D Day: The First Canadian Parachute Battalion and the Battle for the Village of Varaville
There are so many stories of heroism involved in the massive Operation Overlord, among them the extraordinary story of the little known first Canadian parachute battalion. The lightly armed Canadians were among the first allied soldiers to hit the ground in France on D-Day.
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minor correction: the St Lawrence Seaway ( 01:23 ) was not a thing until the 1950s, and was officially opened in 1959
I really hope one day you can talk about Eugene Gutierrez . First special forces. Devil's bridgade. Veteran. . An amazing person.from McAllen Texas
"Near Manitoba"? Manitoba is a big province! I think you meant "near Winnipeg, Manitoba." I think the jets at that base lent their name to the Winnipeg Jets NHL team.
You mentioned they shipped to England on the Queen Elizabeth. Did you mean the battleship or an ocean liner of the same name?
@@QurikyBark32919 the liner used as a transport.
I worked with a guy who was a sniper in the Canadian parachute battalion in WW2. He didn't talk about it so I'm watching this video.
As a Canadian, thank you for covering our military, we are often overlooked.
You shouldn't be! You're legends. !💛
🇨🇦
The uninformed do not think of Canadians as being a potent military force. It is so fitting that the sniper from Canada's Joint Task Force 2, currently holding the longest kill shot at 3,540 m (right at 2 miles to us Yanks), is unnamed. Ten seconds after the shot was fired it could have been heard at the target. Just sayin'.
@@flagmichael most people also don't know that our M1 Garand was designed by a Canadian. The greatest combat rifle ever designed. I believe Canada is the only country to drive out my country's military by force of arms during war of 1812. Our northern brothers are incredible fighters.
Never forget by the British my Friend, WE all know how brave you are and tough.
As a US Marine, I got to work with the PPCLI. Our Canadian brothers are exemplary soldiers! Semper Fi!
PPCLI stands for Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry , named for Princess Patricia of Connaught, the daughter of Lord Connaught, a governor general of Canada. They were formed in 1914 and currently are located in Edmonton Alberta and Shilo Manitoba.
I live in Edmonton =) My cousin was a mechaninc (retired) in Princess Pat's CLI. Thanks for the high praise. We certainly appreciate our brethren to the south as well.
@@yegfreethinker please tell your cousin Semper Fi from me. 🇺🇸❤️🇨🇦
As a retired Patricia, I have nothing but respect for the USMC, who I trained with many moons ago in Camp Pendelton. Semper Fi brother.
Had the pleasure of experiencing PPCLI when I was in Combat Support Company, 4 / 9 (Manchus) at Fort Wainwright early '80s. Fine fellows. Certainly knew how to have a good time. And very professional. Also; There was a Canadian in my company in training at Fort Benning summer of '80 - during the Iranian Hostage Crisis. Went air-bourn. Ended up in my battalion (one company of para-troopers). Fine fellow.
Thank you History Guy. I am delighted that you take an interest in Canadian events. These Canadian episodes allow our American neighbours to become more familiar with who we really are. This is a great service. Thank you.
Yes. Excellent history. We US troops are proud of our Canadian brothers.
1CER 3Troop UNIKOM 91 I'm also proud of my USA military brothers/sisters as well.
Mild mannered at home. One thing I've learned while serving in the army, is that our Canadian brothers are ferocious in battle. Operation overlord is a perfect example of their tenacity.
Amen 🙏 to that!💛👊👍
If you are familiar with the history youtube channel Animarchy, he constantly likes to note "if you need something that is hair-brained, stupid, impossible, or just plain out of the ordinary... the Brits will almost certainly call for any combination of Aussies, Kiwis, South Africans, and/or Canadians! Cause they will most certainly get the job done!"
When everyone is carrying a hockey stick or a chainsaw you get a polite society, eh?
Because they weren't able to go to Tim Horton's eh?
There is a video on you tube of a US special forces wating a video about Canadians in WW1 he was taken back at the violence the soilders. It's a good watch he said Canadians are easy going till you say war and Canadians become different people.
Thanks to the thousands of Soldiers and Sailors of all Allied Nations who landed on the beaches of Normandy 78 years ago today to free France and force an end to the war in Europe.
Tough blokes, them Canadians. The Battle of Kapyong deserves an episode. A Brigade strength force, made up of Canadians, Australians and New Zealanders, held off and defeated a Division strength Chinese army. Korea 1951.
I just watched a documentary on Magellan TV about the battle
@@TheHistoryGuyChannel Magellan tv, eh?😉
I remember on the 50th anniversary South Korea set up a memorial display in Grant Park Mall not that far frtom the former Kapyong Barracks.
PPCLI in WW I have an amazing story of courage were some 500+ men held off a huge number of Germans, scared them so bad they feared them in WW II
Not just Kapyong but the larger simultaneous Battle of Imjin River by the British, Belgians, and Luxembourgers
As a Canadian I love hearing stories like these. In our current climate it's hard to be proud of things, but we have a wonderful history to celebrate. LEST WE FORGET
Many many years ago I had the honor of spending about a week with guys from Canadian Navy. I have always told people if I ever went back in the Military it would be the Canadian Navy. Professional, cleanest ships I ever saw, lamb chops for breakfast and La Baht’s
Canuck vet, here. Son of Canuck WWII vet. For my Dad, and from me, thank you very much for the recognition.
Have been to Juno. Saw the grave of my aunt's boyfriend. Still brings a tear to my eye. The sacrifice is unimaginable in todays world. Thank you Lorenzo Pelligrin.
Not so unimaginable! There were 158 Canadians killed in Afghanistan, fighting far away from home.
There is a small town to the west of Ruoen, France, where we stayed for 6 days. The landlady there told us that a Canadian force had fought a pitched battle just a few hundred yards north of her chateau for control of an important rail line. The Canadian dead were temporarily buried on her property. The street in front of the chateau is named Rue des Canadians.
Don't wish to be a nitpicker, but the math says it was 11 months from D-Day to VE-Day, not 14 months, sir. (6/6/44 - 5/9/45). Thank you for a spellbinding factual story, though. D-Day stories are my TOP favorites.
Lots of towns in France with that name as well as other nationalities. The greatest generation.
My father-in-law was drppoed by accident behind the lines on D-Day. Taken prisoner, only survivor from his plane. Reported KIA. At end of war, was about to be executed under Kommando Order and escaped with 3 other paratroopers. My wife went to school in Normandy in 1976. Met Resistance members that knew of this plane load dropped in wrong area. The French treated her extremely well as she was a Canadian and the daughter of a D-Day paratrooper.🇨🇦
To the GREATEST generation,THANK YOU!!!🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
It's interesting seeing the comments here from Canadians who are very familiar with the stories. Whereas myself, an American, hasn't heard many stories of Canadian Forces in battle. So thank you THG for bringing these stories to a much wider audience!
As a Canadian Veteran, and the son of a Canadian Army WW2 Veteran, who also has 9 Uncles who served in WW2 (At least one who went ashore on D-Day).... THANK YOU!
Our famously polite neighbors to the North take on a very different countenance on the battlefield. Well trained and well led, Canadians have gained a fearsome reputation whenever and wherever they have done battle.
Throw in some Australians and I'm all ready to surrender!
The elite formations developed a fearsome reputation as shock troops in both world wars
We may need them again,soon,to defeat these traitors, politicians on both sides of our borders. We Patriots are with you...we have extra arms to lend for the fight that's coming! FJB& TRUDEAU TOO!
Eh?......
@@alantoon5708 eh? Get rid of that tyrant! He's a communist trying to destroy Canada...look how he treated the truckers and their families.
Speaking as a former Canadian paratrooper, well done on bringing this small piece of a chaotic day back to life.
Thank you for telling this story. So little is published about Canada’s efforts in ww2. Lest we forget 🇨🇦
I did not know we had a parachute battalion until I visited the Pegasus Bridge Memorial in France. Thank you kindly for remembering the contribution of 14,000 Canadians that Day, and the many more that came after them.
I the mid-70's, I had the privilege of working with Cpl. Larry Heal of the Cdn Para Btn, who jumped on D-Day and and the Rhein Crossing. A very self-effacing man, a quality the truly brave and heroic possess. A few years ago, I was able to visit the Memorial Pegasus and find a picture of Larry in his company. Thank you History Guy.
Thanks for this- I had on idea that the Canadians landed an entire paratroop Bn at Normandy. This must be something about Canadian military history. The fierce battles of Walcheren, Ancona...little heard outside Canadian circles. I think this is like Canadians themselves- they just do the job, without fuss, quiet, capable, understated. I very much enjoyed working with them in Afghanistan. The maple leaf forever!
No need to say anything when the actions speak for themselves.
Battle of the Medak pocket
We don't have a good PR firm .....we must work on that.....
@@suprPHREAK Well said, Sir.
Defence of Hong Kong?
Many may be pleased to know that the "Holy Roller", a Sherman tank used by the 1st Hussars on D-Day, through France, Belgium, Holland and into Germany, has been fully and exquisitely restored and was returned to it's plinth at Victoria Park, London Ontario this last weekend. If one is in the area, it's worth the look see.
Thanks, never heard about this so I had to look it up. A very fitting memorial to Canadians armed forces.
And anybody in the area should visit The Royal Canadian Regiment Museum at (what remains of) Wolseley Barracks on Oxford Street as well.
@@TheLoachman That is a good idea. I don't think of London Ontario as a tourist destination like that other London, but for people interested in Military History, and find themselves in the area, both are well worth the time.
@@TheLoachman excellent museum, well worth the trip. Especially if you have a connection to the Reg’t.
@@chrischarman6479 As I have, by way of the Fourth Battalion. My first time in there was 1973, when it was far less impressive and the building was greatly in need of work as well. A lot of effort and money had been put into both in time for The Regiment's centenary in 1983. The last time that I was there was in 2013 or 2014, and it had been greatly improved again. Following the Freedom of the City of Ottawa parade, part of the centennial celebrations, and post-parade reception at Rideau Hall (the official residence of our Governor-General, for those unaware), there was a barbecue, attended by at least a couple of thousand of us, at Connaught Ranges. As that was winding down, a few of us began planning a move to an alternate objective - the Bare Facts peeler bar in downtown Ottawa. Prince Philip, who was The Regiment's Colonel-in-Chief, was looking a little bored so we approached him and I asked if he would like to join us. "That's jolly decent of you chaps to invite me, but I don't think that my wife would approve".
As a Canadian,I thank you History Guy for your stories about our history!Whether it's the Glimly Glider,the Toronto Clown riot,or our part in D-Day,you show a great respect in our past.Well done you!
The only way I learned about the joint American/Canadian force was from my best friend's grandfather, who was involved in it. It's great to see this history being brought to light! More people need to know about these brave men. ♥️
Look up the movie - The Devil's Brigade. There's a book by the same name too.
@@PatGilliland although entertaining the movie is only vaguely accurate. A lot of Hollywood involvement. Having said that, it is no reflection of the courage and sacrifice made by this experimental special forces unit. Both Canada and the US learned a lot about special operations forces and both countries are very proficient.
As a Canadian, we fondly remember the D-Day successes of our Canadian soldiers!
🇺🇸 💓 🇨🇦
About 25 years ago I flew in the jump-seat of a C-47. It had a plaque in the cockpit that read that this aircraft towed gliders for the RCAF at Normandy.
You loyal Canadians need to take back your country from Trudeau! He's becoming like Hitler and the rest of the dictators! Same for Let's Go Brandon!
@@Chris_at_Home that's really cool
And rightly so sir. rightly so! God bless you all . You did us and yourselves proud in both world war's . From a great full Brit. One love Canada. 💛👊👍
The act of a smaller force of lightly armed, elite soldiers overcoming a superior force of entrenched or fortified enemy is not so uncommon as one would think. What surprises me is how obscure the accounts of their exploits have become. Too few "academics" value the contributions of these men. Thanks, Lance, for remembering this one.
What is surprising is how many times the Canadians succeeded in such attacks in both WW1 and WW2.
Other way around I would say. So much ink has been spilled on elite units that the run of the mill grunts who just get on with the day to day grind of warfare get ignored.
@@PatGilliland Good point, sir!
I’m American; EVERYONE in my family served in the Army; I was in a car accident. THAT said, The Canadian army has a reputation for being totally FANATICAL during combat, putting up fantastic fight/struggle against the enemy; You guys have a FIERCE reputation!! 👍🏼👍🏼😲👣
Why did you put academics in quotation marks? An academic is a professor at a university. Whether you value their writing, research, or opinions on history does not change whether they are academics. In what way do think academic historians not value the contributions of elite units?
Another well presented piece of history. My father landed on D Day and fought through to Germany and held the Canadians in great respect.
Never took history in school, so thank you for this inspiring story of courage of my own countrymen.
As a Canadian of Dutch decent I'm well aware of what the Canadian's did. The 1st Parachute were also the first Allied troops to enter the Netherlands. Thank you sir, yet again for your most excellent content.
There is a Canadian vet from the 1st Can Para, ( now deceased ) by the name of Jan De Vries who was born in Holland and came to Canada when he was around 14 yrs old. I’m proud to have met him.🇳🇱🇨🇦
A few years ago, when I lived in Edmonton, AB, there was a celebration of Netherlands Liberation Day. There was a young woman carrying a sign that said simply, 'Thank you, Canada'!
And as much as I love the movie A Bridge too Far nothing is mentioned about them at all.
@@geraldjohnson4013 I had the privilege of knowing to gentlemen who jumped into Arnhem. Neither were Canadian at the time. Nonetheless, I feel lucky to have known them both. Men who risked their lives for my relatives and who knows, without them, I may never of existed?
@@robertdeen8741 Market Garden. British 1st Airborne caught the lion's teeth from the Waffen SS. I knew about Canadians in Operation Overlord but I didn't know that they were the pathfinder group of the British 6th Airborne Division.
this US guy wants to thank the Canadians for their heroism. It is almost impossible to express my respect for you all. May God bless and keep you all (and never lose those good manners and classy behaviors)
Learning of the heroism of our neighbors to the north is one of the many reasons I support THG! Many thanks.
To my neighbors to the east and south ( from Alaska), thank you for faithfully being a friend to the US for many years. Gentleman thank you for your service.
I'm retired RCN... I have had the pleasure to serve alongside my American cousins in the US Navy and US Marines. Allies forever!
There you go, the para’s bravery typified the quality of all the Canadians who came over to fight as soldiers, pilots or sailors. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude. When you add the Australian, New Zealander and Indian forces you can’t think of them without forming a large lump in your throat. Regards
Very very true. ! 💛💛
Thank you for this!! There is a concerted effort from other historians to get more Canadian military history out to public. I am glad you take the time to include us.
My great grandfather was one of the Paratroopers from Canada. He went through all of it and lived. In his elder years he lived in the Military Hospital of Vancouver where he passed.
Thank you for sharing his story.
I commend you for highlighting the role of the Canadian military and you are appreciated by us in Canada for doing what many American historians often overlook. Telling the story of all the Allies.....
I am British and have never been to Canada, but I thank you for highlighting the contribution of our truly gallant Canadian allies. American war movies focus on the US exploits, which is only natural, and British war movies focus on the British exploits, which too is only natural, but we never hear or see anything of the contribution of the Canadians. I thank our brave Canadian allies - "For our tomorrow you gave your today".
How little did I know in my boyhood in the 1950's and 1960's of the ordinary men of the neighborhood, all but one within a four square block neighborhood, veterans of the Second World War and some of the Great War and of Korea. It just seemed normal, as if that is how it always was. To learn that a college roommate's father had been one of the rangers who charged off Omaha Beach, turning the battle. Men talking of distant places only read about in National Geographic, when the World was still large. And occasionally a dusty cigar box of old medals viewed by young eyes and then the manner of speculation and stories young boys are found of. In remembrance.
Fantastic comment. Amen to that!💛💛👍
YES! Growing up in 50's and 60's in the shadow of these people. You didn't really think of it at the time, they were just ordinary people in our community. But my hockey coach had been a Lancaster pilot, and another sometimes coach was one of these Canadian paratroopers. Man, that guy who had been a paratrooper was tough as nails.
It's funny you mention cigar box that is what my fathers WWII letters are in. My father was such a kind man everyone who knew him loved him I sometimes find it hard to believe that he witnessed such horror.
@@grynblud I, too, was surrounded by such men. Included among them was a woodshop teacher and former member of the Long Range Desert Group en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Range_Desert_Group, another flew Spitfire IXs and Mustang IVs with 442 Squadron, my Grade 6 Principal was an RAF PW who barely survived the death march when the Germans evacuated the PW camps during the winter of 1944/1945 (he collapsed in the snow from cold, hunger, and exhaustion but was dragged along by comrades in no better condition than himself), and a gym teacher was a Commando. Whenever he got bored with the regular curriculum, he would teach us such things as how to silently knife a sentry in the kidney (easier, quicker, and quieter than the throat). My first Company Sergeant-Major is now ninety-eight, and looks like he could last for another couple of decades. He lied about his age to join, was discovered a few weeks later, did the same thing at a recruiting centre in a different town the following month, went ashore on D-Day and fought through France and Holland. He's still a bit bitter about the Scheldt and despises both Trudeaus.
Last month I visited the beautiful Agira Canadian War Cemetery in Sicily. I went with several Sicilians and non knew the fact that Canadians had liberated their towns. It was sad that these locals knew nothing of their own history nor that over 500 Canadians died in their liberation.
The Italians may not give a toss, but thankfully the Dutch will always remember our sacrifices for their freedom. If only we could teach enough of our own military history to our own children here in Canada, instead of the endless parade of social engineering types of apology based topics that dominate our school systems now. 😮💨
@@daviddunsmore103 In May 1992, a bunch of us on the Canadian Land Forces Command and Staff Course followed the Canadian invasion route from the beaches as far as Falaise, which covered roughly up to D+30. We were accompanied by a historian, three Canadian veterans of the fighting (including BGen (Retired) Sydney Valpy Radley-Walters (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sydney_Valpy_Radley-Walters, kzhead.info/sun/eKuqp7toZ5Gjq3k/bejne.html, kzhead.info/sun/krynZ9yagJaBfac/bejne.html, and others), and a 12th SS Panzer Division Hitler Jugend Officer to provide the opposition viewpoint. It was a pretty rushed and packed three days (we should have had three weeks) with far too many highlights to recount here. I was struck by how many Canadian flags were flying in the small villages we visited, including Buron which has a memorial for the Sherbrooke Fusiliers in its village square. That, and the absence of any French flags, was odd in itself, but there was something else that I could not figure out until after we had returned to Canada - they were all in mint condition, unlike the faded and tatty pink-and-grey flag remnants that were too common here in those days. The Normans in that area had more respect for our flag than most Canadians had then, and they had not forgotten what my predecessors did for them. I cannot remember the name of the cemetery that we visited, but it was immaculately maintained. I have, ever since, wished that every Canadian could have the opportunity to take such a tour. The first time that I ever heard "Rad's" name was when, as an eighteen-year-old Reserve Infantryman (4RCR), I walked past the RCEME shop in Petawawa on a daily basis during the summer of 1974 and could not help but notice a Sherman being painted gold. Finally, curiosity overcame me and I asked; it was to be his retirement gift. We also had brief trips to Dieppe and the Abbaye d'Ardenne en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ardenne_Abbey_massacre while on that tour; much sombriety and sadness at both locations. Standing on the "beach" (stones washed round by the sea) of the former and facing the town, I could feel the shock and horror that the occupants of the landing craft would have felt when the ramps went down. Probably, the nearest possible equivalent achievable in North America would be viewing the Wheatfield, the scene of Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg, which gave me the same shivers a decade earlier. The film Gettysburg depicts it well.
Canadians were not 'liberators' of Sicily.
@@johnkidd1226 What would you call them, then?
My Dad First Canadian Army was a "D-Day Dodger" as attributed to Lady Astor, "enjoying sunny Italy"
Tho the Italy campaign was not a sunny trip it was a slow bloody campaign
It was stated in one history book, that smiling Albert Kesselring, always wanted to know where the Canadians were, because that was where the break out was going to happen.
My father was a British-American who served in the Canadian army in WWII. Born in England but raised mostly in the U.S., in Springfield, Ill, he "deserted" the U.S. Army in July 1940 and enlisted in the Essex Scottish regiment of the Canadian army, which was sending soldiers to England to help repel the anticipated German invasion. While stationed in England, he fell in love with and married an English girl - just as his father, an American serving in the British Army in WWI, had done a few decades earlier. My father was captured during the disastrous raid on Dieppe in Aug 1942. His English wife gave birth to his child in Feb 1943 while he was a POW. Dieppe was a British operation that used primarily Canadian soldiers, but it was also where U.S. special forces were born. The newly formed Army Rangers sent 50 of its men on the Dieppe Raid to assist and learn from the British commandos, on whom the Rangers were modeled.
There seems to be mystery surrounding the debacle that was Dieppe. There is a rumor that the real purpose of the raid was to retrieve a decoding device held well inside German held territory. The Enigma device, so the story goes, was grabbed and successfully brought back to England. A heavy toll for a gadget.
Great to know that some commentators do recognize that Canada was in the war, and played a vital part.
We should all be thankful for those heroes. I hope today's Canadians will take such a strong stand against tyranny!
Today’s Canadians cower in fear when a truck beeps its horn.
Tyranny at home...
I served with 2 Commando in the Canadian Airborne Regiment. We jumped onto DZ November in 94 for the 50th. I knew Colonel Eadie. He was our Colonel and Chief. Hero.
thank you for showing the world that us Canadians are tough as nails.... I am proud to have served my country.
My Dad fought in this unit. another interesting fact was that at the end of the war it was 1 Can Para that halted the Russians from seizing northwest Germany and entering Denmark. A feat still talked about today.
Proof that no plan survives contact with the enemy and heroism is soldiering on when everything goes pear shaped.
That plan didn't even survive contact with the slipstream.
There was also a bit of a recurring theme in both world wars of Commonwealth countries troops having to survive contact with being under British command.
@@Thermalions I don't think anyone had an easy time of surviving British command. Though in WW2 they got a lot more timid. How long did it take them to take Caen?
My uncle was the first pathfinder. 101 st airborne division. Screaming eagle,s. He survive d-day battle of the bulge. He was KIA at operation market garden. Over 🇳🇱 Holland he was floating in the sky. Coming down for a landing. The Germans shot him in the sky. God bless the Canadian,s our friends.
God bless the memory of your uncle
@@crankycanuck2066 thank you. Appreciate you.
More brothers than friends, for those who have served in our respective Armed Forces and had the privilege and honour of working together at various times in various places. Your guys under our command in Kandahar were treated exactly the same as our guys, and those who were killed were included on our memorial there. It was brought back to Canada when we left.
As the son of a D-Day vet of Omaha Beach, one of the Bedford Boys, I'm delighted to see anything this year honoring June 6th. It's almost being ignored. Thanks.
"Shilo. Near Manitoba." Kind of like saying "Chicago. Near Illinois." 😄 Nitpicking aside, great video. Interesting and informative as always!
Probably meant to say Winterpeg, err, I mean Winnipeg.
@@esitu5655 😆
I had the honor to be on Omaha beach for the dusk to dawn parade on this day in 1979. I was with 1RCHA B bty, as the right marker for the Canadian contingent. Being there getting to speak with the many vets at the time was incredible. What I remember most was all the cemeteries up and down that coast with tens of thousands of graves it's hard to imagine. With that I say... Peace my brothers...My prayers are still with you! Thank you for this video in their memory.
Celebrating D-Day in my own way today. I had taken my wife and son to Normandy a few years ago after forcing them to watch The Big Red One, The Longest Day and Saving Private Ryan's opening scenes. To stand on the beach and to look out, to see the remaining concrete emplacements, to walk into the water, were solemn and unforgettable. Now my wife understands and wants to go back in the next few years Salute! Canadian brothers!
I'll be 25 in barely a month, and I'm sitting here enjoying life. No words can express the gratitude I feel for these strangers who fought for my country.
Thanks to All who served valiantly and with much courage.
My mom graduated high school on D-Day. She said all the mothers were inside at the ceremony and all the fathers were outside listening to news of the invasion on their car radios.
Thank you Sir, My Grandfather was in the 1st Can Para Batt something he said was " When they handed out the French folding money, everyone knew it was time."
Thanks for remembering Canada.
"What [these men] did...is the stuff of legends!" Brilliantly stated and so true.
Cheers from the Pacific West Coast of Canada.
Thanks History Guy- what a tale of bravery and overachievement. A lot of brave men died on the sixth of June, we remember their sacrifice and the bravery of the first Canadian Parachute Battalion!
Thank you for doing this. My father served with 1 Can Para, 4 Pl, B Coy. Their history is often "forgotten" as they were on loan to the British, who often overlooked them in the official history, and since they weren't operating with the Canadian army, they were also left out on that front. "Out of the Clouds" was the first decent book on the unit, followed years later by many other excellent account such as "Tip of the Spear".
My father also served with 1 Can Para, earning his wings at Shilo in Feb. 1944. He was only 20 when the war in Europe ended. My wife and I visited the museum at CFB Shilo in 2018, hoping to see the jump tower. All that was left was a chunk of scrap metal standing in a corner. I have my father's copy of "Out of the Clouds" in front of me, several ticks beside the names of comrades he must have served with, in Appendix "D".
@@ArbutusWVI I also have my dad’s copy …and mine. I was on an exercise in Shilo back in ‘85 but there was nothing left other than postcard pictures of it. My father trained in Ringway. Petawawa has a good museum if you ever get down that way.
@@chrischarman6479 Thanks for the info. I've seen the small display at the National war museum in Ottawa, but did not know about anything in Petawawa. We are in BC, so we don't make it back east that much. I would very much like to retrace Dad's Steps through Europe, all the way to Wismar, before I get too old. Did your father ever attend any of the reunions?
@@ArbutusWVI I have the same plan! He attended one reunion after the war but then no more. He once told me the ones he wanted to talk to were never going to be able to come back. He discussed going to Europe but in the end couldn’t bring himself to do it.
Canadian historians can also forget British and Polish troops serving under Canadian command.
Hello from Detroit Michigan brother 94/275 thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise and for taking us on your adventure through time and space
Thank you for this excellent piece - although I am an Englishman my paternal Grandmother's second husband (my Grandpa Brad) was a member of the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion from 1942 to 1944. My Aunt (his daughter) still has many photos of his time training at Fort Benning. As a teenager in the early 1980s I would ask him about it but he never mentioned anything except on one occasion. I had just been on a school trip to Normandy and taken some photos of the graves of the 1st Canadian Paras - he knew several of them and told me - for the only time - about the action he saw on D Day. What really stuck with me was his descriptions of how close they were to the German positions, of speaking to his men and coming back later to find them laid out, dead, officers and men he had trained with for the past two years. I think he wanted to impress on me how terrible war is - I can still recall the queasy sensation in my stomach when he told this 13 yr old about the grim details. I think part of the reason for his move a few months later back to Canadian command in London was his experiences in Normandy - can't be certain. He never mentioned anything from that period again to me. Really proud of him although he wasn't my biological Grandfather he certainly was the man I thought of as my Grandpa.
Thank you History guy. 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦.
Thanks for taking the time out to talk about us! You're a good you're a good neighbour.
My great uncle Boyd Anderson fought in the first canadian parachute battalion and jumped into Normandy on DDay. He was promptly captured after receiving a wound to the arm and spent the remainder of the war in a prisoner of war camp. Tough Saskatchewan farm boy.
The same thing happened to my father-in-law, Gordon Breen (wounded in the back). Was dropped off course beside a German tank unit. They were a tough bunch.
God bless Canada and its heritage.
Thanks for your history installments of our northern neighbors. Their contributions get lumped in larger stories but their exploits are great examples of small unit determination and courage. Just imagining the confusion of scattered paratroops scattered from these Canadians and others all the way to Utah Beach landings is mind boggling. Every unit on Dday has a story worthy of telling.
We will remember them. and Thank you
I'm from the US and have a lifelong love of history. I was lucky enough to visit Normandy in 2016. I was amazed to see all of the US, Canadian, and UK flags flying from private homes there. They have not forgotten. It's not difficult to tell which sector you're in. We stayed at a wonderful little B&B in a picturesque town called Creully (now Creully sur Seulles) , about 10 miles west of Varaville. Creully was the command post of the Schwere-Artillerie-Abteilung 989 (716. Infanterie-Division) third battery, armed with four 122 mm sFH 396 howitzers, and on the 6th of June was the initial objective of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles (7th Infantry Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division). They were supported by three Sherman tanks belonging to the 2nd platoon of 1st Hussars C Squadron (2nd Armored Brigade). "Once Creully was released (cleared), a British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) radio transmitter was installed in the Creullet castle, located to the northwest of the village. Messages to follow the evolution of the fighting were broadcast until 21 July 1944. From 7 to 22 June 1944, General Montgomery set up his tactical headquarters in the Creullet castle. He received Winston Churchill on June 12, De Gaulle on June 14, Eisenhower on June 15 and King George VI on June 16." Normandy is so beautiful I get "homesick" just remembering it.
Nice to still hear these heroic stories of young men doing their duty to the freedoms we take for granted today!
Once again I am humbled and fully agree that this was "The Greatest Generation".
I had the honour of meeting one of the members of the 1st Parachute Battalion who jumped into Normandy all those years ago. Such a kind, humble, and gentle soul. Thank you for your service, sir.
My father-in-law was with the Black Watch in the battle you discuss which were sent in to support the Paratroopers. He was one of less than 20 who survived from the battalion. There is a street in the town named after the watch. Harry was seconded to other units throughout the rest of the war, with the 3rd in Appledorn, and later with the first troops to liberate Bergen Belsen. In Korea, with the Princess Pats at Kapyong (received the Presidential Citation for Bravery). Passed away at 95 a few years ago here in Portugal.... a quiet man of great charm, who told us only the humourous stories of his years as one of Canada's unsung heroes.
H.M MacLeod was from the New Glasgow, Nova Scotia area. He was not a direct relative of mine, but my dad George J MacLeod was born in the same area, but had moved to the US when they coal fields in the area played out. My Dad spent the entire war stationed in Alaska. I did a lot of research on H.M before going to Normandy several years ago. He was a top athlete in Nova Scotia as a youth and worked at a bank in New Glasgow. I was lucky enough to find a tour guide from the UK who took us to the château. They were in a really tough spot and it is not far from the main building to the gatehouse. I also visited his grave in the cemetery next to the church in Varaville. Also buried there is the very first casualty of DDay. Thanks so much for doing this video--John Hugh MacLeod
My dad was in the 1st Canadian airborne division McLeod was my namesake Herbert Patrick McLeod Mathers
@@patrickmathers976 Most likely 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion, if during he War. We have never had an Airborne Division.
I have a family member who was captured at Verrieres and escaped with a McLeod from the Essex Scottish.
Thank You... we Canadians are somewhat shy of our military achievements... I remember my Uncle LLoyd telling of a bridge in France with sign saying "built by the US Corp of Engineers in 39 hours which is a Record and spans 43'7"" the next bailey they came to had a makeshift Plank stuck in the dirt and it read built by Canadian Sappers... spans about 63', built under constant fire from Gerry and our officers in about 14 hours... which is slow for us"
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Great story! My father fought in WWII, and he was on the other side of the world, fighting the Japanese; Guadalcanal, New Georgia, Bougainville; when they heard about Overlord. Dad always said, after Midway, that D-Day, to the troops in the Pacific, told them we were winning in both theatres, and it was just a matter of time, before the war was over, and those who lived through the duration would come safe home.
My Dad was in the RCAF in WW2. Thanks for remembering them.
A great story of greatest generation of the 20 century.
*_LGOP_* Little Groups Of Paratroopers I remember reading about this when I was enlisted. Dropping under realistic conditions causing the disorganization of personnel led to paratroopers getting together with the first guys they could find and then when they felt like they had enough they'd go and do their jobs-LGOP
These guys did Sir Arthur Currie proud he laid the foundations and they built on them, God bless all Canadian fighting men from both WW1 and WW2 kind regards from Blighty, oh and I mustn`t forget the women who cared for all allied soldiers during both wars.
My Grandpa’s unit and experience. He made it through D-Day, and every other battle after that without a scratch. Nice to have the larger story and pictures to go along with what I already knew.
Jeff Nicklin was an all-star end with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1934-1940); the trophy for the most outstanding player in the Canadian Football League's West Division is named in his honour. He led the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion in the Battle of the Bulge, and was killed at the age of 30 during Operation Varsity in March 1945.
This is a very good example of the challenges of all airborne operation during the war, which was common in pretty much all such endeavours. Paratroopers needed to be able to think on their feet and improvise like crazy, because the landing would inevitably scatter the units from hell to breakfast, and the original plans were next to useless. The fact that they were able to accomplish anything, let alone meet their operational objectives, is a testament to their tenacity and motivation.
I saw the title of this post and nearly burst into tears! it is very unusual to see an American historical channel give space to the achievements of our military in WW2. This is especially true of the Paratroopers. Thank you for fair and may I say excellent coverage! My uncle was not involved in the D DAY landings, he was busy in a Sherman tank, in Italy. 🌺🍁🇨🇦 NEVER FORGET 🇨🇦🍁🌺
Hi My uncle was also with the Canadians in Italy. He was killed in his tank at Casino. I went to visit his grave site. He and one other soldier in his tank were so badly burnt that they had to be buried with their plaques together because they could not tell whose body was whose. The sacrifice these young (19 year olds) and your uncle made is unfathomable. It is heart breaking when you stand in the sea of graves. It was nice to see your message and know others remember. Take care
@@stephenobrien2676 Been there! And Campobosso (city) nearby is nicknamed 'Little Canada', for they still remember the Canadians who liberated them. There is a pillar monument to Canada in the center of town carved with battle scenes. My Grandfather left the area after WW1 and I'm so glad he made Canada his home. Never went back, even for a visit, but that's another story....
Never been more proud to be Canadian when learning what my countrymen were up to in the World Wars and the Korean War
The true North, strong and free.
Great to see content about Canadian efforts in WWII.
Thank you so much, it does mean a lot.
Jumping through that hole in the floor had the risk of hitting your face on the way out. The British paras called it "ringing the bell."
I hope this channel has many young viewers so that the heroism of one generation can inspire another
Thank you for posting this. Too many battles such as this one have been overlooked by the popular accounts of D-Day.
Thank-you for making this my Grandfather served in Can 1 Para from beginning to end.🤘😎🤘
My father was in the 82nd Airborne and jumped at St. Mere Eglise. He would never talk about....ever.... He had several medals, including a Purple Heart. There was fire years ago in a government warehouse and all records of my father's service were lost, along with many others. I would like to see a episode that covers that critical action of the D-day Invasion. Much gratitude to all who served then, and serve now.
The National Personnel Records Center fire of 1973,[1] also known as the 1973 National Archives fire, was a fire that occurred at the Military Personnel Records Center in the St. Louis suburb of Overland, Missouri, from July 12-16, 1973. The fire destroyed some 16 million to 18 million official military personnel records. The NPRC, the custodian of U.S. military service records, is part of the National Personnel Records Center, an agency of the National Archives and Records Administration of the General Services Administration.[2]
Thank you for covering a canadian aspect. My Dad landed with the Regina rifles
My uncle landed on d-day my mother told me, as a Canadian, on an American ship. The captain was Texan. Many men drowned as they were discharged into deep water with heavy gear but my uncle's captain was different. He ran the ship into the shallows and as each man disbarked he shook their hand. As a Canadian I want to say thank you to that captain.
James Doohan, the actor who played Scotty in Star Trek was a Canadian soldier on D Day in Normandy. He was wounded and also lost a finger.
Nice to see brother - as a Canadian, it's appreciated. Our boys were a full 1/6th of the D-Day forces (3 U.S., 2 British, 1 Canadian Divisions) and from Juno Beach to Antwerp, we did the toughest jobs with our usual humility and professionalism. Always highly regarded, Canadian troops are feared by the enemy and warmly embraced by our allies - polite killers to the bone.
I would like to personally thank every single soul that stepped foot on that beach Rest In Peace. Thanks
One thing I will say I learn from my time in the US military. When attached to Canadians they are very disciplined very hard-working professionals so I'm not surprised that they've done this.