Band of Brothers' Eagle's Nest - Then & Now
Special thanks to BEGAFILM for providing restored footage of the 101st Airborne at Obersalzberg. I urge all my fans to visit their channel for amazing historical footage of the Berchtesgaden Nazi buildings and bunkers, and much more... / @begafilmhistoryinmotion
In the 3rd instalment of my Eagle's Nest series, we look at the 101st Airborne Division at Obersalzberg and how they took possession of Hitler's tea house. This is a then-and-now video presentation.
Dr. Mark Felton FRHistS, FRSA is a well-known British historian, the author of 22 non-fiction books, including bestsellers 'Zero Night' and 'Castle of the Eagles', both currently being developed into movies in Hollywood. In addition to writing, Mark also appears regularly in television documentaries around the world, including on The History Channel, Netflix, National Geographic, Quest, American Heroes Channel and RMC Decouverte. His books have formed the background to several TV and radio documentaries. More information about Mark can be found at: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Fe...
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Credits: US National Archives; Library of Congress; BEGAFILM; Mark Sissons; Played N Faved; No Copyright Creator - Sounds
Special thanks to BEGAFILM for providing restored footage of the 101st Airborne at Obersalzberg. I urge all my fans to visit their channel for amazing historical footage of the Berchtesgaden Nazi buildings and bunkers, and much more...www.youtube.com/@BEGAFILMHISTORYINMOTION
Is your intro theme music from the video game "Return to Castle Wolfenstein" from 2001?
Hi Mark, I am very happy that you like the footage I provided and I hope your viewers like it aswell. Looking forward to working with you again! Greets from Berchtesgaden, BEGAFILM
Thank you to your father for his service & sacrafice he paid for me to be free. 🇺🇸🖒🇺🇸🖒🇺🇸
Hello Mark, please have a look on my comment in French and add a correction on your narrative ! Thank you in advance !!
Yea, what side are you on 'Felton?.
My dad, an original member of the 101st Airborne, was at the Eagles Nest when the 101st took control of it back in the day. He sent his sister a postcard from there that I still have. He jumped into Normandy on D Day and into Holland during Market Garden, where he was wounded, and was in Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge. In 1960 while dad was stationed in France, we as a family, visited Bastogne and he was in uniform as a Major with his screaming eagle patch and showed us the house he was staying in during the battle when he was a first LT. The family was still living there and remembered him fondly. He retired from the Army after 32 years of service in 1972 after being the Adjutant General of the 82nd Airborne. He is in the Infantry Hall of Fame and was highly decorated for his service and also by the French and Belgian governments
Incredible story.
We owe your dad and his compatriots an inestimable and unpayable debt of gratitude.
Incredible man. Incredible life. Thank you for sharing.
My Father fought Rommel. Realized like Paton that he'd fought the wrong enemy and shot himself. Take a look at the world today winners 🤷♂️ I'd rather be speaking German✋️💛
That is fantastic! Ive always veen facinated with world war 2 stories. Band of brothers was the best series ive ever watched. I went out to the beaches and done a tour of where market garden was etc. I also done my bit during the iraq war but thats nothing in comparison
Mark posing in historical locations in his intros always goes hard
Nothing can beat the one where he's just holding a shotgun with sunglasses that's peak
:p
Chuck Norris checks under his bed for Dr. Felton.
Historically accurate
I go hard when I see Mark posing like a chad
Darrel Shifty Powers was my neighbor growing up and he used to come to our school to talk about his service.
Lucky you mate, that’s unreal.
@@ColinFreeman-kh9us He was a very sweet and kind man. I miss him a lot me and him and my family were very close and he used to take me out shooting.
@@panda.om2974 When I was a teenager and in my early 20s in the 1970s, my husband and I rented a small cabin about 50 miles from Medford Oregon up in the Cascade mountains from a Canadian World War II veteran. He had been an infantryman and saw action in Italy. He was there when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 1944. I got to be pretty good friends with him and we often went deer and bird hunting together. He died a long time ago and I miss him all the time.
There was a gentleman in our town growing up... he had a picture of himself standing in Hitler's bathtub at the Eagles nest... it was thumbtacked to the wall in his workshop. He was great friends with my father. Unfortunately, he has long since passed. Thank you Dr Felton! 👍🏾
Hitler never lived at the Eagles Nest. He only visited it. Any tub there would have never been used by Hitler.
What, he didn’t ever bathe when he visited there?@@e-curb
Are you sure it wasn’t the famous bathtub from his Munich apartment?
@@jonholland6067 When he visited there, it was just for a few hours. Never over night. In fact, he didn't even like going there. So much that he only visited a handful of times.
Amazing. I never get tired of this. I remember the first time Band of Brothers aired on TV, and though I'm not a veteran I felt that sense of relief at the end when the American soldiers, as portrayed could finally relax, and contemplate how in the hell they survived the war.
Check out the new Masters of Air! Absolutely fantastic series of the Bomber crews in WW2
As a veteran with over 50 ops under my belt, discharge was a weight off my shoulders, the responsibilities were behind me, I'd survived. But I also viewed life outside the military with some trepidation, it was a different life, but I had confidence that what I'd experienced and achieved would be respected, how wrong I was! Most veterans think they'll get to finally have a good few weeks lying in and getting up late, not shaving, and no ironing! But life, cost of living and roof over your head have to be paid for, so a job it is
@@Devastator123 Thats actually a good show,at least the first half of the season,it becomes somewhat unfocused towards the tail end(see what I did there).
@@user-he5so4gz4r Im curious,how do you feel about this show all these years after the fact,I feel very ambivalent towards it now. It played a role in making the military sacrosanct for civillians the world over during the GWOT.(wich it obviously was filmed prior to so no fault on the filmakers part,I am not suggesting this for a second) But Its a damn good show,I just cant make myself watch it anymore. I know I am not alone in feeling this way,especially for combat arms MOS.
@@Ulyssestnt I watched it years ago, twice over a period of two years. One of the reasons is that on the 2nd run I'd see reactions and details I'd missed on the first viewing. The officers as with all military arms start to diverge on a diferent path, the men with their experiences have "de-humanised" the opposition , they have less options on how to survive the conflict. One interesting anecdote, an American Infantry unit was practising a beach assault in South Devon,UK in WW2. Around the time of the Exercise Tiger incident, either before or after, I can't recall. But the assaulting unit were shot up pretty badly with live rounds, reputedly by the "Band of Brother'" parachute regiment, the rounds were supposed to have been overhead or close but some hotheads decided to shoot their own side up. This was shut down and hushed up for years, so I never watched the series again after I heard that. I abhor wanton violence,bullying, killing,lies or corruption which always seems to run hand in hand with war.
Hard to believe that nearly 80 years has passed since these events. It is a reminder that history is an important teacher. Thank you, Dr. Felton, for your tireless efforts as a historian.
Well said
Yes it is so hard to believe
My favourite TV show, covered by my favourite historian. 👍🏻
I agree !
About 15 years ago I had a neighbor who was a WWII veteran who said he was one of the paratroopers who occupied the Eagle's Nest. He said they drove around in Hitler's Mercedes and tested the bulletproofedneaa of it's windows with their Garand rifles. He also said he landed so hard in one of his parachute drops that he permanently lost an inch of body height. He was a cool dude.
Parachute
@@silentdogfart4892 Well I'm sure the did do a lot of shooting there.
@@silentdogfart4892....pffff.🐶
I visited the Eagles Nest October 2023 - thanks for the walk down memory lane! The views there are amazing and breathtaking!
I was there in October '23 as well!
I was there in August 2023 and will revisit in June this year. Fun fact: at 6 PM the bus service stops, and you can then walk or ride a bicycle up the iconic Kehlstein road. The road is closed for motorized vehicles by a security barrier.
Isnt it weird that where u walked once hitler walked and his elite guys
4:01 - "...having survived the war in Europe." I can't even imagine. Then began the PTSD, what with having to reconcile feelings of elation, relief, guilt, sadness, frustration, anger, resentment... And absolutely no support.
And a most of them lived healthy lives afterwards anyways.
They returned home in ships, together, and were greeted by family, when possible, and grateful crowds. I think maybe that helped a little for those who were on the edge of PTSD.
@@Alsatiagent-zu1rx It didn't. Not in the long run. My Dad was one of them. Nobody could understand what they went through, and they had nobody to talk to but each other. My Dad had it until the day he died. Had a life. Got his act together. Never drank. But was always angry. Oh my God, the anger... He told me once he could still hear the screams of the Dutch family as their barn was set alight by the Germans who had locked them inside. Naw, these boys had it rough. A great homecoming, but a lousy life with little understanding afterward.
@@caddy1001 Anyone who saw combat was plagued by bad memories. That's one thing you don't shake. A significant portion couldn't adjust, afterward. Bad marriages, alcoholism, etc.
My son's grandfather from Nova Scotia took part in the invasion of Sicily. He said those words to me in comparison to the experience of Vietnam vets. But I take your point. He did not talk about the actual war, said it made his stomach hurt. @@Great_Sandwich
Well what are the odds? I am currently watching Band of Brothers as this was uploaded. I had the good fortune to visit the Eagles Nest on a beautiful summer day. It was such a strange mix of beauty and splendor as well as the sobering realization that so much evil was planned and enacted right where I was standing. After an hour or so of our visit there were massive thunderclouds that rolled in under us. I'll never forget that day. Great video as always Dr Felton!
There wasn't that much evil planned right there because Hitler rarely used the house. He didn't like it according to Albert Speers biography. Eva Braun threw some parties there, though.
I recently rewatched that series.
And I'm re-reading the book. Coincidence?
Probably not that much evil was planned there. Hitler didn't like the place, he barely visited it. Most of the evil was planned in his own summer residence at the Berghof.
I love that photo at the end. Those men are iconic here in the States now. Thanks again Mark.
Iconic for looting?
A "Screaming Eagle's Nest" indeed! Thanks for posting Doctor Felton, and Happy Easter to you!
eagles scream when they attack, not when they nest
@@KronStaro I take it you're unaware the nickname for the 101st Airborne is "The Screaming Eagles?" Hey, I'm an old Marine and even I know that!
and that is exactly why i replied to you. 101st Screaming Eagles are attacking eagles, the "screaming " portion added to their name is to emphasize the attacking disposition of their unit. @@wayneantoniazzi2706
@@KronStaro you got a touch of the 'tism?
If I could’ve had Dr. Felton for a history instructor and I would have been a career student
When Mark Felton posts a new video, you just watch, learn & enjoy. Thank you!
I had the opportunity to visit the Eagle’s Nest in 2007. I had just seen the final episodes of ‘Band of Brothers’. When I got home, I compared my photographs inside the building to views in the series. It took me quite some time to note any details that did not add up. I think the lighting fixtures on the walls betrayed the otherwise brilliant studio work in the series. Kudos for everybody involved in the making of ‘Band of Brothers’!
Fascinating, I hope we see more of these then-and-now presentations. Really pulls history into the present.
“I certainly didn’t feel like writing anymore. I couldn’t explain why, but the only emotion that I could arouse were feelings of anger and after staying mad all day and half the night, I was just plain tired. Mad at what? Just about everything, for just about everything was done wrong or it wasn’t done perfectly. Since nothing but perfection was acceptable, I stayed mad.” ― Dick Winters, Beyond Band of Brothers
Thank you Dr. Felton. In 2004 I had the honor of accompanying some members of the Band of Brothers to Eagle's Nest. It was a most memorable trip. We were guests of honor there. One of the other soldiers, from the 5th Armored Division, Marlin 'Red' Bingaman , had actually taken photos there in 1945. He had them with him and we were amazed at how the building and grounds had remained virtually the same. It was an amazing experience and trip back into history as the veterans related their experiences. Literally the trip of a lifetime! While in Berchtesgaden I was able to explore on my own. I crossed the main street into the adjacent cemetery. There were hundreds of graves of WWII German soldiers. What was so fascinating was that most grave markers had photos of those interred there. The Germans put as many as four men in the same grave marked with photos and personal information. I saw some that actually had multiple brothers buried in the same graves. In your modern day video you show a nearby kiosk where tourists can purchase memorabilia. There I bought the last English language DVD showing the history of Eagle's Nest. It contains video of the amazing construction undertaken in the 1930s and so much more. A truly amazing depiction of the history from the beginning to WWII. The veterans are gone now but it was wonderful to have know them and listen to their recollections. They were truly The Greatest Generation.....
Mark, thank you for sharing this on Easter.
Samuel De Kmrte is writing a book about the 452nd Anti-Aircraft Battalion, the US army unit my grandfather served in during WW2 I can't wait to get a copy.
Amazing piece of historic architecture...band of brothers is a truly stunning work of cinematography. Never forget.
There were so many places I so wish they had made sure was preserved. As a way to show the world. And professor thank you for the knowledge, we cannot express how much you are appreciated.
Eagles Nest captured by the Screaming Eagles. Thank you for sharing this Dr. Felton!
Yeah they really captured an undefended tea house! Nevertheless the Kehlsteinhaus is a great place and was certainly a cool capture for those guys to have some well deserved drinks!
I was on a WWII tour in 2011, and we were going to go to the Eagle's Nest, but it had snowed, and the buses were not going up there. I have always regretted that. Thanks for taking me there, Mark.
Mark, you are the go to source for all things WWII. I'm headed to Patreon to show my appreciation and encourage others to do the same. All the best
Hello and respect from São Paulo, Brazil 🇧🇷🇧🇷.
Always cool to see my unit's history! I served in OIF 07-09 with B Co. 1/502, 2nd BCT, 101st Airborne Div (AA).
Ha! I've never watched the Band of Brothers series, but for some reason here in the past two weeks or so, I've been watching all these Band of Brothers shorts. I thought this was just another Band of Brothers short. Imagine my surprise when I see Mark Felton and hear the intro music that we all enjoy! Thanks Mark! Happy Easter to all!
What are you waiting for? Watch the damn series. Its better than anything made in the last decade
The Pacific
Currently im watching Masters of the Air, still need to watch the last 2 episodes. Also a fantastic production, however, obviously more complicated to produce. But it's also a must watch, next to The Band of Brothers and The Pacific.
@@tomtom21194 I'm sure it is! Thanks!
Another too short fantastically intriguing video by Dr. Felton. I love to rewatch the video of you going to and at Eagles Nest. Also, by the way, at Buckingham Palace and other on site visits. Thank you for keeping the world aware of The Greatest Generation and their heroics.
Thanks for the fascinating videos, Mark, and I was clinging on to the edge of my sofa when looking at those vertiginous mountain roads!
The eagle's nest was also featured in the series "War and Remembrance". Very nice movie location!
Thanks Mark for another great video!!!!
Band of brothers what a series that is. Pure class.❤
Just finished watching the whole band of brothers season... highly recommended
Incredible history and to see the area today is pretty amazing as well! Thank you for sharing!
You always read our minds and know what we want to hear about! Thanks for another great video Dr Felton!
One of the best shows ive ever watched
Very cool, I love the compare/contrast of the locations then and now. My family watched the series Band of Brothers on dvd together every Friday/Saturday night.
I didn’t know that 1945 camera footage included jeep, snow-shoveling, and fireplace sound.
See my post!
It does now.
It definitely looks a little staged for filming when they were there
@@robertgerber2533 I think someone else added the sound much more recently than that. “Credits: No Copyright Creators - Sounds.”
Just about all combat footage seen on TV has had sound added in post. Nothing new here.
I love that original footage from the jeep. That iconic sound. Thank you
🤗🙏💙🏆🎖️ Thank you for sharing this
An excellent and informative commentary as usual Thank you Doctor Felton.
Happy Easter Mark, and thanks for another great video!
I visited the Eagles nest in 1990 while serving with the Canadian Army in Germany. It remains a memorable experience. There was no bar/lounge at the time, it was just a very cool building.
Always great content! Happy Easter Mark. Happy Easter everyone.
That red marble fireplace is stunning... Must have been quite a lovely place in it's prime.
Big fan of your videos mark! My History teacher shows us ur videos sometimes, love to see them.
Absolutely fascinating, Dr. Felton. Thank you.
Once again, well presented and detailed Dr. Felton. Thank You !!!
Very nice video. Having watched Band of Brothers several times, and just recently. The archive films of mountain road, Willy’s jeep ride, and views are spectacular.
Another great video Mark.....I loved the sound effects of you digging in the snow in East Anglia 😁
I can’t think of a more deserving a reward for the 101st either, especially for those who had been there since Normandy and witnessed so much. Happy Easter Dr. Felton!
Happy Easter, Dr. Felton!
Thanks Mark for another great episode, Happy Easter! 🙏❤
The original footage of the Band of Brothers was a real treat. Great video as always. Thanks
Just amazing the amount of work put into building this, thank you for sharing !
Brilliant historical work here as per usual from Mr. Felton!
A great video, by a great man ones agine, Excellent editing of the sound for the black and white videos!
Love your content, and really enjoy the detail and effort you put into making your videos.
Oh snap! Another one from the great historian… Dr. Felton! Thank you sir!
Thanks Mark, wow I can't imagine what it feels like to visit there. Wishing you & family Happy Easter holidays.
This riveting Doc. Great side by side comparisons! Happy Easter!
Thank you.
Dr. Felton besides the content of Your lecture I really like the sound effects. Excellent job as usual Sir. Semper Fidelis SSgt B.
my buddy and i went there after a deployment, he was so thrilled to go visit. the restaurant is to die for, we had outdoor seating and i ate their sweet dumpling that was on the menu at the time. would definitely go again.
Thanks for another educational video! I love the “then and now” film of the road to the Eagle’s Nest! I would venture to guess that the Band of Brothers would approve!!!!
Well done! As always. Thank you!
I’ve been there. The views are more beautiful and breathtaking than can be imagined. The slopes off the pathways are terrifyingly steep. It was a sobering and unforgettable experience. Berchtesgaden is a beautiful little town, too. We had a perfect afternoon and lunch there.
You're such a dude dr Felton, this is so immensely cool to me, thanks again 🙏
Mark Felton Productions: Like an elite unit, where awesomeness is routine.
Nice Seeing Easy Co. Relaxed!
Fantastic pictures and film. Many thanks.
A place we could visit when I was stationed in West Germany! Impressive.
Crazy this video is out as I just finished rewatching Band of Brothers
very interesting episode about the Eagles nest. I especially liked the footage of the Yank lighting the fire
You mentioned Spanish Troops reaching the eagles nest. I had always thought Spain was neutral during the war.
Did a google. It indicates there were Some Spanish Republicans in the French Army who had gone to France after the end of the Spanish Civil War. And before the Nationalists closed the borders. I did not know that before though
Great video mark, always a pleasure to watch 👌👍😀
My father read the book Band of Brothers. He loved it. Said it was very interesting and a great read. I knew a decent bit about the 101st, but never knew they took a liking for the Alps and Obersalzberg. Thanks Dr. Felton for this informative video! 👍 Btw Happy Easter! ✝️🙏
I wish Dr Mark Felton would arrange guided tours to places like Obersalzberg! I would learn a lot of history.
Amazing as always
Love your videos. I was at the Eagles Nest in 2016. While I was there, they found a hidden cave that wasn't explored yet.
One of the places on my bucket list. I thought for a moment the soldiers were smashing up the furniture to fuel the fire. A beautiful view from up there.
The old video clips are remarkable. Funny that so much of a WWII fan that I am, I've had no desire to visit this place.
So glad it was fellow Europeans, the Spanish and French, who got to it first!
After everything they had been through, sitting in front of fire, in warm dry clothes, having a drink, and enjoying the views must have felt like heaven on Earth. Rarely did any men deserve that more than they did.
i went there about fifty years ago. i wish i could have been old enough to appreciate the history. i'm only fifty five now.
I visited the Eagles Nest around 1990. An absolutely wonderful experience.
I hope that you have having a wonderful Easter weekend, Mark! Cheers!
I visited the eagle nest in 2013 on a day trip from Munich and the view from there is mesmerizing
Thank you very much for the upload
I went there in 2000, really something to see.
incredible episode--band of brothers!
Nice historical coverage video
Thank you very much for giving us this insight. Very cool info. Appreciate your time and efforts in script writing, info gathering and editing it. I know for sure how much time and energy it can take as I do Rolling Stones docs and others myself.
I would LOVE to visit the Eagles nest,, that would be amazing. I love history and ww2 history in particular, what a privilege that must be to see
Mark, you are more creative than Spielberg with the sound effects!!!
To think one unit had so many parts in such a historical war. Their story may have never been told, but due to a chain of events…bam, a book and then the series. Historical indeed. Sadly we continue to lose many stories of our military members as they pass.
Great vid Mark. Enjoyed the cuts between the modern tour bus drive up the treacherous winding road and the 1945 film with the jeep noises. Imagine sitting behind some 19 year old soldier racing up that road in an open jeep, seeing guard rails in somewhat questionable condition.