Would you like to inspect the original subtitles? These are the user uploaded subtitles that are being translated:
1
00:00:01,091 --> 00:00:03,075
August, 1944.
2
00:00:04,037 --> 00:00:06,054
An American battalion
is completely cut off
3
00:00:06,063 --> 00:00:09,088
and surrounded by Nazi
forces in western France.
4
00:00:10,096 --> 00:00:14,018
Hoping for rescue, lookouts
spot an American vehicle
5
00:00:14,026 --> 00:00:15,076
approaching their
defensive perimeter.
6
00:00:16,047 --> 00:00:19,043
McMANUS: The first thought
has to be, our relief is here!
7
00:00:19,051 --> 00:00:21,081
It must be a reconnaissance
element of some sort
8
00:00:21,089 --> 00:00:23,018
and they've come to save us.
9
00:00:26,002 --> 00:00:27,011
Shoot!
10
00:00:27,019 --> 00:00:31,023
But hope turns to horror as German
soldiers pour out and open fire.
11
00:00:39,033 --> 00:00:41,091
On June 6th, 1944
12
00:00:42,000 --> 00:00:44,071
allied forces finally
land troops in Normandy
13
00:00:44,079 --> 00:00:46,092
to open the western front.
14
00:00:53,005 --> 00:00:57,030
But Nazi fanatics and diehards
continue to fight ruthlessly for survival.
15
00:01:01,077 --> 00:01:03,043
D-day was a battle.
16
00:01:05,031 --> 00:01:07,085
The allies still
need to win the war.
17
00:01:16,061 --> 00:01:18,066
August 8th, 1944.
18
00:01:21,003 --> 00:01:22,083
Near St Malo, France.
19
00:01:24,079 --> 00:01:26,092
Members of the 121st
Infantry Regiment
20
00:01:27,000 --> 00:01:29,038
enter the small village
of Pleurtuit.
21
00:01:30,096 --> 00:01:32,075
As they press
to the French coast.
22
00:01:37,030 --> 00:01:40,076
With L Company in the lead,
Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Eyler
23
00:01:40,085 --> 00:01:43,006
orders his men to prepare
to spend the night,
24
00:01:43,014 --> 00:01:45,014
to allow other
battalions to catch up.
25
00:01:48,094 --> 00:01:52,007
After two days of fighting
there is no sign of the enemy.
26
00:01:52,015 --> 00:01:53,094
Everything is still.
27
00:01:55,053 --> 00:01:56,078
McMANUS
By this point in the war
28
00:01:56,086 --> 00:01:58,091
the ThirdBattalion has been
through enough combat
29
00:01:58,099 --> 00:02:02,083
to understand that you
don't necessarily want
it to be all that quiet.
30
00:02:20,055 --> 00:02:22,047
Boys they left
us half a bottle here.
31
00:02:24,047 --> 00:02:25,081
SOLDIER Tank!
32
00:02:25,089 --> 00:02:28,056
A German
tank engine roars to life
from a side street.
33
00:02:29,094 --> 00:02:33,023
At the same time,
German machine guns
and rifles open up.
34
00:02:33,031 --> 00:02:34,082
Sniper!
Upper window!
35
00:02:34,090 --> 00:02:36,036
Their fire targets
the American soldiers
36
00:02:36,044 --> 00:02:38,036
from upper windows
and nearby doorways.
37
00:02:40,028 --> 00:02:41,091
Get out
of the streets!
38
00:02:42,049 --> 00:02:44,012
We got
an ambush on our hands!
39
00:02:48,066 --> 00:02:51,017
McMANUS This is
late in the day, and soldiers
may be a little bit tired
40
00:02:51,025 --> 00:02:53,033
but all of a sudden
instant adrenaline.
41
00:02:54,067 --> 00:02:56,034
The result is chaos.
42
00:02:58,042 --> 00:03:00,038
Go, drive, go!
43
00:03:06,060 --> 00:03:08,002
SOLDIER Incoming!
44
00:03:10,044 --> 00:03:14,002
Without armor of
their own, the Americans
are virtually defenseless.
45
00:03:15,011 --> 00:03:16,052
Keep firing!
46
00:03:21,036 --> 00:03:25,012
The American
121st Infantry Regiment
have been assigned
47
00:03:25,020 --> 00:03:27,033
to the 83rd Infantry Division
48
00:03:27,041 --> 00:03:30,041
to help capture
the French port city of St Malo.
49
00:03:32,025 --> 00:03:35,059
Two months after D-day,
the allies have a
supply problem.
50
00:03:36,088 --> 00:03:39,088
Machines, equipment
and supplies they need
to liberate Europe
51
00:03:39,096 --> 00:03:41,088
pile up in Great Britain.
52
00:03:44,034 --> 00:03:49,052
Allied planners
hoped to land 725,000 tons
of war material in July
53
00:03:49,060 --> 00:03:52,069
but only 450,000
tons came ashore,
54
00:03:54,073 --> 00:03:58,023
most of it at Omaha
and Utah, the original
D-day beaches.
55
00:04:00,011 --> 00:04:01,069
They need a proper port.
56
00:04:02,015 --> 00:04:03,074
Capturing St Malo would help.
57
00:04:06,016 --> 00:04:08,049
It has been a famous ocean
port for hundreds of years.
58
00:04:10,004 --> 00:04:13,067
Its walls contain a medieval
fortress known as the citadel.
59
00:04:14,050 --> 00:04:16,083
Sitting high with water
on three sides,
60
00:04:16,092 --> 00:04:19,017
the citadel
is perfectly positioned
61
00:04:19,025 --> 00:04:21,034
to rebuff attack
from any direction.
62
00:04:22,055 --> 00:04:24,084
It was further fortified
by the Nazis
63
00:04:24,093 --> 00:04:27,035
after the occupation
of France in 1940.
64
00:04:27,093 --> 00:04:32,031
In February 1944,
Hitler declares a number
of sea ports in France
65
00:04:32,039 --> 00:04:35,031
and in Belgium and in the
Netherlands as fortresses.
66
00:04:35,040 --> 00:04:36,081
So in German, as Festung.
67
00:04:37,098 --> 00:04:42,049
The defense of
Festung St Malo is commanded
by Oberst Andreas Von Aulock.
68
00:04:43,015 --> 00:04:44,082
DR.. LIEB When
a city is declared a Festung,
69
00:04:44,090 --> 00:04:46,074
the commandant of the fortress
70
00:04:46,082 --> 00:04:51,066
gets full power over
all troops garrisoned
in this fortress.
71
00:04:52,020 --> 00:04:55,050
So, he's something
like a little king in
his own little kingdom.
72
00:04:56,046 --> 00:04:59,088
Even for the time, Von Aulock
is an eccentric character.
73
00:04:59,096 --> 00:05:03,063
He wears a monocle,
always gives orders
in a snarling voice.
74
00:05:04,026 --> 00:05:06,076
Von Aulock is a
veteran of the eastern front
75
00:05:06,084 --> 00:05:08,051
where he had
fought the soviets.
76
00:05:08,059 --> 00:05:10,001
DR. LIEB He
had fought in Stalingrad.
77
00:05:10,010 --> 00:05:13,018
He knows what street
to street and house
to house fighting is.
78
00:05:14,048 --> 00:05:16,060
Von Aulock's
skills will be tested.
79
00:05:16,069 --> 00:05:18,077
As the U.S. 83rd
Infantry Division
80
00:05:18,086 --> 00:05:21,069
sets to capture the
strongholds that ring St Malo.
81
00:05:23,065 --> 00:05:27,061
The 121st Infantry Regiment
targets the town of Dinard,
82
00:05:27,070 --> 00:05:31,008
also fortified
to protect St Malo from
across the Rance River.
83
00:05:34,004 --> 00:05:35,062
Less than four miles
from Dinard.
84
00:05:35,071 --> 00:05:37,037
Stay low! Stay low!
85
00:05:37,046 --> 00:05:39,046
In the
village of Pleurtuit,
86
00:05:39,054 --> 00:05:42,042
the advance of the 121st
comes to a dramatic halt.
87
00:05:43,034 --> 00:05:45,097
The Americans report a
German tank firing its gun.
88
00:05:48,076 --> 00:05:51,022
Enemy soldiers use
the safety of nearby houses
89
00:05:51,030 --> 00:05:53,026
to pick off the lead company.
90
00:05:58,044 --> 00:06:01,011
Lieutenant Colonel Eyler
orders his men to retreat.
91
00:06:01,044 --> 00:06:03,065
Hear me? Double
time it out of here now!
92
00:06:04,007 --> 00:06:05,053
Fall back, fall back!
93
00:06:05,094 --> 00:06:08,099
Two have
already been killed
and others wounded.
94
00:06:10,041 --> 00:06:11,078
Eighth let's go!
95
00:06:11,087 --> 00:06:13,037
They withdraw under fire
96
00:06:13,045 --> 00:06:17,029
and the battalion suffers more
casualties as they fall back.
97
00:06:17,066 --> 00:06:19,008
SOLDIER
Get out of the streets!
98
00:06:29,051 --> 00:06:32,047
The Americans
take up a position 400 yards
southeast of town.
99
00:06:37,085 --> 00:06:40,023
The Germans do not pursue.
100
00:06:41,010 --> 00:06:42,061
Let's go!
101
00:06:42,069 --> 00:06:46,019
Eyler commands 121st Infantry
Regiment's Third Battalion,
102
00:06:46,028 --> 00:06:48,065
made up of about 800 men.
103
00:06:52,049 --> 00:06:55,016
The second and
third battalions both
set off the day before.
104
00:06:56,074 --> 00:06:59,008
But encountered
strong resistance.
105
00:07:01,017 --> 00:07:04,029
The Germans
try everything to slow
down the Allied advance.
106
00:07:04,038 --> 00:07:10,001
So they set up roadblocks
so that every road is
an obstacle to the Americans.
107
00:07:11,005 --> 00:07:12,055
SOLDIER I need men
on the left and on the right.
108
00:07:13,026 --> 00:07:14,043
Move.
109
00:07:16,018 --> 00:07:19,056
The German
defensive positions are
organized as kampfgruppe,
110
00:07:19,064 --> 00:07:21,019
or battle group, Bacherer.
111
00:07:21,056 --> 00:07:25,019
Named for
its commanding officer
Oberst Rudolf Bacherer.
112
00:07:25,027 --> 00:07:27,094
DR. LIEB Bacherer
is a cavalry officer from the
First World War,
113
00:07:28,003 --> 00:07:29,078
becomes a civvie
in the interwar years,
114
00:07:29,086 --> 00:07:32,020
and then is called
up for service again
in the Second World War
115
00:07:32,028 --> 00:07:33,053
as a reserve officer.
116
00:07:33,061 --> 00:07:36,003
He seems to be a very
competent and brave commander.
117
00:07:36,012 --> 00:07:39,025
With loads of battle
experience from
the Eastern front.
118
00:07:39,033 --> 00:07:42,087
Then in '44 he's
fighting in Normandy as
a regimental commander.
119
00:07:42,096 --> 00:07:47,096
And takes over command of
77th Division, when the actual
division commander dies.
120
00:07:49,013 --> 00:07:52,013
Bacherer must now make
the capture of St Malo
121
00:07:52,022 --> 00:07:54,068
as expensive as possible
for the Americans.
122
00:07:55,060 --> 00:07:56,051
SOLDIER Down!
123
00:07:56,060 --> 00:07:57,093
SOLDIER Get down.
124
00:08:03,060 --> 00:08:04,081
SOLDIER Incoming!
125
00:08:11,028 --> 00:08:13,007
SOLDIER
Get to cover now!
126
00:08:13,015 --> 00:08:14,099
SOLDIER Move! Move!
127
00:08:20,079 --> 00:08:23,075
Earlier that day, Eyler
had managed to break through
128
00:08:23,083 --> 00:08:26,021
one of Bacherer's roadblocks
on the left flank
129
00:08:26,029 --> 00:08:28,000
and pulled ahead
of 2nd Battalion.
130
00:08:31,051 --> 00:08:34,038
But after being
pushed out of Pleurtuit
by Bacherer's men,
131
00:08:34,047 --> 00:08:36,089
they will wait for the
other battalions to catch up.
132
00:08:38,068 --> 00:08:40,093
Then capture Pleurtuit
together in the morning.
133
00:08:44,081 --> 00:08:48,086
As they dig in, Eyler
sends word to bring
forward the aid station
134
00:08:48,094 --> 00:08:51,003
and battalion surgeon
to treat the wounded.
135
00:08:57,078 --> 00:09:01,029
Early the next morning,
Private First-Class
Albert Mixon,
136
00:09:01,037 --> 00:09:04,008
and Corporal Ben Graves
head back towards the roadblock
137
00:09:04,016 --> 00:09:05,062
behind the American position.
138
00:09:07,058 --> 00:09:11,005
They must replenish
supplies to prepare
for the coming attack.
139
00:09:12,030 --> 00:09:15,026
In the darkness,
Mixon spots what he
believes are other members
140
00:09:15,034 --> 00:09:17,009
of his battalion
near the roadblock.
141
00:09:17,055 --> 00:09:19,001
SOLDIER Americans!
142
00:09:20,068 --> 00:09:23,047
He realizes
his mistake when they
fire on his jeep.
143
00:09:35,095 --> 00:09:37,078
SOLDIER
Stay low, stay low!
144
00:09:38,099 --> 00:09:40,099
Mixon flees
back to the American line.
145
00:09:49,063 --> 00:09:53,042
As he reports to
his platoon sergeant,
the Germans open fire.
146
00:09:59,093 --> 00:10:03,039
Striking three American
jeeps and blowing up
two loads of ammunition.
147
00:10:06,073 --> 00:10:08,089
Mixon and the
others hold off the attack,
148
00:10:08,098 --> 00:10:11,040
to hook up with the
rest of third battalion.
149
00:10:12,048 --> 00:10:13,094
McMANUS
The troubling thing
about this attack,
150
00:10:14,003 --> 00:10:15,036
it's coming from behind
151
00:10:15,044 --> 00:10:17,024
and of course you
never want that.
152
00:10:18,007 --> 00:10:20,007
Lieutenant Colonel
Eyler sends out a patrol
153
00:10:20,016 --> 00:10:24,024
and confirms that the
roadblock is now heavily
defended by enemy soldiers.
154
00:10:26,012 --> 00:10:29,071
Eyler and his men cannot
advance into Pleurtuit
without reinforcement
155
00:10:29,079 --> 00:10:32,000
and now cannot retreat.
156
00:10:33,021 --> 00:10:34,046
They are trapped.
157
00:10:36,046 --> 00:10:37,097
I just got a
message from HQ...
158
00:10:38,005 --> 00:10:40,047
When he reaches headquarters,
Eyler receives his orders.
159
00:10:43,014 --> 00:10:45,068
The battalion
is to hold at all costs.
160
00:10:51,048 --> 00:10:53,027
August, 1944.
161
00:10:53,036 --> 00:10:54,090
Western France.
162
00:10:55,073 --> 00:10:59,024
German forces recapture
a roadblock behind
an American unit.
163
00:11:00,024 --> 00:11:03,091
DR. LIEB Bacherer
surrounds the US battalion
and encircles it.
164
00:11:03,099 --> 00:11:08,037
It's very typical for
German doctrine in
the Second World War.
165
00:11:08,091 --> 00:11:14,025
If there is a chance,
try to regain the initiative
as soon as possible.
166
00:11:14,034 --> 00:11:17,030
Counter attack at
the soonest opportunity.
167
00:11:17,096 --> 00:11:19,097
And this is a
classical example of that.
168
00:11:23,022 --> 00:11:24,060
I want ten men out
by the field there...
169
00:11:24,068 --> 00:11:26,031
Lieutenant Colonel Eyler
has been ordered
170
00:11:26,039 --> 00:11:28,085
to hold their tenuous
position at all costs.
171
00:11:30,002 --> 00:11:32,040
McMANUS He's going
to do what most any battalion
commander in the US Army
172
00:11:32,048 --> 00:11:36,077
would do which is to begin
to fan out his companies
and create a perimeter,
173
00:11:36,086 --> 00:11:38,048
to maximize his fire power.
174
00:11:39,086 --> 00:11:43,074
In his perimeter
defense, I Company sits
on the right of the road,
175
00:11:43,082 --> 00:11:45,041
across from L Company.
176
00:11:45,049 --> 00:11:46,095
With K Company to the rear.
177
00:11:47,062 --> 00:11:51,058
Eyler sets up a command
post at the center,
in a one-story farmhouse.
178
00:11:52,096 --> 00:11:57,017
Eyler is fortunate that the
regiment's anti-tank guns kept
pace with them the day before.
179
00:11:58,030 --> 00:12:02,034
They are now positioned with
L Company to guard the road
to the village of Pleurtuit
180
00:12:02,043 --> 00:12:04,018
which had been their objective.
181
00:12:05,047 --> 00:12:08,039
Now Nazi forces
surround them on all sides.
182
00:12:10,002 --> 00:12:12,006
The American attack
will have to wait.
183
00:12:15,056 --> 00:12:19,069
At around 0930,
men from I Company
spot something strange.
184
00:12:23,011 --> 00:12:27,066
About 15 German soldiers,
crawl along a ditch beside
the road from Pleurtuit.
185
00:12:28,066 --> 00:12:31,079
Grey blankets on their
backs as crude camouflage.
186
00:12:32,054 --> 00:12:35,025
Over on the
hill there's definitely
Germans over there.
187
00:12:39,042 --> 00:12:40,080
Stay down!
188
00:12:41,088 --> 00:12:43,022
SOLDIER
Krauts over there!
189
00:12:44,055 --> 00:12:45,076
400 yards.
190
00:12:45,084 --> 00:12:47,005
Hold fire.
191
00:12:47,014 --> 00:12:49,051
The men from L
and I Companies wait patiently
192
00:12:54,081 --> 00:12:57,010
until the Germans
close within 200 yards.
193
00:12:59,048 --> 00:13:00,078
Then open fire.
194
00:13:00,086 --> 00:13:02,011
Fire!
195
00:13:17,079 --> 00:13:19,084
Three Germans
are killed and several wounded.
196
00:13:22,030 --> 00:13:23,096
The remainder withdraw
back to the village.
197
00:13:24,005 --> 00:13:25,047
Keep up
the line of fire!
198
00:13:25,055 --> 00:13:27,055
McMANUS
The purpose is probably
to probe the perimeter
199
00:13:27,064 --> 00:13:29,009
to get a sense of
what kind of strength
200
00:13:29,018 --> 00:13:30,068
they're facing on
the opposite side.
201
00:13:30,076 --> 00:13:34,002
It's a little bit
of a clumsy probe um,
but probably just that.
202
00:13:35,052 --> 00:13:36,077
Fire!
203
00:13:36,085 --> 00:13:38,090
But only 30 minutes
later, explosions erupt.
204
00:13:42,044 --> 00:13:46,024
German artillery and mortar
fire start to fall within the
American defensive perimeter.
205
00:13:47,086 --> 00:13:51,078
And in quick succession
the command post is
struck by two direct hits.
206
00:13:55,062 --> 00:13:56,096
SOLDIER Reloading!
207
00:13:57,004 --> 00:13:59,092
Two officers are killed
and two NCO's are injured.
208
00:14:00,000 --> 00:14:01,029
DR. LIEB
This 10:00 counter attack
209
00:14:01,038 --> 00:14:04,055
clearly shows that the Germans
are not defeated.
210
00:14:04,063 --> 00:14:07,063
That the Germans are able
to launch a counter attack
211
00:14:07,072 --> 00:14:10,026
and that the Germans
are still able to inflict
212
00:14:10,034 --> 00:14:12,035
heavy casualties
upon the Americans.
213
00:14:13,031 --> 00:14:18,002
It's very shocking
to see officers at that
level killed so quickly.
214
00:14:18,010 --> 00:14:19,065
This was a bad situation.
215
00:14:19,073 --> 00:14:24,023
It creates a sense of fear
and crisis among any soldier.
216
00:14:25,099 --> 00:14:28,057
As the rescue
and first aid efforts continue,
217
00:14:28,065 --> 00:14:30,049
the men hear the
worst possible sound.
218
00:14:35,020 --> 00:14:36,058
Tank!
219
00:14:38,046 --> 00:14:43,054
A stug three, a
German self-propelled assault
gun built on a panzer chassis.
220
00:14:44,046 --> 00:14:47,038
McMANUS To a
typical American infantry man
enemy armor's terrifying.
221
00:14:47,046 --> 00:14:51,022
It doesn't really matter
the particulars of what
it is and what it isn't,
222
00:14:51,030 --> 00:14:55,031
what does matter is it
does create a, a kind of a
tendency towards fear
223
00:14:55,039 --> 00:14:59,094
and panic that a tank
can basically wreck
and destroy your world.
224
00:15:01,035 --> 00:15:05,069
The stug three
approaches from the northeast
followed closely by infantry.
225
00:15:10,028 --> 00:15:13,062
When it gets within
500 yards, its gun opens fire.
226
00:15:18,037 --> 00:15:21,008
Keep firing!
Come on!
227
00:15:24,079 --> 00:15:28,021
In the panic, it
appears that the command post
may be completely wiped out.
228
00:15:28,071 --> 00:15:30,076
We need
reinforcements!
229
00:15:30,084 --> 00:15:33,059
The stug three
closes in to about 300 yards.
230
00:15:36,093 --> 00:15:40,014
Suddenly, assistance from
a completely unexpected place.
231
00:15:41,010 --> 00:15:45,011
A young private,
Francis Gardner, takes
matters into his own hands.
232
00:15:46,098 --> 00:15:48,040
He aims with a bazooka.
233
00:15:50,011 --> 00:15:53,007
A bazooka was
one of the standard US
Army anti-tank weapons
234
00:15:53,016 --> 00:15:55,037
and it basically
looks like a pipe.
235
00:15:55,045 --> 00:16:00,016
It's about three feet long
and it's held over the shoulder
and it fires a rocket
236
00:16:00,025 --> 00:16:03,083
that has a special anti-tank
warhead called a shape charge,
237
00:16:03,092 --> 00:16:07,013
so even though the rocket is
quite small it can penetrate
a great deal of armor.
238
00:16:07,054 --> 00:16:11,034
The three
and a half pound rocket can
be launched up to 600 yards,
239
00:16:11,042 --> 00:16:13,063
through as much as five
inches of armor plate.
240
00:16:19,026 --> 00:16:20,081
Gardener's first shot misses.
241
00:16:22,010 --> 00:16:23,039
Load one eighteen.
242
00:16:23,048 --> 00:16:26,015
But the
American anti-tank guns
open up at the same time.
243
00:16:26,023 --> 00:16:27,098
Up.
Fire!
244
00:16:31,094 --> 00:16:34,032
A shot hits
and disables the stug three.
245
00:16:36,020 --> 00:16:40,049
As the crew tries to escape
the flames, Gardner lines up
a second shot.
246
00:16:40,058 --> 00:16:42,058
SOLDIER
Keep firing! Let 'em have it!
247
00:16:46,054 --> 00:16:48,063
This time he does not miss.
248
00:16:48,071 --> 00:16:51,084
His shot strikes and
kills the fleeing crew.
249
00:16:52,030 --> 00:16:54,038
Americans love
these underdog stories of the,
250
00:16:54,047 --> 00:16:57,089
the bespectacled
soldier who takes out the
German tank, kind of thing.
251
00:16:57,097 --> 00:17:01,047
What is unusual in this
instance is yes of course
it's very customary
252
00:17:01,056 --> 00:17:06,002
for troops to fire at uh,
a retreating tank crew as
they get out of the tank,
253
00:17:06,010 --> 00:17:08,023
but not usually
with a bazooka.
254
00:17:08,031 --> 00:17:11,057
The bazooka is not really
designed to be that kind
of anti-personnel weapon,
255
00:17:11,065 --> 00:17:15,015
that according to
the accounts you know
it kills the tank crew.
256
00:17:15,024 --> 00:17:18,053
So it must've been
a really accurate shot
257
00:17:18,062 --> 00:17:21,070
and they must've been in
the exact wrong place at
the wrong time.
258
00:17:23,025 --> 00:17:25,054
The German infantry
soldiers join the battle,
259
00:17:25,062 --> 00:17:27,021
and press
forward into the fray.
260
00:17:28,058 --> 00:17:30,054
Covering fire!
261
00:17:34,017 --> 00:17:35,063
But the
Americans hold the line.
262
00:17:40,055 --> 00:17:42,089
After 20 minutes,
the Germans fall back
263
00:17:42,097 --> 00:17:44,060
towards the village
of Pleurtuit.
264
00:17:46,098 --> 00:17:48,069
SOLDIER
Move out, move out, move!
265
00:17:48,077 --> 00:17:51,094
Within the
American perimeter the
battalion is in disarray.
266
00:17:52,002 --> 00:17:53,098
SOLDIER
Medic! Need a medic!
267
00:17:54,007 --> 00:17:56,020
After three
attacks in rapid succession,
268
00:17:56,028 --> 00:17:58,007
along with the
attack the day before,
269
00:17:58,016 --> 00:17:59,062
there are more
and more wounded.
270
00:18:00,078 --> 00:18:02,087
The battalion surgeon
had not made it through
271
00:18:02,095 --> 00:18:04,075
the roadblock
the night before.
272
00:18:04,083 --> 00:18:06,033
There is no doctor.
273
00:18:08,000 --> 00:18:11,042
All they have are the
limited medical supplies
of an advancing battalion.
274
00:18:12,092 --> 00:18:14,000
McMANUS
A lot of bandages.
275
00:18:14,009 --> 00:18:17,055
Pressure bandages,
tourniquets,
morphine ampules,
276
00:18:17,063 --> 00:18:19,051
you would have
self-thalidomide,
277
00:18:19,059 --> 00:18:20,097
what they
called sulpha powder,
278
00:18:21,005 --> 00:18:23,051
which was to combat
infection in a wound.
279
00:18:23,060 --> 00:18:26,010
You might have some
blood plasma here and there.
280
00:18:26,068 --> 00:18:29,002
Care is provided
by soldiers called medics.
281
00:18:29,081 --> 00:18:31,077
McMANUS
A 19 or 20-year-old kid,
282
00:18:31,086 --> 00:18:35,007
who's been basically
given two months or so
283
00:18:35,015 --> 00:18:37,086
of rudimentary first aid
medical oriented training.
284
00:18:37,095 --> 00:18:39,070
Designed basically
to save lives quickly,
285
00:18:39,078 --> 00:18:41,078
patch 'em up and then get
'em back to somewhere else
286
00:18:41,087 --> 00:18:44,008
where they're going to get
more substantial medical care.
287
00:18:49,033 --> 00:18:51,033
Unable to
evacuate his wounded
288
00:18:51,042 --> 00:18:55,005
Eyler establishes
an aid station with
medics from each platoon.
289
00:18:56,067 --> 00:18:59,076
They set up in another
farm house just behind
the command post.
290
00:19:01,076 --> 00:19:04,005
It is primitive.
But it is all they've got.
291
00:19:05,043 --> 00:19:08,077
As German artillery
continues to target
the battalion's position.
292
00:19:17,007 --> 00:19:19,040
The medics
and the wounded face
a new kind of fight.
293
00:19:25,087 --> 00:19:28,000
August 9th, 1944.
294
00:19:28,054 --> 00:19:30,046
The American 83rd
Infantry Division
295
00:19:30,054 --> 00:19:33,004
has orders to capture
the French port of St Malo.
296
00:19:37,080 --> 00:19:40,084
Allied forces fight street
by street to capture the city.
297
00:19:44,043 --> 00:19:45,093
Its defenders are defiant.
298
00:19:47,022 --> 00:19:51,056
When called to give up,
Oberst Andreas Von Aulock
allegedly replies,
299
00:19:51,064 --> 00:19:54,044
"I am German.
Germans never surrender."
300
00:19:56,019 --> 00:19:57,061
SOLDIER
Come on let's go!
301
00:19:57,069 --> 00:20:00,057
Meanwhile, the
U.S. 121st Infantry Regiment
302
00:20:00,065 --> 00:20:03,049
is supposed to take out the
German guns in nearby Dinard.
303
00:20:03,057 --> 00:20:05,074
SOLDIER
Keep firing! Let em have it!
304
00:20:06,012 --> 00:20:08,041
However,
two battalions have
gotten bogged down
305
00:20:11,050 --> 00:20:14,012
and the German defenders
close the gap behind the
third battalion.
306
00:20:15,054 --> 00:20:17,000
Cutting them
off from the others.
307
00:20:27,080 --> 00:20:29,051
Word of the 'lost battalion'
308
00:20:29,060 --> 00:20:32,043
makes it up the 83rd Infantry
Division's chain of command
309
00:20:32,052 --> 00:20:34,031
to General Robert Macon.
310
00:20:35,094 --> 00:20:37,011
McMANUS
General Robert Macon
311
00:20:37,019 --> 00:20:39,002
had you know a lot of
combat in this war.
312
00:20:39,011 --> 00:20:42,015
He had been a regimental
commander in the
invasion of North Africa.
313
00:20:42,024 --> 00:20:45,028
When the 83rd had fought
in Normandy he had fought
quite successfully
314
00:20:45,036 --> 00:20:48,058
given the circumstances
and the terrain and the
difficulties.
315
00:20:48,066 --> 00:20:52,083
Macon is a mission first
kind of guy and he's
someone you can rely on.
316
00:20:53,058 --> 00:20:57,063
But Macon is
not impressed with the 121st
Regiment assigned to him.
317
00:20:58,063 --> 00:21:03,047
If I'm a platoon
leader and I think the Third
Platoon uh isn't any good
318
00:21:03,055 --> 00:21:06,026
because I'm the first platoon
leader and these are my guys.
319
00:21:06,034 --> 00:21:09,047
Well this can be true
all the way up the line
to a division commander
320
00:21:09,055 --> 00:21:13,043
who will trust his
guys in the 83rd Infantry
and his three regiments.
321
00:21:13,052 --> 00:21:15,014
He doesn't know
the 121st Infantry.
322
00:21:15,060 --> 00:21:19,015
Macon finds
the slow progress of
the 121st suspicious.
323
00:21:19,023 --> 00:21:23,044
Having an entire battalion of
800 men encircled by the enemy
324
00:21:23,053 --> 00:21:25,020
further undermines
his confidence.
325
00:21:26,061 --> 00:21:29,087
But before he can turn
his attention to rescuing
the third battalion,
326
00:21:29,095 --> 00:21:33,066
Macon's 83rd Infantry
Division must capture
327
00:21:33,075 --> 00:21:36,096
St Joseph's Hill on the
east side of the Rance River.
328
00:21:37,029 --> 00:21:39,079
There was a gigantic
granite outcropping
329
00:21:39,088 --> 00:21:42,080
that the Germans had fortified
with a number of bunkers
330
00:21:42,088 --> 00:21:45,051
and also with
400, 55-millimeter guns.
331
00:21:46,001 --> 00:21:49,030
So, until they could
eliminate that defense post
they really couldn't conduct
332
00:21:49,039 --> 00:21:53,022
the campaign
to reduce the rest of the
St Malo fortifications.
333
00:21:53,068 --> 00:21:55,093
The lost
battalion will have to wait.
334
00:21:59,010 --> 00:22:00,077
On the west side
of the Rance,
335
00:22:00,086 --> 00:22:04,007
within the vulnerable
defensive perimeter
of the third battalion,
336
00:22:04,015 --> 00:22:06,078
the medics do their best to
keep the wounded men alive.
337
00:22:08,099 --> 00:22:11,028
Many however, have
lost a lot of blood.
338
00:22:13,079 --> 00:22:18,008
Surrounded by the enemy
on the ground, the only
hope comes from above.
339
00:22:23,046 --> 00:22:27,092
A plan develops to have two
planes from the 56th Field
Artillery drop blood plasma.
340
00:22:53,028 --> 00:22:57,025
All goes smoothly,
with the crates landing within
a few feet of the drop zone.
341
00:23:03,000 --> 00:23:04,063
But triumph fades fast,
342
00:23:07,063 --> 00:23:10,018
as the battalion members
watch the planes lock wings
343
00:23:13,072 --> 00:23:15,001
and tumble to the ground.
344
00:23:29,090 --> 00:23:32,074
Members of K Company crawl
toward the burning wreckage.
345
00:23:37,070 --> 00:23:39,008
It is too late.
346
00:23:39,016 --> 00:23:40,096
There is nothing
they can do to help.
347
00:23:42,083 --> 00:23:45,009
All four airmen are
killed in the crash.
348
00:23:47,059 --> 00:23:50,005
But the blood plasma
gives the gift of life.
349
00:23:54,072 --> 00:24:00,002
By the end of August 9th,
Macon's 83rd Infantry Division
captures St Joseph's Hill.
350
00:24:01,010 --> 00:24:06,057
He reorganizes his forces,
and assigns his 331st Infantry
Regiment to liberate
351
00:24:06,065 --> 00:24:10,011
the lost battalion and then
together capture Dinard.
352
00:24:13,049 --> 00:24:16,041
Macon takes personal command,
to make sure they do.
353
00:24:21,012 --> 00:24:23,050
As the Third Battalion
awaits rescue,
354
00:24:23,058 --> 00:24:26,075
the men remain surrounded
by the enemy and on high alert.
355
00:24:32,047 --> 00:24:33,084
Just after midnight,
356
00:24:33,093 --> 00:24:38,047
a lookout spots an American
vehicle emerging from the fog
south east of the perimeter.
357
00:24:41,027 --> 00:24:42,098
Help may finally have arrived.
358
00:24:48,019 --> 00:24:49,090
August, 1944.
359
00:24:50,073 --> 00:24:55,049
A battalion of American
soldiers fighting to liberate
the French city of St Malo
360
00:24:55,057 --> 00:25:00,024
have become encircled by
German forces commanded by
Colonel Rudolf Bacherer.
361
00:25:00,099 --> 00:25:04,016
Bacherer has ordered a series
of attacks against the GI's.
362
00:25:09,092 --> 00:25:13,084
Late one night, an
American vehicle approaches
the U.S. defensive perimeter.
363
00:25:14,038 --> 00:25:15,055
McMANUS
The first thought has to be,
364
00:25:15,063 --> 00:25:17,018
"Oh my gosh, our
relief is here.
365
00:25:17,026 --> 00:25:20,089
It must be a reconnaissance
element of some sort and
they've come to save us."
366
00:25:25,023 --> 00:25:27,006
It almost
seems miraculous,
367
00:25:27,015 --> 00:25:30,011
until shots ring out from
the darkness at the Americans.
368
00:25:30,048 --> 00:25:32,040
The car had been
captured by the Germans.
369
00:25:32,082 --> 00:25:35,032
They are using it
to penetrate the
American lines.
370
00:25:35,065 --> 00:25:39,020
DR. LIEB Captured
enemy kit was quite useful in
the war for both sides.
371
00:25:39,028 --> 00:25:44,041
And at this stage of the war,
an American reconnaissance
car comes in quite handy.
372
00:25:45,029 --> 00:25:48,079
So instead
of a rescue force, the
car is a Trojan horse.
373
00:25:50,000 --> 00:25:52,080
Staff Sergeant
Clyde Webster,
responds quickly
374
00:25:52,088 --> 00:25:55,030
and grabs a B.A.R.
ready to fight back.
375
00:25:56,072 --> 00:25:59,084
B.A.R.
is the abbreviation for
Browning Automatic Rifle
376
00:25:59,093 --> 00:26:04,081
and it's the squad
automatic rifle in a
U.S. Army infantry squad.
377
00:26:05,023 --> 00:26:08,048
It is classified
as a light machine
gun with a 20 round clip.
378
00:26:08,098 --> 00:26:10,031
ZALOGA
It offers automatic fire,
379
00:26:10,040 --> 00:26:12,036
meaning that when the
gunner starts firing it,
380
00:26:12,044 --> 00:26:14,011
it's just round after
round after round.
381
00:26:14,019 --> 00:26:17,045
Unlike a rifle
which is semi-automatic
which means that you
382
00:26:17,053 --> 00:26:19,007
have to fire
a round at a time.
383
00:26:19,016 --> 00:26:20,074
You have to keep
squeezing the trigger.
384
00:26:20,082 --> 00:26:23,062
Easily operated by a single
soldier it is considered
385
00:26:23,070 --> 00:26:27,012
one of the most reliable weapons
of the Second World War.
386
00:26:33,050 --> 00:26:35,059
American rifle
fire ignites the car.
387
00:26:36,042 --> 00:26:38,076
The crew within, try to
escape the burning vehicle.
388
00:26:39,047 --> 00:26:41,043
SOLDIER
Let 'em have it!
389
00:26:41,089 --> 00:26:43,076
Webster picks
them off one by one.
390
00:26:48,010 --> 00:26:51,086
Then continues his attack
against other German soldiers
advancing in support.
391
00:26:52,090 --> 00:26:54,044
SOLDIER
Keep firing!
392
00:26:55,086 --> 00:26:59,028
The fighting
continues intermittently
until 0330
393
00:26:59,036 --> 00:27:02,024
when the surviving German troops
melt back into the night.
394
00:27:03,053 --> 00:27:05,037
SOLDIER Fire!
395
00:27:13,088 --> 00:27:16,005
The steady
stream of attacks
continue to draw down
396
00:27:16,013 --> 00:27:18,001
the battalion's
limited supplies.
397
00:27:19,034 --> 00:27:22,068
An infantry unit
when it goes into combat
usually will only carry
398
00:27:22,076 --> 00:27:25,035
a small amount of ammunition
and a small amount of food.
399
00:27:26,064 --> 00:27:30,035
As combat
unit, there is no kitchen
facility or mess hall.
400
00:27:30,044 --> 00:27:32,098
The men have only K rations.
401
00:27:33,006 --> 00:27:35,090
A package which weighs
a little over two pounds
402
00:27:35,098 --> 00:27:38,007
and contains dehydrated
and canned food.
403
00:27:39,049 --> 00:27:43,053
They can be carried by
individual soldiers, and some
were transported by vehicle.
404
00:27:47,004 --> 00:27:49,050
The men of the lost battalion
enter their fourth day since
405
00:27:49,058 --> 00:27:51,058
leaving the security
of the American lines.
406
00:27:55,042 --> 00:27:59,071
Still without a doctor,
regular GI's called medics,
care for men with their
407
00:27:59,080 --> 00:28:02,038
limited medical supplies
at the Purple Heart Hotel.
408
00:28:03,047 --> 00:28:05,055
McMANUS
Purple Heart Hotel as the
Americans colorfully called it
409
00:28:05,064 --> 00:28:07,010
was just a make
shift aid station,
410
00:28:07,018 --> 00:28:09,056
right there where the wounded
are gathering and where you see,
411
00:28:09,064 --> 00:28:12,023
I think it's fair to say,
the worst of the suffering
at the Battalion.
412
00:28:20,019 --> 00:28:23,049
There is no way
to protect the injured from
the incoming German artillery.
413
00:28:27,012 --> 00:28:30,041
Despite the shortages, some
of their patients are German.
414
00:28:31,029 --> 00:28:33,037
McMANUS
Even a situation like this
where they're surrounded,
415
00:28:33,046 --> 00:28:34,050
they cared for them.
416
00:28:34,058 --> 00:28:35,075
Almost always.
417
00:28:35,083 --> 00:28:37,050
And in many cases,
the medics prioritized
418
00:28:37,059 --> 00:28:41,017
based on the severity of the
wound rather than nationality.
419
00:28:41,026 --> 00:28:44,022
That wasn't always true,
but in this case, it was.
420
00:28:44,030 --> 00:28:46,080
Ah, because there were some
pretty badly hurt Germans.
421
00:28:47,035 --> 00:28:49,018
The American
position is tenuous.
422
00:28:49,026 --> 00:28:51,010
McMANUS Think
about it. We're surrounded.
423
00:28:51,018 --> 00:28:53,027
We don't know the
size of the German force.
424
00:28:53,035 --> 00:28:57,006
It's very possible that
all of us will become POW's
tomorrow or the next day.
425
00:28:57,015 --> 00:29:01,023
So, it might behoove us
to treat the Germans well
426
00:29:01,032 --> 00:29:04,036
if we hope to be treated
well in captivity, too.
427
00:29:09,012 --> 00:29:13,079
On August 10th,
General Macon arrives at
121st Regiment's headquarters
428
00:29:13,087 --> 00:29:18,088
to assume command of the
mission to locate the third
battalion and capture Dinard.
429
00:29:22,088 --> 00:29:27,014
By 20:00 hours,
the men of Macon's
331st Infantry Regiment
430
00:29:27,022 --> 00:29:29,001
jump off and advance.
431
00:29:31,097 --> 00:29:34,093
Throughout the night,
flares and colored
smoke are used
432
00:29:35,002 --> 00:29:37,056
to signal and locate
the lost battalion.
433
00:29:40,027 --> 00:29:42,090
Despite their efforts,
no contact is made.
434
00:29:46,045 --> 00:29:50,058
Macon's men return to
action the next morning,
jumping off at 08:30.
435
00:29:51,091 --> 00:29:55,016
Their progress is slow as they
encounter the same roadblocks
436
00:29:55,025 --> 00:29:58,017
and resistance that
delayed the 121st.
437
00:30:01,067 --> 00:30:02,084
SOLDIER Stay low!
438
00:30:02,092 --> 00:30:04,017
SOLDIER Keep
firing!
439
00:30:07,055 --> 00:30:10,026
McMANUS
Now that Macon is seeing
the level of German opposition
440
00:30:10,035 --> 00:30:11,072
that they're facing
441
00:30:11,081 --> 00:30:16,031
he begins to realize exactly
what these guys from the other
regiment have been up against.
442
00:30:16,064 --> 00:30:18,094
Move out!
Fall out!
443
00:30:21,011 --> 00:30:23,019
It is
not until 21:30,
444
00:30:23,027 --> 00:30:25,082
Macon's men break through a
particularly tough roadblock.
445
00:30:29,099 --> 00:30:32,041
Before they even
consolidate their position,
446
00:30:32,049 --> 00:30:35,016
they come under
immediate counter attack
by Bacherer's men.
447
00:30:35,095 --> 00:30:37,016
SOLDIER Fire!
448
00:30:43,059 --> 00:30:45,021
Incoming!
449
00:30:47,013 --> 00:30:50,043
So that evening
Macon finds himself
defending his position,
450
00:30:50,051 --> 00:30:53,022
and his lack of progress
to his commander.
451
00:30:53,030 --> 00:30:54,068
McMANUS
That happened all the time.
452
00:30:54,076 --> 00:30:57,039
Ah, you know, regimental
commander justifying
a division commander.
453
00:30:57,048 --> 00:30:58,069
Division to corps.
454
00:30:58,077 --> 00:30:59,094
Corps to army.
455
00:31:00,002 --> 00:31:02,098
And so, Macon wants to make
sure Middleton understands,
very clearly,
456
00:31:03,006 --> 00:31:06,036
hey the, you know, the
resistance is tougher
than we had thought.
457
00:31:06,044 --> 00:31:09,070
This isn't because
any deficiency on my
part or my division.
458
00:31:12,037 --> 00:31:15,020
From within
the lost battalion's
defensive perimeter,
459
00:31:15,029 --> 00:31:18,041
Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Eyler
sends out regular patrols
460
00:31:18,050 --> 00:31:20,012
to connect with relief forces.
461
00:31:25,004 --> 00:31:26,071
But they have not
had any success.
462
00:31:30,088 --> 00:31:36,072
So, on August 12th, rescue
may seem unlikely for the
patrol from K Company,
463
00:31:36,081 --> 00:31:40,060
when they leave the
battalion's defensive
perimeter at 11:00 hours.
464
00:31:44,002 --> 00:31:45,052
They move to the left flank
465
00:31:45,061 --> 00:31:48,036
in the hopes of locating
members of 331st.
466
00:31:50,053 --> 00:31:52,011
When they notice
movement up ahead.
467
00:31:52,020 --> 00:31:53,057
Get down.
468
00:32:04,088 --> 00:32:07,055
A patrol of
American soldiers from
the Third Battalion,
469
00:32:07,063 --> 00:32:10,051
121st Infantry Regiment
creeps forward,
470
00:32:10,059 --> 00:32:14,080
hoping to make contact
with the American 331st.
471
00:32:16,043 --> 00:32:20,022
The battalion has been
encircled and cut off for
four days by Nazi forces,
472
00:32:20,031 --> 00:32:22,056
in their bid to liberate
St Malo , France.
473
00:32:24,090 --> 00:32:27,027
As they try to avoid
the surrounding Germans,
474
00:32:27,036 --> 00:32:30,028
the patrol drops to the ground
when they spot movement ahead.
475
00:32:38,028 --> 00:32:42,071
They have been
discovered... by Americans.
476
00:32:47,021 --> 00:32:48,034
McMANUS
It's a great moment.
477
00:32:48,042 --> 00:32:52,092
You know, when the patrol
realizes that these guys
come from another unit,
478
00:32:53,001 --> 00:32:56,039
to try and relieve
them and that this might
mean help is on the way.
479
00:32:56,047 --> 00:33:00,014
It's such an American notion,
here we are embattled
480
00:33:00,022 --> 00:33:02,031
and now the cavalry
is here to help us.
481
00:33:03,043 --> 00:33:05,090
The two patrols
connecting is the first step.
482
00:33:06,098 --> 00:33:09,032
The 331st will still have
to have fight their way
483
00:33:09,040 --> 00:33:11,015
in through the
surrounding Germans.
484
00:33:12,036 --> 00:33:14,074
McMANUS All of
this takes many, many hours
to develop, of course.
485
00:33:14,082 --> 00:33:18,020
So the, the patrol contact
is just tip of the iceberg
486
00:33:18,028 --> 00:33:20,003
of what you're eventually
going to need to do.
487
00:33:24,041 --> 00:33:26,067
August 14th, 1944.
488
00:33:27,063 --> 00:33:31,030
The final breakthroughs puts all
three battalions of the 121st
489
00:33:31,038 --> 00:33:33,097
in addition to the
331st Regiment
490
00:33:34,005 --> 00:33:36,088
in position to capture
the town of Dinard
491
00:33:37,039 --> 00:33:40,010
and knock out the guns defending
the citadel at St Malo.
492
00:33:47,031 --> 00:33:50,023
The Americans continue
to encounter stiff
German resistance.
493
00:33:50,090 --> 00:33:52,086
Under the command
of Rudolph Bacherer.
494
00:33:52,094 --> 00:33:54,040
Covering fire!
495
00:33:55,040 --> 00:33:57,011
McMANUS Bacherer
strikes me as a professional.
496
00:33:57,020 --> 00:33:58,091
Not like a Nazi fanatic.
497
00:33:58,099 --> 00:34:01,037
He strikes me as
more of a military
professional of the sort
498
00:34:01,045 --> 00:34:03,083
who are really the backbone
of the German armed forces
499
00:34:03,091 --> 00:34:05,050
and makes such
formidable enemies.
500
00:34:06,004 --> 00:34:07,050
He's going to use a lot
of the architecture
501
00:34:07,058 --> 00:34:10,000
which is very well suited to
defensive warfare,
502
00:34:10,008 --> 00:34:12,084
on a heavy stone
buildings and all that.
503
00:34:19,014 --> 00:34:21,035
SOLDIER
Go! Go, go, go!
504
00:34:21,043 --> 00:34:26,018
Four soldiers from
Company G volunteer to attack
a subterranean fortification
505
00:34:26,027 --> 00:34:30,098
surrounded by a high
stone wall, and topped
by a steel fence.
506
00:34:34,015 --> 00:34:37,020
Sergeant William Vaughn uses
a bazooka to break through.
507
00:34:45,024 --> 00:34:46,054
With little effect.
508
00:34:55,080 --> 00:34:59,005
Vaughn eventually
locates a tunnel through
which he leads his group.
509
00:35:05,014 --> 00:35:06,056
The tunnel takes them inside,
510
00:35:07,043 --> 00:35:11,023
and they capture the position
rounding up 200 German P.O.W.s.
511
00:35:16,082 --> 00:35:17,094
Okay, can
you make it happen?
512
00:35:18,003 --> 00:35:19,015
SOLDIER
Yes sir. I can.
513
00:35:19,024 --> 00:35:20,070
Good.
Thank you sir.
514
00:35:25,099 --> 00:35:29,037
At the same time,
German defensive mortars
try to halt the advance.
515
00:35:32,029 --> 00:35:34,067
While American guns
target the Nazi strongholds.
516
00:35:38,013 --> 00:35:40,017
As night falls, fires burn.
517
00:35:40,093 --> 00:35:42,059
Dinard is in flames.
518
00:35:43,097 --> 00:35:47,014
Despite the fact
the Americans make it
all the way to the coast,
519
00:35:47,022 --> 00:35:49,098
they have yet to locate and
capture Rudolph Bacherer,
520
00:35:50,006 --> 00:35:52,060
the defiant
commander of Dinard.
521
00:35:57,015 --> 00:36:00,036
Early the next day, the phone
in Bacherer's bunker rings.
522
00:36:09,091 --> 00:36:12,071
The voice on the
other end of the line
introduces himself as
523
00:36:12,079 --> 00:36:14,096
American General,
Robert Macon.
524
00:36:15,063 --> 00:36:19,046
Macon's able to call
because the, the Americans had
captured a, a German pillbox
525
00:36:19,055 --> 00:36:22,001
that had a phone line that
basically went to Bacherer.
526
00:36:22,009 --> 00:36:25,022
So, a very logical way, pick
up the phone and call the guy.
527
00:36:25,030 --> 00:36:27,056
If you want him to
surrender, ask him yourself.
528
00:36:28,051 --> 00:36:30,073
Through an
interpreter, Macon explains
529
00:36:30,081 --> 00:36:34,027
that the Americans have
captured all the German
strong points in Dinard
530
00:36:34,035 --> 00:36:36,061
and asks Bacherer to surrender.
531
00:36:37,040 --> 00:36:39,053
DR. LIEB
Bacherer refuses to surrender.
532
00:36:39,061 --> 00:36:42,036
For him the terms are
not honorable enough.
533
00:36:42,045 --> 00:36:46,032
But at the same time
he asks Macon to take
care of his wounded.
534
00:36:49,058 --> 00:36:51,008
Macon agrees.
535
00:36:51,016 --> 00:36:54,092
Macon says, "Well
sure we'll, we'll take care
of your wounded. Absolutely."
536
00:36:59,005 --> 00:37:00,088
A short cease
fire is organized.
537
00:37:01,067 --> 00:37:05,022
German wounded are
transferred into American
care as prisoners of war.
538
00:37:11,052 --> 00:37:14,023
Within minutes, the peace
is once again shattered.
539
00:37:20,061 --> 00:37:23,044
With the goal of driving the
Germans into final surrender.
540
00:37:23,053 --> 00:37:27,003
Bacherer's position
is targeted with white
phosphorus,
541
00:37:29,058 --> 00:37:32,054
when an incoming shell
strikes an ammunition dump,
542
00:37:32,062 --> 00:37:34,033
it sets off a
massive explosion.
543
00:37:35,050 --> 00:37:36,096
Fires spread.
544
00:37:37,038 --> 00:37:39,084
The straw bedding in the
dormitories speeds the flames.
545
00:37:44,026 --> 00:37:46,047
Bacherer's men pour out
to escape the smoke.
546
00:37:53,002 --> 00:37:55,056
Bacherer sees that further
resistance is impossible.
547
00:37:56,064 --> 00:37:58,056
He and 350 men surrender.
548
00:38:00,036 --> 00:38:02,002
Dinard has now fallen.
549
00:38:04,007 --> 00:38:07,011
But the citadel and the city
of St Malo still hold out.
550
00:38:09,007 --> 00:38:11,074
Colonel Andreas Von
Aulock remains defiant.
551
00:38:12,041 --> 00:38:14,087
With supporting
guns from the west silenced,
552
00:38:14,095 --> 00:38:18,050
General Macon must now
capture the final prize.
553
00:38:21,000 --> 00:38:23,005
August, 1944.
554
00:38:23,013 --> 00:38:26,013
As two American
regiments liberate
the nearby town of Dinard,
555
00:38:29,072 --> 00:38:34,064
other units commanded by
General Robert Macon close in
on the walled city of St Malo.
556
00:38:36,035 --> 00:38:40,035
Located on the French
coast, the allies have
been desperate to capture it
557
00:38:40,044 --> 00:38:44,032
to help move men and
materials into France
to liberate Europe.
558
00:38:46,044 --> 00:38:49,082
The citadel
of the city is held by
Colonel Andreas Von Aulock,
559
00:38:49,091 --> 00:38:51,095
who is known
as the mad Colonel.
560
00:38:53,070 --> 00:38:55,079
The Germans also
call him the mad Colonel.
561
00:38:55,087 --> 00:38:59,000
But not, not necessarily
in a negative way, yeah?
562
00:38:59,008 --> 00:39:02,034
So, Von Aulock was
respected by his men, yeah.
563
00:39:02,042 --> 00:39:05,000
'Cause he was, he was a
character, he was eccentric.
564
00:39:05,009 --> 00:39:07,097
But still, his men
followed him, yeah.
565
00:39:11,068 --> 00:39:14,085
American general Macon knows
the job must be completed.
566
00:39:16,047 --> 00:39:19,044
They cannot leave pockets of
German resistance behind them
567
00:39:19,052 --> 00:39:21,048
as they advance
further into Brittany.
568
00:39:22,036 --> 00:39:23,090
The citadel must fall.
569
00:39:27,094 --> 00:39:29,057
SOLDIER
Forward! Forward!
570
00:39:30,036 --> 00:39:33,024
Two eight-inch guns
with a range up to ten miles
571
00:39:33,032 --> 00:39:35,053
are brought within
1,500 yards of the fort.
572
00:39:38,058 --> 00:39:41,079
They are less efficient
against the solid stone walls,
573
00:39:41,087 --> 00:39:44,038
but can target portholes
and vents with direct fire.
574
00:39:54,097 --> 00:39:58,072
In addition, Macon
positions companies
with 4.2 inch mortars.
575
00:39:58,081 --> 00:39:59,089
Load up.
576
00:39:59,098 --> 00:40:03,027
The 4.2 inch
mortar crews would use a
mixture of high explosive
577
00:40:03,035 --> 00:40:05,056
and white phosphorus
smoke rounds.
578
00:40:07,053 --> 00:40:09,069
The high explosives would
blow open the buildings.
579
00:40:10,015 --> 00:40:12,020
Then they would follow up
with the smoke round
580
00:40:12,028 --> 00:40:14,057
because the white phosphorus
had incendiary effects.
581
00:40:15,024 --> 00:40:17,087
The white phosphorus
smoke shells would start
the building on fire.
582
00:40:20,020 --> 00:40:23,046
To further soften
up the fortifications
in the final drive,
583
00:40:23,054 --> 00:40:26,034
Macon relies on near constant
aerial bombardment.
584
00:40:29,026 --> 00:40:35,018
They drop a new kind
of incendiary into the
battle... jellied gasoline.
585
00:40:36,035 --> 00:40:38,076
Jellied gasoline
is probably better known
as napalm
586
00:40:38,085 --> 00:40:43,027
and it originally started its
combat use during World War II.
587
00:40:44,019 --> 00:40:46,019
It contains an
additive to make it sticky.
588
00:40:47,065 --> 00:40:50,090
Meaning that if
you drop a big tank of
this stuff from an aircraft
589
00:40:50,099 --> 00:40:54,061
onto a target, instead of the
liquid simply spreading out
590
00:40:54,070 --> 00:40:58,020
the jellied gasoline somewhat
sticks to the material
591
00:40:58,028 --> 00:40:59,079
and it stays there and burns.
592
00:41:02,079 --> 00:41:04,062
Lieutenant Colonel Seth McKee
593
00:41:04,071 --> 00:41:07,000
prepares to take
off in his P-38,
594
00:41:07,008 --> 00:41:11,063
with 165 gallon tanks
filled with napalm.
595
00:41:17,001 --> 00:41:19,076
As McKee flies over,
he releases the tanks,
596
00:41:20,026 --> 00:41:23,014
which contain phosphorous
grenades to ignite the napalm.
597
00:41:24,060 --> 00:41:27,094
Amazingly, it lands
in a ventilation
shaft of the citadel.
598
00:41:28,094 --> 00:41:31,040
It brings to mind
obviously Luke Skywalker's
599
00:41:31,048 --> 00:41:34,028
perfect shot against the
Death Star in Star Wars.
600
00:41:36,024 --> 00:41:40,024
But it is somewhat
that dramatic in,
in terms of its effect.
601
00:41:45,062 --> 00:41:48,063
The jellied
gasoline is not used
to burn the occupants.
602
00:41:49,088 --> 00:41:52,059
ZALOGA When
the jellied gasoline hits
the top of a bunker,
603
00:41:52,067 --> 00:41:55,097
it starts sucking out all of the
oxygen that's inside the bunker
604
00:41:56,005 --> 00:41:58,034
and so it destroys
a heavily defended
605
00:41:58,043 --> 00:42:01,026
bunker by suffocating
the crews inside.
606
00:42:09,052 --> 00:42:13,040
When McKee looks
back, he sees the Germans
have raised the white flag.
607
00:42:15,082 --> 00:42:18,066
He calls off his men
and they drop the rest
of their incendiaries
608
00:42:18,074 --> 00:42:20,037
on another target.
609
00:42:26,004 --> 00:42:30,021
Soon after, Von Aulock
and 550 of his men surrender,
610
00:42:30,083 --> 00:42:32,063
despite the promise to hold out.
611
00:42:33,063 --> 00:42:37,009
DR. LIEB It's
always quite difficult to tell
whether these orders of fighting
612
00:42:37,017 --> 00:42:39,089
to the last cartridge,
fighting to the last man,
613
00:42:39,097 --> 00:42:42,035
whether they really
mean it for real.
614
00:42:42,043 --> 00:42:46,093
Quite often they just give
these orders in order
615
00:42:47,002 --> 00:42:49,090
to show to Hitler
their will to resist.
616
00:42:49,098 --> 00:42:53,052
Because they are summoned
to fight to the last cartridge,
617
00:42:53,061 --> 00:42:55,007
and if they don't do this job,
618
00:42:55,015 --> 00:42:56,090
it will have consequences
against their family.
619
00:43:02,074 --> 00:43:06,016
It takes
two weeks to capture the
fortifications of St Malo,
620
00:43:06,025 --> 00:43:08,075
occupied by the
Nazis for four years.
621
00:43:10,054 --> 00:43:12,075
General Macon's
troops are persistent.
622
00:43:13,038 --> 00:43:17,097
His 83rd Infantry Division
capture nearly 10,000
German prisoners of war.
623
00:43:20,005 --> 00:43:25,051
The lost American battalion
of the 121st weathered
its four days of isolation.
624
00:43:28,010 --> 00:43:30,048
After the series
of constant attacks,
625
00:43:30,056 --> 00:43:35,032
they report 31 killed,
106 wounded and 16 missing.
626
00:43:37,040 --> 00:43:42,032
Unfortunately, Von Aulock
had ordered the port facilities
destroyed on August 7th,
627
00:43:42,041 --> 00:43:45,083
to ensure that they provide
no assistance to allied forces.
628
00:43:47,070 --> 00:43:50,079
So, while the fall of
the French port cities
proves inevitable,
629
00:43:50,087 --> 00:43:53,092
Nazi holdouts tie up
allied forces for many weeks.
630
00:43:55,050 --> 00:43:59,038
This allows time
for others to retreat and
secure the German border,
631
00:43:59,047 --> 00:44:02,059
and set the stage for a
series of desperate battles.
632
00:44:03,022 --> 00:44:07,085
The war in Europe would
continue for another
eight and a half months.
633
00:44:08,031 --> 00:44:09,039
Captioned by
Cotter Media Group.
57807
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get subtitles in any language from opensubtitles.com, and translate them here.