@@LouismarieBelanger - And in 2022? Even Australia has a more powerful military than Canada does. Canada's contribution to Ukraine? 4 howitzers. Military equipment isn't free & doesn't appear overnight. Canada has: 4 old subs; not even a helo carrier; a few dozen hornets (not even super hornets); no bombers; a few dozen tanks....
We spoke more than 2 languages. The German’s were able to intercept the Canadian messages sent back and forth from Command to the troops but they couldn’t understand them. They couldn’t find the language the Canadians were using. The soldiers sending the messages were First Nations. The languages being used were the Cree and Iroquois dialects. I would also appreciate your thoughts on a YT video by Mark Felton called “Canadians save Denmark” if you have the time. Thanks for all your video’s and thoughtfulness
If I remember correctly, those soldiers were called “Code Talkers”, were utilized by both Canada and America, and it was a highly classified program. They would transmit radio messages in their native languages so that if the enemy intercepted their transmissions, they had no idea what they were saying or what language they were speaking. Some claims differ on this point, but apparently each was accompanied by soldier as a sort of bodyguard. If a Code Talker was captured or in serious danger of being captured by the enemy, they were supposed to kill themselves, or if they failed to do so, their bodyguard was supposed to kill them so they could not be interrogated by the enemy. However, the NSA claims that there is no evidence that there was ever a military policy to prevent their capture in this way. If we’re talking more about Canadian First Nations soldiers, it would hardly feel appropriate to not mention Francis Pegahmagabow, who was the most effective sniper of WW1 with 378 confirmed kills. His stealth on the battlefield and excellence as a sniper was likely due at least in part to his indigenous upbringing, and the resulting mastery of patience, camouflage, and tracking. Canada was been known for our excellent snipers since WW1. During WW1, at least six of the top dozen snipers from either side were Canadian. Additionally, three of the five longest confirmed sniper kills were performed by Canadian snipers, including the current record for the longest ever (3,540m). That bullet would have been airborne for a little more than 10 seconds. At that range, the amount of factors that have to be taken into account is staggering. There’s differences in wind speed and direction, air pressure and temperature differences, where the target might be by the time the bullet arrives, and even the coriolis effect (as the trajectory of such a long-range shot can even be affected by the rotation of the Earth). I am incredibly proud of my country’s military history. The only parts I’m less proud of are the war crimes of WW1, the cancellation of the Avro Arrow in 1959, the lack of military vehicles that were designed and built in Canada, and the current state of our military under Trudeau, who doesn’t seem to value our military or our soldiers in the slightest.
Hi, I'm a Canadian and one of the reasons Canadian military groups in world War one hand such anger against their enemies is because these groups were made up by regains. So when someone died it was a family member or friend. After the war the male population of villages and cities were decimated if their region was wiped out in battles. They were literally fighting for their families.
Albertan here. I love how you know a lot of this stuff already. You pause and go into further details than the video itself does. It's clear history is a passion of yours or at the least an interest. Thank you for stopping and letting your viewers know 'aboot' is considered rude. Frankly I'm not a fan of all the maple jokes either. One is fine. Two is pushing it. After that nope. I was going to back out of the video when he said aboot. But the fact you took a moment to correct your viewers on it is amazing. Props to you. Thank you for doing that.
It’s all about where you and your family grew up in Canada, my grandma for example definitely said aboot I think she grew up in Manitoba. Eh is something you use to turn a statement into a question for the people you are with, a “do you not agree?” as it were. I grew up in Ontario so I don’t use aboot but I do use eh when I’m in an informal conversational setting.
@@MissMeganBeckett I think a lot of cultures have a version of Eh. A lot of Hispanic people will say, “no?” at the end of a sentence like a question of agreement. My brother in law is from Ireland and he says “yeah?” at the end of sentences in the same way. Many Americans say “right?” in the same way.
It should also have been mentioned that it was the Canadians selected to storm ahead and block the Soviets in Northern Germany at the end of the war. Other wise it was feared Denmark would also have been behind the iron curtain. The Soviets tried to bully their way past but the Canadians stood firm.
You're right. 1PARA (1st Canadian Parashute Battalion) They jumped into Normandy and blew the bridge at Varaville and were the only Canadian unit at the Battle of the Bulge.
Absolutely. That is a fact scallywag. The Canadians beat the Soviets to the border by mere hours and stood FIRM. So after all the tiring years of WWII, the Soviets turned around and went home. I wouldn't claim that the Russian army was afraid of the Canadians, but more that they were 'allies' in the war. So it might have been a 'respect' issue more than anything else. We have to keep in mind... it wasn't the Germans who Canada stopped at the Norway border... it was Soviets who were, at the time, our allies.
@@Albertarocks yes they were at best fair weather Allies, when it suited them. I'm not taking anything away from their battles with the Germans in WW2, but Stalin was happy to sign the nonaggression pact with Hitler and share in the spoils of war accepting 1/2 of Poland. Then Stalin executed all the top Polish military leaders. The Poles were much better allies.
@Albertarocks they were concerned of us. They had been hearing the same rumors of us the Germans were telling. And the Germans were real scared of us. We were only matched on fear by specific groups of the soviets that were especially scary. If they didn't fear us they hated us the Germans that is. Russia was concerned its proven by them stealing the avro arrow plans a decade later and having already had a longer term spy system set up here.
Simple history has a video on Leo Major called The One Eyed Scout that Liberated a Whole Town by Himself. One of the most amazing things is that he didn't brag about any of it when he got home. His wife didn't even know until some Dutch people came knocking.
Leo Major also fought in Korea. He was awarded another DCM for holding a hill against a large Chinese force. He is the only Canadian soldier to be awarded two medals in 2 different wars.
That’s shows that he went above and beyond his duty but knows war as hell and not something easily discussed. I never served so I’m not talking from personal experience, just what I know from those that have.
It should be noted that Leo Major did take a month to recuperate from the 2 broken ankles, 2 broken ribs & the 3 broken vertebrae before taking the town single-handedly, so a bit of a slacker taking a whole month off...
there us is a reason on one messes with us its not the USA its not BRITS its US. we are capable more then ever i love the miss conception that were nice people. our soldiers are some of the best trained on the planet. so ya OH CANADA
Just a little add on, during the Battle of Normandy, James Doohan (yes Scotty from Star Trek) led his platoon on Juno Beach and was hit 3 times including being hit by a sniper and losing the middle finger on his right hand. He was injured an additional 6 times afterward and fought in a number of brilliant and brutal battles and received several medals in recognition of such.
@@johnf-americanreacts1287 Matt Ehret and wife Cindy Chung are interviewed by Mel K show on Rumble a few times they know history and tie things together like no one I have experienced. If interested. Matt was a witness in tribunals last summer with Dr. Reiner Fuellmich a German U.S. lawyer.
The “story” of Doohan” was made up by him regarding his finger. My father, rest his soul, was there when it happened. Who would want to admit you were drunk after raiding homes and tried to get back into your camp figuring you didn’t need to give the password because of who you are? He was warned 3 times if he advanced he would be shot…he advanced and lost his finger. I wish my father was still here to tell the story but it has fallen to us to tell the truth. ❤️🇨🇦
Hey John F......your presentations are not only an interesting re-visit re my country's history, military or otherwise, they are balanced, fair, interesting and enjoyable. Thank you! You mentioned many young Americans joined up in Canada to help before the U.S. entered WW2. In 1950, Canadians fought along side Americans in the Korean war as well. "Canadian armed forces fought in the Korean War alongside soldiers from the United States and other United Nations member states, helping to protect the Republic of Korea (South Korea) from repeated North Korean and Chinese encroachments south of the 38th Parallel. Although often overlooked or forgotten, the Korean War is a key chapter in the US-Canada relationship." Also there are other collaborations between our two countries e.g. ." Canada did not officially participate in the Vietnam war. However, it contributed to peacekeeping forces in 1973 to help enforce the Paris Peace Accords.[1] Privately, some Canadians contributed to the war effort. Canadian corporations sold war materiel to the Americans. In addition, at least 30,000 Canadians volunteered to serve in the American armed forces during the war. At least 134 Canadians died or were reported missing in Vietnam.[2] Meanwhile, tens of thousands of American Vietnam War resisters emigrated to Canada to avoid the draft. Largely middle class and educated, they had a significant impact on Canadian life.[3] You mentioned Canada and the Netherlands have a special relationship. We do. The Dutch Royal family lived in Ottawa, our Nation's Capital during the war. Check out Wikipedia which states: "Canada and the Netherlands have a special relationship resulting from actions during World War II when Canadian forces led the liberation of the Netherlands and hosted the Dutch Royal Family in exile. Following German Occupation of the Netherlands, the Dutch royal family took refuge in Canada. Princess Margriet was born in exile while her family lived in Ottawa. The maternity ward of Ottawa Civic Hospital in which Princess Margriet was born was temporarily declared to be extraterritorial by the Canadian government, thereby allowing her citizenship to be solely influenced by her mother's Dutch citizenship. To commemorate the birth, the Canadian Parliament flew the Dutch flag over Peace Tower. This is the only time a foreign flag has flown over the Canadian Parliament Building. In 1945, the Dutch royal family sent 100,000 tulip bulbs to Ottawa in gratitude for Canadians having sheltered the future Queen Juliana and her family for the preceding three years during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. In 1946, Juliana sent another 20,500 bulbs requesting that a display be created for the hospital, and promised to send 10,000 more bulbs each year. In the years following Queen Juliana's original donation, Ottawa became famous for its tulips and in 1953 the Ottawa Board of Trade and photographer Malak Karsh organized the first "Canadian Tulip Festival". Recently we learned of another tradition in the Netherlands at Christmas e.g. "Christmas Eve, in anticipation of the next day’s festivities, a few hundred children in The Netherlands will be gathering at war cemeteries to place candles at the graves of more than 2,000 Canadian soldiers." There are probably videos on RU-vid. At night the cemeteries are beautiful. What a lovely tribute to our casualties of war!
Thanks so much for taking the time to share all that amazing info. Honestly, I didn’t know anything about Canadian involvement in The forgotten war, but a number your well informed countrymen have pointed it out to me so I’m for sure going to get into it. I’m loving the conversations that are taking place here and hope it continues. Peace from NY.
If you're interested in Canada and the first World War i would encourage you to watch Paul Gross' "Passchendaele". He also made another great movie about Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan called "Hyena Road".
I like that he made an effort to feature Canadians in Battle, but Gross always saddles his films with ridiculous love stories that have little to do with the battles.
If you're into war movies, you might also have a look at "The Forgotten Battle". It's a Dutch film about the Battle of the Scheldt as seen from the Dutch point of view. The climax involves the Canadian assault on the Walcheren Causeway.
As a Canadian, I have only been proud of our international and historical reputation. The only shame I feel as a Canadian is how our country treated the indigenous people of Canada.
I am so sorry if the truth pisses you off so. Also sad that you have to make a general sweeping dramatic response to ONE engagement. Me thinks thou doth protest...
I lived in Canada for eight years, five in Saskatchewan and three in Toronto. I visit family in Calgary and I don’t recall ever hearing “aboot “ spoken.
Every country has stereotypes . Americans are thought of as arrogant and uneducated about other countries. Yet I have been to the states many times and met many friendly kind Americans. Just after the Iran crisis my parents were in Idaho and stopped at a restaurant. An American family saw my parents cdn veteran plates on their car and went up to my dad... thanked him for his service and then paid for their meal. Every nation has ignorant people but generally the average person is good and kind. No matter where they are from.
Drinking maple syrup while watching hockey outside of an igloo. That's probably the most stereotypical Canadian thing I've heard. I know you're being silly. And I love it. Sounds like you've got a good sense of humour. @@johnf-americanreacts1287
As a Canadian with 27 ancestors who fought in these wars, I have to correct the misconceptions. When Poland was invaded, the Canadian Parliament decided that every MP should be allowed to speak before the decision to declare war was voted upon. THAT is the reason it didn't happen until Sept 10th. I believe they all made a speech and that only one of the 245 members spoke against war, a preacher and the leader of the original NDP party, the CCF. After two years of war, there was no need for debate on December 7th, especially since Canadians were being killed in Hong Kong that very day. Next, the Canadians weren't deployed to France until after Christmas 1914. In 1915, the Germans tried but none of the allies joined in a Xmas party. Finally, Canadians didn't volunteer to defend Canada, they went across oceans to liberate strangers. I'm proud of the way they changed and became brutal warriors and came home to become incredible leaders. I believe that decades of peace has led to the modern perception of "Atrocities". War is a fight to the death. It is cruel and must be fought cruelly to be won. Losing is not an option because the victors write the new rules for peacetime. The true atrocities of the Axis powers have no equivalent in the Allied armies.
Love your channel! Great to see our neighbours taking an interest in our history. I know it’s not as sexy as American history but we’re quite proud of who we are. We’ll always be there to answer the call, despite the fact we’re a small peaceful nation. Much love to all of our American brethren 🇺🇸 🇨🇦
We're truly brothers! Nothing I love more than making fun of my brother... But YOU don't get to make fun of my brother or we're "throwing gloves" (to be as Canadian as possible 😅)
I had 2 grandfather's fight in WWII. One never came home and the other never spoke about it ever. Upon his death we found a memoir he wrote about the war. We quickly copied it and gave it to various family members. It was very interesting but also very sad. None of us know how we would act until confronted with such choices. I for one am proud of Canada's fierce defence of the freedoms we and our allies enjoy. We are more than what most of the world thinks of us. Thank you for your video and the respectful way you approach your videos. I've subscribed because of that🇨🇦
Thanks for watching and subscribing. Most important to me is thanks for joining the conversation and sharing your thoughts and experiences. BTW, I agree that Canada is much more than people know. In the US, Canada and Canadians are well thought of and well liked. But, people tend not to know that Canada and it’s citizens have contributed a lot to this world, are unique and more progressive than us and are not just a smaller, more polite version of us.
There are more detailed sources on Leo Major in French language articles and documentaries. One thing stands out. Having a difficult childhood, having to face considerable bullying, he made the discovery as a teenager that bullies can be defeated by deception and bluffing. He applied these principles in his military career --- his brilliant bluffing convinced an entire German occupation force to run away. His goal was not just vengeance for his dead pal. He knew that a Canadian attack on Zwolle would result in the death of many civilians, and he wanted to avoid that. In civilian life, he was a modest, gentle and compassionate man. He was never impressed by braggarts, and did not wish to be one. When he returned to civilian life, going back to his job as a pipe fitter, he never mentioned any of his escapades to his wife or his sons. They only found out years later, when the City of Zwolle invited his family to the Netherlands to honour him. His sons described him as a quiet man whose judgment they instinctively trusted, and whose love and good sense they never doubted. He was actually called back into service during the Korean war, and did a bunch of heroic stuff there, as well. A few years ago, a skeptical journalist in France attempted to discover if the stories about Major were untrue or exaggerated. To his surprise, he found out that though a few minor details had gotten confused in the telling, it was substantially true. Currie is a Scottish name very common in Canada, and it can turn up in a French Canadian family, but was more probably in this case held by an English speaker. Leo Major's name was of English origin, but in a French Canadian family --- something quite common, just as there are English-speaking families across Canada with French Canadian surnames. The French pronunciation of the name is "Maw-zhaur", the last syllable of which has no real equivalent in English. His first name was pronounced "Lay-oh". Both my parents, French Canadians, were in the Canadian Air Force during WW2 ---- my father was a bomber pilot, and my mom was a flight controller who dealt with all the airmen-in-exile flyers (like the Czechs, Norwegians & Poles), and with the Ferry Command --- the force of women pilots who flew unarmed planes from their factories in Canada, across the arctic and North Atlantic, through walls of German fighter planes, to bases in England. Neither of them ever talked about the war to their children, but occasionally I would get a clue when my mom casually identified some plane from its silhouette in the distance, or from a quarter-second clip in a movie. I only found out about what she did as she neared death, and when military officers showed up at her funeral.
As a Canadian, I knew most of the facts, however I was not aware of the American men who came North and fought alongside. Much thanks, respect and love for all.❤
Nice... I'm French Canadian and did not know that story about Leo Major. Impressive... Was showing your clip to my Chinese wife. Cause like many, she thinks Canadian are only about being nice and polite...
As a Canadian, with great grandfathers and grandfathers who fought in both wars, thank you for your video. I thank you for stating war is war, and as humans we do what we need to survive. several points I can't help but to point out. First off, the Devil's Brigade, look it up folks. Second, Dieppe was also a Raid to try and get an enigma machine. Lastly The Canadians in the first world war, were one of the most successful armies on the battle field, not to take away from any of the other brave soldiers who fought. The first gas attack made was against the Allies in Belgium, Canadians held there ground while others ran. Vimy Ridge was a highly contested area the Canadian army won. Canada's role in the Pacific, starting at Hong Kong and ending in Japan. Also Canadians and Americans have fought in each others armies going back to the American Revolution. We are Brothers in arms, always have been and hopefully ever will be. Great video!
Hi John F. I am a French Canadian. I was impressed by your sound judgement. You are right: WWI and WWII were two different wars. I could elaborate about the way French soldiers were treated during WWI, but I'll cut it short. Thank you for you gracious kindness.
Merci for the comment. I very much intend a deeper dive into French Canadian culture soon. I have been to Quebec province but it has been a long time. It is due no the from where I live in down state NY.
Still runs strong in our military. The Medak pocket in the 90s is another example. The Taliban seemed to avoid them as well. Just like the Aussies, rough land builds rough men.
Another forgotten incident comes from Cyprus during Peacekeeping, when with only small arms it was either the Pats or the RC's pushed a part the Turkish and Greek armies giving them both a good hard time. '74 I think.
We're all "polite" because we settled (committed genocide in) very rough lands and you NEEDED to be friends with your distant neighbours to KEEP YOU ALIVE! But the rough lands that made us polite CERTAINLY didn't make us "soft" lol
@@TheDylls that's a disgusting overstatement. That is quite literally my family history you're talking about, on both sides. My "European ancestry" traces back over 400 years in Canada alone. Who knows how long Natives have been here for. Much of the land was just available. Many Natives were more or less okay with, if not approving of the newcomers. They moved from place to place, figured the new people would as well, and didn't care much either way unless that ground was very sacred, beyond just being the land alone. Then it would almost certainly be fought over. Some of it was bought. Sometimes for a fair price, sometimes not. Some of it was taken by force, yes. Let's be honest here. Our Natives were not foreign to the concept of war. Maybe not to the extent that Europeans introduced, but they caught on and adapted very quickly. But to say the land was settled by genocide as a general and sweeping statement is false, and I will not stand for that disgrace.
I love it all...proud Canadian here..my father was in world War ll...and he was terrified from it until he died hence ..ptsd...he was a signal man.../radioman...he survived...but his life afterwards was...riddled with alcoholic episodes and seeing things ..
Absolutely, and hidden for Decades, that the Brits were quite happy to let the Canadians get mowed down, knowing they had no chance for a Victory as there was never any Relief Corps coming, if they did happen to take the Port and City, it was only about the machine.
This is true. My Grand-Father was there and survived. Good thing for me because my Father hadn't been born yet. Almost glad he passed on before this news came out. I couldn't imagine how devastating that would have been for him.
Your last bit of Info, ON THIS VID. re: so many Americans, crossing over the Can/Am. Border & joining up with the Can.Military is so True in BOTH WORLD WARS !!~ They were SO Appreciated !! & It is Not Forgotten !! Bless them All & T.Y. for acknowledging them & bringing it to the fore, where many before now, may have not known, nor is it well known, that many Canadians, crossed the Border & joined the American Forces to fight in Vietnam, We joined the States in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, besides being Allied in Ukraine, We work along side of each other ..~~ Canada & the U.S.A. are Sisters & Brethren.... I am reminded ,of when, as 2 little girls, before we were taken to the Yukon, my twin sister & I, being taken to the Peace Arch Park, between Washington State & B.C. & our Father telling us to look up at what was written.. It Read, " May These Gates Never Be Closed " He said, Never Forget That !! ~~All these years later, & thru many Deployments with N.A.T.O. working with my American Allies & Friends , I Have,, Never Forgotten.. T.Y. for your Vids !!
That movie should have been made long ago, but Canadians are terrible at blowing their own horn. That's why the Dutch had to make a movie about the Battle of the Scheldt - The Forgotten Battle, in which the Canadian Army figures prominently. In a later documentary about the movie, somebody said something like "We made a movie involving the Canadian army because somebody had to."
Agreed. Of course here, Audie Murphy was a war hero and played himself in the Hollywood movie. Lol, only in America. I’d also love to see a band of brothers type of show featuring a Canadian unit.
We are polite, and friendly, for the most part. If it comes to war, we can do that also. And you don't want to get a french Canadian riled up, ever !! Some of the toughest people you will ever meet here in Canada, you have to be tough to survive the winters, LOL !! All that said, I hate war and all that goes with it, so senseless. Our military is severely underfunded ; were it not for our neighbors, we would be defenseless.
As a Canadian I enjoyed watching this because we do have an amazing and very interesting history that for some reason is overlooked. Its nice to see that others in other countries get to learn about some of this. Even too many Canadians arent aware of our own history and thats a shame. Thanks for a great video...Thumbs up and subscribed.
I like your vibe John F, thanks for your thoughtful videos. It may (or may not) come as some surprise to you to know that we don't often learn about these individual stories of bravery or engagement outside of the occasional 'Heritage Moment' type PSA. In school we learn about the wars, our participation in them, and a lot of the learning is about the events/battles of the wars, and the overall politcal, and socio economic drivers/themes that drove the conflicts, and the various parties to the wars, and how the first, ostensibly set the stage for the second, and the second the stage for the Cold War, and so on. There is very little concentration on these 'individual acts of bravery'. A couple weeks ago you had a reaction video with a Brokaw piece where he mentions our PM had to 'encourage Canadians to yell loudly' at the Olympics (much as Americans do USA!USA!USA!).....this is a similar kind of thing. I comment on it, really just to offer the heads up that many Canadians who watch back your video will be learning these things about guys like Leo Major for the first time.
Thanks so much. I’m loving the engagement and conversation. I agree that history is learned almost clinically sometimes and the individual stories is what brings it back to relatability. Humans relate best to individual human stories.
In WWI there were three Canadians from Winnepeg who lived on Pine Street within 2 blocks of each other who all won VC's two of them even lived to collect the metals personally, an awful lot of VCs are awarded posthumously, the street they grew up on was renamed Valour Road...
David Vivian Currie is buried here where I live in Ontario....we have 3 VC's in our small city of 20,000. My grandfather lived beside Billy Bishop. He was born in Saskatchewan. I was 22 when he died and was buried in our cemetery.
I appreciate your reaction here and your knowledge on the subject matter. Thanks to the RU-vid algorithm for bringing me here. I’m enjoying your perspective and your respect for our troops and history. You’ll sort out the production of your channel as you go forward, but I recommend factoring in where you’ll overlay the video when you frame your shot with a small card or post-it note so you can see the final framing. This way you are centred in the space that remains. Again, I am enjoying your channel already, having just subscribed earlier this week.
Thanks so much for your kind words and your constructive suggestion. I’m working very low tech now but I hope to improve that soon. You are right, of course, but thanks for also understanding that I’m new at it and still learning.
I'm a Major too. The French side of our family say the name in a french way. The letter J is pronounced "zh" like the soft French G. So it's pr. Ma-zh-or
John, there was ONE MAN in this country who was a chronicler and ALSO a marvelous story teller who had his own show here on CBC. His name was Pierre Berton and he wrote MANY books about Canada including The Klondike, The Last Spike, and many others. He was born in the Yukon. Anyway his story and his life will truly go down in our history books. He always struck me as American because he was sort of larger than life. He waa a big man, about 6 and a half feet tall. I once saw him in downtown Toronto coming out of the TD Centre and marvelled at his height. But more than his height he had a massive and wonderful personality. How I wish CBC would release his wonderful Canadian stories of our heritage that he told in his half hour programs. That was 55 years ago and I still cherish them. My favourite was the story of an Englishman named Archibald Belaney who came to Canada as a teenager and adopted the the name Grey Owl. He wrote several stories about his life in the Canadian wilderness and you can buy the compilation on Amazon. The stories of Grey Owl are still among my favourites.
so funny thing another thing Canadians developed during WWI was mixed infantry units, used to be that the machine gun guys all were in one unit grenadiers in another canada had made the decision to mix it all up making squads more effective now thats something we think of as being natural
Right? His whole WWI commentary was that Canadians were barbaric to set up that the thesis that they reformed in WWII, but were still capable of atrocities. I didn’t like that. Way overly simplistic and a lazy analysis.
as a Canadian, I didn't think it was all that great I have watched some that were better presented I really liked how you would stop and add, fill in, or remind people that those wars took place at a different time and life was a lot different back then.
If you ever travel to Canada for a vacation, I would suggest that you go to Ottawa, and visit the National War Museum. I went visited my family there in 2017, ( 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge). It was a great day. On display in the WW2 section of the museum, they had a Rolls Royce that Hitler had used. The museum goes from pre colonialism Canada up to the modern day. Stay safe, stay sane, stay Strong Ukraine 🇺🇦
My great uncle’s ww2 helmet was on display for awhile there , he took a snipers bullet right through the right side of the helmet and only grazed his head , if we asked what happened to the sniper he’d never fully say , just to the extent that it was that snipers last bullet fired.
First, I’m with you on you’re Ukraine comment and have done what I can. As for the rest, thanks for the tip. I’m trying to get my wife to join me for a reaction to places to travel to in Canada so we can plan a trip soon. We are big travelers, but she hasn’t been to your great country though I have a half dozen times.
Thank you for this video. My Dad was in the R.C.A.F. in WWII. He met my Mother in London. So my brother and I grew up with loads of war stories and survival during the blitz of London.
Just found you...time to binge. 49 year old Canadian who has lived all over Canada and the US.I don’t think I could be any more Canadian ...great great x maybe 3 more granddaughter of one of the fathers of confederation. Love my country but love the U.S too...and proud great granddaughter of a cdn serviceman who died in WW1 .Thank you for saying we don’t say aboot...because we don’t 🤣 ♥️Great channel
I enjoy your commentary as it often adds interesting information and context to the videos! You also seem like a very fair minded individual that tries to look at the situations with different points of view.
I just discovered your channel, and I appear to be binge watching them. My Uncle, whom I had until 2007 could have avoided any draft (which never came up) as a privileged rich kid from Toronto, but he joined the RCAF as soon as Canada got involved. I could write a book about all the war stories told throoughout my life by him, and my aunt and mother. He simply said "I wanted to decide what I wanted to do in the war, so I joined early". He started as a flight mechanic and ended as a highly decorated Flight Lieutenant, flying overseas all of the war looking for German U-Boats and Subs to sink. He flew Canso's and Avros, and met my aunt who was a war hostess mid-war. I'd be happy to share more when you find an even better documentary about Canada's role in WW11. I really appreciate your innate sense that the narrator wasn't exactly telling the truth about our "quest for blood". At least in my Uncle's case, it was a solemn duty to rid the World of Fascism, and he was careful to leave out any bragging or stories of gore, focusing instead on the many other stories like landing in the dark in London during the Blitzkreig, and so forth. I'll save some stories for the next time you delve into WW11, and thank you for your attention to detail, fact, and obvious knowledge and empathy.
As a former member of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, I appreciate the mention of Dieppe... Semper Paratus. Hamilton Ontario Canada. Respect to all who Serve/Served with Honour, those and that never Worthy. Peace
My grandfather was with the Queen's Own Rifles in WW1 and survived being gassed twice. He also participated in the shelling and attacks during the 'Christmas truce'. To that he told me, 'screw the huns, we pounded them to smithereens with shelling and machine gun fire and then we stormed their trenches. None of those bastards stood a chance.' His bayonet had blood stains and 'kills' carved into the handle. He was the sweetest man, but clearly a vicious warrior!
I swear I'm asking this because I'm genuinely curious, not to make some sort of silly joke, but did he pee on a cloth and hold it over his face against the gas?! I heard that that was a thing that "we" discovered?
There is a big documentary on Léo Major in French called Le Fantôtme Borgne thats how the Germans were calling him: Its like a ghost because they couldn't see him nor hear him before he caught them. You should watch it with english subtitles. Sadly the thing about french documentaries and shows in general, they are hard to find on internet and almost never free.
I would like to suggest you to wacth on RU-vid : Great War Tour with Norm Christie /season 1/episode 1: Arthur Currie - Master of War. During WW1, British army was taking all the credit. They were sending Canadians up front and they were taking the glory ... The moment the British accepted to listen to Currie things changed especially after the battle of " La Somme." You'll understand why we are so proud of our contribution during WW1. I'm a french canadian from Québec City home of the 22nd batallion now The Royal 22nd Regiment the only french speaking regiment in Canada (active). The Regiment made the changing of the gard at Buckimham Palace all in French. Sorry if I made a few mistakes in your language. I don't use English in my day to day life. It's a second language for me. You have all my respect for what you're doing. Wishing you all the best and please continue the good work. 😃
This was such a kind and empathetic reaction. Thank-you! Also could you do a video reacting to the Halifax Explosion? It was the largest man-made prenuclear explosion in history.
I was born 1 year after ww2. My Grandpa had served for Canada as a munitions expert 1914 to 1918. Uncle Eddie was killed in 1944. Grandpa was a preacher and I was raised by my grandparents as a pacifist. I always knew Canadians were tough soldiers, but I shudder to think they showed such inhumanity. Still, I'm proud to be a Canadian! Your historical interests are quite honourable! Cheers! 🙂✌️🇨🇦
22 min, loved the end of your video on the number of Americans who joined The Canadian army to fight in WW II, perhaps a good video would be on the number of Canadians who joined the US Military to fight in Vietnam: My Uncle did, and I know at least 40 000 Canadians did. Have a great day.
🇨🇦🙏🏽Thank you for your kind words. I felt bad and ashamed to learn about the brutality of the Canadian soldiers 😞. I’m so sorry they treated people with such brutality. Your response to this part was very gracious and helped me feel better. Thank you for your kind-hearted reaction. ❤
Hi and thanks for your thoughtful comment. My view is that we should should never whitewash the ugly side of war and our histories in general, but at the same time we should put it into context and the proper perspective. Well, that’s what I think anyway. I think it’s a good sign about our humanity that we can feel bad about these things.
@Kittypuppup At the same time, unless you were there and know first hand what it was like, it's unfair to judge the soldiers from the comforts of home. Just my 2 cents
@@johnf-americanreacts1287 the bad behaviours were not one-sided. War can bring out the best and worst in people. The tragedy is that humanity had not learned how to not be "inhuman".
Wow. Don't apologize to anyone for what we do in a war. If we're in a war, they must've done something terrible to earn what we do to them. Rules change in a firefight, it becomes him or me. Who wants to see his wife and kids more. That's how you not only win, but survive.
FYI The Dieppe raid was on August 19, 1942, and not only was it a test of German defenses,; but it was also used as cover for British intelligence to acquire intelligence.
Thousands of Americans did in fact serve wearing the Canadian uniform in WW2. That might have been payback for some 50.000 Canadians who fought for the Union in the civil war. Not many are aware of that either.
I knew about the American volunteers in WWI. It is one of stories that is rarely told similar to the Canadian volunteers that joined the Union army during the civil war. So much history we are not told and/or only hear through the victors. Thanks for your genuine interest in Canada. 🇨🇦
Thank you for your reaction videos on Canada, I was surprised the short video didn’t specifically mention some of the significant battles Canadian military fought in during WW1: Battle of Ypres, Battle of Somme, Battle of Hill 70, Battle of Cambrai (the first effective tank attack in history), Battle of Vimy Ridge, Battle of Passchendale, Battle of Sorrell, Canada’s Hundred Days…+ During WW2, Canada created 40 Prisoner of War camps, Camp 30, located in Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada, held 880 of the Third Recihts highest ranking German officers and successfully prevents Nazis from efforts to recover their officers. Camp X, located on the shore of a Lake Ontario between Whitby and Oshawa, Ontario, was a joint initiative between the British and Canadian governments. It was a secret special training school and trained over 500 covert agents/spies. It also housed Hydra, a cutting edge telecommunications relay station, tape cypher, and coding/decoding station. Ian Fleming spent time here and it is considered the impetus for him writing the James Bond novels. Canadian Code Breakers played a critical role during WW2 and more can be learned from the video, ‘Hear the Untold Story of the Canadian Code Talker’, was also highlighted in the film ‘The Imitation Game’. Canada also successfully fought two American invasions, the Invasion of Canada in 1775 and the War of 1812.
Very proud of our history. So many of our forefathers did amazing things...unheard by the world. My own uncle single handedly took 20 SS prisoners in Italy. They were a generation of heros. On both sides of our border. Great video.
Shut up! You're about to just casually drop the fact that your uncle is ALSO low-key fuckin RAMBO?! That's too cool! If you could, please thank him for his service from "some random dude on the internet"... Because I get the absolute joy of watching my young daughter grow up free and happy, and that's partly because of HIM
@@TheDylls Unfortunately he passed during covid. He died alone barred from his loved ones. Mike Saunders was his name. One of the greatest men ive ever met in my lifetime. If he could he'd give ya a big hug for your kind words, as he had a lust for life and loved meeting people.
@@hyperionzii5889 I just want you to know that I gave my - very confused - 2.5yr old daughter a big bear hug and told her that that was from a man named Mike Saunders ❤️ P.S. If I can take a wild guess, was he one of the patients cracking up the nurses with jokes even as he was getting worse? 😊)
My father fought in the Battle of Ortona which was dubbed the Little Stalingrad. I only found out after he died back in the early 2000's. He never even joined the Legion after the war. He was sent to Holland and sent money and items back to a Dutch family when he got home.
Captain Triquet was a member of the Royal 22nd Régiment actually the only french speaking regiment in Canada ( active ). The Regimnet is based in Québec city the capital of the Province of Quebec. In WW1It was a Batallion.
Correct! My father was with Captain Triquet in Italy- , Pierre Chasse, who later worked with the SOE in France. This French speaking group played a vital role behind enemy lines.
I dont think we fight for country as much for Freedom. I know as a Canadian, the thought of taking freedoms burns me like fire inside. Really cool you did this video Thanks!
Thank you for another thoughtful and respectful video. I admire and appreciate your level of interest in and knowledge of Canada and Canadians! I live in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, on the property of what was a former U.S. Air Force base. You may recall that Newfoundland and Labrador was not yet a part of Canada during World War II; we were Britain's oldest colony (since 1583) and joined Canada in 1949. Newfoundland was strategically important to the allies in the Battle Of The Atlantic. As the most easterly point in North America, Newfoundland served as the jumping-off and landing point for fleets of ships transporting troops, equipment, weapons and supplies across the Atlantic, and as a refueling point for trans-Atlantic flights of personnel and planes to and from Europe. German U-boats were not uncommon in our waters and fired on the harbour at St. John's, the capital city, and sank two iron ore boats at Bell Island in Conception Bay, as the iron was bound to be used by the allies in the production of ships, tanks, weapons, etc. A German U-boat was captured here at Bay Bulls. The signing of the Atlantic Charter (the document that set the basis for the formation of The United Nations) was signed by Great Britain's Prime Minister Churchill and President Roosevelt on a ship in Placentia Bay, Newfoundland.
Great info. Thanks so much. Yes, I have seen film footage about the signing of the Atlantic charter off the coast of Newfoundland. What’s amazing to me is how many component parts, like Newfoundland being the ideal departure point to get arms and me across the North Atlantic played quiet but crucial roles in the wars. We must also not forget all the merchant marines that lost their lives in that effort.
@@johnf-americanreacts1287 I especially appreciate your acknowledgement of the merchant marines, as my father was one of them! Fortunately, he returned home safely, but he did lose a brother during the war. His brother, like many others, had signed on as a sailor in the British Navy and he lost his life when the ship he was on was torpedoed and sunk by a German U-boats in the English Channel. All our veterans, in my opinion, have earned our respect and gratitude.
Growing up in Canada I had several teachers who invite veterans of both world wars to speak to their classes around Remembrance Day, Nov. 11. A few were happy to speak but most seemed to have a real difficulty speaking about the experiences they had during the wars. As an adult, I’ve met a number of veterans of the conflicts in Bosnia/Croatia and Afghanistan who have had the same difficulty speaking of their experiences. I’ve come to the conclusion that the difficulty stems the lack of a common experience to bridge the gap between civilian and veteran, that precludes the civilians from truly understanding what the veterans went through. I spoke of this to a friend, who was a veteran of Bosnia and Croatia. I told I was sorry that I could not understand what he had gone through but that, at the same time, I was kind of glad I did not. I asked if that made it made sense to him, his reply was simply “Yes, it does.”
As a Canadian with deep roots in various warsdating back to 1812, I'm proud of what my family and Canadians have accomplished and established. I've been in with Marines and listened to stories of Canadians and the praise they have for Canadians in battle. John, I'd love for you to react to the the Canadian liberation of Appledorn Holland and the history /relationship to this day they have with Canada.
There is a very interesting and informative piece done by CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) about VE Day in The Netherlands. It's titled "VE Day Canadian Veterans Celebrated in The Netherlands". It's an enlightening documentary, it also explains why Canadian names will be found as street names in The Netherlands.
I throughly appreciate your knowledge of our mutual history. It's so awesome seeing how much you know about our history compared to even the average Canadian.
Very interesting. My Dad fought in World War II and Korea. He did not like to talk about it , even with my brothers. Thanking you for sharing the video.
John, appreciate you stating that we Canucks are not impressed with the Aboot jokes. Have you checked out Canada’s role in the Korean War often noted as the forgotten war. We had sent some 26,000 troops there and there are some interesting books on some of the battles the Canadians were involved in.
Thanks for your comment. Yes, Korea is the forgotten war. I read a book called the Marines of Autumn about US Marines stuck in ungodly cold conditions after the Chinese poured across the border. It is a shame people forget that war and I’m sure people overlook Canada’s role in it too. I must confess, I know very little about it so I appreciate your mentioning it. I will certainly check it out.
I’m from bell island, and remember hearing stories all the time from older folks about the night the island was hit by torpedo from a German U boat and the whole island shook knocking people outta bed. We were a MAJOR iron ore mining community at the time
My dad fought in France, Belgium and Germany in WW2, we didn't talk a lot about it. As a young person I liked to watch war movies and Rat Patrol which he had no time for. Something he did tell me was how they would have a squad (or whatever it was called) of 10 men to hold a town or bridge and then the US would show up with 100 men just like our current population 10:1. I had Uncles who fought and whos wounds showed, worked for a gentelman who landed on Juno beach, I apprenticed under a mechanic who had been mechanic for the RCAF during WW2, subsequent generations don't have these connections so making this content is important. Thanks.
My Grandfather fled Belgium before the Germans invaded and immigrated in 1911 as my great grandfather went to fight in WW1 who is MI'kMaq. My uncles and Godfather fought in WW2 and landed on Juno Beach on D Day, 3 uncles on the beaches, 2 uncles in the Airforce and two in the Navy on sub hunting and escort missions in the Atlantic. Fortunately everyone of them made it home and died of old age. Appreciate these videos, it used to make me angry that most Americans probably because of Hollywood believe the U.S and U.K were the only ones who fought in Europe. Infographic channel has a good Leo Major animation. Well done my friend 👊
I get that about Hollywood. There has been a UK and US centric view of WW2. Yet, there were major contributions from many commonwealth countries including India, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, etc. And let us not forget the nation that lost the most soldier by the millions - the USSR.
@@johnf-americanreacts1287 absolutely true, I think people forget about the USSR due to Stalin initially siding with Hitler until Hitler turned on him. Churchill and others tried to tell Stalin what was coming. That has no bearing though on the millions of innocent people and the soldiers who fought and sacrificed to defend their homeland. Things may have dragged on and on had Hitler kept his word and Stalin decided to join in further to split more territory. Somehow the universe even though sometimes on its own time generally balances the scales in life. Thanks for your comment 👊
germans were especialyy affraid of québécois , as soon they heard tabarnak they would disappear; by the way canadians were lead by british officers and not by candians officers
In WW11 you should look at First Special Service Force, the mixed US and Canadian special forces unit, and especially the exploits of First Nations soldier Tommy Prince of that unit in Anzio.
You might look up Beaumont- Hamel and the 1st Newfoundland Regiment in WWI. The British leaders stuck to the old fashioned tactics, throw masses of men to their deaths but refusing to learn modern methods. At Vimy, they had tried to take that hill for a long time. The Canadians were led by people who understood that modern war needed modern tactics and took that hill. They were denigrated for being ignorant colonials. The Canadian attitude is pragmatic rathrr than "romanticized": get in, get the job done. In today's slang it is "hold my beer." The UN peacekeepers were founded as a response to the Suez Crisis and Lester Pearson was one of its creators and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
It's fantastic to see this video to remind me of my Uncle Hédard McLaughlin who was one of the Canadian soldiers who landed on Juno beach in Normandy, France to help liberate France. What you said about the Quebecois Canadian soldier Leo Major from Quebec is true about him being able to communicate with the local French citizens or the French Resistance fighters as you said. My Uncle Hédard McLaughlin being one of the Canadian soldier who was also able to speak French fluently with the locals in Normandy. Except my Uncle Hédard McLaughlin is from New Brunswick not Quebec my Uncle is what I call a French Acadian from Northern New Brunswick near the Quebec border. Anyways a lot of French speakers in Canada have English sounding last names or should I say Irish like my Uncle Hédard and Scottish last names because of the French speakers in Quebec and New Brunswick interaction with the English speakers who are of English and Irish and Scottish descendants and they married with in the French speaker families with names like Leblanc or Comeau or Gautreau which is my mother's maiden name. Anyways if Leo Major was born and raised in Quebec he probably learned to speak French while growing up. Another example is of a Prime Minister in the 80s by the name of Brian Mulroney who was from Baie Comeau Quebec from (1984-1993) he had a good relationship with Ronald Reagan when he was the President in the 80s. You get two Irish men together singing when Irish eyes are smiling what do you expect? 😆 🇨🇦 🇺🇲 Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦 🇺🇲 🍻
I hate to say but I’m old enough to remember PM Mulroney. In fact, because of his closeness to Regan, he was on our news a lot growing up (as was Thatcher) and he is the first Canadian PM I was aware of.
Regarding French Canadian soldiers, the Polish Army was paired with the Canadian Army. Many Polish officers were trained in France and spoke french, letting them communicate well. Regarding the Poles, they fought above their weight, whether they were airforce, navy or soldiers.
