Part of The KB41 Collection On This Day Series!
This is part of a small series commemorating the Germano-Soviet Invasion of Poland, and the battles which formed the start of the Second World War. Here at KB41 Collection we are honoured to own this, and other such rare and detailed historical photographs, within our collection. We bring you this detailed series in collaboration with the wider KB41 Team; Tamara Markmann; and Simon.
This post is shared in relation to our previous post from 1st September, this post is shared on the 83rd anniversary of the day it happened, 8th September 1939.
The reverse of this photo holds the vital information dating this photograph. It is a shame that no other information was recorded on the reverse, but nonetheless, this is a vital piece of history during the invasion 83 years on. The photograph here shows a selection of Heer Soldaten taking cover in a ditch, by the side of a road, during combat somewhere in Poland during the Invasion. The Soldaten seen here are suggested to be that of an Jnfanterie-Kompagnie (Infantry Company). The photographer here, likely to be a fellow Jnfanteriestmann (Infantier) who has managed to get his camera out and take a photo of the combat situation, despite the risks this may have on himself.
The German army like many forces of all sides did have official war correspondence and political propaganda company photographers (In this case, that of Germany, the term for a war correspondents is a "Kriegsbericher" - That of where our name derives!). However in the case of this photograph, it is highly likely to be a simple combat photograph, by an amateur, this is supported by the lack of a stage photo that was common by such photographers. This photograph shows the Heer Jnfanterie taking cover as the fighting can be seen taking place just in front of them, behind the bushes and trees. This can be seen by the smoke billowing from that area, an entranceway to the possible settlement or enclosed houses. It is more than likely the place they are attacking; Heer forces will advance into the position, which other units further down the road, and others in support.
The Heer Jnfanterie can be seen piling into what little cover they can, right into the distance, on the left hand side. The photographer showing a stunning P.O.V. of the attack, words cannot describe the chaos of the battle in which is seen here. These men are seen in their crisp M36 tunics, seen by the NCO without a M35 Stalhelm. The M36 Tunic has a distinctive bottle green collar, in contrast to the Feld Grau of the later tunics, or those in use by other services at the time. The other Jnfanterieisten are wearing the M35 Stalhelm, in which both can sides can be seen, the tri-colour of Germany ( Red,White and Black) on the right temple, and the other side being the Reichsadler (Eagle holding on to a Swastika). Seen just in front of the NCO without the Stalhelm can be seen a Thin band on the Stalhelm, these were worn to allow for foliage to be added to the Stalhelm, adding to the level of camouflage and concealment in which would support Soldaten in blending into their surroundings.
Seen just in front of the row of Jnfanterie, on the lip of the ditch, can be seen an abandoned bicycle and bag, this is suspected to belong to a Polish Postman, possibly ditched as the forces advanced to the area or was in use by the Polish Army, or perhaps it was “Acquired” by someone in the Ditch; Hard to say for sure. The Bicycle sits idle adding some minor cover as the attacking Frontkämpfer wait to advance from their cover.
This is a crisp, in the field, amateur photograph, showing fighting during the Invasion of Poland first hand. We are given a Point Of View (POV) with the scenes of destruction seen in the distance. It is possible that this is fighting running in parallel from our "Fall Weiß" post, due to similar areas and burning buildings however this is not conformed. It is not known what happened to the Heer Soldaten seen here, and if they survived further attacks, or indeed the war.
This photograph taken on the 8th September 1939 shows the type of fighting that took place, at the sharp end, through a very timely piece of field combat photography. Photos such as this are rare enough, but the have one attached to such an important event, in such crisp quality, makes this posting even more important.