2 SS Panthers vs. 21 US Shermans
Operation Nordwind was the last big German offensive in the West in January 1945. In one infamous engagement, a pair of German SS Panther tanks created havoc in a US-occupied town, with terrible consequences for one American tank regiment.
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The hollywood take on this would be: Two Shermans vs 100 Panthers and 1000 SS commandos.
Had he not been a German there would have been at least a couple of movies about him.
When Bachmann had to retreat after his ballsy panzerfaust attack, he said "I'll be Bach", and so he did, with two Panthers.
@stehunter90
4 жыл бұрын
Lol🤣
When I hear Mark’s intro music, I know I’m in for a treat.
@PanzerBuyer
4 жыл бұрын
Maps, clocks, toys, but with what will i fight?
@TheIzroda
4 жыл бұрын
Hey that's the German guy from Battle of the Bulge!
@CaptainGyro
4 жыл бұрын
Ditto.
Sherman spots Panther! Sherman: TIGER! *Sad panther noises*
@LoneWolf051
4 жыл бұрын
Panther: *sigh* I wish....OK HANDS UP!" Shermans: *hands up, one holding toilet paper*
I recall reading that after losing a battle in North Africa, a German officer`s explanation was `We ran out of shells before the Americans ran out of tanks`. That pretty much sums it up.
@I3igI3adW0lf
4 жыл бұрын
Yeah the Sherman tank wasn't a good tank. They were cheap and easy to make compared to the superior German tanks though.
@sean640307
4 жыл бұрын
I believe it was an anti-tank crew in Italy, not in North Africa. Whether it's a myth or not, it's probably based in part on some truth..
So that's why the Germans lost the battle of the bulge. Bachmann was fighting in the wrong offensive
German Sherman has certain poetic ring to it.
@vadaszsch0360
4 жыл бұрын
Hermann the German Sherman
@sheriffhotdog1443
4 жыл бұрын
GerSher ManMan
@Wankerstew
4 жыл бұрын
It almost feels more invincible instantly
"Died at 88" Panzerlied intesifies.
@Mangos1021
4 жыл бұрын
this cpmment with 131 likes. the number of the last working tiger tank.
@topazcat1
4 жыл бұрын
Of Note: Autograph Collectors had to wait to 8.8.1988 to get his autograph, He waited till then to send them all out he had collected the requests over the years.
I was just ready to go to sleep, but this title wont let me.
@EC23331
4 жыл бұрын
Same
@jackrhino7465
4 жыл бұрын
Haha same
@oveidasinclair982
4 жыл бұрын
Glad my bed time is still some hours off, it will take me an hour or so to calm down, those cowardly Yanks really tick me off.
@alanwayte432
4 жыл бұрын
11 minutes past midnight 💤😩damm
@steyn1775
4 жыл бұрын
I don't need sleep, I need answers
The American soldiers did not know that lend-lease program did not include Germany
Ernst Barkmann and his crew was credited with the destruction of at least 82 Soviet, British and US tanks, 136 miscellaneous armoured fighting vehicles and 43 anti-tank guns.
My Dad was a combat engineer with the 12th Armored and fought as infantry in the battle for Herrlisheim. He'd ran a night patrol over the ground the 66th AIB were to attack over the following day. He said the area they scouted supposedly was lightly defended, but he found it to be the opposite. The unit attacked despite his report and the 66th battalion was virtually wiped out in the flat open plains they had to advance across. During one part of the battle Dad was watching American tanks advance over those same open fields when they started exploding from 88 antitank gun hits. He said they were just trapped out in the wide open and after more than a dozen tanks had been hit that some of the crews abandoned their working tanks because to not do so would have resulted in their deaths when the tank got hit. He said the Germans toasted around 25 tanks.
As an American I just have to say that Bachman had a pair of seriously big brass ones! Thanks Mark
112 sherman commanders disliked this video
@pascal171
4 жыл бұрын
Well the shermans fucked up two german armies at Falaise so...
Can we agree that each side both axis and allies had they're fair share of madlads?
I have to admit, I was terrified by operation "Dentist".
@terraflow__bryanburdo4547
4 жыл бұрын
Followed by Operation Proctologist With Cold Hands.
@heinzguderian576
4 жыл бұрын
Freestyle :-))))))
@DeltaEchoGolf
4 жыл бұрын
"Is it safe?" - Marathon Man.
@pickeljarsforhillary102
4 жыл бұрын
Goal was to drill deep into striking a nerve with allied lines. The allied counter attack was Operation Novocaine.
Another snippet of History I had never heard of before. So thank you, Mark Felton.
"Who are you??" "I'm Bachmann!"
My father, Captain Sam J Dwyer Jr. led the attack on Herlisheim on the 16th of January 1945. 43rd Tank Battalion, Combat Command B, B company. Most of the Shermans were destroyed. My father was wounded and captured. Good video and explanation.
@upnorthviking823
4 жыл бұрын
Tell him good job for ordering his mens to go foward on a open field 😂🤪🤪🤪🤪
@pedrolistacarey4880
4 жыл бұрын
Your Dad saved the honor of the US Army that day ! Congrats.
I knew Haupsturmführer Bachmann personally, and had many conversations with him during SS Veterans meetings over the years. He described this action in great detail to me, and he said it in no way reflects on the fighting power of a US Armored unit, but rather a poorly led one. Bachmann came up through the ranks as an Enlisted man, then NCO, and he knew his way around the battlefield. Er hat viel "Soldatenglück"
@Lowcatify
4 жыл бұрын
Did he describe why the american commander surrendered so quickly?
Wow, if Bachmann was still alive, he'd only be 97. I mean, I know two old guys that age. This history wasn't that long ago when you think about it.
Can't deny that this gentleman had some serious courage and dedication, much honour and respect for such valorous acts.
Sherman spots German Sherman... "TIGER!"
What a story! Had it been on “the other side” then there’d have been at least 1 movie about this.
My Uncle was there. He kept a detailed diary of his time with the 10th SS Panzer Division Fundsberg - Nachschub-Truppen as a cook/truck driver. The following is from his translated diary entry...... As it happened, on Jan. 14, ’45 everything was loaded up for our departure from Rheinbach. Leaving from there was particularly difficult for us. Our route was via Bonn, Cologne, Kassel, at which point we were turning in a south westerly direction. Finally, at Fulda in Steinbach, everything had to be unloaded again. From there we were heading towards the Elsaβ bridgehead (Gambsheim Bridgehead), where we were facing heavy enemy fire on the ground, as well as attacks from the air. Action on the bridgehead was extremely dangerous, because the drivers were targeted and under constant fire, as the enemy attempted to cut off or disrupt the supply lines coming across the Rhine.
Bachmann’s story would make an awesome movie!
@terraflow__bryanburdo4547
4 жыл бұрын
Kind of a German Audie Murphy.
Bachmann knew where the Iron Crosses grow. Respect
Erwin "Rambo" Bachmann. One serious soldier. Much respect.
Hello Mark, for me as a German its really a pleasure to see in what way your information about historic events are full of respect and honour for the old counterparts. Here in Germany we are forced to spit on the graves of our grandfathers of course today we know they where believing to the wrong leaders but its a shame that in whole germany isnt a place or a day to remember those fallen man. The most strange I ever seen was in 2019 for the remember of D-Day that a german female speaker of a tv station congratulate an old GI to kill so many Germans. She should try this in US I guess.... So thank you a lot for your informations and thanks a lot to all respectfull comments from Americans I can read here under your videos.
He got in his Panther tank and the order came through. “Bachmann! Turn her over. Drive!” Bachmann replied, “I’m taking care of business. You ain’t seen nothing yet”.
I have been a ww2 history enthusiast for 50 years but each of his videos is new to me. Thanks Mark
Reverse Fury?
Damn this Bachmann was a real hero
to hear he lived to 88 brought a smile to my face, serious bad ass dude, running along side a panther only armed with a pistol...
Love these time capsules from Mark. Very nicely done. Being an American combat Veteran from a different war, married to a German, living in Germany and hearing both sides, it's nice to hear the humanistic side of very intelligent soldiers of the German Army. They weren't all crazy fanatical people. Just doing what was ordered.
Mein Gott, out of war, misery, hardship and brutality steps a hero. This man was not lucky, he chose his luck, wow, what a tremendous feat and a proud soldier. Great story Mark, that is a guy you want to be on the same side with. Respect.
The SAS motto: _"Who dares, Wins"_applies to Bachman's bold action to singlehandely recon an enemy position, and get within 30 meters of US lines and take out a Sherman. Now that's leadership that inspires the men under his command. The US officer who surrendered? Not so much. To cut him some slack, he was probably inexperienced, and like most allied troops, were not to keen to be the last soldier to die in a war that was almost over. Still, a career killer for him.
I’m pretty sure that’s not how the lend-lease act was supposed to work.
@Cervando
4 жыл бұрын
He forgot to bill them.
Allies: 20+ Sherman tanks, plus soldiers Bachmann: 2 Panzers, a motorcycle w/sidecar, and a Panzerfaust Bachmann: ...I like those odds. Let's Roll
That one guy on the server who actually supports his teams tanks...
those 12 shermans had one job, and that is to become trophies for the germans.
@Wallyworld30
4 жыл бұрын
jltaco85 They were destined to fight the commies. I wonder what Stalin though about this? Germans having a non lend lease version of the Sherman’s meanwhile he’s getting whatever leftovers the US didn’t need.
@krypanzer3620
4 жыл бұрын
Tell that to the ones in Arracourt.
@Grubnar
4 жыл бұрын
Must have made some ruskies very surprised on the eastern front in 45. "Hey Yuri, look! I think I see some Amerikanski Sherman tanks over there." "What? I didn't know we still had any of those!" "Njet. These have the fascist swastika painted on them!"
Although it's tough to listen to allied defeats, it's a necessary component in the telling of competent and factual history which is something I very much enjoy.
@darkawakening01
4 жыл бұрын
By overlooking or simply denying the competence of your past adversaries diminishes the accomplishments of your own men who won the war. Some of these Hollywood or Russian movies are just bad sportsmanship... Every time I watch them I´m like "yeah, I wonder why the war lasted 6 years if our (great-)granddads were that stupid..."
Those panther tanks are so epic
Love your work Mark! Keep it up mate
Shermans: *"why do i hear boss music??"*
We had so many Shermans we were even lending them to the Nazis.
@alanwatts8239
4 жыл бұрын
americans: hey germs, here's some tanks we left behind germans: why the fuck would i want your trash?
@Schimml0rd
4 жыл бұрын
:D:D:D:D
@bycrystiam
4 жыл бұрын
What about the crews, they also dispensable?
@jfiyibclfjvqdcx6426
4 жыл бұрын
Says the guy with a German Surname
@davidaleksic1300
4 жыл бұрын
bad engineering mate, makes a good target practice :)
I really like your way of telling history! Very immersive but without biased to one side in my opinion. Great Skill!
@Joesolo13
4 жыл бұрын
Don't need to be biased to know the genocidal maniacs with a hard on for "overpowered" but mechanically garbage war toys were gonna lose and be happy about it
I insist on this theme song when I walk into work every day....
Mark's first video was uploaded just over 2 years ago and in that time he's almost reached 500k subs, thats insane for a homegrown, independent channel. Keep doing what you do Mr. Felton.
This captivating narration could be the the pitch for a movie, unbelievable story and it is all true.
@littlejimmy8744
4 жыл бұрын
If only a US solider did this then it would be a movie
@gregkerr725
4 жыл бұрын
My Dad was a combat engineer with the 12th Armored at Herrlisheim. Of course as a sergeant he wasn't privy to the big picture, but he saw a lot of unpleasant things. His platoon fought as infantry beside the armored infantry battalions. He was lightly wounded mid January. From listening to him it sounded like the 12th pretty much got it's ass kicked....but continued to hang in there and eventually prevailed along with other divisions. Dad especially recalled a division of Americans he called the Texas Division........said they were top notch and his platoon was saved one night on the line when they hadn't gotten the word to pull back like the units to their flanks. Dad's Lieutenant got killed and he took over the platoon and when he discovered no friendlies were on their flanks he ordered a pull back....just as the Germans launched their attack. He said they lost two men pulling back and the Germans were hot on their heels. Suddenly he heard American voices and realized he'd just run up on top of an American dugout. Dad's guys jumped in the fighting holes with these guys from the Texas Division and the Texans put a halt to that German attack.
@ColinH1973
4 жыл бұрын
I agree.
@klauskainzinger9978
4 жыл бұрын
That will never happen. No one would make a film where the Americans or the Allies are shown as the looses or to be cowards. War winners right history to their favor, so you will never see the Americans getting their asses shot off
Enemy or not ,one great Germanic warrior. I am glad he lived a long life. Pure soldier and warrior. Every army has some incredible warriors and are the best of the best.
Yes, excellent! I can’t understand why Hollywood can’t get it right. I’ve heard so many interviews from US veterans that had the utmost respect for their counterparts in the Wehrmacht and the recent anniversaries have shown the friendship & camaraderie that has grown between once bitter enemies. Countless lives were devastated on all sides. It’s a shame they can’t all be treated with equal respect. Great video Mark!
8:36 shell hole into the driver side and one in the turret.. Imagine being the crew in that tank and the driver just explodes into pieces and showers you with blood and viscera.. They talk about knocking out tanks, but it mostly involves turning the crew into minced meat.. Horrifying..
I'm a simple man. Mark uploads I watch
Hello from the US. I never heard about operation Nordwind till this point. I am not however suprised. To get out done that badly, I can't even be mad.
An amazing story. The 10th SS Panzer Division, along with the 9th SS Panzer Division, were instrumental in defeating the Anglo-American Operation Market-Garden in Holland, September 1944.
Bachman had giant brass balls.
All the stories of WW2 youve never heard, brought back to life by Mark felton!!
New video uploaded 32 seconds ago - never clicked so fast for a new video. Keep up the good work Mark, thank you.
Erwin Bachmann was a real badass. Excellent video as always Mark! Thank you for your contribution to remembering history in a neutral light so that we can make our own conclusions on what took place. Love your channel!
It's always amazing to see what incredible missions some of these young men were on, against all odds. Great segment Mark :)
Wow, I never heard of this amazing story of courage. Sad we only hear them from the winning side. Well done and thanks Mark!
I feel bad for my American brothers who died or were captured but I gotta admit that Bachmann dude was a badass and did a damn good job that day
As well as everything else that is great about these videos I am always impressed by Mark's excellent edititting prowess, bravo.
My deep respect for Commander Bachman's actions!
Amazing story - he was a one man army. I don't think we will see a Hollywood movie covering this engagement! :)
@elfenbeinturm-media
4 жыл бұрын
Complicated. How do you want to make a movie with a "hero" protagonist serving for a military mass-murdering regime? /Alex
I am not condoning the actions of the American officer who surrendered, but without knowing the conditions, the extent of his situational awareness, and the condition of his men, it is impossible to judge fairly what he did. Some below said he should have been court marshaled. Perhaps, but perhaps not. Having been in the Army, first as a combat engineer, then later as a cavalry and armor officer, I have seen the effects of weather, fatigue, poor situational awareness, etc. on people. In particular, fatigue can make a person make poor decisions. Also, we don't know if he had any communications with other friendly units. If he was briefed that large enemy forces were going to attack his unit, and if he was unable to contact any nearby friendly units or higher headquarters, he may have though he was surrounded. We also don't know the extent of the casualties his unit sustained in the days leading up to the attack. There are many possibilities. Again, I am not condoning the surrender, but without a full picture of what the commander was dealing with, we cannot fairly judge. It's possible that he mad a bad call. It is possible that he was worn out. It is possible that he fought well previously but was ill informed. There are too many possibilities to say for sure what the real deal was.
"Commander, what should we do with all of these captured American tanks?" Erwin: "Take them.... Bach-Mann..." *gets on motorbike and rides off into the sunset*
@davidvance6367
4 жыл бұрын
chickenbot1, put all of those American tanks on train cars & ship them to the steel plants. Germany had a very good supply of steel with the Sherman tanks
Impressive video as always! Keep it up!! :D
EXCELLENT video, and so timely, for the 75th anniversary of the "Battle of the Bulge". I had an Uncle (now passed away) who lost one leg in the fight. Thanks so very much!!!
@terraflow__bryanburdo4547
4 жыл бұрын
Mine made it out unscathed (artillery)
@awkwarddoggo05
4 жыл бұрын
I thought the Battle of the Bulge started on the 16th?
Damn you, Mark Felton! I cannot watch just one of your videos. If I watch one I am on the Felton train for at least 2 hours. Great job! Thank you for the history.
I've never heard about this before...I'm amazed
When will Hollywood make a film about this?
Bachman was a pretty ballsey Kraut.
@RasPutintheGreat
4 жыл бұрын
Wonder how did he manage to bring those balls.
What an f'n epic story! Thanks for sharing it. Enjoyed it 100%
What an amazing story. It just goes to show that bravery, luck and balls of solid steel can bring amazing results.
Bachman dies at age 88 and we all know what that means. He died very old.
Is amazing that with all I have learned through the years about WWII, that there's always another little known event or battle to come to the surface.
Thanks again Mark for another great WW2 story I've never heard before, a really nice way to start a Monday morning.
Thank you, Mark.
You do a great presentation. My best friend was a driver in a Sherman tank. My best friend never has understood what his dad went through
Excellent Mark! Once again dismantling the narrative and teaching us the real history. You rock!
Amazing content, also delivered in perfect 10 minute bite-sized chunks. Keep it up!
Once again Mr. Felton you have done and delivered yet another amazing and most informative presentation. I commend you on your brilliant and expectational work, please do keep it up.
The lighting quick demolition of the Sherman's must have made them think there were a lot more Germans
Hello Mark, as a German only a small correction: At the very beginning of the video -> "Wacht am Rhein" is better translated with "Guarding on the Rhine", as the german word "wachen" means "to guard" in English. Great videos and keep it up!
Another Mark Felton classic! I have studied WW2 for 25 years yet I have never heard of this action. This is why I completely love this channel.
Died in 2010? That means there must be some interviews. Does anyone have any links?
@TheIzroda
4 жыл бұрын
Probably if you search the German part of the internet. Though I wouldn't be surprised if he remained silent on this. Modern day German media doesn't give much fucks about such moments of their history.
@benwilson6145
4 жыл бұрын
there was another You Tube on this put out about three months ago, one of the German poster's
@BoostedPastime
4 жыл бұрын
@@TheIzroda yeah its pretty fucking sad
@peterk2455
4 жыл бұрын
Try "Panzerkampf im Bild" by Will Fey, not sure if there is an English version. Also there is a online: www.stengerhistorica.com/History/WarArchive/SpecialStudies/Frundsberg/Organization_and_Training_Page_1.htm
@topfishing
4 жыл бұрын
TheIzroda true but that’s because they were seen as failures by the German people. They were fighting to protect there homeland and failed even though it wasn’t there fault. If you do some digging they were even treated just as bad as the enemy was. So unless some American or British tv show interviewed him there wouldn’t be any from the German side. In fact it’s hard to find anything from ww2 coming from Germany as a lot of it they aren’t allowed to have or say. Ie the swastika or even furher or hitler isn’t allowed to be mentioned.
that Bachmann had balls like basketballs
Another great chapter of knowledge Mark. Thanks for sharing!
Another outstanding video as always. Thank you!
This just shows how effective the germans could still be towards the end of the war, quite astonishing how fierce the fighting between between two sides was, all brave men
@terraflow__bryanburdo4547
4 жыл бұрын
Imagine being those German prisoners- probably surrendered twice and freed once over a period of weeks if they survive the second round. The worst would be if they surrendered first to the U.S. then to the Russians..argghhhh!
@josehernandezmartinez8719
4 жыл бұрын
Is a shame that the Americans and Germans were fighting each other, when they should have been fighting the Soviets together.
@oldesertguy9616
4 жыл бұрын
@@josehernandezmartinez8719 that would have been unlikely, given that Germany was the one trying to take over Europe, and that Germany declared war on the U.S., not vice-versa. Both the Nazis and the Stalinists were evil people. It's not like the Nazis were just defending their homeland. They were actively trying to subjugate entire countries and killing anyone who didn't fit into their idea of what an Aryan should be. Sure Stalin was an evil SOB, but so was Hitler.
@Joesolo13
4 жыл бұрын
@@josehernandezmartinez8719 nope. Not a chance in hell and this revisionism is the peak of ignorance
@Simonsvids
4 жыл бұрын
@@josehernandezmartinez8719 It's a shame anyone was fighting anyone.
Beautifully made thanks for your videos.
Just brilliant. Thank you so much. Keep them coming 👍
Another outstanding video- thank you Mark Felton!
These felton stories are always shocking! And really worth my time!!!
How about a song? 21 Sherman tanks on the road, 21 Sherman tanks, In goes a round, Bang goes the gun, 20 Sherman tanks. Repeat.
Thank you, Mark. Superb as always !
Yet another amazing video about an equally amazing bit of history. Love your work sir!