Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 5 in Greece

This is a color slide showing motorcycle soldiers from the Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 5 of the 2. Panzer-Division entering Greece in 1941. In March 1941 the Abteilung took part in the Balkan campaign and took Salonika on April 12, 1941. The Abteilung then remained in Greece for security purposes. The 1. Schwadron was sunk during a ship transport and thus destroyed.

Source :
Akira Takiguchi photo collection
https://www.lexikon-der-wehrmacht.de/Gliederungen/Panzerdivisionen/2PD.htm
https://twitter.com/atakiguchi/status/1708002090055036941/photo/1

German Gebirgsjäger Climbing the Mountain

A Heeresbergführer (Army Mountain Leader) of German Gebirgsjäger displaying his climbing equipment (carabiner, pegs, climbing shoes, cords, and ropes). All the hardware needed for climbing and roping had to be carried with the soldier; it was issued as required, and then returned to stores. Several Italian-issue and many civilian items found their way into German use.

Source :
"German Mountain Troops" by Yves Beraud
https://www.2ndgebirgsjager.com/photos-of-approved-kit.html

Gebirgsjäger in the Elbrus Mountains

 

Gebirgsjäger in the Elbrus Mountains in the summer of 1942. In May 1942, 1. Gebirgs-Division fought in the Second Battle of Kharkov and then participated in the offensive through southern Russia and into the Caucasus (Operation Edelweiss). In a symbolic propaganda move, the division sent a detachment to raise the German flag on Mount Elbrus on 21 August. Although the feat was widely publicized by Goebbels, Hitler was furious over what he called "these crazy mountain climbers," his rage lasting for hours. However, by December 1942 with Soviet forces en-circling the 6th Army at Stalingrad, the 1st Mountain Division, as part of the 17th Army, was ordered to withdraw to the Kuban bridgehead.

Source :
Ullstein Bild
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1st_Mountain_Division_(Wehrmacht)
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=3969206339784863&set=gm.1728039760714773

U.S. Navy JRF Goose over Alaska

 

A U.S. Navy Grumman JRF Goose amphibian in flight over mountains in Alaska (USA), winter 1942/43

Source :
National Archives and Records Administration 80-G-K-5178
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
https://www.flickr.com/photos/airandspace/albums/72157715574200936
https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/our-collections/photography/numerical-list-of-images/nhhc-series/nh-series/80-G-K-05000/80-G-K-5178.html

Free French Rest in a Poppy Field

 

In the Fields where the Poppies Grow... Free French soldiers rest in a poppy field near the M4 'Sherman' tanks. Between the tanks worth army truck 'Chevrolet' G7107. Italy, August, 1944. Parking in the open instead of near the trees in the background only shows the total allied air supremacy in Europe!

Source :
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=2896136927341279&set=gm.1644674452384638

Sd.Kfz.222 of 2. Panzer-Division during Balkanfeldzug

 

 

An Sd.Kfz.222 from Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 5 of 2. Panzer-Division is seen with its crew in Balkan during Balkanfeldzug, spring 1941. Later after the campaign, surviving armored vehicles of 1.Schwadron were lost in the sinking of"Marburg" and "Kybfels" by the sea mines.

Some unit names were used by different organizations during the war. Names of Aufklärungs-Abteilungen are good examples. One must be careful when reading and writing about these units! Aufklärungs-Abteilung 5 was a unit of 5.Infanterie-Division (later 5. Jäger-Division) since August 1939. It was renamed to Radfahr-Abteilung 5 in May 1942, but renamed back to its original name in1943. Confusing enough another "Aufklärungs-Abteilung 5" was in existence since October 1935, which later in March 1940 renamed to Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 5 until it was disbanded in August 1941. This unit was organic to 2.Panzer-Division. The name was succeeded by the new Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 5 in 1943, renamed from Kradschützen-Bataillon 55. This unit was organic to 5.Panzer-Division.

Source :
Akira Takiguchi photo collection
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10222748315769985&set=gm.1642065522645531

OT (Organisation Todt) in Norway

These pictures showing the activity of Organisation Todt (OT) in the occupied Norway. They were made by photographer Franz Guthausen.

Source :
Akira Takiguchi photo collection
https://www.facebook.com/groups/237076659811098/permalink/1076685392516883/

Luftwaffe Training Glider

A DFS SG 38 training glider, most likely at Wasserkuppe, Germany. About 10.000 were built and used throughout the war for Luftwaffe pilot training. This photo itself come from the estate of a Luftwaffe flying personnel from his time during glider training.

Source :
Akira Takiguchi photo collection
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10221002087195362&set=pcb.1460824884102930&type=3&theater&ifg=1

10th Mountain Division Soldier Climb a Rocky Cliff

A U.S. 10th Mountain Division Solder uses a rope to climb a rocky cliff, 1943 or 1944. He is wearing a helmet and field jacket. An orderly camp is visible in the valley below. Although the notion of operating and moving in a mountainous environment seems very simple at first glance, the soldiers realized that many of the instructors were instilling a sense of sagacious perfection in all tasks. "When you have Soldiers' lives hooked into a rope system that you built, there is no such thing as 'this should hold'," said First Lieutenant  Torrey Crossman. It also reinforced the notion that Soldiers should train as they fight. Soldiers who proved adept at tying knots in the barracks would struggle once they had to do so on the mountain with a full load of equipment and clothing affecting their performance.

Source :
http://amyatishkin.livejournal.com/287245.html
https://www.army.mil/article/162945/10th_Mountain_Division_Soldiers_conquer_Basic_Mountain_Course/

First Lieutenant Elvin Johnson of 10th Mountain Division

Portrait of First Lieutenant Elvin Johnson of the U.S. 10th Mountain Division at the top of a mountain. He poses smiling at the camera, holding up his mountain pick while sitting on a large block of white stone or snow. He is wearing a cap, a khaki uniform, and pitons hanging from his belt. The picture was taken in 1943 or 1944 by photographer David B. Allen. Elvin Robert "Bob" Johnson (26 March 1921 - 3 December 2000) was a graduate of Washington State College in forestry. He became an officer in the 10th Mountain Division in World War II, fought through Italy and received a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart and the Combat Infantryman badge. At WSC after the war, he was captain of the ski team, winning all the collegiate cross-country races he entered. After graduating, he began to work as a park ranger at Mt. Rainier, during which time he was named to the U.S. Ski Team in cross- country, and participated in the World (F.I.S.) championship at Lake Placid, NY, in 1950. After returning to college teaching and coaching, he continued summers at several National Parks as ranger naturalist and in mountain rescue. He became involved in organizing collegiate skiing, and was a charter member and chairman of the N.C.A.A. Ski Rules Committee. He was also an Assistant Chief of Course at the winter Olympics at Squaw Valley in 1960 and was a technical advisor to the Olympic Committee. During his time he coached several championship ski teams as well as competed himself, where he was second in the national championships, among other honors. He was considered a "pioneer" in the Olympic Mountains for his numerous first ascents, including that of Mt. Johnson in the Needle Range which was named for him. He also climbed Mt. Rainier 22 times! Since retiring on Camano Island, he has been involved with the Ancient Skiers, helping with the collection of materials for a planned N.W. Ski Museum. He was named to the Pacific Northwest Ski Hall of Fame in 1990.

Source :
http://amyatishkin.livejournal.com/287245.html
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/heraldnet/obituary.aspx?n=elvin-robert-johnson-bob&pid=17499736

10th Mountain Division Skitroopers in Colorado Mountains

Group portrait of sixteen U.S. 10th Mountain Division skitroopers posed in a line on skis in the Colorado mountains, 1943 or 1944. None identified. At first, the division was not granted any special insignia, nor could troops wear ski clothing off-post. Some men who displayed on their service dress crossed-ski pins that they had bought at jewelry stores were given a week of work details for the infraction. The division’s morale fell further with news of the fighting in Italy; they questioned why they were not there, and whether they would ever be deployed. For three weeks in March and April 1944 the division undertook a grueling sub-zero exercise in the mountains of the 12,000ft California Coast Range. The D-Series Maneuvers pushed them to the limits of their endurance, exposing deficiencies in personnel, equipment, and organization. Training and cold-weather injuries were modest owing to the troops’ excellent condition, but it was still a brutal experience for the participants.

Source :
Book "US 10th Mountain Division in World War II" by Gordon L. Rottman and Peter Dennis 
http://amyatishkin.livejournal.com/287245.html

10th Mountain Division in Formation at Camp Hale

View taken from above looking down at Camp Hale, Colorado, showing 10 columns of men in formation and an honor guard, 1943 or 1944. Probably this parade included the most of the members of the U.S. 10th Mountain Division then in training. Vistors and their cars are parked on the farside of the field to view the formation parade. The photograph also provides a good view of the barracks and what appears to be the mule barns.  In 1942, Pando, Colorado, was a two-room train depot situated in the picturesque Eagle Park valley. By January 1943, an army camp filled the valley and was receiving the first men of the 10th Mountain Division for instruction in mountain and winter warfare, mountaineering, skiing and rock climbing. In less than eight months, the camp grew to accommodate a full U.S. Army Division of 14,000 men. On Maneuvers Ski troops trained in the Rockies at altitudes up to 14,000 feet, often under brutal weather conditions and for weeks at a time. As if nature were not enough of a challenge, the men carried rucksacks sometimes weighing as much as 90 lbs. Tents were home to 10th Mountain Division soldiers while on maneuvers. Thin fabric provided the only shelter from the elements. Rock Climbing was an important element of Divisional training. While some soldiers were recruited for their rock-climbing and mountaineering skills, the majority received specialized training. Mountains and rock formations around Camp Hale provided the ideal classroom for the soldiers. The training proved essential as troops from the 86th Regiment would make a night climb to capture German-held Riva Ridge in the Apennine Mountains of northern Italy.

Source :
http://amyatishkin.livejournal.com/287245.html
http://candiecoded.com/DarlingDollz//Violablu/Colorado/Colorado.html

Soldiers of 10th Mountain Division in the Snow

Eleven U.S. 10th Mountain Division soldiers wearing white camouflage uniforms ("whites" or "over-whites") and brown knapsacks ascend a mountain slope during training, near Camp Hale, Colorado. Taken from a distance the photograph gives an indication of the the effectiveness of the camouflage. The skis were also painted white on the top surface as camouflage against the snow terrain. “Over-whites” referred to the all-white, hooded, thigh-length parka, matching trousers with a drawstring waist, and twofinger mitten-covers. These were made of thin cotton; they gave no appreciable protection from the cold, although early-issue parkas were provided with fur trim. The parka had buttoned openings at the waist to allow access to chest and trouser pockets, and to the pouches of the cartridge belt that was worn under it for weather protection. Soldiers were urged to keep over-whites clean to preserve their camouflage value. In fact, it was not uncommon for only the over-white parka to be worn; and wearing over-white trousers with an olive drab parka or jacket blended well when passing through snow-covered woodland.

Source :

Book "US 10th Mountain Division in World War II" by Gordon L. Rottman and Peter Dennis

http://amyatishkin.livejournal.com/287245.html
http://www.robertsarmory.com/10th2.htm

Barracks at Camp Hale (Colorado)

View taken from the corner of A and 18th streets at Camp Hale, Colorado (the training center of the US 10th Mountain Division), showing the streets signs, barracks and a jeep. The aspen trees on the surrounding hills have spring leaves. Creating this camp was quite a feat of engineering and wartime construction. Beginning in April of 1942, an army of workmen completed the camp by December of that year... all for a price tag of $30 million. There were accommodations for over 16,000 troops and 4,000 mules and horses. The 87th Mountain Infantry Regiment moved into the new camp in January 1943, while another regiment, the 86th, was being formed. The picture was taken by David B. Allen in 1943 or 1944.

Source :
http://amyatishkin.livejournal.com/287245.html
http://www.slideshare.net/tcattermole/10th20-mountain20division20-20introduction1-7846475

View of a Chapel at Camp Hale

View of a chapel at Camp Hale, Colorado, training headquarters of the Tenth Mountain Division, showing the chapel at the right, telephone poles, a road and barracks in the background. The chapel is a standard army chapel, administered by military chaplain. Chaplains have served in the various branches of the United States armed forces since their formation, including in the Continental Army during the American Revolution. Congress authorized the hiring of an Army chaplain in 1791.

Source :
http://amyatishkin.livejournal.com/287245.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_military_chaplains

Walter Warlimont and Wilhelm Keitel at Berghof

From left to right: General der Artillerie Walter Warlimont (Stellvertreter von Generaloberst Alfred Jodl im Wehrmachtführungsstab) and Generalfeldmarschall Wilhelm Keitel (Chef des Oberkommando der Wehrmacht) at the terrace of the Berghof, Obersalzberg, 1944. Warlimont became renowned, with Keitel and Jodl, as one of the German officers most loyal to Hitler and was accordingly sentenced to 18 years' imprisonment in 1949 as a minor war criminal. The picture was taken by Walter Frentz

Source :
http://historicalsocietyofgermanmilitaryhistory.com/third-reich-nazi-germany/fuhrers-headquarters-official-sites/

Otto Günsche at Berghof

Third Reich high ranking officials at the terrace of Berghof, 1944. Hitler's aide-de-camp, SS-Obersturmführer Otto Günsche, is in the center. The Berghof was Adolf Hitler's residence in the Obersalzberg of the Bavarian Alps near Berchtesgaden, Bavaria, Germany. Other than the Wolfsschanze ("Wolf's Lair"), his headquarters in East Prussia for the invasion of the Soviet Union, Hitler spent more time at the Berghof than anywhere else during World War II. It was also one of the most widely known of his headquarters, which were located throughout Europe. Guests at the Berghof included political figures, monarchs, heads of state and diplomats along with painters, singers and musicians. The important visitors personally greeted on the steps of the Berghof by Hitler included David Lloyd George (3 March 1936), the Aga Khan (20 October 1937), Duke and Duchess of Windsor (22 October 1937), Kurt von Schuschnigg (12 February 1938), Neville Chamberlain (15 September 1938) and Benito Mussolini (19 January 1941). On 11 May 1941 Karlheinz Pintsch visited the Berghof to deliver a letter from Rudolf Hess informing him of his illegal flight to Scotland. At the end of July 1940 Hitler summoned his military chiefs from OKW and OKH to the Berghof for the 'Berghof Conference' at which the 'Russian problem' was studied.

Source :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berghof_%28residence%29
http://thirdreichcolorpictures.blogspot.co.id/2010/10/berghof-in-color.html

Barracks at Eagle Creek, Camp Hale (Colorado)

View of a wooden bridge over Eagle Creek, Camp Hale (Colorado), 1943 or 1944. The barracks are on the left, beside a wide dirt road, poles for electricity or telephone wires follow both the road and the creek. In the distance on the right side of the creek are various storage buildings. Snow covers the tops of the surrounding hills. Camp Hale filled the valley—an instant city, built over one short summer at a cost of $30 million, specifically for the ski troops. (It was named for Brig. Gen. Irving Hale, a Colorado hero of the Spanish-American War.) White-painted barracks marched in precise rows beside the headwaters of the Eagle River, dredged ruler straight by the Army Corps of Engineers. Hale had bunks for fifteen thousand
soldiers. Natural water sources from the Eagle River and Homestake Creek were deemed sufficient for camp use, and regional supplies of coal existed in sufficient quantities to meet fuel demands.

Source :

Book "Climb to Conquer: The Untold Story of World War II's 10th Mountain Division Ski Troops" by Peter Shelton

http://amyatishkin.livejournal.com/287245.html
https://www.msudenver.edu/camphale/camphalehistory/

View of the Rifle Range and Chicago Ridge at Camp Hale

View of the Rifle Range and Chicago Ridge at Camp Hale in the Pando Valley. Camp Hale was the mountain training headquarters of the Tenth Mountain Division from 1943-1944. For traditional training, Camp Hale had three bayonet courses, three grenade courts, one rifle range, a machine gun range, a combat range and a gas chamber. In addition to the outdoor ranges, Camp Hale's dirt-floored, concrete-walled training halls each included a fifty-foot indoor .22-caliber rifle range for markmanship training during the winter months when conditions did not warrant sitting on the outdoor range. Finally, Camp Hale boasted a Mountain Obstacle Course of around ten thousand feet in elevation. This course combined the features of a regular obstacle course with added elements of advanced mountaineering. The geography of Camp Hale Military Reservation made all of this training possible. Ralph C. Meager, Camp Hale Reservation forester, commented in May 1943 that Camp Hale was "the only camp, post or station in the nation that embraces such a vast area of primitive wilderness and forest land." These differences set it apart from other military cantonments. No other cantonment constructed before or during World War II compared with the sophistication, planning and complexity of Camp Hale, making it one of the most respectable military engineering feats during World War II!

Source :
Book "World War II at Camp Hale: Blazing a New Trail in the Rockies" by David R. Witte
http://amyatishkin.livejournal.com/287245.html

US Mountain Soldiers Set Up Small Tents

A large group of Tenth Mountain Division soldiers set up small tents in the middle of a grassy field in the mountains in Colorado during training, 1943 or 1944. These two-man mountain tent with integral floor sheet was provided with two three-section tent poles, but it was quicker to erect it by stringing a ridge cord between two trees. The tent had to be roomier than the standard “pup tent” made up from shelter halves, owing to the troopers’ bulky sleeping bags and other extra gear. It was reversible from olive drab to white, and had a floor. The tubular entrances and vents at each end helped prevent blowing snow from entering. Two types of snowshoes were issued to the mountain troopers: The “bivouac” or “bearpaw” type, for moving around between the tents in snowbound overnight camps, measured 28in long and 13in wide, while the “trail snowshoe” was 58in long by 10in wide. Fitted with leather bindings, both types could be attached to any kind of boot or shoepac (waterproof winter boots).

Source :
Book "US 10th Mountain Division in World War II" by Gordon L. Rottman and Peter Dennis 
http://amyatishkin.livejournal.com/287245.html