The WW2 Tank Battle Caught On Film! (WW2 Documentary)

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In March 1945 US forces of the 3rd Armored Division advanced into the ruins of the German city of Cologne. Over two days of bitter fighting they eventually pushed the defenders back across the Rhine.
Standing in their way were the last few tanks of the German Army in the region. This is the story of how one M26 Pershing tank came up against a formidable Panther outside the iconic Cathedral, with the duel being caught on camera in one of the most iconic scenes of WW2.
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Written Sources:
Dierk Lürbke, website (English & German). He once again describes the events in great detail. -anicursor.com/colpicwar2.html
Forgotten Archives: the Lost Signal Corps Photos - / forgottenarchiveslosts...
A. Makos, Spearhead (2019)
S. Zaloga, M26/M46 Pershing Tank 1943-45 (2000)
W. Ramsey After The Battle 104 (1999)
D. Zumbro, Battle for the Ruhr (2006)
Video Sources:
Getty Archive, Divisions of the 1st Army Enter Cologne During WW2
H. Rheindorf (2015 edition), March 1945, Duel at the Cathedral
Scenes of War, Interview with J. Bates (2015 Documentary), accessed via • Scenes of War: Combat ...
Original Sources of the Footage from Bates, Rosenmann and Garrell:
catalog.archives.gov/id/23469
catalog.archives.gov/id/15761
catalog.archives.gov/id/17311
General Archive Sources:
Imperial War Museum Archives (IWMA)
US National Archives (NARA)
Bundesarchiv (German National Archives)
anicursor.com
Dierk's page Special - Cologne at war, tank duel at the cathedral (1)
Tank duel at the Cathedral, Cologne March 06, 1945. Battle of the last tank
Scenes of War: Combat Photographer Jim Bates
catalog.archives.govcatalog.archives.gov
National Archives NextGen Catalog
The online portal to the records held at the National Archives, and information about those records.
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Опубликовано:

31 мар 2023

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Комментарии : 3,6 тыс.

@MikeHolubar-rd1cf Год назад

Adam Makos wrote the book “Spearhead” about this action and following the paths of the American gunner in the Pershing and some of the Germans involved in the action; an excellent read. Many of the pictures used here appear in his book as well.

@d53101 Год назад

Yes, I have read the book Spearhead and it is an excellent account and well worth the read.

@T.J.Caldwell318 Год назад

One of the best books I've ever read.

@rogerparker8724 Год назад

Loved Spearhead! Hope it’ll become a film someday. 🤞🏻

@redknight801 Год назад

I am glad someone brought this up and that Battle Guide has pinned the comment. I have no idea on the amount of sales for Adam Makos' books, I suppose I can look that up, but he is such a great author and puts in so much time to sit and talk man to man with veterans and conduct very extensive research. I am definitely surprised only 'Devotion' has seen some film treatment as 'Spearhead' and for darn sure 'A Higher Call' are prime stories for Hollywood to base a film on. Unfortunately 'Devotion' was a huge bomb at the box office, lost the studio a TON of money, so my dreams of 'A Higher Call' or 'Spearhead' being put to film may not come to happen with how much 'Devotion' failed. I just really am hoping for 'A Higher Call' film as that is one of the most unique stories of the war, hands down.

@corsairman1956 Год назад

Superb book. I also read “A Higher Call”. 🇺🇸

@user-sc1es4wz4g Год назад

The two tank commanders meeting eachother decades later was amazing.

@user-mm6hg2nr2q 10 месяцев назад

But I thought the American commander died

@Dude_Ronin 10 месяцев назад

@@user-mm6hg2nr2q I think what he meant was the two tank crewman at the end, not the commanders

@alanwatts8239 10 месяцев назад

"Bro sidescraping was a genius move, i couldn't pen you anywhere" "True bro if i let you have my lower plate i'd be toast."

@KY-dx4rf 10 месяцев назад

Jesus, have you watched the video and listened, kids? One American tank commander died, total three Americans, from first two tanks that got hit by second panzer that was hidden under the bridge. Third American tank - Eagle 7, that took out the last panzer, was unharmed. Crew members from opposite sides that met later on, were both gunners, not commanders. One German gunner was 18 at a time and together with tank commander abandoned their tank that got covered with building rubles. American gunner from Eagle 7 was the one who pretty much took out both of the panzers, first not directly but by hitting the building and making it to collapse on a tank, and second by hitting it directly. Third German tank, that author of this video mentioned, is yet to be found… When you watch something, keep bananas out of your ears, it helps 🍌

@erikkunkle9574 10 месяцев назад

It was the gunners. I read the book

@zackadamec9332 Год назад

Watching him climb out of the tank with his leg missing was just absolutely insane to see in real life and not a movie. RIP to all the heroes lost

@AC-hj9tv Год назад

Jesus christ

@analtubegut66 Год назад

there were no heroes on the nazi side

@desperate4dopamine Год назад

@@analtubegut66 be quite and let the weirdo farm for likes. With the cringe comment

@D-Vinko Год назад

@@analtubegut66 This is a level of startling Naivety that can only be achieved by someone underage, who lacks the ability or understanding of nuance. Either that, or your teacher did a terrible job teaching you about Nazi Germany; Hitler was a terrible dude, the SS were all terrible people dedicated to a terrible cause, but just like American Soldiers weren't aware what desert storm and Iraq was really about, the average Nazi foot soldier didn't fully understand what was bad about his country and it's acts. Just like not every single American Soldier is a kid killing "Acceptable Casualty" touting oil driller. Nazis in positions of power and Nazis apart of their intelligence community are all bad people, the SS, and any associated long arms of Hitler all had to be dedicated members of the Nazi Party, and consequently deserve no remorse.

Год назад

@@analtubegut66 wrong.

@sarelcoetzee7708 8 месяцев назад

I'm a tank ace from tank battles in Angola. Took out 5 Russian T54/55's in 1987-1988 with South African 105 mm Olifant tank. I've met an Angolan soldier in 2018 who fought against us. We told each other that we were glad the other wasn't killed.

@marksturm6568 6 месяцев назад

Wow thats weird

@mynameis3568 5 месяцев назад

Very modest. I love it.

@kodiene4717 4 месяца назад

I'm very happy to hear your well, thank you for your service 🙏🏼

@davegordon6943 4 месяца назад

Thank you sir. I'm trying to imagine meeting an opposing soldier years after the war, both older and wiser, with no animosity towards each other. I imagine that was a heavy moment. Are you glad that you got the chance to meet him?

@pieterhenderson3445 3 месяца назад

Was there in Modular in 87.

@philipstrutt1086 10 месяцев назад

Footage like this is so rare and the storytelling perfectly matches it. The way the fire bursts out of the hatch after the second shell hits the panzer is terrifying to think about if you are part of a tank crew. The two tank commanders becoming friends years later just shows how pointless war is.

@CrowDawg11 9 месяцев назад

Ammo racked. The three who got out are lucky they did when they did or they'd have shared their gunner and loader's fate.

@Conn30Mtenor 9 месяцев назад

Taking out the NAZIs and the Japanese militarists was far from pointless. It was a supremely moral act.

@CrowDawg11 9 месяцев назад

@@Conn30Mtenor nothing - and I mean absolutely NOTHING - in history is as moralistically black-and-white as this worn out propaganda line. The allies committed war crimes and atrocities too. Especially the Soviets. Everything is always shades of grey, and there are no real "good guys" and "bad guys" because of course every belligerent always claims to be "good" while their enemies are "bad."

@philipstrutt1086 9 месяцев назад

@@Conn30Mtenor and replacing them with America's brand of militarists? How is that any better? I would start with allowing warmongers to get into power in the first place. That is where humanity always goes wrong. We allow our leaders (regardless of country) to spread propaganda to get the nation on their side, united against a common enemy, then they preceded to commit all manner of evils in the name of *defence*. Case in point being Trueman dropping two nuclear bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, both of which had next to no military presence and killed over 110,000 people (by conservative estimates). The vast majority of those killed, injured and impacted in every war are normal people who want to live peacefully but are forced otherwise. Meanwhile the leaders and corporations who initiate war for their own personal gain more often than not go completely unpunished for their crimes. Its easy to say "the enemy are evil, and we are justified because we are morally superior". Its also incredibly naïve. That's exactly how military indoctrination works. Something that America, the UK and their allies used just as much as Nazi Germany, Imperial Japan or Soviet Russia.

@brushwolf 9 месяцев назад

War is wasteful and tragic but that is far different than pointless. The world didnt ask for war but needed to respond to Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan.

@jonathanjrod Год назад

September 30, 2022, at 10:08 p.m. World War II tank gunner *Clarence Smoyer,* renowned for his courage and deadly aim during the battle for Germany's “Fortress City” of Cologne, died Friday at his home in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He was 99. To the greatest generation, thank you! 🕊♥

@fatimavenosaf1171 Год назад

Truth. The greatest generation.

@CLOSPLAYZ 7 месяцев назад

Almost 1 year

@jasonstoutamire177 7 месяцев назад

One year on, gone but not forgotten. Thank you Clarence Smoyer.

@eliasziad7864 7 месяцев назад

God bless Russian tankers!

@isaiahkayode6526 4 месяца назад

Salute to the greatest generation 🫡.

@ihicccup9446 Год назад

This is one of the best pieces of WW2 content I’ve ever seen. Well done

@BattleGuideVT Год назад

Thanks very much, really glad you enjoyed it! :)

@andrewfrancis3591 Год назад

This was some of the best footage from the world at war. Seeing it in 4k with great audio is a bomb.

@EvilMonkey21 Год назад

Absolutely! Great, great work!

@Old299dfk Год назад

Came here to say this, this is an unparalleled format and has an incredible sobering undertone which needs to be more prevalent I think, when we talk about people's children and parents putting everything they have into taking the lives of their foes. We are all somebody's child, and when you put it into those words, it drives home a bit harder.

@AbuHajarAlBugatti Год назад

@@deeem2628literal nazi

@hamadebezem9751 10 месяцев назад

Every time I visit Cologne, I feel glad that the magnificent cathedral survived this horrific war. When people of cologne returened to the rubble of their city the standing cathedral gave them hope that their city was not dead and inspired them during the rebuilding of the new city.

@andrew98us Год назад

Can you imagine how many other WW II moments like this happened off camera and are lost to history

@teleguy5699 Год назад

Millions of men and women on both sides. All with their own view of the war. I once said I was in awe of the scope of the war and would like to go back in time to see an Army like Patton's move. Somebody said I was a sick person for that. As retired military and a history buff I had no idea why I would be considered "sick" to catch that moment in time.

@dawnofwar4302 11 месяцев назад

@@teleguy5699 History is generally offensive as it seems to scare alot of people these days, That being said it is our job to preserve history regardless of who it may offend, for without history we are nothing.

@teleguy5699 11 месяцев назад

@@dawnofwar4302 I agree.

@AwesometownUSA 11 месяцев назад

@@teleguy5699 wait, you’re retired from being a military history buff but you’re still commenting about it? sounds like you’re not fully retired! haha jk

@teleguy5699 11 месяцев назад

@@AwesometownUSA Ahh, lol. At first I was thinking, "this guy is crazy". 😉

@villegas24 Год назад

The fact that this footage exists is absolutely insane. Priceless piece of history

@mdsupreme1776 Год назад

Rip Kathi Esser

@shanebeckett2890 Год назад

I wish there was alot more like this

@gokublack4211 Год назад

Call of duty world at war was one of my first hooks into WW2 footage

@pkl8811 Год назад

We should have never fought the Germans

@calisto2735 Год назад

@@pkl8811 🤦‍♂️

@dancremarenco5825 Год назад

It's a pity that no director had the idea to screen this emotional story of life from the WW2. The meeting, years late,r of the two former enemies is truly epic, and the visit to the grave of the young woman, killed by mistake, has a strong meaning... And all this would have been lost in the mists of time if those brave cameramen had not managed to immortalize these dramatic scenes. Congratulations to the makers of this accurate report!!

@user-zm5nh1yg1p Год назад

As per I remeber the book “Spearhead” and other documentaries for this event , the grave of the young woman never been identified , Only the grave of the Car driver is there by his name located at near by area to the cathedral , This event contain many sad stories including the story of this poor woman and the car driver which been caught in the middle of action

@SuperErikRoss Год назад

Tell a real story ??? Oh no cant do that !!!! That wouldnt support the narrative silly rabbit Trix are for Kids !!!!

@kitkat47chrysalis95 10 месяцев назад

a million men die: i sleep one woman dies: real sh*t

@SkeletonXin 8 месяцев назад

@@kitkat47chrysalis95 Men are expendable, that's just how it is.

@armin1500 6 месяцев назад

@@kitkat47chrysalis95a civillian??? both are tragic, but the million men were most likely soldiers either way, this isnt something we should corrupt with our "gender politics"

@Felix-fy7ki 10 месяцев назад

My father served in the PzBrig 106 FHH at the end of the war. He and his surviving comrades met regularly until they were too old or died. May they rest in peace!

@sydmccreath4554 10 месяцев назад

Much respect to those brave men from England 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

@tylerfoley6644 8 месяцев назад

@@sydmccreath4554the British are the only main force that never fought 106 😂

@GM-sg9od 5 месяцев назад

@@tylerfoley6644what’s your point?

@TwoChin 2 месяца назад

@@GM-sg9od 3 months late but you're goddamn stupid.

@ManyLegs Год назад

I lived in Köln (Cologne) and I have been on this same street almost daily. When I saw this footage for the first time I could not stop crying. I could literally recognize the street by watching the footage. I can not imagine the suffering and horrors people had to go through.

@mikehartung1627 Год назад

I live in Canada and I'm a big fan of the Koln 1.FC I once walked down that street in the 70's as a kid not knowing the battle that once happened there! it's crazy!

@Scepticalasfuk Год назад

Get a two pound hammer, smash your open hand with it as hard as you can several times until it's just a jelly-like mess. Multiply that several times, that's what it was like.

@hqhq4611 Год назад

In addition to the horrendous loss of life in WWII was the permanent damage done to so many beautiful European cities, towns, and buildings. Why anyone would idolize Adolf Hitler after all death, suffering and destruction he wreaked is beyond me.

@jarraandyftm Год назад

@@Scepticalasfuk !?

@DoctorStrange01 Год назад

@@C783H Hitler was a psychopath, read Mein Kampf :D

@DamonBates Год назад

Jim Bates was my grandfather and it’s great to see him and his work featured and honored here. This graphic treatment of the battle is definitely the best I’ve seen yet. Thank you. I understand the events that day so much better now. Following the publication of Adam Makos’ book Spearhead I had the opportunity to speak with Clarence Smoyer on the phone. An amazingly humble man and a privilege to speak with him. I’m hoping, like Devotion, they make a movie out of Spearhead. It’s an incredible story.

@mynamejeff8401 Год назад

Crazy small world

@BattleGuideVT Год назад

Thanks very much Damon, we are really glad you enjoyed it - your grandfather was a remarkable man.

@kowloonattic2110 Год назад

And Fred Ramage was mine! - Getty images bought up all the picture rights from those times - a lot are online - the head shaving of the french girls considered collaborators and the meeting up with the Russians are especially interesting - Grandpa lived on into the 1980s -

@DamonBates Год назад

@@kowloonattic2110 Nice! I have to go check out the source links. Except for the "Scenes of War Jim Bates Combat Photographer", I haven't seen those yet

@benjaminbandmann7630 Год назад

Bro im german and he is alive because the comander dont get it was amerikan

@dadehalcyon9856 Год назад

The final scene with the two captains meeting each other and becoming friends some 60 years later really got me choked up. A stark reminder of how horrible wartime is and how many millions of would-be friends instead killed one another because of war.

@camf33 10 месяцев назад

Both sides following orders.. that's all. We are all brothers under the Almighty.

@thebodykeepsthescore2828 9 месяцев назад

@@camf33Almighty fiction! Time to grow up pal🤦‍♂️

@billkaldem5099 8 месяцев назад

Governments don’t live together. People do. Governments are the problem.

@eliasziad7864 7 месяцев назад

So why was German soldiers raping and killing Russian civilians?

@tootspogsforever5590 6 месяцев назад

@@thebodykeepsthescore2828don't worry and be scared God loves you!!!😊

@meyerdigitalfilm 7 месяцев назад

0:23 this guy has balls of steels, casually walking over in a active fighting zone... you gotta admit his balls

@alexantonio8546 22 дня назад

Or his crazyness

@ExtremelyAverageMan 11 месяцев назад

A lot of history nerds have seen this very short original footage of this tank shootout, but only at face value. This was an amazing undertaking to give the CONTEXT and events and actions leading up to the famous footage. This must've been a big undertaking to go through the records and documents to put this together, and it absolutely paid off. Wow, what an awesome video, thank you so much for this!

@morr8387 3 месяца назад

Agree. I appreciated the interspersing of modern day Cologne. I appreciate the detail of the crews' names, both sides. I paused the video to read the article about Kellner. Also, if you search him, Sheboygan honored him back in 2022. Gone but never forgotten. But yes, magnificent work! And I cannot forget the camera men. Very brave!

@michaelmccotter4293 Год назад

Rare that I'm shaken emotionally. Photo of the two former combatants grasping hands, gave me a shutter of chills for their warm embrace. Evil men create these wars. Good men fight and die.

@benadam7753 Год назад

I've seen this many times in documentaries! American and British veterans meeting with German veterans! No hatred! Just goodwill followed by friendship!

@seeweezeke Год назад

goes to show you how stupid war is. strangers fighting each other for the rich and powerful

@nasiaking Год назад

Would it be happened between afghan war veteran and the ex taliban militia in the future?

@ApollonDriver Год назад

@@nasiaking no, because most taliban militants believe in what they do. German soldier in this video wass just a soldier, but it would be different if he was an SS officer imo.

@MIFU1989 Год назад

They may be one of the best lines I have ever read. Thanks.

@kickingmustang Год назад

Quality!! Started watching this thinking it would be another rehash of the classic footage but it far exceeded expectations. Incredible story telling and details, thank you.

@BattleGuideVT Год назад

Glad you enjoyed it!

@theravager9566 Год назад

Didn’t expect to see you here… you’ve got good taste

@kurtistjones6337 Год назад

Took my exact words, I've always wanted to see that battle described. The over head breakdown and map was awesome, really helps to understand it. Loved it

@mcadamdavid1 Год назад

David Mcadam 0 seconds ago THE JEW HAD AS SOVIET SANGUINARY USSR MADE FOOLS OF THE WORLD TO ATTACK ITS OWN.

@nuxboxen Год назад

100% agree

@shawnbirt4161 5 месяцев назад

The level of detail in this video was amazing. The way you broke down the action it was like you put everyone who watches the video right there. To the guys who filmed you are as brave as they come. To all the tankers, thank you for your bravery and sacrifice. God speed.

@BattleGuideVT 5 месяцев назад

Glad you enjoyed it!

@chrisbraswell8864 3 месяца назад

What a few men in power put their fellow countrymen through is beyond belief.

@shawnbirt4161 3 месяца назад

@chrisbraswell8864 you can take your delusional comments elsewhere. A few men in power?? WTF... WW2 was fought because of the nazi party trying to start a 1000 year Reich and those who opposed the nazi party were trying to save Europe from total destruction and ultimately the world. No one wanted to be in that war but those people who earned the moniker of "The greatest generation " were just that and they went and did what needed to be done.

@deplorablesunited7168 5 месяцев назад

The fact that those two guys live to be old men and met at the same place and became friends is really unbelievable

@RonaldAndrew Год назад

I have watched 100s of WW2 Documentary videos. I was born in 62', Canada. My dad fought in France and Belgium. That was the most incredible thing I've ever seen. It brought tears to my eyes and I still have the chills. Your work is incredible! Thank you so much.

@scotnor Год назад

My uncle was a lead tank driver with Patton and was with him all the way to Berlin. He wouldn’t talk about it.

@arizotje Год назад

I am Belgian, thx to people like your dad we had our freedom for a long time.

@michellekrueger5122 Год назад

My husband was born in 63, his Dad, fought in and for Germany, he is still alive, in Iowa, he has many American friends that also fought against him and his kommarades......evil men start wars, good men fight them...😡😭

@tanker335 Год назад

A lot of people may not know this but one of the first people to reach Lt. Kellner after he rolled off the back deck was Andy Rooney of 60 Minutes fame. For you younger folks, he was the grumpy guy at the end of every episode complaining about the price of hotdogs or whatever else got on his nerves that week. He also flew many missions with the 8th Air Force as a reporter for Stars and Stripes. He earned the right to bitch from time to time I'd say.

@ddraig1957 Год назад

Some of the reporters of WW2 did some incredible things and really put themselves in harm's way,as brilliantly shown in this video.

@shadowwolf9503 Год назад

Yes he did !

@johnburns4017 Год назад

Andy Rooney of CBS was an Army correspondent, writing for Stars and Stripes in World War II. Rooney said, _“Patton was a pompous ass who cared about his mythic image above all else.”_ He also said: _"Patton was obsessed with protecting his image and often used his power and authority to manipulate news reports and media narratives."_

@user-ql7rw1xx6e 9 месяцев назад

My wife and I visited Cologne in 2019 and entered the Cathedral. We then walked around town within a couple block of the huge buildings. Watching the video of this tank duel on streets where we walked and stood, caused the hairs to rise on my arms and neck! Incredible footage!

@ronalddesiderio7625 6 месяцев назад

I’m speechless. It brings the humanity of war to the surface. The shear nerves of both crews to know it’s over in a second you or them is incomprehensible. Truly the greatest generation

@dulls8475 Год назад

One of the best historical sequences I have ever seen. Well done.

@BattleGuideVT Год назад

Wow, thanks so much!

@derin111 Год назад

Astonishing content! Brilliant presentation and detail. Subscribed. One thing to add is that 27 year old Katharina Esser’s death was even more tragic and gruesome than related here. She was trying to escape to the right bank of the Rhine with her boss, Hans Delling, in order to be with her fiancé. Delling was killed at the wheel. However, Esser was seriously wounded but alive at the side of the road. Then when, unexpectedly, the Americans came under fire again their tanks had to hurriedly move and Katharina was driven over by a tank which is what actually killed her. 68 years later, In 2013, Clarence Smoyer and Gustav Schäfer, the two former enemies, met and laid roses at the graves of Katharina Esser and Hans Delling.

@rogerparker8724 Год назад

The part about her being run over is complete nonsense already debunked by historian Adam Makos. Please stop spreading these falsities.

@ramal5708 Год назад

US Medics treated the wounded Esser after they found out she was alive after the shooting, after that I didn't know that she was ran over by a tank, she could still be alive, if the Americans weren't ambushed while she was being treated. There's a footage of her being treated by the Medics, which it wasn't shown in this video

@derin111 Год назад

@@ramal5708 Yes, I’ve seen that footage too. I had previously also assumed that she must have died after succumbing to the shooting injuries. It was only when I read a German newspaper article about it and the meeting of the two old soldiers and laying of the flowers at the graves that I learnt about this extra detail.

@andreperrault5393 Год назад

The men were affected by her death. They remembered for the rest of their lives.

@mad_max21 Год назад

Yeah, apparently "mortally wounded" means unable to move away from a tank flattening you.

@beatrice1234ful 3 месяца назад

I lived in Cologne for 10 years and walked those streets 100s of times. After living in Indonesia for 30 years it feels pretty weird seeing what happened there so many years before I was even born. I used to work at a small hotel on the other side of the station and could see the Dom and the bridge from the hotel windows. Thanks for sharing this video, it brought back memories and taught me some history

@alphatonic1481 6 месяцев назад

As a German while we lost a lot of young men in this stupid war i am still very happy that the Nazis were defeated and i don't have to live in a dictatorship. Thanks to all who fought back then to free Germany.

@haroldcrickenberger9675 10 дней назад

My dad fought in what we call the battle of the Buldge. American side.

@GlasgowCeltic88 Год назад

What would've been a few handwritten/typed sheets of an After Action Report, back in '45, can now become a fully immersive AAR thanks to the wonders of technology AND the efforts of the historians. From a former British Army grunt and avid historian, well done and a superb piece of work!❤

@BattleGuideVT Год назад

Thanks very much, glad you enjoyed it!

@ld-hannover8186 Год назад

I once worked on this street in Cologne for a year and always wondered exactly where the panzerduell was. Now I know. For someone who knows the city well at this point, the combination of old and current street images is a great experience. You've done a great job, congratulations. it's also amazing to see how many buildings that were destroyed back then are still standing there today. That speaks for the good construction quality before the war. For those interested in culture here: the church at the bottom right in minute 9:12 is St. Gereon. The first sections were built by the Romans in 350 and are still preserved today. The church in minute 10:14 to the left of the cathedral is St. Andreas. It was built in 950 and has a very beautiful interior in the typical style of the Dominicans.

@BlackjackJoe101 10 месяцев назад

This has to be one of the best WW2 mini-docs I've ever seen. Remarkable job in cohesively putting all of that together. Incredible content.

@fiestastowner7850 5 месяцев назад

Watching this from my hotel in Cologne Germany 🇩🇪

@MidwestPicker Год назад

That's incredible that those 2 met and became friends. Truly, the greatest generation.

@teebob21 Год назад

Theirs was a generation that understood that war wasn't personal. They were simply serving the whims of a larger machine.

@gabriels5105 Год назад

@@teebob21 you mean the Germans that could have prevent there government from going evil realised afterwards that they let there government go evil and admitted it was wrong. Of course it was personal. For every man who joined the 19th biggest army in the world after December 7th it was personal. Did an army smaller than portugal have any say over the largest economy and the freest people in the world? War was declared on a far away land for clearly personal reasons. The top man in Germany hated Americans and everything good they stood for which is alot because there was alot of good in America. In the end one side had a moral cause and the other side was wrong and admitted it. There is no 1942 machine that was larger than the will of Americans.

@Wipa4 Год назад

@@teebob21 well yankees saw krauts as an allies in the upcoming war with russkies. If "Unthinkable" happened they would be sitting in one trench.

@ekspatriat Год назад

I somehow think in 30 years a Ukraine Tanker wont be shaking hands with an Orc Tanker...Times change.

@fanfeck2844 Год назад

@@ekspatriatI wouldn’t shake hands with people following a fascist flag either

@syncmonism Год назад

I quite like the humanizing way that this story was told, and I really liked learning about how men from each side were able to meet each other many years later. A lot of WW2 tanks were really quite difficult to get out of in a hurry. The M4 was possibly the easiest tank to bail out of (especially anything which wasn't an early version), and this is proof of that. Even a mortally wounded crewman with a missing leg was able to get himself out quite quickly. The Panther crew takes longer to get out when their tank is hit, though that is still a lot faster than what would have been possible with many other tanks of this period. The panther's gunner probably died because he had had to wait for his commander to get out before he could get out of the same hatch. Aside from some early variants, the M4 had a large and relatively well designed hatch directly above each crew member which each man could get out of very easily and quickly, giving M4 crews a remarkably high level of survivability even when the ammo was set on fire. Russian tanks tended to be a lot more difficult to get out of quickly, and older designs in general tended to be more difficult to get out of as well. In many cases, even if a crew position had its own hatch, most hatches were not spring loaded, and many of them required a much longer process to open them. The hatches were also often not directly above each crew position, and often presented a very difficult challenge to get out of even under ideal conditions.

@BtappinHD Год назад

This is subjective information, even in the video you can see it takes the crew 14 seconds to exit the Sherman and 10 seconds to exit the Panther. The round also ignited the ammo in the Panther and likely mortally struck one of the crew and it took 2 hits in a row within 8 seconds, killing the gunner on top while he was exiting, whereas the Sherman only took a single hit to it's frontal armor. Also, you have to think about how the tank was positioned and survivability, a hit to the side is much more deadly then a hit to the stronger frontal armor, so the inside concussion effects and shrapnel were likely much much worse inside the Panther. The Sherman has 50mm frontal sloped armor, effectively 90mm, whereas the Panther has 50mm non-sloped armor on the side, so half the effectiveness, purely the worst spot to get struck on.

@ct92404 Год назад

@@BtappinHD The Sherman tank had a documented 97 percent crew survival rate. Even if they were disabled by a hit, the crew usually survived.

@ramal5708 Год назад

Sherman tank iirc at least in the later versions have wet ammunition storage in case the ammo storage is hit the storage would be in no danger to large fires or cook off, or at least giving the crew time to bail out.

@Debbiebabe69 Год назад

The problem Shermans have in popular culture comes entirely down to a single mparticular

@Shinobubu Год назад

Russian tanks meanwhile. PART OF THE TANK PART OF THE CREW

@michaelburatovich3199 10 месяцев назад

This is WWII history at its absolute best. Visual, objective, and respectful. Well done.

@anomaly_jackie 3 месяца назад

it’s crazy to me that people nowadays basically start throwing their cameras around the moment people get in a fist fight but these guys keep steady and gave us a semi clear view of what was happening whilst under fire from enemy forces

@darklingeraeld-ridge7946 Год назад

Superb work - utterly engaging, with the detail and care over the images, positioning and timeline. A very valuable sense of what conflict was really like.

@BattleGuideVT Год назад

Thanks very much indeed, we are still quite new to this style of video and RU-vid generally but your feedback is really appreciated!

@darklingeraeld-ridge7946 Год назад

@@BattleGuideVT I should add, it is also markedly respectful of the combatants, and humane too, even in its documentary clarity. Well done.

@BattleGuideVT Год назад

thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

@GlasgowCeltic88 Год назад

@@darklingeraeld-ridge7946 as our pre-war Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain, once said: "In war, whichever side may call itself the victor, there are no winners, but all are losers."

@elwin38 Год назад

@@BattleGuideVT Your dates were wrong. The battle for Cologne took place between MAR 5-7 of 1945. In May '45, the war in Europe was over, the surrender was May 8.

@davereece2470 Год назад

I have been studying WWII since I was a kid 40 years ago. I have never seen such an absolutely perfect, real time, historical account matched to original on scene film as I have witnessed in your report. Absolutely incredible! Thank you so much!

@kawasaki900guy 9 месяцев назад

This video really exemplifies the fact that WW2 (or any war), wasn't just one big war, but rather instead, many, many smaller "wars". Most often between men, who at any other time, may have otherwise been good friends or neighbors. Such a shame what happened to all of them, especially to the civilians. Now here we are at the brink of WW3. WTH!?

@tanjiro_kamadofr 5 месяцев назад

One of the best produced historical films I’ve seen on RU-vid. Well done. Thank you to all veterans - those who made it back and those who didn’t - who fought and died to free the world from fascism and tyranny.

@Alter_Mann__Scheissradfahrer Год назад

This was a very emotional video, as I am from Cologne. I visited these spots so often. This video gives a very new perspective to this events. For me, the incident with the two civilians in the Opel was a lot more prominent in the history of wartime Cologne. I knew about thew duel, but I thought is was located far more to the west in the vicinity of Komoedienstrasse / Burgmauer. Thanks for the video.

@sdboyd Год назад

I stepped into the Cathedral and my conversion to Catholicism began.

@Aluttuh Год назад

@@sdboyd Catholicism is just jewish roman sponsored Christianity used to subvert.

@ct92404 Год назад

@Jews stole my Bible another flat Earther conspiracy theorist nut...

@Evilryu808 Год назад

@Jews stole my Bible didn't Hitler want to eradicate religion after he was done with the war? Correct me if I'm wrong.

@jtothecc2421 Год назад

And only 70 years later Germany is supporting Nazis again. That's sad.

@Brian-om2hh Год назад

It is truly inspiring how sometimes foes can later become the best of friends. Another example could be Douglas Bader, the famous legless RAF fighter pilot, and Adolf Galland, one of the Luftwaffe's top scoring fighter aces in WW2. After the war, Douglas Bader became a senior executive with an oil company, and often flew himself to meetings etc. After he retired, he continued flying privately, with Adolf Galland often joining him. They became firm friends after the war.

@eaglesix6585 Год назад

I wonder if they ever talk about the war and aftermath. Or act like it didn't happen.

@eugenemurray2940 Год назад

Galland cleared his diary to attend Bader's funeral

@krismurphy7711 Год назад

The Only Reason Young Men kill each other in War is because One or Two Men, leading the opposing countries, don't give a shit about others and think only of power....greed....history. Putin being a perfect example. Hitler of course. Stalin. Mao, etc etc

@basfinnis Год назад

Bader was a shitbag who wouldn't let his batman leave prisoner of war camp in a prisoner swap.

@mcadamdavid1 Год назад

David Mcadam 0 seconds ago THE JEW HAD AS SOVIET SANGUINARY USSR MADE FOOLS OF THE WORLD TO ATTACK ITS OWN.

@roycleveland7718 6 месяцев назад

This reminds me of Battlefield V campaign were you fight as the Last Tiger, was kinda heartbreaking at the end, and just crazy how their hopes were lost when the bridge went down. we played as some mane named Kellner indeed i believe.

@Michael-st1hl 9 месяцев назад

My father was a forward scout for the 3rd Armored Division, landed at Normandy and pushed through France and into Germany. Basically my father would drive forward ahead of the Sherman tank column in a Jeep with his captain in the passenger seat and radio back enemy positions as they came under fire narrowly escaping through dark forest roads. They only had a 50 caliber mounted machine gun and carried 45 caliber Thomson machine guns. The jeeps headlights where blacked out with only little blue slits to light the way through dark forest roads and towns. My father told me many heart breaking stories about his wartime experiences. Won numerous citations too long to list along with the silver star, bronze star and two Purple Hearts. He literally had the wooden stock on his Thomson sub machine gun cut in half from a German artillery shell while it was slung across his shoulder saving his life. He told me while pushing into Germany he would sleep in German homes on clean white sheets in his muddy combat boots to get a break from the cold weather and stated that the German homes where more advanced with built in appliances to his amazement. In the end, he told me he had no hard feelings towards the common German soldier, it was the SS that was singled out when captured and that was a different matter. Eventually, my father would meet for the 3rd armor division spearhead division reunions years after the war to meet with men in his company including the captain he served with and became close friends after the war. As a note: my father knew in great detail about how General Rose was killed. He was very much loved by all the soldiers who served under him including my father. Ironically, General rose was killed doing the same mission as my father driving in a Jeep scouting enemy positions with his driver, was captured along driver in the forest, General Rose reached into his jacket to show the German tank crew his papers, that’s when a German soldier shot him in the head not knowing he was a American General. The Generals driver then put down his hands and ran through the woods escaping the Germans and making it back to American lines. I have photos of my father in these German combat zones muddy and tired.

@annemuller4499 2 месяца назад

wie viele deutsche Zivilisten hat er getötet und ist auch noch stolz drauf? Wir können heute nichts für unsere aktuelle Regierung und damals konnten wir auch nichts dafür.

@leetifier Год назад

It's really touching that after all these years, two tank gunners from opposing sides who literally tried to kill each other 70 years prior, can come together as friends and bond over their shared experiences. Time really can heal all wounds.

@davyjones6407 Год назад

I was thinking the same.

@yankees29 Год назад

They were only kids following orders

@DOProductionsNL Год назад

I can't help but watch the people going about their way around them, oblivious to the way those 2 veterans see the streets on which they walk..

@unknowablerootvegetable Год назад

It's the saddest thing, they would have got on fine at the time too, if they hadn't been handed guns and told they were going to be killed if they didn't kill first.

@lzhiwei Год назад

@@unknowablerootvegetable two grunts on opposing sides have more in common with each other than they do with their generals

@AugmentedGravity 7 месяцев назад

Absolutely historic, iconic and breathtaking. This footage has been burned in my mind ever since i first saw it when i was a kid. Can’t describe it in any other word than powerfull. History shall never be forgotten and the sacrifices of these men, on both sides, should not be in vain.

@chaseorosco9017 8 месяцев назад

A lesson in “shoot first, ask questions later”. The sad reality of war in those days sometimes; you just don’t know who is who and sometimes, when it’s a matter of life or death, you have to make a difficult call.

@Syn_1 Год назад

Potential History had a good video about this (which unfortunately has been deleted). Apparently in the film, you can see a 4th person run away from the burning tank a few seconds after the second shot. It's speculated this is the loader who got out of the hatch on the back of the turret, which is not visible in this film. PH said due to the loader's position within the tank, and how long it takes him to get out, he was probably heavily wounded by the first shot and was most likely the crew member reported having died in a hospital later. That being said, this was an amazing video to watch. Keep up the good work.

@jason-hy8ci Год назад

I've seen the video footage of this battle a few times, but your diagrams, extra video, and explanation put it all into proper perspective, you gave it the respect it deserves.

@BattleGuideVT Год назад

Glad you liked it!

@stephenb1705 6 месяцев назад

Excellent! As a former US tanker, I went to that location many years ago. I have since created a few WWII "boots on the ground" videos myself...442nd RCT at Castellina Marittima (5 congressional MoHs won in 5 miles of combat) and very recently...1LT Baker's MoH win at Hill X and the deep draw near Castello Aghinolfi. Thanks again for this near perfect account of the then and now blend of WWII History!

@GarrettDanger_ 10 месяцев назад

As someone who isnt fully head deep into WW2 history but enjoys learning about it this video does so well at explaining so much in so little time while also not skipping details. A great watch

@garysuth7121 Год назад

Although i was aware of the cologne tank duel this is by far the best documentary on it, the attention to detail is incredible , also the pershing was lucky enough to get a shot at the panthers weaker side armour , god bless all involved.

@michaelwilts5349 Год назад

I love hearing about/seeing moments when former enemies were finally able to meet one another outside of battle, meet each other as the fellow humans they are, and get the chance for forgiveness and friendship. In the end, both sides were simply doing their duty to their military and their country.

@itsa_me_amikey 10 месяцев назад

imagine being able to talk to the opposing tank personnel so many years later and discuss in detail everything. Thats awesome, to be a fly on the wall during those conversations would have been amazing.

@peterkoln2837 Год назад

I am living in Cologne and passed through the mentioned roads many times. Thanks for your impressive documentation.

@christineshotton824 Год назад

It is always sobering to see former enemies of WWII meet as friends in the modern age.

@anti-communist103 Год назад

An American should only meet with his enemy to spit on them.

@paulsutton7552 Год назад

Excellent documentary plus seeing old enemies becoming friends.

@BattleGuideVT Год назад

Glad you enjoyed it

@alanwatts8239 10 месяцев назад

14:01 that moment gave me chills. Imagine how they felt when they looked down that window and saw that beast silently waiting for them to turn around the corner.

@johnparsons1466 11 месяцев назад

Most comments are from 1mo prior to mine. It's Memorial Day weekend of 2023 in the United States. This video reminds me that, sadly too many are celebrating their holiday forgetting what it's about anymore. This encouraged me to remember the fallen heroes that have kept us free. Amazing footage, thank you for making this!

@ajsees2608 Год назад

My grandfather was a forward observer and alone being hunted in the right steeple before Koln was taken. I got to go back with him 53 yrs later and the clergy ppl let him up into the steeple with my father which they dont do as far as I understand. He earned a silver star with valor shortly b4 and a purple 💜 shortly after and had the craziest stories. Was one of the most amazing and meaningful experiences of my life. Thank You for your interest, time and video. Much appreciated you did an amazing job!!

@toatatoa Год назад

Murican hyperbole. The steeples are open to visitors.

@stephen1137 Год назад

@@toatatoa Since when? AJ was there in '98.

@toatatoa Год назад

@@stephen1137 Do I look like google?

@irgendwieanders2121 Год назад

Die Krauts. Immer noch beleidigt weil sie verloren haben...

@toatatoa Год назад

@@irgendwieanders2121 irgendwie schlecht gelaunt 🙂

@ilduce5874 Год назад

My dad drove tank in the 273rd Field Artillery Battalion at D-Day,, Northern France, Rhineland, Central Europe, and the Ardennes. I’m wearing his dogtag as I write this. Thank you so much for sharing this footage with us. It’s entirely possible that my dad’s in this film, just can’t see him, being inside the tank 🎉

@thejman4458 10 месяцев назад

That photo of Julian Patrick dead after the duel is what got me to finally look more into this event even though I've heard so much about it.

@user-pe5te8kf1c 9 месяцев назад

The two tank commanders meeting eachother decades later was amazing.. The two tank commanders meeting eachother decades later was amazing..

@Chiller01 Год назад

I’ve seen this incident described in several places and I do believe you managed to detail it with a combination of maps, still photos and video footage more clearly than anyone else. Thanks for the upload.

@TranscendianIntendor Год назад

I am in agreement having also seen other coverage.

@mikewithers299 Год назад

Incredible documentary on this fierce battle. The maps and street views really pinpoint where this happened. After seeing where the shells hit the Panzer with your pointer, then seeing the fire inside the tank thru these same holes was astounding. Well done on this piece of history.

@ChristinaMitchell-USA 8 месяцев назад

Seeing Lt Kellner exit his burning tank without his leg really drove home the horror of war. God Bless Lt Kellner for sacrificing his life in defense of Freedom.

@curtismatics3857 10 дней назад

The Sherman was a death trap.....the panther took a direct close in side shot and the whole crew survived....German tank design was unmatched at the time

@MrSteve280 Год назад

An outstanding synopsis. I've seen this fascinating story updated numerous times and find myself thinking of how many thousands of such stories were never recorded or filmed and which we'll never know about. The things those millions of men and women went through. It staggers the mind.

@eddiecharles6457 Год назад

I'm awestruck how this was action was deconstructed. Also glad that at least 2 men from the opposite sides got to meet years after the war.

@thesafarican8164 9 месяцев назад

Brilliantly put together. I was practically part of the battle …without the risk of dying. Thank you

@olliefoxx7165 Год назад

This is an outstanding video! The integration of modern technology with archival footage really pulls you into the events. Those men lived during terrible times and were doing their duty. They deserve to be remembered. Thanks to all involved in this production.

@jeffsmith2022 Год назад

Famed journalist Andy Rooney was there at that time, with others, to try and offer first aid to Lt. Kellner. Mr. Rooney recounts this in his book, 'Andy Rooney, My War', a very good read...

@SELondonUSA 11 месяцев назад

Excellent presentation! Loved the use of battle footage blended with modern aerial shots of Cologne and the locations where the action took place. And we are still blowing each other to pieces...

@melissarobison5627 5 месяцев назад

We need a whole series like this. From d-day all the way through. There is nothing else like it and I've seen them all trust me. This is the only way to truly experience what they really went through.. You got talent Sir.. Thank you

@daewalker3892 Год назад

That was about as powerful a story that could be told. Our world leaders should study this...deeply.

@nicholasmuro1742 Год назад

They don't care. Their asses ain't on the line

@user-jf4eb1zh7e Год назад

Having decades of experience with a variety of digital disciplines, I know EXACTLY how you accomplished all of these incredible video effects and can easily say this is as expertly done as any WWII documentary I have seen. Bravo!

@olliefoxx7165 Год назад

I'd like to learn more about the process and software used. Any suggestions on learning more?

@brucenlong 2 месяца назад

Stumbled across this video @ 4:30 am and I must say what a treasure it is! Just incredible footage and graphics the way it makes you feel like you really getting the full true story of the battle and walking in the footsteps of these men. The ending is truly remarkable, with the two once enemies meeting and leaving as friends almost 80 years later. Love it!

@jonallan3566 Год назад

Done so well. I really enjoyed learning that the two commanders met and respected each other, so many years later.

@markgilmore2017 Год назад

A moment of history at the tipping point of 'media' coverage which I'm confident in saying has never been illustrated as clinically, clearly and respectfully as this. Thank you, I was so surprised by seeing the encounter which has affected me for a long time since I first saw raw footage now presented in a such a way that I felt respect has been paid to all involved. I'm very sure non of these lads wanted to be there and sadly am convinced that those who take the decision to throw their like in to battle will never see it.

@Escobar224 Год назад

Anyone who wants to know more of the American tank crew read Spearhead great book.

@BattleGuideVT Год назад

Yes a great book!

@martyn8116 6 месяцев назад

4.9 million views in 6 months? You deserve every penny, mate. That was spectacular story-telling.

@BattleGuideVT 5 месяцев назад

Thanks Martyn!

@blitzzbob5643 Год назад

I have watched a lot of videos about this particular tank engagement but this one puts it in clearer perspective than the others I have seen.

@TheCatBilbo Год назад

Standing in front of the cathedral as a teenager, it seemed a million years away from what happened - crowds milling about, the sun shining. Thinking that people fought & died right there only 43-years earlier, in the midst of the ruined city - was chilling.

@moparsrule862 Год назад

All the years of seeing the footage and photos wondering how it all happened, thinking the Panther crew all died then watching a documentary pointing out some of the crew escaping but not knowing any more details, this has been a real ( I don't know a word to put here so will put) delight to finally get the full story of this incredible piece of history caught on film, thank you so much for putting this together. It leaves one with a strange feeling knowing who these people were and seeing their actual final moments, its sad we humans are the way we are.

@dascudder 4 месяца назад

I’ve found my new rabbit hole channel. Your videos are incredible and leave my jaw dropped constantly. The brave soldiers in every video blow my mind. The leg scene in the tank is too ridiculous to comprehend as real. Luckily we haven’t had to experience what these lads went through. My grandad was at Al Alamein in WWII. I have his medals. He refused to tell me gory stories of fighting, but he always shared the funny stories. He survived the war. He’ll always be my hero. Thanks for the videos guys

@luisdavid_1990 2 месяца назад

I simply watched this video, here in Brazil, alongside my beer without tookin' eyes off for almost 20 minutes of insanely tense, very well narrated and immersive top notch doccumentary... 10/10

@superbravotwo Год назад

Excellent Video, Thanks!

@BattleGuideVT Год назад

Glad you enjoyed it!

@barmyarmy935 Год назад

Amazing research and footage. I always wondered where the Tanks were situated when i went to visit Koln and the Cathedral, i must have walked right past the destroyed Panther.

@madmachine5244 Год назад

This was extremely well done mini documentary. I really enjoyed how went back and forth between pictures/video of the past and the present. The near the end showing the American and the German in modern times meeting for first time since WWII and not only reflecting on their duel but moving past that moment in history.

@plunder1956 9 месяцев назад

An amazing zoomed in vision of the tank on tank conflict that took Cologne. Seeing the camera team who captured this moment also feels very modern. As if it all happened last week, not 80+ years ago.

@renatogasperin9285 Год назад

Mia nonna Antonietta era del 26e dopo la guerra a lavorato a Colonia per molti anni e mi ha raccontato della guerra e della ricostruzione

@jasonhearle2471 Год назад

Wow. What an amazing job of putting this all together. Powerful stuff. Smoyer and Schaffer meeting on the same spot nearly 70 years later and leaving as friends brought a tear to my eye. I can't imagine the emotions they felt in that moment

@jeffholzmann 11 месяцев назад

Hands down, one of the best WW2 shorts I’ve ever seen. Narration, footage, research, graphics - all best in class. Chapo!

@gregbellinger5765 2 месяца назад

What a excellent analysis and description of the confusion and chaos of the battle; along with the camera coverage. Thanks so much for any of the living relatives of either side.

@drgunsmith4099 Год назад

I’m not going to lie…the ending with them two battle hardened men brought me to tears 🙏

@8draco8 Год назад

If not because of politics they could be best buddies from the beginning.

@briandouglas2123 Год назад

@@8draco8 Yes, war is a racket.

@BVonBuescher Год назад

Shit…. Me too. Powerful stuff. I had family in both sides of the war. One was hung in Nuremberg (we’ll just leave it at that), and the other came back home to the States a war hero. One can’t help but reflect on the senseless of it all, however, taking into count the current state of Europe, one can’t help, but wonder if we should have heated the advice of General Patton at the end of the war. It seems the most dangerous man was able to get away.

@statementleaver8095 Год назад

@@BVonBuescher Nothing has changed since WW2 Bush & Blair another 2 war mongers. Free of charges

@jameshenderson4876 Год назад

And the American's comment that he was glad to hear that some of the Panther crew got out alive. In video games and movies there is excitement at killing the enemy. In real war, there is regret at having to kill a fellow human being.

@thezombie7839 Год назад

"They got on well, and left as friends." That is powerful.

@kepler240 3 месяца назад

When you piece this together and understand who is where, it's an amazing story and the film is incredible.

@mcorry6072 10 месяцев назад

Exemplary narration and amazing footage, almost felt I was there myself. G-d bless all the soldiers on both sides of this pointless,tragic, bloody conflict for their sacrifices and call to duty, we shall never forget 🙏

@hull5768 Год назад

Think about it, that cathedral was built in 1248! I believe that's older than the Notre Dame cathedral.

@thomaslienert4225 Год назад

Not quite, construction started in 1248, and didn't finish until late 1800s. Notre Dame was started and finished earlier. Cologne ran out of money to continue . This shows in the steel construction of the roof, compared to the wooden of Notre Dame (before the fire, I don't know what is happening with the reconstruction).

@hull5768 Год назад

@@thomaslienert4225 did not know that. Thanks

@thomaslienert4225 Год назад

@@hull5768 I've been up there twice (there's tours, and a lift ;-) ), it's kind of jarring seeing the same technology used for the Eiffel tower in a medieval cathedral.

@locallegend4677 Год назад

I cried at the end knowing that these two could beyond all pain and tragedy become friends. It really is a beautiful tale of forgiveness and strength.