Hello, Kevin, it's Wade Hampton, cold war, and some hot war soldier. I'm glad you donate your time at the museum and produce these lovely videos for us to better understand the horrors that the SB's endured during WWI.Their bravery was unprecedented, and absolutely above and beyond the call of duty. The horrors these young people saw is unimaginable and their service will not be forgotten. May they all rest in peace. Thanks a million, mate!

My great uncle was a conscientious objector, but he went to the front as a stretcher bearer. While there he was gassed, and sent back to England where he died months later. His young wife received no pension, and struggled through life until 1970s. She never really got over it

Kevin Hicks is an Honorary citizen of the world....God Bless this amazing Brother.

A wonderfully insightful video Kevin. My great grandad Tom was a stretcher bearer in the first world war. Deployed on the western front and later to mesopotamia. He was later involved in the development and usage of x rays for british military use. Signed up again in the second world war in the RAF, made squadron leader at the end. I never met the man, sadly long dead by the time I was born but my dad always speaks of him in glowing terms. An eminently kind man who never talked about his war experiences despite my dads questions as a kid. The bravery, fortitude and selflessness of those generations during that period astounds me frequently, especially those who volunteered for roles such as stretcher bearer like John Young, Bill Coltman and my grandad Tom. The stories of these noble, long passed men brings tears to my eyes the older I get. Gratitude doesn't feel enough. May their souls all live forever more in peace and glory.

My grandfather was a stretcher bearer during WW1. He often said to me that he was proudest of the fact many lives and that while he was issued a rifle in recruit training, he never carried it on the western front. I'm glad that someone has brought these brave men to the public's notice. Thank you

The bravery of these young men never ceases to amaze me! My husband is retired USMC. he would tell me how the Marines would give the Navy Corpsmen ( who serve as medics for the Marines) a hard time because they were Navy. Not Marines. It was all in good fun. Because the Marines knew that when the call came "Corpsmen up!" that Corpsmen would stop at nothing to get to that wounded Marine. It's incredible to think of these young soldiers doing what needed to be done without any thought for themselves.

It brought a tear 😢to my eyes you really do bring history to life and the lives of those long forgotten people.

I'm always amazed at the bravery of stretcher bears and Corpsmen and others tasked with the job of rescuing the wounded

Kevin, what can I say that hasn’t been said thousands of times before, thank you for bringing history to the masses and keeping these heroes of ours forever alive, history teachers need to take a leaf out of your book Sir 🤘🏹

Always makes the day 10x better seeing an upload from Mr Hicks 😁😁

Field Marshel Bernard Montgomery, when he was captain in WW1, was shot through the lung by a sniper during the First Battle of Ypres (1914). Thank you, Mr Hicks

I was hoping you would mention Bill Coltman, his grandson, and great grandson still go around the primary and secondary schools around Burton teaching kids about him. i remember them coming round when I was in school. Thanks for the great vid again Kev

Thanks Kevin for explaining the care for the wounded soldiers. Yes, Field Marshall Montgomery was shot through the lung. He also didn't like people smoking around him due to the irritating effects of the smoke on his lung.

I've always loved a man in a uniform! Bonus fact: My own grandfather was an infantry man in France during WWI.

Wonderful as always. My Grandfather who fought in WWI referred to stretcher bearers as the bravest of the lot

Omg. This video was a BEAUTIFUL testament to the brave work that those stretcher bearers did. I had never even considered how the wounded come to be rescued. It’s easy to stick our heads in the sand regarding the atrocities of war. But it’s important that people like you carry the torches of those who served.

What a horrific responsibility to bear, you can understand why they became the silent generation ...

Kevin,, LOVE what you do. Being a grandson of a Russian WW2 soldier, I have a lot of pride in Allies of all Nations. Keep up the great work.

Thanks to the Patrons who keep this channel running. I have much respect for any woman or man who wears a uniform to protect us from those who will do harm. Military, police, firemen and ambulance workers and many other professions. But the ones who run into battle with nothing but a stretcher and minimal medical supplies to drag a soldier back to safety while under fire himself is a super hero in my book. I think we ( the USA ) had a Bill Coleman but in WWII named Desmond Doss Is immortalized in the movie Hacksaw Ridge. I truly wish they would do a documentary on your Bill Coleman. Or if there already is maybe someone will point it out to me please. Kevin you truly are looking sharp in your uniform and thank you for your service even though you served in the other Greatest country on Earth. Thanks again for sharing. Look forward on the edge of my seat for each and every story. Really the greatest history teacher on the web. We had a history teacher in high-school who had your enthusiasm for history and he mad it interesting and alive, almost like we were there. And you do the same for us. Thank you.

I wish more teachers would show your videos, especially to high school students. Your knowledge and presentation of history is a treasure.

Glancing through the comments, there's not much I can say that hasn't already been said. Nothing but respect for them. Thank you for sharing this.

Your stories give me a glimpse into what it may have been like for my paternal grandpa that served in BATTERY F 36th ARTY CAC in WWI. He passed away before I was born and my dad was a only a child and my dad didn't have much time with him. That in itself makes me sad for my dad. I wish I had something more poignant to say, but I'm not good at expressing myself. Thank you again, History Squad.

What a wonderful way to start Friday morning, thanks as always Kevin

BTW, I appreciate how you never glorify war. You pay homage the bravery, camaraderie and sacrifice of those who served while providing vivid insight into the horror of pitched warfare was/is from medieval to modern times. ps - It’s never a bad time to share stories of likely the most respected army of WWI: 🇨🇦.

Pvt. Young, J.F.......you were the best of what we are capable of and will never be forgotten! Thanks for letting us know of this hero's bravery, Mr . Hicks! War is brutal enough ....the use of gas and chemical weapons is simply evil!

Thank you for reminding us of these men’s bravery, and for the beautiful poem at the end. World war 1….. mud, mud, mud. …….

Thank you for volunteering and keeping Canada's military history alive.

To run into the fray and when everything is telling you in your body it telling you to run in the opposite direction this man were a god sends to the guys laying in there in no man's land brave man each and every one

Thank you once again for bringing the world more accounts and information that nobody should ever forget. I will remember the struggles of everyone. Rest in peace David O'Connor Afghanistan, taken from us by a member of the ANP

God bless Robert W. Service. In Alaska we have a special place in our hearts for "The Spell of the Yukon" and "The Cremation of Sam Magee." Sometimes I think he was the only poet who understood us.

That had me in tears. Omg I think they were all so brave and amazing 😭

Was having a tough morning until I found a fresh History Squad vid waiting for me! All my respect and love to the boys who went over there, and those what never returned.

Its rather interesting thinking about how soldiering has changed and evolved over time. Advancements in weapons, technology, and kit are what people normally think of, but the medical knowledge has also advanced so much. The average infantryman in my time was able to do so much medical care before doc could make his way that as long as fire superiority was gained you could feel comfort knowing someone was on the way. CLS has made the average infantryman a life saver as much as a life taker.

This is excellent as always Kevin. Thank you for your expert story telling, knowledge on the history, and service as well. I was gonna say that the World War 2 YT channel (in real time) is just now upon May of 1945, and it’s been quite interesting to learn about the different medic tactics between The Great War and the coming future. I cannot imagine how human beings 100 years ago could withstand the treacherous conditions of The Great War, let alone being a stretcher-bearer under heavy fire. They did what they had to do.

Always forgotten fellows who do far to often get remembered for the bavery they display everyday.

great timing! i'm listening to carlin's 'Blue Print for Armageddon' for the tenth time.

Of all your wonderful videos, this one is really gripping. It is amazing how the SBs could focus on their duty while being under fire. Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Good ol' Hicksy is the best of our story tellers! His passion for history and focus on very important people that deserve to be remembered for generations as long as there are generations, ...is an amazing boon to all of us! Thanks Mr. Hicks! You're appreciated over here in Boston!

Just woke up to one of your vids!

Greetings once again from Nova Scotia, thank you for an amazing story. The unsung heroes indeed, those men were brave, unbelievably dedicated to their own brethren, I simply have no idea of what those men must have been through, hell and back does not suffice. Thanks once again for all the time and work you put into your channel, be well, be safe, and as always best regards, Arthur

Hi Kevin, would you do something on the Royal Regina Rifles, the "farmer johns" of ww2? They just sent a new statue to Normandy. They are doing a 4 country, 10 stop tour for the 80th anniversary of D-Day. These guys, all volunteers, trained on one guy's farm, with their own trucks, and gas, and reloaded their ammo. They paid their own way to go fight.

Excellent story, sir. The bravery of those young men was absolutely incredible.

We must never forget our brave men and women who served us all. thank you Kevin

AMAZING! Brave just doesn't do them justice! No weapons in a warzone under heavy fire to try to save lives! amazing.

War is such a terrible thing, but it's wonderful that people like Kevin wok to remember and help others understand the bravery and accomplishments of those who gave everything for what they thought was right

Fascinating, illuminating and touching. Keeping these stories alive is so important for future generations. Thanks Kev.

An extremely interesting look at humanity under duress. Thank you for the opportunity to share in the experiences of these brave men.

You are awesome Kevin. Listen to these during work and it’s great

There are no words that adequately express, my admiration for this incredible man, but I understand his urge to help his fellow man as a stretcher bearer .Many years ago, I was all set to go into the army as, a 'combat medical technician'. Back then, there were only eight army jobs open to women & CMT is what I really wanted to do. Just before I went in, a car accident left me with spinal injuries & so unfit to serve. As I was completely blameless in the accident, I received a large pay out, but I would have happily given every penny back, if it meant I could have had that army career.

Amazing stories and incredible courage and bravery. The stretcher bearers showed nerves of steel under such duress and an unsurpassed devotion to duty and their wounded colleagues in the most harrowing of circumstances most of the time. Thankyou for sharing your knowledge on a much overlooked and undervalued piece of history. 10/10

Is that a swagger stick you've got there? Thanks for the stories, sir. It never fails to amaze and humble me when I hear stories of folks in the midst of such hell and cruelty exemplifying such bravery and compassion.

My Great Grandfather was a stretcher bearer in WW1. He always carried his concertina with him even on the front line and would play it to entertain the lads. He died at Gallipoli in 1915.

My great great uncle was a stretcher bearer in ww1 for the Australian army and was very unfortunately killed when he was cleaning a surgeons boots one day and a shell landed on him. Killed him instantly. Death comes in strange ways sometimes.

What a lovely tribute to those brave young men, and to William Colt. We will remember them. Looks like a fantastic local museum - well done.

Thank you for the video, I loved this one. The story about the stretcher bearer, the letter, the poem, just beautifully done, and definitely pulls on the heart strings. My Grandpa was a WWII vet, and we both love(d) Robert Service. His father was a WWI vet. I have a soft spot for those men.

Great video, again. Among other things I was a medic in the army. I can tell you that stretcher bearing drills are one of the most difficult workouts you can do. Remember, you have to not only navigate difficult terrain and obstacles, you have to do it in a way that's safe and comfortable (as possible) for the injured soldier. Oh, and these days we carried rifles, ammo, body armour, and 1st aid rucksacks.

Kevin..You will always be a YT delight across all facets of learning about history and the unique stories that often accompany these events...grand or small.

Thank you for sharing your extensive knowledge of all things military Kevin

Thank you for telling their stories. They will not be forgotten.

Thanks for doing an episode on SBs. My great grandfather was an SB in the 7th RIF, 16th Division. 5’3”, 40 year old father of 7, gassed, wounded twice but survived. They must have been extraordinary people to do that.

Thank you! I appreciate how you always bring the individuals alive and honor them.

Thank you for bringing attention to the experiences of these men. They had courage beyond my comprehension.

I wish I could come out there and meet Kevin and visit the museum. What a legend Kevin is for sure.

It made me actually weep…

Really enjoyed this; as you were describing how the stretcher bearers ran back & forth, dodging bullets & bringing back the wounded, I started feeling the anxiety of it all - I was playing Solitaire while listening - and started playing faster & faster!!!! Whew! The story of the young man who kept going & going & going back to pick up more guys reminds me of a little movie/ true story about a young American during WWII who was a conscientious objector but signed up to be a Medic. He, too, kept going back again and again, saving many men, including his own DI, and surviving until just a few years ago. He was very religious, and kept praying, "Just one more, God. Please, just one more." He even rescued a couple of the enemy! What great men, thank you for telling this story! 💖

Thank you Kevin, for these lessons in history. You're a fantastic teacher and a credit to your community. Channels like yours bring history to life.

Thank you Mr. Hicks

What a splendid magnificent generation they were!

Thank you as always Kev!

Brave, brave men we owe them so much

Really do a good job of painting the picture of these men just with words

Thank you for volunteering

Kevin, I wish you were my History teacher when I was a kid.

Hard to not get upset at WW1 stories...

Mr. Hicks, I just discovered your channel about a week ago, and have been binge watching your videos since then. Your knowledge, presentation, and scope of history is truly sublime. Thank you for all you do, and I shall continue to binge on your videos as I await your future presentations. You have a new fan from deep in the Appalachian mountains!

An amazing brave and selfless man. Thank you for telling us Kevin.

Thank you Kevin for telling a part of my old regiment's history. I served as a combat medical technician with the R.A.M.C. Your channel has reawakened my love of military history so thanks again.

Thank you for serving in WWI ❤

Wow, what a story. What men, I'm speechless. Thanks again.

Love your channel!

Yet again Kevin, you bring these incredibly brave guys back to our thoughts, i actually shed a couple of tears at the bravery and to last 48 hours doing his duty, there's not many who could, or would achieve that accolade now

Thank you. Great stories of history...

Thank you, Kevin. A dangerous and important role which, often, goes unnoticed.

My great grandfather was in 66 Field ambulance, served in France and the Balkans. He was awarded a medal and listed in the Gazette.

My Great Grandfather was saved by stretcher bearers. He lay wounded in a shell hole for three days before rescue. I have deep respect for all involved, but especially those who went unarmed, into the inferno to help those unable to help themselves.

Thank you for sharing the story of an extraordinary man and all his comrades

a friend of mine is an author and has written a series of books taking place in the early 1920's where the main character is a young woman who is pretty much the breadwinner in her family (parents, widowed aunt) by being a spiritualist/medium (all the rage in the 20's) whose young husband signed up during WWI when the U.S. got involved. The husband left for war, a hale, hearty and uber-patriotic 18 yr old fellow and came home within a year with his lungs destroyed by mustard gas and in the attempt of getting away from the gas, got shot up so he returned home with damaged lungs and confined to a wheelchair due to his legs full of shrapnel (hence this young wife having to do what she could to bring money home since husband could not work). He was only able to dull the physical pain by drinking morphine syrup. This is what those soldiers had to deal with during battle and I'm sure, what the stretcher bearers had to tend to as best they could on the front.

Holy smokes, what a hero, an ‘everyday hero’. Really a real life superhero. Like so many more

My great uncle John Desmond was a medic in ww1,wounded in 1915,1916 and 1917,survived the war,one of his sons went to be Chindit in ww2

Truly a great story giving so much information about those often overlooked till you look at some of the images of the Somme . there you see the horror of the conditions they operated in doing their duty to their comrades brave men and this presentation really brings it home .

There was an episode of *"Dad's Army"* where Godfrey relates his experiences being a stretcher bearer in WW1. He was actually a soldier in the conflict & was bayonetted in the hip/thigh which is why he walked with that limp. 👍

My great grandfather was a stretcher bearer in WWI he was awarded the MM for his service.

Classic! Even at a young age, you were teaching the teachers. 😂👏You were made for this!

My grandpa was an ARMY Medic in WWII. He didn't tell us much about what he did, other than that he remained in the United States, and took wounded soldiers back home to their families (once they were well enough to leave the hospital). And, he was a cook.

Peace and respect from Ontario

Great watch Kevin. I was sidetracked when you shivered and mentioned Shock, from blood loss. I've gone into that state. Strapped to a stretcher. Its impossible to describe the intensity of the Cold. Whew. Loved the poem. (Kipling is Britians Robert Service). I've memorized 4 Of Bob's poems. Including Going Home and The Shooting of Dan McGrew. Maybe I'll recite one at the next Patreon group chat. Cheers Hicks family. Enjoy your trip.

I 💗 your stories. Thank you. My father was a field medic in the US Army in the 1950s.

Hi Kevin, loved this video and it has definitely hit a personal spot. My great great grandfather served in the 21st field ambulance in WW1. Starting service in 1914 and sadly dying in 1916 in the Somme. He was bringing someone off the field and was unlucky enough to be caught by shrapnel, others survived he did not. Keep up the great work

I was a Navy Hospital Corpsman during my service in the US Navy. I attended the basic school at Great Lakes Ill, at the school was a hall with pictures of dozens of Navy Corpsman, who had given their lives attending to and protecting patients. I went to this hall many times and read about the deeds of these men. I realized that my " Rate" was one of great responsibility, that others would be relying on me. That was very sobering. I later went you FMF school, where we are trained in Marine doctrine ect. In every Marine Platoon there is a Navy Hospital Corpsman among them. A sailor, if you are good the Marines respect the hell out of you. I have talk to Vietnam vets, I mention that I was a FMF Corpsman, and they tell stories of how much they loved and respected their Corpsman. Some told me tales of how the Corpsman saved their lives and they would do anything for "Doc". Even though I was in the peacetime Navy the Marines respected me as well.

My Great Grandfather was in the Royal Army Medical Corps during WW1 (not exactly sure but probably as a stretcher bearer) , he survived the war but came back a much changed man (unfortunately not for the better). After surviving all that he did, he lost his life in the Spanish flu epidemic after the war.