were told to "fight to the last man" to secure the evacuation. My great grandad was captured during this at Dunkirk and later released 🏴
the germans were crashed from a month of using pervitin and had to rest so the allies escaped
After a meeting with Hitler, Field Marshal Wilhelm Keitel said to Hitler "You know Von Rundstedt calls you a Bohemian Corporal behind your back" Hitler responded "Yes I know, but he's my best Field Marshal"
And pigs can fly.
Walter Model be like
Preserve mien neck, danka.
I went to Army War College. Von Manstein was their best attacking General.
@@anthonyfuqua6988 Very well could've been! Hitler was a buffoon and certainly was no military strategist! Essentially he was a Bohemian Corporal!
Doc you have what’s missing and is essential in teaching history and lost with our worlds reporters and politicians.
Integrity. 👍🏾 Keep the history lessons coming and we’ll keep watching. God Bless 🙏🏼
B.H.Liddell Hart’s the “the Other Side of the Hill” is a great book about Germany’s generals and a must read.
Picked it up a few weeks ago for £7.50 in the second hand bookshop on St Giles in Oxford, much to the derision of my family. Amazon has it on for £100.It is excellent. Feeling smug.
Thank you for recommending this book. I'll try and get a copy
Another great book..The Nightmare Years by William Shirer
@@digitaurus For some odd reason the book is called The German Generals Talk in the USA.
Thank you for share, I need to read it for sure!
A new history lesson, thanks Dr. Felton! You never disappoint.
Another top quality story Mark I knew nothing about. Tres bien you. Keep them coming you are legend.
@@johnavery3941 Yes, just Brilliant
I like von Rundstedts quotes. "Bohemian corporal" & "end the war you idiots". Got a good laugh out of those.
Another was in September 1944 "I'll pull the club out of the sack" reference to the Americans in the bulge lol
"Böhmischer Gefreiter" sounds much more mediocre than the "Bohème".
The nickmame of Keitel was "Lakaitel" (lackey Keitel)
He was a Nazi bastard
I've heard before that Keitel was Hitlers "yes man".
Me too.😂
The research you put into these videos is extraordinary. I have no idea how large your team is, but congratulations to them as well. The incredible pictures and videos you are able to find continue to amaze me.
Once again your research and video quality do not disappoint. I appreciate your hard work. Thank you Dr. Felton !
By not giving away those who stood up to Hitler this redemption proves he was an honourable German serving his country for 52 years is in itself a great achievement for his country.
This is one of your best works. I am English and my Father (underage), his Father and his Grandfather (overage) all; fought in WW2. Nice to see you are keeping up with Facts and been impartial.
I see mark I click... again
Glad somebody gets it
While drunk
Me too
The doctor never fails to heal my need. My need to be doctored up with some knowledge all over. 10/10 would visit again.
Best channel on UA-cam
Dr. Felton never fails to deliver on narration of history.
How tf you find these snippets of footage is beyond me. Relics of history we may never have seen! Brilliant as always
I found a German army rifle in a pawn shop in Texas. It had 'Rundstedt' stamped on the barrel. The name was close to the manufacturers mark. I've always been curious as to what it meant.
Worth at least 100,000
It was a pretty common name in Germany during that time I believe it translates to round town or something of that nature.
If it was related to Gerd von Rundstedt or his family, it would have said "von Rundstedt" or "v. Rundstedt", not just "Rundstedt", a mistake often made by non-german speakers. In German you would never address someone with a "von" only by their last name, but always as "von Rundstedt" or "von Bismarck", as it is a (sorry for my bad Englisch, trying my best here) honorary title and was more than that in the past. If your name would be "Lonnie von Clemens" everyone would have to address you as "von Clemens" when stating your family name, otherwise it would be plain and simply wrong. If a von Rundstedt would have owned this weapon, they would have never, never, ever made such a mistake.
Not sure what that means for your gun. Maybe some soldier named Rundstedt imprinted his name on it (never heard of something like that being done) or some reseller tried to raise the price, or maybe something much more different.
@@knispelwedges427 thank you for explaining this to me.
@@knispelwedges427 Indicator of low aristocracy everywhere, except England, funnily. In my ancestral land, Scotland, if you had freehold land you added 'of' that place to your name, eg Robertson of Struan, and you'd refer to the person by their estate name. So rare was freehold ownership (my grandma's landlord, the Duke of Argyll, owned 8 % of Scotland) chief tenants were considered the lowest rung of aristocracy and were allowed to put 'in' before their farm name. My grandma's father, thus, was Reid in Polliwilline.
Nicely done! Thank you so much for your research.
Every time I see a new Mark Felton video I have to click on it, I love them all…. Thanks Mark for everything you do you are by far my favorite historian on UA-cam.
I'd be interested in seeing a piece on POW camps in the US. My grandfather was a guard at a camp in Arkansas which had some higher ranking Germans and Italians--he had a few interesting stories. It is a bit of history most Americans don't know anything about.
Many years ago I saw a documentary about one german soldier who managed to escape one POW camp in the USA. He went to a town nearby and acted like he cannot speak. He worked on farms and learned the language. Later in his life he was able to get new documents because he said that his parents had nothing in the 1920s. Everybody believed his story. He married and said in a TV interview that he was Hitlers last soldier. Its like the one japanese soldier who lived in the jungle until the 1970s.
Yeah it’s not exactly high on the ‘have to know’ scale
Indeed. My grandpa used to do farm work in rural Alabama with truckloads of German POWs that they would drive around the county from the local camp. He said once that they would drive the Germans into town on Fridays and get them ice cream before heading back to camp, which they enjoyed very much.
Did you grandfather also tell you stories about internment camps for Japanese-Americans in the same Land of Opportunity as Arkansas had on their license plates back then?
Wow. Who let the rats in this thread, eh?
It’s interesting. I’m in my early 30’s and I could tell you more about US, British, German, Soviet, and Japanese generals and admirals of this era than I could of anyone from my lifetime.
Very thankful I live in a time where I can put Mark Felton on my phone and mute the zoom call on the computer, and learn some more!
You remind me of an Indian War re-enactor I saw on a TV documentary who specialized in impersonating General Custer. He said:
"I can tell you everything about Custer, even the date he graduated West Point. Hell, I can't even remember the date I graduated high school!"
Sir, you are probably reincarnated. I say that with all seriousness and sobriety. Reincarnation is an established fact.
Most Christians have no earthy idea that AN ENTIRE AGE (the age we are living in right now called "latter times") the bible actually and litterally states "the rest of the dead lived again". This statement is found in the book of revelations.
Jesus even stated that John the Baptist was literally and actually the reincarnation of Elijah
Yet Jesus made a statement saying "all men cannot receive this saying"
So the TRUTH of reincarnation can ONLY be received if Jesus gives your innerself eyes to see and understand this truth.
@@princedarius7224 mental illness
Old unhappy far off things. You don't shy away from them. Thanks for this presentation.
Dr. Felton your work and research is excellent! Thank you.
I used to live only a few villages apart from Schönfeld but didn't know about the former owners of the castle. Thanks for another fascinating lesson, Mark!
"Make peace, you fools!" Classic.
He said .... "End the war, you fools."
@@garypulliam3740 He said "End the war, you idiots"
@@Flowing_Waters That's right.
@@garypulliam3740 His best moment.
I used to live near Island Farm and locals said that von Rundstedt was allowed out of the prison camp and went for walks around our village.
What a pity that the locals didn't recognize him for the monster he was.
@@a.rodimtsev9446 Why do you say he was a monster? He was a dedicated milatary officer. The locals would have seen him a war hero. Give him credit for saying all of the British and Dunkirk.
@@a.rodimtsev9446 The victor writes the history. Maybe not swallow it all hook line and sinker.
@@uptoolate2793 History is written by all sides. We generally live in a world where winners and losers have direct access to free press and publishing. The idea that only ‘winners’ write history is not correct. Stop being lazy and do your research to discover alternative opinions.
@@dougspindler4947 Have a look into his, "Court of Honour" after the bomb plot. Pretty high on the monster scale when you massacre your own kind to save you skin.
Thank you for this informative video along with your others. I truly enjoy them all immensely.
Always brilliant and unbiased !! Thank you good DR .
Hi Mark! This video filled in a lot of gaps, about GvR, for me. Excellent as always. Cheers!
Thanks!
He did not snitch on the guys who plotted against Hitler.
That was already a death sentence for him if anyone outside that circle wouldve known.
Any chance for some videos on the Chinese Civil War, Dr Felton?
Mark, your videos are the best of the best. Concise professional approach and accuracy with a clear voice on exact events during WW2 I am addicted to your videos as they are The Yardstick of Excellence in Historical Research. Dinstinction if I were to grade you Sir.
I know the focus of this video is about von Rundstedt's captivity, but one of the things he is best known for is his difference of opinion with his nominal subordinate, Rommel, on how best to prepare for the Allied invasion of Normandy. Rommel, fearing Allied airpower's ability to interfere with troop movements, wanted to beef up the Atlantic Wall coastal fortifications and defeat the invasion right at the point of landing at the beaches. But von Rundstedt feared Allied naval heavy gunfire and wanted German defenses held back out its range.
A dedicated old soldier who paid a very heavy price for being on the losing side.
Risk-reward. Military personnel are not saints. They are well-rewarded warriors. They are trained to kill people. If they lose, they have to pay the price, just like any other killer. If they win, they get a hero’s welcome.
No mention that Von Runstedt was held for a time at the POW camp at Bridgend Glamergan along with Von Manstein and others. He was given a certain amount of freedom since the war had finished and because of his status. He frequently attended Nolton Church in Bridgend and before returning to Germany wrote a letter to the rector of Nolton Church thanking him for the courteous reception he received. The rector kept this letter for many years afterwards.
For anyone who's interested Wickepedia gives a list of all the high ranking German officers held at the Bridgend Island Farm camp.
Correct!
Not as heavy as others.
Great episode Dr Felton! Thank you!
Great video loved it and tried to share it on my Facebook and it was removed as false information and against community standards really its freaking history!!!
That'd sad!!
Why would you continue to use a platform that disrespects you like that?
"End the war you idiots", never heard that one before. Wish I was there to see the looks on their faces, priceless. This is what I have researched elsewhere which kind of contradict this. On 17 June Hitler flew to France and met Rundstedt and Rommel at his command bunker near Soissons. Both Field Marshals argued that the situation in Normandy required either massive reinforcements (which were not available) or a rapid withdrawal. Remarkably, they both also urged that Hitler find a political solution to end the war, which Rommel told him bluntly was unwinnable. So, I will have to take the quote in the video with a grain of salt although I would hope it would be true.
After the war all Germans were opposed Hitler and his ideas. When it looked like they were winning the war, not so much.
Of course, it might have been a bit better for the world and von Rundstedt's reputation if he had come out with that "end the war" advice in, say, August 1939, when he was helping to plan Hitler's assault on Poland.
Outside of Admiral Canaris and a couple of others, there were *no* "good" German flag officers. They were *all* willing accomplices to Hitlerism, and they should have ended up the same way Keitel did.
They worked it into the movie "A Bridge Too Far". Of course, it's the wrong battle and the wrong audience, but it was still pretty funny. Von Rundstedt has been assigned to stop the German rout out of France and his staff greet him to give him a briefing. They tell him they have no tanks, no planes, minimal ammo, minimal fuel, and low morale. His staff asks "What should we do?" when he replies "Make peace, you fools!" His staff begins to laugh but he's serious. "Why are you laughing?" "Because you have never lost a battle." "I am still a young man, give me time."
I don't see how those two contradict each other. First is a quote about ending the war and your example an anecdote about him wanting a rapid withdrawal and urging Hitler to find a political solution to end the war. Those seem pretty well in line, even very similar, to me.
The "end the war you idiots" statement seems to be well documented.
In his 52 years in the military, he really got 'round town, which is what Rundstedt means.
try again
@@yankee1789 Why should I? Du bist's der eiffert...
A guy called Professor Ohnesorge (no worries) ran the German post office and developed a nuclear reactor for Hitler. It's funny that scientists like Heisenberg were telling Hitler that a sustained nuclear reaction wasn't possible when one had already been developed!
One of the few channels where I hit the like button before watching.
You have such amazing content on your channel! Thank you for all you do…
Dr. Felton. Thank you for this most interesting video. As always it’s a pleasure to educate myself with your vast knowledge. Merry Xmas & happy new year from British-Columbia.
Responsible for the double encirclement of Kiev
And the defense of Dieppe..
Very accomplished
Along with Arenhem, his last major victory.
Another great presentation Mark.
Thanks Mark!
Another fantastic documentary!!!
The death Reichenau 3 years earlier gave Rundstedt some breathing room at interrogation. Gerd politely forgot most of what Walter was allowed as a subordinate commander to enact harsh policies upon the Russian population in the summer of 1941.
Yet it was von Runstedt who had circulated an order to all his commanders to follow the same draconian policies Reichenau had implemented without hesitation.
No
@@anthonyinzerillo2804 No what? I thought there was a memo in which Von Rundstedt stated to support an illegal act of war wholeheartedly concerning either killing Jewish civilians or Russian soldiers, I can't remember which one.
Harsh policies were enacted by the Americans during the Vietnam war. Villagers werre forcibly removed from their homes which were burned along with the crops and the livestock destroyed. This was done all over South Vietnam and was a major contributor to Vietcong recruitment. In the case of one village, that of My Lai, all the women and children numbering six hundred were murdered by American soldiers. No one was ever punished for one of the most horrific crimes. So Americans did later on what the Germans did in World War 2!
Exactly. As usual, most posters here still buy into the long debunked "Good Nazi" myth with him, Rommel, etc., along with the other myth that only the SS et al were responsible for atrocities. Rundstedt, like any overall commander, was responsible for the conduct of all troops under his command and there were plenty of atrocities under it.
Without the massive political and social power and influence of the pre-war Wehrmacht, Hitler wouldn't have been able to attain power. It's members, including Rundstedt, were all to happy and willing to play along with the Nazis as long as they got something out of it. Only when the war tide turned did it become fashionable to become a so called anti-nazi.
Dr. Felton, I very much appreciate your concise, yet very well researched lessons on UA-cam. Do you possibly consider doing a similar research on Panzer General (later Field Marshal) Ewald von Kleist - who also lived at Grizedale Hall as a POW and talked to Capt. Basil H. Liddell Hart repeatedly since early August 1945?
Great vid Mark and by the way have you by any chance done a video on and if not could you do one on the 83rd infantry division “Rag Tag Circus” charge to Berlin. Thanks again for the great research.
One thing about von Rundstedt. He was one smart cookie. One of the many sharp generals Germany was blessed with during WW2.
I love your attention to detail. I always know I'm going to learn something new about WWII when I watch your videos.
Thank you!
This was a awesome video...held in captivity..just like all Mark Felton episodes...just can't wait for the next video
Held by Mark? Under attack by knowledge and quality and little know facts? Yes and yes, we need to take the doc to the UN for scouring the earth laying down too much knowledge to be humane.
Interesting and informative. Excellent photography job still/motion pictures& maps. Class A research project!!! Special thanks to veterans/civilians sharing personal information/combat experiences. Enabling viewers to better understand what/whom the orator was describing.
Very informative and fascinating history. Thanks to the Dr.
The funny thing was how Hitler was really in awe of von rundstead.
Great doco and the BEST kitchen knife ad I have ever seen. I would definetly buy one of these with Mark's recommendation.
Love the bit in a bridge to far when he comes in and his soldiers say that he had never lost a battle .
He replied"im young give me time "
Program starts at 1:17
Rundstedt was an honorable soldier, much like Rommel. He came from the Prussian side of thinking and didn't subscribe to the ideology of Fascism. I think his response to Keitel's question by saying "end the war you idiots" is a perfect example of that.
much like rommel?
To bad Hitler didn't leave the old fellow alone in his original retirement.
Rommel was an honorable soldier is a myth propagated by the allied after the war so they could rebuild the German Army.
"Honorable soldier" I am frankly appalled by such a classification. He and many other Wehrmacht generals were brutal war criminals, and should have stand trial as such.
No. His gravest crime was issuing the Commando Order in 1942, which ordered that Allied commandos be executed upon capture even if captured in civilian clothing. While he did make token efforts to prevent the SS from operating in his armies’ areas of operation early on during the invasion of Poland, he did not repeat this efforts in Russia and he and the rest of the German military made no efforts to prosecute or otherwise punish anyone for these crimes during the war, whether they were SS or Wehrmacht.
This is an example of an honorable man fighting for a dishonorable cause. Unfortunately, that is true of lots of soldiers in many wars.
Another excellent presentation. You truly are gifted at this.
even enjoying the paid sponsor when Dr. Feltons voice kicks in
Dr. Felton really gets to the little facts that everyone else misses!
You mean the people who don't read books. He just reads books other people have written that are building dust in local libraries and makes videos about them. There are entire books on the generals who were wire-tapped as they waited in custody.
lol
@@orclover2353 any suggestions I would like to read those
@@australium7374 "The Light We Left Behind", "Tapping Hitler's Generals"
It kind of looks like if you were a German field Marshal you were guilty of war crimes
Bang on the head.
I went to an open day at Island Farm in Bridgend this summer. Highly recommended
Thank you Mark, another brilliant video may I say. Mark Felton the best of the best You Tube rs.
Another amazing video! Thank you Dr.Mark !
Thank you for another very informative video.
Excellent video as always! It never ceases to amaze me how petty and vindictive the allies behaved towards a defeated foe. They stripped the old Field Marshal's unifoem of his medals, epaullettes of rank and cap insignia just to humiliate him. Whatever happened to honour? When you look at him in this video, you can easily see the one thing they could not steal from the soldier ------ his dignity!
The Germans had just killed tens of millions of people .
Who cares. He was a war criminal.
A defeated foe responsible for the murder of millions in the gas chambers and many millions more in battle. Not to mention all the allied military personnel who lost their lives to his armies and all the others who did Hitler’s bidding.
Oh please. The Germans wouldn’t have treated allied soldiers better if they had won.
@@your_royal_highness Subjunctive speculation. My statement concerned what did happen NOT what might have happened. True gentlemen are gracious in victory or defeat. The allied actions were execrable.
I'm rough on Felton...but, here he provides an excellent report! Thank You!
Mark, another well done video. I go to sleep feeling much more educated.
As an advanced German Militaria collector, photographs of GFM Von Runstedt are of extreme interest. He didn't conform to the Wehrmacht dress regulations and wore a dizzying mixture of Kaiserreich/Reichswehr/Wehrmacht uniforms and insignia. Most notable was his tendency to wear the " Infanteriekragenspiegeln" of his former WW1 Infantry Regiment he commanded instead of the usual "Larischstickerei" General's kragenspiegeln. Also he was virtually never seen in the M36 Pattern feldbluse, instead wearing the "Reichswehr Geschmüchtefeldbluse" again piped in "Infanterieweiß" instead of the "Rote vorstoße für Generäle ". Also sad to see, but typical for the time, is as you see the photos shown from the moment he is captured, until after the General's and High command trials, you see him going from wearing full insignia and "Ehrenzeichen" to include his General Feldmarschall "interim stab" (the Field Marschall's informal feldbaton) to having been "gefilzt" (items stolen) by disrespectful Allied soldiers, and in the end wearing just a stripped down General's tunic sans insignia. Some of his awards were whisked away to safety by his Son before his death, with Frau v.Runstedt selling some of his awards in the late 1950s.
Thanks for the interesting details! I noticed Rundstedt's different uniform on photographs.
Well, i am sure the Germans would have much more deferential if they had won the war. 🙄
Great work. As per usual.
Absolutely fascinating, Dr Felton. Thank you.
I’m convinced Mark is a time traveler from the past, he knows to much!
WRONG! In the midst of the Dunkirk debacle, there were secret negotiations taking place between Germany & Britain. Hitler believed England was about to agree to a ceasefire by senior Ministers in the Government, led by Lord Halifax. Hitler did not want to create a situation whereby the slaughter & imprisonment of 300k Allied soldiers would be too much for the Allied nations to bare & therefore would not support a peace proposal. So Hitler gave the order to stop further advances while negotiations were in progress. In the end, Churchill prevailed.......only just. Hitler felt betrayed & ordered the German army to continue its offensive..... but too late.
SHHH
Hitler: “You’re fired, oh wait you’re unfired come back here I need you. You’re fired.”
And here's a medal
I've seen this man in untold numbers of Nazi/WW2 documentaries since I was a kid but either they never mentioned his name or I never caught it. It's nice to have a name to the face.
A real gem of a video.
This channel is a blessing for history lovers
I appreciate Felton's unbiased and unemotional presentation of facts❤
Von Rundstedt was a senior officer of the old Prussian class, and despised the SS and Hitler and his cronies, but he kept coming back to support their cause in leading the Wehrmacht divisions. Even his level knew of the atrocities being committed, and turned a blind eye. He was lucky to escape with his life from the trials.
Yes, he could easily have told them he was too old and incapable of doing what they wanted, particularly when it was clear the war was lost and Hitler was determined to waste the lives of as many German soldiers as possible on fantasy nonsense.
Note how he wears the insignia, on his collar tabs and epaulettes, he is entitled to wear as a retired General and having been awarded the title of honorary ‘Chef’ of a regiment. Therefore, he doesn’t wear the red, triple ‘Arabesken’ of a Field Marshal on his collar but the Bars of an ordinary Infantry Officer.
A very rare uniform @3:18 worn by a SS officer. Very cool footage that I have not seen before.
Its a Italian Camo, germans captured (in1943) alot of italian camo fabrics used for production of tent sheets and italian Para Uniforms.
this italian camo pattern was in service from 30s up to 60s or 70s in italian Army
Very good video keep up the good work
Love your videos I watch daily 😊
Love the ad with the Japanese knives. Great sponsor choice ❤
"End the war you idiots."
FIeld marshal gerd von rundstedt 🤣
Hi mr felton, an idea for a future video, the silbervogel. Keep up the amazing work, you were my motivation to study history and to become an historian myself. Greetings from Belgium
Mark, do you happen to give any lectures to the public? I'm just fascinated with all of the topics you've touched on.
Excellent video. One edit for you, Mister Felton. At about 4:26 in the video, you state "the Americans pushed west to the Rhine river..." I'm sure you meant "pushed east" but then, an easy error to correct, I hope. Love your videos!
About 4 weeks ago, I went to the Friedhof (cemetery) in Hannover-Stöcken to find his grave. I thought I had the exact plot location but I searched and checked over and over again and couldn’t find it!
I almost wonder whether it has been removed? Does anyone know?
“Gerd von Rundstedt is buried, in full uniform, with his wife Luise “Bila” in Hannover, suburb Stöcken, Cemetery.”
There are pictures online of the grave but they are a few years old….
@@michealscott7292 That's where I was! It's a huge cemetery. I spent several hours there. I thought I had the correct plot reference but still could not find the grave.
This was about 4 weeks ago.
What I read online it should be in Abteilung (section) 12A; plot 15/16.
I'm sure I looked in that location over and over and it's not there.
@@derin111 The German funerary industry are the world leaders at extracting money on an ongoing basis for cemetery plots, and the upkeep of the same. So rather than some act by some civil servant member of the woke Spaßgesellschaft, it may be a money issue. Its also entirely likely that any living family may have become Green, and see some affirmation in either not paying up, or removing the headstone.
@@Fanakapan222 Ah! That's very possible! Even though I grew up and live in England, my Grandfather was also buried in Hannover (Herrenhäuser Friedhof) in 1979. His grave (and stone) were also only kept for 15 or 20 years due to money.
I really searched hard for the Rundstedt grave at the location someone had given on a website.
I contacted him (he in Netherlands) and he thinks the location is correct! But you may be correct and it has been removed as it is now almost 70 years.
I will be in Hannover again soon and will look again.
Thanks
@@derin111 Hello , the grave has not been removed.. Section 12A plot 15/16 is correct. Walk into the cemetery from the back entrance (station). Take a left turn at the first split. The grave is located after 20 meters on the right side under a hazel tree
If you want to know a good and mid-priced knife brand, Victorinox is one
Marttiini is also good brand, but for hunters
Dr. Felton, I was startled to find out that he was 73 years old, according to your statement. I am 73 years of age at this time, and I'm in excellent condition (most people consider me to be about 50 years old). Of course, though I am a combat veteran (Vietnam, 1969-69). I don't have the long military service, at high levels of rank, that he did. Personally, I consider von Runstedt to be an honorable man.
20k views on an hour, you're on fire Dr Felton and best wishes to you and yours Sir 👍
It was a very dark period in history. But these historical reports are essential. Well done!
Great video. Once again very interesting, FYI Celle is pronounced as if seller.
Mark Felton, I had a chance to join you in a game of Hell Let Lose the other week. Great game. I sent ya a friend request on Steam. I’ve always enjoyed your videos. Thank you for your content!