Part of the KB41 Remembers Series
This photograph is also part of our collage of Remembrance of 2023
The photograph here is of the Obelisk Monument at Cap Blanc-Nez, Calais, France. This photograph was photographed by Luftwaffe Soldaten at some point during the occupation of the country. This photograph is pared with 'pocket litter items' commonly found on Soldaten that would be in service in France.
The Photograph shows a large stone monument is dedicated to the Dover Patrol which symbolizes the sacrifice of the French and British soldiers and naval forces that defended the highly strategical waters known as Pas de Calais during the First World War. The monument is located at Cap Blanc-Nez in the commune of Escalles on the northmost cliff in France.
The monument was designed by a Belgian called Léon De Keyser who was a architect from Ghent, Belgium. The surrounding areas contain bunkers which were used to defend the (Of which are still there today). The monument is a testament to the sacrifice of the allied forces in World War One and seen here in the photograph visited by Luftwaffe Soldaten who would be based in the local area. The Luftwaffe Soldaten stand and sit by the monument as the photographer (apart of the Luftwaffe Soldaten who have visited the monument) takes their photograph. The Luftwaffe Soldaten have visited the monument to pay their respect to the monument. German Soldaten visiting graves and war memorials was a common event, as the First World War and other conflicts were apart of not just German but European History and many of which had fathers and Grandfathers who fought in past conflicts. Of course many who were fighting in the Second World War saw combat in the First or were born towards the end so saw the impact it had not just on their family but their nation. This mutual respect shows the humanitarian aspect of war with actions of reflection and respect despite the side.
The Luftwaffe Soldaten are seen at the monument, the Luftwaffe truck seen to the left is a Mercedes-Benz L3000. Mercedes-Benz made three models, the L3000, the L3000A, and the L3000S from 1938 - 1944. This model of Mercedes-Benz was used in all fronts, mostly used by the Deutsches Afrikakorps (DAK - German Africa Crops). The Mercedes-Benz L3000 was used also alongside the Opel-Blitz but the Mercedes-Benz L3000 was favoured due to how well it was in rough terrain. This line of truck by Mercedes-Benz went onto be the most produced during World War 2. The truck seen here with the Mercedes-Benz symbol in the grill at the front of the truck and below details a number plate starting with "WL" this denoting Luftwaffe as the branch of Wehrmacht.
The accompanied items in this post are "Pocket Litter" in which would likely be carried by Luftwaffe Soldaten in France. A felt/suede wallet seen in the bottom right could hold all the items seen here. The small German Pfennig coins and the French bank note having a place in the wallet, for spending on suttler goods or local shops in occupied France. The French note seen is "Dix Francs" which is 10 Francs depicting a French miner.
Also seen are spare buttons. Buttons are essential not only for tunics and clothing but for doing up webbing such as backpacks, this due to buttons often falling off and becoming lost. The pebbled button here is a tunic button and the other button is known as a dish button, the latter used more on webbing or on trousers.
Also seen is two Kar98k ammo clips, these would hold 5 x 7.92 rounds that would be used for the standard issue Kar98k rifle. These would often be at hand to load up and kept handy when rounds would be issued.
Next to this is a wax paper packet of Deli Bon Bons. These would contain small sweets and were produced in the Sudetenland.
There is also a small cross, this being a personal religious item that could be carried to allow for the Soldat to stay in contact with their faith when in the field and in service in the field. Allowing for them to practice prayers and keep up their morale and spirits.
Lastly there is a copy of a blank Feldpostbreif. This is a letter that can be turned into a Feldpost and sent. These were often kept to hand so that they can be written on and sent back home to keep their families updated of their time in service and safety.
This post is dedicated to the memory of those in past conflicts show the mutual respect of fallen Soldiers of both sides.
We will remember them.