The Ypres Salient: Hell on Earth - Episode 1 (The Town)

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  • Опубліковано 30 лис 2022
  • From 1914-1918 there may not have been a deadlier, more horrifying place to be than the small town of Ypres, Belgium. Millions were killed and wounded in the fields surrounding this medieval town with a storied history. Join me as we explore the town and its history, and talk about what made this place hell on earth in the Great War.
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    #History #WW1

КОМЕНТАРІ • 207

  • @user-gn7xr1eu1b
    @user-gn7xr1eu1b Рік тому +123

    Wow, the quality of this video blew me away. As a Belgian and a history nerd, I really appreciate this video! Thank you so much for highlighting this important piece of history!! Well done Chris!

    • @jefft2546
      @jefft2546 Рік тому +5

      Your country seems so beautiful, can't wait to visit and see history nerd stuff as well as the scenery

  • @TheMixCurator
    @TheMixCurator Рік тому +45

    My Grandfather fought in the Battle of Passchendaele (The Third Battle of Ypres) as an 18 year old. He suffered some shrapnel/bullet wounds and was sent home to Edinburgh. I never had the chance to meet him (him being born in 1898 and me 80 years afterwards) due to him and my father being mid-forties when they had children. I remember being fascinated as a child by his bayonet that he gave to my father (not realising that he might of had to use to for his survival and my existence).

    • @davidsarembock1386
      @davidsarembock1386 Рік тому +5

      my Great grand dad, joined in 1914, way too young and then in 1916 lost his arm at Ypres, and he was in the scots Black Watch

  • @Ronaldl2350
    @Ronaldl2350 Рік тому +27

    Inside the church and seeing all the memorials. Really hits the emotions and brings the reminder of the terrible cost of war.

  • @justarandombird
    @justarandombird Рік тому +27

    As a Belgian and someone who also lives in Ypres i couldn't thank VTH enough for this vid. Not only does his vid feel genuine, it kinda shows how this city suffered in the past, and yet managed to rebuild and move on while not forgetting its history. I really enjoyed it and i'm looking to the upcoming parts. :)

    • @bettygrimes5614
      @bettygrimes5614 3 місяці тому +2

      I'm living in the UK but my family are from Geel . We had family in Ypres but sadly lost them during the war. I have been to Ypres several times and stayed for the last post, and amazing spectacle and well worth a visit. Belgium might only be small but it has some wonderful sights and history and the food is out of this world.

  • @jayski87
    @jayski87 Рік тому +24

    Beautifully respectful and highly educational. I visited Ypres in 2008 whilst in basic training. The battlefield tour is something I’ll never forget. 🇬🇧
    ‘Lest we forget.’

  • @dude157
    @dude157 Рік тому +11

    As much as I enjoy the reaction videos, your videos on location for me are your best work. Thank you for making these.

  • @robynsjp
    @robynsjp 9 місяців тому +2

    Born 25 miles from Ypres. The most sacred place in my country and in my heart. Go there and touch the names on the wall of Menin Gate with your hand ...

  • @CosplayingHistoryNerd
    @CosplayingHistoryNerd Рік тому +17

    Great video Chris, for the past 10 years I’ve been on/off researching my great grandfather who was in the 4th Australian Division and I’m lead to believe that he was at the 3rd Battle of Ypres which could’ve potentially been where he lost his eye

    • @VloggingThroughHistory
      @VloggingThroughHistory  Рік тому +10

      I’ll be talking about that division some in the videos on Polygon Wood and Tyne Cot.

    • @XaviRonaldo0
      @XaviRonaldo0 Рік тому

      I really need to get back into my ancestry. I to this date have only found 1 relative to have died in the great war. He was the brother of my great grandmother. The saddest part is he was rejected early in the war because he had a lazy eye. All 3 of his brothers went to Gallipoli and survived the whole war while he enlisted late in 1915 after they relaxed the requirements and died in France in 1916. Coincidentally they were descendants of the only convict ancestor I've found so far.

  • @aronjohansson5294
    @aronjohansson5294 Рік тому +6

    Thank you for bringing all these stories in to the light, ww1 is such an overlooked war.

  • @jackmedlock5888
    @jackmedlock5888 Рік тому +1

    It’s crazy to think I’ll be 23 this year. And I’m safe and sound because of the bravery of these soldiers. Well safe for now. I’m in the Air Force ROTC and want to be a pilot when I graduate.

  • @gouldthorp
    @gouldthorp 8 місяців тому +1

    My grandfather fought there and was wounded at Passchendaele. He told me about the 1914 Christmas truce but never spoke of the colleagues whom he lost in battle. However, in the late 1960's he returned to Ypres with grandma to say a final farewell to his "old friends" not long before he passed and joined them.

  • @nobodysman143
    @nobodysman143 Рік тому +3

    I was there about three years ago, and was incredibly moved by the whole experience at Menin Gate and the rest of the sites in and around the city and the Flanders region as a whole. I was fortunate enough to have witnessed the famous Last Call ceremony at Menin Gate and was very nearly driven to tears...something I have no shame in admitting.

  • @dylan4ie
    @dylan4ie Рік тому +2

    John Hewitt Sutton Moxly, born 27th December, 1891, was the elder son of the Reverend JHS Moxly, of 8, Stopford Road, St Helier, Jersey. Entering in 1906, he gained the King’s Gold Medal for Classics in 1909, the King’s History Prize in 1910, and in the latter year went up to Oxford with a Channel Islands Scholarship at Pembroke College. He graduated in 1914 with a Second in Classical Moderations and Litterae Humaniores.
    On the outbreak of war, he offered his services and was given a commission in the 4th Battalion, The Bedfordshire Regiment. For a time, he was training at Dovercourt, but he was impatient to get to the front and his desire was realised on New Year’s Day, 1915. He saw fighting immediately and was in many tight corners. Early in March, 1915 he was shot through the heart while lifting a wire entanglement over the parapet thirty yards from the German lines.
    His Commanding Officer wrote: “It was the death of a brave and devoted gentleman. I have only known him for a little over a month, but a month under these conditions is equal to a lifetime. He has always been the same, resourceful, alert, loved by officers and men. As good an officer as one could ever wish to meet. I was sitting with him in a shelter when news came of the next company losing their captain and having their parapet blown to pieces. I went up myself, and had to send for your son to superintend the work when I left. We buried him to-day on the ramparts of Ypres.”

  • @marklittle8805
    @marklittle8805 Рік тому +4

    I first learned of Ypres was in High School. As a Canadian kid in the 70's and early 80's, we didn't get exposed to learning about WW1 until history in HS. And the first battle I learned about was the 1915 gas attacks at Ypres on the Canadian Corps, who held the line through the Chlorine attacks. I have gone down the rabbit hole and done much reading of WW1 and my country's coming of age in fighting in the Great War

    • @ToddSauve
      @ToddSauve Рік тому +1

      I'm a Canadian, too, and I hate the idea of a country coming of age by fighting in a world war. It just seems like a stupid cliché some mucky-muck dreamed up in his ivory tower. My great uncle is buried right next to Ypres.

    • @marklittle8805
      @marklittle8805 Рік тому +1

      @@ToddSauve it is that, but If you read any books by Tim Cook who had been one of the best Canadian historians he does speak of how most of the Canadians were first generation immigrants often from the UK and they didn't think of themselves as Canadians per se and they DID after the ear.

    • @daniellysohirka4258
      @daniellysohirka4258 5 місяців тому

      @@marklittle8805 They went up the hill as immigrants and came down as Canadians. Vimy Ridge.

  • @wick7179
    @wick7179 Рік тому +5

    The original videos are getting better and better. The professional look and feel has come a long way and I do hope more VTH viewers give them a chance! Good luck and KEEP GOING!!

  • @sprucemaroose
    @sprucemaroose Рік тому +3

    Just found your Blackadder reaction video and this is a fantastic video. Visited Ypres amongst other places on a battlefield tour while in school and it remains one of the most sombering experiences. Tyne Cott, the Menin Gate with the last post. Incredible place commemorating a terrible history.
    Looking at the Menin gate with my schoolfriends, and without exception being able to find someone (most often many) with the same surname really brought it home. Mostly not grandparents, just sharing a name, but sometimes so.

  • @MrsShykisser1986
    @MrsShykisser1986 Рік тому +5

    So beautiful yet so humble a place. The church really does encompass the emotion of the loss. Wonderful video, looking forward to the rest.

  • @JanVansteenlandt
    @JanVansteenlandt Рік тому +6

    The Menin gate is very much an awe inspiring monument. As a Belgian, thanks for all amazing content you're making!

  • @Barbarossamodels
    @Barbarossamodels 5 місяців тому +1

    Wonderful, well presented video…👏😊
    Visiting Ypres in April so nice to have a preview of what to look out for. Educational & moving - particularly in St.Georges church. Really well done!
    Thanks for the tour 🙂👍

  • @jacobweddell2438
    @jacobweddell2438 Рік тому +2

    This is much better than a TV documentary because it's so much more personal and detailed and gives a real sense of visiting these places. I visited Ypres on a school trip years ago, exactly how I remember it. Great work!

  • @jimgu2578
    @jimgu2578 Рік тому +1

    Seeing the historic pictures in between your vlog gives such a huge contrast. Really illustrates how gruesome warfare can be.

  • @DeZ556
    @DeZ556 Рік тому +1

    I've been to Ypres twice. It is such a interesting yet poignant place. Langemark cemetary in Poekapelle just north of Ypres was quite the experience.. hard to describe the feeling. Might go for a third time there soon.

  • @domain2genus
    @domain2genus Рік тому +4

    I was lucky enough to visit Ypres on a high school history trip. I will never forget standing at the Menin gate and listening to the Last Post. So happy to see you doing a series on this subject.

  • @randomchannel6723
    @randomchannel6723 Рік тому +1

    I had a family member that served and died during the 2nd battle of ypres specifically on the 25th april 1915 fighting with the 1st battalion the welch regiment and buried at the new irish farm cemetery

  • @naids4858
    @naids4858 Рік тому +2

    Past few months I have been on a WW1 research binge. I just want to know everything about it. This series could not have came at a better time. Thank you Chris!

  • @callumdixon7830
    @callumdixon7830 Рік тому +1

    Had a great grandfather who fought in passchendale. To his dying day he only spoke about it once to any family

  • @danielkeats6891
    @danielkeats6891 Рік тому +5

    Cant wait for the rest of this series. Already breathtaking on just the first episode.

  • @pspdude2316
    @pspdude2316 Рік тому +2

    as a belgian visiting the menin gate many times in my life it still always makes me feel so small surounded by those seemingly endless names carved on the walls and even when driving to yper you see dozens up on dozens of war cemeteries be they american, canadian, german or british, they really give you a scale as to how many people died in that small part of the world, in that corner of belgium that was never taken by the germans in ww1 there is so much preserved history and monuments from that time. for example the dodengang in diksmuide where they preserved the trenches running along side the yser river. just to think that countless people died and had to basically live in those threnches really gives me chills.

  • @pergaman6334
    @pergaman6334 Рік тому +1

    It's amazing that you launch a video when I was there not long ago on the 11/11. The day remembers the final day of the great war with a last post on the 11th hour. It was the end of the great war where so many lives where lost and the perfect day to visit Ieper. As a Belgian and history man I love the fact that you are visiting these sites and creating this series about it. It's truly remarkable what those men did and had to go through and the town of Ieper and the fields around it will keep reminding us about the hell that war is.
    BTW go visit West-Vleteren for some of the most exclusive beer in Belgium (if you like to drink good beer ofcourse.)
    Enjoy your time here and keep up these amazing videos !

  • @rawdog7881
    @rawdog7881 Рік тому +2

    Another point about the mud was that it was so bacteria laden due to farming. When it got into an open wound it would cause infection.

  • @stephendick1869
    @stephendick1869 Рік тому +1

    This is one of the most moving poinent introductions to some of the terrible experiences of war and what man can do to man in the name of Nationalism.

  • @CodyChepa88
    @CodyChepa88 Рік тому +1

    These videos are beautiful as always. I'm hoping to do some traveling in 2023. But as always very well made 👌 keep up the great work Chris 👍

  • @nathanclaytonvarietyasmr8224
    @nathanclaytonvarietyasmr8224 Рік тому +1

    i'm loving your travel series. such powerful sites to witness. the background music is perfect for the scenery

  • @allenhand7978
    @allenhand7978 Рік тому +5

    As usual, top notch stuff Chris. Looking forward to this series!

  • @dbach1025
    @dbach1025 Рік тому +1

    Great job Chris. Can't wait for more.

  • @admiralsnackbar7269
    @admiralsnackbar7269 Рік тому +1

    This is an amazing video Chris. I can't wait to see the rest of the series

  • @notgreyeyez6114
    @notgreyeyez6114 Рік тому

    Been anticipating this video for a while and was not let down by the quality. CAN NOT WAIT for the rest of the series. These on-site videos are your best work!!

  • @nickshaffer9961
    @nickshaffer9961 Рік тому +1

    Such a nice video and way to honor their memory by sharing their stories. Can’t wait for the rest of the series

  • @VonKraut
    @VonKraut Рік тому +1

    Great job, your original content is just getting better and better, really upping your game. Looking forward to the rest of this series

  • @greenguin1
    @greenguin1 Рік тому

    Such an incredible video and so respectful as well. I love that you are able to put your passion into these projects!

  • @Tailor-May
    @Tailor-May Рік тому +2

    i'll definitely be joining you on this journey to learn more about ypres. this episode alone has painted a *far* better picture of the life of a soldier in combat on the western front for me.

  • @jay76ny
    @jay76ny Рік тому +1

    Excellent video as always! Thank you for the work you put into these videos.

  • @stephenparker6362
    @stephenparker6362 Рік тому +1

    Hi, Chris thanks for that, so sad, you convey the mood brilliantly, looking forward to the rest.

  • @historyinyourhand1787
    @historyinyourhand1787 Рік тому +3

    Fantastic first video in the series. Looking forward to the rest!

  • @beslim15
    @beslim15 Рік тому

    Love this! Thanks Chris!

  • @chrisriley354
    @chrisriley354 Рік тому

    excellent , as always. looking forward to the next episodes !

  • @daenerystargaryen1683
    @daenerystargaryen1683 Рік тому +1

    Please keep doing these!!! This is amazing work! You’re the best history channel on UA-cam

  • @Crytica.
    @Crytica. Рік тому

    Outstanding, simply outstanding! Well edited which makes it entertaining, and because of how well you explain and tell the stories which happend it's also very informative!
    Can't wait for the next episodes!

  • @adriannaamundson
    @adriannaamundson Рік тому

    This was so well done! Really beautiful and I'm learning so much at the same time. Looking forward to the rest of the series.

  • @jannoottenburghs5121
    @jannoottenburghs5121 Рік тому

    Really great video. Can't wait for your coverage of the last post.

  • @Gruffas
    @Gruffas Рік тому

    Wonderful video Chris, love it.

  • @obywatel_JC
    @obywatel_JC Рік тому

    Thank-you for the one of the best historical programs on UA-cam. I'm going to Flanders in May in order to make my own videos about WWI and you have been the best tutor and guide possible.

  • @LJD442
    @LJD442 Рік тому +1

    I'm so excited for the rest of this series. I can't wait for the chance to visit this city as well as many other hollowed grounds from the First and Second World Wars.

  • @sebastiantv2855
    @sebastiantv2855 Рік тому +2

    Amazing work!

  • @Onlytheclouds
    @Onlytheclouds Рік тому +1

    Was looking forward to this series. Thanks Chris.

  • @kiplingslastcat
    @kiplingslastcat Рік тому +1

    These videos you do on WWI battlefields and cemeteries always make me tear up.

  • @vmob7039
    @vmob7039 Рік тому

    I really enjoyed and appreciated this start off of the new series.

  • @KimiF17954
    @KimiF17954 Рік тому

    Loved the vid, thanks for going into this, look forward to future vids.

  • @evanedelman8395
    @evanedelman8395 Рік тому

    Nice vid Chris! Excited to watch the rest of this series

  • @ctaney2254
    @ctaney2254 Рік тому

    That last tombstone quote really got me. Can’t imagine living in a time with so many casualties because of war. Great video!

  • @jimgu2578
    @jimgu2578 Рік тому

    What a fascinating video! Look forward to the series!

  • @alanholck7995
    @alanholck7995 Рік тому +1

    Excellent video- I was able to visit Ypres spring 2019. Looking forward to the series.

  • @Gibsonsg527
    @Gibsonsg527 Рік тому

    Excellent production! I really enjoyed this.

  • @viggowiin
    @viggowiin 10 місяців тому

    Excellent video with its storytelling, cinematography and editing. This is professional quality.

  • @mattgames7543
    @mattgames7543 Рік тому

    Been a huge fan of this channel for a long time, and your original content only gets better and better! Love it!

  • @kiwifruit27
    @kiwifruit27 Рік тому

    Excellent video, looking forward to the rest of the series

  • @simonphillips3329
    @simonphillips3329 Рік тому +1

    Wow! This looks good! I'm a Brit, walked the battlefields quite a few times. Looking forward to this whole series. Thanks!

  • @1stva159
    @1stva159 Рік тому

    Great content, sir.
    Thanks!

  • @jeffgruenberger9789
    @jeffgruenberger9789 Рік тому

    Amazing video! Brings a sense of ‘spirit’ to a place…not just a battle(s) or names of Generals or troop unit movements….but a consciousness for a place if such a thing can be. Thank you and look forward to more.

  • @Ironguy-gm6vf
    @Ironguy-gm6vf Рік тому

    Great Video as always!

  • @CalicoJack1803
    @CalicoJack1803 7 місяців тому

    Excellent Video! Thank you!!!

  • @caravaggiosaccomplice7841
    @caravaggiosaccomplice7841 Рік тому

    What a superb tribute. Thank you.

  • @Suzz78
    @Suzz78 Рік тому

    Tremendous work, Chris

  • @36swill
    @36swill 11 місяців тому

    Incredible content as always

  • @Bulldozer2010
    @Bulldozer2010 7 місяців тому

    Excellent video. Thank you.

  • @colinandersonwa
    @colinandersonwa Рік тому

    Great informative content! Love the presentation

  • @Maryarosi
    @Maryarosi Рік тому

    Great video. I’ve been researching my Grandfather who was an Old Contemptible with the 2nd Royal Irish Rifles as part of the BEF from the outset of WW1. Trying to understand all the Battles of Ypres is difficult because there are so many different strands to pull together so thank you for explaining it so clearly here and in your other videos. He was wounded at the Aisne but recovered, rejoined his Btn & made it through to the end of the war. Sadly so many others didn’t.

  • @owenfreed700
    @owenfreed700 Рік тому

    Long time fan here . Love your channel . Thank you brining history to life .

  • @jackmedlock5888
    @jackmedlock5888 Рік тому

    This is a really good quality video. Love the research you put into this. Keep making content like this! As well as reaction videos.

  • @travelandlivinginfrance5165
    @travelandlivinginfrance5165 3 місяці тому

    Fantastic content about an absolutely tragic period of time. Thank you

  • @kieranfrancke790
    @kieranfrancke790 Рік тому

    I love this stuff man learned a ton! Hope others will watch this

  • @olcapolca
    @olcapolca 8 місяців тому

    Your series is absolutely awesome. It's very descriptive and educational yet emotional and respectful. Class.

  • @unpowi
    @unpowi Рік тому

    Excellent Chris!

  • @own0805
    @own0805 Рік тому

    beautiful video chris well done

  • @williamjacklin2362
    @williamjacklin2362 Рік тому +2

    I'm so glad you are doing this series, my great great grandfather fell at the second battle of Ypres, this will be very interesting

    • @VloggingThroughHistory
      @VloggingThroughHistory  Рік тому +1

      Do you know where he is buried or is he on one of the memorials to the missing?

    • @williamjacklin2362
      @williamjacklin2362 Рік тому

      @@VloggingThroughHistory my grandad knew which cemetery he's in but since he passed a few years ago its been lost, have to find out some day

  • @jonaslentfer2494
    @jonaslentfer2494 Рік тому

    Well done Chris, you defintely deserve every view and subscribe you get and more.
    I Hope the best for you and your loved ones in the new year, and I look forward to enjoying your great work in the future.
    Greetings from Denmark

  • @nathansoltis2962
    @nathansoltis2962 Рік тому

    Great starting video to this video series Chris.

  • @shivamchawwai3603
    @shivamchawwai3603 6 місяців тому

    Thank you for this tremendous educational video.. vloging through history.. I was looking for video exactly like yours it will help me a lot for my upcoming film

  • @pizzaguy2754
    @pizzaguy2754 Рік тому

    Great job on this man

  • @Fuckthathoe
    @Fuckthathoe Рік тому

    Was just sitting here thinking as I was watching your video if it wasn't for you talking about this town I'd never probably ever know about these battles. For a guy that likes history and WW1 you and all those like you are awesome! Thanks for what you do

  • @RealHouseMouse2
    @RealHouseMouse2 7 місяців тому

    Thank you. I’ve seen hundreds of videos about Ieper during both World Wars, but you are the first to get the cities name right

  • @XaviRonaldo0
    @XaviRonaldo0 Рік тому

    Great job Chris. I struggle to watch these and this is probably the first one I've watched of yours because ww1 more than any other war brings me to tears.

  • @liamboyd9682
    @liamboyd9682 Рік тому

    I'm loving this new original content, great work as always. If you're back in the Belgium, Netherlands, Northern Germany area again it would be cool to have a meetup.

  • @timfromnc645
    @timfromnc645 4 місяці тому

    My GF fought there with the US 30th Infantry Division. Cannot imagine what he went through and so much less than what the earlier battles were. On his discharge papers it names the battles and calls out Ypres Salient among others .

  • @caydyn5
    @caydyn5 Рік тому

    This was an absolutely amaizing video, I'd say some of you best original content

  • @KinsellaHistory
    @KinsellaHistory Рік тому

    The quality of these videos are amazing!

  • @xBurko
    @xBurko Рік тому +1

    Fantastic video mate, we shall remember them

  • @annieblancken8201
    @annieblancken8201 Рік тому

    Wow Chris, beautiful video. I loved the pictures you included and all the footage of St. George’s chapel. Your original videos have always been great but you really stepped it up for this one. I’m really enjoying learning more about the Great War.
    Interesting story in my family, my great great grandfather fought in the war in France and he joined because his brother lied about his age to enlist (he was 16) and didn’t tell his parents before he left. Their father told my great great grandfather that he needed to “go take care of his brother” and so he enlisted to do that. They were from Somerset Texas.

  • @jkent9915
    @jkent9915 Рік тому

    Great content!

  • @seandilallo8718
    @seandilallo8718 Рік тому +1

    My great granduncle fought at Ypres, the Somme and was killed in the assault on Vimy Ridge.