Channel 4. WWII: The Last Heroes

As Driver-op mentioned - it is a series of 6 episodes.
World War II: The Last Heroes - Series 1 - Channel 4
Not quite sure why C4 seem to be treating it as 3 x 2 episodes.

 

Thanks Mike, I feel a little less of a pratt, will speak to Jonnie Peters tomorrow and get the facts, If I saw what I thought I saw, wouldnt you think they would run a clip from the first program being shown, not perhaps a few programs down the line.
regards lofty

 

They probably show clips of what they think will attract most interest, and although I thought tonight's programme was very good it didn't have accounts from some of the better known veterans like Tony Hibbert.
I will follow the whole series.

Cheers mate,

Mike

 

At the end of last nights episode it appears that Ronnie Titterton of the Derbyshire Yeomanry will feature in next weeks programme. Had some fun with him in Holland in 2009. He unfortunatley lost his wife last week.

 

It had precious little to do with sword Beach. That was the most heavily defended of all the beaches of Normandy. Most of it, like all war films ) is USA orientated.

Shame really as the courageous deeds of the British are rarely shown. And indeed are not remembered as they should be

But some of it brought back memories of a time long long ago.

Want some self heating soup Driver -Op

 

I agree Sapper, far too Yank for my liking.
It actually put me off watching any further
episodes.

I sat there wondering when I was going to see you
describing the events but sadly the researchers didn't
find you

 

I agree Sapper, far too Yank for my liking.
It actually put me off watching any further
episodes.

I sat there wondering when I was going to see you
describing the events but sadly the researchers didn't
find you

Just watched it and I'd disagree - I don't think I've seen so much original British film footage before on D-Day in one TV programme. There was certainly more British vets being interviewed than American vets. It would be interesting to see the Producers 'time stats' (if there is such a thing) to see how much time was allocated to the British and American accounts. The mind being what the mind is I have a feeling that it maybe perceived to be more American focused because of the interview with 'Hal' who was wounded 5 times on Omaha.

Anyway, if nothing else its made Andreas mind up to go and see Sword bearch where her Grandad and Great Uncle landed-so the programmes first episode has done its job in this household.

Paul when does your book come out ?

 

Hi Sapper. Those self heating soups were really something, except when some idiot forgot to pierce the top of the can before lighting - scalds all round. Wasn't all soup tho', some were delicious cocoa. Oh happy memories. Btw, I can see why my memories of D-Day weren't included, Sword beach had been cleared by the time I arrived at 1.30. Still taking incoming shells, mortars and sniper fire tho'.
Jim

 

It had precious little to do with sword Beach. That was the most heavily defended of all the beaches of Normandy. Most of it, like all war films ) is USA orientated.

Shame really as the courageous deeds of the British are rarely shown. And indeed are not remembered as they should be

But some of it brought back memories of a time long long ago.

Want some self heating soup Driver -Op

Cracking stuff that green pea self heating soup, Sapper. Should have known from the steam from the surrounding grass that it would be too hot to grip, so took the skin off my hand when i attacked it with my clasp knife! But after throwing up all the way across i was a bit hungry.

Met Hal Baumgarten when I was over there for the 65th Anniversary, also Aiden Earll, who figured in the RBL ad for last year's Poppy Appeal. Both wonderful guys who were two of the very fortunate vets of whatever nationality to come through their multiple injuries without too much disablement. They are now both also aware that a significant number of British personnel also became casualties during the d-day landings on Omaha Beach, but have never received recognition.

This is an oversight that it has taken me seven years to bring to fruition, as a suitable plaque is to be erected at the Vierville entrance to Omaha Beach from the car park for the massive US National Guard Memorial that's erected atop the pillbox that command the western sector of the beach. Just ..68 years after the event.

 

Met Hal Baumgarten when I was over there for the 65th Anniversary, also Aiden Earll, who figured in the RBL ad for last year's Poppy Appeal. Both wonderful guys who were two of the very fortunate vets of whatever nationality to come through their multiple injuries without too much disablement. They are now both also aware that a significant number of British personnel also became casualties during the d-day landings on Omaha Beach, but have never received recognition.

This is an oversight that it has taken me seven years to bring to fruition, as a suitable plaque is to be erected at the Vierville entrance to Omaha Beach from the car park for the massive US National Guard Memorial that's erected atop the pillbox that command the western sector of the beach. Just ..68 years after the event.

Fantastic Les that you met them vets and set the record straight and even more so that many Americans visiting the area for generations to come will know that the British were there with them. As they say better late than never.

Well done!

 

This is an oversight that it has taken me seven years to bring to fruition, as a suitable plaque is to be erected at the Vierville entrance to Omaha Beach from the car park for the massive US National Guard Memorial that's erected atop the pillbox that command the western sector of the beach. Just ..68 years after the event.

Great work sir! I commend you for your perseverance and dedication in bringing this recognition to fruition. It should be a fine tribute to you and your fellow comrades who gave so much. Please keep us updated on when the plaque is to be erected.

Thank you,

Steve

 

Warning order: Part 2 tonight at 2000hrs Channel 4.

 

A very enjoyable programme tonight. I found the account of John Cloudsley-Thompson fascinating, especially about the 88mm shell passing between his legs!

 

I agree this has been a good series so far. Great to see John C-T but I felt the explainaition about Villers Bocage was a bit thin on facts, made it sound as though the whole Abteilung 101 was in the town rather than just a few (although more did enter the town later in the day).

 

Also good to hear Bruce Mellonson - he loved his 40mm Bofors didn't he?

 

If anyone in uk misses any of the programmes you can catch up with channel 4 version of iplayer here; Channel 4 - 4oD

 

I just wish they would have had a few from Sword Beach the most heavily defended area on the invasion coast, Specially as I with 6 other sappers, were in to Caen on the Colombelles high road side.

 

I enjoyed the programme, but didn't understand the reference to the US Army making for the west of Caen, that would have meant them cutting across the front of 50 Div; who didn't go to Caen. They did bully forward as best they could to help relieve the fighting/pressure on the British and Canadian forces at Caen, but that is not what was said last night!

Best,

Steve.

 

The campaign overviews were pretty weak, but I admit it's tricky to provide context for a handful of veterans across a two month campaign. I think the first episode worked better because it concentrated on a single day.

 

The reference to the Americans and Caen is utterly spurious, they never came within miles of the City. At any time......Ever!

But as always the true story of the battle of Normandy is hidden under a welter of propaganda......... It is the opinion of many Americans that only they fought in Europe. They also claimed we had it easy on Sword... The most heavily defended area of Normandy...Truth is we were better prepared....And sadly it cost them a huge casualty list on Omaha.

Why not tell the story of the Sword area where we took on the might of the Panzer's...While the Americans had at that time just half a panzer div to deal with..... We North of Caen, took on all the rest... And I can name every single one of them.

Not telling of the heroic deeds of the British in that bitter fight, annoys me intensely.Why? Because it belittles the deeds of our men. Those that paid with death and wounds....

We should proclaim to the World the heroism of the British in taking on and destroying the Panzer's...... For through their efforts in grinding down the Panzer strength, that enabled the slaughter of the Falaise Pocket to take place. Where Victory in Normandy ended with the utter destruction, and complete carnage of death on a industrial scale inside that charnel house of a trap. WE were at the back driving them forward...... A stupendous Victory..ahead of the planned schedule.
Let us recall Our Heros...... for a change