Poor guy survived a mine explosion, set a world record, evaded capture by the enemy AND managed to report back to his superiors only to spend his entire life with no one believing his story.
@@marlene8344typical also that he was only in this situation because of a traffic ticket; apparently Nazi occupation not a reason to miss traffic court
There's a bronze plaque on a clif top over-looking the wreck site of HMS Perseus on the island of Kefoliona, telling this story. Its in English and Greek.
That’s not sufficient. He should have the next submarine that’s commissioned bear his name. The RN owes his legacy a debt that can probably never be repaid in full. He risked his life defending that nation and then lived the rest of it in a shroud of skepticism.
@markkravig7410 The plaque was put up by the people of Kefoliona. At the time it was erected, the British government still did not believe him, but the people did. More shame on our establishment!
@@informitas0117 no. The creators don't care. They get paid as long as the video continues to stream. A lot of these type of content creators specifically make these story type contents because they know a lot of viewers use it to fall asleep.
@@informitas0117do you live with anybody, like a roommate or do you have a family? Not trying to be creepy. But if you don't personally know what it's like to live alone for many years, you might not understand why so many people like putting these story videos on as background.
The WWII museum in New Orleans has a group interactive submarine experience inside a room fitted to imitate the interior of an allied sub. You are assigned a role and help your "crew" by operating your station during simulated combat; you either sink or survive based on performance. At the end, they have an interview with John on his amazing story survival. Never knew they had an escape aid like that! 💯 worth the extra admission. The whole museum is a must-see.
I'm making a note to go since I'm headed there in December! This is one of the museums that caught my eye so I'll keep an eye out for this experience specifically!
I know that museum, it's huge and incredible, they have various day to day objects there from Hiroshima. I didn't know about that experience though, I'm sorry i missed it.
Darn, I missed that. That museum is awesome. I went a couple of years ago, and I know they have extended it since then. Looks like I have a good reason to go back :-)
This is a good one. The thought of looking around after escaping through the hatch gives me chills. And the fact that the escape apparatus likely failed for the other survivors, and John was this lucky, is simply bone chilling.
Maybe their lungs burst from the expanding pressure. Or they may have been affected by the bends if they went up too fast. From the pain he was in that may have been the case with John too. John also sounds to have been the calmest so he probably regulated his breathing better and may have ascended more slowly which is important in reducing both the likelyhood and extent of the bends. And perhaps he was blessed with a physiology that meant he wasn't as badly affected. Being calm makes a massive difference in diving when it comes to how quickly you use your air supply and making good decisions.
@@speleokeir I also have to question if the pain may have been in part due to a flaw in the way the device was scrubbing air. Some of those older style re-breathers aren't safe to use more than once, and if not stored properly aren't even safe to use once. It may be that the other 3 had the rebreathers fail due to the filters being old or the scrubber having been exposed to open air. John's pain... the way it was described... sounds like the air wasn't "clean" and was becoming more and more stale every breath.
I dived this in 2022. Such a privilege to view such a well preserved wreck (outside only; it’s a grave, after all) then look into the engine room through the very hatch through which John Capes escaped, before retracing his route to the surface. An awesome experience.
@Gino_567 I'm sure the creatures of the sea probably consumed them. If water could enter the interior of the sub, then so can tiny creatures. Since it is considered a grave site, no one will enter the sub to find out. I am curious as well about the remaining bodies. I don't believe I could work in a sub when there is basicly no chance of survival. Which is too bad because the sea is a fascinating environment that I would love to see. 🇨🇦
I've missed a court date for a ticket because of weather, this man smuggled himself into a war zone on a submarine for a court date while the island was under siege by 2 world powers. What a sense of civic duty he must have!
@@Danso_3000why should people believe crazy and brave stories? I don't know... maybe first example to pop up in head is "Catch me if you can - Frank Abagnale" who made up pretty much everything. Yes, there are brave people like Desmond Doss, whose true stories had to be tuned down for movie to make more believable. But the point stands: insane stories have to be verified, especially ones without witnesses and physical evidence
The British gave this serviceman (a valuable trained sub crewman) leave during wartime and rides on a couple of submarines to deal with traffic court. They were in charge of Malta. Why didn't higher authorities just tell the judge to go lick a lizard until the war was over???
My Grandad lied about his age to join the Royal Navy during the second world war. He was a part of the Arctic Convoys, which were brutal. He helped rescue survivors of a ship that had been destroyed by enemy fire. He never spoke about his time serving, it was far too painful for him. After the war he returned home and was a fireman for the rest of his life. ❤
It's a really nice island. If you get the chance to go and can ride a motorbike the best way of experiencing the island is on a motorbike. So much fun! The people really are friendly there, love being in Cephalonia. Just try not to get sick or injure yourself you don't want to experience the hospital ...
Having been to Greece many times and this island in particular, and it really is no surprise at what they did for this guy! The Greek people are generally easy going and friendly to anyone as long as that sentiment is reciprocated, but they also have short fuses for anyone who crosses them…….as the Germans, Italians and Bulgarians did when they occupied so much of Greece in WW2!
Royal Navy: There is no direct evidence that his story is not, in substance, correct. Video Narrator 4 seconds later: Seen as a complete con-man by many including the military branch he dutifully served...
Our family is from the island. My great grandmother told us the story of a british man who was hidden by villagers after washing up on shore. This must be it.
According to researchers, the belief the rebreather was necessary contributed to submariners dying, because they'd just stay in the sub until they died. "the Momsen Lung concept (American version of the British rebreather) may have killed far more submariners than it rescued." In shallow waters, the sub air is already compressed, so the oxygen will expand as you go up, so you have plenty of air. You can take a gulp of air and exhale as you ascend hundreds of feet. If you don't exhale, the expanding oxygen will burst your lungs. Nuclear subs go too deep for this trick to work anymore though.
@@thalmoragent9344 The problem is that you have to rely too much on stuff in or around it not getting bent or damaged in what ever event you may need to use it in, as the escape pod would need to be flush with the sub in some way.
That is only if you forget your training on how to use Momsen Lung. We got trained on it's proper use and designed so you exhale to reduce pressures in your lung. It is more a case of people forgetting their training. Without it many people would forget to exhale and just hold their breath. So Expert saying not having it caused more people to not survive.
The people on that island were absolutely amazing. Imagine hiding someone for 18 months, knowing you're risking your family and your whole village. It's something I like to think I'd do, too, but history has proven that, while many people would do the same, many others wouldn't take the risk. I'm so glad that John found the people who would and did.
Seems absurd that they will trust a soldier enough to send him to die for his Country, but yet that same soldier has no credibility when it comes to his own survival. This is one of the many reasons why people are not signing up anymore. It's called self-respect.
He may have been a "fall guy" as well. Presented with the choice of admitting that they used this mode of transportation, and that their information about the ship's location was wrong, or sacrificing the credibility of one soldier, the navy chose the latter. They just didn't want to admit they're wrong.
@@renerphoI cannot speak for why they’d say so, but alarm bells were going off in my head for a good chunk of time and I could understand the navy being suspicious of such an extraordinary story. In the end, however, so much of the story is corroborated that his culpability is preposterous; it’s not like this guy caused them to hit a mine.
John’s escape technique of flooding the room and escaping through the hatch was used in the finale of the submarine movie The Wolf’s Cry. It makes for the best scene of the film.
I like his voice I just wish he didn't record his videos with his mic next to his dripping faucet. I start getting annoyed after hearing the 400th sequence of... ploop ploop ploop ploop.... pleep pleep pleep pleep... ploop ploop ploop ploop... beep beep beep beep... 😵💫
This is why all sailors are very superstitious about ocean tragedies and myths and a lot still follow Greek mythos. Exactly this reason. A ships name can save your life.
I’m familiar with this story but it never gets old & John deserves as many people to hear as possible - thanks for sharing it with your large audience!
I never heard this story. Thank you for telling it. John died a hero who tried to save as many men as he could. I hope he rests in peace. Glad we all know the truth now.
What a great story. I have to wonder what flashlight he had that still functioned at the surface, that is a high quality flashlight that is rare to find even today. I hope the RN has given this good man some sort of formal recognition and award to clear his name/ honour his story.
John was a true hero. He never panicked, stayed in control and helped others. I am sure he was frustrated no one believed him but thankfully it was discovered he was truthful. I believed his story because no one could make that up, it's too good.
@@j.griffinit does if you're not used to it. Some people don't know how to release the pressure in their ears either. I only learned how to do that a few years ago, but I've been swimming most of my life. I didn't know you could release the pressure until a friend told me and showed me how.
same, i could never equalize my ear pressure under water, so i never took up scuba diving...of coarse it didnt help that i married an uninteresting woman.
Royal Navy: "There is no direct evidence that his story is not, in substance, correct." Video Narrator 4 seconds later: "Seen as a complete con-man by many including the military branch he dutifully served..." Seems like the whole video is clickbait
@@SIXITHSIf you can think of the different ways you could speak that first line, it entirely depends on knowing the writer. Much like the phrase, Sticky wicket.
@@SIXITHS What? What's the point of your comment? Both of those things can easily be true at the same time. In fact, I think the phrasing of the first line implies doubt.
I can't tell if the injured sailors that had to be left behind in the sub were drowned when they flooded the compartment or if they were trapped there in an adjacent compartment, unable to move their injured bodies or see in the pitch black, in the bricked submarine on the sea floor? I can’t find any words to express how much I desperately hope they weren’t condemned to the agony of awaiting slow suffocation, hypothermia, or starvation. Is there a worse fate imaginable? Edit: This channel is among the finest on UA-cam. The level of care and attention to detail are as evident and impactful as the high quality graphics, and the approach and language chosen in regards to the actual people affected are really admirable and they show another great deal of care and respect from this channel toward its subject matter.
With the situation being the one it was, they most likely died within a few hours if not sooner. For one thing, the compartments ahead of the engine compartment were already flooded which we know from him telling how the gasket around the hatch was already allowing water to enter the compartment. So they wouldn't have had long to live either way. And since they were wounded bad enough that they could not be treated right there and then, most likely they would have sucumbed to their injuries in short order or lost contiousness never to wake up again before they died from drowning or asphyxiation. They would have died either way because of these injuries because they would never have been able to go through the escape hatch and swim to the surface in the coordinated manner needed, and even if they had, prolonged exposure to water cooler than themselves would have them pass out from hypothermia and die anyway, compounded by their weakened condition from the injuries. So even if they were drowned quickly from John opening the valve and subsequently the escape hatch, most likely he made for a quicker and more mercyful demise for each one of them than would have been the case if he had not had the stamina and initiative to do what he did. That could sound horrible and uncaring, but consider this. You are in a sunken sub, 55 meters below the surface and no way to surface the sub. You are wounded to a degree that you are nothing but a living bundle of pain if awake, and no hope of treatment or at the very least pain treatment. You know that you are going to die regardless of what else could be done for you, and it will be a slow death that entales a growing combination of pain and difficulty to breath (which is extremely painful in itself after a certain and early point because every muscle and fiber is screaming for oxygen that is coming in increasingly insufficient quantity with increasing level of pain as a result, starting in the lungs and then gradually spreading to the rest of the body until you fall into coma). That is what these injured men would have experienced if they were left to die slowly from asphyxiation in a dry compartment. So if they actually drowned rather more quickly by sudden and forced drowning, their suffering would have been cut short by maybe even a couple of hours, which in those circumstances must in some way or other be a bit more mercyful than the alternative, if one can say so when their lives were cut short decades before a natural old age demise.
This is wild! I’m a big fan of your channel. I work on tugboats in the pacific northwest so I love the maritime mysteries. Anyways, my girlfriend and I are currently travelling in Greece and spent the last week on Kefalonia. While we were there, the other day, we were walking along one of the island’s many beautiful beaches and somehow got to talking about submarines. I explained that I find them terrifying because, as I don’t mind being on the water, I do not like to be underwater. She’s gonna trip when I show her this video 😂
it's a shame that the person who this story is mostly concern in vindicate is long gone... i wonder the what he had to put up with until his death just because no1 believed in him and not even had the decency to give him the benefict of the doubt .. in his case liar until proved otherwise, now has been proven but.. sad truth
I was blown away by this video! The quality, the editing, and the story are so well done. It’s rare to find content that’s this engaging. Thank you for your hard work and dedication!
John Capes basically told Death "Not today you bastard". He defeated Death that day. His survival is the extreme definition of not giving up. So many times he should have died and each time he made it out alive. It's just a sad outcome that the British Royal Navy refused to believe a single thing about his survival story and he died knowing he would never be believed during his life.
Another very good video, love the channel. One small correction; while Malta was the most bombed place on earth in WW2, it was never occupied by either German or Italian forces, resisting the axis forces until relief came in the form of the Santa Maria Convoy in August 1942. In fact the island was collectively awarded the George Cross by King George VI for bravery. The medal is on the Maltese flag to this day.
Can't help but wonder about the other crew who were injured and unable to escape. I assume they drowned when John decided to flood the submarine to save himself and 3 comrades. Hard decision.
GREAT video, and a story I'd never heard before... but...uh... pretty sure Malta was never invaded by the Axis. The British held it throughout the war I believe.
Fascinating story. John Capes, an exceptional man, despite being born into a family situation which would have permitted him to avoid such dangerous service, he volunteered all the same and served as a crewman, rather than an officer. Survived a sinking, escaped from his submarine, made it ashore, evaded the enemy for many months, only for his report to his superiors to be ridiculed as false. It must have almost driven him mad. What a hero. I will never forget his name, or his story, now. Thank you so much for your post.
yea I also found that quite a severe mistake 😅 ... had Malta been occupied, the North African campaign could have taken a completely different turn. Malta was so very crucial for disrupting Axis supply lines across the sea ... 🤦♂
beyond excited to see an upload today! Thank you for all the effort and time you put into your content for us. We greatly appreciate you and your channel!♥️
No not horrors. We avoided horrors by ousting Kamela. America has chosen to move on. We have been suffering for four years and this is a change we sorely need. You’ll wake up soon and see the truth.
This is an incredible story. The humanity of those Cephalonions that embraced and harbored him were brave. Glad John was ultimately vindicated even after his death.
@@mr.shadow8812 That narration is def AI lol. He must of used his other videos to train a voice AI, I cant believe you cant hear how robotic it sounds lmao
Great video; but only one problem. Story takes place at the year 1941. It is about 20 years after 1st WW. At 11:25 video suggests John smuggled into Smyrna (It is Izmir because city was already claimed by Turks again.). In WW2 Turkey was unbiased but still smuggle him with a fishing boat kind of problematic. Maybe with a cargo ship it could make more sense but I believe something different took place for that journey. Still great video lad. cheers!!
I have visited Cephalonia. It's a beautiful island. Greeks are known for their hospitable nature. During the war ,they helped many foreigners at their own risk ,indeed. My late grandmother told me quite a few stories. I am very proud to be Greek and back in my homeland again 🇬🇷. I spent over 25yrs in the States.
The sinking of the HMS Perseus and Capes' survival demonstrate the extraordinary lengths to which individuals will go to defy death. The story continues to captivate historians, divers, and anyone fascinated by stories of courage in the face of impossible circumstances.
There is a "Story suggestion form" in the description of each video, much more likely that the story you are talking about gets seen by the creator if you fill in there.
Excellent story. It's a shame to know that John Capes didn't get the recognition he deserved during his lifetime, but I'm glad he's getting that recognition posthumously.
Now that John Capes story was fully verified with indisputable evidence, I hope that the accolades and the suspicion laid against Mr. Capes will be recognized. John spoke only the truth as he detailed his horrifying battle against death was from here on out as his to miraculous survival. R.I.P. Class Stoker John Capes
Absolutely incredible story. I swear "they don't make them like that" anymore. Reminds me of my great uncle Ferdie's story who was captured upon landing in Southern Italy - and as Hitler's troops were being driven back, he was a POW in the March Across Europe. He was MIA for a year, lost 60 lbs, beard to his navel, covered in lice. When they reached Austria, he and some buddies decided they were done. They took their chance and played dead in a ditch. During the night, everyone passed them by - they were free! An Austrian farmer and his wife rescued them and harbored them until the end of the war when they were rescued by British troops and brought to Picadilly Circus and reunited with US troops and brought home. He was over 30 when he enlisted, and his wife, while waiting for news, being an older woman, would join the Chaplain and senior officers when they went to deliver death or MIA/POW notices to other women on base. They considered she could handle it, being older with her own husband missing. I can''t imagine the joy of knowing he survived and was coming home. That reunion! In our day & age, we have no idea what it means to be out of touch like that, writing only through the occasional letter and telegram. Bless his heart, he had a bum knee from the ordeal (thankfully that was all - and he was so good natured and funny and sweet,) but he would win "hot legs" contests for fun - everyone knew what those legs had been through. He lived to 92 and she to 94. :) Thanks for bringing them to mind. Rest in Peace Uncle Ferdie & Aunt Cris. Freedom has a dear, dear cost.
You have a mistake @10:26. You say that, "Cephalonia, like Malta was occupied by German and Italian forces." EXCEPT: Malta was NEVER taken or occupied by axis forces during tha war! She waa considered an "unsinkable aircraft carrier" for the allies during the war.
Bless all those townspeople for keeping him hidden all that time! I have a feeling that many similar stories of ordinary people risking their lives to hide those in danger during war will never be known by the world. There were many heroes back then that didn't wear a uniform, in addition to the many brave soldiers that served honorably. Thank you for telling this story!
You sound like having flu right now, hope you get better soon.. stay healthy my friend, so you can keep making such an interesting videos for us.. thank you for your hard work.
John Capes was a hero, poor guy living the rest of his days with the British government in doubt about his story. God Bless you John Capes, RIP John 🙏🏻
While this is truly an amazing story of survival, what's truly amazing is the amount of effort expended by the Royal Navy to shuffle one of their sailors all over the Mediterranean to answer a traffic accident involving donkey and a cart with a word war in full operation.
Talk about keeping your head in it! Chances of escape were so slim but John didn't panic. I've got a closed circuit rebreather cert so I understand the challenges he had. When he was going up and his lungs hurt, he needed to exhale! He was so close to bursting a lung! Incredible story!
Hey smart guy, you think that’s the solution. In the words of Winston Churchill, If you don’t have your own army you will soon have someone else’s. On a parting note as a veteran I find your words the words of a coward
I just love hearing about these amazing situations, just goes to show, never give up, or die trying to get out, you never know you might just make it!! One of the best stories on this channel yet!! (I am a WW2 Naval junkie though).
This man not only went back to an island in an active war zone for a court date, but the British navy helped to smuggle him there on a submarine. This needs to be made into a comedy starting Hugh Laurie as the put-upon submarine commander having to risk his life to get them to Malta for traffic court.
I remembered a story arc in One Piece where a character named Noland was regarded as a big liar for telling the populace that the Land of Gold is real. He was executed for it, iirc. It was indeed real, but it only got proven 4 centuries later. His descendants were filled with joy knowing full well that their ancestor was telling the truth all this time. I'm sure some of John's direct descendants felt that same kind of relief, too. His legacy will be remembered. Props to the divers who discovered the Perseus's remains. They proved John's story was real.
Er what do you mean like malta Cephalonia was occupied by German and Italian forces? Malta was never occupied for one second by German or Italian forces.
Poor guy survived a mine explosion, set a world record, evaded capture by the enemy AND managed to report back to his superiors only to spend his entire life with no one believing his story.
Typical of government
@@marlene8344typical also that he was only in this situation because of a traffic ticket; apparently Nazi occupation not a reason to miss traffic court
@@Simcitywokinswear thats the most wild part of this story😅
Grate Britain!
A modern day Cassandra. Did the Navy ever officially exonerate him?
There's a bronze plaque on a clif top over-looking the wreck site of HMS Perseus on the island of Kefoliona, telling this story. Its in English and Greek.
That is actually really nice.
As there should be. Much respect to the Greeks who hid and housed him before smuggling across what must have been treacherous seas
Just gave me AC Odyssey nostalgia with the island name.
That’s not sufficient. He should have the next submarine that’s commissioned bear his name.
The RN owes his legacy a debt that can probably never be repaid in full. He risked his life defending that nation and then lived the rest of it in a shroud of skepticism.
@markkravig7410 The plaque was put up by the people of Kefoliona. At the time it was erected, the British government still did not believe him, but the people did. More shame on our establishment!
I love forgetting about this channel for 3-4 months coming back and there’s 30 new videos to fall asleep too thank you
I havnt forgotten. But I thought I was weird for falling asleep to them also. Glad I’m not the only one!
@@parkervx1kso there are 3 weirdos in the world.
What a compliment... "I fall asleep to your videos" like, are they that boring?
@@informitas0117 no. The creators don't care. They get paid as long as the video continues to stream. A lot of these type of content creators specifically make these story type contents because they know a lot of viewers use it to fall asleep.
@@informitas0117do you live with anybody, like a roommate or do you have a family? Not trying to be creepy. But if you don't personally know what it's like to live alone for many years, you might not understand why so many people like putting these story videos on as background.
The WWII museum in New Orleans has a group interactive submarine experience inside a room fitted to imitate the interior of an allied sub. You are assigned a role and help your "crew" by operating your station during simulated combat; you either sink or survive based on performance. At the end, they have an interview with John on his amazing story survival. Never knew they had an escape aid like that! 💯 worth the extra admission. The whole museum is a must-see.
I’m going to NOLA this weekend. I’m going to try this and I’ll let you know how it is!
I'm making a note to go since I'm headed there in December! This is one of the museums that caught my eye so I'll keep an eye out for this experience specifically!
I know that museum, it's huge and incredible, they have various day to day objects there from Hiroshima. I didn't know about that experience though, I'm sorry i missed it.
Make sure you have a couple of hours to spend! The museum is huge and has multiple wings but it is 100% worth it!
Darn, I missed that. That museum is awesome. I went a couple of years ago, and I know they have extended it since then. Looks like I have a good reason to go back :-)
This is a good one. The thought of looking around after escaping through the hatch gives me chills. And the fact that the escape apparatus likely failed for the other survivors, and John was this lucky, is simply bone chilling.
Maybe their lungs burst from the expanding pressure. Or they may have been affected by the bends if they went up too fast. From the pain he was in that may have been the case with John too.
John also sounds to have been the calmest so he probably regulated his breathing better and may have ascended more slowly which is important in reducing both the likelyhood and extent of the bends. And perhaps he was blessed with a physiology that meant he wasn't as badly affected.
Being calm makes a massive difference in diving when it comes to how quickly you use your air supply and making good decisions.
@@speleokeir I also have to question if the pain may have been in part due to a flaw in the way the device was scrubbing air. Some of those older style re-breathers aren't safe to use more than once, and if not stored properly aren't even safe to use once. It may be that the other 3 had the rebreathers fail due to the filters being old or the scrubber having been exposed to open air.
John's pain... the way it was described... sounds like the air wasn't "clean" and was becoming more and more stale every breath.
It have also been because of the alchol he was drinking.
Imagine flooding the room. And not being able to open the escape hatch.
“Bone chilling” you have not lived nearly enough if you find that bone chilling, or gives you chills. You are so soft it’s crazy
I dived this in 2022. Such a privilege to view such a well preserved wreck (outside only; it’s a grave, after all) then look into the engine room through the very hatch through which John Capes escaped, before retracing his route to the surface. An awesome experience.
what became of the bodies still inside?
@Gino_567 I'm sure the creatures of the sea probably consumed them. If water could enter the interior of the sub, then so can tiny creatures. Since it is considered a grave site, no one will enter the sub to find out. I am curious as well about the remaining bodies.
I don't believe I could work in a sub when there is basicly no chance of survival. Which is too bad because the sea is a fascinating environment that I would love to see. 🇨🇦
@@Gino_567 at that depth they would probably be skeletal.
@@Gino_567 It was 80 years ago, there would be nothing recognisable left, not even a skeleton.
Thank you for being so respectful. I saw the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbour and I was amazed at the respectful attitude everyone had.
I’m a former Submarine Sailor. Refreshing to hear such a technically correct description of a buoyant underwater escape!!! Bravo.
USS Ohio , SSBN 726 here . Definitely a bone chilling description
Yesterday was Veterans Day here in the USA. Thanks for sharing this story... and thank you, John, for your service in the defense of freedom !
Senseless war started by mansion dwelling politicians
I've missed a court date for a ticket because of weather, this man smuggled himself into a war zone on a submarine for a court date while the island was under siege by 2 world powers. What a sense of civic duty he must have!
Only for his Navy superiors to be like "Hmm. He seems like a dishonest man"
How lazy are you?😂 go to court you muppet.
@@Danso_3000why should people believe crazy and brave stories? I don't know... maybe first example to pop up in head is "Catch me if you can - Frank Abagnale" who made up pretty much everything.
Yes, there are brave people like Desmond Doss, whose true stories had to be tuned down for movie to make more believable. But the point stands: insane stories have to be verified, especially ones without witnesses and physical evidence
The British gave this serviceman (a valuable trained sub crewman) leave during wartime and rides on a couple of submarines to deal with traffic court. They were in charge of Malta. Why didn't higher authorities just tell the judge to go lick a lizard until the war was over???
@@mikearmstrong8483
Hahaa 🤣
True though lol
My Grandad lied about his age to join the Royal Navy during the second world war. He was a part of the Arctic Convoys, which were brutal. He helped rescue survivors of a ship that had been destroyed by enemy fire. He never spoke about his time serving, it was far too painful for him. After the war he returned home and was a fireman for the rest of his life. ❤
The people of Cephalona are truely amazing to help a stranger.
Navy's. They never want to believe anything anyone says. Especially if theyre wrong.
It's a really nice island. If you get the chance to go and can ride a motorbike the best way of experiencing the island is on a motorbike. So much fun! The people really are friendly there, love being in Cephalonia. Just try not to get sick or injure yourself you don't want to experience the hospital ...
So true.
Having been to Greece many times and this island in particular, and it really is no surprise at what they did for this guy! The Greek people are generally easy going and friendly to anyone as long as that sentiment is reciprocated, but they also have short fuses for anyone who crosses them…….as the Germans, Italians and Bulgarians did when they occupied so much of Greece in WW2!
Royal Navy: There is no direct evidence that his story is not, in substance, correct.
Video Narrator 4 seconds later: Seen as a complete con-man by many including the military branch he dutifully served...
Our family is from the island. My great grandmother told us the story of a british man who was hidden by villagers after washing up on shore. This must be it.
My son served in the Silent Service in the mid 90s. These stories always hit me pretty hard. I had not heard this one before. Thanks for sharing
According to researchers, the belief the rebreather was necessary contributed to submariners dying, because they'd just stay in the sub until they died. "the Momsen Lung concept (American version of the British rebreather) may have killed far more submariners than it rescued." In shallow waters, the sub air is already compressed, so the oxygen will expand as you go up, so you have plenty of air. You can take a gulp of air and exhale as you ascend hundreds of feet. If you don't exhale, the expanding oxygen will burst your lungs.
Nuclear subs go too deep for this trick to work anymore though.
Some soviet subs had escape pods.
Escape pods sound like they'd have been useful back in these days
@@thalmoragent9344 The problem is that you have to rely too much on stuff in or around it not getting bent or damaged in what ever event you may need to use it in, as the escape pod would need to be flush with the sub in some way.
That is only if you forget your training on how to use Momsen Lung. We got trained on it's proper use and designed so you exhale to reduce pressures in your lung. It is more a case of people forgetting their training. Without it many people would forget to exhale and just hold their breath. So Expert saying not having it caused more people to not survive.
I know you said gulp meaning deep breath, but my dumbass can't help but thinking swallowing air to burp out later could give me a few extra breaths.
He should have been commended posthumously. Absolutely should received some kind of honour mention. Such an incredible survival story.
no military is ever going to admit grievous mistakes unless forced to
The people on that island were absolutely amazing. Imagine hiding someone for 18 months, knowing you're risking your family and your whole village.
It's something I like to think I'd do, too, but history has proven that, while many people would do the same, many others wouldn't take the risk. I'm so glad that John found the people who would and did.
Wow
The rum bottle above all else proves his story
Amazing
I wonder what happened to the recovered rum bottle??
@@alannewman85 The should have auctioned is off on ebay.
Seems absurd that they will trust a soldier enough to send him to die for his Country, but yet that same soldier has no credibility when it comes to his own survival.
This is one of the many reasons why people are not signing up anymore. It's called self-respect.
He may have been a "fall guy" as well. Presented with the choice of admitting that they used this mode of transportation, and that their information about the ship's location was wrong, or sacrificing the credibility of one soldier, the navy chose the latter. They just didn't want to admit they're wrong.
It sounded like he was a spy to me.
@@-jess--here-- I heard no evidence for that in the video. What makes you think so?
@@renerphoI cannot speak for why they’d say so, but alarm bells were going off in my head for a good chunk of time and I could understand the navy being suspicious of such an extraordinary story.
In the end, however, so much of the story is corroborated that his culpability is preposterous; it’s not like this guy caused them to hit a mine.
Oh because every soldier is honest? Some lack the self respect that you appear to believe is an integral part of volunteering.
5:10 very much appreciate the graphics you create so we understand visually what was happening
John’s escape technique of flooding the room and escaping through the hatch was used in the finale of the submarine movie The Wolf’s Cry. It makes for the best scene of the film.
Yep underwater you have to equalize the pressure at depth.
Good movie that.
It was the only possible way he could have escaped
When did the wolfs cry movie come out? Ive not seen that movie, but then again i havent seen das boot either. Lol
Wow this was like a movie. He deserves posthumous honors.
A nice movie could be made out of this
Dude's voice is still soothing even when he's got a cold...
Get well soon buddy
I like his voice I just wish he didn't record his videos with his mic next to his dripping faucet. I start getting annoyed after hearing the 400th sequence of... ploop ploop ploop ploop.... pleep pleep pleep pleep... ploop ploop ploop ploop... beep beep beep beep... 😵💫
in the myth of Perseus, he and his mother are sheltered and protected by people on the small island they wreck on. very serendipitous
I completely forgot that! That's amazing.
wow
This is why all sailors are very superstitious about ocean tragedies and myths and a lot still follow Greek mythos. Exactly this reason. A ships name can save your life.
@@MrWolfSnackNaval superstitions are among the coolest bits of old folklore that persist into the modern era.
serenwhat 💀
I’m familiar with this story but it never gets old & John deserves as many people to hear as possible - thanks for sharing it with your large audience!
Everyone talking about the election and I’m over here just excited that scary interesting dropped a new video
Bleeehhhhhhh
Lol me too 😆
Facts!
I'm just glad I can return to the status quo of FanDuel and Temu ads instead of political ads
Good for you, fanboy 👍
I never heard this story. Thank you for telling it. John died a hero who tried to save as many men as he could. I hope he rests in peace. Glad we all know the truth now.
What a great story. I have to wonder what flashlight he had that still functioned at the surface, that is a high quality flashlight that is rare to find even today. I hope the RN has given this good man some sort of formal recognition and award to clear his name/ honour his story.
John was a true hero. He never panicked, stayed in control and helped others. I am sure he was frustrated no one believed him but thankfully it was discovered he was truthful. I believed his story because no one could make that up, it's too good.
When I dive to the bottom of a swimming pool (10 feet) it feels like my eardrums are about to burst. I can't imagine the pressure at that depth.
Don’t ever take up scuba diving unless you get your ears and sinuses checked out first.
They shouldn’t trouble you that much.
@@j.griffinit does if you're not used to it. Some people don't know how to release the pressure in their ears either. I only learned how to do that a few years ago, but I've been swimming most of my life. I didn't know you could release the pressure until a friend told me and showed me how.
same. Down 4 meters was the most I could handle
same, i could never equalize my ear pressure under water, so i never took up scuba diving...of coarse it didnt help that i married an uninteresting woman.
@@j.griffinmine do too! Never made it to the deep end and my ears pop multiple times ascending in a plane
Great video, but... "Like Malta, Cephalonia was occupied by German and Italian forces"
Malta was never occupied during WW2, just besieged.
The scriptwriter admitted he confused terms in another comment reply.
Royal Navy: "There is no direct evidence that his story is not, in substance, correct."
Video Narrator 4 seconds later: "Seen as a complete con-man by many including the military branch he dutifully served..."
Seems like the whole video is clickbait
@@SIXITHSIf you can think of the different ways you could speak that first line, it entirely depends on knowing the writer.
Much like the phrase, Sticky wicket.
@@SIXITHS What? What's the point of your comment? Both of those things can easily be true at the same time. In fact, I think the phrasing of the first line implies doubt.
@habe1717 What is the point of that meaningless drivel you just vomited out?
Why did my comment hurt your feelings so badly? Pathetic.
I can't tell if the injured sailors that had to be left behind in the sub were drowned when they flooded the compartment or if they were trapped there in an adjacent compartment, unable to move their injured bodies or see in the pitch black, in the bricked submarine on the sea floor? I can’t find any words to express how much I desperately hope they weren’t condemned to the agony of awaiting slow suffocation, hypothermia, or starvation. Is there a worse fate imaginable?
Edit: This channel is among the finest on UA-cam. The level of care and attention to detail are as evident and impactful as the high quality graphics, and the approach and language chosen in regards to the actual people affected are really admirable and they show another great deal of care and respect from this channel toward its subject matter.
With the situation being the one it was, they most likely died within a few hours if not sooner. For one thing, the compartments ahead of the engine compartment were already flooded which we know from him telling how the gasket around the hatch was already allowing water to enter the compartment. So they wouldn't have had long to live either way. And since they were wounded bad enough that they could not be treated right there and then, most likely they would have sucumbed to their injuries in short order or lost contiousness never to wake up again before they died from drowning or asphyxiation.
They would have died either way because of these injuries because they would never have been able to go through the escape hatch and swim to the surface in the coordinated manner needed, and even if they had, prolonged exposure to water cooler than themselves would have them pass out from hypothermia and die anyway, compounded by their weakened condition from the injuries.
So even if they were drowned quickly from John opening the valve and subsequently the escape hatch, most likely he made for a quicker and more mercyful demise for each one of them than would have been the case if he had not had the stamina and initiative to do what he did.
That could sound horrible and uncaring, but consider this. You are in a sunken sub, 55 meters below the surface and no way to surface the sub. You are wounded to a degree that you are nothing but a living bundle of pain if awake, and no hope of treatment or at the very least pain treatment. You know that you are going to die regardless of what else could be done for you, and it will be a slow death that entales a growing combination of pain and difficulty to breath (which is extremely painful in itself after a certain and early point because every muscle and fiber is screaming for oxygen that is coming in increasingly insufficient quantity with increasing level of pain as a result, starting in the lungs and then gradually spreading to the rest of the body until you fall into coma). That is what these injured men would have experienced if they were left to die slowly from asphyxiation in a dry compartment.
So if they actually drowned rather more quickly by sudden and forced drowning, their suffering would have been cut short by maybe even a couple of hours, which in those circumstances must in some way or other be a bit more mercyful than the alternative, if one can say so when their lives were cut short decades before a natural old age demise.
This is wild! I’m a big fan of your channel. I work on tugboats in the pacific northwest so I love the maritime mysteries.
Anyways, my girlfriend and I are currently travelling in Greece and spent the last week on Kefalonia. While we were there, the other day, we were walking along one of the island’s many beautiful beaches and somehow got to talking about submarines. I explained that I find them terrifying because, as I don’t mind being on the water, I do not like to be underwater.
She’s gonna trip when I show her this video 😂
I woke up from a nap and see Scary Interesting has uploaded, a perfect combo for a chill November night
I remember when scary had only 8,000 followers what a pleasure it’s been to see him grow to over a million
Needed this. Thank you for the momentary distraction. Take care, keep safe.
Trump 2024😂
@@eazyal8165 😂
@@eazyal8165 May you receive all you voted for
Lol I feel ya
We will be OK.
@@eazyal8165 It is probably lost on you that in the comment section of a video on WW2 you bring up Hitler2.0
John, you magnificent bastard!
Hats off to John he was telling the truth the whole time and was a hero for trying to save the rest of the men in the sub.
it's a shame that the person who this story is mostly concern in vindicate is long gone... i wonder the what he had to put up with until his death just because no1 believed in him and not even had the decency to give him the benefict of the doubt .. in his case liar until proved otherwise, now has been proven but.. sad truth
At least his family know, which is something and can rightly be proud.
The military has a long memory. They will likely put a plaque somewhere about him, and I'm sure that will fix everything.
I was blown away by this video! The quality, the editing, and the story are so well done. It’s rare to find content that’s this engaging. Thank you for your hard work and dedication!
John Capes basically told Death "Not today you bastard". He defeated Death that day. His survival is the extreme definition of not giving up. So many times he should have died and each time he made it out alive. It's just a sad outcome that the British Royal Navy refused to believe a single thing about his survival story and he died knowing he would never be believed during his life.
Amazing story. Calmness and clear thinking saved him.
Imagine being called a liar after having been through THAT. Without anyone even checking the area out.
A story that I had never heard before but one I will never forget! Thank you!
The islanders who came together to look after him are incredible heroes. I can’t imagine the courage and community that took
Another very good video, love the channel. One small correction; while Malta was the most bombed place on earth in WW2, it was never occupied by either German or Italian forces, resisting the axis forces until relief came in the form of the Santa Maria Convoy in August 1942. In fact the island was collectively awarded the George Cross by King George VI for bravery. The medal is on the Maltese flag to this day.
Great video! Awesome that the world now knows
This is most incredible and enthralling event I’ve almost ever heard. Mind blowing. Fantastic video.
2:18 a story about the other 3 survivors of submarine sinking would be great!
Can't help but wonder about the other crew who were injured and unable to escape. I assume they drowned when John decided to flood the submarine to save himself and 3 comrades. Hard decision.
Certainly a hero and I’m sure his relatives are comforted by the supportive evidence. GOD BLESS HIM and may he rest in Peace !
GREAT video, and a story I'd never heard before... but...uh... pretty sure Malta was never invaded by the Axis. The British held it throughout the war I believe.
Malta resisted the Axis so resolutely that the entire island was awarded the George Cross for bravery. It's displayed on their flag to this day 🇲🇹
@@Stu161 damn🫡
John was well represented by you. And I thank you for your Production value.
RIP John, you weren’t lying 🍻
Fascinating story. John Capes, an exceptional man, despite being born into a family situation which would have permitted him to avoid such dangerous service, he volunteered all the same and served as a crewman, rather than an officer. Survived a sinking, escaped from his submarine, made it ashore, evaded the enemy for many months, only for his report to his superiors to be ridiculed as false. It must have almost driven him mad. What a hero. I will never forget his name, or his story, now. Thank you so much for your post.
Malta was NEVER occupied by either German or Italian forces, despite the commentator's saying so.
yea I also found that quite a severe mistake 😅 ... had Malta been occupied, the North African campaign could have taken a completely different turn. Malta was so very crucial for disrupting Axis supply lines across the sea ... 🤦♂
beyond excited to see an upload today! Thank you for all the effort and time you put into your content for us. We greatly appreciate you and your channel!♥️
Great story.
Not that it really matters, but Dulwich is pronounced: _Dull-itch._ A silent ‘W’ for the Silent Service.
How has this not been made into a movie! It's incredible
This is a very refreshing distraction from the horrors of this day. Thank you for creating such exquisite videos.
horrors 🤣🤣
Horrors?😊
😂😂🤡🤡
No not horrors. We avoided horrors by ousting Kamela. America has chosen to move on. We have been suffering for four years and this is a change we sorely need. You’ll wake up soon and see the truth.
MAGA, loser.
This is an incredible story. The humanity of those Cephalonions that embraced and harbored him were brave.
Glad John was ultimately vindicated even after his death.
Alright, enough politics for the next 4 years. I’m sparking up and watching some Scary Interesting
Yes! Time to tune out of politics forever
Same here.
Great idea….rolling as I type and trying to block it all out 🫶
Gods Medicine
True say
thanks for the hard work on the video
Dude its AI narrated and chat GPT script written, not that hard of work... haha
@@VashStarwindits only used for stock image replacement. The script and voices are real humans. You can read the description
@@mr.shadow8812 That narration is def AI lol. He must of used his other videos to train a voice AI, I cant believe you cant hear how robotic it sounds lmao
What an amazing story! So glad his was story was proven accurate even if it was posthumously.
What an incredible story. Your channel is simply the best thing on UA-cam!
Great video; but only one problem. Story takes place at the year 1941. It is about 20 years after 1st WW. At 11:25 video suggests John smuggled into Smyrna (It is Izmir because city was already claimed by Turks again.). In WW2 Turkey was unbiased but still smuggle him with a fishing boat kind of problematic. Maybe with a cargo ship it could make more sense but I believe something different took place for that journey. Still great video lad. cheers!!
Should’ve been given metals!! Instead he got disbelieved. We all believe you now John! Awesome story! 👏👏👏
8:09 reminds me of the scene where Lindsay drowns in the abyss
I have visited Cephalonia. It's a beautiful island. Greeks are known for their hospitable nature. During the war ,they helped many foreigners at their own risk ,indeed. My late grandmother told me quite a few stories. I am very proud to be Greek and back in my homeland again 🇬🇷. I spent over 25yrs in the States.
He started telling people it never happened after being ridiculed as a story teller. They should make his own Rum, I’d buy a bottle.
The sinking of the HMS Perseus and Capes' survival demonstrate the extraordinary lengths to which individuals will go to defy death. The story continues to captivate historians, divers, and anyone fascinated by stories of courage in the face of impossible circumstances.
just recently some swiss cave divers have perished in a local cave. wanna make a story on that? i'd be very interested
There is a "Story suggestion form" in the description of each video, much more likely that the story you are talking about gets seen by the creator if you fill in there.
@@freedomfighter22222 thanks man
Were you sick for this video? The audio is still amazing, but your voice sounds a little different.
It's more his story could be easily verified and corroborated as he was the only survivor
Yeah huh. This should put to rest the people swearing the narration is AI. They don't get colds. Thanks for pointing this out. 👍🏽
Excellent story. It's a shame to know that John Capes didn't get the recognition he deserved during his lifetime, but I'm glad he's getting that recognition posthumously.
Small correction: Malta wasn’t occupied
They need to award this man posthumously and correct the past ridicule the Navy gave him. RIP sailor 🫡
Now that John Capes story was fully verified with indisputable evidence, I hope that the accolades and the suspicion laid against Mr. Capes will be recognized. John spoke only the truth as he detailed his horrifying battle against death was from here on out as his to miraculous survival. R.I.P. Class Stoker John Capes
Visuals really make the story more live and understandable. Thank you for your continues work ethic
Great story, and fair play to the greeks for helping John remain a free man
Absolutely incredible story. I swear "they don't make them like that" anymore. Reminds me of my great uncle Ferdie's story who was captured upon landing in Southern Italy - and as Hitler's troops were being driven back, he was a POW in the March Across Europe. He was MIA for a year, lost 60 lbs, beard to his navel, covered in lice. When they reached Austria, he and some buddies decided they were done. They took their chance and played dead in a ditch. During the night, everyone passed them by - they were free! An Austrian farmer and his wife rescued them and harbored them until the end of the war when they were rescued by British troops and brought to Picadilly Circus and reunited with US troops and brought home. He was over 30 when he enlisted, and his wife, while waiting for news, being an older woman, would join the Chaplain and senior officers when they went to deliver death or MIA/POW notices to other women on base. They considered she could handle it, being older with her own husband missing. I can''t imagine the joy of knowing he survived and was coming home. That reunion! In our day & age, we have no idea what it means to be out of touch like that, writing only through the occasional letter and telegram. Bless his heart, he had a bum knee from the ordeal (thankfully that was all - and he was so good natured and funny and sweet,) but he would win "hot legs" contests for fun - everyone knew what those legs had been through. He lived to 92 and she to 94. :) Thanks for bringing them to mind. Rest in Peace Uncle Ferdie & Aunt Cris. Freedom has a dear, dear cost.
You have a mistake @10:26.
You say that, "Cephalonia, like Malta was occupied by German and Italian forces."
EXCEPT: Malta was NEVER taken or occupied by axis forces during tha war!
She waa considered an "unsinkable aircraft carrier" for the allies during the war.
Thought i knew every sub story at this point but this is a new one. Amazing story!
I'm feeling down and I'm out of other videos to watch so thank you so much for another upload!! 🖤🖤🖤
Have a great day :)
Bless all those townspeople for keeping him hidden all that time! I have a feeling that many similar stories of ordinary people risking their lives to hide those in danger during war will never be known by the world. There were many heroes back then that didn't wear a uniform, in addition to the many brave soldiers that served honorably. Thank you for telling this story!
You sound like having flu right now, hope you get better soon.. stay healthy my friend, so you can keep making such an interesting videos for us.. thank you for your hard work.
Love your channel. This story was incredible. Keep up the great work 😊 Thank you!!
Incredible...Brave Man 🎖
Where is he buried ?..
Does he have a grave ?
John Capes was a hero, poor guy living the rest of his days with the British government in doubt about his story. God Bless you John Capes, RIP John 🙏🏻
While this is truly an amazing story of survival, what's truly amazing is the amount of effort expended by the Royal Navy to shuffle one of their sailors all over the Mediterranean to answer a traffic accident involving donkey and a cart with a word war in full operation.
@@the-weirdistdon't be dense ... He meant world war
The tension. This story is fantastic!
So did he eat the damn donkey or not?!
The unanswered question...
The story of a hero...tarnished by the treatment he received from the military he so bravely served. RIP Soldier...Salute! 🌹⚓
4:54 I was confused by this, because I remembered the book (not the bottle), and was wondering until the very end how that book would come into play!
Incredible story! One of the best yet!
Great story!
You didn't even finish watching the whole video yet 😅
Talk about keeping your head in it! Chances of escape were so slim but John didn't panic. I've got a closed circuit rebreather cert so I understand the challenges he had. When he was going up and his lungs hurt, he needed to exhale! He was so close to bursting a lung! Incredible story!
Moral of the story... never join the military...
Military service requires courage, its true.
😂
Hey smart guy, you think that’s the solution. In the words of Winston Churchill, If you don’t have your own army you will soon have someone else’s. On a parting note as a veteran I find your words the words of a coward
At least don’t get in a sub!!
Navy stands for never again volunteer yourself, or at least that's what my RDC said when I got to bootcamp 🤣
I just love hearing about these amazing situations, just goes to show, never give up, or die trying to get out, you never know you might just make it!! One of the best stories on this channel yet!! (I am a WW2 Naval junkie though).
This man not only went back to an island in an active war zone for a court date, but the British navy helped to smuggle him there on a submarine.
This needs to be made into a comedy starting Hugh Laurie as the put-upon submarine commander having to risk his life to get them to Malta for traffic court.
It was a yellow submarine
I remembered a story arc in One Piece where a character named Noland was regarded as a big liar for telling the populace that the Land of Gold is real. He was executed for it, iirc. It was indeed real, but it only got proven 4 centuries later. His descendants were filled with joy knowing full well that their ancestor was telling the truth all this time.
I'm sure some of John's direct descendants felt that same kind of relief, too. His legacy will be remembered.
Props to the divers who discovered the Perseus's remains. They proved John's story was real.
Er what do you mean like malta Cephalonia was occupied by German and Italian forces? Malta was never occupied for one second by German or Italian forces.
Yeah, that part really bugs me
Malta was never occupied by the Germans. Try doing some research before commentating?!
@@lizlyon2902 did someone delete their comment?
His incredible bravery and fight for survival and the bravery by the Greeks that risked so much to hide him is breathtaking.
Best timing, love your uploads Scary Interesting