A German Uniform Found In A LOST WWII BUNKER in Normandy! | American Artifact Episode 19
In Episode 198 of History Traveler, we were exploring the German bunker complex of Crisbecq Battery on the Normandy coastline. But there was far too much to see for just one episode. In this episode of American Artifact, we're taking a closer look at one of the bunkers at Crisbecq and even better, a German uniform that was recovered in a unlikely place after having been buried for years.
This episode was produced in partnership with The Gettysburg Museum of History. See how you can support history education & artifact preservation by visiting their website & store at www.gettysburgmuseumofhistory...
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Other episodes that you might enjoy:
- Crisbecq: A GIANT German Bunker Complex in NORMANDY! | History Traveler Episode 198
• Crisbecq: A GIANT Germ...
- Juno Beach: The Fighting Canadians on D-Day | History Traveler Episode 194: • Juno Beach: The Fighti...
- The 12th SS Massacre of the Canadians in Normandy | History Traveler Episode 195: • The 12th SS Massacre o...
- Holdy Battery: The Sister Gun Battery of Brecourt Manor | History Traveler Episode 187: • Holdy Battery: The Sis...
- German Bunkers of UTAH BEACH (D-Day!!!) | History Traveler Episode 190: • German Bunkers of UTAH...
- The Private Collection of Major Dick Winters (EP 151): • The Private Collection...
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Пікірлер: 449
The solder had no idea his uniform would be shown on KZread 80 years later. Would be crazy if he were able to see this.
@georgekouremenos596
26 күн бұрын
The soldier had no idea that Normandy were to be his grave. What youtube and nonsense... generations passed and brains got bad.
I wanted to tell you this for awhile: you’re genuinely living the life I’ve wanted to live for years. Visiting, documenting, preserving cemeteries, traveling to historic sites, this is “the life.” While I’m jealous and envious, I’m so friggin proud and happy to see someone doing this. Your whole channel, every video, dude, thank you. So. Much. Thank you
@JamesLee-lk4kx
2 жыл бұрын
I concour with that statement.
@bretti1860
2 жыл бұрын
Why don't you start realize your dream? You can do exactly the same. :)
@bumblebee623
2 жыл бұрын
Noone cares.. if u want that life go live it and stop crying about it online
@joeb3668
Жыл бұрын
Lots of genuine treasures to discover ,not to mention toe tappers to discover also
@610vatorspeed7
Жыл бұрын
@@bumblebee623 rude!!!! Sometimes people put other priorities first then there dreams goofy
When I first visited Batterie du Crisbecq in 1999, the whole area was overgrown with weeds and you had to look hard to find the bunkers. Since the huge revival of interest in sites in Normandy following the release of Saving Privat Ryan, the French have done a tremendous job restoring this site. Also, the huge proliferation of Museums and other restored sites does Normandy the credit it deserves.
I was stationed in Baden Baden from 1990-1993. When we would do morning PT (fitness) we run in the blackforest off the beaten track and every so often one of our platoons would find hidden trenches and the odd camouflage shacks. Germany I would say, still has many a hidden gem to be found one day.
my grandfather also wore a uniform jacket, also with the award ribbon to the iron cross second class in the buttonhole and he was also there at the time of the invasion. he was captured after hard fighting and was in American captivity for 2 years until he returned to destroyed Berlin in 1946 where he met my grandmother on the black market and married her in 1947. my grandfather still has nightmares at night until the 1960s from which he woke up screaming
@shunumiah8041
11 ай бұрын
Wait so was he a nzi
@bizarre5443
10 ай бұрын
@@shunumiah8041he was a soldier
@MMCPN
22 күн бұрын
@@shunumiah8041why would you think that?? I never read that in this comment?? The person said his grandfather was a soldier who spent 2yrs as a POW nothing about him being a nart-see!!
@bigp3006
21 күн бұрын
@@shunumiah8041not all Germans were socialists.
@paulnyssen6448
15 күн бұрын
My father was on the other team, but also struggled until his death with the memories. Always makes me laugh watching army recruiting advertisements, like war is a great opportunity to play in the woods - and learn new skills...
I'm sure that whoever tossed that uniform away never could have thought that someday people would find it and make a big deal about it.... Funny how history evolves. Thanks for your great work.
@paulpaul246
Жыл бұрын
Yeah he was probably scared to death and wanted to get rid of the uniform so he wouldn't get shot or maybe he hid it for some other reason.
@paulpaul246
Жыл бұрын
Perhaps he wanted to come back and get the uniform for his children and grandchildren after the war was over. I wonder if he perceived that The Invasion would spell the defeat of Nazi Germany.
@robertnegron9706
Жыл бұрын
If he is still alive. Would be a real story
@robertnegron9706
Жыл бұрын
@@paulpaul246 that’s a great surmise. Yea to blend in with civilians.
JD... Again another superb video of Normandy. You have preserved history for future generations. Your reenactment of this battle is so realistic your viewers are actually there walking beside you and Eric. Thank you
@sandramosley2801
2 жыл бұрын
Absolutely! Well observed!
To be that close to history must be a TRIP !!!!!
Thank you for showing this German bunker complex JD & Erik. Not many people get to see this, because they usually don't have the time in one day tour. Such great videos especially the ones taken with the drone, love it ! I have been giving D-Day tours for 20 years and still learn every day, especially thanks to the stories from my clients (I actually had the privilege to have both German & American veterans/clients in the past and you learn so much from them). I had read years ago that it was 7 Americans that were killed in this bunker by accident because someone smoked there after the battle (I forgot where I read it & I might be wrong). What strikes me is that the same story pretty much happened in the battery of Longues sur Mer, killing tragically 4 servicemen one month after D-Day by accident because someone smoked near the ammunition storage in casemate #4 from what I read. If someone knows more and has reliable sources about this, I am always interested to learn ;)
What a channel, by far it's the best I've ever watched. I spend hours from Normandy to Germany watching your amazing discoveries. Thank you and keep up the great work 👍👍👍👍👍
@TheHistoryUnderground
Жыл бұрын
Wow, thank you!
Not sure if this is true or not, but I had heard more than once before, that some of the greener German troops in Normandy took off there uniforms and donned french civilian clothes and tried to blend into the countryside to escape capture or death. Some were captured and that was how this came to light. Mayne that uniform in the duct work was a product of that folklore. We may never know.
@jaybarrows2526
2 жыл бұрын
I agree
@JLKB-1947
2 жыл бұрын
@ Michael Douglas . I’ve heard about such stories more or less the same back in the 60’s while I was in the then British HongKong from the Royal Military WW2 veterans . Then in the70’s , I heard about such stories from several WW2 veterans that I worked with back in USA . I’ve got drafted in November 1969 .
@francisjohnification
2 жыл бұрын
Hi Mr Douglas. Not folklore. It’s a fact. Not only the regular troops, but especially those of higher rank, particularly if they had been involved in the more ‘questionable’ actions of the war. Not surprising really. Anonymity would be highly desirable if you are on the losing side and want to avoid any potential reprisal.
@charles0322mrsdani
2 жыл бұрын
This was my first guess
@cschu879
2 жыл бұрын
That is pure rubbish the German people were nazified for years before the invasion so believe me they did not believe they were going to lose and they swore The invasion would fail so they fought tooth and nail... we just destroyed them with tounge and cheek
Im so very jealous of you two young men. When i was your age i always wanted to see the places my uncles fought in. Thanks for making this video tour possible.
Very cool that Erik received that jacket. Who knows how many items like that just get tossed out after all these years. I'll see you guys shortly 😁.
JD, Another fantastic episode! Thank you for all that you do! Erik, thank you for preserving history, and it's humbling to see you bring artifacts back to the location. The cemetery visits get me all the time!!!!
These artifacts are amazing! So is this series!
Wow. Seeing the bunkers in living color really brings history to life.
Great job JD and Erik. I'm amazed at how much I've learned from you guy's.
I just have to say I love this channel so much. You make some fascinating videos. Thanks for what you do! You really are doing your part at keeping history alive for the next generation!
So glad you went back and shared another video of this place!! 🥳 Very cool!! Thanks for taking us along 👍😎
Great artifact. The man who owned this was a combat veteran as evidenced by the EK2 ribbon in the buttonhole. German troops were somewhat unique in that they wore their decorations on their combat uniforms. The jacket also doesn't appear to have the white colar piping or any other distinctions to identify him as anything other than a Landser.
@suzyqualcast6269
2 жыл бұрын
Think that's why so many actual decorations have been, and are, found out on the old areas of engagement.
@twinsonic
2 жыл бұрын
The ribbon looks way to new for 80 years old..
@sigmundjahn3122
2 жыл бұрын
White piping? You mean infantry, yes?
@velociraptorimperator4299
2 жыл бұрын
An M-36 early war tunic with pleated pockets and the bottle green collar still being worn in 1944, I suppose it's possible, but one might expect to find a NCO tresse around the collar with corresponding collar tabs and shoulder boards
@thurin84
2 жыл бұрын
many european countries wore their awards in combat conditions.
Awesome as always, thanks JD and Eric
Very well done, throughout the some 50 yrs.of collecting, studying history, teaching, etc... my uniform collection has grown to 519 pieces dating from 1754 to the 1980s Cold War, I own a complete O.Rs panzer uniform Grossdeutchland, low boots, M43 cap, mouse gray shirt, necktie, headset, wound badge 3d class, panzer assault badge along with a Lance cpl 's uniform m1940 of that division Grossdeutchland Infanterie Reg',t complete. My Abn. Paratrooper collection alone is huge including an M42 jump uniform of the Devil's Bde.with the early M1C fixed bail pot and Hawley liner NCO bar on the pot. Imagine the faces, men, expressions, fear, hatred, etc. The diaries, memoirs, hand drawn maps, battlefield drawings in my paper collections, hair raising reading what Pvt. Jim Watson saw in Chickamauga Co. D 1st Fla. Cav. Also an autographed photo of field Marshall Rommel I found tucked away in one of my Musette bags. My Sharp's carbine M1859 has the man's name scribed into the shoulder stock P.Flynn Those aren't even the mind blowers from.my collections
I love WW 1-2 era history. I don’t want to say WW2 was my “favorite war” but I do enjoy learning and watching videos like this on it because my old neighbor who has past on now was Military Police during the war. He’d always tel me stories when I was growing up of what it was like. Before he past on he gave me some of his service medals. Great video!
Great series, have a hard time understanding how all this concrete was produced all along the coast, to build these bunkers, this was done with 30’s equipment, the elaborate interiors of some are amazing it’s incredible to believe the Germans were so determined to win the war. But made too many mistakes in the end. History is so fascinating.
@Dusty357
2 жыл бұрын
Slave labour is how
@BigLisaFan
2 жыл бұрын
Yes, they made crucial mistakes. Switching from attacking RAF airfields to bombing London allowed Fighter Command to catch its breath and regain the upper hand. Turning on Russia was a major error as well. Putting faith in the "wonder weapons" instead of conventional ones and not exploiting the advanced aircraft they had all contributed to the downfall of Germany. Good thing they made those crucial errors when they did, history might be different today.
@cschu879
2 жыл бұрын
To answer your question Joe it was slave labor that built all those bunkers slave labor that mixed the concrete that poured the concrete that leveled the concrete it went to sleep with concrete all over them the slave labor that suffered with the severe concrete Burns that you receive from dealing with concrete without safety protocol the Nazis were pure evil and the Germans were a nasty bunch to allow these criminals to take over their country and attack the world but that was then and this is now which means Russia is attacking Ukraine so where is the world that I know it's gone away.
@BigLisaFan
2 жыл бұрын
@@cschu879 Weren't many workers from the Todt Organization too?
@JLKB-1947
2 жыл бұрын
@@cschu879 . Agree .
That is truly amazing! I am shocked that that tunic was not eating up by mold or some kind of a critter mice whatever. Thank you JD and Eric.
You show us so many incredibly beautiful places and so much interesting history of value that many of us followers have heard about but will not be able to see and we are so grateful that you can show us those places.. it feels so amazing and we are eternally grateful for what you show us :D
So bizar that this bunker is actually a grave as well.
@aprylrittenhouse4562
2 жыл бұрын
I wonder what was on the minds of these young men as they defended those bunkers and casemates. They mustve been scared as the invaders were as well.
Oh wow... When Erik mentioned that 12 American servicemen lost their lives there because one of them, or a different American soldier not killed, was smoking a cigarette near the ammo stores. So heartbreaking and tragic.. to live through D-Day and some vicious fighting, only to be killed over a silly accident that could have been prevented easily. RIP to each of those men, as well as all service members of each of the Allied Countries that fought and lost their lives while trying to make sure the rest of the world was safe from tyranny. God Bless. 🙏
@NarakaAeyoGaming
18 күн бұрын
Exactly my thoughts!
@MrMacky-co6zn
23 сағат бұрын
As my dad used to say, "those things will kill ya."
I seriously can't get enough of this.
Literally history at your fingertips! Amazing find!
7:28 Nice shot of the uniform, it's almost like he's standing there.
Love your videos J.D in seeing history, with Eric and his relics. That has also been superb. His knowledge and names he knows in and around France has been great. Thank you also Eric.👏🏻
@bmcg5296
2 жыл бұрын
On another issue the ribbon is the wearer of a Iron Cross Second Class J.D. So he had to have done something still brave enough to earn it. But just not enough to get the real Iron Cross.
Thank you both.
Another amazing episode ….I am completely hooked
Wow! When we say smoking kills people-we aren’t joking! Lol seriously good episode!
Your concept of bringing history to all people is both educational and rewarding, another wonderful video. Shame with what's going on in another part of Europe that some people will never learn from history that taking land by force only creates losers on all sides.
My first thought was that perhaps smoke was pouring in the air duct and perhaps a German infantryman jammed it up with this coat to keep from choking...just a thought
How this channel doesnt have millions of subscribers is beyond me. I guess people would rather watch others play video games than learn this history. Such good content. Thankyou
I visited that place when the digging just started. Love to go back and see the end result.
The Breast Eagle is in Superb condition!
wow what an impressive story JD. About the discovery of a german uniform. i love the artifact series 👍🏼
You always reveal exciting history. Thank you!
Back in the day of 1980, a neighbor of my then girlfriend used to come over the house, especially on holidays. Super nice guy named Hans. One of those guys in his late 50's that didn't look a day over 35. He spoke perfect English but could switch to German if someone asked. He had his full regular army uniform from the war in his closet. He brought it over one time and put it on for everyone. It still fit him perfectly. I wish I had been up on uniforms and awards back then.
@steffenwilde6175
2 жыл бұрын
Tja der Hans der kanns,, schneidig ist die Infanterie.
@maximalwest2797
29 күн бұрын
Yeah the late Wife of my Grandfather had an Uniform and a Helmet from her former Husband.....i was 7 back then 1987 when i "found" it in the Wardrobe! I guess alot of People have Stories like that to bite themselves in the Butt.:D Our family totally lost contact to her after my Grandfather died. (Nobody liked her she was a bit Cruel:)) At least i got the Wehrpass from my Grandfather and two WarTime Photoalbums from him and his comrades.
Amazing, thanks!
Another outstanding episode from Erik and yourself. The minutia that y'all uncover is fascinating. Kudos for bringing out the drone. The overhead shots, in this case, the Crisbecq Battery, adds a great perspective in terms of showing the massive size of this complex. Without giving too much away, are there plans to chronologically retrace the order of battles all the way to the Eagle's Nest? Well Done, once again.
Thank you for sharing.
Always amazing content, thanks for making these great videos!
Another really interesting video JD! You have done a great job with the battle in Normandy. Thx
@TheHistoryUnderground
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
One of my uncles who was overseas sent a complete German uniform back home. My grandmother, who detested the Nazis and hated that her four sons were in both Europe and the Pacific Theatre, took that uniform outside one day and burned it. Needless to say that didn’t go over well with any of the family, boys and girls (one aunt was in the WAC). A piece of history lost in a fire on the home front. I have my father’s wartime mementos, few that they are, except for the suitcase full of letters, photos, clippings and telegrams, all that my parents saved. They were just dating at the time my father went into the military and their courtship is mostly all there in those many letters. They’re both gone now, and having these things means so much.
I had to chuckle when he was talking about camouflaging the bunkers from aerial surveillance. I would think those huge structures in the middle of a field would stand out like a sore thumb regardless of what you did to them. Another great video, thanks!
This is awesome! Thank you! Keep em coming.
Sure hope that was donated back to where it came from , It should be on display there along with the story !!!
Crazy the story that thing could tell if it could talk! All I could see in my mind while looking at it was the German soldier looking around and seeing all was lost. So he took off his uniform, hide it by stuffing it in there and ran away thinking maybe he could blend in with civilians. Who knows how it really happened but it is one very interesting story no less. Great stuff y'all!
Amazing! To be in the bunker where it was found. Very cool
So very cool, I've seen you on TV a few times. You are always a wealth of information!!!! TYVM
@TheHistoryUnderground
2 жыл бұрын
👍🏻
I feel like the method that was explained on how the camo pattern was inlayed into the concrete is slightly in accurate the paper would have had to have been adhered to the forms walls when they poured the concrete into them there would have been no way to access the wet concrete to put these in once it was poured hence why I think the method described is in accurate it is more likely they put waste pieces of rebar on the forms so when they pulled the forms off the rebar would be easy to pull out where paper and other things would get the folds caught in the concrete and rip out leaving remnants of the material in the grove
Just when I thought I saw all of Erik’s stuff, you guys pull this thing out !! Wow, that was awesome for real ! Man Erik’s the man for real, Wow dude ! So so cool ! You should do a WW1 series with all of his stuff too cause it’s incredible as well as I’m sure you well know.
@TheHistoryUnderground
2 жыл бұрын
👍🏻
You always have very interesting content. Thank you.
Thanks for another great video. I noticed at the end credits the British flag has been raised incorrectly. The red "stripe" in the lower left quarter should be furthest from the flag pole.
@JohnBoy-Ramone
2 жыл бұрын
Well spotted...when hoisted like this, it is a sign of distress.
That Crisbecq Battery Bunker Complex was quite fortified. Glad they kept the Artillery in place. Thanks.
What a find 👍🏴🇬🇧
Great video! I'm loving this channel.
Thank you guys, I am happy I found this channel
Another outstanding video. Thanks again for sharing these educational videos 👌🙏
Wow what an amazing find!
What a great thing to have acquired! So awesome!
Fantastic explore and great video loved it JD
Another really great episode, thanks for bringing back the tunic to the bunker. Could you do a episode on the accident that killed the American soldiers? May be they could put a plaque on the wall to remember them?
Incedible story, thank you so much.
The groves in the concrete most likely were made by items attached to the forms prior to pouring the concrete not by pushing it in to the soft concrete as it would have been too hard after the forms were stripped.
It's hard to believe the naval bombardment didn't do more damage...then again, look at all that rebar! The concrete walls must be two feet thick. The grass is so well kept, it looks like one big putting green.
Oh glad to see uniform has been brought back to be put on display in the bunker where it came from for everyone to see when they come there
Those German uniforms were really well designed 👌🏻
Ivy makes great camouflage!
Coffee break!!
Goose bumps right there!! How very cool!!! Like others, curious why the other battery is not accessible.
@suzyqualcast6269
2 жыл бұрын
Full of uncleared munitions, maybe. There's several along the whole length of 'the Wall'.
That's a real example of "smoking kills." How sad. Survive the landing and you get a moment to relax and it takes you.... :(
Very cool! Love the videos.
Hey that's cool. I found a lost German uniform in my uncle's closet after he died. Except one of the collar patches had two weird squiggly lines on it. I wonder how it ended up in his closet, he always kept it locked. Man, I really miss Uncle Fritz.
@SwedishEmpire1700
Жыл бұрын
We all do
Amazing 👍
Man you NEVER disappoint.
You guys need to go to Maisy Battery if you havent yet...amazing story.
@TheHistoryUnderground
Жыл бұрын
Had plans but schedules didn’t quite line up.
😂❤ thank you for Info and Video sir ! 📽️👍⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
@TheHistoryUnderground
23 күн бұрын
My pleasure!
Amazing find this tunic!
Well done as always.
@TheHistoryUnderground
2 жыл бұрын
👍🏻
Another great episode!
What a story... awesome artifact! am catching up on some episodes 👍
Very cool! Great background music as well!
Yes sir I agree your living my dream.keep up the good work for the world to be in touch!!!
History kept alive even during worst time in history
these are my favorite.
Great to hear Lili Marleen.
The story goes that when a German forward observer (who survived the war) on D-Day early morning first saw the massive Allied armada off the Normandy coast his first words were "My God , we've lost the war". German propaganda told their people that the allies didn't have nearly that much men and material. The massive armada literally filled his view sight
I love this stuff!
6:25 Zugluftleitung not Zulufleitung When they write It on the wall, it should be right. Great Videos btw. Best regards from Germany
I Was just at Erick’s museum I took a few pics of that uniform it’s real cool in person
@TheHistoryUnderground
2 жыл бұрын
Pretty dang cool.
That is really cool that would be better then finding a brand new car !! That is real history! To bad you can't come across an mp 44, thank you Frank from montana....
Click bait. He said she said... I found this clean uniform like years ago. Totally believe it from the years of it sitting in a hole when it magically appears dry cleaned in some guys hands
Another amazing gem, if that uniform could talk..
That jacket definitely belongs in the bunker display!!