My Grandma's brother was part of the Devils Brigrade. My grandma had no idea what her brother took part of in WW2 until 2015 when he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal (the highest honour for a non-American citizen) from the United States Government. He was a Canadian man named Gerard Lafleche of Timmins, Ontario. He was too old to travel at the time, so a representative came to Timmins to present him with the award. He was 96 years old when he was recognized for his service during the war. He passed away in 2016.
I'm not far from there and for some reason feel like I've heard that name. I had relatives who joined but didn't get anything for whatever they did Lol. That's pretty crazy tho, good for him and may he rest in peace.
Ralph Mayville of Windsor Ontario was a member of this brigade. Tough as nails only scratches the surface of this brave man’s strength. He broke his hip at 95 and still participated in a wreath laying ceremony a couple weeks later. He trained as a para but never jumped in ww2 so he wouldn’t wear his silver wings. At 92yo he jumped and earned his wings. Sadly he passed in 2019 at 98yo. He remains an example to others of bravery and honour. The German troops were afraid of these guys and named them the black devils for good reason. RIP Ralph
Shawn Ryan interview Dallas Alexander. JTF2 World record sniper kill…kicked out because of anti vax stance. I really enjoy your videos of my country.. 🏴 ❤
I’m in Canada. I worked as a surveyor in the Arctic with a gentleman who was in this brigade. He received the highest award given to a Canadian Serviceman. His name was Vern Doucette. A wonderful person.
Thanks for the 😊such important work you're doing for Canadians. Arctic must be great but also difficult place to be but you have surely the chance to see Aurores boréales , c' est votre cadeau pour vos services, well deserved gifts for your services. 👍✌️
@@Joy-fc6kgyes the Northern Lights are indescribable up past the Arctic Circle. I’ve been, only a 2 day drive from hone to hit the Circle lol and brrrr 🥶 but ALWAYS remember Ursus Maritimus may find you too. Zero fear of humans, in fact nothing alive scares the Polar Bear.
@@14goldmedals Thanks for aknowleging my comment, just being curious, why is your account name is 14 goldmedals, and what exactly is the purpose of your work, looking out for what, if it's ok for you to answer. Thanks and hope you have a peaceful sky👍✌️😊
@@Joy-fc6kg I chose it as a name when Canada hosted the Winter Olympics. Canada won 14 golds which was more than USA for the first time ever! I was there as a police security force member.
There was a movie in 1968 called The Devil's Brigade about this force. I highly recommend you watch it if you can. An Aboriginal Canadian Tommy Prince was a part of the Devil's Brigade in W.W. II and he also served in the Korean War. He distinguished himself in both wars. There is a Heritage Minute about him.
@@kevinsacks3185 It was fun to watch but totally ridiculous. The Americans were not a bunch of criminals kicked out of their units, they were the best of their units.
Agreed, It's a good film for it's era. Stands well alongside The Longest Day and A Bridge Too Far. Well worth a watch. As a Canadian, I very much enjoyed the fraternal jabs at our neighbors and friends.
The C 4th highlanders were highly trained by Canadian armed group. By the records the Americans were a bunch of drunks and losers. The movie explains it very well, the video that you’re watching now is an extremely generic version. I’m guessing created and written and narrated by an American.
Thank you for being respectful towards us Canadians My grandfather was a Canadian Field medic in the battle of Normandy . Respect to you ( I’m Canadian with a beautiful Scottish wife) 🇨🇦❤️
Tommy Prince was my favourite member of the Devil's Brigade. He was a Native Canadian with a lot of great feats. A couple examples: during one raid on a German barracks he cut the throats of every third sleeper so that each man would wake up next to corpse and fear how close it came to being them. Another time he hid in a farmhouse callin in artillery when a stray round cut the telephone cable he was using so he dressed in farmers clothing and grabbed a hoe. He then pretended to hoe the field until he found the break, spliced it back together while pretending to tie his boots, shook a fist at the nearby Germans, then went back inside to continue calling in artillery.
Tommy Prince did not slit the throats of every third German sleeping in their barracks. That is a tale that has been told for generations about the Gurkhas of the Indian Army. Tommy Prince does not need you embellishing his accomplishments.
the training these men received was quite different and quite extreme,and is a story unto itself.they were trained for just about anything by the best experts they could rustle up no matter where they came from.there was nothing average about it,those that could stay with it and complete it,had to be beyond strong...and typical us/canada rivalry likely pushed soldiers from each country to their best,neither side willing to be outdone by the other...the whole black devils thing tho,that was likely Canadian inspired..its pretty much ww1 trench raiding tactics,absolutely brutal raids by night that the Canadians were well known for in the great war...the psychological effects on the enemy were quite well known to them, even in ww1
Exactly primary. Allie’s and friends with no history of aggression or violence for hundreds of years. Something both countries should be very proud of. I’m very lucky to have our American brothers and sisters as my neighbour. Let that never change.
My Great Uncle was part of the Devils Brigade. He was a Canadian called Sgt. Edgar Stewart Fines, and ended up recieving the medal below the medal of honour during the campaign in italy.
Comparing what Tier 1 Units who are allies do together are 2 totally different things. This was a Commissioned unit that trained together from day 1. Apples and Oranges.
@@nag2129 I agree completely. I didn’t mean to imply that they were 😊. I thought he asked if Canada And the US still do special operations together. But as far as I know, we certainly don’t have anything like the devil’s brigade in current times.
@@gryph01 No shit, I wear the Spearhead every were I go, tell me something else I also know Captain Obvious lol. Stick to CH-146 Griphons bud. I personally know the CO who runs 427 SOAS.
Watching all these videos really puts in perspective how lucky I am to be born. My Great Grampa fought in both the world wars and he even lost his eye. But so many soldiers paid the ultimate price for our freedoms. Thank you to all our Grampa's that fought for us ❤
Many times, while exploring many World War Films / Stories, especially interviews, I'll begin to tear up. It's Bitter Sweet. I've been in the military, though not in real combat, but have seen the destruction that can be unleashed. My deceased Father was in North Africa, Sicily, Italy then sent to clear the Atlantic Wall and Liberate Holland. Yes, he was a Canadian and there were 7 other Relatives that were in WW1 / WW2 and only 3 returned home. I know that ' I can't even imagine ' is said a lot. But, maybe, once in awhile, you can imagine. Hence the tear.
@@ArKay-nj2nh I can only now imagine what he must have seen and gone through. We used to ask him questions but he was humble and would only tell us kids to be thankful for our freedoms ❤️🙏
My grandfather was a member of the Devils Brigade as well. He didn't talk about it much, but he did teach me a lot of the skills; bushcraft, self defence and such. He was one Hell of a guy!
My neighbour as a kid was this very nice older guy who lived on the street his whole life. I was working at a local museum here and picked up a book. It was written by him, and about his time in the 1SSF. I was very shocked!
My Father, born in Saskatchewan Canada, was there. He was a Sniper, and I have a picture of him leaning up against a Howitzer. His uniform is very strange, with a patch on the left shoulder with a stylized face of a Cat, being the only marking. The top is a hoody in a jagged block camouflage pattern with a large central chest pocket, that is completely different than any other military uniform I've ever seen.
Any way to scan that picture or even just take a photo of it? Would love to see it identified.. lots of military history buffs here but more importantly you can contact the Legion or actual military to track it down I'm sure..
@@FIORGOBASAUDEAMUS He was in the P.P.C.L.I. if that helps at all. To me, it almost looks more like a custom or one-off kind of thing than a Production Unit/Reg. style, I cannot detect any surrounding border edges when zooming in.
@@balghair1 For sure. Do you have a safe "temporary" or disposable e-mail address or something I can send it to? I'm rather paranoid nowadays and quite abysmal when it comes to understanding how to otherwise transmit media, I'm afraid lol
My neighbour was a member. He hated Germans until he died. He rarely talked about it but what he told me was over the top nuts. He said the biggest problem was if you were wounded they had trouble with which country would treat them and how to get back to their unit was a big problem again for same reason. Apparently neither side cooperated so it was a real problem. He was behind lines a lot, was a radio operator and got in trouble after returning from behind lines because he was so frustrated he used the f bomb and some monitoring station heard him. Trouble was they were under fire at the time. He used to always comment on how good the German radio stuff was. Also at Anzio they used death cards as they kill Germans silently and leave their card to freak them out. He hated Anzio… said it was hell.
My grandfather was in FSSF. He never talked about it. Except one time. He went to all the reunions every year untill his late 80s. He passed away days before the Canadian members were being awarded a medal by the American government. Was lucky and proud he was my grandfather
The gentleman I met, joined the FSSF in Italy, served 99 days in Anzio, then Rome. He helped liberate the two islands mentioned, the n went into the mountains where he was hit with shrapnel from a shell. He didn't wear his paratroopers wings until age 92 when he did a tandem jump as he was sent before they completed their jumps. I last was him before his jump. Congressional medal and French Legion of honor recipient. RIP Ralph Mayville 1921-2019
I'm glad you're doing this because as a millenial 🇨🇦 i don't remember this being taught in school. Our military has been degraded and i think these should be shown more so we know our identity. Trudeau says we don't have one.
Liberals hate history.. that is why they desecrate monuments and pull down statues.. they hate that strong men can resist them.. also why they push "toxic masculinity " and feminism and the alphabet mafia stuff.. they are afraid of strong men willing to die for a good cause.. also why the word Jesus hurts their ears and they allow/ encourage church burnings.. also mandates for jabs.. lol they tried to dei the military and they got the Freedom Convoy instead.. losers gonna lose.. bunch of bureaucrats gonna replace everyone with dei and robots? Fat chance.. the blood of the strong still lives.. and that is why THEY hate us.. we will resist their plans.. till death- then we talk to Jesus, so no fear either. The main tool for them is propaganda and FEAR. If you believe in God you should be immune to both
Winnipeg Native American here. As much as we all bicker and banter with one another with all our countless differences here in Canada, I believe and I also assume that regardless of where we all stand and live here on Canadian territory as well as where we stand on the political & spiritual spectrum. That if canada went to war or was attacked that we would put our differences aside and remind the world about our WWI reputation and just how much we can top that ten fold with our modern and increased population coupled with our technological advancement.
BE VERY PROUD OF THE DEVILS BRIGADE, THE GERMANS NAMED THEM THAT! We refused to give ground, with a tear I say they would die before they lost a single battle! They were and will remain the heroes that changed the history of war and taught the Germans to FEAR US because you had to kill us to win and that broke them because the cost was to high to fight us! Be very very proud of those beautiful men that lost their lives but literally saved the lives of millions! German soldiers would flee when the Red Brigade came..beautiful men that I respect…give that meaning to the unnamed soldier and you will think differently about their sacrifice! I believe you will see them in heaven if YOU get there because I think they Are at the right hand of the Lord Jesus right now…
Thanks for sharing this. The sad part is, most Canadian and American youth will never know what preceded them. WW2 was so long ago and has all but faded except for the oldest of minds. My dad was in the Canadian artillery but was never overseas as the war ended before they were deployed. I'm 75 now. Grew up watching black and white Hollywood movies of WW2 in the 1950s. Now, still interested in the real stories that took place Especially as a proud Canadian.
I heard this saying a while ago, Canadians are nice, until you put a hockey stick or a gun in their hands. remember years ago, seeing a movie about that, pretty funny until the end, of course
When I was growing up one of my dad's best friends was in the Devils Brigade. He was a very nice mild mannered soft spoken man. Who had looked right in the eyes of some of the men he killed. They were truly scary.
My grandpa was a member of the FSSF. He was in 4-1. He never spoke about his time during the war, but he did make it to most of the FSSF Association's yearly reunions, which my mom remembers going to when she growing up.
My uncle was in this unit. The FSSF had annual reunions because such a huge bond was built during training and battle. The reunions alternated back and forth between Canada and the US. One year it might be in Nov Scotia and the next year in Texas. Even though just about all of the men has passed, their families continue to plan reunions every year to carry on the tradition of their fathers, grandfathers and other family members. My uncle was a soft spoken man who loved to smile and laugh. He didn't talk about the war except to say that he was sent to do a job and he did it.
I had an old man across the street. He was a sniper with the First Canadian Parachute Battalion, attached to the British 6th airborne. His first mission was landing behind Juno Beach on D day. He was in intense fighting. Lost behind enemy lines. Fought his way back to be part of the liberation of Bergen Belson. He never talked about the war till late into his life. I had to write a book about him. The Boy Who Cried Soldier. Canadian young men were unbelievable brave, but humble in their hearts.
It is important to keep in mind the movie is Hollywoodized in the way they did in the 50s/60s (think The Longest Day and A Bridge Too Far), but it certainly captures the key points and makes clear, particularly at the end, the terrific sacrifice and impact these men of men had and the respect they have earned.
In WWI the Germans called the 90th Winnipeg rifles " The Little Black Devils". Their motto now is " named by the enemy" Also in WWI the Germans coined the term " Storm Troopers" to describe the Canadians.That got turned around in WWII.
The Germans also called the Canadians shock troopers because they're brutal tactics towards the Germans were shocking taking no prisoners killing the wounded and those who surrendered
My Grandfather LLoyd Dunlop was a wireless radio operator for First Special Service Force aka devil's brigade, he was from Cape Breton passed away at 93 in Yarmouth Nova Scotia. He spoke very rarely about the war.
@@daveusubiaga4102 lol you are welcome my friend.. people like us pass along knowledge like the ancient Celtic folk.. we can NOT trust wikipedia anymore.. we have to start the word to mouth again.. consider yourself a bard or perhaps druid in training.. we he to keep facts alive.. if you even see me misspeak- please correct me as I would rather learn the truth than be right... cheers and God bless btw..
Pink Floyd's Roger Waters' father was killed at Anzio, this fact is commemorated in the lines of the song When the Tigers Broke Free from the album Pink Floyd The Film. The soundtrack from The Wall movie with Bob Geldof.
I'm thrilled that you find Canadian military history interesting. I'd wager most Canadians don't know anything about the FSSF. We don't celebrate our country's military history. I don't know why, but it makes me mad.
Great video, Both Canada and the U.S. could use some of the spirt, courage and pride shown by these brave men. Today's excuses for men in many areas of leadership in both countries are a disgrace and that is being kind.
An elderly gentleman from our town was honored for being a member of the Devil's Brigade. It was prior to the showing of the movie at our local theater. I had the opportunity to speak with him years later. I asked if he was at Normandy on D Day. He said they were there two days before.
These guys are the inspiration of the Inglorious Bastards. A well earned reputation for getting it done against the enemy regardless of the odds and challenges. Very impressive indeed!!
I said this last video about Canada in WW2, but my great grandfather was in both the devil’s brigade and the 1st canadian special service battalion in the Italian front. He died in 1944 during the battle of monte cassino. I don’t know much else about him, but he brought back a Czech VZ.24 bayonet, and I got it when my grandmother died.
My late neighbour Jack Callowhill served with the FSSF at Monte la Difensa. Thanks again for your service and all the stories you shared with me Jack 🇨🇦
My dad was a vet. He worked with Jack Callowhill. I took my to meetings he had in Hamilton at legion. They had beer etc. I met Mr Callowhill at what my dad said was the old fart club , all the guys were WW2 vets
Churchill's agents were trained there to parachute in and "set Europe alight". Camp X was actually situated in Oshawa Ontario. Quite a few Americans trained there ,survived the war and formed the CIA in peacetime America.
So you know. Yeah - my background is U.S. and Canadian. My family is from Norway. Notably Fagerness. That area was major resistance to the Nazis by Norwegian men. One cool story - The Norwegians (and this Canadian/US unit) were so plucky - that they picked off numerous Nazis. One night - in Fagerness - Norwegian soldiers rapelled down a rock-face, and painted the Norwegian Flag on the rock. Later that morning, occupying Nazis litterally took their hats off, not knowing how to get the flag off. Yeah, and these Norwegian, Canadian, U.S., boys were cold. These guys stopped the Nazi's get for nuclear weapons. Our boys were BIG BOYS.
My uncle was a Canadian member of the 1SSF. He fortunately survived but rarely spoke of the war. Learning of their contribution to the war and heavy losses, I now understand why.
One of the original selectee/volunteers was from my local regiment that I was a part of for a few years. Keddy was his last name and I was honored to have the chance to meet him and his son. He told me some quite interesting stories, one involving him forcing a group of Germans to surrender at point blank bazooka point.
FSSF was disbanded in 1995 (to my knowledge)...I was SSF in 1 RCR London Ontrio in 1982-85...I wore the winged OSONS dagger on my uniform. I was in combat support company "ECHO" mortar platoon, PRO PATRIA.
Canadians were known as the best-trained, best-disciplined soldiers in WW2. Remember, that Canadians had been at War since September, 1939, NOT the American 1942.
Immediately after 9/11 JTF2 (Canada's sceptical opps) dropped into Afghanistan with Delta before the main invasion. I believe they were the only non-Americans to do so.
What do I know about the Devil's Brigade? I know that I have their patch. I have one of their stickers. And I have a V-42. I know that my great grandfather served in that unit.
A Centennial book,1967, recalled an event of Canadians in England, having been sent there to be "retrained" A group of Canadians had gone to a local town to visit a pub. On returning to the base the guards called out WHO GOES THERE? The response was curt....Who the Hell wants to know? In response, Oh shite, its the bloody Canadians.
The FSSF Unit was issued the V42 Commando Stiletto Knife which now adorns the US Army Special Forces Crest with crossed arrows to this day. The OSS and FSSF are Units in the Special Forces lineage. 😉🇺🇸
My Grandma's brother was part of the Devils Brigrade. My grandma had no idea what her brother took part of in WW2 until 2015 when he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal (the highest honour for a non-American citizen) from the United States Government. He was a Canadian man named Gerard Lafleche of Timmins, Ontario. He was too old to travel at the time, so a representative came to Timmins to present him with the award. He was 96 years old when he was recognized for his service during the war. He passed away in 2016.
I'm not far from there and for some reason feel like I've heard that name. I had relatives who joined but didn't get anything for whatever they did Lol.
That's pretty crazy tho, good for him and may he rest in peace.
@@colejarvis666 You don't join the 1SSF.
The Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR) are the offspring of the Devil's Brigade.
You come from fearsome stock! Thank goodness for your great uncle
Google the list of people who have revived that medal.
Ralph Mayville of Windsor Ontario was a member of this brigade. Tough as nails only scratches the surface of this brave man’s strength. He broke his hip at 95 and still participated in a wreath laying ceremony a couple weeks later. He trained as a para but never jumped in ww2 so he wouldn’t wear his silver wings. At 92yo he jumped and earned his wings. Sadly he passed in 2019 at 98yo. He remains an example to others of bravery and honour. The German troops were afraid of these guys and named them the black devils for good reason. RIP Ralph
Isn't there a movie about this?
The Canadiens came to help train the Americans. Canadiens had more of the skills they were looking for. Cold mountain men.
Shawn Ryan interview Dallas Alexander. JTF2 World record sniper kill…kicked out because of anti vax stance. I really enjoy your videos of my country.. 🏴 ❤
Old news..and a 2nd reg..merls marauders. Foaght in Burma..out of 3.100.men only 100 lived
My uncle was a Canadian volunteer member of the FSSF "Devil's Brigade. Sgt. George Robinson, 6-2, KIA'd Feb. 18/44 at Anzio.
We may make jokes about eachother like little siblings, but god we're awesome when we work together.
I’m in Canada. I worked as a surveyor in the Arctic with a gentleman who was in this brigade. He received the highest award given to a Canadian Serviceman. His name was Vern Doucette. A wonderful person.
Thanks for the 😊such important work you're doing for Canadians. Arctic must be great but also difficult place to be but you have surely the chance to see Aurores boréales , c' est votre cadeau pour vos services, well deserved gifts for your services. 👍✌️
@@Joy-fc6kgyes the Northern Lights are indescribable up past the Arctic Circle. I’ve been, only a 2 day drive from hone to hit the Circle lol and brrrr 🥶 but ALWAYS remember Ursus Maritimus may find you too. Zero fear of humans, in fact nothing alive scares the Polar Bear.
@@14goldmedals Thanks for aknowleging my comment, just being curious, why is your account name is 14 goldmedals, and what exactly is the purpose of your work, looking out for what, if it's ok for you to answer.
Thanks and hope you have a peaceful sky👍✌️😊
@@Joy-fc6kg I chose it as a name when Canada hosted the Winter Olympics. Canada won 14 golds which was more than USA for the first time ever! I was there as a police security force member.
Doucette? That sounds like a family name around here.. in particular my grandmothers name.. would he have come from P.E.I. in any way?
There was a movie in 1968 called The Devil's Brigade about this force. I highly recommend you watch it if you can.
An Aboriginal Canadian Tommy Prince was a part of the Devil's Brigade in W.W. II and he also served in the Korean War. He distinguished himself in both wars. There is a Heritage Minute about him.
The scene when the Canadians arrive, marching to Scotland The Brave, is excellent.
@@kevinsacks3185 It was fun to watch but totally ridiculous. The Americans were not a bunch of criminals kicked out of their units, they were the best of their units.
@@kevinsacks3185 I love when the Canadian combat instructor (Jeremy Slate) is introduced during the mess hall scene with Claude Akins.
Agreed, It's a good film for it's era. Stands well alongside The Longest Day and A Bridge Too Far. Well worth a watch. As a Canadian, I very much enjoyed the fraternal jabs at our neighbors and friends.
The C 4th highlanders were highly trained by Canadian armed group. By the records the Americans were a bunch of drunks and losers. The movie explains it very well, the video that you’re watching now is an extremely generic version. I’m guessing created and written and narrated by an American.
Thank you for being respectful towards us Canadians
My grandfather was a Canadian Field medic in the battle of Normandy . Respect to you ( I’m Canadian with a beautiful Scottish wife) 🇨🇦❤️
Us Americans know full-well what our Canadian brothers are capable of and how tough they are. There's NOBODY I'd rather have my back than a Canadian.
Tommy Prince was my favourite member of the Devil's Brigade. He was a Native Canadian with a lot of great feats. A couple examples: during one raid on a German barracks he cut the throats of every third sleeper so that each man would wake up next to corpse and fear how close it came to being them. Another time he hid in a farmhouse callin in artillery when a stray round cut the telephone cable he was using so he dressed in farmers clothing and grabbed a hoe. He then pretended to hoe the field until he found the break, spliced it back together while pretending to tie his boots, shook a fist at the nearby Germans, then went back inside to continue calling in artillery.
Tommy Prince did not slit the throats of every third German sleeping in their barracks. That is a tale that has been told for generations about the Gurkhas of the Indian Army. Tommy Prince does not need you embellishing his accomplishments.
Was Indigenous/Aboriginal/First Nation. Now, break it down he was of The Ojibway Nation. I never heard the term "Native Canadian" from my family.
@@FIORGOBASAUDEAMUS no need to be a dickhead about it, eh bud?
@@Plupx must be meaning yourself.
thats such a good story thanks for sharing. what a badass
"The Devil's Brigade" is still one of my favourite war movies
the training these men received was quite different and quite extreme,and is a story unto itself.they were trained for just about anything by the best experts they could rustle up no matter where they came from.there was nothing average about it,those that could stay with it and complete it,had to be beyond strong...and typical us/canada rivalry likely pushed soldiers from each country to their best,neither side willing to be outdone by the other...the whole black devils thing tho,that was likely Canadian inspired..its pretty much ww1 trench raiding tactics,absolutely brutal raids by night that the Canadians were well known for in the great war...the psychological effects on the enemy were quite well known to them, even in ww1
There's a reason our border is unchallenged.... the US won't mess with us Canadians...
Cause we're allies
Exactly primary. Allie’s and friends with no history of aggression or violence for hundreds of years. Something both countries should be very proud of. I’m very lucky to have our American brothers and sisters as my neighbour. Let that never change.
We're keeping the cup on our side of the border. Just FYI
@@RGately we’ll have to wait and see at this point. Who you got winning this year?? Redwings are my favourite team!!
😂😂Haha
My Great Uncle was part of the Devils Brigade. He was a Canadian called Sgt. Edgar Stewart Fines, and ended up recieving the medal below the medal of honour during the campaign in italy.
Google JTF2 an Navy Seals, they worked together in Afghanistan, the US commander had high praise for Canadian operators, and vice versa.
Comparing what Tier 1 Units who are allies do together are 2 totally different things. This was a Commissioned unit that trained together from day 1. Apples and Oranges.
@@nag2129 I agree completely. I didn’t mean to imply that they were 😊. I thought he asked if Canada And the US still do special operations together. But as far as I know, we certainly don’t have anything like the devil’s brigade in current times.
@@nag2129JTF2's pedigree is 1SSF.
@@gryph01 No shit, I wear the Spearhead every were I go, tell me something else I also know Captain Obvious lol. Stick to CH-146 Griphons bud. I personally know the CO who runs 427 SOAS.
@@nag2129 Why do you wear the spearhead? Did you earn it? I earned my badge....Ubique!
Watching all these videos really puts in perspective how lucky I am to be born. My Great Grampa fought in both the world wars and he even lost his eye. But so many soldiers paid the ultimate price for our freedoms. Thank you to all our Grampa's that fought for us ❤
Many times, while exploring many World War Films / Stories, especially interviews, I'll begin to tear up. It's Bitter Sweet. I've been in the military, though not in real combat, but have seen the destruction that can be unleashed. My deceased Father was in North Africa, Sicily, Italy then sent to clear the Atlantic Wall and Liberate Holland. Yes, he was a Canadian and there were 7 other Relatives that were in WW1 / WW2 and only 3 returned home. I know that ' I can't even imagine ' is said a lot. But, maybe, once in awhile, you can imagine. Hence the tear.
@@ArKay-nj2nh I can only now imagine what he must have seen and gone through. We used to ask him questions but he was humble and would only tell us kids to be thankful for our freedoms ❤️🙏
My grandfather was a member of the Devils Brigade as well. He didn't talk about it much, but he did teach me a lot of the skills; bushcraft, self defence and such. He was one Hell of a guy!
My neighbour as a kid was this very nice older guy who lived on the street his whole life. I was working at a local museum here and picked up a book. It was written by him, and about his time in the 1SSF. I was very shocked!
So you never know what that old white dude that some people may bully has for a history.. lol..
My Father, born in Saskatchewan Canada, was there. He was a Sniper, and I have a picture of him leaning up against a Howitzer. His uniform is very strange, with a patch on the left shoulder with a stylized face of a Cat, being the only marking. The top is a hoody in a jagged block camouflage pattern with a large central chest pocket, that is completely different than any other military uniform I've ever seen.
Would like to see that patch..only regiment with a cat is the Ontario Reg. But never heard of a patch.
Any way to scan that picture or even just take a photo of it? Would love to see it identified.. lots of military history buffs here but more importantly you can contact the Legion or actual military to track it down I'm sure..
@@FIORGOBASAUDEAMUS He was in the P.P.C.L.I. if that helps at all. To me, it almost looks more like a custom or one-off kind of thing than a Production Unit/Reg. style, I cannot detect any surrounding border edges when zooming in.
@@balghair1 For sure. Do you have a safe "temporary" or disposable e-mail address or something I can send it to? I'm rather paranoid nowadays and quite abysmal when it comes to understanding how to otherwise transmit media, I'm afraid lol
My neighbour was a member. He hated Germans until he died. He rarely talked about it but what he told me was over the top nuts. He said the biggest problem was if you were wounded they had trouble with which country would treat them and how to get back to their unit was a big problem again for same reason. Apparently neither side cooperated so it was a real problem. He was behind lines a lot, was a radio operator and got in trouble after returning from behind lines because he was so frustrated he used the f bomb and some monitoring station heard him. Trouble was they were under fire at the time. He used to always comment on how good the German radio stuff was. Also at Anzio they used death cards as they kill Germans silently and leave their card to freak them out. He hated Anzio… said it was hell.
There is a great movie on this, and it is called The Devil's Brigade.
With Cliff Robertson and William Holden
'Great' may be an overstatement, but it is very entertaining.
My grandfather was in FSSF. He never talked about it. Except one time.
He went to all the reunions every year untill his late 80s.
He passed away days before the Canadian members were being awarded a medal by the American government.
Was lucky and proud he was my grandfather
Can you not claim that medal in his honour? Perhaps look to the USVA
The gentleman I met, joined the FSSF in Italy, served 99 days in Anzio, then Rome. He helped liberate the two islands mentioned, the n went into the mountains where he was hit with shrapnel from a shell. He didn't wear his paratroopers wings until age 92 when he did a tandem jump as he was sent before they completed their jumps. I last was him before his jump. Congressional medal and French Legion of honor recipient. RIP Ralph Mayville 1921-2019
I'm glad you're doing this because as a millenial 🇨🇦 i don't remember this being taught in school. Our military has been degraded and i think these should be shown more so we know our identity. Trudeau says we don't have one.
You're deranged.
Liberals hate history.. that is why they desecrate monuments and pull down statues.. they hate that strong men can resist them.. also why they push "toxic masculinity " and feminism and the alphabet mafia stuff.. they are afraid of strong men willing to die for a good cause.. also why the word Jesus hurts their ears and they allow/ encourage church burnings.. also mandates for jabs.. lol they tried to dei the military and they got the Freedom Convoy instead.. losers gonna lose.. bunch of bureaucrats gonna replace everyone with dei and robots? Fat chance.. the blood of the strong still lives.. and that is why THEY hate us.. we will resist their plans.. till death- then we talk to Jesus, so no fear either. The main tool for them is propaganda and FEAR. If you believe in God you should be immune to both
Winnipeg Native American here. As much as we all bicker and banter with one another with all our countless differences here in Canada, I believe and I also assume that regardless of where we all stand and live here on Canadian territory as well as where we stand on the political & spiritual spectrum. That if canada went to war or was attacked that we would put our differences aside and remind the world about our WWI reputation and just how much we can top that ten fold with our modern and increased population coupled with our technological advancement.
North American badass. 😀
My mother's eldest brother was a member of the Devil's Brigade. He was a radio operator.
God, they put Canadians and Americans together in a military unit ? That's a scary thought for any enemy !
This is what JTF2 and CSOR drew their roots from.
And US Army Green Berets, Specifically 1st SFG
@@4evrane342 NO IF ANYTHING SAS
@@alpearson9158 the SAS has no ties to this unit whatsoever, the SAS already existed when the devils brigade was stood up
@@4evrane342 No, the Devils Briagde was the first special force in the world at the time of WW2.
@@thesinistermango1533 incorrect, read a book some time
Us Canadians still and have always specially trained for icy snowy mountain conditions, so it makes sense.
Check out Sgt Prince one of most decorated soldier in Canada. He was in this unit. He was decorated for heroism in WW2 and also in Korea.
BE VERY PROUD OF THE DEVILS BRIGADE, THE GERMANS NAMED THEM THAT! We refused to give ground, with a tear I say they would die before they lost a single battle! They were and will remain the heroes that changed the history of war and taught the Germans to FEAR US because you had to kill us to win and that broke them because the cost was to high to fight us! Be very very proud of those beautiful men that lost their lives but literally saved the lives of millions!
German soldiers would flee when the Red Brigade came..beautiful men that I respect…give that meaning to the unnamed soldier and you will think differently about their sacrifice! I believe you will see them in heaven if YOU get there because I think they Are at the right hand of the Lord Jesus right now…
Thanks for sharing this. The sad part is, most Canadian and American youth will never know what preceded them. WW2 was so long ago and has all but faded except for the oldest of minds.
My dad was in the Canadian artillery but was never overseas as the war ended before they were deployed.
I'm 75 now. Grew up watching black and white Hollywood movies of WW2 in the 1950s. Now, still interested in the real stories that took place Especially as a proud Canadian.
My father fought in Italy. Was at the battle of Monte Cassino. It's not so long ago as all that.
My Grandfather served in The First Special Service Force. He was a Canadian Member. Palmer O Griffiths HQ Det 1st Rgt
I call bullshit
@@jakegingrich2374 Believe what you want Troll. Obviously you have nothing better to do with your time
So was mine. LaVergne J. Paul.
Don't mess with Canadian
I heard this saying a while ago, Canadians are nice, until you put a hockey stick or a gun in their hands. remember years ago, seeing a movie about that, pretty funny until the end, of course
One of my sons is a member of CSOR, who can trace their origin back to the SSF. Love this history.
You may enjoy the movie, Devil’s Brigade.
The Canadian premiere of the movie The Devil Brigade was in my community, a very exciting time for us.
American Tech, Canadian Army, British Officers... scariest combo.
When I was growing up one of my dad's best friends was in the Devils Brigade. He was a very nice mild mannered soft spoken man. Who had looked right in the eyes of some of the men he killed. They were truly scary.
My grandpa was a member of the FSSF. He was in 4-1. He never spoke about his time during the war, but he did make it to most of the FSSF Association's yearly reunions, which my mom remembers going to when she growing up.
You might want to check out Camp X
I personally met a member of the Devil’s Brigade…..the one portrayed by the big red headed actor
Two things the Germans were terrified of. The Devil’s Brigade and the Gurkhas.
My wife’s great uncle was a devil he gave his life in Italy. He was also Canadian from Ontario
My uncle was in this unit. The FSSF had annual reunions because such a huge bond was built during training and battle. The reunions alternated back and forth between Canada and the US. One year it might be in Nov Scotia and the next year in Texas. Even though just about all of the men has passed, their families continue to plan reunions every year to carry on the tradition of their fathers, grandfathers and other family members.
My uncle was a soft spoken man who loved to smile and laugh. He didn't talk about the war except to say that he was sent to do a job and he did it.
I had an old man across the street. He was a sniper with the First Canadian Parachute Battalion, attached to the British 6th airborne.
His first mission was landing behind Juno Beach on D day. He was in intense fighting. Lost behind enemy lines. Fought his way back to be part of the liberation of Bergen Belson. He never talked about the war till late into his life. I had to write a book about him. The Boy Who Cried Soldier.
Canadian young men were unbelievable brave, but humble in their hearts.
It is important to keep in mind the movie is Hollywoodized in the way they did in the 50s/60s (think The Longest Day and A Bridge Too Far), but it certainly captures the key points and makes clear, particularly at the end, the terrific sacrifice and impact these men of men had and the respect they have earned.
I pity the fool who dare step foot in North America with hostile intents.
In WWI the Germans called the 90th Winnipeg rifles " The Little Black Devils". Their motto now is " named by the enemy" Also in WWI the Germans coined the term " Storm Troopers" to describe the Canadians.That got turned around in WWII.
The Germans also called the Canadians shock troopers because they're brutal tactics towards the Germans were shocking taking no prisoners killing the wounded and those who surrendered
My Grandfather LLoyd Dunlop was a wireless radio operator for First Special Service Force aka devil's brigade, he was from Cape Breton passed away at 93 in Yarmouth Nova Scotia. He spoke very rarely about the war.
Canadians had been the first into 'special forces' starting in WW1. The Germans coined the term Storm troopers to describe the Canadians in WW1.
Storm troopers
@@balghair1 Thanks, corrected
@@daveusubiaga4102 lol you are welcome my friend.. people like us pass along knowledge like the ancient Celtic folk.. we can NOT trust wikipedia anymore.. we have to start the word to mouth again.. consider yourself a bard or perhaps druid in training.. we he to keep facts alive.. if you even see me misspeak- please correct me as I would rather learn the truth than be right... cheers and God bless btw..
@@balghair1 'perhaps druid in training.. we he to keep facts'- had
@@daveusubiaga4102 lol have..😂 oops.
The 1968 film The Devil’s Brigade is an excellent film albeit fictionalized.
These guys were so well trained, It was like they were eating up the enemy.
😮 Oh theirs still a special forces today like them. 😉 But their all 🇨🇦 CANADIAN!
JTF2 SPECIAL FORCES🤩
For further Canadian war time actions look into WWI Canadian victory at Vimy Ridge.
A former mayor of Kincardine, Ontario, was a member of the Devil’s Brigade. His name was Charlie Mann.
Pink Floyd's Roger Waters' father was killed at Anzio, this fact is commemorated in the lines of the song When the Tigers Broke Free from the album Pink Floyd The Film. The soundtrack from The Wall movie with Bob Geldof.
I'm thrilled that you find Canadian military history interesting. I'd wager most Canadians don't know anything about the FSSF. We don't celebrate our country's military history. I don't know why, but it makes me mad.
Great video, Both Canada and the U.S. could use some of the spirt, courage and pride shown by these brave men. Today's excuses for men in many areas of leadership in both countries are a disgrace and that is being kind.
An elderly gentleman from our town was honored for being a member of the Devil's Brigade. It was prior to the showing of the movie at our local theater. I had the opportunity to speak with him years later. I asked if he was at Normandy on D Day. He said they were there two days before.
When the Germans heard the Canadians were coming, they knew they were in trouble.
These guys are the inspiration of the Inglorious Bastards.
A well earned reputation for getting it done against the enemy regardless of the odds and challenges.
Very impressive indeed!!
The Devil's brigade is a really good movie. should watch it
I said this last video about Canada in WW2, but my great grandfather was in both the devil’s brigade and the 1st canadian special service battalion in the Italian front. He died in 1944 during the battle of monte cassino. I don’t know much else about him, but he brought back a Czech VZ.24 bayonet, and I got it when my grandmother died.
Both those units you named are the exact same unit. He served in only 1 unit not 2.
They never went away they live on today as the Green Barret and CSOR respectively and still wreak havoc when they team up
America and Canada still work together via 'NORAD'. I believe the second in command is a Canadian.
you can think of Canada and us as twins that you dont wanna make mad just own owns more guns then the other lol
now that’s what you call psychological warfare
As a Canadian i didn't know about this, great to know thanks
My late neighbour Jack Callowhill served with the FSSF at Monte la Difensa. Thanks again for your service and all the stories you shared with me Jack 🇨🇦
My dad was a vet. He worked with Jack Callowhill. I took my to meetings he had in Hamilton at legion. They had beer etc. I met Mr Callowhill at what my dad said was the old fart club , all the guys were WW2 vets
you should check out the CBC documentary on Camp X it was in Ontario Canada ,, even the writer of the james bond books/movies went through there
Churchill's agents were trained there to parachute in and "set Europe alight".
Camp X was actually situated in Oshawa Ontario.
Quite a few Americans trained there ,survived the war and formed the CIA in peacetime America.
One of the Brigade came from the Sudbury Ontario area.
There are more informative videos about the Devils Brigade on UA-cam.
And there is a movie loosely based about them too
So you know.
Yeah - my background is U.S. and Canadian. My family is from Norway. Notably Fagerness. That area was major resistance to the Nazis by Norwegian men.
One cool story - The Norwegians (and this Canadian/US unit) were so plucky - that they picked off numerous Nazis.
One night - in Fagerness - Norwegian soldiers rapelled down a rock-face, and painted the Norwegian Flag on the rock. Later that morning, occupying Nazis litterally took their hats off, not knowing how to get the flag off. Yeah, and these Norwegian, Canadian, U.S., boys were cold.
These guys stopped the Nazi's get for nuclear weapons.
Our boys were BIG BOYS.
The Green Beret was Originally Canadian and US special forces use it today
A friend of mine his dad was a member from Wheatley on Canada proud of his tather
My uncle was a Canadian member of the 1SSF. He fortunately survived but rarely spoke of the war. Learning of their contribution to the war and heavy losses, I now understand why.
History Of The Devil's Brigade From WWII - Devil's Brigade 103 - History Lesson
ua-cam.com/video/gOLLzp_MOSY/v-deo.html
One of the original selectee/volunteers was from my local regiment that I was a part of for a few years. Keddy was his last name and I was honored to have the chance to meet him and his son. He told me some quite interesting stories, one involving him forcing a group of Germans to surrender at point blank bazooka point.
Can Modern Soldiers Complete The Infamous 'Devils Brigade' Training? | Timeline
ua-cam.com/video/Z4BKDfrCDfE/v-deo.html
Watch the movie ... The Devil's Brigade ... you will enjoy it ... very interesting.
As an American we learned we could not leave Canadians with prisoners. They would expire. lol
Afgahnistan!
Hey I wanted to say I love your content! Been a subscriber for about a month, keep up the excellent work Mert (I don't know if it's your first name).
The Devil’s Brigade patch looks incredibly similar to Delta Force service patch.
FSSF was disbanded in 1995 (to my knowledge)...I was SSF in 1 RCR London Ontrio in 1982-85...I wore the winged OSONS dagger on my uniform. I was in combat support company "ECHO" mortar platoon, PRO PATRIA.
Check out video "Modern Day Soldiers Undergo FSSF Training" (Devils Brigade). One guy pulled out after just one day.
Canadians were known as the best-trained, best-disciplined soldiers in WW2. Remember, that Canadians had been at War since September, 1939, NOT the American 1942.
Immediately after 9/11 JTF2 (Canada's sceptical opps) dropped into Afghanistan with Delta before the main invasion. I believe they were the only non-Americans to do so.
Read the book THE FORCE. The book goes into great detail of everything the devils brigade did during ww2.
What do I know about the Devil's Brigade? I know that I have their patch. I have one of their stickers. And I have a V-42.
I know that my great grandfather served in that unit.
Great information! Both my Grandfathers were involved in these operations. Never taked about much.
JTF2 and Delta worked alot together in Afghanistan and different places around the world currently. where? who knows but them.
Bear in mind, the population of Canada is typically 10% that of the USA...
A Centennial book,1967, recalled an event of Canadians in England, having been sent there to be "retrained" A group of Canadians had gone to a local town to visit a pub. On returning to the base the guards called out WHO GOES THERE? The response was curt....Who the Hell wants to know? In response, Oh shite, its the bloody Canadians.
The FSSF Unit was issued the V42 Commando Stiletto Knife which now adorns the US Army Special Forces Crest with crossed arrows to this day. The OSS and FSSF are Units in the Special Forces lineage. 😉🇺🇸