My grandfather was at Arnhem as a member of the 1st Airborne reconnaissance squadron, D troop, 12 section. He fought and was at some point shot in the wrist, eventually being captured. He came back to live a full life. I didn't get the chance to meet him, but I'm very proud to be related. Unexpected subject matter to find on this channel, but I'm here for it. (Edit: spelling)
As a Brit living in Amsterdam, I rode my bike today down to Ginkel Heath (where they landed), to Wolfeheze through the tiny culvert where the Jeeps escaped by the skin of their teeth (so tiny, I had to duck my head just to ride through), and into Oosterbeek, where the 1st aiborne had their last stand. A vivid experience especially since I had an uncle actually fighting in the battle. If you like the book, try "I was a stranger" by Powell's superior, Brigadier John Hackett (later General Sir John Hackett, leader of NATO forces in the 1970s).
Jocko, you and David Goggins are the teachers that get me through. I have an educational system that is great, but you two are the tough, gritty teachers I need for the tough times. When I think about what you two have gone through, I have no excuse! Thank you for your blunt honesty.
its crazy this only has 50k views in 5 years these book reads that jocko dose are my most fav type of content on youtube since i love reading its given me a long list of books on my to read list it dont get any better than jocko narrating and giving imput on great war stories
Wow great story! I didn’t serve in the military, this story made me appreciate the service men serving our country. We live our life day by day and take things for granted being a citizen. Thank you Jocko!
German cabbage - yes. From the relevant wiki: “It is a shortened form of the French slang portmanteau alboche, itself derived from Allemand ("German") and caboche ("head" or "cabbage"). The alternative spellings "Bosch" or "Bosche" are sometimes found.”
Had the privilege of staying in Oosterbeek and retracing the steps of Major Powell and his men. It was snowing at the time, and so quiet and peaceful. A friend of my dad's was at the bridge with John Frost's battalion. He said when they were captured they fully expected to be lined up and shot. Instead the Germans went around handing out cigarettes to the captured British, specifically 'Players' American cigarettes, and laughing with them about it being a 'good fight'. Anyone interested in the battle at Arnhem will love to read 'It never snows in September', for the German view. Written by a British parachute regiment officer based in Germany. Thanks for this. I don't usually listen to book readings but couldn't pass this one by and it was well worth it.
Jocko is my go to guy, I did the Colorado trail this year . 500 miles ! I didn't plan on doing it at all, very hard physically and mentally. I embraced the storms and only finished because of my son . sometimes high enough I would have cell signal . half way my tent broke during a storm , got to listen to Jocko a few times . Good!! No quit all grit !!
My great uncle fought in that battle... he fought through entire ww1 then on to ww2 as a grenadier platoon leader on the eastern front against the Russians he was retrained for counter paratroop and was stationed in Arnhem these brits ran smack dead into some of the toughest combat veterans in the German army.. he did not survive
I started watching this podcast,not exactly knowing what I was watching ,just knew Jocko was a team leader in the seals ,and I only watch real shit!!! Once I started watching I couldn't stop!!What an exceptional warrior this guy is, exceptional speaker,hell with reading the books I just watch Jocko! I'm proud to be an American knowing we have Spartans like this dude leading men!!
What was described as "the finest Victoria Cross of the entire war" was won at arnham by Robert Cain. About 10 years ago Jeremy clarkson did a documentary about him. Definitely worth watching. It's on RU-vid.
Thanks Jocko for sharing this story! I live 25 k near Arnhem in a small village. Every year we remember in september. With paratroopers jumping from planes at the Ginkelseheide. Thank for your great podcasts. Gr from Holland
Very interesting show, I visited Holland and in particular the area of in and around Arnhem, and when standing at Oosterbeek crossroads you can see first hand just how up and close and personal this battle was. Out of about 10,000 men of the Brit 1st Airborne Div 6500,captured, 1300 killed, 2200 managed to escape, basically Market garden was too big n bold, plus with the nature of the objectives had to be captured quickly, plus everything that could have gone wrong, did go wrong. Thanks for covering.
When a German soldier under a white flag approached British paratroopers at Arnhem, he said his general saw no point in continuing this fighting and wanted to discuss a surrender. The British replied, “We haven’t the proper facilities to take YOU ALL prisoners. We apologize, but WE cannot accept YOUR surrender.” That’s the most polite English gentlemanly way to say, “Go bugger yourselves.”
East Anglian coast is where I live......right on the ferry route to Holland. I wonder where they flew from, definitely Licolnshire.....we have a lot of disused airfields here, Waltham Aerodrome is the closest....
The thing that baffles me and we will never get an answer too is: Why did allied high command ignore all dutch communications leading up to market garden, that the 9th and 10th panzer division where in the arnhem area resting after seeing battle in france, theres even a few photo's taken by a spitfire recon plane that shows some armor in the woods around arnhem, why didnt they act on that info, as hardy as para's are theres only so much you can do against armor ( especially in those days ) without the help of good anti tank weaponry.
I just realized that the reason I like Hawaiian Hoodies is that they are easy to put on and take off:) Not so much for that way they make me look. I am not in high school and I care more for winning. In team 2 they gave us some ugly uniforms. Luckily I was brought up by some hardcore team guys who thought me that uniforms don't win battles, hardcore people do:)
We dont realize what those brave Brits and Americans went thru fighting WW2. Both n Europe and the Pacific. And there was no "PSTD" support back then. My gpa was in Navy and told me of his destroyer getting torpedoed by German U boat.
I truly enjoy hearing half of a book but it feels like the pod cast is turning into more of a book club. Thanks for all you guys do I enjoy how their is a learning point to the books.But Ill follow for the interviews.
Jocko needs to experience Hawaii centipedes before shrugging those bad boys off. They're no joke. However I would still just catch them in a cup and take them elsewhere, but some impressive locals swear its worse than a 22 shot.
You pronounce Arnhem just fine and won't offend anyone, but "Holland" are only two provinces in the west of The Netherlands (South Holland and North Holland, where Amsterdam is). Arnhem isn't even in "Holland", it's in Gelderland. You can judge for yourself how offensive, or rather ignortant, someone from The Netherlands looks/sounds to you if they called the whole of the US the "West Coast", because they only know New York.
How dare you talk about ownership and responsibility when right now you are abdicating your responsibility and your duty to step up for your country when it needs you the most. I respect you. However haven't you looked around lately? What is it going to take for you to step up and to take responsibility for your position your potential to be one of the greatest presidents this nation has ever seen. What is it going to take?
Typical British clusterfuck. My take away from the movie, A Bridge too Far. Radio's didn't work right. Known before the Op. Heavy opposition forces known of before Op, but ignored. The Op was more important than getting things in proper order before the green light. Know one wanting to be a thorn in the side of the Op, neglected to speak up which caused failures.
Dude, thank you!!! I love your guests and learn something from each of them. But the reason I started listening to this podcast was you, Echo, and black n white. And that's why I'll keep listening.
In the film "A Bridge Too Far" Anthony Hopkins played John Frost, the 2 Para CO, who's batallion actually reached the Arnhem bridge. While shooting one scene, Hopkins, as Frost, had to cross a road swept by German fire. He did so in a crouched run. The shot was ruined when the real John Frost (who was acting as an advisor on the production) strode out saying "No, no! You would never run like that. Cross quickly but upright. You MUST show your men your contempt for the enemy" They reshot it, repeating the way Hopkins had already moved after explaining to Frost that the audience would simply not believe what had actually happened.
1:17:13 I was wondering about the deserters also. Especially if you’re a para miles from friendlies. Not to armchair quarterback but but I’d rather stay with my buddies that face the abyss of unknown while I flee towards friendly lines.
Hi Thank you for your pod castes , but I as many others are bound to ask what is happening and what is your take on the Korean front and Donald Trumps rhetoric, having just seen North Korean army training kung fu style and all of this , i wish that all this "war" stuff would end but the reality is we haven't yet learnt to sublimate or redirect it , we or America are that far away from a major conflict , what do you think or feel ? As a side issue thses protests , I respect Donald Trump as I would naturally any man and he has some real gifts but I am left wondering whether as head of the most powerfull nation on earthe he is suited, Barack Obama made me feel good to be human , but I am left feeling confused and even repulsed by some of Donald trumps antics , has he the humility to acknowledge when he has made mistakes , without it America could be plunged into a disastrous war with North Korea . You know alot more than most , would you or can you talk about this ?
