Remembrance and Erinnerung

KB41 Catalog Entry LOC1603

Part of The KB41 Collection On This Day Series!

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Here we share an in the field photograph, captured during a break from combat, likely to show the aftermath of localised fighting. This photograph was taken during World War Two, but from which perspective or hands is unknown. This post like many that is a Tradition at KB41 Collection is to share a meaningful post during the period of Remembrance. Remembrance of the fallen is not only to honour those who served in World War One and Two for which it is synonymous with, but also allows for reflection and to remember those who died in combat and service on all sides of conflicts.

This photograph depicts the battle damaged scene within a church. This photograph is very poignant as a church for many is a holy symbol of community and for many is a symbol of safety. A church being a place where people can take refuge, reflect and pray, but that can be seen here desecrated by war. Some of the most detailed and moving photographs can be as simplistic as this and it is down to us as the viewer of the photograph to hypothesis why the individual has chosen to photograph the scene. Each person's perspective can be different; maybe the photograph was to remind themselves of the horrors of war, to show family back home the devastation that has occured, or maybe it was taken as apart of an original series that the soldier photographed whilst in service. Regardless the meaning or who photographed this scene, we can clearly see the contrast between what was and what is.

The battle damage could of occured from bombing or fighting in the area, the latter of which may have actually saw direct involvement of the church. Despite being a monument to God and for many a holy site that was be respected and in most cases would remain neutral, Churches did see use during the war. Their most frequent purpose was to house field hospitals and act as relief for soldiers when not in combat. However when fighting would occur in areas that had Churches, they were often used as a advantage to attacking or defensive forces. Their geographical location often positioned on higher ground and places to hide from fighting, allowing for the likes of snipers to find higher vantagepoint's or reconnaissance units to relay intel. These factors all contribute as to why Churches may be damaged. The full desecration of the church cannot be seen in this photograph as it only shows the churches altar. The altar being considered the holiest of places for many in the church. The altar, usually a table or flat topped structure is the part of the church were religious rites and offerings to deity's are performed. It is here that the focal point of destruction has occurred with holes in the the walls surrounding the altar. Debris of broken brickwork, tables and decorations lay strewn across the floor. Large cracks in the walls from battle damage or bombing, possibly even a large hole in the centre where the main stained glass would have been. The holy statues of Jesus and Mary can be seen, remaining untouched by the damage that surrounds them.

Photographs like this showcase how moving and deep they can be. These types of photographs allow us to reflect and remember that everyday routines like going to church can be easily destroyed. Nobody is safe during conflict and it is with this that we remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and allow us to have such freedoms that we do today.

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They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them

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