Frohe Weihnachten & Happy Christmas to all our followers. Thank you for your support throughout 2023 !
This is part of the KB41 Weihnachten Series
The photogtaph here shows Soldaten enjoying food, drinks and song during the Chritsmas period in the warm confines of a barracks room or bunker. Weihnachten (Christmas) was a difficult time for Soldaten in service as like other national holidays they would have been celebrated at home. The kameraderie of Soldaten helped with the homesickness and longing to be able to hold and cherish memories with their families in their hometowns. Photographs like these held special memories for Christmas is service.
The branch of the Wehrmacht in which these Soldaten are apart of is unknown due to the lack of identifying insignia. As the Soldaten photogtraphed are all seen wearing undershirts and jumpers. These were worn by all branches of the Wehrmacht, however other factors within the photograph suggest that the Soldaten maybe within the Luftwaffe (Aiforce). The Soldaten are seen in a room that is suggested to be bunker or possibly a barrack room in a HQ or Compound.
The room has writing across the back wall which sadly only part can be seen, the words of " Deutschen ist Höchster Einsaß Für Sein Volk". This is only part of the full quote as the full quote is obsqued by a lightbulb and not in the shot of the photograph. The full quote is "Die Pflichy Jedes Deutschen ist Höchster Einsaß Für Sein Volk". This is a quote from a speech that Hermann Göring gave. The quote translates as "The duty of every German is the highest commitment to his people". This quote being one of many patriotic quotes that were often said by figures of power within the Third Reich. Spoken during rallies or political events, words like these became slogans and mottos that resonated and lifted the spirits and beliefs of the German people not just in the Pre-war years and rise of the NSDAP in which they were written on walls and made into posters but also used during the war years to raise morale and belief among Soldaten. That despite in tough times the nation of Germany stands by them in their service, as the ethos of the nation and the NSDAP is that duty of every German is to its people. That the Soldaten in the photograph and across service in the Wehrmacht alike can be proud that they are serving their nations people. Their families and friends to be proud of the commitment that the Soldaten give in service.
With this quote in the background of the room it is suggested that the Soldaten are to be in some branch of the Luftwaffe, possibly Flak. This suggested due to the model aircraft seen hung from the ceiling depict a "Consolidated B-24 Liberator" and a "Short Stirling" planes. The first being a Consolidated B-24 Liberator (Seen closer in left hand zoom attached). This Consolidated B-24 Liberator is seen hung above the heads of the Soldaten seen seated in the centre. The Consolidated B-24 Liberator is a American made Heavy Bomber Aircraft, seen here painted in Royal Air force (RAF) Colours, as seen by the roundel of the RAF on the side of the Aircraft. The B-24 Became nicknamed by Allied pilots and squadies alike as "The Flying Coffin". This nickname was given due to the Aircraft having a singular entry and exit point which is located at the rear of the Plane. The Consolidated B-24 Liberator saw first introduction in 1941.
The other Aircraft being a Short Stirling, this Aircraft can be seen in the photograph hung over the Weihnachtsbaum (Christmas Tree), this can be seen closer in the right hand zoom. The Short Stirling Aircraft is a four engine Heavy Bomber. The first flight of the Short Stirling started in May 1939.
The two aircraft seen here suggest that the Luftwaffe personal may be familiar with these aircraft as they are models to help identify them as enemy aircraft so they can be on the lookout not only to avoid but to report sightings and attack as apart of suggested Flak crews, manning anti-aircraft positions. The date of the Consolidated B-24 Liberator suggests that this photograph was taken during the Christmas period of 1941.
The Soldaten seen collectively around a table with crates of alcohol in the background. The alcohol, likely some beer seen by the with the iconic 'flip top' seal next to a larger bottle, likely that of Sekt. Sekt is a German sparkling wine. As detailed in letters by Soldaten (As seen in the collection from Herbert Tank) Sekt was also drank at Christmas. Seen smoking and playing music the Soldaten are enjoying eachothers company around this festive period. One Soldat seen playing an accordian providing music and add to the joyus atmosphere. One Soldat is also seen playing with a model aircarft, its unclear what kind but would likely be a British or Aliied Aircraft judged by the other models seen in the photograph.
The Weihnachtsbaum (Christmas tree) can be seen decorated with candles, tinsel and other decorations that appear to be baubles. Such items to decoate the Weihnachtsbaum would be either purchased from nearby vendors that sell decoration if based within a occupied Western European country but if somewhere on the eastern front it is likely these gifts were sent from home via Feldpost parcels to decorate their Weihnachtsbaum and make their Weihnachten (Christmas) at the front more like a Weihnachten at home. Feldpost Parcels were often sent to the front bearing such presents and other gifts from home, as seen in Herbert letters from the collection items such as custard powder and other dry or tinned foods were sent so that cakes and other desserts can be made at the front. The small boxes on the table closest in view could possibly be some of these items sent, ciggarettes were often sent from home too. Even when based in Germany Feldpost parcels were sent via the Deutsche Reichspost (German Postal Service).
The angle of this photograph is taken from someone on the outside of the event looking in which shows the type of activities that Soldaten got upto when celebrating Christmas. Not staged for political or propaganda this raw image show the ways that Weihnachten was celebrated during service. A warm atmosphere in the warm confines of a bunker or barrack room show the Soldaten enjoying themselves. The contrast between low morale and rougher times ahead when fighting or in active service. It is unknown where they are celebarating or if the would see the next Weihnachten but is hoped that they did and would see the end of the war. A photograph that would also be sent home to show their families that they are celebrating Weihnachten in good health and spirits.