Heer Soldiers Before Langres 1940

Only 62 km to Langres, France, summer of 1940.

Source :
https://clio-historia.livejournal.com/380042.html

JG 53 Aircrafts in September 1939

Although still based at Wiesbaden-Erbenheim when German troops invaded Poland on 1 September 1939, elements of I.Gruppe / Jagdgeschwader 53 (JG 53) dispersed to a meadow away from the airfield as a precautionary measure against possible enemy air attacks.

 

Source :
"Jagdgeschwader 53 'Pik'As' Bf 109 Aces of 1940" by Chris Goss & Chris Davey

A Pack-Mule Unit Takes a Much Needed Respite

The arduous terrain in which the German Gebirgsjäger (mountain troops) advanced into Poland in September 1939 can well be imagined and, as a consequence, sapped the strength from many of the men participating in the long march. In this photograph, a pack-mule unit takes a much needed respite.

Source :
"Images of War: Hitler's Mountain Troops 1939-1945" by Ian Baxter

Gebirgsjäger Cleaning Their Weapons

German Gebirgsjäger (Mountain troops) have occupied a village somewhere in southern Poland in September 1939, and are seen cleaning their weapons. This was known to the soldiers as, ‘Clean and patch hour’, which was a period of time allowed in order to clean weapons and repair clothes before resuming operations.

Source :
"Images of War: Hitler's Mountain Troops 1939-1945" by Ian Baxter

Kriegsmarine Land Quarters

Many naval quarters on land were only a little less cramped than conditions on board ships. During training periods, each man was usually allocated a cupboard which had to be kept locked - the reason being that one should not tempt others to steal. The men are wearing white working denims over blue naval shirts with the large ‘Nelson’ collar.

Source :
Book "Wolfpacks At War: The U-Boat Experience In WWII" by Jak Mallmann Showell

Young French Woman with German Soldier

A young French woman, who began a romantic relationship with a German Wehrmacht soldier during the German occupation of France, refuses to leave his side as he and other German soldiers were taken as prisoners after the Allies had liberated the area around Orléans. Near Orléans, Loiret, France. August 1944.

Source :
 http://bag-of-dirt.tumblr.com/post/141508924635/a-young-french-woman-who-began-a-romantic

SS Soldiers Take a Cigarette Break during Ardennes Offensive

Soldiers from Kampfgruppe Hansen (Leibstandarte Division) take a cigarette break. Such a state was the norm during combat operations. This photograph was taken after the action with American 14th Cavalry Group on the road between Poteau and Recht during the Ardennes Offensive, 18 December 1944.

Gebirgsjäger Relaxed

Mountain soldiers can be seen in a relaxed setting, probably during a pause in operations. An accordion is being played whilst the soldiers smile and enjoy the moment before resuming their march.

Gebirgsjäger Resting

Gebirgsjäger troops take what was known as a "firebreak" beside an alpine road during training in Austria in summer of 1939. On their right sleeve, the embroidered Gebirgstruppen badge can be seen displaying the Edelweiss. Note their mountain boots bearing thick soles and heavy hobnails which were specially designed for mountain climbing.

Flemish SS Volunteers Take a Break during Field Exercise

Flemish SS volunteers take a break during a field exercise. Their rifles are clearly shown stacked in groups of three or four in the traditional manner that kept them neatly in one position and allowed for their rapid recovery whilst at the same time keeping the important working parts of the weapon off the ground and away from dirt and damp