The RMS Olympic leaving dry dock and returning to service after repairs. At this time, the ship was photographed for the last time with its sister ship Titanic at the Harland & Wolff 'Thompson Graving Dock'. (Belfast, Ireland, March 1912).

The RMS Olympic was brought into dry dock on the 6th of March 1912 after she threw a propeller blade while crossing the Atlantic Ocean. The cause of this incident is not clear, but 'throwing a propeller blade' usually means that the blade made from manganese bronze broke off due to stress or fatigue. The Titanic had to vacate the dry dock on the 2nd of March 1912 to make room for the Olympic and was moved to the fitting-out wharf where she would continue undergoing final preparations for her maiden voyage. The two ships were photographed together for the last time on that day with RMS Olympic resuming service on the 8th of March 1912.

Original Image Source: External link

Wikipedia (Public Domain), Robert John Welch (1859-1936)

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German Luftwaffe Junkers Ju-87 Dora-5 'Sturzkampfflugzeug' (Dive combat airplane or "Stuka") of '2. Staffel, I./Schlachtgeschwader 3' (2nd Squadron, I. Group, Battle Squadron 3), "Gefechtsverband Kuhlmey" (Battlegroup Kuhlmey) taking off to support Finnish ground forces during the Battle of Tali-Ihantala. (Immola, Finland, June 1944).

Detachment Kuhlmey was formed in early June of 1944 as a temporary unit of dive-bombers and fighters to support Finland. The detachment was named after at the time 'Sturzkampfgeschwader 3' (Dive bomber squadron 3) commander 'Oberstleutnant' (Lieutenant colonel) Kurt Kuhlmey, the squadron was renamed 'Schlachtgeschwader 3' (Battle Squadron 3) for its new close support role.

Dive bombers on the 28th of June 1944 flew missions to destroy bridges in Tali, a strategic point in the Battle of Tali-Ihantala between Finland and the Soviet Union. The Ju-87 dive bombers of SG 3 flew 66 sorties and dropped over 25 tons of bombs on the bridges and roads in the Tali area causing heavy damage and disrupting the Soviet supply lines. The mission was successful in supporting the Finnish defence and preventing the Soviet breakthrough. However, the Ju-87 aircraft also faced intense Soviet anti-aircraft fire and fighter attacks, Battlegroup Kuhlmey lost four aircraft and two pilots on that day. The unit left Finland in August 1944 and relocated to Pardubice, Czechoslovak to convert to Focke-Wulf Fw-190F. Returning to the Eastern Front in November 1944 to support 'Heeresgruppe Kurland' (Army Group Courland) till the end of the war.

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Eino Nurmi, SA-kuva Photograph Archive, (Public Domain).

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[The World War 2 colorized photos are apolitical, and are simply for historical interest and research purposes only. Any comments relating to politics, racism or other inappropriate/offensive subjects will be removed].

Harland & Wolff workers posing with the Olympic's propellers before its launch from dry dock after a two month refit. (Belfast, Ireland, Jan 1924).

The RMS Olympic and Titanic utilized an advanced propulsion system for the time designed by chief engineer Alexander Carlisle that consisted of two reciprocating engines and a steam turbine. The two outer propellers each had three blades that measured seven metres in diameter and were driven by their own four-cylinder triple-expansion piston engines that produced up to 15,000Hp each. The middle propeller had four blades on Olympic (Titanic had a three bladed central propeller) and measured five metres in diameter was driven by a low-pressure Parsons steam turbine that was powered by the exhaust steam from the piston engines and produced 16,000Hp. The propulsion system was powered by 24 double-ended and five single-ended Scotch boilers that generated steam at a pressure of 215Psi. The Olympic's total power output was estimated at 51,000 shaft horsepower, enabling it to reach a maximum speed of 23 knots (43Km/h). That speed for its size was comparable to some of the fastest ocean liners of the day such as the Cunard Line's RMS Mauretania and RMS Lusitania that could reach speeds of up to 26 knots (48 Km/h).

Following the Titanic disaster, the Olympic under went a major upgrade and refit starting in October 1912. A double hull was added, as well as increasing the watertight bulkhead height to the deck level. At the same time new parlour suites were added and the Cafe Parisian that was originally exclusive to Titanic. During World War I, the Olympic was requisitioned by the Admiralty and was converted into a troopship transporting up to 6,000 soldiers across the Atlantic. After the war, the Olympic underwent another major refit in 1919 which involved converting her from a coal-burner to an oil-burner reducing her fuel consumption, crew size and time spent port. She received new boilers, propellers, generators and electrical wiring. Her interiors were also renovated with new flooring, furniture and lighting.

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Video of Olympic Repairs 1929: External link (Thanks to Titanic Films by Mark)

German Panzer Commander and Regiment Commander Oberst (Colonel) Willy Langkeit of Panzer-Regiment-Großdeutschland meeting with regimental officers during a rest-period after fighting near 'Iași-Târgu Frumos' (Jassy-Targul Framos). (Bacău, Romania, late-June 1944)

The 'Panzer-Befehlswagen' (Armoured-Command-car) "01" of Panzer-Regiment, Großdeutschland-Division was commanded by highly decorated and Oberst Willy Langkeit. Langkeit rose through the ranks before the war, becoming a Hauptmann (Captain) in the 36th Panzer Regiment and leading his regiment during the Invasion of Poland in 1938 in which he was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class. Langkeit later participated in the Battle of France and the Eastern Campaigns. In January of 1943 he was on the front-line fighting near Stalingrad, however with the situation deteriorating he was ordered to be air-evacuated out of the Stalingrad encirclement. He was given command of the elite Panzer-Regiment of the Grossdeutschland Division. Throughout the later 1944 period the Panzer-Regiment of Grossdeutschland acted as the rear guard, covering the retreating German forces being pushed back by the Soviets through Romania.

Pictured is the Panzer-Befehlswagen (SdKfz.268), the command version of the Panzerkampfwagen V "Panther" Ausf.A (Sdkfz.171). This variant had both short 'Funkgerät 5' (Radio-device) and long 'Funkgerät 8' range radios allowing the commander to communicate to the entire regiment and to headquarters. The main gun was retained however with reduced ammunition and the coaxial machine gun was removed to make room for the additional command radios. The winter whitewash appeared to be very roughly painted over with Olivgrün and Rotbraun.

Pictured (L to R):

Hauptmann Ernst-Günter Lehnhoff.

Oberst Willy Langkeit.

Unkown.

Unkown.

Unkown.

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Generalleutnant Theodor Scheerer, KBZ Hgr Südukraine.

Bundesarchiv, CC-BY-SA 3.0

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[The World War 2 colorized photos are apolitical, and are simply for historical interest and research purposes only. Any comments relating to politics, racism or other inappropriate/offensive subjects will be removed].

American tankers of 'Eagle 7' inspecting the burnt-out German Panzerkampfwagen V, Ausführung A, "Befehlspanther" (Armoured-battle-car 5, Execution A, "Command-Panther") from the previous day engagement near the Cathedral. (Köln, Germany, March 1945)

On the 6th of March 1945 Sherman's of the American 3rd Armored Division entered the city of Cologne. During the advance into the city centre, a Sherman of F Company, 32nd Armored Regiment was hit and knocked-out by a waiting German Panzer of the Panzer-Brigade 106 "Feldherrnhalle" near the Cathedral. Realizing it was a powerful German medium tank, the Heavy Tank M26 Pershing "Eagle 7" was called up. As "Eagle 7" approached from an adjacent street, the crew of the Panther spotted and sighted the Pershing however the commander did not recognize the new American tank believing it to be one of their own. Without hesitation the Pershing fired at the Panther, the first shot penetrated the side armour injuring the loader and causing the other surprised crewmen to panic and bail out. Another two shots shorty followed hitting the Panther's munition stowage that started an inferno. The commander Leutnant der Reserve Wilhelm Bartelborth, loader, driver and radio-operator Gustav Schäfer managed to flee, however the gunner was killed from shrapnel during his attempt to escape the Panzer.

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T/Sgt. James "Jim" L. Bates, 165th Photo Signal Company. Army Signal Corps (Public domain).

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[The World War 2 colorized photos are apolitical, and are simply for historical interest and research purposes only. Any comments relating to politics, racism or other inappropriate/offensive subjects will be removed].

German Feldwebel (Sergeant), Leutnant (2nd lieutenant) and Schütze (Rifleman) of '15. Armee' (15th Army) returning after a long march and training exercise. The, possibly annoyed, Leutant has been sprayed with water by a playful local. (Lille-area, France, Oct 1941).

The 15th Army was in charge of occupation and defensive duties in the Pas de Calais area which included southwest of the Netherlands from January 1941 to June 1944. The army consisted of two corps, the 'LXVII Armeekorps' (67th Army Corps) and the 'LXXXVIII Armeekorps' (88th Army Corps) each with several infantry divisions.

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Bundesarchiv, (Creative Commons-BY-SA 3.0)

Hans Kripgans, Propaganda-Kompanie 695, Propagandakompanien der Wehrmacht.

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[The World War 2 colorized photos are apolitical, and are simply for historical interest and research purposes only. Any comments relating to politics, racism or other inappropriate/offensive subjects will be removed].

German Panzertruppen of '3. Kompanie, Schwere Panzer-Abteilung 502' (3rd Company, 502nd Heavy Armour Battalion) posing with their battle damaged 'Panzerkampfwagen Tiger Ausführung E' (Armoured-battle-car Tiger Execution E) Nr. 312 commanded by Feldebel Heinz Weller who was injured during the Third Ladoga Battle when his cupola was ripped off by Soviet artillery. (Mga, Leningrad Oblast, 22-25 July 1943).

Schwere Panzer-Abteilung 502 (502nd Heavy Armour Battalion) was attached to the 18.Armee (18th Army) of Heeresgruppe Nord (Army Group North) during July 1943. During early July the Battalion was refitted with new Tigers, bringing the Battalions strength up to 36 operational Tigers and was placed on alert in anticipation of the Soviet "Fifth Sinyavino Offensive", or "Dritte Ladoga-Schlacht" (Third Ladoga Battle) with the Soviet goal of taking the Mga village from the Germans. Battalion-502 would be utilized as a "Feuerwehr" (Fire brigade), sitting behind the front-line they would be called in to provide additional firepower where needed.

On the 22nd of July the offensive began with 3.Kompanie of Schwere Panzer-Abteilung 502 moving into position between 11.Infanterie-Division and 23.Infanterie-Division. Within the first few hours of the battle all of 3.Kompanie's Tigers sustain damage with 1 total loss. During the attack 3.Kompanie's commander is killed-in-action leading to 2.Kompanie being called in later in the day to re-enforce the position. The next day 2.Kompanie of Schwere Panzer-Abteilung 502 lead by company commander Feldwebel (Staff sergeant) Rudolf Zwetti was attached to Grenadier-Regiment 407 of 121.Infanterie-Division and launched an attack on positions held by the Soviet 67th Army to the west near the Moika River (a tributary of the Neva River) resulting in a number of Soviet gun emplacements, pillboxes and 13 T-34 tanks destroyed. Rudolf Zeetti was promoted to the rank of Oberfeldwebel (Warrant officer) and awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross for his leadership in the assault.

For the rest of July, the Tiger's of Schwere Panzer-Abteilung 502 were spread thin over the line with a number suffering damage and mechanical breakdowns leaving only 18 Tigers operational for the rest of the month. However for the Soviets the July offensive would be a failure, the village of Mga would still be held by the Germans with heavy losses on both sides. During September 1943, 3. kompanie, Schwere Panzer-Abteilung 502 provided cover for the retreating German forces from Leningrad (St. Petersburg).

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[The World War 2 colorized photos are apolitical, and are simply for historical interest and research purposes only. Any comments relating to politics, racism or other inappropriate/offensive subjects will be removed].

91st Bombardment Group, 8th Air Force. (RAF Bassingbourn England, Oct 1943).

Print Sizes:

"8 x "12

"10 x"15

"12 x "18

"16 x "24

"24 x "36

Original Image Source: External link

US National Archives, (Public Domain)

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American S/Sgt. Charles Culver of the 156th Armored Signal Company, 16th Armored Division and British Soldiers inspecting a captured German Junkers Ju-87 Gustav-2 "Panzerknacker" (Armour cracker) of 10. Staffel, Schlachtgeschwader 2 “Immelmann”. (Plzeň-Bory airfield, Pilsen, Czechoslovakia, May 1945).

To counter the growing threat of Soviet tanks on the Eastern Front, Luftwaffe “Stuka” Ace Major Hans-Ulrich Rudel proposed a special variant of the Ju-87 dive bomber after experimenting with the Ju-87D 20mm cannons using armour-peircing rounds. The new variant was equipped with two 'Bordkanone' (onboard cannon) 3,7cm Flak 18 auto-cannons in jettisonable pods mounted under the wings, which gave the Ju-87 an ability to penetrate armour and provide close-air-support for ground-forces. These aircraft would also be used to quickly hunt down Soviet tanks that have broken through the front lines. The Ju-87G tank hunters demonstrated their effectiveness in the Crimea and at the Battle of Kursk, later they were mostly replaced by the Focke-Wulf Fw-190F which was a more resilient ground-attack aircraft.

Original Image Source: (unkown)

US National Archives, (Public Domain).

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German Soldiers of the "Nachrichtentruppe des Heeres" (Intelligence-troops of the Army) taking a break on the roadside. (Sudetenland, late-1938 ?).

The Nachrichtentruppe des Heeres was the Signal Corps of the Wehrmacht. They were responsible for the laying and upkeep of the communications cables and radio networks. Trained at the "Heeresnachrichtenschule" (Army Intelligence School) in Halle-Dölau, the soldiers were taught telegraphy, cryptography, radio/telephone engineering and foreign languages.

The vehicle pictured, a BMW 309, has been modified for military use with the addition of the rear "Gerätekasten" (Equipment box) and "Kabelspulgerät" (Cable winding device) cable reel in place of the standard boot/trunk. The BMW 309 was a straight-six 34Hp car made from 1934 to 1937, these modified vehicles were given the military designation "Kraftfahrzeug 2 Kübelwagen" (Motor-vehicle 2 Bucket-car). Kraftfahrzeug 2 (Kfz.2) was a designation for all "Nachrichtenkraftwagen" or 'Intelligence motor car' small vehicles and Kfz.15 for all medium-sized vehicles. The term 'Kübelwagen', short for 'Kübelsitzwagen' or bucket-seat car, was used to describe vehicles that were fitted with bucket seats and no doors as the doors were usually removed to allow for quicker exit and entry of the vehicle.

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[The World War 2 colorized photos are apolitical, and are simply for historical interest and research purposes only. Any comments relating to politics, racism or other inappropriate/offensive subjects will be removed].

American soldier from the 2nd Infantry Division standing in the crypt of the 'Völkerschlachtdenkmal' (Battle of the Nations) monument. (Leipzig, Germany, April 1945).

After intense fighting between the German and American forces during the battle for Leipzig, the monument was used as a 'last stand' by the remaining German Army, SS, Volkssturm and Hitler Youth commanded by Oberst Hans von Poncet, the Kommandant of Leipzig. The German defenders refused to surrender and despite being surrounded they continued firing at the Americans from the monument. However after long negotiations the German forces eventually agreed to surrender and the Americans captured Leipzig on the 19th of April 1945.

The 'Battle of Nations' monument was opened in 1913 and dedicated to the battle of 1813 when a unified force of over 350,000 soldiers from Prussia, Austria, Russia and Sweden defeated Napoleon's army of 195,000. The monument took 15 years to complete and cost 6 million marks (36 million Euros) that was paid for by special lotteries and donations.

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Additional Monument Information Source: External link

von Poncet Information Source: External link

Monument in 1942: External link

Monument in 1930s: External link

[The World War 2 colorized photos are apolitical, and are simply for historical interest and research purposes only. Any comments relating to politics, racism or other inappropriate/offensive subjects will be removed].

British Women's Auxiliary Air Force nurses, Leading-Aircraftwoman Myra Roberts (Left), Corporal Lydia Alford (Centre) and Leading-Aircraftwoman Edna Birbeck (Right) in front of a RAF C-47 air-ambulance. (Bazenville, France, 13 June 1944)

Air Ambulance Medical Orderlies were some of the first Allied personnel to land in Normandy after the invasion, evacuating wounded soldiers back to England and delivering much needed supplies. The brave nurses, who were part of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF), flew on Royal Air Force transport planes that were not marked as medical and were open to German fighter attacks. The WAAF "Flying Nightingales", as they were called by the press, helped rescue an estimated 1,559 casualties from France by the end of June.

Original Image Source: External link

F/Lt Devon S A, Royal Air Force official photographer

Wikipedia, (Public Domain)

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German 'Sonderkraftfahrzeug' (Special-motor-vehicle) 250/1 'Leichter Schützen-Panzerwagen' (Light Rifleman-Armoured-car) of 'Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 999' (999th Armoured-Reconnaissance-Battlion), from Sturm-Division Rhodos of 'Heeresgruppe E' (Army Group E) during the Dodecanese campaign. (Rhodes, Greece, 1943).

Developed by Demag in 1939 at the request of the 'Oberkommando des Heeres' (High-command of the Army) for a light armoured troop carrier, the SdKfz.250 saw service on all fronts. From North Afrika employed as Field-marshal Erwin Rommel's command car "Grief" to the Eastern Front and Italy. The vehicle like the larger SdKfz.251 had a number of variants, ranging from radio command-cars, mortar carriers, munition carriers and artillery observation vehicles. About 6,628 vehicles were manufactured between June 1941 and April 1945.

Sturm-Division Rhodos deployment:

* Formed on the Island of Rhodes in May 1943 where it performed security and defensive operations for the Dodecanese archipelago. The unit consisted of over 7,500 troops of Grenadier battalions, a panzer battalion with 15 Panzer IVs, 15 StuG IIIs and 3 command Panzer IIIs, an artillery regiment of 8 105mm Wespes and 4 150mm Hummels, a 20mm FlaK company, a pioneer company and reconnaissance units with over 60 armoured vehicles.

* September 1943, after the Italian government capitulation and armistice with the Allies, the unit engaged and disarmed Italian forces. The divisions commander, Generalleutnant Ulrich Kleemann, was later awarded the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves for completing this task. The division returned to security and defensive operations until late September. At the end of September 1944, Panzer-Battalion Rhodos consisted of 3 command Panzer IIIs, 13 StuG IIIs (two lost in combat), 3 StuH 42s, 15 Panzer IVs and 10 Maultier towed 7,5cm PaK 40 artillery.

* In mid-October 1944, most of Sturm-Division Rhodes was transferred to Osijek, Yugoslavia (Croatia) where it was disbanded and incorporated into Panzergrenadier-Division Brandenburg then moved on to Belgrade to fight against Tito partisans and the Soviets until it was almost completely destroyed.

* The remaining Sturm-Division panzer battalion on Rhodes was handed over to 'Kommandant Ost-Ägäis' (Commander East Aegean) Generalmajor Otto Wagener. The unit would later surrender to the British on the 8th of May 1945.

Crimes Committed:

* Sturm-Division Rhodos commander Ulrich Kleemann was ordered by the SS to round up and transport 3700 of the Rhodes and Dodecanese Islands Jewish community that were later sent to mainland Europe concentration camps.

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[The World War 2 colorized photos are apolitical, and are simply for historical interest and research purposes only. Any comments relating to politics, racism or other inappropriate/offensive subjects will be removed].

British and Canadian pilots of No.242 Squadron posing with Squadron Commander Douglas Bader (centre of photo) at RAF Duxford (Duxford, England, Sep 1940).

Squadron Commander Douglas Bader (Centre),

In 1931, Bader was involved in an aircraft crash that resulted in both legs being amputated from the knee. Prosthetic limbs and rehabilitation allowed him to return to flying in June 1932. Bader was involved in the battles over Dunkirk, the Battle of Britain and the Canal Battles. On August 1941 after engaging six German BF-109s alone, shooting down two during the dogfight, he was shot down over France and captured. After a number of failed escape attempts at a German "Stammlager Luft" (Main-camp Air), he was later imprisonment at the 'Offizierslager IV-C' (Schloss Colditz) where Bader spent the rest of the war. He was freed from captivity in April 1945 by Allied forces. He was credited with 20 air victories.

Pilot Officer William "Willie" McKnight (Left)

McKnight was a Canadian Hawker Hurricane fighter pilot during the Battle of France and the Battle of Britain. McKnight was killed-in-action on January 1941 over France. 17 air victories are credited to McKnight.

Flight Lieutenant Eric Ball (Right).

Ball fought during the battles over Dunkirk, the Battle of Britain and in North Africa. During a sandstorm in North Africa, Ball was forced to land in German held lines where he was captured. At the end of the war Ball was released by the Allies forces. He had 6 air victories. Ball was killed in a Gloster Meteor F3 jet fighter accident in January 1946.

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Free-French crew posing with their M4(105) Sherman of 2e Compagnie, 501e Régiment de chars de combat (2nd Company, 501st Combat Tank Regiment) after the Liberation of Paris. (Bois de Boulogne, Paris, France, Aug 1944).

Fighting with the 2e Division Blindée (2nd Armoured Division), La Moskowa fought through the Battle of Normandy and took part in the Liberation of Paris. On the 1st of November 1944, the tank became immobilized during an attack at Hablainville in Meurthe-et-Moselle. Stuck in the mud, the tank was hit several times from enemy anti-tank guns, destroying the vehicle and killing two of the crew members.

The M4(105) Sherman was a variant of the M4 that was equipped with a 105mm M4 Howitzer instead of the standard 75mm gun. It was mainly used for infantry close fire support and laying smoke screens. The French 2nd Armored Division had three tank regiments with three battalions per regiment. Each battalion had three companies of 17 tanks and each company had one M4(105) tank operated by the company commander.

(Left to Right)

Jean Fabre, wounded Nov 1, 1944. Did not return to action.

Louis Decherchi, wounded Nov 1, 1944. Did not return to action.

Robert Boccardo, Killed-in-action Nov 1, 1944.

Charles Kartner, survived. Returned to action.

Louis Pierre Fleuret, Killed-in-action Nov 1, 1944.

Pictured with "Marraine de guerre" (War Godmother) of the crew. 'War Godmothers' were volunteers who supported Soliders by sending letters of encouragement and gift packages.

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[The World War 2 colorized photos are apolitical, and are simply for historical interest and research purposes only. Any comments relating to politics, racism or other inappropriate/offensive subjects will be removed].

A new German Panzerkampfwagen V "Panther" Ausführung G at the Truppenübungsplatz(Troops training ground) after being put through testing and is now ready to be handed over to the SS-Panzer-Regiment 1 of 1. SS-PanzerDivision. (Grafenwöhr, Germany, Oct 1944)

Pictured is one of the initial 140 Panthers completed in September of 1944 to leave the factory with the new "Gummigedämpften Stahllaufrollen" (Rubber-dampened Steel-rollers). The wheels were more cost efficient by saving scarce rubber and able to better support the forthcoming heavier tanks. The design was originally intended for the heavier Panther II (Ausf.F). The first "Ausführung G or Ausf.G" (Execution G)'s still retained the Ausf.A mantlet without the "chin" modification. To standardize and have more consistent camouflage, an order was issued in August of 1944 that all new tanks were to be painted at the factory. 'Dunkelgrün' (Dark-green) became the base coat in late 1944.

Visible is the "Fahrgestell-Nummer" (Chassis number) '121052'. Also the "A" marking for "Abnahmestelle", the marking was applied to late-war MAN Panthers indicating it has passed testing performed by the 'Heeres-Abnahmestelle' (Army Acceptance Point). The 'Heeres-Abnahmestelle' was a sub-organisation of the 'Heereswaffenamt' (Army Weapons Office) that was responsible for testing all weapons before they entered service.

This Panther would be assigned the Nr. "231" for Zugführer (Platoon leader) 'SS-Untersturmführer' (2nd Lieutenant) Helmuth Koch of SS-Panzer-Regiment 1. Attached to 'Kampfgruppe' (Battle-group) Peiper during the 'Battle of the Bulge', Panther Nr.231 would be knocked-out in combat 19-20 December 1944 at the Belgium village of Stoumont while fighting the American 119th Infantry Regiment and the 740th Tank Battalion. Kampfgruppe Peiper retreated from Stoumont on the 21st of December after meeting strong American resistance, falling back to La Gleize where the Kampfgruppe was eventually surrounded and forced to break out on foot.

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Bundesarchiv, (Creative Commons-BY-SA 3.0)

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[The World War 2 colorized photos are apolitical, and are simply for historical interest and research purposes only. Any comments relating to politics, racism or other inappropriate/offensive subjects will be removed].

German "Oberjäger" (Corporals) and an "Obergefreiter" (senior Private) of Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 'Brandenburg' posing for a photo. The name 'Brandenburg' originating from the units garrison in the state of Brandenburg, Germany. (Identities unknown, Eastern Front, 1944).

The 'Brandenburg' division formed in 1939 was a special forces unit of the German "Oberkommando der Wehrmacht" (High-command of the Defence-Forces) counter-intelligence "Abwehr" (Defence) service. The unit specialized in behind-the-lines operations usually conducting sabotage, anti-partisan and reconnaissance missions sometimes wearing civilian or enemy uniforms over the top of their issued Wehrmacht uniforms. The unit also consisted of specialist battalions of 'Küstenjäger' (Coastal Hunters) for seaborne operations and 'Fallschirmjäger' (Paratroopers) for behind-the-lines insertion and air assault missions.

The Abwehr however was considered mostly ineffective in operations due to political conflicts in the higher command as well as competition with the SS intelligence services and was dissolved in February 1944 with its units handed over to SS "Ausland-Sicherheitsdienst" (Foreign Security Service). Furthermore in July of 1944 the Abwehr's leader Wilhelm Canaris was found guilty of being part of the “July Plot” to assassinate Hitler and was sentenced to death.

In September 1944 the special operations were no longer necessary and the Brandenburg unit was formed into Panzergrenadier-Division "Brandenburg" returning to the Eastern Front late 1944 where they were eventually destroyed during the Siege of Memel in Lithuania. Those that survived the siege fled west where they surrendered to the British in Schleswig-Holstein Germany.

The Brandenburgers Fallschirm-Bataillon 'Jungwirth' unit was found guilty of war crimes during an operation to take a partisan held airfield near Vassieux-en-Vercors, France in July of 1944. Murdering 71 local civilians in reprisal.

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Newly promoted German Generalfeldmarschall Erwin Rommel chatting with war reporters and Deutsches Afrikakorps (DAK) Soldiers the day after the capture of Tobruk. (Tobruk-area, Libya, 22 June 1942)

On the 22nd of June 1942, following the capture of Tobruk, Rommel was congratulated by the Führer and promoted to the rank of 'Generalfeldmarschall' (General field marshal). After a few days of inventorying captured supplies, Rommel continued his advance across the desert pursuing the British Eighth Army's retreat back into Egypt leading to the Battle of Mersa Matruh on the 25th of June. Later he would receive his Field-Marshal uniform rank in early July near El Alamein, gifted by Field Marshal Kesselring who gave Rommel his spare marshal baton insignias.

Rommel's command vehicle, an early production 'SdKfz.250/3(Z)' (Special-motor-car 250/3 Z-Böhler made) 'Ausführung A' (Execution A) "leichter Funkpanzerwagen" (light Radio-armoured-car) was known by the nickname "Greif", German for Griffin. Rommel used a number of other command vehicles throughout the North African campaign, other SdKfz.250's named "Adler" and "Igel", an Opel Blitz omnibus and a captured British AEC command vehicle named "Max". The SdKfz.250/3 Z 'aufbau' (structure) was constructed by Gebrüder Böhler & Co which had a slightly extended rear-end and an armoured vision flap on the rear door when compared to the standard 250 E 'aufbau' production design. This superstructure was also used for the 253 'leichter Gepanzerter Beobachtungskraftwagen' (light Armoured Observation-vehicle) fully enclosed roof variant. The command variant was fitted with a 'Rahmenantenne' (Frame antenna) for the 'Funkgerät 12' (Radio device 12) 80watts receiver/transmitter. This allowed for a voice transmission range of 25km and 80km for Morse-code signals.

Original Image Source: External link

Lutz Koch, Propaganda-Kompanie Afrika, CC-BY-SA 3.0

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Information Source: External link

Information Source: External link

[The World War 2 colorized photos are apolitical, and are simply for historical interest and research purposes only. Any comments relating to politics, racism or other inappropriate/offensive subjects will be removed].

American Military Police inspecting a German 'Flugabwehrkanone 37' (Flight-defence-cannon or Anti-aircraft cannon 1937) 8,8cm "Acht-Acht" (Eight-Eight) after the Battle of Cologne. (Köln, Germany, March 1945).

The first Allied bombing of Köln started on the 17 May 1940 with a small formation targeting the railway yards. Later in 1942 the first of the larger raids began on the 30th of May with over 860 RAF aircraft dropping 1400+ tons of bombs. Although there was little strategic value in the city's industries, over 260 bombing-raids were conducted over the course of the war with the objective to severely lower German morale. The city towards the end was mostly rubble and burnt-out buildings, inhabited by anti-aircraft Flak units, sheltering civilians, hiding Wehrmacht deserters and by the anti-Nazi “Edelweißpiraten-Navajos" resistance regularly fighting local officials with Gestapo reprisals resulting in mass public hangings.

The Battle of Cologne began on the 5th March lead by the American 3rd Armored Division and the 13th Infantry Regiment capturing the city after fierce fighting on the 7th March 1945. A total of over 44,900 tons of bombs were dropped on Köln, resulting in 20,000+ civilian casualties and over 60% of the city destroyed.

The Flugabwehrkanone 37 or Flak 37 was an improved version of the Flak 36. The Flak 37 had a new sighting system and a faster rate of fire making it more effective against enemy aircraft. The Flak 37 also had a new barrel design called the 'Rohr Aufbau 9' (Barrel construction 9) developed by Rheinmetall, which made it easier and cheaper to replace internal barrel liners when worn out rather than replacing the entire barrel. The Flak 37 used an upgraded targeting device called the 'Zünderstellmaschine 37' (Fuse-setting-machine), a machine that automatically set the fuses of the shells according to the target range. The machine could be individually per gun or receive calculations via a 'Kommandogerät 40' (Command device) that could send via a cable targeting solutions of lead angle and fuse time delay to an entire battery.

Original Image Source: US Army, US Signal Corps (Public Domain)

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Video of 88 Live Fire: External link (Thanks to Panzergruppe Süd).

[The World War 2 colorized photos are apolitical, and are simply for historical interest and research purposes only. Any comments relating to politics, racism or other inappropriate/offensive subjects will be removed].

German 'Generalmajor' (Major General) Erwin Johannes Eugen Rommel, Kommander of 7. Panzer-Division "Ghost Division", attending the event for 15. Panzerkorps commander Generaloberst Hermann Hoth (Hoth Tag Parade) at the Place des Quinconces. (Bordeaux, France, July 1940)

The 7th Panzer Division under the command of Major General Rommel reached the French city of Bordeaux on the 24th of June 1940. The Division held a victory parade on the 6th of July in Bordeaux, with the 7th Panzer Division later encamping at Martignas-sur-Jalle til 1941 while preparations for Unternehmen Seelöwe (Operation Sea Lion) were underway.

Major General Erwin Rommel's 7th Panzer Division gained the nickname 'Gespenster Division' (Ghost Division) during operation 'Fall Gelb' (Case Yellow aka. The Invasion of France) from Rommel often going radio-silent in order to avoid waiting for orders from higher command. This both frustrated the 'Oberkommando des Heeres or OKH' (Army High Command) but allowed Rommel to act and move his forces faster, leaving the Command mostly in the dark to his location during the invasion.

Awards worn (in frame):

Pour le Mérite / Blauer Max

Knights Cross of the Iron Cross

1939 Clasp to the Iron Cross 2nd Class 1914

1939 Clasp to the Iron Cross 1st Class 1914

Iron Cross 2nd Class 1813–1913 (ribbon)

Knights Cross of Military Merit Order - Württemberg (ribbon)

Military Merit Order 2nd Class - Bavaria (ribbon)

Military Merit Order 4th Class - Bavaria (ribbon)

The Iron Cross of World War 1914-1918 - Hindenburg (ribbon)

Wehrmacht Long Service Award - 25 years (ribbon)

The Medal in Memory to the 1st October 1938 (ribbon)

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Bundesarchiv, (Creative Commons-BY-SA 3.0)

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Information Source: External link

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[The World War 2 colorized photos are apolitical, and are simply for historical interest and research purposes only. Any comments relating to politics, racism or other inappropriate/offensive subjects will be removed].

German Soldiers from Heeresgruppe Süd (Army-group south), 11.Armee (11th Army), 46.Infanterie-Division observe Soviet lines during the Battle for the Crimea. (Isthmus of Perekop, Soviet Union, 1941).

Pictured is a German 'Leutnant' (2nd Lieutenant) using the S.F. or 'Scherenfernrohr' (Scissors telescope) 14.Z.Gi. The stereoscopic periscope was designed in 1894 by the Carl Zeiss company of Jena, Germany. The periscope had a '14' or 14x magnification and 'Z.Gi' indicates the viewing optics has a 'Ziel' (Target) 'Gitter' (Grid) reticle for artillery distance calculations however it was also often used for trench enemy observation. An 'Obergefreiter' (Senior-private) 'Funker' (Radio operator) is standing to his right.

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Narodowe Archiwum Cyfrowe, (Creative Commons-BY 3.0 PL)

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[The World War 2 colorized photos are apolitical, and are simply for historical interest and research purposes only. Any comments relating to politics, racism or other inappropriate/offensive subjects will be removed].

Geman 'Obergefreiter' (Senior-private) of the 'Panzertruppe der Deutschen Wehrmacht' (Armour troop of the German Defence Force).(Identity, Location, Date Unknown).

"Eisernes Kreuz II. Klasse"

(Iron Cross 2nd Class).

Normally worn as a ribbon after awarded.

The award was given in two tiers: 2nd class for battlefield bravery and 1st class for outstanding bravery and going beyond the call of duty. The award was given progressively, the Soldier must first receive the 2nd class before being awarded the 1st class medal. The next progression would be the Knights Cross awards.

"Panzerkampfabzeichen Silber"

(Tank-combat-badge in Silver).

Awarded to Panzer crew members who were engaged in three assaults or more and have already received an Iron Cross award.

"Verwundetenabzeichen Silber"

(Wounded badge in Silver).

The award was given in three tiers: black, silver and gold. 'Schwarz' (Black) for Soldiers wounded once, 'Silber' (Silver) for at least three times and Gold for five or more times in battle or air attacks. The class may also be awarded higher depending on the severity of the wounds. From 1943 civilians were also given the award for those wounded in bombing raids.

"Krimschild"

(Crimea shield).

Awarded to Wehrmacht personnel whom served for at least three months or more on the Crimea peninsula, engaged in at least one assault and was wounded during battle for the Crimea between 1941 and 1942.

"Obergefreiter"

(Upper-private or Senior-private).

A tier 3 "Mannschaften" (squad) enlisted service/pay grade and not an 'NCO' (Non-Commissioned Officer) rank. Given after 4 to 6 years of service. Mannschaften ranks have no authority over other soldiers.

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[The World War 2 colorized photos are apolitical, and are simply for historical interest and research purposes only. Any comments relating to politics, racism or other inappropriate/offensive subjects will be removed].

German Panzertruppen of the newly formed 'Panzer-Regiment 5, II Abteilung, 5.Kompanie' (5th Armoured Regiment, 2nd Battalion, 5th Company) of '3.Panzer-Division' (3rd Armoured Division) leaving the Lutz-Kaserne . (Wünsdorf, Germany, 1936)

The 5.Kompanie first began panzer training at Truppenübungsplatz Zossen, Munster in July of 1935 as 'Kraftfahrlehrkommando Zossen' later in October 1935 'Kraftfahrlehrkommando Zossen' was renamed Panzer-Regiment 5 and comprised of 2 Battalions of 4 Companies each. In September of 1935 the 2nd Battalion first paraded the 'Panzerkampfwagen I Ausf.A' (Armoured-battle-car 1 Version A) to the public at the 'Reichsparteitage' (Reich Party Days) held in Nuremberg.

First constructed in 1911, the Garrison was expanded after World War 1 composing of a number buildings near the town of Wünsdorf. The Lutz-Kaserne built for II./ Abteilung - Panzer-Regiment 5, Cambrai-Kaserne for I./ Abteilung - Panzer-Regiment 5 Headquarters in 1938, the Hindenburg-Kaserne for Panzerabwehr-Abteilung 39 in 1935 and the Panzertruppenschule (Panzer Troop School). In 1924 the Army Sports School (Heeressportschule) was commissioned from the original gymnastics institute built in 1914 and was used to train German athletes for the 1936 Berlin Summer Olympics. A boathouse on Lake Wünsdorf (Große Wünsdorfer See) was also built by I./ Abteilung for rowing events and recreational use.

The photo above shows the regimental insignia art based on the 'Kampfwagen-Erinnerungsabzeichen' (Battle-car Commemorative Badge) of the first World War featuring the 'Abteilung 7 Verkehrswesen' or "A7V" (Battalion 7 Transport) and the 'Totenkopf' (Death's Head) of the Prussian cavalry which was also painted on the A7V during WW1. The Kampfwagen Commemorative Badge wasn't issued until July 1921 and had to be paid for privately by German WW1 tank veterans.

Translations:

I./ Abteilung = 1st Battalion

II./ Abteilung = 2nd Battalion

Panzerabwehr = Armour Defence

Panzertruppen = Armour Troops

Kaserne = Barracks

Original Image Source: (unknown)

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Panzer School Video: External link (Thanks to Okejos)

[The World War 2 colorized photos are apolitical, and are simply for historical interest and research purposes only. Any comments relating to politics, racism or other inappropriate/offensive subjects will be removed].

German Army Sturmgeschütz III (Assault-gun 3) Ausführung B (Execution B) of 3. Batterie, 'Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 192' (192nd Assault-gun Battalion), '2.Armee' (2nd Army) during Operation Barbarossa. (Gomel, Belarus, Soviet Union, Aug 1941).

Formed in February 1941, the unit first saw combat on the 22th of June with the beginning of Operation Barbarossa. Launching the offensive from Janow-Podalski, Poland together with 'Infanterie-Regiment 82.' of '131. Infanterie-Division' crossed the Bug river into the Soviet Union. The unit continued fighting towards the Belarus town of Gomel, taking the town by the 23rd of August supported by the 131. Infanterie-Division. Later in September 1941 the unit was transferred to support the '124. Infanterie-Division' near Tchernigov, Ukraine advancing to Kaluga, Soviet Union where it remained over winter. After heavy fighting 'Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 192' was withdrawn in early April of 1942 and sent back to Germany. The unit was merged with 'Sturmgeschütz-Batterie 640' to form 'Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung Großdeutschland' and returned to the front in May of 1942.

Developed as self-propelled artillery support weapon for infantry assaults, the 'Gepanzerte Selbstfahrlafette für Sturmgeschütz 7,5cm Kanone Ausführung B' (Armoured Self-driving-carriage for 7,5cm Cannon Version B) or better known as the 'Sturmgeschütz III Ausf. B' was based on the 'Panzerkampfwagen III Ausführung G' (Armoured-battle-car 3 Version G) chassis. The vehicle was intended to be used in infantry assaults against enemy strong points or bunker fortifications and were often under the command of the infantry unit they were supporting. The armoured casemate mounted the low-velocity Krupp 7,5cm 'Sturmkanone 37' (Assault-cannon 1937) 'L/24' (7.5 Calibre x 24 Lengths = 180cm barrel length) cannon capable of firing high-explosive/armour-piercing (HEAT) and smoke rounds with each vehicle carrying about 54 rounds. The assault guns were operated by the Army 'Sturmartillerie' artillery branch and the crews were referred to as 'Kanoniere' (Gunners) rather than 'Panzerschützen' (Tank gunners).

Despite the 'Totenkopf' (Skull) symbol 'Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 192' was a Wehrmacht 'Heer' (Army) unit and is often confused with SS-Totenkopf-Sturmgeschütz-Batterie of the SS-Totenkopf-Division. Every assault gun battalion had its own unique insignia and unit marking system. For Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 192, the colour of the 'Totenkopf' designated the gun battery: White - 1st battery, Red - 2nd battery and Yellow - 3rd battery. Each battery had three platoons of three guns each. The number '33' for example indicated which 'platoon' it belonged to and the 'gun' of that platoon. Each platoon was lead by an Sd.Kfz 253 'leichter Gepanzerter Beobachtungskraftwagen' (light Armoured Observation-vehicle) that provided fire control and usually supported by two Sd.Kfz 252 'leichte Gepanzerte Munitionskraftwagen' (light Armoured Munitions-vehicle) for rearmament.

The late 1941 batteries of Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 192 consisted of three platoons with vehicles numbered:

Geschützstaffel (Gun squadron)

1 = StuG III (Group leader)

* 1. Zug (1st Platoon)

11 = Sd.Kfz 253 Zugführer (Platoon leader)

12 = StuG III

13 = StuG III

14 = StuG III

15 = Sd.Kfz 252 (Munitions carrier)

16 = Sd.Kfz 252 (Munitions carrier)

* 2. Zug (2nd Platoon)

21 = Sd.Kfz 253

22 = StuG III

23 = StuG III

24 = StuG III

25 = Sd.Kfz 252

26 = Sd.Kfz 252

* 3. Zug (3rd Platoon)

31 = Sd.Kfz 253

32 = StuG III

33 = StuG III

34 = StuG III

35 = Sd.Kfz 252

36 = Sd.Kfz 252

An "S" was added to the front at some point to some vehicles with no certainty as to what it means. Possibly a 'rollbahn' letter?

[Note: the numbers are based on KStN research and photo evidence however this may not be completely accurate]

Original Image Source: (unkown)

Propaganda-Kompanie 689, Kriegsberichter Bruno Plenik.

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Information Source: External link (unit history)

Information Source: External link (unit history)

Information Source: External link (assault gun doctrine)

[The World War 2 colorized photos are apolitical, and are simply for historical interest and research purposes only. Any comments relating to politics, racism or other inappropriate/offensive subjects will be removed].

American aircrew of "Hell's Belle" pose in front of their B17F "Flying Fortress" of the 91st Bombardment Group, 8th Air Force. (RAF Bassingbourn, England, Oct 1943).

Hell's Belle was initially assigned to the 548th Bomb Squadron, 385th Bombardment Group and later transferred to the 401st Bomb Squadron of the 91st Bombardment Group. After 13 successful missions the original crew led by Lieutenant Jewett were reassigned to the another aircraft and a new crew led by Second Lieutenant Charles Guinn took over Hell’s Belle in October of 1943, flying a further 12 missions. During it's 25th mission on the 1st of December 1943, the bomber was attacked by five enemy Bf-109 fighters while bombing the industrial area of Solingen, Germany. With three of the four engines smoking, the pilot managed to safely crash land near Boich, Germany and the crew were soon captured after attempting to destroy the aircraft. The bomber was recovered by the Luftwaffe and used for spare parts.

Pilot, 1st Lt. Millard “Bill” H. Jewett Jr. (Discharged 1945)

Co-pilot, 2nd Lt. Julius “Andy” D.C. Anderson (KIA)**

Bombardier, 2nd Lt. James Edward Peacock (POW)**

Navigator, 2nd Lt. Joseph Charles Wellman (POW)**

Radio operator, T/Sgt. Warren Jesse Kiley (Discharged 1945)

Top gunner, S/Sgt. Winfield Basil Neal (Discharged 1945)

Waist gunner, S/Sgt. Elmer Weaver Jr. (Discharged 1945)

Waist gunner, Sgt. Steve P. Resko (Discharged 1945)

Ball gunner, Sgt. Joseph York (Discharged 1945)

Tail gunner, S/Sgt. Frederick H. Lenke Jr. (Discharged 1945)

** later transfer to other crew / aircraft.

Original Image Source: External link

US National Archives, (Public Domain)

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Information Source: External link

Information Source: External link

Information Source: External link

[The World War 2 colorized photos are apolitical, and are simply for historical interest and research purposes only. Any comments relating to politics, racism or other inappropriate/offensive subjects will be removed].

British squadron leader Donald Finlay posing with other No.41 Squadron pilots in front of a Mk.I Spitfire. (Hornchurch, England, 1940).

Squadron Leader Donald "Don" Finlay (Centre).

Finlay was a professional athlete competing in the 1932 Los Angeles Summer Olympics and the 1936 Berlin Summer Olympics. He joined the RAF in 1935, rising to the rank of commanding officer of No.54 Squadron during the Battle of Britain. After being shot down he returned joining No.41 squadron where he became wing commander, receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross in June of 1942 with six air victories. In 1944 he was stationed in the Middle East flying Lockheed Hudson transport/recon aircraft. Linlay was awarded the Air Force Cross in September 1944. 1945 till the end of the war, Finlay commanded No.906 Wing in Burma.

Flight Lieutenant Anthony "Tony" Lovell (Second left)

After graduating training school he was assigned to No.41 Squadron in August 1938. Lovell was involved in the Battle of Britain, the Canal Battles and the Battle of Malta. During the Battle of Britain he was shot down twice over England, surviving and returning to his unit shortly after. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in November of 1940 and promoted to Flight Lieutenant. He had seven air victories to this point. In July 1941, he was assigned to Malta flying with No.603 Squadron. During the Battle of Malta in 1942, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order. After Malta, he was transferred to No. 242 Group and promoted to Squadron Leader. He led No.244 Wing during the invasion of Italy and France. Awarded the American Distinguished Flying Cross in November 1944. In February 1945 till the end of the war, he became chief flight instructor at No.71 Operational Training Unit. Lovell was killed on the 17th of August 1945 in an aircraft crash with his Spitfire Mark XII.

Flying Officer John MacKenzie (Left).

Flight Lieutenant N. Ryder (Second right).

Pilot Officer R. Ford (Right)

Original Image Source: (unknown)

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A new German Panzerkampfwagen V "Panther" Ausf.G at the 'Truppenübungsplatz' (Troops training ground) going through testing before being handed over to 1. SS-PanzerDivision. (Grafenwöhr, Germany, Oct 1944)

Pictured is the Maschinengewehr 34 (MG-34) 7.92mm 'Panzerlauf' with a 'Kreiskorn' mounted on the 'Fliegerbeschussgerät 42' (Aviator attack device 42). The 'Panzerlauf' (Armoured-barrel) is a heavy barrel-jacket variant of the MG-34 designed specifically for Panzers. During a march, an MG-34 would be removed from either the turret or the hull and used for aircraft defence. A "Kreiskorn" (circle grain) sight would be fitted for this role.

The 'plate with wingnuts' (pictured above) mounted on the turret was known as the 'LOST-Erkennungstafeln' (Mustard gas identification boards). 'Potential of Hydrogen'(pH)-sensitive grey-green coloured boards would change colour to red alerting the commander that poison gas has been detected. The crew would then be alerted by the commander to wear gas masks. 'LOST' was the name given to 'mustard gas' by German scientists in 1916. It is a combination of their last names, Wilhelm Lommel and Wilhelm Steinkopf. These boards were installed on a limited number of vehicles from Sep 1944 on wards including the Panther G, Tiger II and Panzer II "Luchs".

Original Image Source:

Bundesarchiv, (Creative Commons-BY-SA 3.0)

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[The World War 2 colorized photos are apolitical, and are simply for historical interest and research purposes only. Any comments relating to politics, racism or other inappropriate/offensive subjects will be removed].

German Kompanieführer SS-Untersturmführer Karl Brommann (centre of photo) and his crew of 1.kompanie, schwere SS-Panzer-Abteilung 503 posing in front of their Panzerkampfwagen Tiger II Ausführung B, "Königstiger" (Armoured-battle-car Tiger 2 Execution B, "Bengal Tiger"). (Danzig-area, East Prussia, March 1945).

On the Eastern Front in September 1944 Brommann was thrown into heavy fighting in the Stettin-area (now Szczecin, Poland) tasked with defending the German Army and refugees retreat from East Prussia. He was later transferred in February 1945 to the Danzig-area (now Gdansk, Poland), where he and his crew over the following month destroyed 72 enemy tanks, 44 artillery guns and 15 vehicles. In March 1945, Brommann was severely wounded by shrapnel requiring him to be evacuated to Swindemünde, East Prussia (now Świnoujście, Poland) earning him the 'Verwundetenabzeichen in Gold' (Wounded Badge in Gold) and for his performance near Danzig-Gotenhafen awarded the 'Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes' (Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross). Spending a month in hospital Brommann was released in late-April with Germany's surrender in May he was captured heading home to Neumünster by the British and later released in November 1947.

Pictured (above) with his crew, Brommann had been wounded in combat on the 2nd of March with burns to his hands and head despite this he decided to continue fighting. Later in March however he would be severely wounded by shell fragments to his head, right ear and right eye taking him out of the war. This photo was most likely taken early-March 1945 after his achievements near Danzig that were later reported in the 10th of April 1945 'Wehrmachtbericht', a printed newsletter and daily radio broadcast for the German public giving recognition to soldiers who excelled in combat actions.

(Left to Right)

Unidentified Workstattkompanie member.

SS-Unterscharführer Rüdi Bier (Radio operator).

SS-Untersturmführer Karl Brommann (Commander).

SS-Sturmmann Josef Teitsch (Loader).

SS-Unterscharführer Emil Reichel (Gunner).

SS-Oberscharführer Martin Hoffmann (Driver).

Original Image Source: (unknown)

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Brommann Information Source: External link

[The World War 2 colorized photos are apolitical, and are simply for historical interest and research purposes only. Any comments relating to politics, racism or other inappropriate/offensive subjects will be removed].

Soviet Sniper Senior Sergeant Lyudmila Pavlichenko (Людми́ла Павличе́нко) of the 54th Rifle Regiment, 25th Rifle Division posing with her Mosin–Nagant model 1891 during the Defence of the Crimea. (Sevastopol-area, Soviet Union, 1942)

S/Sgt. Pavlichenko joined the Red Army 25th Rifle Division as a sniper in June 1941. She recorded over 180 kills during the Battle of Odessa before her unit was withdrawn in October of 1941 and transferred to fight in the Siege of Sevastopol. Pavlichenko helped train sniper recruits and was promoted to Lieutenant in May of 1942.

After suffering a sever facial injury from mortar shrapnel, Lieutenant Pavlichenko was evacuated from Sevastopol to a hospital by submarine in June. After recovering, Pavlichenko's was assigned to work for the Red Army as a propagandist, the 309 confirmed kills giving her the nickname 'Lady Death', where she also trained new snipers til the end of the war.

By the end of World War 2, Lieutenant Pavlichenko was awarded Hero of the Soviet Union (in 1943), two Orders of Lenin (in 1942 and 1943) and a medal "For Military Merit" (in 1942).

Original Image Source: (unknown)

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Additional Information Source: External link

German crew of "schwere Panzerjäger-Abteilung 654" (654th Heavy Tank-hunting Battalion) posing in front of their newly issued Panzerjäger V "Jagdpanther" (Hunting-panther). (Grafenwohr, Germany, Oct 1944).

The Battalion was formed in September 1943 and initially equipped with the Panzerjäger Tiger “Ferdinand” mounting the 8,8 PaK 43. The unit was transferred to the Eastern Front in June 1943 and saw action during the Battle of Kursk where it suffered heavy losses. It remained there until the end of the year as II./Panzerjäger-Regiment 656. In 1944, it became the first unit to receive the new Jagdpanther tank destroyers which were first used in Normandy and was attached to various corps, including the Panzer-Lehr-Division, XXXXVII Panzer-Korps, and LXXIV Armeekorps. The Battalion had 21 Jagdpanthers on the 28th of July 1944, but many of them were out of action due to breakdowns. The Battalion was ordered to withdraw to the Grafenwohr camp on the 9th of September 1944 to be rebuilt up to the strength of 45 tank destroyers. Schwere Panzerjäger-Abteilung 654 was back in action on the Western Front in November of 1944 and was attached to LXIII Armeekorps fighting in the Ardennes Offensive during December 1944. Pushed back to Germany, the unit was down to only 9 operational Jagdpanthers by March, finally ending the war surrendering in the Ruhr Pocket in April 1945.

Original Image Source: (unkown)

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Information Source: External link

[The World War 2 colorized photos are apolitical, and are simply for historical interest and research purposes only. Any comments relating to politics, racism or other inappropriate/offensive subjects will be removed].

British Soldiers of the 8th Battalion, Royal Scots advancing with Churchills of the 7th Royal Tank Regiment on the city of Caen during Operation Epsom. (Normandy, June 1944)

In the early morning of the June 28th 1944, the 15th (Scottish) Infantry Division attacked the German held village of Grainville-sur-Odon, Normandy. The objective was to spearhead towards and encircle the city of Caen occupied by German forces of the 21. Panzer-Division, the 12 SS-Panzer-Division "Hitlerjugend" and the Panzer-Lehr-Division. After capturing Grainville-sur-Odon, German counter-attacks by 'Kampfgruppe Frey' from the east and 'Kampfgruppe Weidinger' from the west saw fierce-fighting but the Royal Scots managed to repel the German attacks and hold on to the village.

Later in the afternoon the bridge-head over the Odon River at Gavrus was also captured after heavy fighting, allowing for British armour to continue the advance to Caen. Counter-attacks by the 12.SS-Panzerdivision "Hitlerjugend" resulted in 11th Armoured Division losing 40 tanks, however the British forces managed to secure their position by the end of the day.

Original Image Source: External link

IWM Major Stewart, No 5 Army Film & Photographic Unit

Wikipedia, (Public Domain)

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German Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf.H of the 6. Kompanie, II. Abteilung, SS-Panzer-Regiment .12 "Hitlerjugend" with it's crew taking a morning break. (Caen, France, June 1944).

Original Image Source: External link

Bundesarchiv, (Creative Commons-BY-SA 3.0)

Kurth, Propaganda-Kompanie 698.

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[The World War 2 colorized photos are apolitical, and are simply for historical interest and research purposes only. Any comments relating to politics, racism or other inappropriate/offensive subjects will be removed].

German Soldiers and Pioneers of the 45. Infanterie-Division waiting for bridge repairs behind a 'Sonderkraftfahrzeug 253 leichter gepanzerter Beobachtungskraftwagen' (Special-motor-vehicle 253 light armoured Observation-motor-car) of 3.Batterie, 'Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 192' (192nd Assault-gun Battalion) during the advance into the Soviet Union across the Bug River railway bridge. (Terespol-Brest, Polish-Belarus boarder, 22 June 1941).

The SdKfz 253 vehicles pictured above initially belonged to the battalions 'Batterietrupp' (Battery troop) where they would be distributed to batteries as needed. The early Sturmgeschütz battalions had three batteries of assault guns, each with three platoons of two assualt guns lead by a SdKfz 253 observation vehicle and supported by SdKfz 252 munitions carriers. The observation vehicles were equipped with radios and ranging periscopes to communicate directly with the assault guns and provided assistance to direct their fire.

The crossing of the bridge by this unit was shown in 'Die Deutsche Wochenschau Nr. 564 Juni 1941'.

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Albert Cusian, Propaganda-Kompanie 689, CC-BY-SA 3.0

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[The World War 2 colorized photos are apolitical, and are simply for historical interest and research purposes only. Any comments relating to politics, racism or other inappropriate/offensive subjects will be removed].

American Heavy Tank M26 "Pershing" of the 9th Armored Regiment cautiously moving through the streets of Euskirchen near the centre of the city. (Euskirchen, Germany, March 1945).

On the 1st of March 1945 the 'First United States Army' launched 'Operation Lumberjack', an offensive to capture the west bank of the Rhine River and key German cities including the city of Euskirchen. III Corps advanced toward Euskirchen from the west and V Corps attacked from the north reaching Euskirchen on the 4th of March and captured it after a brief fight with some resistance from elements of the German '15. Armee' and Volkssturm militia. The advanced then went onto Remagen and seized the Ludendorff Bridge on March 7 which established a bridgehead on the east bank of the Rhine. The German forces tried to recapture Euskirchen and destroy the bridge with several counterattacks but were repelled by heavy American artillery and air support.

Entering service in January 1945 with US Army in Europe, the M26 was designed to counter the German late war heavy tanks such as the Panther and the Tiger II. Armed with a powerful high-velocity 90mm M3 cannon and almost double the thickness of frontal armour compared to the M4 'Sherman'. The 46 tonne M26 was the first American tank to be classified as a 'heavy tank' leading to the development of post war 'main battle tanks' such as the M48 'Patton'.

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US Army, US Signal Corps (Public Domain)

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German Panzerkampfwagen V, Ausführung A, "Befehlspanther" (Armoured-battle-car 5, Execution A, "Command-Panther") of Panzer-Brigade 106 from the previous day engagement near the Cathedral. (Köln, Germany, March 1945)

In January 1945 after abandoning the Alsatian bridgehead and retreating across the Rhine, Panzer-Brigade 106 “Feldherrnhalle” ("Field Marshals' Hall" after the monument in Munich) of 'Armeegruppe B, 15. Armee' (Army Group B, 15th Army) commanded by 'Hauptmann' (Captain) Richard Pohl was tasked with the defence of Cologne against the advancing American 3rd Armored Division and 104th Infantry Division.

On the 6th of March 1945 Sherman's of the American 3rd Armored Division entered the city of Cologne. During the advance into the city centre, a Sherman of F Company, 32nd Armored Regiment was hit and knocked-out by a waiting German Panzer of the Panzer-Brigade 106 near the Cathedral. Realizing it was a powerful German medium tank, the M26 Pershing "Eagle 7" was called up. As "Eagle 7" approached from an adjacent street, the crew of the Panther spotted and sighted the Pershing however the commander did not recognize the new American tank believing it to be one of their own. Without hesitation the Pershing fired at the Panther, the first shot penetrated the side armour injuring the loader and causing the other surprised crewmen to panic and to quickly bail out of the tank. Another two shots shorty followed hitting the Panther's ammunition stowage that started an inferno. The commander 'Leutnant der Reserve' (Lieutenant of the Reserve) Wilhelm Bartelborth, loader, driver and radio-operator managed to flee, however the gunner was killed from shrapnel during his attempt to escape the burning tank.

Earlier the same day German pioneers of Panzer-Pionier-Kompanie 2106 destroyed the Hohenzollern Bridge over the Rhine behind the cathedral to prevent the Americans from crossing the river however this also trapped the remaining German forces. The Panzer-Brigade 106 continued to fight in Cologne until the next day, when it withdrew to the east bank of the Rhine along with the remnants of other German units. After Cologne the units were later disbanded and its personnel absorbed into Panzer-Division "Clausewitz" ending the war in April 1945 near Schwielowsee.

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US National Archives, Army Signal Corps (Public domain).

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Bartelborth Information Source: External link

[The World War 2 colorized photos are apolitical, and are simply for historical interest and research purposes only. Any comments relating to politics, racism or other inappropriate/offensive subjects will be removed].

American Engineers of 327th Engineer Combat Battalion, 102nd Infantry Division riding a captured German SonderKraftfahrzueg 2 (Special-Motor-vehicle 2) "Kleines Kettenkraftrad" (Small Tracked-motorcycle). (Besweiler, Germany, Jan 1945).

Designed by engineer and Reichskriegsministerium (Reich war ministry) official Heinrich Kniepkamp, the Kettenkraftrad was produced in 1938 to 1948 by NSU Werke AG of Neckarsulm, Germany as an all-terrain-vehicle intended for forestry workers. The vehicle however became popular in Wehrmacht service for its towing capacity and excellent cross-country ability. Used mostly for communications cable laying and in Luftwaffe service as an aircraft tug, the vehicle saw service mostly on the Eastern Front. Other units such as the Gebirgsjäger and Fallschirmjäger received the vehicle utilizing it for towing the 8,8cm Raketenwerfer 43 and Sonderanhänger 1 (Special [equipment] trailer). The vehicle continued to be produced after the war til 1948 for agriculture and forestry use.

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[The World War 2 colorized photos are apolitical, and are simply for historical interest and research purposes only. Any comments relating to politics, racism or other inappropriate/offensive subjects will be removed].

German Luftwaffe pilots of 9 Staffel, III Gruppe of Jagdgeschwader 2 (9.III/JG2) "Richthofen" posing in front of a Focke-Wulf Fw-190 Anton-5. (Vannes, France, Sep 1943).

The 'rooster's head' insignia of III Gruppe was introduced in 1939 by the group's first Flight Leader Hans "Assi" Hahn. The word 'Hahn' meaning 'Rooster' in German.

Pictured (L to R):

Unteroffizier Eberhard Borchert,

Unteroffizier Helmut Tietze,

Feldwebel Wilhelm "Willi" Kopp,

Oberleutnant Ferdinand Müller (Staffelkapitän),

Oberfeldwebel Ludwig-Friedrich "Fritz" Hartmann,

Unteroffizier Rudolf Friedrich Gehrhardt (w/ staffelhund),

Leutnant Benno Eder,

Oberfeldwebel Gerhard Mund,

Unteroffizier Léonhard Deuerling.

Luftwaffe translations: (number of aircraft and equivalents)

Rotte (2) = Pair.

Kette (3) = Chain.

Schwarm (4) = (Swarm) Section

Staffel (12) = (Squadron) Flight.

Stabstaffel (4) = (Staff squadron) Headquarters flight.

Gruppe (36) = Group.

Jagdgeschwader (108) = (Hunting squadron) Fighter wing.

Kampfgeschwader = (Battle squadron) Bomber wing.

Sturzkampfgeschwader = (Dive battle Squadron) Dive-bomber.

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American Soldiers of the 9th Infantry Division at the Siegfried Line (Westwall) near the Hürtgenwald. (Roetgen, Germany, Sep 1944)

The 3rd Armored Division was the first Western Allied force to cross the Siegfried Line into Germany on the 12th of September 1944. 3rd Armored Division's 2nd Battalion 33rd Armored Regiment and 36th Armored Infantry Regiment named "Task Force Lovelady", lead by Lt. Colonel William B. Lovelady, facing little resistance crossed the boarder and advanced to the town of Roetgen. The village of Roetgen was the first German town to fall to the Allies allowing for the Divisions advance continuing to Stolberg and onto the city of Aachen.

The "Dragon's Teeth" near Roetgen were built to prevent the enemy's further advance into Germany with the location chosen using the natural valley. The defenses across the Grölisbach valley ran for approximately 100m, with a gate and steel beams able to be deployed to block the road. Two Regelbau 105d-type, six-man MG-34 bunkers built within the hills overlooked the defensive wall. However during the 3rd Armored Division's advance, these bunkers were found to be abandoned.

The Siegfried Line was constructed by Organization Todt from 1936 to 1939, stretching for over 640km and consisting of more than 22,000 bunkers. The defensive line was abandoned in 1940, however in 1944 with war approaching Germany the neglected defenses where quickly put back into action.

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British Sergeant R. S. Baker from the Army Film & Photographic Unit standing on the eagle from the Neu Reich Chancellery's courtyard entrance. (Berlin, July 1945)

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Sergeant C. H. Hewitt, No 5 Army Film & Photographic Unit

(Public Domain)

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Reichs Chancellery Eagle Today: External link

[The World War 2 colorized photos are apolitical, and are simply for historical interest and research purposes only. Any comments relating to politics, racism or other inappropriate/offensive subjects will be removed].

American soldiers of the 3rd Armored Division inspecting a heavily damaged German "Panzerkampfwagen V Ausführung.G" (Armoured-battle-car 5 Execution G) "Panther" of 1. SS-Panzer-Division during the Battle of the Bulge. (La Gleize, Belgium, Dec 1944)

Commanded by 'Obersturmbannführer' (Lieutenant colonel) Jochen Peiper, 'Kampfgruppe' (Battle-group) Peiper was given the objective to split the Americans and British then drive on to Antwerp with the hope of weakening the Allied forces in Belgium. The offensive was known as 'Wacht am Rhein' or the Battle of the Bulge. However Kampfgruppe Peiper's drive through Belgium was halted at the village of La Gleize. American forces of the 3rd Armored Division and the 82nd Airborne Division had dug-in and launched an aggressive counter-attack. Kampfgruppe Peiper was encircled by the Americans in the village and ground-down by heavy artillery fire. On Christmas Eve 1944, the remaining forces of Kampfgruppe Peiper, low on fuel and other supplies fled in the evening with the Americans discovering over 130 vehicles including Panthers and Königstigers abandoned in the village a few days later.

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[The World War 2 colorized photos are apolitical, and are simply for historical interest and research purposes only. Any comments relating to politics, racism or other inappropriate/offensive subjects will be removed].

German Panzerkampfwagen V "Panther" Ausf.D production line at the Maschinenfabrik Augsburg-Nürnberg (MAN) in Bavaria. (Nuremberg, Germany, Feb 1943).

The newly-designed Panzer V's entered production in late 1942 with 250 expected to be delivered to Panzer-Regiment 51 and 52 by May 1943 for the planned 'Operation Zitadelle' offensive (Battle of Kursk). However, by May only 65 out of 200 of the new Panthers passed the acceptance tests with problems ranging from the gearbox to radio static noise and gunner sight issues. Maschinenfabrik Augsburg-Nürnberg(MAN), Maschinenfabrik Niedersachsen-Hannover(MNH) and Daimler-Benz were the main manufactures with a production target of 600 per month but, due to Allied bombing disruptions, only 148 Panthers were completed per month on average. By July, Operation Zitadelle was ready to be launched with only 200 Panthers delivered with many technical issues still not resolved.

On the 14th of July 1943, 9 days after the beginning of Operation Zitadelle, Oberleutnant Georg Ernst von Grundherr of the OKH (High Command of the Army) wrote a letter in regards to the performance of the Panther. A translated excerpt: "One day the Panther situation was like this: 27 total losses, 46 under repair, 91 in the process of repair, 17 operational. In the meantime, this has at least improved with regard to the operational ones, today there are 36. Every day tanks leave the workshops and are delivered to the troops, but I still don't understand why someone can't find all the technical defects at home."

The Panther's main components such as the '7,5cm KwK 42' cannon were manufactured by Rheinmetall-Borsig, the 'V-12 HL210 P30' 650Hp engine by Maybach, the transmission by Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen and the hulls and turrets by Krupp-Gruson, Eisenwerke Oberdonau and Ruhrstahl to name a few. These components were brought together in final assembly factory's: MAN, MNH, Daimler-Benz and Henschel & Sohn where final machining and fitment of components was made. Throughout this assembly process, the chassis was painted in a rust protective red-oxide or white zinc phosphate coating as it passed through the assembly halls. The final step after completion was to apply the RAL 7028 'dunkelgelb' coating before it was handed over to the 'Heereswaffenamt' (Army Weapons Office) for acceptance testing.

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Bundesarchiv, (Creative Commons-BY-SA 3.0)

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Schwere Panzer-Abteilung 505 Panzerkampfwagen Tiger Ausf.E. Kursk, 1943.

Print Sizes:

"8 x "12

"10 x"15

"12 x "18

"16 x "24

"24 x "36

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American Soldier inspecting a German Messerschmitt 262 "Schwalbe" in front of the assembly hall. (Burgau, Germany, 1945)

With the Allied bombing campaign destroying many aircraft factories across Germany, production of the Me262 was moved out of cities and into surrounding woodland.

Aircraft parts were manufactured in small workshops within the area, then finally assembled at improvised assembly workshops such as the Burgau/Scheppacher Waldwerk Kuno AG Plant I. The aircraft would then use the nearby highway to takeoff. Assembly of the Me.262 was carried out by workers of a nearby slave labor camp near the town of Burgau.

Captured German Sonderkraftfahrzeug 251/8, Ausführung D, mittlerer "Krankenpanzerwagen" (Special-motor-vehicle 251/8, Execution D, medium "Sick-armoured-car") repainted and in service with the British. The vehicle most likely originally belonged to the Sanitäts-Kompanie 130 of Panzer-Lehr-Regiment. (Tilly-sur-Seulles area, Normandy, France, 15 June 1944).

The village of Tilly-sur-Seulles and surrounding area became a battleground between the British and German forces between the 7th and 14th of June. The British plan was to encircle and seize city of Caen known as Operation Perch. The German defenders mainly the Panzer-Lehr-Division and the 21. Panzer-Division put up a fierce defence against the British of the 49th and 50th Infantry Divisions and the 8th Armoured Brigade. The village suffered heavy bombardment and changed hands many times during the month. It was finally taken by the British on June 19th of 1944, after 23 days of intense fighting. Today, a war cemetery in Tilly-sur-Seulles commemorates 986 British soldiers, 232 Germans, 2 New Zealanders, 1 Australian and 1 Canadian who died there in 1944.

The Krankenpanzerwagen was an unarmed, armoured ambulance intended for use in heavy combat zones. It was capable of carrying a maximum of eight seated wounded soldiers or four seated and two laying in stretchers. Once the wounded soldiers were stabilized, they would be transported to the "Hauptverbandplatz" (Main-dressing-square), a camp established by the "Sanitätsdienst des Heeres" (Medical-service of the Army) when large-scale engagements were anticipated. It was situated about 6 to 10 km behind the front line and offered the first medical treatment for wounded soldiers. It was also a point where the more severely wounded were gathered and then transferred to the "Feldlazarett" (Field hospitals) or "Reservelazarett" (Reserve hospitals) in the rear areas. The Hauptverbandplatz was identified with large red crosses and was intended to be out of the enemy artillery fire range. Wounded requiring long-term care would be transported by train to "Heimatlazarett" (Homeland hospitals).

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Sgt. A.Laing. Number 5 Section, Army Film and Photographic Unit. (Public Domain).

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New German Panzerbefehlswagen V "Panther" Ausführung D pictured at the Maschinenfabrik Augsburg-Nürnberg factory. (Nuremberg, Germany, late-1943).

The 'Panzerbefehlswagen' (Armoured Command Car) was the command variant of the Panther that was issued to regimental commanders, having both short-range FuG 5 (radio device) and long-range FuG 8 radios. The main gun was retained however with reduced ammunition and the coaxial machine gun was removed to make room for the additional radios. The Befehlswagen can be identified by the antennas mounted on the turret and star antenna on rear engine deck, as well as the welded plug covering the hole of the coaxial machine gun. The gunner targeted through a 'Turmzielfernrohr 12' or 'T.Z.F.12' (Tower scope, model 12) binocular sight that had a fixed magnification of 2.5x and a field of view of 25 degrees. This was later replaced with the more economical 'Turmzielfernrohr 12a' monocular sight for the Ausf.A version. The ''T.Z.F.12a' model however had an improved feature allowing for quick switching between a 1.8x magnification with a field of view of 36 degrees or 5.5x magnification with a field of view of 12 degrees.

Zimmerit was a textured coating developed by Chemische Werke Zimmer & Co that was applied to the exterior of new panzers starting in late August 1943 to help prevent the adhesion of magnetic charges. The hard, resilient paste-like coating provided a stand-off distance (6 mm on average) preventing magnetic-based shaped-charged weapons from being attached to the steel hull. The coating was composed of 40% barium sulfate (strength/durability), 25% polyvinyl acetate (adhesive), 15% ochre pigment (colour), 10% zinc sulfide (colour), and 10% sawdust (workability/volume). These ingredients were mixed together to form a paste-like substance that was applied to the vehicle at the factory or in the field which was left to dry for up to 4 hours. After drying, it was hardened with a blow torch and shaped into the final pattern using spatulas or stamps. The coating was usually patterned with ridges or waffles to increase its effectiveness. However, since Germany was the only side to develop such weapons, it was seen as unnecessary and too time-consuming to apply. The coating was discontinued after September 1944.

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[The World War 2 colorized photos are apolitical, and are simply for historical interest and research purposes only. Any comments relating to politics, racism or other inappropriate/offensive subjects will be removed].

Canadian Soldiers of the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals inspecting a disabled then abandoned 'Jagdpanzer V Ausführung G1' (Hunting-armour 5 Execution G1) or "Jagdpanther" (Hunting-panther) tank destroyer during Operation Veritable aka. Battle of the Reichswald. (Klever-Reichswald, Germany, March 1945)

The Battle of the Reichswald or Operation Veritable was a northern pincer offensive by the Allies to encircle and destroy the German forces defending the Rhine River in February 1945. It was part of the larger Rhineland Offensive, which also included Operation Grenade, the southern pincer movement by the U.S. Ninth Army. The Allied forces faced strong resistance from the Germans who had fortified the Reichswald Forest and flooded large areas of land. The battle was also affected by bad weather, poor visibility, muddy terrain and logistical problems. The Allies eventually broke through and linked up with the U.S. Ninth Army near Geldern, Germany on the 4th of March.

Jagdpanthers of 'Schwere Panzerjäger-Abteilung 655' (655th Heavy Armour-hunter Battalion) was part of the LXXXVI Armeekorps, 1. Fallschirm-Armee under the command of General der Fallschirmtruppe Alfred Schlemm. The unit was deployed in the southern sector of the Reichswald near Goch where it ambushed and counterattacked the British XXX Corps and the II Canadian Corps. The Jagdpanthers inflicted heavy losses on Allied tanks and infantry but they also suffered from mechanical failures, fuel shortages, air and artillery attacks. Many were abandoned or destroyed by their crews to prevent capture. Out of the units original 14 Jagdpanthers, only about 8 Jagdpanthers survived the battle and retreated across the Rhine.

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Lt. George K. Bell, Canadian Army Film and Photo Unit.

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German Panzerkampfwagen V "Panther" Ausf.A of 5 Kompanie, 5. SS-PanzerDivision "Wiking" in a rapeseed field near the village of Nurzec-Stacja (Poland, July 1944).

The 5th SS-Panzer-Division lead by SS-Standartenführer Johannes-Rudolf Mühlenkamp was engaged in heavy fighting during the German retreat following the failed Eastern Campaign throughout summer 1944. Having been pushed back to Poland, 5th SS-Panzer-Division was given the task of preventing the Soviet forces from entering Germany.

Pictured is one of 5th Company's Panzer V together with SS-Panzergrenadier-Regiment 9 "Germania" of 5. SS-PanzerDivision "Wiking" during defensive operations near the Polish-Belarus boarder.

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SS-Kriegsberichter-Kompanie Ernst Baumann.

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A new German Sd.Kfz.267 Panzerbefehlswagen V "Panther" Ausf.D pictured at the Maschinenfabrik Augsburg-Nürnberg factory. (Nuremberg, Germany, late-1943).

The 'Panzerbefehlswagen' (Armoured Command Car) was the command variant of the Panther that was issued to regimental commanders, having both short-range FuG 5 (radio device) and long-range FuG 8 radios. The main gun was retained however with reduced ammunition and the coaxial machine gun was removed to make room for the additional radios. The Befehlswagen can be identified by the antennas mounted on the turret and star antenna on rear engine deck, as well as the welded plug covering the hole of the coaxial machine gun.

The Befehlswagen was equipped with three antennas for the additional radio sets. The added 2m 'Stabantenne' (Staff-antenna) on the turret was connected to the Fu.G 5 radio which was used for direct communication with platoon leaders. It was located on the right side of the turret next to the loader’s station. The 2m Stabantenne on the hull just behind the turret was connected to the Fu.G 7 radio which was a receiver only that operated in the same band as the Fu.G 5. The Fu.G 7 radio was installed in command tanks to allow them to listen to the regiment while talking to subordinate units at the same time. The command tank also had a 'Sternantenne D' (Star-antenna type-D) on the engine deck which was a long-range antenna for the Fu.G 8 radio. It was located in the hull and allowed the regimental commander to communicate directly with headquarters. The tank also had three additional 'Steckmastrohre' (extension masts) rods stowed for the Sternantenne beneath the 'Wischerbehälter' (Wiper [barrel-cleaner] container) stowage on the left side of the hull.

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American B-17F Flying Fortress "Man O' War" of the 306th Bomb Group, 367th Bomb Squadron, 8th Air Force. (Thurleigh, England, 1942).

Named after the famous racehorse "Man O' War" that won 20 races over the 1919-1920 racing seasons.

"Man O' War" on the 9th November 1942 crashed into the sea after being hit due to heavy Flak over the U-boat pens at St Nazaire, France. All crew members were killed-in-action.

Pilot, 2nd Lt. James M. Stewart (KIA)

Co-pilot, 2nd Lt. William W. Dickey (KIA)

Bombardier, 2nd Lt. John A. Creamer (KIA)

Navigator, 2nd Lt. Joseph A. Creed (KIA)*

Radio operator, T/Sgt. Thomas A. McMillan (KIA)

Top gunner, T/Sgt. Charles J. Meriwether Jr. (KIA)

Waist gunner, Sgt. Martin M. Barthe(KIA)

Waist gunner, S/Sgt. George R. Rumph (KIA)*

Ball gunner, S/Sgt. Raymond C. Schmoyer (KIA)

Tail gunner, S/Sgt. Jack M. Wheeler (KIA)*

G/OBS, Cpl. Hugh L. Langan (KIA)

* not in photo.

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US National Archives, (Public Domain).

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German 'Panzerkampwagen Tiger Ausführung E' (Armoured-battle-car Tiger Execution E) of 'Schwere Panzer-Abteilung 505' (505th Heavy Armour Battalion) in a sunflower field before the start of Operation Citadel. (Oryol southern-area, Soviet Union, July 1943).

Schwere Panzer-Abteilung 505 (505th Heavy Armour Battalion) was attached to Feldmarschall Model's 9th Army of Heeresgruppe Mitte (Army Group Center) during Operation Citadel. The Battalion was formed in Feburary of 1943 however it wasn't until June that it was built up to a force of 31 Tiger's and 25 Panzer III's. The offensive began on the 5th of July with 505 Battalion heading south from Oryol towards Kursk supporting the 6.Infanterie-Division. The following day this time supporting the 9.Panzer-Division, the Battalion destroyed over 70 Soviet tanks from the 16th Guards Tank Corps during a counter-attack. Progress was slow with a number of the Battalions Tigers being immobilized from heavy Soviet mining, however they were able to be recovered and repaired. Over the offensive 505 Battalion destroyed over 150 tanks losing only 5 Tigers, but failed to achieve its objective by taking Kursk because of the strong Soviet resistance.

On the 12th of July Hitler gave orders to halt the offensive once hearing news of the Allied landings in Sicily believing the Allies may also land forces in Italy or France, preparations were made to move eastern forces to counter a possible invasion in the west. After the battle of Kursk, the Battalion was withdrawn and reassigned to the Smolensk-Orscha area (500km north-west of Kursk) in support of German forces, later in September of 1944 being completely withdrawn back to Germany for refit with the new Königstiger.

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