Battle of Ortona - Canadian Army Newsreel

[911Legomaster]

I made a lego video in memory of this battle. I posted the first part. The second will come out soon. Go check it out and tell me how I did please.

[caluostenit71]

Putinii soldati germani dislocati la Tollo au reusit sa tina piept numeroaselor trupe canadiene care se gaseau la Ortona.Practic 200 de germani au tinut in sah 6000 de aliati timp de 6 luni.Numai dupa ce au desfasurat armament greu si cu ajutorul aviatiei foetele aliate au strapuns pe germani si au inaintat spre Chieti.Onoare pentru toti cei ce au luptat atunci.

[TheDevilsBusiness]

Every body had the best military of the world

[artgal80]

I think it was great that the Canadian soldiers showed enough kindness & humility to compassionately bury another country's fallen soldiers.It moved me. *sniffs*

[thejumpergirl99]

I'm proud to be Canadian!!!! God bless the sacrifice the Canadian soldiers made during those 8 days. Thank you for tryumphing when all hope seemed lost!!!

[jordan390a]

This battle and it's repercussions would make an incredible film.

It further cemented Canada's reputation as "Second To None" in battle.

Hitler had known this since his WWI experiences with the "Kick-Ass Kanuks"

, and the exploits of the 1stSSF only enhanced the image.

If Canada had not kept the North Atlantic traversible,with nothing more than throw-aways and archaic signals gear and good old Canadian resolve, both England and Russia would have been strangled into capitulation.

[StJamesapostle]

I thank all who had serve to protect our freedom - - Thank you and Thank God - -

Today we go and make freedom for other countries and even other countries who don't even want it - - As we sit in Canada and watch our very own Goverments TAKE OURS _ - _ _ AWAY - - - so so sad for all our soldiers and familyies fought for so hard

[shamidfdg]

You canadians are on the mercy of USA,you can be vanished and no more if uncle sam decided so,

[Albertarocks]

@shamidfdg

Say that to a Canadian face to face. I fuckin' dare you. lol

[cf80to01]

@shamidfdg Tell me that once they have you in Gitmo. Do you really think the Department of Homeland Security gives a shit that your taxi drivers license says you are "American"? You "can be vanished".....right into a Syrian jail for electroshock right to the ballsack by your American brothers.

[Litterboxer529]

Ortona was Italy's Caen. I have nothing but respect for any Canadian soldier there.

[yourmaker74]

cant believe my bloodline survived this one...

[67claudius]

Gratitude to the Canadians who fought so hard a battle for our freedom!

[targetshot]

great footage. my Grandfather was a medic during this battle. and was awarded the Military Medal for his actions on Dec 25. thank you to all our vets

[targetshot]

great footage. my Grandfather was a medic during this battle.

[SharonWatts]

1st Canadian Division, 8th Army Corps were one of the fastest moving groups of soldiers.

Daughter of Private Norman Kelly

[SharonWatts]

1st Canadian Division, 8th Army Corps were one of the fastest moving groups of soldiers.

[demonhorse103]

i had 9 great grandfathers all 9 of them were brothers and their father fought in WW2 not sure we're they fought but i am happy i'm continueing the military blood line

[TheBagger57]

yes is very true, my dad was with the army during ww2,caporalchef4. it also battle honors for the 48 th Highlanders of Canada which i'm ex member of the 48 th as well ,my dad was there fighting

[TheBagger57]

yes is very true, my dad was with the army during ww2

[caporalchef4]

Je Me Souviens, from a member of the Royal 22e Régiment, the ''Vandoos''. Ortona is part of my regiment's History and is one of it's battle Honnors. Ciao!

[SuperCOMMENDATORE]

THANKS CANADA by an italian !!!!!

[clam502]

Pro Patria gentlemen!

[TheBagger57]

yes it true ,my dad was with canadian forces in WW2

[Iwasateeninthe80s]

Ya, Canada had the third largest navy at war's end. Canadians were well trained, but the best trained were probably the miilitary arms of the SS. Canadians typically carried out orders quite often to the death or destruction of their units. To make up for lack of experience or equipment, the Canadians became known for their tenacity and willingness to win battles at any cost, matching the German obsession for combat. We'll do anything to win a war or a hockey game!

[Iwasateeninthe80s]

Ya, it's true. Canada was the first allied country to mobilize its economy toward the war effort. This meant millions of Canadians were working toward victory in the factory and in the war theatre. Then, you could buy something for a nickel, so people had them around. The Royal Canadian Mint made nickels with the V for Victory sign on them. Yes, most of Ortona was destroyed by the German paratroopers that came after the regular army was withdrawn. They too withdrew after 7 days and nights.

[heliodor001]

Hmmmm. Here I though that the Ameicans won the war all by themselves! To give the Germans their just dew, even though they were against us, they were good soldiers.

[EnglishMut]

Troius Riviers Regiment....TTR.....Lets give em the lumber canucks

[JAMTAM]

I am of Italian descent and I want to thank all the Canadians who bled and died to free the country of my parents. I am deeply proud to be a Canadian citizen and soldier.

A Mari Usque Ad Mare

[klmrxz]

I heard that a production company in Canada is putting together a cast and crew to create a feature film a la "A Bridge Too Far". Here's to 'em!

[heliodor001]

@klmrxz That movie was made years ago.

[ThePanzerWarMachine]

May I ask you ErikH06 were you found this video on what site? I really would like to know!

[breach112233]

god bless canada

[17PEI17]

taaitaai I spen last november in ortona and if you ever get the chance to go you will not regret it

[taaitaai]

My Grandfather spoke often of this battle.

He was a mechanic. He spent a lot of time hiding under his truck with his buddy while getting shelled by the British! (He was a Canadian, and the British had poor aim, said he!) I get the feeling that he nearly died at Ortona and definitely saw his friends die, but my Granddad always sort of laughed that stuff off.

Great footage! RIP Grandpa. He spent four years in Italy.

[convictor11]

T hey did what they had to do

[joejabberoni]

I just came into possession of my great uncle's war journal. He was killed at Ortona. I feel like I should learn as much about it as I can.

[pspboy7]

It's not about who is bigger, its about who is more willing...

[italia126]

My respect to all those brave canadian soldiers.

Greets from Germany,

Forza Canada!

[blackadder10]

My granddad was a gunner during Ortona, the Italian campaign and in North Africa...

thanks to him and all for our freedom...

[sniper77shot]

Not just him, all of the allies.

[tobicon]

Never mind the "Passchendaele" film ( which I liked), imagine a Canadian war film called "ORTONA"....that would be brilliant; the symbolic importance of the battle, the steadfast Canucks, and the tenacious house to house, hand to hand combat would truly make for one definitive kick-ass war film. Move over SPR.

[connorbright73]

agreed

[heliodor001]

It has been called the Stalingrad of Europe. You will never see it as a movie simply because most movies are made in Hollywood and the troops aren't American.

[chris63952]

soo true

[chris63952]

that would be sick, but prolly have to wait a long time:(

[strawberrysocks13]

@tobicon I've been thinking the exact same thing. It must happen.

[mabcanada]

My dad was in the Loyal Edmonton Regement ( Loyal Eddies) First Divsion that fought in Ortona and the rest of the 20

month Italian campaign. He came home to my mum and died in 1997. The Canadians were fighting against the cream of the crop German panzer units 20plus. This is why Ortona was named "little Stalingrad" due to the viscious fighting.

[Krantzer18]

if you're not trolling than your dad was a good man

[88lostprophets88]

yes sir, Canadians had to resort to Clearing houses/Buildings one by one because street fighting wasn't working for either side

[cf80to01]

The D-Day dodgers.... funny that in a time of war people would assume that other soldiers were getting an easy time of it.

[EnglishMut]

My dear old grandfather....12th canadian armoured regiment...trouis riviers.....sherman tanks....to his fellow canadians.... THE MAPLE LEAF FOREVER.....give em the lumber old boys......sunny old italy... see you there canucks

[pureCANADIANeh]

my great grandfather was in the 5th cdn armed div... i'm pretty sure he was a mechanic!!! not %100 sure tho?

[88lostprophets88]

My great Uncle fought in Shanghai in WWII, became a POW by the IJA for 5 years. Thank God for Brave American troops for rescuing them

[lxgiwylgta]

i wish i fought in the d-day place

[Krantzer18]

chances are you couldn't handle it

[connorbright73]

you mean Normandy, France?

[jbeach403]

My grandfather fought in orton. tank operator with the canadian princess louise's 4th

[25svbn]

Thank you my Italian friends for your kind words and deeds. Viva Italia Viva Canada

[tribe76]

I'm writing from Ortona.

I want to thank yours soldiers dead for us, dead for my town, in a terrible and absurd war!Last tuesday(25.11.08)many canadian students was here in Ortona to visite canadian cemetery and our town.I hope that others people come here to visite the town freed by your soldiers.

Many greetings from Ortona(Italy)

[Billdriver]

@tribe76 My dad fought in Ortona,Sicly,and he ended up in Holland.I can only agree that our troop's fought and died so that peace could be bought and paid for by our young men.Sleep well dad and all the Canadian troop's,who fought for victory.

Cheers.

[pacificprospector]

@tribe76 Ciao dal Canada! Dobbiamo essere grati per la pace che abbiamo condiviso tutti questi anni da quel momento terribile! Spero che la traduzione è corretta! :) La pace sia con te e tuo fratello città.

Let us be thankful for the peace we have shared these many years since that terrible time! Peace be with you and your town brother.

[tribe76]

@pacificprospector Fortunately for us younger generations have not experienced those terrible moments.

The other day I was at the Canadian cemetery, and it was very touching to see the graves of those dead young lives away from their homes and their families.

thanks again

Greetings from Ortona

[tymad]

@tribe76 My grandfather served for Canada in Ortona and would be happy to hear this.

[8010cookie]

@tribe76 I really love to hear that, as do all Canadians that have served. though i did not help out in WW2, my family did, and i am very proud of them!

[burketigers1717]

My grandfather was a tank driver and had alot of luck because once a shell landed at his feet but did not explode also several times shells went over his head missing by inches.

Thank God

[jimmyphack]

there is only 1 country we should have to fight for and thats britain, being allied with the USA costs too many lives. afganistan is a USA war.

[jerryswallow]

about time some canadian war films showed up and the things we did that we never get credit for.. my dad fought here in ortona..

[colbertLOTR91]

I wish we still had Newsreel today,I know they were just full of propaganda but they're so interesting.Now we just have upcoming movie ads before the film.

[STRATCAT101]

I was told by my nephew that Canada had a pretty good sized navy and airforce in the second world war,also Canada had the best trained soldiers in the world.Does anyone know if any of this true?

[ErikH06]

Off the top of my head... 200,000 in the RCAF, 100,000 in the RCN.

[frenchycanada]

True...we disbanded everything after the war...we're lovers and hockey playing beer drinkers not warmongers...but don't piss us off. Hockey is a fast playing ultra violent sport that we play for fun, imagine what we do if we're pissed-off...lol, cheers!

[rpottage]

At the beginning of WW2 our military sucked. It did, it was so damned small and obsolete, but we bought, we built, and we trained like hell. By the end of the war we had 10% of our pop fighting, the third largest navy, 4th largest air force, and largest volunteer army in the world.

[Volkmoidruk]

The Indians had a bigger all-volunteer army, but otherwise you're right: the Canucks did a fabulous job.

[pythag123]

@STRATCAT101 after the defeat of Japan's navy, we had the 3rd largest in the world.

[Bleeps88Productions]

@STRATCAT101 Yep but..now we dont...xD

[TheTru3north]

@Bleeps88Productions no actually we are the best trained or atleast some of the best proof : jtf2( canadian special forces ) have not failed a single mission from the begining of their activity .The regiment is keeped the most secret as possible.

[tommyau2006]

@STRATCAT101 I think the German soldiers were the best trained

[TheTru3north]

@STRATCAT101 they still have trust me :D

[Iwasateeninthe80s]

@STRATCAT101

Ya, Canada had the third largest navy at war's end. Canadians were well trained, but the best trained were probably the miilitary arms of the SS. Canadians typically carried out orders quite often to the death or destruction of their units. To make up for lack of experience or equipment, the Canadians became known for their tenacity and willingness to win battles at any cost, matching the German obsession for combat. We'll do anything to win a war or a hockey game!

[Arc9er]

@STRATCAT101

The airforce in the navy were "pretty well-sized", not collosal but they were(and still are) extremely efficient. We started out with a couple boats at the start and a couple thousand sailors and came out with a veritable fleet with hundreds of thousands of sailors. Without the canadian navy or airforce britain would have starved from lack of supplies and it all might have ended differently.

[Live2Race82]

@STRATCAT101 In WW2 1.1 million Canadians served in WW2. 

[tymad]

@STRATCAT101 Yes it is true. My grandfather served in this battle and told me many stories. Regards

[pxdfover]

@STRATCAT101 Yes my Canadian Troops are the best trained in the world. Our training is second to none.

[LongliveSnak2e]

@STRATCAT101 Canada had the 4th largest navy in the world and the largest Dominion air force.

As for the training. If you count the three years Canadians spent in England as training, then yes. They were well trained... but ineffective in battle -- other than as Canadian cannon fodder.

[raedenjay]

@STRATCAT101 Well at the end of ww2 Canada would possess the fourth largest air force and third largest surface fleet in the world.(wiki)

Canada had many people recruited, after the war our military shrunk A LOT. Canada had 2 aircraft carriers and many many ships. I think upon unification the military kind became "cheaper" We still have excellent training but, well i won't get into it. I guess if we needed to we could easily boost our forces. But we don't need to so it's understandable.

[raedenjay]

@STRATCAT101 Also Canada was well known for the air-force training programs where british, canadian and other pilots would train all across canada at many air bases. It was a massive program. half of Allied aluminum and ninety percent of Allied nickel was supplied by Canadian sources during the war. (wiki) Just some extra info there

[rockon0003]

@STRATCAT101 i did and assinment on this recently and in my essay for ortona i read that the canadians werent given much training

[Poejoy]

It's too bad this is such an unsung battle in our own country. We need to start making popular movies about our achievements.

[Joebobzilla]

Well they are making a film about Canadians at the Battle of Paschendaele in World War1. Its not being shown in the US unfortunatly, but its going to be shown in Canadian theatres. I don't mean at some weird festival where most people never get to see it, I mean in actual legit theatres across the country. Should be good!

[Poejoy]

Cool, I didn't even know about that. Thanks for letting us know.

[Joebobzilla]

No problem, you can probably find the trailer on youtube. Its called 'Passendaele', or however oyu spell it.

[ErikH06]

I uploaded one of the trailers... though it was removed due to a "copyright violation" from ... fine, you don't want free advertising? pretty stupid.

[Joebobzilla]

Yeah..

[newfiekingpin]

that cool do u know when its comeing out i heard about that to i though it was on cbc or some thing though

'

[syea99]

theres one coming out about passiondale i think in november.

[6sparky9]

good video, but the dead german with the hitler photos beside him is obviously propaganda. more likely to have pics of his family irl.

[DCMclarenFan]

yea, i think so too

when you are getting shot im sure the first thing you would do would be to get out a picture of hitler.......not

[PaulWatsonisgreat]

Actually I think its more than likely that he would have had pictures of heros in his pocket and that after he was killed his pockets were emptied and out pops a pic of Adolf. If there was propoganda, they didn't show his pictures of his mother and family he would have had on him too. The first causulaty (sp?) of war is the truth. Just look at where Canada is in 2008

[baddaddy111]

Canadians were the first into Rome, with the First Special Service Force, and their American brothers in arms.

[Cozorax]

The German King Tiger unit from 12.SS kicked some Canadian ass for real...near Caen..

But respect to Canada..they did a lot during the invasion of Normandy. USA got all the honor....thats wrong!

[frenchycanada]

Hey Cozorax....thanks for the respect dude but the 12th SS panzer unit were war criminals who slaughtered many Canadian prisoners of war..lined them up and shot them dead! No honour in that...the fucker who was leading them wound up in a Canadian prison after the war. We should have hung 'em if you ask me. I have upmost respect for the wehrmacht but the SS can kiss my ass...we fought those SS fanatics all the way to germany. Took USA 3 yrs. to find Europe on a map. Maple leaf forever.

[rumrich]

Little stalingrad

[rumrich]

God bless the men who fought there

[Mcplkelly]

Unfortunely the US went for Rome instead of cutting off the Germans and opening up the way for a massive breakthrough in Italy. Bad mistake, stupid Clark.

[Canadian111Boy]

We almost had Rome but the Brits stopped us to let the Yanks take it first

[ErikH06]

Canadians were among the first in to Rome!

[Canadian111Boy]

Really kool

[alldunn]

My great uncle died in Ortona well im not sure if he died there we never were told where he died but we know he was buried in ortona on Jan 6th 1944

[tribe76]

Hi...I live in Ortona, if you want I can take informations about your grat uncle if he is in canadian cemetery of Ortona...But I must know his name.

Bye...and thank you

[o0Frankiie0o]

What does Ortona look like today?

[Kevinesque]

Canada has never lost a war, not even the US can say that....

[ChalotteT]

war is ruff

look @ the world we live in right now!!!!!

it never ENDS!!!!!

[salpolizzi]

My wifes uncle takes care of the Canadian cemetary in Ortona. From what I understand the Canadians are well respected by those people.

[shilpaddideo]

Is GOOD see this comment. Greetings, Marcelo

[PaulWatsonisgreat]

Thats what I've always heard too but why would you be so respecting of some people that smashed your entire city to ruins? The Germans didn't bomb them, the Canadians did. Civilians died I'm sure, they said you could smell death in the vid. Now look at Canada, squandering all their good "respect" by occupying Afganistan. pity.

They buried the dead, they say.

[ErikH06]

Actually, the Germans demolished most of the city for defensive purposes. Learn a thing or two about the battle before making an idiot of yourself.

[shilpaddideo]

va fa'n culo

[newfiekingpin]

why what the promble with them being in afganistan and second if u did any researr at all u would know the seal hunt is a good thing

[GuyMcDude21]

You're an idiot.

The Battle of Ortona has NOTHING to do with Afghanistan. So it's absurdly pointless to even bring that up. If you researched the battle before speaking you'd know the majority of the city was destroyed by German troops - to funnel Canadian troop movements into 'kill zones'. Of course civilians were killed, it's a very unfortunate part of war. But at this time Italy (having already surrendered) was being Occupied by Germany. Thus, Canada LIBERATED Ortona.

[lovergirl696969]

The Afghanistan war (started on a lie) is killing 18, 19 and 20 year old men and women of Canada. What a crying shame. For what? Absolutly NOTHING. Just ask Russia what they achieved.

Afghanistan=Canadians dead for nothing

[deltaboy91]

@lovergirl696969 iggnorant

[IronManOfficialguy]

@PaulWatsonisgreat So what if the Canadians bombed the city? Every Allied country did this in WWII. As ErikH06 pointed out the germans demolished sections of the city for defensive purposes. Afganistan has nothing to do with what Canada did here. What you just said is very disrespectful to the canadians who bravely died in this battle. Oh and Paul Watson is an attention whore and I hope the Japanese sink each and everyone of his worthless ships with all hands on board.

[Shinobi022]

Sorry about that. Next time enjoy your nazi overlords.

[asef5103]

Not aware of it my friend. But still am a Proud Canadian. Thanks.

[shilpaddideo]

it is all right my friend. My parents came in Buenos Aires in 1957, after all destruction. Now Ortona is re-built and is nice. My gandfather was died in the first war. Italy was wrong too killing afrikans. I'm living in Argentina, and i have 41 years old. I saw another irrational war at Malvinas. The men never learns!

[samanthajane72]

Colonel S.W. Thomson ... all my love Poppy, as aways

~Sam

[regehr49]

cool video when the shit hits the fan Canada knows what to do, shame the British held them back for so long in the Battle of Britain and on mainland europe but when they got stuck in they proved their worth, with out the Canadian Navy doing convoy duties in the North Atlantic Britain would of been screwed with all the U-Boat hunting they were doing as they felt convoy / escorting was beneath them.

[Freezebot]

Hey in the Italy campaign of our tournament we had a Battle of Ortana too. I even made a video of it. You can check it at my profile. I hope you like it. Greetings

[footboy05]

wow i'll never under estimate canadians again :| i am sorry

[omnislashvr13]

Canadians are rulthlees and some times mercyless bayonet stabbing and grenade thowing people

GOD I LOVE BEING CANADIAN

[DCMclarenFan]

LMAO NICE

[asef5103]

I'm PROUD to be a Canadian and proud to see our soldiers performed well in WW2 :-)

[DCMclarenFan]

so am i dude, so am i!

[asef5103]

:-)

[PaulWatsonisgreat]

I'm Canadian and my grandfather colonel Ron Waterman fought as a commando in Ortona.

He survived to tell the tale and I received all his war booty after he died in 1963.

I always wonder if he would have fought so hard if he could see the Canada we live in today.

Multucultralism shoved down our throats, Racial laws & employment quotas to divide us. Slaughtering hundreds of thousands of baby seals and participating in an endless war that started from a lie. Stand down Canada, stand down.