How a Tin Can Sunk a Ship

Job Maseko was a soldier serving in the Native Military Corps as part of the South African 2nd Infantry Division. When Tobruk was surrendered to the Axis forces he was captured. White and Colored prisoners were separated and he was put in an internment camp. Forced to do hard labor and given starvation rations he resolved to strike back. He hatched a daring plan that would sink a Freighter. At great risk to himself Job built and placed a device that would slow the movement of goods through the port city for the duration of the German occupation, one more logistical headache for the Africa Korps to deal with. All thanks to a brave man and a tin can. He was awarded the Military Medal for his actions.

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[zachken]

"Can a misplaced shot sink a ship?"

"No, but a tin can."

[TeaBeALT]

Job Maseko was a great soldier to serve the South African 2nd Infantry Division!
Making a bomb out of a tin can and filled it with cordite and causing a freighter to sink with it (and a little help with dry straw, gasoline and other explosive devises)!
It's so sad that he died early because of an accident at a train station as a loyal police officer.
He will be always remembered! Thank you Yarnhub for making yet another great animation of a great story!
Keep it up!

[PotatoLover]

My great grandfather was captured at Tobruk. He was South African. He was taken to a POW camp in Italy. But when Italy swapped sides. Took a chance and ran before the Germans could occupy the camp. Walked nine months to reach rome and made it with his two buddies

[MrGhozt]

"Why use giant 200mm naval guns to take down a ship when a tin can does the job perfectly"

[JohnSmith-xddo]

When a potato sank a boat:
1943-0405, War, the Potato Battle.
The USS O’Bannon, a destroyer, was one of the most decorated ships in WW2, with 17 battle stars and a Presidential Unit Citation. However, amongst all the stories of its daring heroics, there’s also a story of how its crew used potatoes to defeat a Japanese submarine.
Early on the morning of 5 April 1943, around 2 a.m., the O’Bannon’s radar detected something in the water near the Solomon Islands. By 2:30, it was identified as a surfaced Japanese submarine. The sub appeared not to notice the ship, so the O’Bannon was steered into position to ram the sub. However, at the last moment, they decided it might be a minelayer (which could cause the O’Bannon to explode along with it if struck), so the ship turned hard to avoid hitting the sub. However, this left the ship floating alongside the sub, too close to fire its guns. Neither the ships nor sub’s crew was armed with guns, but the Japanese did have a 3-inch deck gun.
The Japanese sub is spotted by the O’Bannon
Before the Japanese crew could fire the gun, the crew on deck of the O’Bannon decided to use anything they had to try to stop them. The closest things to hand were storage bins of Maine potatoes, so the crew began throwing the potatoes at the Japanese. The Japanese thought the potatoes were hand grenades and were so busy throwing them back at the O’Bannon or into the ocean that they didn’t have time to fire their deck gun. This gave the O’Bannon the chance to pull far enough away from the sub that they could fire the ship’s guns at it. Despite being struck in the conning tower, the sub still managed to submerge, but it was then sunk by the ship’s depth charge.
When the Association of Potato Growers of Maine heard how their potatoes had been used, they commissioned a plaque to commemorate the event. That plaque, which was hung in the crew’s mess hall.

[cs]

Thank you for telling Job's story. Many South Africans lost their lives, and my Grandfather was wounded in the battle of Tobruk. I'd like to believe Job was one of the stretcher bearers that got him to the field hospital, and out of Tobruk. A true South African hero.

[ThomasTLS]

My global studies (history) teacher walked up to me and saw me watching this. I showed him the title, gave a brief summary, and he nodded twice. I’m glad you uploaded during my history class, Yarnhub!

[InsaneHunter]

Maseko suffered normally the same fate as indigenous people whom served in the Canadian army during WW2. The soldiers in all services of color or race other than white, never received or compensated for their actions. It's a story that's told time and time again. Compare the 2 Canadians, Sgt. Tommy Prince, and Sgt. Léo Major. Same rank, but treated differently because Tommy wasn't white. I'm sorry to hear how Maseko was treated. Sadly, his story is not unique. But I am happy to hear of his actions during the war, and how it had actually helped the allied effort. It's about time Maseko's family to get recognition and compensation he should have been justly deserved.

[rockstarJDP]

Everyone always comments on how the animations get better with each video (and rightly so, because they do) but I'd just like to say how the narration and research continues to get better and better also! Always a solid effort Yarnhub! 👌

[Rambo-Logan]

Love how we “the audience” are able to watch how much better the animations got through the years of this channel. Love it keep up the good work

[irinamargaritaabadiaavila]

Its sad how this hero was left in horrible conditions after his achievements in war

[kielplayz]

“Sunk a Ship! + 1000”
“Stealth + 100”
“Creativity + 100”

[RogueAce]

Don’t know if anybody said so already, but that’s how you open a “can of whoop-ass!”

[TraustiGeir]

One man can truly make a difference. What a legend.

Thank you, Yarnhub! I probably would've never heard of Maseko without you.

[richardsears]

I heard about this from another channel called Dark Docs, and now seeing it animated, I wonder how this story hasn't been made into a movie yet.

[clunkCA]

It’s awesome you guys are telling on unknown stories like this. British Colonial and Commonwealth troops were some of the bravest and grittiest men who have ever fought and their stores are often lesser known. Great job.

[Historical-mihd]

I salut to all of the dead or alive African/African American soilders who fought from WWII to now. I respect each race equally.

[christosvoskresye]

Thanks. This man deserves to be remembered.

[maxkronader]

My first thought was "Big deal; destroyers sank lots of ships."
Then I realized it was a literal tin can.

[Scottish-Greg]

God took this man home early because he shown at a young age, ALL the qualities that most take multiple lifetimes to accomplish. I don't think I can put it any better. Shine on people. ❤