My great-great-grandfather - Abel Stone - was on the Birkenhead. He was 'swinging the lead' to take depth readings at the time the ship struck Birkenhead Rock. He survived, was returned to the UK and court-martialled, but was found innocent and discharged from the RN. He then emigrated to Australia, was married twice and fathered 23 children!
Contrast of maritime honor: Birkenhead: "Women and Children first. Men stay at your posts as the ship sinks so that the women and children may live." Costa Concordia: "Captain and Officers first! Later suckas!"
@Gina Fox A cruise ship that ran aground, capsized, and partially sank, this being about 5 years ago or so. Purely due to the captain being stupid and deviating from the proper course. The captain and high-ranking officers abandoned ship as soon as it was determined it would sink, leaving the lower ranking crew and passengers to fend for themselves.
I have heard about this story as a teenager some 55 years back in Taiwan, at my middle school's "History class". I still could remember my teacher told us in Chinese: soldiers put on their uniforms, stand in line and sing their fighting songs till the end. The whole class of students, all boys were in tears, included the teacher. Respect.
As a teenager, I got told the history of the Birkenhead, so it was nice to hear the story again. Did you know that there is a "monument" in Gansbay remembering this event? Also, the name Gansbay or "Gansbaai" (Afrikaans language) literally means the "Bay of the Geese", so named by the Dutch settlers because of the huge flocks of Egiption geese that continuously gathered in the fresh water lake, that is today Gansbay harbour. Thanks for your little history snippets, it's much enjoyed.
I like that the captain, in that most perilous of moments, ASKED his men to stand fast. If your account is exact word-for-word then it makes the deed even more honorable. A captain doesn't ORDER his men to suicide, he appeals to their honor and knows they will all "volunteer" for anything after that. That's what this captain did, he asked them to do this, he didn't order them, and they did it anyways to save the women and children.
Great telling of a heart rending story of humanity at it's finest. The brave, selfless acts of these British Soldiers and Sailors during this tragedy is truly one to be remembered. The story reminds me of another sinking that occurred during the Second World War where four American Army Chaplains aboard the torpedoed troopship Dorchester gave their own lifebelts away to soldiers who didn't have one. The four Chaplains then joined arms and went down with the ship together.
The Birkenhead was supposed to be a fighting ship, but someone in the Admiralty had the sense to try her plates by firing a cannonball at one. It threw off splinters like razor blades. One commentator said you'd be safer behind plate glass. So, they never put the guns in her and made her a troop ship.
My understanding was that, when penetrated, the iron hulls also left jagged holes that could not be easily plugged. She was also a sidewheel design, and the Admiralty decided that screws were more effective for combat ships.
Similar story in a different situation was the British 57th Regiment of Foot at the Battle of Albuera in 1811. The CO was seriosly wounded at a crucial time of the battle when his regiment was under intense fire, instead of being carried to the rear he stayed and cried out to his men 'Die hard the 57th, die hard'. They held out but lost 422 men out of 570 and from then on the 57th Regiment became known as the Die Hards.
A supreme example of what the words " honor" and "dignity" mean for a human being...Thank you for an inspiring,enlightening and fascinating moment of history that indeed deserves to be told.What a great example of selflessness and dignity! Can't tell you how much I love your chsnnel!
I met and trained with members of the British Army when I was stationed in what was then West Germany. An admirable and likeable bunch of soldiers. That was in 1982.
This story is a testament to the training, discipline and sense of honour in the British military. I am amazed that this channel doesn't have more subscribers, all of the videos are really well done and presented perfectly.
hi chris. i also have a teaching degree in history. i just came upon this channel two days ago and i shared it in my facebook feed. i encourage everyone to do this as well. with so much on youtube, its hard to find treasures like this man.
@chris, the reason this channel doesn't have more subscribers is unfortunately a lot of people only want to be a part of something if it benefits them materialisticly.
There is a copy of the painting of HMS Birkenhead in a Woodside pub (Gallaghers?) in Birkenhead, showing the soldiers standing to attention. My dad told me many years ago that Hitler had a copy of the painting in his office and a sign of the discipline he demanded from his army. Don't know if this is true or not! Incidentally, the pub is full of (small) military memorabilia!
I am reminded of a story about Winston Churchill. After retiring as PM he and his wife went cruising in the Mediterranean and caused some grousing about the fact that he sailed on an Italian passenger ship. When asked why he replied. "Three reasons. First the service is excellent. Second the cooking is outstanding and third, in the event of emergency there is none of that women and children first foolishness."
I have never heard this story and as a sailor who has sailed those waters off South Africa as well as all the oceans of the world it is much appreciated. Thank you
While it's true that if we don't remember history we're doomed to repeat it, it's also true that we'll forget to repeat all that's worth repeating, such as what this story demonstrates. Yours is one of the best channels there is.
Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is action despite fear. This video gave me chills & the men who bravely died so others may live is the very definition of courage to me. Thanks for another great history lesson
They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them. (Laurence Binyon 1869 - 1943)
Heroic people and heroic deeds are found throughout the centuries. I for one am very glad there is someone here that has made it his mission to commemorate and keep their memories alive. Outstanding job History Guy!!!
I remember hearing that order being given as a young boy of about 8, hearing it most likely from an old movie my father had been watching on TV. I remember thinking how that made sense as women and young children would probably need assistance in getting into the lifeboats. And then I asked my father, a WW II Navy veteran, what about the men? He said they will leave only after all the women and children do. Even as a young boy, the way he said it, and as I watched the rest of the movie, I realized what the implication was.🤤😔
Don't worry, it's not the reality in most disasters. Men save themselves first. They'd probably kick a baby out of the way to get out of a burning building ahead of everyone else. ;)
Interesting and touching videos, well done. The Birkenhead Drill, now that's from a day when honor and dignity meant something. You're right, they are worth remembering! Thank you!
Thanks for this episode, I'm from Cheshire and heard this story years ago, then as now I was totally in awe of the Soldiers that remained at attention as the ship went down. I went to school for a bit in Birkenhead. Thanks again for retelling this story.
You really capture the dire straits the passengers were in with the way you tell the story. What a bunch of brave poor bastards. And I’m glad to hear the horseys made it :)
From Soldier and Sailor Too by Rudyard Kipling; To take your chance in the thick of a rush, with firing all about, Is nothing so bad when you've cover to 'and, an' leave an' likin' to shout; But to stand an' be still to the Birken'ead drill is a damn tough bullet to chew, An' they done it, the Jollies -- 'Er Majesty's Jollies -- soldier an' sailor too! Their work was done when it 'adn't begun; they was younger nor me an' you; Their choice it was plain between drownin' in 'eaps an' bein' mopped by the screw, So they stood an' was still to the Birken'ead drill, soldier an' sailor too!
I started to tear up not for what my fait would be but for the women and children that would lose someone those were good men and real men that protected those babies and the women and im so thankful for you speeding this story of real men
I have looked over her gravesite in the Cape , now known as "shark alley" with many huge Great White sharks. Its a very sad story of ultimate bravery of men facing death.
I actually believe it was more due to the Atlantic Disaster where only one child survived because men broke a porthole and pushed him up through it, the Atlantic a White Star vessel lost all women on board and it devastated the surviving crew i think this disaster helped cement the concept.
As a South African who grew up in Port Elizabeth, I was so excited to see that you had covered the Birkenhead disaster. I'd heard this story before, but your narration brought tears to my eyes.
That kind of gallantry, bravery, and self-sacrifice is rare in the modern world. A perfect example is the Captain of the Costa Concordia, who was in a boat and nearly ashore while dozens of his passengers died.
The soldiers on the Birkenhead exemplify the best of what people can do. I think Laurence Binyon best said how these men should be remembered in his poem "For the Fallen' - where the 4th stanza reads: They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.
There is a line from the movie STARMAN that I like to quote..."you are at your best when things are worst." It's true we are the rest of the time we squabble like little childrenn,
Well done, history Guy. Regardless of that tragic event and the noble conduct of the sailors and soldiers, I think it is in the nature of men to protect their own families as well as families of other men. If I were in a tornado I can't imagine myself not covering my family with my own body. I suspect this action, of saving women and children first, is more inherent than historical.
Sadly, from the bit of research I've been doing, that's not true. There have only been two times in history where "women and children first" protocol was followed during a maritime disaster - the Birkenhead and the Titanic. For the majority of disasters, it's "every man for himself" and many more men than women survive. This "women and children first" stuff isn't reality (except for those two instances). It's just a story we like to tell ourselves. The truth is, when a man's life is on the line, he's likely to push and shove his way to safety, maybe punch a few women for good measure. As a woman, it made me sad to learn this, but I guess it's not that surprising, considering the way soldiers behave towards women in wars. Most of them really don't have any instinct to protect women and children that aren't their own family. Women, save yourselves! (Probably best to have a firearm, and I say that as a Democrat.)
Among the troops present on the Birkenhead were some from the King's Royal Rifle Corps, 60th Rifles, a regiment that was established as the Royal American Regiment in 1756, serving in the Fench Canadian War. Serving as a colonel in those early days was George Washington. The regiment was serving in the West Indies during the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, and never returned to America. Five Americans joined the regiment in 1939 and served with distinction in WW2.
One of the greatest things to learn about from history in stories like this is human nature and its ability to be not only cruel, violent and destructive but also noble, brave and good or in other words to be human. There are many inspirational stories like this we could and should be learning from.
"To stand and be still to the Birkenhead Drill was a damn tough bullet to chew but they did it the jollies, her majesties jollies, both soldier and sailor too." Rudyard Kipling.
as a retired 20 year vet of the US military I salute those gallant men who stood fast on that ship and died like MEN so that others may live. Godspeed, dear cousins.
Thanks History Guy. Thank you for all that you do. The way you present all of your videos. The excitement, the emotion and the lack of bias it truly top class. Hats off to you sir. Keep up the amazing work.
I had read about this before, but this was such a nice piece of history that certainly needs remembering. If we lived by the ideals of women and children first, today, I think we would live in a great society. But, sadly we don't.
Very beautifully told. The incredible discipline and bravery displayed by the British can never be over stated. I'm reminded of another act of bravery, by an American by the name Commander William Lewis Herndon in similar circumstances off of Cape Hatteras on The Central America, who chose to remain on board with the remaining crew and passengers that couldn't be rescued (in 1857).
I had my 15 year old boy watch this. It was hard to get him off his video game! After watching this I looked at him. He was in tears and said "Dad, I understand now". Thank you Professor for explaining Honer, Diginty, Respect so well!👍
This snippet of history is a testment to the best of the human race and I thank you for publishing the video. Whatever country you come from, race or creed is irrelevant, its what you do that makes the difference.
It should also be related that the Prussian 'Tsar?' upon learning of the event, ordered the story of 'Women and Children First' to be told to EVERY serving person in the Prussian army - as a lesson in heroism and chivalry.
This has quickly become my favorite channel on UA-cam. Your presentation is professional, well-informed and concise - far cry from what I'm used to and a breath of fresh air. It makes me feel like I'm back in college history. +1
What an incredible story! My thanks for your clear, powerful and fascinating delivery of such a tragic event. We should be proud that such heroes exist among us everywhere and in every generation.
Somehow this strikes a cord and reminds me of the Titanic disaster. Both ships moving at full(high) speed, calm seas, modern hulled ship w/multiple watertight compartments and not enough life boats for all. May they all rest in peace. Thank you History Guy for another gem.
In the days when men were men. Soldiers that had the iron discipline to stand in lines facing an enemy doing the same and trade volleys who also had the iron discipline to stand in formation knowing they were going to die. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” This is the perfect example of that very concept.
Thank you History Guy. I always find your videos entertaining and informative. I may even use this little bit of history to generate a question in a quarterly quiz I run at a retirement home near me.
As a huge history buff, I simply adore your channel. I recently found you and you have taken quite a percentage of my life but it is been replaced with much appreciated knowledge. Your episode on the Dale makes me think that you may be interested in a vehicle which nearly no one knows of and those who do are always wrong about the specifics. The vehicle is called the Ford Pangra. The story behind it is one of dreams, engineering, hope and ultimately failure. I know most of the owners of the vehicles including myself as well as the original designer Jack Stratton. If you have any interest please let me know. Keep up the great work.
It was an interesting concept- a sports car intended to compete with a Porsche made from a Pinto. Kit cars have an interesting history them selves. I may well do an episode on the subject. Thank you!
It certainly was. Considering the fuel crisis, the EPA crackdowns and minimum fuel economy standards all meant that the timing was perfect. Making a sports car from a car that already handled well and was hugely popular seemed like a good idea. If you need sources or to talk to the inventor, let me know.
I have scanned most of the previous comments and I found one that mentioned that the phrase, "soldiers and sailors, too" probably referred to Royal Marines. I will guarantee it does, as does the phrase "His(Her) Majesty's Jollies" -- a nickname my friends in the Royal Marines are quite proud of. LtCol G. A. Carlson, USMC(Ret).
I was born in Birkenhead, and after my dad joined the army and we moved around a lot, I'm happy to say I'm back again. There is a fantastic mural immortalising this event on the side of a building (it's even a pokestop 😂)
In my experience it is one of the hardest easy things to do. But it is In the nature of good men and women to do what is right in the face of damming odds. It's very easy to do the right thing. What's hard is to face these consequence .
@William Baric Sauve qui peut is not a truth. It's what cowards scream in a crisis. We clearly have very different moral codes. Your's seems centered on saving your hide. It's rather squalid, but if it's all you have...
@William Baric It's not something that can be explained. A gentleman will always prioritise the weaker - children, women, the elderly, the infirm - over himself in a crisis. It's not about rank or social class. If you need that explaining you are incapable of grasping it.
@William Baric Aye, go ahead. I'm in the mood to see a craven knave explain himself. I can explain my position, it's very simple; a gentleman maintains dignity and steps up to protect the vulnerable. I just can't seem to explain it to you. You can't grasp that concept. Go on, explain why you, as a man ( as I suppose we must call you) place your own safety above that of others.
To take your chance in the thick of a rush, with firing all about, Is nothing so bad when you've cover to 'and, an' leave an' likin' to shout; But to stand an' be still to the Birken'ead drill is a damn tough bullet to chew, An' they done it, the Jollies -- 'Er Majesty's Jollies -- soldier an' sailor too! Their work was done when it 'adn't begun; they was younger nor me an' you; Their choice it was plain between drownin' in 'eaps an' bein' mopped by the screw, So they stood an' was still to the Birken'ead drill, soldier an' sailor too! - From Kipling's Soldiers and Sailors too
Most likely they were made unconscious by the force of the water and then drowned. Looking onto the scene would make it appear as an instantaneous drowning.
Lazio it takes longer to drown in salt water rather than fresh water and that’s because the salt coats your lungs in a layer persevering them longer to suffocate. Fresh water is supposedly the most peaceful ironically.
You should do a story on the sinking of the SS Arctic in 1856 (I believe), which was the exact opposite of what happened here, a terrible and disgraceful event demonstrating how self absorbed people will get in a panic situation.
My brother served his apprentice at the yard that built the Birkenhead. It's still there and maintains ships but it's no longer in Cheshire. Boundary changes in 1974 created Merseyside (named after the river that Birkenhead and Liverpool are on) and Cheshire now ends at the bottom of the Wirral peninsula.
@The Law The virtues you despise have always been outdated, to the cowardly and the dishonorable. They have always been in fashion to those who protect the weak, the defenseless, and society at large, including dishonorable cowards. If you ever get in trouble, don't call the police. They have those outdated virtues you know. You wouldn't want them risking their lives for you. You have never served, you have never worn a uniform, you have never known courage, or honor.
I was born in Birkenhead and baulked at the first pronunciation of the name. Burrh-ken-Head. I thought it was brilliant that, by about 3 minutes, it was being pronounced like a local. Byrken-ead. And what an absolutely brilliant bit of info. Loved this.
Nemo Natus Sum it doesn’t have to hurt anyone’s feelings. I share this beautiful island with some awesome and fascinating people, who should be proud of their heritage, as well as being aware of the dark parts. I have been here for a decade, and I have grown to love and respect the spirit that is a Brit.
Yeah Nemo! We built the best ships in the world at the peak of naval importance. Pity most of the industry has been lost but I'm glad Cammell Laird has opened its doors again.
I love you history guy. As so many have said before me; your presentation, production and story selection are paramount. Hurrah, hurrah, hurrah. I've learnt so much from your archive and enjoyed every minute. xx Pete
You're so eloquent. Always an enlightening story from time long gone. Van Halen, an American rock group, has an album and song titled "Women And Children First."
Thank you very much. I have been to Danger Point several times, the last time in January 2020. There is a small museum at the lighthouse which includes some blueprints and some material salvaged from the wreck. I remember the fog horn from the lighthouse well - as a kid, I spent many school holidays in Hermanus, some 40 km away across Walker Bay, and it was clearly audible at times. It was there that my mum told me that every lighthouse has its own sequence of flashes, a kind of Morse code. I think the code for Danger Point is two short and one long flash every 30 or 40 seconds. It is quite amazing how close to the shore the accident happened. Unfortunately, because it is so close to shore, and despite being a mass grave, the wreck has been stripped by trophy hunters, so little of interest remains...
the morals of which as an English man i stand by, i live to help those who can't help them selves, i may not be able to help in which the way most can, but i help the way i can, as the RLC motto says, we sustain, i am the one who supply you and help with getting the medical supply's to where the are needed.
Steadily working my way through all THG's videos. I have to say the passion really shines through, giving these events a kind of personal connection that really resonates. Textbooks and Wikipedia are great, but they have a certain sterility that can remove some of the humanity that lets us relate to these events. Great work. Please keep it up.
Wow, I am overwhelmingly impressed by the discipline and self-sacrifice, in the face of certain death, shown by the crew and soldiers aboard the HMS Birkenhead. God bless their souls. Where can I find that poem?
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My great-great-grandfather - Abel Stone - was on the Birkenhead. He was 'swinging the lead' to take depth readings at the time the ship struck Birkenhead Rock. He survived, was returned to the UK and court-martialled, but was found innocent and discharged from the RN. He then emigrated to Australia, was married twice and fathered 23 children!
Wow! Quite a family history!
He knew how to use THAT tool really well !
That limey swung more than his lead, thats certain...
23? Was he trying to become the Aussie Gengis Khan?
Now THERE is a dinkum Aussie......23 whipper snappers ! Poor Mums....
This brought me to tears. The Tragedy. The discipline. The Selflessness.
Contrast of maritime honor:
Birkenhead: "Women and Children first. Men stay at your posts as the ship sinks so that the women and children may live."
Costa Concordia: "Captain and Officers first! Later suckas!"
@Gina Fox Google
@Gina Fox A cruise ship that ran aground, capsized, and partially sank, this being about 5 years ago or so. Purely due to the captain being stupid and deviating from the proper course. The captain and high-ranking officers abandoned ship as soon as it was determined it would sink, leaving the lower ranking crew and passengers to fend for themselves.
@@quillmaurer6563 ayy you gotta do what you gotta do
homer randall Exactly! Keel hauling would be too merciful for that POS captain! 🤨
Modern day feminism equality. That's what the feminist lunatics want, I'm getting the hell of this sinking boat, called RMS Society.
I have heard about this story as a teenager some 55 years back in Taiwan, at my middle school's "History class". I still could remember my teacher told us in Chinese: soldiers put on their uniforms, stand in line and sing their fighting songs till the end. The whole class of students, all boys were in tears, included the teacher. Respect.
As a teenager, I got told the history of the Birkenhead, so it was nice to hear the story again.
Did you know that there is a "monument" in Gansbay remembering this event?
Also, the name Gansbay or "Gansbaai" (Afrikaans language) literally means the "Bay of the Geese", so named by the Dutch settlers because of the huge flocks of Egiption geese that continuously gathered in the fresh water lake, that is today Gansbay harbour.
Thanks for your little history snippets, it's much enjoyed.
I'm an 8.5 year Navy vet. This story gave me chills. Great job telling it!
I like that the captain, in that most perilous of moments, ASKED his men to stand fast. If your account is exact word-for-word then it makes the deed even more honorable. A captain doesn't ORDER his men to suicide, he appeals to their honor and knows they will all "volunteer" for anything after that. That's what this captain did, he asked them to do this, he didn't order them, and they did it anyways to save the women and children.
Great telling of a heart rending story of humanity at it's finest. The brave, selfless acts of these British Soldiers and Sailors during this tragedy is truly one to be remembered. The story reminds me of another sinking that occurred during the Second World War where four American Army Chaplains aboard the torpedoed troopship Dorchester gave their own lifebelts away to soldiers who didn't have one. The four Chaplains then joined arms and went down with the ship together.
IIRC he did a piece on these 4 chaplains...I think all 4 were awarded the Medal of Honor: if not they deserved one.
The Birkenhead was supposed to be a fighting ship, but someone in the Admiralty had the sense to try her plates by firing a cannonball at one. It threw off splinters like razor blades. One commentator said you'd be safer behind plate glass. So, they never put the guns in her and made her a troop ship.
My understanding was that, when penetrated, the iron hulls also left jagged holes that could not be easily plugged. She was also a sidewheel design, and the Admiralty decided that screws were more effective for combat ships.
Similar story in a different situation was the British 57th Regiment of Foot at the Battle of Albuera in 1811. The CO was seriosly wounded at a crucial time of the battle when his regiment was under intense fire, instead of being carried to the rear he stayed and cried out to his men 'Die hard the 57th, die hard'. They held out but lost 422 men out of 570 and from then on the 57th Regiment became known as the Die Hards.
A supreme example of what the words " honor" and "dignity" mean for a human being...Thank you for an inspiring,enlightening and fascinating moment of history that indeed deserves to be told.What a great example of selflessness and dignity! Can't tell you how much I love your chsnnel!
I met and trained with members of the British Army when I was stationed in what was then West Germany. An admirable and likeable bunch of soldiers. That was in 1982.
This story is a testament to the training, discipline and sense of honour in the British military.
I am amazed that this channel doesn't have more subscribers, all of the videos are really well done and presented perfectly.
As you know, there are a great number of people these days who don't wanna know nothin'. It's all fake news.
hi chris. i also have a teaching degree in history. i just came upon this channel two days ago and i shared it in my facebook feed. i encourage everyone to do this as well. with so much on youtube, its hard to find treasures like this man.
@chris, the reason this channel doesn't have more subscribers is unfortunately a lot of people only want to be a part of something if it benefits them materialisticly.
There is a copy of the painting of HMS Birkenhead in a Woodside pub (Gallaghers?) in Birkenhead, showing the soldiers standing to attention. My dad told me many years ago that Hitler had a copy of the painting in his office and a sign of the discipline he demanded from his army. Don't know if this is true or not! Incidentally, the pub is full of (small) military memorabilia!
Will have to go and see it next weekend, thanks for heads up, Tony :) history nerd here, love going to pubs with stuff you can read up on while there
I am reminded of a story about Winston Churchill. After retiring as PM he and his wife went cruising in the Mediterranean and caused some grousing about the fact that he sailed on an Italian passenger ship. When asked why he replied. "Three reasons. First the service is excellent. Second the cooking is outstanding and third, in the event of emergency there is none of that women and children first foolishness."
LOL
I heard the same story but it was about the Actor Robert Morley.
If you mean captain of the Costa Concordia...yes. Note name of island she grounded on.
@@philgiglio9656 it wasn't the Captain's fault he fell into a lifeboat.
@@alanmackinnon3516...more likely jumped....no one yet caught significance of the island's name!!??
I have never heard this story and as a sailor who has sailed those waters off South Africa as well as all the oceans of the world it is much appreciated. Thank you
While it's true that if we don't remember history we're doomed to repeat it, it's also true that we'll forget to repeat all that's worth repeating, such as what this story demonstrates.
Yours is one of the best channels there is.
As a Marine, I salute these men for their unquestioned bravery! Semper fidelis gentlemen!
You wouldn't be saluting me when I'm in a situation as this. I come first the rest white knights can fight 😂😂
Put tears in my eyes..
What a tremendous example of courage and sacrafice.
The sincerity of the narration, a+
Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is action despite fear. This video gave me chills & the men who bravely died so others may live is the very definition of courage to me. Thanks for another great history lesson
They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them. (Laurence Binyon 1869 - 1943)
Reminds me of RMC. We have a similar inscription over the Memorial Arch.
Colonel K got damn it- hit it in the emotions hard...good stuff, Colonel K
This poem is read every November 11th during the ceremonies in our little town of Wiarton.
@@gsbyers202 It is read every single evening in Returned Servicemen's clubs in Australia.
Similar to the enscription we have on the Anzac memorials...
Heroic people and heroic deeds are found throughout the centuries. I for one am very glad there is someone here that has made it his mission to commemorate and keep their memories alive. Outstanding job History Guy!!!
This one damn near had me in tears.
Same here.
Ian Colquhoun I must admit, I wiped my eyes. Superb.
Here too.
Salute!
If this upset you, don't look up the raft of Medusa. Same neighborhood, inadequate leadership. Great loss of life, completely preventable.
I remember hearing that order being given as a young boy of about 8, hearing it most likely from an old movie my father had been watching on TV. I remember thinking how that made sense as women and young children would probably need assistance in getting into the lifeboats. And then I asked my father, a WW II Navy veteran, what about the men? He said they will leave only after all the women and children do. Even as a young boy, the way he said it, and as I watched the rest of the movie, I realized what the implication was.🤤😔
Don't worry, it's not the reality in most disasters. Men save themselves first. They'd probably kick a baby out of the way to get out of a burning building ahead of everyone else. ;)
Nice job. I'll have a few more like this please.
I had no idea. ...brave men to do such a thing. They certainly deserve to be remembered.
-Jake
Interesting and touching videos, well done. The Birkenhead Drill, now that's from a day when honor and dignity meant something. You're right, they are worth remembering!
Thank you!
There are still those, although they be few, to whom honor and dignity mean everything.
@Andro mache you missed the point
Thanks for this episode, I'm from Cheshire and heard this story years ago, then as now I was totally in awe of the Soldiers that remained at attention as the ship went down. I went to school for a bit in Birkenhead. Thanks again for retelling this story.
Very impressive discipline by the British army. This is a chapter in history worth remembering.
You really capture the dire straits the passengers were in with the way you tell the story. What a bunch of brave poor bastards.
And I’m glad to hear the horseys made it :)
I'm from Birkenhead and still live here and I remember my dad telling me this story when I was little
When I saw the title I thought it was a ship floundered off Birkenhead. It makes me proud to say that I am a veteran of the British Army.
From Soldier and Sailor Too by Rudyard Kipling;
To take your chance in the thick of a rush, with firing all about,
Is nothing so bad when you've cover to 'and, an' leave an' likin' to shout;
But to stand an' be still to the Birken'ead drill is a damn tough bullet to chew,
An' they done it, the Jollies -- 'Er Majesty's Jollies -- soldier an' sailor too!
Their work was done when it 'adn't begun; they was younger nor me an' you;
Their choice it was plain between drownin' in 'eaps an' bein' mopped by the screw,
So they stood an' was still to the Birken'ead drill, soldier an' sailor too!
I started to tear up not for what my fait would be but for the women and children that would lose someone those were good men and real men that protected those babies and the women and im so thankful for you speeding this story of real men
I never knew this....and these men certainly deserve to be remembered.
Wow.
I don't know how I missed this until now. It made me cry for these courageous heroes. Thanks, THG.
I have looked over her gravesite in the Cape , now known as "shark alley" with many huge Great White sharks. Its a very sad story of ultimate bravery of men facing death.
I actually believe it was more due to the Atlantic Disaster where only one child survived because men broke a porthole and pushed him up through it, the Atlantic a White Star vessel lost all women on board and it devastated the surviving crew i think this disaster helped cement the concept.
Thanks for the extra history!
As a South African who grew up in Port Elizabeth, I was so excited to see that you had covered the Birkenhead disaster. I'd heard this story before, but your narration brought tears to my eyes.
That kind of gallantry, bravery, and self-sacrifice is rare in the modern world. A perfect example is the Captain of the Costa Concordia, who was in a boat and nearly ashore while dozens of his passengers died.
The soldiers on the Birkenhead exemplify the best of what people can do. I think Laurence Binyon best said how these men should be remembered in his poem "For the Fallen' - where the 4th stanza reads:
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
There is a line from the movie STARMAN that I like to quote..."you are at your best when things are worst." It's true we are
the rest of the time we squabble like little childrenn,
I just hope they are in a better place
Well done, history Guy. Regardless of that tragic event and the noble conduct of the sailors and soldiers, I think it is in the nature of men to protect their own families as well as families of other men. If I were in a tornado I can't imagine myself not covering my family with my own body. I suspect this action, of saving women and children first, is more inherent than historical.
Sadly, from the bit of research I've been doing, that's not true. There have only been two times in history where "women and children first" protocol was followed during a maritime disaster - the Birkenhead and the Titanic. For the majority of disasters, it's "every man for himself" and many more men than women survive. This "women and children first" stuff isn't reality (except for those two instances). It's just a story we like to tell ourselves. The truth is, when a man's life is on the line, he's likely to push and shove his way to safety, maybe punch a few women for good measure. As a woman, it made me sad to learn this, but I guess it's not that surprising, considering the way soldiers behave towards women in wars. Most of them really don't have any instinct to protect women and children that aren't their own family. Women, save yourselves! (Probably best to have a firearm, and I say that as a Democrat.)
Among the troops present on the Birkenhead were some from the King's Royal Rifle Corps, 60th Rifles, a regiment that was established as the Royal American Regiment in 1756, serving in the Fench Canadian War. Serving as a colonel in those early days was George Washington.
The regiment was serving in the West Indies during the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, and never returned to America. Five Americans joined the regiment in 1939 and served with distinction in WW2.
wuffothewonderdog this is a f****ng awesome bit of historical connection! Thank you 🙏🏾
The 60th rifles also became a part of british pop culture due to the sharpe series.
Your delivery has gotten much, much better!
Wow! Didnt know of this til now. Much Honor and Praise to all who stood fast.
One of the greatest things to learn about from history in stories like this is human nature and its ability to be not only cruel, violent and destructive but also noble, brave and good or in other words to be human. There are many inspirational stories like this we could and should be learning from.
A sad tale, galant, self sacrificing, and the first call for women and children first. I wish to observe the memorial service any way I can!
"To stand and be still to the Birkenhead Drill was a damn tough bullet to chew but they did it the jollies, her majesties jollies, both soldier and sailor too." Rudyard Kipling.
as a retired 20 year vet of the US military I salute those gallant men who stood fast on that ship and died like MEN so that others may live. Godspeed, dear cousins.
Its sad that healthy, young men who can impregnate many women died, so old, disabled and childfree by choice women can live
This story is so awesome...encouraging ... Such a blessing to see! Keep up the good work!
Thanks History Guy. Thank you for all that you do. The way you present all of your videos. The excitement, the emotion and the lack of bias it truly top class. Hats off to you sir. Keep up the amazing work.
I had read about this before, but this was such a nice piece of history that certainly needs remembering. If we lived by the ideals of women and children first, today, I think we would live in a great society. But, sadly we don't.
Very beautifully told. The incredible discipline and bravery displayed by the British can never be over stated. I'm reminded of another act of bravery, by an American by the name Commander William Lewis Herndon in similar circumstances off of Cape Hatteras on The Central America, who chose to remain on board with the remaining crew and passengers that couldn't be rescued (in 1857).
I had my 15 year old boy watch this. It was hard to get him off his video game! After watching this I looked at him. He was in tears and said "Dad, I understand now". Thank you Professor for explaining Honer, Diginty, Respect so well!👍
Dr. Rich
Your son cried? Is he a gay?
1994CPK I hate you for making me laugh at your comment. I hope Dr. Rich has a sense of humor.
No, just you.
You make me sick.
And then the whole bus clapped
This snippet of history is a testment to the best of the human race and I thank you for publishing the video. Whatever country you come from, race or creed is irrelevant, its what you do that makes the difference.
It's amazing isn't it that I listen to an American historian to learn soo much about English history.
Love this one. A story worth remembering.
That it is.
It should also be related that the Prussian 'Tsar?' upon learning of the event, ordered the story of 'Women and Children First' to be told to EVERY serving person in the Prussian army - as a lesson in heroism and chivalry.
This has quickly become my favorite channel on UA-cam. Your presentation is professional, well-informed and concise - far cry from what I'm used to and a breath of fresh air. It makes me feel like I'm back in college history. +1
'No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
'
I'm headed to a nice quiet spot so I can bawl my eyes out. God bless 'em, every one.
What an incredible story! My thanks for your clear, powerful and fascinating delivery of such a tragic event. We should be proud that such heroes exist among us everywhere and in every generation.
"You are at your best when things are worst."
Wow, what discipline, heroism, bravery of the highest. Those soldiers and sailors showed the awesome, good, side of humanity.
Somehow this strikes a cord and reminds me of the Titanic disaster. Both ships moving at full(high) speed, calm seas, modern hulled ship w/multiple watertight compartments and not enough life boats for all. May they all rest in peace. Thank you History Guy for another gem.
I like history too. You are an excellent story teller. Thank you for the awesome videos!
In the days when men were men. Soldiers that had the iron discipline to stand in lines facing an enemy doing the same and trade volleys who also had the iron discipline to stand in formation knowing they were going to die. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” This is the perfect example of that very concept.
"Alone in the dark where no one can see."
Now we have equality instead. So it's just "children first"
It's wrong to say women first. Men worth no less than women. It should stay as children first
And the days when women were women.
Thank you History Guy. I always find your videos entertaining and informative. I may even use this little bit of history to generate a question in a quarterly quiz I run at a retirement home near me.
I got chills listening to this one.
Thank you so much for your research and presentation. Your passion for history is infectious. All the best. Mitch
As a huge history buff, I simply adore your channel. I recently found you and you have taken quite a percentage of my life but it is been replaced with much appreciated knowledge. Your episode on the Dale makes me think that you may be interested in a vehicle which nearly no one knows of and those who do are always wrong about the specifics. The vehicle is called the Ford Pangra. The story behind it is one of dreams, engineering, hope and ultimately failure. I know most of the owners of the vehicles including myself as well as the original designer Jack Stratton. If you have any interest please let me know. Keep up the great work.
It was an interesting concept- a sports car intended to compete with a Porsche made from a Pinto. Kit cars have an interesting history them selves. I may well do an episode on the subject. Thank you!
It certainly was. Considering the fuel crisis, the EPA crackdowns and minimum fuel economy standards all meant that the timing was perfect. Making a sports car from a car that already handled well and was hugely popular seemed like a good idea. If you need sources or to talk to the inventor, let me know.
@@TheHistoryGuyChannel...don't forget the Meyers Manx either.
I have scanned most of the previous comments and I found one that mentioned that the phrase, "soldiers and sailors, too" probably referred to Royal Marines. I will guarantee it does, as does the phrase "His(Her) Majesty's Jollies" -- a nickname my friends in the Royal Marines are quite proud of. LtCol G. A. Carlson, USMC(Ret).
I was born in Birkenhead, and after my dad joined the army and we moved around a lot, I'm happy to say I'm back again. There is a fantastic mural immortalising this event on the side of a building (it's even a pokestop 😂)
Teared up from the bravery of these men. It's not always easy to do what is right.
In my experience it is one of the hardest easy things to do.
But it is In the nature of good men and women to do what is right in the face of damming odds. It's very easy to do the right thing. What's hard is to face these consequence .
@William Baric I can't. If one is a gentleman one doesn't need it explained. If one is not no explanation makes sense.
@William Baric Sauve qui peut is not a truth. It's what cowards scream in a crisis. We clearly have very different moral codes. Your's seems centered on saving your hide. It's rather squalid, but if it's all you have...
@William Baric It's not something that can be explained. A gentleman will always prioritise the weaker - children, women, the elderly, the infirm - over himself in a crisis. It's not about rank or social class. If you need that explaining you are incapable of grasping it.
@William Baric Aye, go ahead. I'm in the mood to see a craven knave explain himself. I can explain my position, it's very simple; a gentleman maintains dignity and steps up to protect the vulnerable. I just can't seem to explain it to you. You can't grasp that concept. Go on, explain why you, as a man ( as I suppose we must call you) place your own safety above that of others.
To take your chance in the thick of a rush, with firing all about,
Is nothing so bad when you've cover to 'and, an' leave an' likin' to shout;
But to stand an' be still to the Birken'ead drill is a damn tough bullet to chew,
An' they done it, the Jollies -- 'Er Majesty's Jollies -- soldier an' sailor too!
Their work was done when it 'adn't begun; they was younger nor me an' you;
Their choice it was plain between drownin' in 'eaps an' bein' mopped by the screw,
So they stood an' was still to the Birken'ead drill, soldier an' sailor too! - From Kipling's Soldiers and Sailors too
Moved again to tears but happy that I am not among those bizarre souls who clicked the dislike button for this video. I so don't want to be them.
Great story. Excellent telling.
"Instantly drowned". If only that were real.
Most likely they were made unconscious by the force of the water and then drowned. Looking onto the scene would make it appear as an instantaneous drowning.
The expression died instantly always bothers me. Pretty redundant.
Lazio it takes longer to drown in salt water rather than fresh water and that’s because the salt coats your lungs in a layer persevering them longer to suffocate. Fresh water is supposedly the most peaceful ironically.
Instantly. Doesn't belong
@The Law not mario
You should do a story on the sinking of the SS Arctic in 1856 (I believe), which was the exact opposite of what happened here, a terrible and disgraceful event demonstrating how self absorbed people will get in a panic situation.
Moving narrative brilliantly delivered. You have a very special gift my friend. Keep up the great work!
My brother served his apprentice at the yard that built the Birkenhead. It's still there and maintains ships but it's no longer in Cheshire. Boundary changes in 1974 created Merseyside (named after the river that Birkenhead and Liverpool are on) and Cheshire now ends at the bottom of the Wirral peninsula.
"I ask," not, "I order you," and yet still they stood.
@The Law You obviously have never served, never worn a uniform, never known courage, or honor.
@The Law I repeat my previous comment.
@The Law My original comment is argument enough. I repeat it.
@The Law The virtues you despise have always been outdated, to the cowardly and the dishonorable. They have always been in fashion to those who protect the weak, the defenseless, and society at large, including dishonorable cowards. If you ever get in trouble, don't call the police. They have those outdated virtues you know. You wouldn't want them risking their lives for you.
You have never served, you have never worn a uniform, you have never known courage, or honor.
@The Law I repeat my original statement.
Just discovered this Guy BRILLIANT !!!!!!
Gripping tale! Shivers down my spine!
I was born in Birkenhead and baulked at the first pronunciation of the name. Burrh-ken-Head. I thought it was brilliant that, by about 3 minutes, it was being pronounced like a local. Byrken-ead. And what an absolutely brilliant bit of info. Loved this.
Out standing, gentleman well done chivalry lives on, hurrah! hurrah! To the brave we bow our heads and give thanks🏅
So proud to be be British and from Birkenhead. Thank you for the video!
You're not allowed to be proud of being British anymore, it hurts others feelings.
Absolutely it annoys me when people tell me birkenhead has no history especially when they them selves are also from birkenhe
Nemo Natus Sum it doesn’t have to hurt anyone’s feelings. I share this beautiful island with some awesome and fascinating people, who should be proud of their heritage, as well as being aware of the dark parts. I have been here for a decade, and I have grown to love and respect the spirit that is a Brit.
Yeah Nemo! We built the best ships in the world at the peak of naval importance. Pity most of the industry has been lost but I'm glad Cammell Laird has opened its doors again.
I'm from Heswall. Birkenhead is just up the road. Birkenhead is absolutely full of fascinating history. In fact the whole of wirral is
I love you history guy. As so many have said before me; your presentation, production and story selection are paramount. Hurrah, hurrah, hurrah. I've learnt so much from your archive and enjoyed every minute. xx Pete
You're so eloquent. Always an enlightening story from time long gone. Van Halen, an American rock group, has an album and song titled "Women And Children First."
Thank you very much. I have been to Danger Point several times, the last time in January 2020. There is a small museum at the lighthouse which includes some blueprints and some material salvaged from the wreck.
I remember the fog horn from the lighthouse well - as a kid, I spent many school holidays in Hermanus, some 40 km away across Walker Bay, and it was clearly audible at times. It was there that my mum told me that every lighthouse has its own sequence of flashes, a kind of Morse code. I think the code for Danger Point is two short and one long flash every 30 or 40 seconds.
It is quite amazing how close to the shore the accident happened. Unfortunately, because it is so close to shore, and despite being a mass grave, the wreck has been stripped by trophy hunters, so little of interest remains...
the morals of which as an English man i stand by, i live to help those who can't help them selves, i may not be able to help in which the way most can, but i help the way i can, as the RLC motto says, we sustain, i am the one who supply you and help with getting the medical supply's to where the are needed.
A powerful piece of history. True valor.
This is such a refreshing balance to all the true, and terrifying, shipwrecks which ended with some variation of Lord of the Flies. Great video!
Excellent retelling of this tale
The great white shark became known locally as the Tommy shark because of the numbers of soldiers taken in this tragedy
Eek- I had never heard that. A bit morbid, but good to know...
This is what should be taught to our children at school. Such selfless courage and sacrifice. I never knew this had happened, thank you for sharing.
Steadily working my way through all THG's videos. I have to say the passion really shines through, giving these events a kind of personal connection that really resonates. Textbooks and Wikipedia are great, but they have a certain sterility that can remove some of the humanity that lets us relate to these events.
Great work. Please keep it up.
That's an excellent example of the British sense of responsibility.
Instantly drowned. I don't think you know how drowning works, sir. Sad story.
Wow, I am overwhelmingly impressed by the discipline and self-sacrifice, in the face of certain death, shown by the crew and soldiers aboard the HMS Birkenhead. God bless their souls. Where can I find that poem?
Excellent. As always, comprehensive, in depth, but condensed into an easily watched video, chocked with fact and historical perspective.