Der Deutsches Afrikakorps

Here we share a crisp photograph showing men serving in "Der Deutsche Afrika Korps" or "DAK" for short. The DAK, founded on the 11th January 1941 were German forces initially sent to aid in the defense of African Colonies under Italian rule from the Allies. The DAK from here would invade and occupy other regions within North Africa. The DAK was famous for Field Marshall Erwin Rommel, who became the DAK commander on February 11th 1941. Rommel's reputation as a skilled tank commander saw him be given the nickname "der Wüstenfuchs"! or "The Desert Fox". The DAK and The Desert Fox fought against the allies but famously the 7th Armored Division who also earned a nickname, "The Desert Rats".

Historic and fierce fighting occured in the hot and dry climate of the North African Campaign. Photographs from this period, in an in the field setting are often difficult to find in clear detail. This is mainly due to the sunny and warm conditions that affected the capturing of photographs. Often over exposed or scratched, often sees DAK photographs and Allied North Africa photo's lacking details and often showing iconic scenes like others from our collection of palms, or ruins of previous civilizations. This photographs shows detail even for an in the field shot. This rare DAK shows a clear symbol seen by the highest standing Deutsche Soldat in the photograph leaning on it. This is the symbol of Der Deutsche Afrika Korps" The palm with a large Swastika below is the emblem for the DAK. This emblem is often seen on vehicles and tanks is seen here used as a sign to indicate the German encampment seen hidden amongst the sand dunes in an unknown location, somewhere in North Afik, possibly Egypt.

The Deutsche Soldaten seen here are wearing a mixture of kit that was worn by those on the North African front. Rules were slightly different due to the harsh conditions saw Soldaten often wearing loose fitting clothes, often shirts with the Heer Reichsadler on the breast for the Army and the Luftwaffe Reichsadler for those in the Air force. The Kriegsmarine* also had units station in North Afrika (*keep an eye out for these rare photos coming soon) as did SS* (*Also keep an eye out for these rare photos of SD coming soon). The Wehrmacht collectively adapted to conditions in the North African Campaign in comparison to lives lost due to weather conditions of those on the bitterly cold Eastern front, in particular between 1941/42.

This is a relaxed photograph showing DAK soldaten away from fighting at their "Lager" (camp). Their tents, possibly used for communications via radio or field telephone hides in the sand dunes. Using natural foliage to blend in with the natural landscape. This to avoid being easily spotted by enemy aircraft. Random parts of supplies lay scattered in the background as the Soldaten pose for this crisp in the field photograph, smoking cigarettes and pipes in the hot sun