Florence Freight Station After Allied Air Raid

A picture of complete destruction offered at this freight station in Florence after an Allied air raid in August 1944. Photo by Walter Hollnagel

Source:
http://www.eisenbahnstiftung.de/bildergalerie/Reichsbahn%20im%20Krieg

Kharkov Central Train Station

After the defeat of 6. Armee in the Battle of Stalingrad in early 1943, throughout southern German Eastern Front threatened to collapse. The Red Army succeeded to temporarily relieve Kharkov in February 1943. In March, the city was retaken by the German Wehrmacht. Walter Hollnagel use the short interval before the final capture by the Red Army on 23 August 1943 to make this the completely destroyed Kharkov central station image, of which only the façade remains. After all, makes the square outside the station a tidy impression and you've made it to moor a new sign at the train station! The picture was taken in May 1943

Source:
http://www.eisenbahnstiftung.de/bildergalerie/Reichsbahn%20im%20Krieg

Quick Refreshment During a Troop Transport

Quick refreshment during a troop transport during World War II in the Balkans, April 1941

Source:
http://www.eisenbahnstiftung.de/bildergalerie/Reichsbahn%20im%20Krieg

The New Vehicle Hall of RAW Wittenberge

View of the new Fahrzeughalle (vehicle Hall) of RAW (Reichsbahnausbesserungswerk) Wittenberge with high-speed railcars of the type "Köln" (Cologne). The picture was taken in 1938 by Walter Hollnagel

Source:
http://www.eisenbahnstiftung.de/bildergalerie/Deutsche%20Reichsbahn%20Gesellschaft

Brand New German Train

A rare color photograph that has migrated into the RVM archive, showing the brand new 03 1081 Reichsbahn train at Bw Amstetten / Lower Danube. The picture was taken in 20 September 1940

Source:
http://www.eisenbahnstiftung.de/bildergalerie/Deutsche%20Reichsbahn%20Gesellschaft

DRB Bus on the Square of Leitmeritz

A Deutsche Reichsbahn bus parked on the square in Leitmeritz / North Bohemia (today Litoměřice, Czech) against the backdrop of Rathaus (City Hall) and Allerheiligen Kirche (All Saints Church). The picture was taken in 1938

Source:
http://www.eisenbahnstiftung.de/bildergalerie/Deutsche%20Reichsbahn%20Gesellschaft

German Train in Winter

Reichsbahn locomotive P 1075 (number 74634) in the snowy winter. According to Remscheid-Lennep, this picture was taken on the last day of the war in 1942 (31 December 1942) in Krebsöge/Nordrhine-Westfalen

Source:
http://www.eisenbahnstiftung.de/bildergalerie/Deutsche%20Reichsbahn%20Gesellschaft

The Newly Delivered Reichsbahn Train

The newly delivered Reichsbahn train with factory number "50 467" in Thorn (East Prussia.) The Reichsbahner (railway worker) at the front of the camera wearing a special uniform for the occupied territories with 8 buttons (usually 6), and the rare and only briefly used Litzenkragenspiegel of Generalgouvernement Polen. Unfortunately, the photographer had no steady hand and it has bit blurred when shooting. Also noteworthy is the Reichsbahn Adler, in which here the two letters "D" and "R" are attached on both sides of the emblem, which was more typically used in cars. The picture was taken by Walter Hollnagel in June 1940

Source:
http://www.eisenbahnstiftung.de/bildergalerie/Deutsche%20Reichsbahn%20Gesellschaft

Hamburger Hauptbahnhof During the State Visit of Miklos Horthy

Contemporary jewelery during the state visit of the Hungarian regent Miklós Horthy at Hamburg Central Station. The picture was taken in 24 August 1938 by Walter Hollnagel

Source:
http://www.eisenbahnstiftung.de/bildergalerie/Deutsche%20Reichsbahn%20Gesellschaft

Last preparations for a state visit by the Hungarian regent Miklós Horthy. While the invited guests have already begun to receive, a worker is still employed in the foreground with recent work on the red carpet. The picture was taken in 24 August 1938 by Walter Hollnagel

Source:
http://www.eisenbahnstiftung.de/bildergalerie/Deutsche%20Reichsbahn%20Gesellschaft

A Hamburg S-Bahn Train

A Hamburg S-Bahn train with the number ET 99 (elT 1562) for alternating current (25 Hz - 6 KV) on the way to Barmbeck in Altona. The picture was taken in 1938 by Walter Hollnagel

Source:
http://www.eisenbahnstiftung.de/bildergalerie/Deutsche%20Reichsbahn%20Gesellschaft

Hamburg-Dammtor Train Station During the State Visit of Miklos Horthy

The Hamburg-Dammtor train station in contemporary festive mood during the state visit of the Hungarian regent Miklós Horthy. For the reception of state guests it always used the Dammtorbahnhof and not the main station. Picture taken in 24 August 1938 by Walter Hollnagel

Source:
http://www.eisenbahnstiftung.de/bildergalerie/Deutsche%20Reichsbahn%20Gesellschaft

Wehrmacht Soldiers Marching along the Parade Route at Champs-Élysées

Wehrmacht soldiers marching along the parade route at Champs-Élysées, Paris, led by Obermusikmeister from the unit Musikkorps. The divisional Reichsadler (Schellenbaumflagge) of 30. Infanterie-Division can be seen in background, on top of the Schellenbaum (Jingling Johnnie). In the time of German occupation (1940-1944), Parisian made jokes about the on-time parade of the invincible Wehrmacht: "Do you know why the Champs-Élysées is lined with trees ? ...so the germans can march in the shade!" the Photo made by André Zucca

Source:
http://www.ww2incolor.com/german/Paris22.html

Panzer III of Afrikakorps Advancing at Speed in the Western Desert

Panzer III of Afrikakorps advancing at speed in the Western Desert. When the first German forces came in Africa in march 1941, they were equipped with Panzer II and III, from which most were Ausf F and upgunned ausf G. Since they were few replacements prior to the Tunisian campaign, Rommel could only count on limited provisons of Ausf G and J during the whole african campaign, from 1941 to early 1943

Source:
http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=56&t=204923&p=1887910#p1887910

US Gun Crew Loading a 14 inch Railway Gun

US Gun crew loading a 14 inch railway gun

Source:
http://historylink101.com/ww2_color/WorldWarIILargeArtillery/PICT1245.html

Heinz Guderian and His Generals During Barbarossa

This picture was taken during Unternehmen Barbarossa, summer 1941. From right to left: Generaloberst Heinz Guderian (Oberbefehlshaber Panzergruppe 2), Generalleutnant Hans-Jürgen von Arnim (Kommandeur 17.Panzer-Division), General der Panzertruppe Joachim Lemelsen (Kommandierender General XXXXVII.Armeekorps), unknown officer, and Generalmajor Walther Nehring (Kommandeur 18.Panzer-Division). For the last ID (Nehring), it could be also Oberst Rudolf Bamler (Chef des Stabes XXXXVII.Armeekorps). In the background parked Panzerkampfwagen III

Source:
http://forums.gamesquad.com/showthread.php?104031-WW2-Photos/page26

German Troops Overran Border Fortification

German troops overran the border fortifications very quickly after Operation Barbarossa begin. East of Krystynovol, 2 kilometres beyond the frontier, they came within range of the concrete border bunkers. The ensuing battles lasted two days before the Soviet troops retreated. Both sides recorded their casualties

Source:

Book "The Onslaught; The German Drive to Stalingrad Documented in 150 Unpublished Colour Photographs" by Max Hastings

German Soldiers Reporting to their Marshalling Areas on Bicycle

German soldiers reporting to their marshalling areas on bicycle before Operation Barbarossa begin. The regrouping of german units for deployment to Russia began as early as February/March 1941

Source:

Book "The Onslaught; The German Drive to Stalingrad Documented in 150 Unpublished Colour Photographs" by Max Hastings

Axis Officials at After Lunch Conference in Italy

High-ranking Nazi and Italian Fascist officials, including Hitler and Mussolini, at after lunch conference at Santa Marinella, north of Rome, during Hitler's 1938 state visit to Italy. Picture taken in 8 May 1938 by Hitler personal photographer Hugo Jaeger.. FLTR: Heinrich Himmler, Hans Frank, Rudolf Hess, Adolf Hitler, two unidentified individuals, Benito Mussolini, and Stefano Albertieri

Source:
LIFE

German Civilians Celebrating the Japanese Invasion in Java

German civilians from Batavian Dutch internment camp celebrating the Japanese invasion of Java island (Dutch East Indies) in 1942. They are waving the Nazi and Japanese flags together

German Tank Crew

 Early war photo of German Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausf.C or D (Sd.Kfz. 161) driver wearing the beret-type "Schutzmütze" (protective cap). This headgear consisted of the soft padded crash helmet, which served to protect the heads of the panzer crew from injuries sustained when the vehicle was motoring over rough terrain, and the black cover. The helmet was circular in shape and manufactured with 1.5cm thick felt or red rubber sponge. The exterior was covered in black cloth and the interior was covered in black oilcloth and a leather sweatband. Additionally there was a 3.5cm cloth covered rubber sponge around the circumference of the helmet with a groove to hold the elastic band of the cover in place. There were six ventilation holes in a circular pattern and one center hole. The cover was an oversized black wool beret with an elastic band to hold it in place on the helmet. The cover contained the insignia on the front. Early insignia included a woven wreath with a stamped metal cockade and no national emblem. By order HV 35, No. 646, dated 30 October 1935, a standard had been established for the wearing of insignia on the black panzer beret. It consisted of a woven wreath and cockade using white cotton, later changed to silver-gray, on a black backing. The national emblem was also woven with white cotton, later changed to silver-gray, or aluminum wire for officers, on a black backing. By order HM 41, No. 64, dated 15 January 1941, the black panzer beret was abolished and replaced, however, it was maintained for crews of the Panzer type 38(t), of Czech manufacture, for drivers and co-drivers of armored personnel carriers, and according to order HM 41, No. 277 dated 7 March 1941, for drivers and co-drivers of armored tractors of the type Sd.Kfz.251. Although out of production in 1941, it continued to be worn after this date.

Source:
http://www.panzerworld.com/uniforms-heer-headgear
http://www.ww2incolor.com/german-armor/Early+war+tank+crew.html

A Lone Panzer III in the African Desert

A lone Panzerkampfwagen III in the African desert. The gun seems to be a "5 cm Kampfwagenkanone 38 L/42", so this may be a Pz.Kpfw.III F or J (any of them in this range). Photo taken by General Erwin Rommel during his Campaign in North Africa, 1941

Source:
http://www.cybermodeler.com/history/germany/rommel.shtml
http://www.ww2incolor.com/tag/color?g2_itemId=224

Stuka in Africa

A Junkers Ju 87D Stuka, probably of Stukageschwader 3 (StG 3). Date would be start of 1942, as III./StG-3 converted to the D model around this time. Photo taken by General Erwin Rommel during his Campaign in North Africa

Source:
http://www.cybermodeler.com/history/germany/rommel.shtml
http://www.ww2incolor.com/german-air-force/stuka-540144.jpg.html

Italian Vehicles in the North African Desert

Italian vehicles in the African desert. At the front is Fiat Balilla 1100 Furgoncino, while in the background is FIAT type 666. Photo taken by General Erwin Rommel during his Campaign in North Africa, 1941

Source:
http://www.cybermodeler.com/history/germany/rommel.shtml
http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=73232&p=1875458&hilit=rommel#p1875458

German Aircraft Over Africa

German aircraft over Africa. The white edges around the lake below indicated that they were actually a salt lake. Photo taken by General Erwin Rommel during his Campaign in North Africa, 1941

Source:
http://www.cybermodeler.com/history/germany/rommel.shtml

Major Adolf Dickfeld Farewell Ceremony

Send-off celebration for Luftwaffe ace Major Adolf Dickfeld as he leaves II.Gruppe / Jagdgeschwader 11 (JG 11) to take up his new post as a "General für Führernachwuchs im Reichs-Luftfahrt-Ministerium und Reichs-Inspekteur der Flieger- Hitlerjugend" (General of recruitment of the Luftwaffe in the Reich Air Ministry and Reich inspector of the Hitler Youth Aviation). The photo was taken at Jever airfield, Niedersachsen (Germany), 31 May 1943, and it also shows a Cossack band taken from Caucasus! Dickfeld performing these staff duties until late in the war. He was to return to combat, flying Bü 181 trainers armed with Panzerfaust rockets, against Russian armour and, later, He 162 jet fighters. He reputedly shot down a P-47 several weeks before the end of the war with the He 162

Source:
Book "Footsteps of the Hunter" by Adolf Dickfeld

A Group of JG 2 Personnel in Tunisia

A group of II.Gruppe / Jagdgeschwader 2 (JG 2) "Richthofen" personnel in Tunisia, early 1943. Third from the left is Oberleutnant Erich Rudorffer (temporary Gruppenkommandeur of II./JG 2), who ended the war as a Major with 224 victories and the recipient of Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern. To the right of Rudorffer is Oberleutnant Kurt Bühligen (Staffelkapitän 4./JG 2). One of the most successful German pilots in Tunisia, scoring 40 kills there. Bühligen ended the war as an Oberstleutnant with 112 victories and got the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub. Following the hospitalisation of Hauptmann Adolf Dickfeld (136 victories, RK-EL) with injuries received in a landing accident, Oberleutnant Rudorffer assumed temporary command of II./JG 2

Source:
Book "Footsteps of the Hunter" by Adolf Dickfeld

German Soldier with Muddy Helmet

This out of focus image of a soldier (Heeres Gruppenführer) with a muddy helmet (he must have been packing fudge) in Russia (1941) is being sale in German ebay for 109 Euros! There are some screwy people out there on eBay buying German WW2 color slides with more money than sense these days!

Source:

http://www.ebay.de/itm/Original-Farb-Dia-AGFA-Color-Klinzy-Russland-1941-Gruppenfuehrer-/331216372698?

http://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/showthread.php?t=743255

Wounded RAD Feldmeister in the Eastern Front

This image of a wounded RAD (Reichsarbeitsdienst) Feldmeister in the Russian front which taken in 6 September 1941 where a lot of the subject is obscured by the shadow of the photographer is being sale in the ebay for 465 Euro! There are some screwy people out there on eBay buying German WW2 color slides with more money than sense these days!

Source:
http://cgi.ebay.de/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=331216372698
http://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/showthread.php?t=743255

Walter Hoernlein with Map

The picture was taken by Hanns Hubmann, and showing Generalmajor Walter Hoernlein (right), Kommandeur Infanterie-Division "Großdeutschland" (motorisiert), with an officer of the division studying maps while advancing on Voronezh, July 1942. Hoernlein was already promoted to Generalmajor from April 1942, but it seems that the larisch-stickerei and schulterklappen is not arrive yet! He is also wearing the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes #399 in his neck, which he received on 30 July 1941 as commander of Infanterie-Regiment 80. Later he would also got the Deutsches Kreuz in Gold (14 February 1943) and Eichenlaub #213 (15 March 1943), both as an officer in the Großdeutschland (GD). He continued to lead GD until 27th January 1944, building a solid reputation as a reliable and efficient leader who nevertheless always found time for his troops, earning the nickname “Papa” Hoernlein. Perhaps the most famous anecdote regarding Hoernlein refers to his allegedly sending a telex to the “Fuhrerhauptquartier”, demanding to know if GD were the only Germans left on the eastern front, after they had been in continual action jumping from one crisis to another during the fighting around Rzhev!

Source:
http://forum.leslufteaux.com/t1677-la-guerre-en-couleurs