What an absolute hero, wonderful that his story is still alive today. He's a credit for the ages, like all our Tommies, to our country and the gallantry of its fighting men. God Bless him! 🇬🇧 🇬🇧 🇬🇧
Absolutely amazing. He was what you can call "a legendary hero". His story confirms what my dad told me. "All of us have a role to play in life, however we do not know the end nor the script. That is what we call Fate" In other words, Tom Jones was not "lucky", he simply was destined to survive and die of old age. What a hero! He deserved 2 Victoria Crosses! You are a born story-teller. Greetings from grey and humid Buenos Aires!
My grandfather was in his 30's when he joined up, a Scotsman in a Welsh regiment. He died long before I was born which has always been a regret of mine. I knew a few old soldiers when I was a boy and often wish I could have recorded some of those elder guys knowing what they had been through.
You are of the same opinion as I am. When I was a young boy I used to sit in my Grandfathers pub at lunch time with his friends as they played dominoes. I used to shuffle and deal said playing pieces. Those ordinary old men, just Grandads friends, but they in their younger days had been anything but ordinary. All WW1 veterans, none ever mentioning anything about that time. All long gone now and mostly with their stories consigned to an unknown history.
Oh definitely should be a movie, an historically accurate one would be great. I love that the statue included the dent. Surprised it didn't ring his bell. To all of the heroes , God bless.
What a man, what a character. Great to hear about Thomas Jones VC. There are so many WWI documentaries that leave you wondering if the British were even in the war. Thanks for posting.
HE TRULY WAS A FIGHTER! His marksmanship was an exact reflection of the marksmanship of the BEF of 1914. I am telling you, there is a lot from that era the British Army can learn from. What Jones accomplished that day was one of the greatest single feats of soldiership in military history and he was a VOLUNTEER just like the BEF of 1914! As for his marksmanship and that of the BEF at the beginning of the war, I wish that the British Army of today would be at that same standard. It was most useful back then and can be useful today. Jones more than deserved the medals he got! Well done, Chris and keep rolling them out!
Most could not shoot straight to save their lives. This first started in both the boer wars and just before the First World War. The thought of having to train men to shoot in mass was a headache for the War office. Then along came The News of the World who started to sponsor Rifle and Pistol clubs in City's Towns and Villages up and down the UK. They also gave prizes of solid silver teaspoons for the best-submitted target scores. My father who got his training in the Grenadier Guards used to win so many of these spoons ( You could recognise them by a target on the handle end) he would give away sets of six as wedding presents to friends and colleges. There most be loads out there .😢
My great grandfather charged in the Somme and was wounded . He was saved by the Germans and looked after in their hospitals . He went a long way to be saved and has me as part of his legacy . Love too those who risk their lives to save others
My great uncle William was shot in the face (ww1) he too was looked after by the Germans. After the war, he kept in touch with the German surgeon and had a German Shepherd which he called Fritz.
@@jameseadie7145 I am glad your great uncle survived. I am sick and tired of the never-ending propaganda about the "evil" Germans. Most soldiers, of all European nations, were decent, honourable men; which makes even more tragic the awful slaughter of 1914=1918. Regards from Argentina.
What a fantastic person he was and modest to boot....brave but mad as a hatter and improvising when needed. Should have been promoted. Thanks Chris for a great story.
My father worked for Metropolitan Vickers in the late 1940s. Many employees were recently returned WW2 vets who would often gently tease the old man with the tea trolley about his age and that “old war” . One more informed colleague told them they should cease and to visit a local Runcorn pub to see Tom’s medals kept behind the bar.
Here's another great story that leaves me with tears in my eyes of how proud I am of this truly brave man💪😢🇬🇧 To say enough's enough after seeing a boy die😵🤬 that's laying down your life for your brother's... God was with our Tommy that day🙏💯🇬🇧🆘 fancy our country never letting us remember such valour🤔🤫🗣️📢🎬🇬🇧💯 Lest we forget 🙏💪✌️🙏 thank you for the story of the great but humble worrier.....WE WILL REMEMBER 🙏✌️
A German veteran once commented that very few German soldiers exhibited the initiative and bravery of British or American soldiers in combat. He wondered why this was so and said it never occurred to him or his fellow soldiers to do what allied soldiers did. I can't verify for my self that German soldiers weren't as brave as allied soldiers but this veteran sounded serious. Could it be true? Sgt. York and Priv. Jones were certainly examples of incredible bravery and maybe later they thought they were also incredibly foolish, but by golly they certainly inspire respect!
No side can claim to have been braver than the other, both sides can say they have their own examples of bravery/foolishness. The main thing I believe it boils down to is individual initiative. German soldiers at the time had training in them to make them superb soldiers but also were made into men who did not question orders or do things on their own.
@@Kage342It’s funny but the Germans had exactly the same opinion about the British. They thought the British lacked initiative once their officers became casualties even comparing them unfavourably in this respect to the Russians.
A few very interesting points, the truth will be somewhere in the middle I expect. Soldiers with sound training and leader, showing initiative and willing to go the extra mile. Again Soldiers poorly trained in an atmosphere of do as I say not as I do, resulting in sub optimal initiative and zeal. All military’s suffer with this to some extent.
Regarding the Battle of the Somme, it would be an obvious follow up to this immense story, to tell the tales of all our VC heroes in that almighty clash of arms.
Battle of the Somme is huge. There is bound to be a regiment I forget to talk about which will cause some vets grief! But, seriously, it is a story that needs telling and I am up for it.
WOW what a story !!! He should be a house hold name , yes a film would be a fantastic Thank you (belated of course) and tribute to such a hero. Thank you for posting his amazing and heart warming story!!
I not only live in Runcorn but i served in the TA with the 3rd Battalion the 22nd Cheshire Regiment. Every solider in the Regiment learns the history of Thomas Jones VC. I was also there at the unveiling of the statue in 2014 and every year since, myself and other Members of Halton Branch of the Cheshire Regiment lay a wreath at the statue on Remembrance Sunday. I have also organised a service at his grave after it was cleaned by the VC association a couple of years ago. Our Branch will continue to pay our respects every year with the regimental prayer, the laying of a wreath and a toast of port, to this legend of a man Todger Jones VC.
Hi Chris, I was wondering if you would be able to do a video on Wilfrith Elstob V.C, a modern King Leonidas if you will. I’d love to hear you tell his story. Upon the Germans demanding he surrender he defiantly shouted “NEVER!” And was shot dead. He made an unforgettable last stand
A truly amazing, gallant and modest man. Apparently, such modestly is a common trait VC holders, who (sadly) are, I believe, encouraged to keep the real medal in a bank, or similar, and to buy a copy and wear that, as values are "off the clock"
I liked the nickname "Todger ", very appropriate for the daring Brit who charged into the German trenches. I enjoy the hilarity in your voice when you find something humorous, like using the tactic of getting their great coats to buy time for reinforcements to arrive. A hero and remind me never to make him angry, you would not like me when I am angry! 😊
Just found your channel and have subscribed, my favourite V.C is the Jackson one when the bloke went out on the aeroplane wing when it was on fire , first opening his parachute and telling his crew mates to hold the ropes of it so he could go put the fire out on the engine .
British history fans of my acquaintance are not very happy that Albert Jacka did so many unfathomably brave things. Bloody arrogant colonials! Great to hear about Thomas Jones VC. A hell of a feat.... and as you say, alongside the greatest feat of all.... survival. Seemingly not enough to gain promotion, let alone a commission. Thanks!
Marvellous presentation Mr Green, if only the studios would make military films about REAL people and events,rather than conjure up fictional nonsense....there's so much material to choose from.
@TheHistoryChap I did hear in the extras of some war movie (13 Hours I think) that they had had to tone done some of the actual heroics that were in the film, because the audience would find them too far fetched.
Totally agree with you about this being turned into a film, would be great to show the heroism endured of this fine brave soldier, Ps and yes, I, a fully grown adult still chuckled like a school boy hearing a swear word at his nickname 😂
I am so glad that this channel has finally given this story the respect and recognition that it deserves. I live a couple of streets away from where Thomas Jones or Todger as we still affectionately call him was born and died. I'm not going to name drop but one of the reasons why he was never promoted above the rank of private was because the Officer who ordered him to continue digging and told him that he ' Couldn't Have A Go " ( At The Germans ) actually put him in for a cout martial for disobeying an order. More specifically his platoon Sergeant who was apparently quite jealous of how popular Todger was among the men insisted that he was put on a charge which eventually lead to a summary court martial. But it was finally decided at a more senior level that there would be public outrage back in Britain if the story ever got out so thankfully the court martial was overturned and the VC was instead reluctantly awarded much to the dismay of his Commanding Officer and more specifically his Sergeant. Unfortunately however the fact that his court martial was overturned did not sit well with the powers that be which left a slight stain on the rest of his military career. I doubt that there will ever be a film made about a Thomas ( Todger ) Jones VC but i think that there is a book.
remember that when Sgt York captured his Germans, which i think was October 1918 ,Germans were surrendering in droves, most of them were hungry and tired of war, bravo Thomas
He definitely warrants a movie. Having a bit of knowledge on the battle of the Somme it seems incredible that he survived the entire war without a scratch. That he remained a private throughout the war despite his heroism is hard to fathom. Then one remembers that he defied a direct order from his commanding officer to charge the German trench. Pure speculation on my part, of course.
Well Chis what an astonishing story.What a character. York did have sssistance at Meuse Argonne and that was two years after Thomas Jones.Runcorn is not far from my home residence and I will certainly make a visit and pay my respects. Incredible story. Befitting both received their countries highest honour. Another jewel. Thanks Chris.
@@TheHistoryChap i was 22nd Cheshire Regiment, he is a very proud part of our regimental history. His life was one thing we first learned about , very interesting
My grandfather was in the US army in WW 1and carried German shrapnel in his belly until he died at 96 years of age. Three times a widower. They don''t make men from such tough stuff like that any more.
Jones's action is more amazing than York's because this happened in 1916 rather than in 1918 when many if not most German soldiers just wanted to surrender.
This is like a "Boys Own" story! I think the Germans' morale in that trench must have been very low The British and German trenches could have carried on firing on each other for who knows how long? But to see Tom Jones suddenly appear and start killing the men in the trench, looking so strong and certain of what he was doing, I think they just thought "it's over". And were probably glad it was over too. It's almost like he beat them psychologically. Backed up with superb fighting skills. Incredible courage and determination. What a man. Thank you History Chap for relating these stories of extraordinary heroism. So well told.
This story puts me in mind of the Green Howard Stan Hollis VC; when asked why? he replied "I was angry that so many young men that I'd trained and lived with, were being slaughtered".
thank you for covering Tom, i live in Runcorn and past his statue most days and also have book by Liz Howard (curiositybookshop) from Runcorn about him.
Alvin York has a very quick wit that reminds me of some of the sayings of the British soldiers you tell in your videos. For example during an attack a German officer was preparing to surrender so shouted out “English?” Meaning the language but York responded “No, American!” Later a American General said to York “Sergeant I heard you captured the whole German Army” and he simply responded “No Sir only a 100 of them”
Thank you for another excellent video. I must say that I hadn't heard of this man before, but what a remarkable individual! Thank you for bringing his story to us.
Such magnificent valor. I wonder if, in the inception of the SAS, their motto was founded. He proves that it is true on the battlefield, "Who Dares Wins".
As a Cheshireman my self, its this heroic story of an Englishman, a Cheshireman no less, that fills me with not only great English pride but also Cheshire pride as well... I don't know what it is about my native English Shire, but there seems to be little shortage of great heroic Englishmen that spring forth in England's time of need, to teach England's enemy's to Dance a Cheshire Round. Great video mate... Cheshire Lads are Chief of Men.
I think my Dad, a Brit, summed up heroes in the non-American war story, he said "I know I was there, I know what I did, that's good enough", no, no heroic deeds, he went did his bit and luckily came home.
An extraordinary gentleman. May he rest in peace 🙏 I wonder, did he ever hear of Sergeant York, and did Sergeant York ever hear of Thomas Jones VC ? Thank you very much for a very interesting video.
Good man. I live not too far from where Alvin York lived. He was from the Cumberland Plateau of Tennessee (Pall Mall, TN), and I live in the Smoky Mtn foothills. Something interesting in the York story was that he used turkey calls (he knew how to call turkey to hunt them, important skill in turkey hunting) to get the Germans' attention and distract them. I don't know if that is 100% true considering the noise of battle, but that is the story (turkey calling is a loud and very distinct sound so possible). Have a good one!
What a great story - thank you for that. BTW: There's no bayonet on the statue's rifle. The statue looks less imposing without it, and I'm sure the bayonet would have been useful in the trench...
Amazing! A genuine hero indeed! He displayed unimaginable valour and great control of his mind in the enemy trench. To me, he is someone who seems to be from King Arthur's undefeatable guards! Reincarnated! Rejuvenated! Only to save Britain from her foes and the disgrace caused by them. A lion of the lions that served England during WW1. Glory to the hero!
When I was 8years old my grandad took me across our village of Hazel Grove to see his friend Wilfred (Wilf) Wood VC. Google him . In WW1 in northern Italy he took 140 and then another 160 prisoners single handed by charging at machine gun nests with a Lewis gun. The commanders sent him home to train recruits, which is why he survived, I suppose. Grandad brought a small cake and orange squash and Wilf gave me his VC to hold and I read the citation while he told me about it. The medal was a dull brown metal with faults in the casting on the rear face ( unstable bronze alloy from an old cannon). I was confused because he had done what sergeant York did TWICE ( except sacrifice himself deliberately , we should not discount that), but no film or, by the nineteen sixties, much public recognition. I asked him why he did it, and he said that his mates were getting killed around him by the gunners so when the Lewis gunner fell next to him he picked it up and charged, firing. The gunners took hits and then panicked , so he finished them off and turned their gun on the Austrian trenches. He said he felt absolutely furious and lost any hope of safety, accepted he was good as dead anyway, just wanted revenge and to stop the killing. He asked what I wanted to be, so I said RAF pilot ( like Biggles). They went quiet for a moment, then Wilf said '' If they ask for volunteers , never step forward.'' Grandad said '' Have you got anything else you want to ask Wilf ?'' and I said '' No thank you'' . Wilf said ''He's more interested in't cake!'' And the two of them laughed 'till they cried. It was decades later that I looked up the story and understood. Now it is a treasured memory. He was not tall or muscular and was mild mannered and seemed very nice.
What an awesome story! I am glad you posted this story because I learned something new. I never knew that this happened. However, here in the United States, we did not cover WWI very well in our history classes.
@@TheHistoryChap You are correct on that. They cover WW2 more deeply than our founding, our attachment to Britain, or any other aspect of our history. World History is now non-existent in our high schools. Sad
A little story, There had been a parade at Chester Castle (Home of the Cheshires) during WWII. As the soldiers were lined up ready to dismiss, the senior NCO on parade marched up to an unassuming member of the Home Guard and asked for permission to dismiss. Of course that man was Thomas Jones VC. The VC gives seniority on parade.
It must have been exciting for these young men to enlist. My father said when he enlisted in 1939 he was given £5 and a uniform, more money that he had held up until enlistment.
Again I say, the British need to get back to telling stories like this in film.
I could star in it. I'm only a couple of inches taller but as for the 9 stone in weight...I don't think I was that low even when at university!
I’d love to see you play Thomas Jones! Don’t worry about your weight - filmmakers can do wonders with CGI now!
@@reactivearmour5126 LOL 😆😆😆
If someone today makes a film about Tom Jones, it will be played by a black actor and his best mate would be a homosexual.
British media class hates Britain tho
He would be played by Idris Elba
What an absolute hero, wonderful that his story is still alive today.
He's a credit for the ages, like all our Tommies, to our country and the gallantry of its fighting men.
God Bless him!
🇬🇧 🇬🇧 🇬🇧
Thanks for taking the time to comment. Apppreciated.
Absolutely amazing. He was what you can call "a legendary hero". His story confirms what my dad told me. "All of us have a role to play in life, however we do not know the end nor the script. That is what we call Fate" In other words, Tom Jones was not "lucky", he simply was destined to survive and die of old age. What a hero! He deserved 2 Victoria Crosses! You are a born story-teller. Greetings from grey and humid Buenos Aires!
Glad you enjoyed it. Reading a book about him, it seems he was every bit as hard in civilian life.
Sargent York is a great picture about a very humble man, and I’m grateful to hear about this similar British hero
Another viewer has told a story of yet another humble man who did a similar feat in WW1.
My grandfather was in his 30's when he joined up, a Scotsman in a Welsh regiment. He died long before I was born which has always been a regret of mine. I knew a few old soldiers when I was a boy and often wish I could have recorded some of those elder guys knowing what they had been through.
I agree. There were so many stories and we didn't ask (and they didn't share).
You are of the same opinion as I am. When I was a young boy I used to sit in my Grandfathers pub at lunch time with his friends as they played dominoes. I used to shuffle and deal said playing pieces. Those ordinary old men, just Grandads friends, but they in their younger days had been anything but ordinary. All WW1 veterans, none ever mentioning anything about that time. All long gone now and mostly with their stories consigned to an unknown history.
What an amazing man Thomas Jones VC was and thank you for highlighting this absolute hero, stay well.
Thanks for watching.
Oh definitely should be a movie, an historically accurate one would be great. I love that the statue included the dent. Surprised it didn't ring his bell. To all of the heroes , God bless.
Nice words.
What a man, what a character. Great to hear about Thomas Jones VC. There are so many WWI documentaries that leave you wondering if the British were even in the war. Thanks for posting.
My pleasure. Thanks for watching.
Great story.would have loved to have met him
HE TRULY WAS A FIGHTER! His marksmanship was an exact reflection of the marksmanship of the BEF of 1914. I am telling you, there is a lot from that era the British Army can learn from. What Jones accomplished that day was one of the greatest single feats of soldiership in military history and he was a VOLUNTEER just like the BEF of 1914! As for his marksmanship and that of the BEF at the beginning of the war, I wish that the British Army of today would be at that same standard. It was most useful back then and can be useful today. Jones more than deserved the medals he got! Well done, Chris and keep rolling them out!
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.
@@TheHistoryChap Your Welcome!
Most could not shoot straight to save their lives.
This first started in both the boer wars and just before the First World War.
The thought of having to train men to shoot in mass was a headache for the War office.
Then along came The News of the World who started to sponsor Rifle and Pistol clubs in City's Towns and Villages up and down the UK.
They also gave prizes of solid silver teaspoons for the best-submitted target scores.
My father who got his training in the Grenadier Guards used to win so many of these spoons ( You could recognise them by a target on the handle end) he would give away sets of six as wedding presents to friends and colleges.
There most be loads out there .😢
What an amazing man. Thank you for sharing his story.
My pleasure. Thanks for watching.
My great grandfather charged in the Somme and was wounded . He was saved by the Germans and looked after in their hospitals . He went a long way to be saved and has me as part of his legacy . Love too those who risk their lives to save others
Wonderful words. Very true.
Thanks for taking the time to share his story.
My great uncle William was shot in the face (ww1) he too was looked after by the Germans. After the war, he kept in touch with the German surgeon and had a German Shepherd which he called Fritz.
@@jameseadie7145 I am glad your great uncle survived. I am sick and tired of the never-ending propaganda about the "evil" Germans. Most soldiers, of all European nations, were decent, honourable men; which makes even more tragic the awful slaughter of 1914=1918. Regards from Argentina.
I had heard this story before but you tell it better. An amazing man, typical of those true heroes, modest to the end.
I read that he was a hard man who more than once used his fists to sort out a disagreement. Best to have on your side!
What a fantastic person he was and modest to boot....brave but mad as a hatter and improvising when needed. Should have been promoted. Thanks Chris for a great story.
I need to find out why he wasn't.
There's always a reason in the military. It would be interesting to know if possible. 👍
My father worked for Metropolitan Vickers in the late 1940s. Many employees were recently returned WW2 vets who would often gently tease the old man with the tea trolley about his age and that “old war” . One more informed colleague told them they should cease and to visit a local Runcorn pub to see Tom’s medals kept behind the bar.
Thank for watching my video & sharing your interesting story.
Here's another great story that leaves me with tears in my eyes of how proud I am of this truly brave man💪😢🇬🇧
To say enough's enough after seeing a boy die😵🤬 that's laying down your life for your brother's...
God was with our Tommy that day🙏💯🇬🇧🆘 fancy our country never letting us remember such valour🤔🤫🗣️📢🎬🇬🇧💯
Lest we forget 🙏💪✌️🙏 thank you for the story of the great but humble worrier.....WE WILL REMEMBER 🙏✌️
Thanks for taking the time to write that passionate comment.
Hero! 🇬🇧 thanks for putting that great story out there....
My pleasure
A very special generation.. Thank you for your service.
My pleasure. Thanks for watching.
What an incredible guy. Thank you for telling us his story.
My pleasure thanks for watching
A German veteran once commented that very few German soldiers exhibited the initiative and bravery of British or American soldiers in combat. He wondered why this was so and said it never occurred to him or his fellow soldiers to do what allied soldiers did. I can't verify for my self that German soldiers weren't as brave as allied soldiers but this veteran sounded serious. Could it be true? Sgt. York and Priv. Jones were certainly examples of incredible bravery and maybe later they thought they were also incredibly foolish, but by golly they certainly inspire respect!
No side can claim to have been braver than the other, both sides can say they have their own examples of bravery/foolishness.
The main thing I believe it boils down to is individual initiative. German soldiers at the time had training in them to make them superb soldiers but also were made into men who did not question orders or do things on their own.
Thanks for taking the time to comment. Respect indeed!
@@Kage342It’s funny but the Germans had exactly the same opinion about the British. They thought the British lacked initiative once their officers became casualties even comparing them unfavourably in this respect to the Russians.
A few very interesting points, the truth will be somewhere in the middle I expect. Soldiers with sound training and leader, showing initiative and willing to go the extra mile. Again Soldiers poorly trained in an atmosphere of do as I say not as I do, resulting in sub optimal initiative and zeal. All military’s suffer with this to some extent.
Regarding the Battle of the Somme, it would be an obvious follow up to this immense story, to tell the tales of all our VC heroes in that almighty clash of arms.
Battle of the Somme is huge. There is bound to be a regiment I forget to talk about which will cause some vets grief! But, seriously, it is a story that needs telling and I am up for it.
An incredible story. Thanks!
My pleasure
WOW what a story !!! He should be a house hold name , yes a film would be a fantastic Thank you (belated of course) and tribute to such a hero. Thank you for posting his amazing and heart warming story!!
My pleasure. Glad you enjoyed it.
He is a household name. Everyone has heard of Tom Jones. Why why why Delilah.........
Definitely someone who needs to be remembered.
He certainly is remembered in Runcorn
I not only live in Runcorn but i served in the TA with the 3rd Battalion the 22nd Cheshire Regiment. Every solider in the Regiment learns the history of Thomas Jones VC. I was also there at the unveiling of the statue in 2014 and every year since, myself and other Members of Halton Branch of the Cheshire Regiment lay a wreath at the statue on Remembrance Sunday. I have also organised a service at his grave after it was cleaned by the VC association a couple of years ago. Our Branch will continue to pay our respects every year with the regimental prayer, the laying of a wreath and a toast of port, to this legend of a man Todger Jones VC.
Thanks for your interesting feedback, & for watching my video.
Great Story and well told!
Many thanks.
Hi Chris,
I was wondering if you would be able to do a video on Wilfrith Elstob V.C, a modern King Leonidas if you will. I’d love to hear you tell his story. Upon the Germans demanding he surrender he defiantly shouted “NEVER!” And was shot dead. He made an unforgettable last stand
Thanks for the suggestion. I will add to my (ever-growing) list.
A brilliant story, beautifully presented
Thank you for watching and for taking the time to comment.
A heartwarming tale. Never underestimate the grit of the British Tommy!!
Great comment.
A truly amazing, gallant and modest man. Apparently, such modestly is a common trait VC holders, who (sadly) are, I believe, encouraged to keep the real medal in a bank, or similar, and to buy a copy and wear that, as values are "off the clock"
I wasn't aware of that. Thanks for sharing.
I liked the nickname "Todger ", very appropriate for the daring Brit who charged into the German trenches. I enjoy the hilarity in your voice when you find something humorous, like using the tactic of getting their great coats to buy time for reinforcements to arrive. A hero and remind me never to make him angry, you would not like me when I am angry! 😊
Couldn't use the nickname too often in case powers that be at YT thought I was being offensive!
@@TheHistoryChap I heard that bro, leave it up to the Geniuses at UA-cam censorship! LOL 😆 🤣 😂 😹
Just found your channel and have subscribed, my favourite V.C is the Jackson one when the bloke went out on the aeroplane wing when it was on fire , first opening his parachute and telling his crew mates to hold the ropes of it so he could go put the fire out on the engine .
Thanks for your support. Hope you enjoy more of my stories.
Brilliant story Chris
I love this story, a walking tornado. Thank you for this Chris.
My pleasure. Thanks for all your support.
@@TheHistoryChap more than welcome
amazing tale thank you again
Glad you enjoy it!
Thank you so much Chris
You are very welcome
British history fans of my acquaintance are not very happy that Albert Jacka did so many unfathomably brave things. Bloody arrogant colonials!
Great to hear about Thomas Jones VC. A hell of a feat.... and as you say, alongside the greatest feat of all.... survival. Seemingly not enough to gain promotion, let alone a commission.
Thanks!
Thanks for watching. Albert Jacka is for a future video. Please subscribe so you don't miss it.
Wow. That was just an amazing act of British Badassery! VC is in my opinion, well deserved. Respect...
Glad you enjoyed it.
Marvellous presentation Mr Green, if only the studios would make military films about REAL people and events,rather than conjure up fictional nonsense....there's so much material to choose from.
Yes, so much to choose from. Maybe people couldn't believe real people do such feats of bravery. Who knows?
@TheHistoryChap I did hear in the extras of some war movie (13 Hours I think) that they had had to tone done some of the actual heroics that were in the film, because the audience would find them too far fetched.
Totally agree with you about this being turned into a film, would be great to show the heroism endured of this fine brave soldier,
Ps and yes, I, a fully grown adult still chuckled like a school boy hearing a swear word at his nickname 😂
It is such a British nickname!
I am so glad that this channel has finally given this story the respect and recognition that it deserves.
I live a couple of streets away from where Thomas Jones or Todger as we still affectionately call him was born and died.
I'm not going to name drop but one of the reasons why he was never promoted above the rank of private was because the Officer who ordered him to continue digging and told him that he ' Couldn't Have A Go " ( At The Germans ) actually put him in for a cout martial for disobeying an order.
More specifically his platoon Sergeant who was apparently quite jealous of how popular Todger was among the men insisted that he was put on a charge which eventually lead to a summary court martial.
But it was finally decided at a more senior level that there would be public outrage back in Britain if the story ever got out so thankfully the court martial was overturned and the VC was instead reluctantly awarded much to the dismay of his Commanding Officer and more specifically his Sergeant.
Unfortunately however the fact that his court martial was overturned did not sit well with the powers that be which left a slight stain on the rest of his military career.
I doubt that there will ever be a film made about a Thomas ( Todger ) Jones VC but i think that there is a book.
Thanks for watching my video & for your interesting feedback.
What a great man would love to see that film 🎥
That would be a great film wouldn't it?
remember that when Sgt York captured his Germans, which i think was October 1918 ,Germans were surrendering in droves, most of them were hungry and tired of war, bravo Thomas
Interesting perspective. Thanks for taking the time to share.
Wonderful history.. never gets old.👍
Thank you for taking the time to comment.
Utterly brilliant, definitely one for Guy Ritchie to make. ❤ Thanks Chris ❤
Glad you enjoyed it.
Brilliant 👍
Thank you.
It's a fantastic story about a british hearo! Thank You as always!!!!
My pleasure.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful story. It needs to be more widely known.
Thanks for watching.
He definitely warrants a movie. Having a bit of knowledge on the battle of the Somme it seems incredible that he survived the entire war without a scratch. That he remained a private throughout the war despite his heroism is hard to fathom. Then one remembers that he defied a direct order from his commanding officer to charge the German trench. Pure speculation on my part, of course.
Yes.That alone is the reason.
In his early days, he was as hard as nails by all local accounts
Fantastic video! Another great story
Thanks for watching
Sgt York is on here...UA-cam
Brilliant video..thank you.
Thanks for sharing and for taking the time to watch my video.
Well Chis what an astonishing story.What a character. York did have sssistance at Meuse Argonne and that was two years after Thomas Jones.Runcorn is not far from my home residence and I will certainly make a visit and pay my respects. Incredible story. Befitting both received their countries highest honour. Another jewel. Thanks Chris.
His Vc and the dented helmet are in the regimental museum at Chester Castle.
@@TheHistoryChap Thank you very much Chris as I was about to Google it. Take care.
You have to remember we Yanks were a bit late to the party.
@@JamesThomas-gg6il Ha ha, brilliant. Our American cousins are welcome to any party..
@@billmccarthy9689 it may end up with you coming to help us soon.
Todger Jone is a hero within the Cheshire regiment. Ever Glourious
Hard as nails if you read other accounts of his life.
@@TheHistoryChap i was 22nd Cheshire Regiment, he is a very proud part of our regimental history. His life was one thing we first learned about , very interesting
Incredible man
He certainly was. If you haven’t already, please do subscribe to my channel, so you don’t miss future videos.
My grandfather was in the US army in WW 1and carried German shrapnel in his belly until he died at 96 years of age. Three times a widower. They don''t make men from such tough stuff like that any more.
Thanks so much for sharing. Incredible man.
Thank you so much for this video I knew who Alvin York was, but I had never heard about this brave soldier.
I hope you enjoyed the story. Thanks for watching my video.
Jones's action is more amazing than York's because this happened in
1916 rather than in 1918 when many if not most German soldiers
just wanted to surrender.
That's an interesting take on the two situations. Thanks for taking the time to share.
This is like a "Boys Own" story! I think the Germans' morale in that trench must have been very low The British and German trenches could have carried on firing on each other for who knows how long? But to see Tom Jones suddenly appear and start killing the men in the trench, looking so strong and certain of what he was doing, I think they just thought "it's over". And were probably glad it was over too. It's almost like he beat them psychologically. Backed up with superb fighting skills. Incredible courage and determination. What a man. Thank you History Chap for relating these stories of extraordinary heroism. So well told.
Thanks for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed it.
This story puts me in mind of the Green Howard Stan Hollis VC; when asked why? he replied "I was angry that so many young men that I'd trained and lived with, were being slaughtered".
thank you for covering Tom, i live in Runcorn and past his statue most days and also have book by Liz Howard (curiositybookshop) from Runcorn about him.
Thanks for commenting. I wasn't aware of that book but have read the one by Neil Thornton.
Remarkable!
Thanks for watching. Two remarkable men from 2 great countries.
Chris another brilliant story! Worthy of a film!
Thanks for your support.
Alvin York has a very quick wit that reminds me of some of the sayings of the British soldiers you tell in your videos.
For example during an attack a German officer was preparing to surrender so shouted out “English?” Meaning the language but York responded “No, American!”
Later a American General said to York “Sergeant I heard you captured the whole German Army” and he simply responded “No Sir only a 100 of them”
Brilliant lines from Sgt. York. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for another excellent video. I must say that I hadn't heard of this man before, but what a remarkable individual! Thank you for bringing his story to us.
My pleasure.
hello and thank you Chris .... your a gem
Thanks for your support.
It's always good to hear about people or events that have been forgotten or overlooked by other events or time.
Glad you enjoyed it.
Wonderful story.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks again Chris, what an amazing story.
Glad you enjoyed it
Great video, if you wrote it as fiction I'd have called it unbelievable. Have you looked at the last surviving WW2 VC, John Cruickshank?
Thanks for the suggestion. I will add him to my list.
And just over a century later, we have 'pride month'! Private Jones, a true hero. RIP sir.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
The stuff of legends - masterfully told - well done.
Thank you.
What a great tale👍I'm glad there's a statue of him. Working class bloke and not a big General. 👍🤔. Thanks for telling us about him
My pleasure. Thanks for watching.
Fantastic episode Mr Green.Thoroughly enjoyed this one. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for watching.
Such magnificent valor. I wonder if, in the inception of the SAS, their motto was founded. He proves that it is true on the battlefield, "Who Dares Wins".
Not sure Leslie, but it is a nice thought.
As a Cheshireman my self, its this heroic story of an Englishman, a Cheshireman no less, that fills me with not only great English pride but also Cheshire pride as well... I don't know what it is about my native English Shire, but there seems to be little shortage of great heroic Englishmen that spring forth in England's time of need, to teach England's enemy's to Dance a Cheshire Round.
Great video mate... Cheshire Lads are Chief of Men.
I think my Dad, a Brit, summed up heroes in the non-American war story, he said "I know I was there, I know what I did, that's good enough", no, no heroic deeds, he went did his bit and luckily came home.
Great comment from your dad.
An extraordinary gentleman. May he rest in peace 🙏 I wonder, did he ever hear of Sergeant York, and did Sergeant York ever hear of Thomas Jones VC ? Thank you very much for a very interesting video.
I wonder? Interesting thought.
From my home town, he won the DCM and VC we have a lovely statue of him by the memorial
All in the video.
@@TheHistoryChap yes I know I wrote it before I watched the video
Very Interesting, never heard of Thomas Jones, should have made a movie.
Should have.
Fantastic! What a hero!!
Thanks for watching.
I love reading, but the telling of a story allows your imagination more freedom. From an avid reader but dyslexic. Thanks mate.
My pleasure.
Well told.
Thanks.
"Who dares wins" comes to mind.
Thanks for sharing.
Amazing story!
Thanks for watching
Excellent content
Thank you.
Good man. I live not too far from where Alvin York lived. He was from the Cumberland Plateau of Tennessee (Pall Mall, TN), and I live in the Smoky Mtn foothills. Something interesting in the York story was that he used turkey calls (he knew how to call turkey to hunt them, important skill in turkey hunting) to get the Germans' attention and distract them. I don't know if that is 100% true considering the noise of battle, but that is the story (turkey calling is a loud and very distinct sound so possible). Have a good one!
Great story. Thanks for sharing.
What a great story - thank you for that. BTW: There's no bayonet on the statue's rifle. The statue looks less imposing without it, and I'm sure the bayonet would have been useful in the trench...
I'm sure it would have been.
I live in Runcorn. Todgers' story is still well known here. Thanks for making him known further afield.
My pleasure. Thanks for watching.
here here!
Thanks for watching.
Amazing! A genuine hero indeed! He displayed unimaginable valour and great control of his mind in the enemy trench.
To me, he is someone who seems to be from King Arthur's undefeatable guards! Reincarnated! Rejuvenated! Only to save Britain from her foes and the disgrace caused by them.
A lion of the lions that served England during WW1.
Glory to the hero!
Thanks for taking the time to share your passionate comment.
When I was 8years old my grandad took me across our village of Hazel Grove to see his friend Wilfred (Wilf) Wood VC. Google him . In WW1 in northern Italy he took 140 and then another 160 prisoners single handed by charging at machine gun nests with a Lewis gun. The commanders sent him home to train recruits, which is why he survived, I suppose.
Grandad brought a small cake and orange squash and Wilf gave me his VC to hold and I read the citation while he told me about it. The medal was a dull brown metal with faults in the casting on the rear face ( unstable bronze alloy from an old cannon).
I was confused because he had done what sergeant York did TWICE ( except sacrifice himself deliberately , we should not discount that), but no film or, by the nineteen sixties, much public recognition.
I asked him why he did it, and he said that his mates were getting killed around him by the gunners so when the Lewis gunner fell next to him he picked it up and charged, firing. The gunners took hits and then panicked , so he finished them off and turned their gun on the Austrian trenches. He said he felt absolutely furious and lost any hope of safety, accepted he was good as dead anyway, just wanted revenge and to stop the killing.
He asked what I wanted to be, so I said RAF pilot ( like Biggles). They went quiet for a moment, then Wilf said '' If they ask for volunteers , never step forward.''
Grandad said '' Have you got anything else you want to ask Wilf ?'' and I said '' No thank you'' . Wilf said ''He's more interested in't cake!'' And the two of them laughed 'till they cried.
It was decades later that I looked up the story and understood. Now it is a treasured memory. He was not tall or muscular and was mild mannered and seemed very nice.
What a brilliant story and memory.
Thanks so much for sharing.
What an awesome story! I am glad you posted this story because I learned something new. I never knew that this happened. However, here in the United States, we did not cover WWI very well in our history classes.
I can well imagine WW2 is the big one in the States. In fairness, it tends to be in British schools too.
@@TheHistoryChap You are correct on that. They cover WW2 more deeply than our founding, our attachment to Britain, or any other aspect of our history. World History is now non-existent in our high schools. Sad
I never knew. Amazing.
I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.
A little story, There had been a parade at Chester Castle (Home of the Cheshires) during WWII. As the soldiers were lined up ready to dismiss, the senior NCO on parade marched up to an unassuming member of the Home Guard and asked for permission to dismiss. Of course that man was Thomas Jones VC. The VC gives seniority on parade.
Great story. Thanks for sharing.
A true hero - his story should be better known
I'm trying my best! :)
Left you a Thank You on the original "Rambo" scripted video - which was pulled! So here's another because I enjoyed this story so much
Very kind of you. Thanks.
Nice one, Mr. Green. How about some stories about the fabled Gurkhas of the British Army in both world wars?
Not the first person to request that. Let me see what I can do.
Most assuredly not "Britain's answer" to Alvin York, but rather the other way round. "Todger" Jones won his VC before America had entered the war.
Hee hee, I applaud your patriotism.
This is a remarkable story. Thank and for retelling his story.
Thanks for watching and for commenting too.
Amazing soldier.
he was indeed. Thanks for watching.
It must have been exciting for these young men to enlist. My father said when he enlisted in 1939 he was given £5 and a uniform, more money that he had held up until enlistment.
Even more exciting in 1914.
@@TheHistoryChap Yes fever pitch of being a good citizen, being one of the pals and home by Christmas.