Hitler's British Heroes - The 1937 Deutschland Incident

In 1937, during the Spanish Civil War, Hitler awarded medals to 37 British military personnel. Find out why here.

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Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Mark Felton Productions. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Mark Felton Productions does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.

Credits: US National Archives; Library of Congress; The Times; The UKAHN Bulletin

[henrikmelder]

Dear Dr. Felton. Again you have found history that has never been shown before. It is simply incredible! Thanks for some great programs and keep up the good work

[frasermitchell]

This incident was something I knew absolutely nothing about. It just shows one learns something new every day, and a big thank you to Mark Felton.

[RedXlV]

5:04 Reminds me of how just months before the outbreak of World War I, the Royal Navy and Kaiserliche Marine were celebrating their "eternal friendship".

[msgfrmdaactionman]

I can see why this history was forgotten. Thanks for uncovering it Mark!

[mikecharman]

I’ve seen one of these medals in the RAMC Museum in Aldershot, brilliant to see the story shared to a wider audience!

[jonathanspilhaus]

With your impeccable diction, flawless pronunciation of German and interesting content, your channel is a winner

[darrellwhittington]

Again SIR ! I'm 73 years old, , my father was a tank commander in Patton's 3rd army, , got me into ww2 history and I try ro absorb everything I can, , and you continue to come up with information I've never heard about ! OUTSTANDING, , SIR ! Thank you Again !

[pecnorthernvalley]

Every time I start a video from War Stories with Mark Felton I automatically press thumbs up direct - because he never disappoints! 😊

[andydunn]

Good grief, what an incredible story. And as always many thanks thanks for finding and sharing this with us

[cmdrflake]

Fascinating. Thanks for bringing this story to our attention. Like most Kreigsmarine the Deutschland / Lutzow had a checkered career being laid up by the Kreigsmarine later in the war. She escaped the gruesome fate of the battleships and most of her sister ships.

[djRichieOrlando]

You continue to show new material never seen or heard before. Thank you
Sir Dr. Felton...

[chrish]

What an interesting and unique story, I have honestly never heard of these events before. Thank you for sharing!

[alkitzman]

Dr. Felton you are simply amazing at finding these very interesting and little known situations that took place long before either of us were alive. A very greatful viewer

[jacobhuff]

Once again not disappointed, Content like this always exposes the nuances of history..

[MyLateralThawts]

Although my grandfather didn’t mention this incident, he was a crewman on one of the torpedo boats, he did mention that the German navy helped to evacuate the Spanish Royal family, ensuring they were under the control of Franco’s forces. A side note on the medals. Any Germans who participated in the Spanish Civil War and were decorated accordingly, were not allowed to display those medals if they continued with the Bundeswehr, and no denazified decorations were ever produced.

[thEannoyingE]

Reminds me of the British SS you covered a while back. There is always new to learn from you, thank you Dr. Felton.

[RedcoatsReturn]

I always learn new facts and things I didn’t know about those times…thank you Dr. Felton! 😉👍👍

[MMOchAForPrez]

I don't know where you've been for the last like 15 years YouTube has been around, but I'm SO glad I found your channel a few years ago. You make some of the best content on war I've seen. Not to mention, your commitment to accuracy and knack for story telling is very informative and entertaining. Thanks for making all of this content, and all for free!

[billyshane]

Mark Felton - Thank you for your yet again outstanding presentation. Your channel is one of the best on YouTube across all genres of videos.

[donalddodson]

Very interesting pattern: our "friends" become our "enemies." Maybe throughout human history. Thank you for the interesting vignette.