German Obergefreiter (Corporal) leaving his position to lay land mines in the Eastern Front during Unternehmen Barbarossa (German invasion of Soviet Union). In his waist belt a hand grenade. This picture was taken by Artur Grimm in the summer of 1941. On the eastern front, mine warfare of massive proportions was used by both sides during defensive and offensive operations. A postwar German assessment of mine operations credited mine warfare with achieving some temporary tactical results but dismissed it as having no operational or strategic effect. "The effectiveness of German mines," General Major Alfred Toppe said, "was reduced by Soviet indifference to casualties and diligent countermine operations."
Source :
https://1997-2001.state.gov/global/arms/rpt_9401_demine_ch1.html
https://www.facebook.com/1219329084887059/posts/obergefreiter-mit-stielhandgranate-und-tellerminen/1414892765330689/
https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/soviet-union-ukrainian-ssr-world-war-ii-german-soldier-news-photo/548130249?phrase=artur%20grimm
The photo can not have been taken in 1941 since the soldier wears the ostfront ribbon that was created on 1942.
ReplyDeleteIt's a very good photo though, had moved to k is when it was actually taken.