Die Deutsche Wochenschau (German Weekly News) Nr. 742 - 23 November 1944

Die Deutsche Wochenschau is the title of the unified newsreel series released in the cinemas of Nazi Germany from June 1940 until the end of World War II, with the final edition issued on 22 March 1945. The co-ordinated newsreel production was set up as a vital instrument for the mass distribution of Nazi propaganda at war.

In this Die Deutsche Wochenschau video:

00:41 - Solemn state funeral of fighter ace Walter Nowotny, Vienna, Austria,1944. 
Archival footage shows Nowotny being received by Adolf Hitler and awarded high decorations. Walter Nowotny, one of the most successful fighter aces of World War II, died on November 8, 1944, when his Messerschmitt Me 262 jet fighter crashed near Achmer, Germany. He was 23 years old at the time of his death. He was buried in a grave of honor at the Vienna Central Cemetery. Scene purpose is to create a heroic martyr narrative, reinforcing sacrifice and loyalty to the regime.

02:06 - General Andrey Vlasov and the 'Russian Liberation Army', Prauge/Berlin, German Reich, 1944.
Russian General Andrey Vlasov arrive at Prague Castle and attend in the founding assembly of the Committee for the Liberation of the Peoples of Russia. The German State Minister for Bohemia and Moravia, SS-Obergruppenführer Karl Hermann Frank greets the assembly. General Andrey Vlasov addresses members of the Committee for the Liberation of the Peoples of Russia. General Vlasov addresses a gathering of Eastern workers in Berlin. 

03:21 - Suppression of the Slovak National Uprising, Slovakia, 1944.
This segment depicts the collapse of the Slovak uprising. German SS and Wehrmacht forces are suppressing the 'organized by the Soviets' uprising. Anti-tank guns and infantry in combat with the last nests of resistance of the insurgents. Scenes show the captured insurgents. Civilians are shown welcoming German troops as “liberators.” This scene purpose is to show the insurgents labeled as “bandits”, and to justify of harsh repression, to restore the “order”.  

05:22 - Western Front - Normandy/Atlantic Pockets, France, 1944.
Scenes of German troops in isolated or encircled positions. Scenes show the everyday life of soldiers: food preparation, equipment maintenance, and rest periods. Naval artillerymen are rewarded for their brave conduct with the awarding of the Iron Crosses.

06:44 - German Naval Commandos/Attack on the Nijmegen bridges, September 29th 1944.
These scenes shows Kriegsmarine special units. Medical examinations of recruits. Bretschneider received the DKiG for his part in the action against the Nijmegen bridges on September 29th 1944. During this action, 12 men, in three groups of four, were ordered to blow up the bridges. The frogmen managed to destroy one and damage the other bridge. As far as known, three of them were killed and seven captured. Only two (Bretschneider and Walter Jäger) managed to excape.
https://www.tracesofwar.com/persons/1...

09:07 - Allied offensive on the Western Front, Netherlands, 1944.
German anti-aircraft units engage American “Lightning” aircraft. Scene shows the US aircraft being hit and crashing. The purpose of this segment is to show the strength of the German defences, and to show Allied losses. 

11:02 - Battle of East Prussia/Eastern Front, November, 1944.
In November 1944, East Prussia saw intense, attritional fighting following the initial failed Soviet Gumbinnen Operation in October. While a major, all-out offensive was paused, localized, brutal battles continued as Soviet forces attempted to expand footholds and the German army, including Volkssturm, mounted a desperate defense to protect the Reich’s border. German grenadiers, supported by assault guns repel a Soviet tank attack on a wooded area. German troops equipped with Panzerfaust anti-tank weapons. The purpose of this segment is to portray continued German resistance despite Soviet advances and suggest tactical success and resilience.


Source :
https://archive.org/details/die-deutsche-wochenschau-berita-mingguan-jerman-no.-742-23-november-1944-teks-indonesia
https://digitaler-lesesaal.bundesarchiv.de/en/video/4010/711191
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYwQYdD81Z4

Die Deutsche Wochenschau (German Weekly News) Nr. 732 - 14 September 1944

Die Deutsche Wochenschau is the title of the unified newsreel series released in the cinemas of Nazi Germany from June 1940 until the end of World War II, with the final edition issued on 22 March 1945. The co-ordinated newsreel production was set up as a vital instrument for the mass distribution of Nazi propaganda at war.

In this Die Deutsche Wochenschau video:

00:44 - Rapeseed oil production, German Reich, 1944.
In cooperation with the rural population, the "Reich Food Society" has significantly increased the cultivation areas for oilseeds. Extraction of rapeseed oil and rapeseed cake. After a kneading process, the rapeseed fat is ready for packaging.

01:51 - Light heavyweight boxing match, Dietrich Eckart Theater in Berlin, German Reich, 1944.
On the Dietrich Eckart Stage Hamburg's Richard Vogt defends his light-heavyweight title against Heinz Seidler. The Hamburger, Vogt, is forced to the canvas twice. Heinz Seidler becomes the new German champion.

03:00 - Professor Arthur Kampf celebrates his 80th birthday, German Reich, 1944.
Arthur von Kampf at work in his studio. Scenes show some of his art works with themes from German history.

03:53 - The mobilization of Hitler Youth for a Total War effort, German Reich, 1944.
Male youths at work in steel industry. Fortification works on the East Prussian border. On the anniversary of the German struggle for freedom the Chief of the Army General Staff, Colonel General Guderian addresses a soldierly appeal to the entire German youth. Colonel General Guderian, accompanied by Reich Youth Leader Axmann reviews the front of the assembled Hitler Youth units. Colonel General Guderian gives a speech. Battle-hardened Hitler Youth leaders solemnly hand out the War Volunteer Certificates, and the red cords for the shoulder straps—the badge of honor for war volunteerism.

06:47 - Southern sector of the Eastern Front, Romania, 1944.
A critical situations have arisen on the Southern Front due to the betrayal of the Romanian King Michael and his court camarilla. Anti-tank guns (PaK 40) are brought into position. Fire is opened against advancing Soviet infantry spearheads. The rearguard units dig in to cover the German troops retreat. Ground-attack aircraft are deployed against the rolling Soviet tanks. German combat groups break through to the Carpathian Mountains in heavy fighting. Armored reconnaissance vehicles take over flank protection. Self-propelled artillery (Hummel and Wespe) shells attacking Soviet tanks and infantry concentrations.

10:09 - The Gold Close Combat Clasp decoration ceremony, Führer Headquarters, 1944.
German soldiers that have stood in hand-to-hand combat with the enemy 50 times are decorated by the Fuhrer with a Gold Close Combat Clasp. Some wear the Knight's Cross and are named in the Honor Roll of the German Army. All are decorated with the Iron Cross First Class and have been wounded nearly half a dozen times. Ritterkreuzträger Erich Friedrich and Franz Richter.

11:07 - One-man torpedoes are being made ready for action, France, 1944.
The volunteers gather around their mission leader to receive their final instructions. The torpedoes head out to sea in the twilight. Individually they navigate toward their targets. Surveillance from the observation ship. Explosions far on the horizon suddenly illuminate the dusky night. In the early hour of the morning, comrades on the beach await their return. Pilots congratulate each other on a successful mission.


Source :
https://archive.org/details/die-deutsche-wochenschau-berita-mingguan-jerman-no-732-14-september-1944-teks-indonesia
https://digitaler-lesesaal.bundesarchiv.de/en/video/4000/711198
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3gL7IqXU88

Die Deutsche Wochenschau (German Weekly News) Nr. 705 - 8 March 1944

Die Deutsche Wochenschau is the title of the unified newsreel series released in the cinemas of Nazi Germany from June 1940 until the end of World War II, with the final edition issued on 22 March 1945. The co-ordinated newsreel production was set up as a vital instrument for the mass distribution of Nazi propaganda at war.

In this Die Deutsche Wochenschau video:

00:42 - From the world of German science, German Reich, 1944.
Professor Löhlein, Director of the Berlin University Eye Clinic, in the lecture hall. 

01:21 - Wrestling match, Berlin, German Reich, 1944.
Wrestlers from Germany, Slovakia, and Norway met for an international tournament in the capital of the Reich.

02:12 - German returnees from the Soviet Union, Katowice, German Reich, 1944.
Gauleiter Fritz Bracht speaks to ethnic German returnees from the Soviet Union, and presents them with their naturalization certificates. 

03:10 - Waffen-SS rally in Brussels, Belgium, 1944.
Léon Degrelle, the Walloon leader, speaks to his comrades about the struggle against Bolshevism. Using the map, Degrelle explained the liberation of the German combat group at Cherkassy. 

04:14 - Cherkassy fighters on the meeting with Reich Minister Dr. Goebbels, German Reich, 1944.  
A delegation of shock troops from the Cherkassy pocket with Reich Minister Dr. Goebbels. Captain Zimmermann of the Grenadier Regiment "List" reports his men.

05:03 - Defence preparations on the Atlantic Wall, France, 1944.
An infantry company returns from training. Field Marshal Rommel continues his inspection of the fortification systems.

07:43 - Narva Front, Soviet Union, 1944.
German troops in the planned withdrawal movements. In perfect order, the columns drive through Narva. A trench plow in operation. German rearguard in the fight against the advancing Soviets. An advanced outpost on the bank of the Narva River. The grenadiers advance under the protection of tank artillery (Wespe). A village is cleared of the enemy. 

12:42 - Southern Italy combat front, Italy, 1944.
Wounded American prisoners of war are being bandaged. Heavy anti-aircraft artillery in combat. Knight's Cross recipient Major Gericke, commander of a paratrooper combat group. A machine-gun team takes over the fire support of the advancing group. Heaviest railway guns during the shelling of Anzio. The German artillery fire on the beachhead of Nettuno. 

16:10 - A German convoy on the march off the coast of Norway, 1944.
Barrage balloons against low-level attacks. German aircraft provide security against submarines. The battle-hardened soldiers of the Dietl Army return from leave to the front. The Allied bomber formation on their flight to carry out an attack against the Reich. 

17:14 - Air combat footage/Defense against Allied air raids, 1944.
German fighter and heavy fighter units stand ready day and night at the German airfields. The first units are alerted and taking off. Scenes show the air combat footage. Attack from the front and rear against the four-engine bombers (B-17). Takeoff of a large number of Bf-110 heavy fighters from a snow-covered airfield. 


Source :
https://archive.org/details/die-deutsche-wochenschau-berita-mingguan-jerman-no.-705-8-maret-1944-teks-indonesia
https://digitaler-lesesaal.bundesarchiv.de/en/video/3977
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZvvAQd5j2Y

Die Deutsche Wochenschau (German Weekly News) Nr. 743 - 30 November 1944

Die Deutsche Wochenschau is the title of the unified newsreel series released in the cinemas of Nazi Germany from June 1940 until the end of World War II, with the final edition issued on 22 March 1945. The co-ordinated newsreel production was set up as a vital instrument for the mass distribution of Nazi propaganda at war.

In this Die Deutsche Wochenschau video:

It starts with a section about the "Magic Circle", a group of German magicians, showing off their tricks and performing in German field hospitals.
The next scene focuses on Sergeant Rodewald, a wounded Knights Cross recipient, who, will still being wounded, volunteered to work in a factory.

This is followed by scenes of infantry training from the Reich Labor Service, combat footage of retreating German troops fighting partisans in the Balkans and Albania, including footage of Albanian troops fighting with Germans.

The next scene shows footage of German supply convoys for Courland, followed by combat footage from the besieged German Atlantic bases fighting off American planes.

The last section is about the Western Front, including scenes of a German Assault Gun Battery, and winter combat footage from the Vosges mountains.

Remarks:

02:20 Comedy and magical shows were often shown in field hospitals to raise moral among the wounded soldiers. This was rather common among all war-waging nations during WWII, not just Germany.

02:47 Otto Rodewald (1918-1997) was a German communication troops NCO during WWII. Not much is known about his life, but he was awarded the Knights Cross in March 1944. As the platoon leader of the communication platoon of Grenadier Regiment 948, he was far behind the frontlines near Tarnopol, when a Soviet tank attack broke through German lines. Rodewald, having never received Panzerfaust training, had a wounded German soldier explain the handling of a Panzerfaust to him, and destroyed five attacking T-34 tanks within 45 minutes; he was wounded by splinters while attacking the sixth. He was awarded the Knights Cross for that. Not much is known about his later life, but he survived the war and died in April 1997.

02:53 Rodewald used a single-shot Panzerfaust, not the Panzerschreck as claimed here, to destroy the five Soviet tanks. 

03:34 The Reichsarbeitsdienst, (Reich Labor Service, RAD) was a German paramilitary organization, which was used to build infrastructure and buildings. During the war, the RAD was used to construct field positions, fortifications, trenches etc., and more and more RAD personnel was used as frontline troops, mainly in AA-gun batteries, but also to fill up gaps in regular Wehrmacht units. Especially after the catastrophic losses in 1944, RAD units were often thrown directly in the fight in a desperate attempt to close the frontlines. Of course, RAD units were never trained for combat and only received short and basic infantry combat; hence, their losses were quite high compared to regular Wehrmacht units. In mid-1944, the RAD took over military basic training, in an attempt to free up the training units and instructors of the Wehrmacht for frontline use.
  
04:34 Feldmeister, literally translating to “Field Master” was a rank of the RAD, equivalent to an Army Lieutenant. 

04:35 Walter Garz (1920-1979) was a German NCO during WWII. Just like with Rodewald, not much is known about Garz’ life, but he was awarded the Knights Cross in December 1942 as a platoon leader in the 1st Battalion of Panzergrenadier-Regiment 74. Like most RAD Knights Cross holders, he was serving as a regular army soldier in an army unit, but is portrayed here as an “RAD Knights Cross holder” for propaganda purposes. 

04:43 After the Soviets broke through the frontlines in Romania in August 1944, and Romania subsequentially switching sides, the Soviets came close to the Yugoslavian border in September 1944. After the capitulation of Bulgaria, the German occupation forces in Balkan received order to prepare for a withdrawal from Greece and the Balkans towards Croatia and Hungary. Despite having to leave behind much material, and the attacking Soviet, Bulgarian and Yugoslav partisan units capturing many main roads and logistical hubs, the Germans managed to avoid a Soviet encirclement, and successfully retreated from Greece and the Balkans, making contact with the 2nd Tank Army in Bosnia and Hungary in November 1944. 

04:44 This gun is a 10.5 cm leFH 18, the standard German light field gun of WWII. 11,848 produced between 1935 and 1943, with a further 10,265 produced of its successor, the 10.5cm leFH 18/40, from 1943-1945. 

04:45 The Germans initially tried to retreat through Niš, a huge logistical hub in Serbia and the main road from Greece towards Hungary, but the city was already captured by Bulgarian forces in mid-October 1944. Ultimately, most German units retreated through the last road available to them, from Skoplje over Mitrovica, Kraljevo and Užice towards Sarajevo in Bosnia. 

04:47 When the Soviets and Bulgarians attacked towards Yugoslavia, local Partisans also conducted major offensives against the retreating Germans, however, they were unable to fully block the German retrea.

04:48 This is a StuG III Ausf. F. The StuG III was the most built German armored vehicle during WWII. Initially designed as an assault gun with a short-barreled 7,5cm infantry support cannon, but starting with the Ausf. F, it received a normal 7,5cm tank gun, and was mainly used as a tank destroyer afterward. The StuG III Ausf. F was only built in small numbers, around 250 vehicles between September and December 1942, and it was then replaced by the Ausf. G, which was built around 9,400 times between late 1942 and 1945. 

04:50 In this shot, the armored side skirts can be seen. These were thin armored plates, usually 5mm thick, added on several German tanks during WWII to protect against enemy AT-rifle, which were used heavily especially by the Soviets.

05:13 Albania had been occupied by Italy in April 1939, and when the Italians switched sides in  September 1943, German troops occupied the country. The Albanian population was generally pro-German, mainly due to political support from Austria-Hungary for an independent Albanian state before WWI, and the Germans let the Albanians generally rule themselves during the occupation. The Albanians had their own army, and also local police and militia units, like shown here. 


05:14 The officer on the left belongs to the 1st Mountain Troops Division, recognizable by the unit insignia (an Edelweiss flower) on his right arm. The unit was stationed on the Balkans since April 1943, being mainly used to fight Partisans, disarm Italian troops, and being on standby in Greece against a potential Allied landing. In September 1944, the unit was stationed along the Yugoslav-Bulgarian border, defending themselves against a strong Soviet attack, retreating behind the Morava River in October 1944. During these retreats, a large part of the unit, around 5,000 men, were cut off and encircled by Soviet units south of Belgrade, including the divisional commander. The rest of the division managed to pull back, fighting defensive battles in the area of the Rivers Sava and Drina, before moving back towards Hungary in late October and November 1944. The division spent the reminder of the war in Hungary.

05:45 While building AA-gun positions was one of the tasks of the RAD during war time , starting from 1943 onwards, entire AA-gun batteries were formed of RAD-men, initially only behind the frontlines, but with the bad progression of the war, RAD-AA batteries were also increasingly used at the frontlines to fight enemy ground targets. 
06:00 Detonating explosive grenades above enemy trenches was an often-used tactic. The idea behind it was that such an explosion would send many grenade splinters from above into enemy lines, thus having a greater effect over a larger area ten a “normal” artillery shelling.  

06:10 These guns are 8,8cm FlaK 36 AA-guns. While initially designed to be used against enemy planes, the 8,8cm FlaK 36 became one of the most famous German weapons during WWII, especially because of its excellent anti-tank capabilities. 20,754 guns were made between 1933 and 1945, roughly half of them went to the frontlines, the other half was used for AA-defense within Germany. As shown here, the 8,8 cm FlaK was also often used as an artillery gun. While it wasn’t designed for that role and was less effective than regular artillery, often, regular artillery was not available, especially later in the war. 

06:30 Courland is a peninsula in western Latvia. From July 1944 to the end of the war, the Courland pocket was a frontline in which to German armies (16th and 18th) were cut off from the rest of the Army Group North during Operation Bagration and continued to fight there until the rest of the war. Despite strong Soviet attacks, the front largely remained intact until the German capitulation. The Soviets would attempt six offensives, the first one started on October 16th, 1944, the last one on March 18th, 1945. The Soviets were unable to break the German frontlines, and all six Courland offensives were successfully repelled by the Germans. By the time of this newsreel, in late November 1944, the second Courland offensive, had to be stopped by the Soviets due to heavy rainfalls; they would attempt the next attack on December 21st. 

06:32 The wooden crates that can be seen on the right and in the background most likely hold rockets for German Nebelwerfer rocket artillery. 

06:43 As the Germans enjoyed a Naval superiority in the Baltic Sea, and the Soviets lacked both ships and anti-ship aircrafts, the Germans could relatively easy move around troops and supplies from and to the Courland peninsula until the end of the war. 

06:53 The gun on the left here is a 2cm Flakvierling 38, a quadruple AA-gun, made up of four 2cm AA-gun barrels, giving it a lot of firepower.

07:25 As written above, the Germans enjoyed Naval superiority in the Baltics, which they also used to shell Soviet land units close to the coast. The main German Navy forces in the Baltics at that time consisted of the Battle Group Thiele, named after its commander, Vice Admiral August Thiele (1893-1981). It consisted of three heavy cruisers (Lützow, Admiral Scheer and Prinz Eugen), two Type 1936A and two Type 1936B destroyers (Z25, Z28, Z35 and Z26) and four torpedo boats. This unit was active from March 1944 to late April 1945. The shelling done by this unit was tremendous, for example, from October 10th to October 15th, the Prinz Eugen alone shelled 28 land targets, firing 1196 shells from its main 20,3cm guns.

Source :
https://digitaler-lesesaal.bundesarchiv.de/en/video/4011/699895
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uN6Ez2fK5w&t=11s

Die Deutsche Wochenschau (German Weekly News) Nr. 736 - 11 October 1944

Die Deutsche Wochenschau is the title of the unified newsreel series released in the cinemas of Nazi Germany from June 1940 until the end of World War II, with the final edition issued on 22 March 1945. The co-ordinated newsreel production was set up as a vital instrument for the mass distribution of Nazi propaganda at war.

In this Die Deutsche Wochenschau video:

00:43 - Total war effort/Trenchwork, German Reich, 1944.
Miners after finishing their shift receive shovels and other tools and take a part in the entrenchment work. Workers unloading a freight train. A concrete two-man bunker is being built. Rear services of all branches of the armed forces have organised a "Trenching Sunday." Officers take a part in digging an anti-tank ditch.

02:01 - Eastern Front/Estonian refugees, Baltic states/German Reich, 1944.
Estonian people leave their homeland on German steamers to escape the Soviet rule. Refugees embark the German steamers in the port of Tallinn. The cargo steamers reach their destination ports in German Reich. The woman express her gratitude for the passage to the captain.

03:13 - Recruitment of the Latvian volunteers for the German Wehrmacht, German Reich, 1944.
Young Latvians have volunteered to fight for the German cause. Swearing-in of Luftwaffe auxiliaries into the Wehrmacht.

03:46 - Focke-Wulf 190 air combat footage, Soviet Union, 1944.
Scenes show FW 190 flying in formation. Focke-Wulf 190 ground-attack aircraft in low-level attacks, targeting vehicles and advancing troops with onboard weapons.

04:35 - Fighting on the Courland Front/Eastern Front, Soviet Union, 1944.
German grenadiers advance to attack a Soviet bridgehead in the morning mist. Supplies, trucks towing AT-guns, assault guns and infantry advance through the country road. Grenadiers with Panzerfausts and Stug III assault guns in fight with advancing Soviet T-34/85 tanks. Destroyed Soviet tanks and assault guns. Soldiers inspect the wreckage to check the effectiveness of their anti-tank weapons.

06:45 - Suppression of the Warsaw Uprising, Poland, 1944.
The last resistance of the insurgents in Warsaw has finally collapsed under the force of German weapons. Ju 87 Stuka dive bombers bombs a block of buildings where the strongest point of resistance was located. Scenes show diving Ju-87 Stuka bombers.

07:25 - Battle of Lunéville/Western Front, France, 1944.
Report about German forces holding their positions despite heavy enemy attacks. Panthers with Panzergrenadiers are advancing in the Lunéville area. Panzergrenadiers advance to clear a section of forest. General von Manteuffel during a briefing before the tank counterattack. German tanks and troops in a wooded area. A breakthrough point made by the Americans is being cleared out in heavy fighting. Scenes show the American prisoners of war. Scene show the fiercely contested city of Lunéville. German infantry clear streets and houses of enemy remnants. 

09:43 - Reich Minister Joseph Goebbels visits General Field Marshal Model in his headquarters, Western Front, 1944.
Visit of Reich Minister Joseph Goebbels to the headquarters of General Field Marshal Walter Model, where he is given a comprehensive picture of the current front situation. 

10:21 - Joseph Goebbels speech, Cologne, German Reich, October 04, 1944.
Joseph Goebbels addressed thousands of armaments workers at a large rally in a Cologne.

12:53 - King Tiger footage/Tiger Battalion 503, German Reich, 1944.
Scenes show a King Tiger tanks in parade formation. Commander of the Tiger Battalion 503 drives along the front of the tanks formation.

Source :
https://archive.org/details/die-deutsche-wochenschau-berita-mingguan-jerman-no.-736-11-oktober-1944-teks-indonesia
https://digitaler-lesesaal.bundesarchiv.de/en/video/4004/712744
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmYFmSW2WRg

Die Deutsche Wochenschau (German Weekly News) Nr. 728 - 17 August 1944

Die Deutsche Wochenschau is the title of the unified newsreel series released in the cinemas of Nazi Germany from June 1940 until the end of World War II, with the final edition issued on 22 March 1945. The co-ordinated newsreel production was set up as a vital instrument for the mass distribution of Nazi propaganda at war.

In this Die Deutsche Wochenschau video:

00:39-01:39 - Hitler Youth Harvest Service, German Reich, 1944.
German youth lend a hand in the harvest. With a contribution of the Hitler Youth members, the harvest can be done in rapid pace. Due to Total War effort, farmers and their helpers were drafted into the army, and replacement was necessary. Youths sharpen scythes, make stooks of hay and load ox carts.

01:40-03:37 - Importance of fisherman work, German Reich, 1944.
Importance of fisherman work for the nation's food supply during the wartime. Scenes show fisherman during their work on the sea, taking out fishing nets full of fish. Minister for Food Backe presents distinguished fishermen with Knights Cross to War Merit Cross. 

03:38-04:49 - Entertainment for the wounded and convalescent servicemen, German Reich, 1944.
Clown Fritschi perform in the theatre in front of wounded and convalescent servicemen. 

04:50-07:04 - Italian Front, Combat footage, northern Italy, 1944.
German Naval anti-aircraft crew with their Opel Blitz 2cm Flak C/30 engage in heavy combat with American bombers. Anti-aircraft guns (2,0cm Flakvierling 38) fire at American fighter-bomber in the area around Florence. German AA crew take American pilot prisoner. German soldiers use scorched earth tactic to slow down enemy's advance. Paratroopers from 1st Fallschirm-Panzer Division Hermann Göring in street combat, and advance through destroyed buildings. 

07:05-09:46 - Northern Sector of Eastern Front, Combat footage, 1944.
Focke-Wulf Fw-190 take off on a mission to attack Soviet supply and tank movements. Commander of the 8th Fliegerkorps, Lieutenant General Seidemann on a combat briefing with Stuka ace pilot Major Rudel. Formation of Ju-87 Stuka dive bombers under the command of Major Rudel, during attack on Soviet tanks. German troops brought the enemy to halt in all sectors between Carpathians and Gulf of Finland. German tanks (Panther) and infantry in counterattack to clear the enemy bridgehead. Panther tank with visible side number "422" advance through a village. German AA-vehicle (Sd.Kfz. 7/ 1 20mm Flakvierling 38) advance with infantry. Scenes show burning village. 

09:47-13:18 - Western Front, Normandy, Combat footage, 1944.
On August 6th, SS-Oberstgruppenführer Sepp Dietrich, was awarded the Diamonds to the Knights Cross. Scene shows awarding the Knights Crosses to particuralry distinguished members of the 1st SS-Panzerkorps Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler. Scene show British assault unit attacked by surprise by German troops equipped with MG-42 and 2cm flak anti-aircraft guns. German command post of heavy artillery unit give orders for artillery batteries to open fire against enemy transport units. Artillery crews camouflage their guns immediately after air raid alarm, and take cover. 8.8cm Flak batteries take Allied bombers under fire.

Source :
https://archive.org/details/die-deutsche-wochenschau-berita-mingguan-jerman-no.-728-17-agustus-1944-teks-indonesia
https://digitaler-lesesaal.bundesarchiv.de/en/video/3998/684249
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wO5ezdffy48

Die Deutsche Wochenschau (German Weekly News) Nr. 710 - 12 April 1944

Die Deutsche Wochenschau is the title of the unified newsreel series released in the cinemas of Nazi Germany from June 1940 until the end of World War II, with the final edition issued on 22 March 1945. The co-ordinated newsreel production was set up as a vital instrument for the mass distribution of Nazi propaganda at war.

In this Die Deutsche Wochenschau video:

00:41 - The 65th birthday of the poet August Hinrichs, German Reich, 1944.
Commemoration of the 65th birthday of the poet August Hinrichs. Scenes show the poet August Hinrichs at work, and during a rehearsal at the Oldenburg State Theater. 

01:51 - The Schliersee Farmers Theater, German Reich, 1944.
The Schliersee Farmers Theater has invited wounded soldiers of all branches of the armed forces to a colorful afternoon. Two yodelers perform in front of the audience. 

03:14 - The Croatian Ballet during a guest performance in Vienna, annexed Austria, 1944.
Performance of Croatian folk dances in traditional national costumes in front of the audience. 

04:03 - Cross-country race in Kolberg, German Reich, 1944.
Over 1000 men take part in the 7500-meter cross-country race. Young men run through swamp, water and other obstacles towards the goal. Konrad from the "Stralsund Air Force Sports Club" wins the race. 

05:02 - Woodcarving school in Pirma on the Elbe River, German Reich, 1944.
Children from the region, some HJ members, carving wooden toy figures under the teacher's guidance. The teacher is carving a Punch and Judy head for the puppet theater. Punch versus the Coal Thief in the puppet show.

06:15 - The Defense of the Home Front: "The Enemy is Listening", German Reich, 1944.
This was a common propaganda slogan used to encourage citizens to be cautious about what they said in public, especially over telephones. 

06:33 - On the western border of the Reich in Lorraine, Occupied France, 1944.
Rebuilt farmsteads destroyed during the Western Campaign are ceremonially handed over to their owners. A representative of the Nazi Party gives a speech.

07:15 - "Dollars equal art" propaganda segment, Italy, 1944.
The phrase "dollars equal art" is likely a misquotation of H.G. Wells' ideas, not a direct quote from him. While he was a celebrated author and a visionary in science fiction, there is no record of him stating this specific phrase. Scenes show the various works of art by Michelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli, Donatello.

09:07 - Italian Front, 1944.
The Führer has recognized the achievements of the fighters from Nettuno by awarding them medals for gallantry. Knight's Cross recipient Colonel Heinz Trettner presents the awards to his soldiers. Paratroopers are awarded the Iron Cross. Wehrmacht soldiers receive the Close Combat Clasp. German soldiers during a lull in the fighting. 8.8 cm anti-aircraft guns in defensive battle with the Allied fighters. 

11:39 - A reconnaissance on the Italian Front, 1944.
A reconnaissance plane (Ju-88) is taking off. Aerial photographs are taken from high altitude. The reconnaissance plane over the port of Anzio. New targets for the long-range batteries are identified under the magnifying glass. Heavy artillery takes identified targets under fire.

14:50 - Reinforcements in the Narva Sector, Eastern Front, 1944.
Assault guns and trucks with German infantry advance towards the Narva Front. Soldiers in white camouflage on the frozen Lake Peipus. The assault troop is conducting a reconnaissance raid against the island occupied by the enemy. The artillery is suppressing the enemy and facilitating the approach for the assault troop. A Soviet counterattack across the ice is repelled.

16:43 - German naval forces off the coast of Narva, Soviet Union, 1944.
German naval forces are engaged in combat with Soviet gun emplacements. A crew men working in the engine room. 

17:45 - Interview with ace fighter pilot, Major Hans-Ulrich Rudel/Air Combat, 1944.
The first fighter pilot to be awarded the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords gives an interview in the capital of the Reich. At an airfield, Major Rudel tells the war correspondent about his dramatic experiences. During the interview, Rudel puts on flight gear and then boards a Ju-87 Stuka. Hentschel Hs-129 ground-attack aircraft are taking off for a mission in the east. Combat scenes shows the attack on tanks with onboard weapons.

Source :
https://archive.org/details/eng-sub-die-deutsche-wochenschau-nr.-710-hd-april-12-1944-italian-front-narva-sector-air-war
https://digitaler-lesesaal.bundesarchiv.de/en/video/3981/711190
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bVkChTzPTY

Die Deutsche Wochenschau (German Weekly News) Nr. 703 - 23 February 1944

Die Deutsche Wochenschau is the title of the unified newsreel series released in the cinemas of Nazi Germany from June 1940 until the end of World War II, with the final edition issued on 22 March 1945. The co-ordinated newsreel production was set up as a vital instrument for the mass distribution of Nazi propaganda at war.

In this Die Deutsche Wochenschau video:

00:43 - The German hormone researcher Professor Adolf Butenandt, Berlin, German Reich, 1944.
The German hormone researcher Professor Adolf Butenandt at the microscope. Professor shows a graphic representation of biochemical molecules. Conducting the experiments on animals. 

01:39 - Inauguration of the new President of the German Academy, Munich, German Reich, 1944.
Reich Minister Dr. Goebbels presents Reich Minister Arthur Seyss-Inquart with the certificate of appointment signed by the Führer. The new president of the Academy delivers his inaugural address.

02:37 - Wine production, German Reich, 1944.
Scene shows a large barrel with a sign reading "257,000 bottles. The winery, which primarily supplies the Wehrmacht, currently employs mainly French specialists. The clarity of the wine is being tested, and the sample is being take for the laboratory examination.

04:05 - Boxing match in Brussels, occupied Belgium, 1944.
Boxing match between Karel Sys and Pierre van Deuren. European champion Karel Sys wins by knockout after one minute and 50 seconds.

05:03 - Recreation center for fighter pilots at Tegernsee, German Reich, 1944.
Scenes show the German soldiers that had been prisoners of war in England and Canada, and returned in a wounded exchange. A reunion with their former commander, Lieutenant Colonel Joachim Helbig. Air Force General Peltz greets his proven combat comrades. Soldiers in conversation with Major Baumbach. 

07:00 - French fishing boats set sail, France, 1944.
German destroyers protect the fishing fleet from the enemy attacks. Attacking Allied bomber is immediately engaged by the ship's anti-aircraft guns. Fishing boats with a fish on deck.

09:03 - Logistics in the Southern Italian front, Italy, 1944.
German soldiers supplying the positions located in the mountains withe the use of "supply donkey." Anglo-American fighter planes are attacking the German positions. A German anti-aircraft gun fires on the enemy fighter plane. 

10:13 - Withdrawal on the Northern sector of the Eastern Front, Soviet Union, 1944.
German troops carried out planned withdrawals and established new positions which resulted in a significant shortening of the front. A bridge is prepared for demolition with heavy aerial bombs. Tank crews taking a break from the march. The men from a rearguard unit are digging in to cover retreating troops. German tanks (Panzer IV ausf.J) advance to ensure that the German troop movements proceed undisrupted. Combat with a Soviet spearhead group.

12:56 - Counterattack in the Kirovograd combat zone, Soviet Union, 1944.
German tank division prepare for a counterattack. An enemy group is cut off and is being fired upon by our heavy weapons. German grenadiers are advancing on a wide front. Self-propelled artillery (Hummel and Wespe) take the Soviet positions under fire. Rocket barrage is requested via radio message. Destroyed Soviet tanks and military equipment. A column of Soviet prisoners of war.

14:59 - Combat operations on the Crimean Peninsula, Kerch, Soviet Union, 1944.
Near the Kerch, German and Romanian troops are engaged in combat with the garrison of the enemy bridgehead on the northern edge of the city. Column of the Romanian soldiers move into the front line. In street fighting, the enemy is driven out of a suburb of Kerch. The recipient of the Oak Leaves with Swords, Major Bärenfänger at his command post. Stuka squadron begin the requested air raid on the Soviet positions.


Source :

https://archive.org/details/die-deutsche-wochenschau-no.-703-23-februari-1944-1080

Die Deutsche Wochenschau (German Weekly News) Nr. 714 - 10 May 1944

Die Deutsche Wochenschau is the title of the unified newsreel series released in the cinemas of Nazi Germany from June 1940 until the end of World War II, with the final edition issued on 22 March 1945. The co-ordinated newsreel production was set up as a vital instrument for the mass distribution of Nazi propaganda at war.

In this Die Deutsche Wochenschau video:

00:44 -  Presentation of certificates of the National War Skills Competition, Dresden, German Reich, 1944.
Reich Youth Leader Axmann addressed the winners of the National War Skills Competition. Reich Minister Backe presented the certificates to the winners. Gauleiter Martin Mutschmann in conversation with Artur Axmann. Young boys and girls in the uniforms receive their certificates. 

01:24 - "War Model Companies" award ceremony, German Reich, 1944.
A number of German companies were declared "War Model Companies", for outstanding production performance and exemplary social conduct. Reich Organization Leader Dr. Ley gives a speech. Reich Minister Walther Funk presented the certificates.

02:25 -  Clothing show in an armaments factory, German Reich, 1944.
Theme of the clothing show is "From Old to New", and shows women the practical and attractive ways to refashion used clothing.

03:44 - Cycling competition, Berlin, German Reich, 1944.
Berlin's cyclists opened the outdoor season with a road race that attracted large crowds. Scenes show race footage from various points along the course.

04:50 - Pre-military training of "Reich Labor Service" (Reichsarbeitsdienst), 1944.
Oak Leaf recipient, Lieutenant General Specht, the Inspector General for Army Leadership Training, inspects officer candidates in the "Reich Labor Service." In addition to the rigorous military exercises sports are given a significant place in the duty roster. Soldiers practicing shooting on a firing range. Scenes show various sports exercises performed by recruits.

06:18 - The Führer and the Duche on a meeting, German Reich, 1944.
Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini enter the room. Marshal Graziani in conversation with Field Marshal Keitel. The discussions reaffirmed the resolve to continue the fight side by side until final victory. Mussolini inspected Italian divisions being deployed at a military training area. 

07:15 - Kriegsmarine/Naval War, Atlantic, 1944.
Paul Hellmann, commander of the blockade runner "Osorno," was the first merchant ship captain to receive the Knight's Cross. The convoy sets sail, protected by naval escort vessels. The merchant ships have deployed barrage balloons against low-level air attacks. A reconnaissance aircraft (He-115) has reported the approach of several enemy planes. AA-guns in combat against enemy airplanes. 

10:27 - Luftwaffe Battle Squadron "Immelmann", Eastern Front, 1944.
At an airfield in the East, the "Immelmann" Battle Squadron has gathered to celebrate its 100,000th combat mission.  Members of the fighter-bomber squadron are lined up for inspection, including Knight's Cross with Diamonds recipient, Major Hans-Ulrich Rudel. The commander of the Air Fleet 4, Colonel General Otto Deßloch, is inspecting the assembled crews, accompanied by the squadron commander, Oak Leaves recipient, Colonel Hans-Karl Stepp. Two pilots of the "Immelmann" squadron are awarded the Knight's Cross.

11:17 - Battle on the Narva Sector/Latvian Waffen-SS, Eastern Front, Soviet Union, 1944.
Report about grenadier and volunteer units of the Latvian Waffen-SS that repelled all Soviet attempts to break through in the Narva sector and launched successful counter-attacks. Defence battle against Soviet attack aircraft. German artillery opens fire to support a counterattack. Rocket launchers target the Soviet positions. Infantrymen and Waffen-SS soldiers emerge from a trenches. Tanks advance in support of the counterattack. German infantry and Waffen-SS break through the Soviet wire entanglements. Soldiers smoking cigarettes after the battle. Grenadiers and Latvian Waffen-SS volunteers receive the Iron Cross in the front-line trench.


Source :
https://digitaler-lesesaal.bundesarchiv.de/en/video/3985
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlQaL9gQWuY

German Raw Combat Footage from Normandy (June-July 1944)

After the successful Allied landings in Normandy on June 6th, 1944, an almost 3-months long campaign of bitter fighting in Northern France ensured, in which the Allies only managed to break out of the Normandy bridgehead in late July/early August 1944. 

A lot of the combat during that period took place in the rural areas of Normandy, in often confusing terrain with densely grown bushes and hedges, which caused many casualties on both sides.

The Allies had around 65,700 deaths, while the Germans had around 50,000 deaths, and an additional 200,000 German soldiers became POWs. 

Additionally, the Allies lost around 4,000 tanks and 4,100 aircrafts, compared to around 2,000 tanks and 2,100 aircraft on the German side.

This video shows some German combat footage from Normandy, including advance of German infantry, destroyed Allied tanks and Allied prisoners.

Since this is raw footage, there are no subtitles.

Source :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtWXLMeHaPs

Die Deutsche Wochenschau (German Weekly News) Nr. 738 - 26 October 1944

Die Deutsche Wochenschau is the title of the unified newsreel series released in the cinemas of Nazi Germany from June 1940 until the end of World War II, with the final edition issued on 22 March 1945. The co-ordinated newsreel production was set up as a vital instrument for the mass distribution of Nazi propaganda at war.

In this Die Deutsche Wochenschau video:

00:44 - State funeral ceremony of Marshal Rommel, German Reich, October 14, 1944.
Scenes show archival footages of commander of the Afrika Korps, Marshal Rommel. German people bid farewell to one of their bravest generals on a state funeral ceremony in Ulm's town hall. Field Marshal von Rundstedt lays the Führer's wreath after his memorial speech. 

02:26 - Retreat of German troops in Finland, Finland/Soviet Union, 1944.
Finish refugees load their personal belongings into a transport train. Finish farmers with their cattle run away from incoming Soviet forces. The withdrawal of German soldiers in Finland continues to be followed by thousands of civilians.

03:19 - Oradea battle area, southern sector of the Eastern Front, Hungary, 1944.
A Soviet tanks breakthrough is being repelled with the use of 8.8 cm anti-aircraft gun. German soldiers take Soviet tanks under fire with their AT-gun (8.8 cm Pak 43 ). Panther and Panzer IV ausf.H tanks and assault gun (StuG III) advance for a counterattack. Romanian troops are surrendering to German soldiers. Infantry advance under the cover of a cornfield.

05:01 - Fighting on the Western Front, France, 1944.
Scene shows a dragon's teeth tank barriers. Assault guns and grenadiers advance forward to attack the enemy. The landscape of the valley is obscured with smoke from explosions and fires. German assault unit comes under enemy fire and take cover. Destroyed Sherman tanks and half-tracks on a country road. German soldiers inspect the American tanks.

06:57 - The German Volkssturm, Breslau/Leipzig, German Reich, October 18, 1944.
Marching column of the Volkssturm units, equipped with Karabiner 98k rifles and Panzerfausts. Men in the age between 16-60 line up in a Volunteer Registration Office of the German Volkssturm to join as a volunteers. Men are to report and be registered. A boy from the Hitler Youth registering volunteers at a registration office. On October 18th, on the 131st anniversary of the Battle of Leipzig the Reichsführer SS announced the Führer's decree, regarding the formation of the German Volkssturm. Reichsführer SS Heinrich Himmler gives a speech. General Heinz Guderian among the audience. Volkssturm ceremony on Annaberg in Upper Silesia. In the cities of the eastern districts tens of thousands of volunteer Volkssturm members have lined up for a roll call before their Gauleiter. The Volkssturm battalions march through the city under the leadership of the Gauleiters. The Volkssturm and HJ men armed with machine guns rifles, pistols, and the Panzerfausts march through the city streets. 

Source :
https://archive.org/details/die-deutsche-wochenschau-berita-mingguan-jerman-no.-738-26-oktober-1944-teks-indonesia
https://digitaler-lesesaal.bundesarchiv.de/en/video/4006/702213
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULfSWWjncfE

Die Deutsche Wochenschau (German Weekly News) Nr. 733 - 21 September 1944

Die Deutsche Wochenschau is the title of the unified newsreel series released in the cinemas of Nazi Germany from June 1940 until the end of World War II, with the final edition issued on 22 March 1945. The co-ordinated newsreel production was set up as a vital instrument for the mass distribution of Nazi propaganda at war.

In this Die Deutsche Wochenschau video:
01:00 The gun in the background is an 8,8cm FlaK 36 AA-gun, the most commonly used German AA-defense weapon.

01:34 These two soldiers are wearing a so-called “Drillich” a piece of uniform worn by German soldiers during exercise, building positions and other non-combat related tasks. It was made of a more durable fiber and was usually, as can be seen here, a lot brighter, almost white. 

01:05 Since these AA-gun crews and auxiliars would often sit around idling for days, weeks or even months at time, they were eventually used to perform small labor tasks to support the armament industry.

02:02 To replace male personnel, over half a million women were employed by the Wehrmacht during WWII. Most of them served in signal positions, such as telephone or telegraph operator, within bases, airports, administrative offices etc. of the Wehrmacht.

02:21 The NS Women’s League was the women’s wing of the Nazi party. Founded in 1933, its prime task was to educate women in alliance with nazi ideology, to prepare them for a life as mother and housewife. Later on in the war, the Women’s League also organized the use of women for war effort.

02:57 This is referring to a prisoner exchange between Germany and Great Britain on September 9th, 1944. The Swedish steamer Gripsholm brought 682 German POWs from camps in the US and Canada, mostly merchant sailors and severely wounded soldiers. This was followed by the SS Drottningholm, a British steam liner, which brought 586 civilian German prisoners, the majority women (468), and finally the SS Arundel Castle, which brought another 1100 German POWs. These 2233 Germans were exchanged for 2654 British POWs and internees.

03:22 This banner reads “The homeland greets you” 

04:08 Judo was already somewhat established in Germany early on in the 20th century, the German Emperor Wilhelm II, who was given a demonstration by Japanese sailors during their visit in Kiel in 1906, was described as a fan, and in 1926, the first German Judo championship was hosted; in August 1932, a German-Judo Federation was founded. During the Nazi era, Judo was seen as useful for fighting and since Japan and Germany were allied, Judo was continued to be practiced; the last German wartime Judo championships were held in 1941.

05:20 This a Panther, a German medium tank, built between 1943 and 1945. Armed with a 75mm gun and equipped with good sloped armor (up to 100mm), it is regarded as one of the best medium tanks of WWII, especially considering that unlike other German tanks, such as the Tiger, the Panther was pretty reliable, especially in later variants. Around 6000 were built.

05:27 While this is a bit difficult to recognize due to the camouflage, this is an Sd. Kfz. 7, a half-track tractor, with 12,187 units built between 1938 and 1944, towing an Sd. Kfz. 251, the standard German APC of WWII, with 15,252 built between 1940 and 1945.

05:27 This is probably referring to Operation Market Garden, the infamous Allied combined airborne and land offensive from late September 1944.

05:29 This is a Panzer IV Ausf. H. The Panzer IV was the most built German tank during WWII, with a total of 8,553 tanks built between 1936 and 1945. The Ausf. H was the second most built variant, with 2324 built between April 1943 and February 1944. It had up to 80mm of armor and was equipped with the long 7,5cm KwK L/48. 

05:35 This is again an Sd. Kfz. 251, towing an “schwerer geländegängiger PKW“ (heavy off-road car), a standardized car built by Ford and Horch for the Wehrmacht from 1938 to 1941. It weighted 3,8 tons and was equipped with either an Horch 3.5 or 3.8 liter V-8, or an 3.6 liter Ford V-8, making between 77 and 89hp. 8,135 Horch and 1,901 Ford cars were made. They were used in a variety of roles, mainly by signal troops, but also to tow light artillery or AA-guns. 

06:37 This soldier is armed with a relatively rare G 41, a semi-automatic rifle. Two variants of this rifle were made in 1941, one by Mauser with around 13,000 rifles, which was considered too complicated and wasn’t adapted, and one by Walther, with around 130,000 rifles being made. This soldier here is carrying a Walther Gewehr 41, the Walther variant was later developed into the more well-known G-43. It can easily be recognized by its characteristic thick muzzle.

07:21 This is a StuG III assault gun.

07:32 This is a King Tiger, officially Tiger II, a German superheavy tank of WWII. Built as a successor to the Tiger tank, it weighted 70 tons, was armed with an 8.8cm gun and had armor up to 185mm. However, it was severely underpowered with only a 700hp engine, the same engine the already underpowered Tiger I was equipped with and had massive engine and transmission problems. Additionally, the heavy weight meant it was unsuitable for many bridges and even normal roads. However, in direct combat it was basically superior to every enemy tank. 492 were built between January 1944 and March 1945.

08:06 This is a famous 8,8cm FlaK 36 AA/AT gun. This scene is interesting for a specific reason, it is actually from 1941. Some time ago, I have uploaded the German Newsweek No. 577 from September 24th, 1941. If you go to that video and take a look at 14:24 there, you will find the exact same scene. Re-using old scenes was often done in German Newsweeks. 

08:17 The units talked about here, the “Small Battle Units of the Navy”, were formed in April 1944 and used midget submarines, explosive speedboats and frogmen to attack allied supply-and warships close to the coast. These units only had limited success: From April 1944 to the end of the war, they only managed to sink 19 allied ships, including 1 cruiser, 2 destroyers and 10 merchant ships, and damage a further 3 ships. 

08:21 These are Linse explosive speedboats. The boats were filled with explosives and were driven towards the target at high speed, the pilots would drop off the boats around 300m before the target, and the boat would then explode once it hits the targets. The boats were filled with 300, later 480 kilos of explosives. Until the end of the war, 1201 of these boats were built, but they only achieved limited success, as only a few allied ships were damaged, none sunk. One of the more notable usages of these boats was Operation Bruno in September 1944, where these boats were used to destroy the lock gates in the Antwerp harbor, rendering the harbor unusable for the Allies for several weeks

08:37 This is a propaganda lie, in fact, the Linse explosive boats didn’t destroy a single Allied ships, only damaged a few smaller Allied warships. They did, however, managed to destroy a few bridges and harbor installations.

08:45 As written above, the Linse explosive boats didn’t sunk a single Allied warship. However, the one-man torpedos mentioned here, which were actually midget submarines carrying torpedoes, such as the Neger or Marder models, actually managed to sink a few allied ships, but as written above, that number was only 19 ships from their formation in April 1944 to the end of the war. Additionally, some of the ships allegedly sunk or damaged by these units were in fact destroyed by mines or regular navy units, such as patrol boats or destroyers, but their sinking were attributed to these new small units, to make them seem more successful.

09:05 Friedrich Böhme (1899-1984) was a German Navy officer during WWI and WWII. He joined the German Navy as a volunteer in May 1916, and continued his service after WWI, becoming an officer in 1925. From September 1939 until its sinking in April 1940, he was commander of the destroyer Z22. From April 1941 to February 1943 he was Navy liaison officer to Air Fleet 5; from March to October 1943, commander of the Naval AA-gunner school. In April 1944, he became commander of the Small Battle Units of the Navy ( see entry above), and was awarded the Knights Cross in late August 1944 for the “successes” of these units during the Invasion of Normandy. From October 1944 until the end of the war, he was commander of these small units in Italy; and was released from British captivity in May 1948.

09:25 After the German occupation of Italy in 1943, Italian partisans operated with large success in Northern Italy, using the mountain terrain to their advantage, attacking German trains, supply and troop convoys. The Germans reacted to this by resorting to mass executions of suspected or actual partisans, and often killing of civilians to punish the population for their help of partisans. Many war crimes were committed, and roughly 14,000 Italian civilians, plus 8,000 Italian Jews, were killed by German or Fascist Italian troops. 

09:26 This is a 2cm Flak 38 AA-gun.

09:40 The German Police had one Mountaineer Regiment during WWII, the SS-Police Mountaineer Regiment 18. Originally formed as the Police Battalion 302 in November 1939, it was changed to a regiment in July 1942, and then sent to Slovenia and fought against Yugoslavian partisans. In February 1943, the regiment, like all police units, received the honorary name “SS-Police Regiment”, but it was not an SS-unit. It was moved to Greece in Summer 1943 and remained there untill September 1944, when it retreated through the Balkans. Since this was the only Mountaineer Regiment of the Police, and was never stationed in Italy, these soldiers shown here are not Mountaineer Police units.

09:54 This soldier is an Oberfeldwebel, a Senior NCO rank, comparable to Master sergeant. He wears slightly different shoulder insignias, as normally the edge of the insignia has a broad white line, not a thin one as shown here.

10:12 This gun is a Solothrun S18/100, a German/Swiss anti-tank rifle. It was developed by the German company Rheinmetall, but produced in Switzerland to circumvent weapon restrictions of the Versailles treaty. Built between 1934 and 1943, it used a 20x105mm cartridge, and the gun weights 45 kilos, making it a very heavy anti-tank rifle. Most of these guns were actually delivered to Hungary, Italy and Bulgaria, but Germany used a few captured guns from Italy and Hungary in 1944. 

10:47 The machine gun the soldier on the left is using here is a Soviet DP-27 light machine gun, recognizable by its characteristic pan magazine. Designed in 1927 and built between 1928 and 1955, 795,000 guns were made. A lot of these were captured by the Germans during their initial advance in 1941/42, and these guns were often given, as shown here to police and other secondary units.

11:37 Hermann Balck (1893-1982) was a German tank general in WWII. Born as the son of highly decorated Prussian General William Black (1959-1924), he came from a long tradition of British and Prussian military officers. He joined the German Army as a cadet in April 1913, fighting in WWI as a mountain officer, and earning several high-ranking awards, such as both classes of the iron Cross and the House Order of Hohenzollern. He continued as an infantry and cavalry officer between the wars; at the beginning of WWII, he commanded the Rifle Regiment 1 during the Invasion of France, where he was awarded the Knights Cross. From Summer 1942 to April 1943, he commanded the 11th Tank Division, and from April to June the motorized Infantry Division “Großdeutschland”.  In November 1943, he became commander of the XXXXVIII. Tank Corps on the Eastern Front; in August 1944 acting commander of the 4th Tank Army. For his successes in stabilizing the German frontlines in his sector, he received the Diamonds to the Oak Leaves and Swords of the Knights Cross on August 31st, this is referred here. On September 21st, he became commander of Army Group G on the Western Front, but his proposal to retreat behind the Rhine made Hitler remove him from his command, and in December 1944 he became commander of the 6th Army in the Budapest Region, together with the Hungarian 1st and 3rd Army, this formation was called “Army Group Black”. Towards the end of the war, he retreated with his units towards Austria and capitulated before American units. While an American Pow, he was sentenced to 20 years by a French court for destroying French villages during the retreat of German troops in that area, but the Americans didn’t extradite him to the French. He was sentenced to three years in prison in 1948 by a German court for ordering the shooting of a drunk German artillery court without a court martial.

11:53 This is again a Panther tank, see entry at 05:20 

12:11 The Panzerwerfer (armored launcher) was a German armored multiple rocket launcher. It consisted of a Maultier, Sd. Kfz. 4/1, an armored half-track, with a 10-tube 15cm rocket launcher on top, and an MG-42 for close combat defense. Around 300 of these vehicles were built between April 1943 and March 1944. The advantage of this vehicle, compared to normal rocket artillery, was that it could quickly change positions after firing. This was crucial, as rocket artillery created so much smoke when firing that the enemy could easily detect their positions, and they only had a maxim firing range of 6900 meters, placing them well within the firing range on enemy artillery. However, the small numbers of the Panzerwerfer meant that they didn’t influence combat much. 

12:28 The Warsaw Uprising was an attempt by the Polish resistance to liberate Warsaw from German occupation. Starting on August 1st, rebels managed to capture various key points in the city, but without outside support, the Germans were quickly able to crush the resistance, and the uprising failed on October 2nd. There is an ongoing debate among historians whether the Soviet Army, which at that time was close to Warsaw, deliberately did not help the Polish rebels.

12:50 This is a 7,5cm PaK 40 AT-gun, the standard AT-gun of the German Army during WWII.

Source :
https://archive.org/details/die-deutsche-wochenschau-berita-mingguan-jerman-no.-733-21-september-1944-teks-indonesia
https://digitaler-lesesaal.bundesarchiv.de/en/video/4001/659685
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhBJHn-g4Sg

Die Deutsche Wochenschau (German Weekly News) Nr. 709 - 5 April 1944

Die Deutsche Wochenschau is the title of the unified newsreel series released in the cinemas of Nazi Germany from June 1940 until the end of World War II, with the final edition issued on 22 March 1945. The co-ordinated newsreel production was set up as a vital instrument for the mass distribution of Nazi propaganda at war.

In this Die Deutsche Wochenschau video:
00:32 - German sculptor Professor Richard Scheibe, German Reich, 1944.
Scheibe make a clay sculpture on the wire skeleton. Scenes show some numerous works of Professor Scheibe.
01:53 - Cycling festival in Singen on Lake Constance, German Reich, 1944.
Six young women perform a group artistic cycling in front of the audience. Non-commissioned officer Kurt Heimke of the Kriegsmarine during his performance.
03:15 - A visit to a German circus, German Reich, 1944.
The artist Hildegard with her partner perform under the circus dome.
04:21 - Children's Evacuation Home, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, German Reich, 1944.
Kinderlandverschickung" (KLV) is a German term that refers to the evacuation of children from cities during World War II, primarily to protect them from aerial bombardments. Boys and girls during crafts and work classes.
05:53 - Transfer from the Hitler Youth to the Reich Labor Service, German Reich, 1944.
Boys from "HJ" on a roll call during a ceremony of transfer from HJ to RAD. The new RAD-men are decorated with flowers by girls from the "BDM" and return to their quarters.
06:36 - High Mountain School of the Waffen-SS in the Alps, 1944.
German soldiers, particularly those in mountain and ski troops (Gebirgsjäger), receive rigorous training in skiing as part of their combat and survival skills. This training is essential for operating effectively in mountainous and snowy terrain, where skiing can be a vital mode of transportation and a tactical advantage.
08:35 - New recruits for fighter aviation, German Reich, 1944.
Knight's Cross recipient Colonel Johannes Trautloft speaks to recruit pilots who volunteered for the defense of the Reich. "Wilde Sau" - was the term given by the Luftwaffe to the tactic used from 1943 to 1944, by which British night bombers were engaged by single-seat day-fighter aircraft flying in the Defence of the Reich. Report about Sergeant Hartl who shot down four four-engine bombers in the evening hours of March 24, eleven enemy aircraft in his first seven flights.
10:32 - Southern sector of the Eastern Front/Retreat, Soviet Union, 1944.
German troops during major withdrawals, use scorched earth tactic to slow down the enemy advance. German vehicles move through a deep mud in extremely difficult conditions. A signal units maintain the communications network. Destruction of the Nikolayev shipyards.
12:51 - Logistics on the Bug river, Soviet Union, 1944.
German vehicles transport war material across the river estuary, protected by the security ferries and speed boats. Soviet figters attempt to attack the German convoy. Soviet aircraft is hit by German AA- gun and crashes in flames.
14:10 - Green Devils in Battle of Monte Cassino/Combat footage, Italy, 1944.
Report about Anglo-American advance progress since the landing in Salerno on 9th September 1943. Scenes show fragments of American newsreel showing american infantrymen on the march to the Cassino front. Soldiers from 1st Parachute Division together with grenadiers fight Allied troops in the rubbles of Monte Cassino. German paratroopers prepare for a conterattack. StuG III assault guns are supporting the counterattack. Close combat in the ruins of the town of Monte Cassino. Captive New Zealanders have been brought in and gathered in a ruins.
19:00 - Outro

Source :
https://digitaler-lesesaal.bundesarchiv.de/en/video/3980/698902
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJDLo-cQKtU

Die Deutsche Wochenschau (German Weekly News) Nr. 720 - 21 June 1944

Die Deutsche Wochenschau is the title of the unified newsreel series released in the cinemas of Nazi Germany from June 1940 until the end of World War II, with the final edition issued on 22 March 1945. The co-ordinated newsreel production was set up as a vital instrument for the mass distribution of Nazi propaganda at war.

In this Die Deutsche Wochenschau:
00:00-00:38 - Intro
00:39-02:45 - Fifth German War Championship: Dresden Sports Club vs Lufftwaffe Sports Club Hamburg, German Reich, 1944.
Armament industry workers and soldiers in the stands watch final match of the fifth German War Championship. Dresden Sports Club wins with Luftwaffe Sports Club Hamburg with result of the match 4:0. 
02:46-04:16 - Speech by French Minister of Information Henriot, Berlin, German Reich, 1944.
French Minister of Information Philippe Henriot gave a speech in front of thousands workers from France, and call for collaboration between France and Germany. He express his dedication to Adolf Hitler and to fight against Bolshevism. Philippe Henriot (7 January 1889 – 28 June 1944) was a French poet, journalist, politician, and Nazi collaborator who served as Secretary of State for Information and Propaganda for Vichy France.
04:17-07:59 - Ritterkreuzträger recipient Willy Apitz tells about the battle experience, German Reich, 1944. During the autumn of 1943 Obergefreiter Apitz found himself engaged in his Division’s heavy defensive combat along the Lower Dnieper front between the Nikopol and Cherson bridgeheads. In this time, while he was serving as a radio operator at a forward observation post, all of his comrades were killed during a large-scale Soviet attack. When the Soviets proceeded to launch a renewed thrust with tanks and infantry, Apitz decided to personally direct the fire of his attached artillery even though he had no training in this role. However, despite being all alone, he managed to fulfill this role effectively and direct devastating artillery fire onto the attacking Soviet forces. 
08:00-09:44 - German soldiers take a rest on the rear positions, Soviet Union, 1944.
Soldiers are allowed to take a rest in the newly build rest village behind the lines. 
09:45-12:19 - Defence battle against advancing Allied troops, Italian Front, north of Rome, Italy, 1944.
German troops hold the positions north of Rome to slow down Allied forces advance. German soldiers in defence fight against advancing enemy troops. Soldiers use mortars (5 cm Granatwerfer 36), machine guns (MG-42) and anti-tank guns (7.5 cm Pak 40). Scene shows American soldiers taken prisoner. German heavy artillery (17 cm Kanone 18) provide fire support to cover retreating troops. AA-gun in fight against British/American fighter planes. 
12:20-19:20 - Western Front, Operation Overlord, Normandy, France, 1944.
Corvette Captain Hoffmann, commander of torpedo boat flotilla recive the Ritterkreuz, as the first Ritterkreuzträger of the Invasion Front. Second Knight's Cross of the Invasion Front is awarded to Corvette Captain Rall. Coastal batteries fight the approaching enemy ships in the area of the Seine Bay at the mouth of the Orne. German anti-aircraft batteries in fight with attacking Allied fighter-bombers formations. Scenes show city of Caen destroyed by Anglo-American air raids. French civilian population is forced to live in caves underground in harsh conditions. German infantry and assault guns deployed to repel a larger enemy advance, to prevent expanding the beachhead. AA-gun (2 cm FlaK 30) is used in ground combat. Scene shows destroyed American glider and dead soldiers. Ritterkreuzträger Georg Scholze and Joachim Barth from Panzer-Lehr-Division during counter-attack. Captured Allied soldiers on the march into the camps. Award ceremony for young SS Hitlerjugend soldiers by Regimentskommandeur Wilhelm Mohnke.  German soldiers carry out flank attack, with the support of self-propelled artillery. 
19:21-19:32 - Outro

Source :
https://archive.org/details/die-deutsche-wochenschau-german-weekly-news-nr.-720-21-june-1944
https://digitaler-lesesaal.bundesarchiv.de/en/video/3962/699755
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-DzDJmt5F8

Feldartillerie, Sturmartillerie & Nebelwerfer in Normandy (1944)

In the 1944 Battle of Normandy, German artillery was a significant factor in the defense, particularly in coastal fortifications and on the field. German artillery was divided into terrestrial (Heeresartillerie) and naval (Marineartillerie) branches, with the latter often responsible for coastal batteries. German field artillery was a mix of various calibers, including the 88mm gun, Nebelwerfers (multi-barrel rocket launchers), and mortars. German artillery was also used in counter-attacks against Allied advances, particularly in the Falaise pocket. German forces also used captured artillery, including French and Soviet guns, in their defenses.

Source :
Die Deutsche Wochenschau No. 720 - 21 June 1944
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-DzDJmt5F8

Küstenartillerie (Coastal Artillery) in Normandy

In 1944, German coastal artillery played a crucial role in the defense of Normandy, particularly along the Atlantic Wall, a system of fortifications built to deter an Allied invasion. Several key artillery batteries were strategically located, like those at Longues-sur-Mer, Pointe du Hoc, and Maisy, to target Allied landing beaches and naval forces. These batteries, armed with heavy guns, were designed to fire at long ranges, posing a significant threat to the advancing Allied troops

Source :
Die Deutsche Wochenschau No. 720 - 21 June 1944
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-DzDJmt5F8

German forces hold up Allied advance north of Rome (1944)

In June 1944, German forces held up the Allied advance north of Rome due to a series of strong defensive lines and strategic terrain. The Allies faced the Gustav Line, a heavily fortified position stretching from the coast to the Apennines, including Monte Cassino. This line, and other German defenses like the Volturno and Barbara lines, forced the Allies into a prolonged and costly campaign.

Source :
Die Deutsche Wochenschau No. 720 - 21 June 1944
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-DzDJmt5F8

Rest Village Behind the Front Line

German soldiers take recreation leave on Eastern Front. Animated map of Eastern Front from Narva to Jassy. Present lull allows two soldiers to leave trench for few days at Relaxation Camp behind lines. Facilities at log-cabin camp include sauna (sign), showers (End of Reel 1), barber, meals served by girls (Russian?) to Divisionskommandeur Generalmajor Alexander Conrady (36. Infanterie-Division) sitting eating with his men, extra rations and an open-air Variété performance with trapeze artiste, dancers (scanned by one soldier through his artillery periscope) and trick cyclists.

Source :
Die Deutsche Wochenschau No. 720 - 21 June 1944
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-DzDJmt5F8

1944 German Football Championship Final

 

The 1944 German football championship, the 37th edition of the competition, was won by Dresdner SC, the club defending its 1943 title by defeating Luftwaffe team LSV Hamburg in the final, which were held on 18 June 1944.

The final years of the German Championship during the war saw many military teams compete in the championship, Luftwaffe teams, Luftwaffensportvereine, short LSV, and, Wehrmacht teams, Wehrmachtssportvereine, short WSV, became very competitive.

Dresden's Helmut Schön, who would later coach Germany to the 1974 FIFA World Cup, became the top scorer of the 1944 championship with 14 goals, the second-highest individual amount of any player in the history of the competition from 1903 to 1963.

It was the last edition of the tournament during the Second World War, with the competition not being held again until 1948. The thirty-one 1943–44 Gauliga champions, two more than in the previous season, competed in a single-leg knock out competition to determine the national champion.

Dresdner SC became the last club to be awarded the Viktoria, the annual trophy for the German champions from 1903 to 1944. The trophy disappeared during the final stages of the war, did not resurface until after the German reunification and was put on display at the DFB headquarters in Frankfurt until 2015, when it was moved to the new Deutsches Fußballmuseum in Dortmund.


Source :
Die Deutsche Wochenschau No. 720 - 21 June 1944
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-DzDJmt5F8
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1944_German_football_championship

Bio of Major Paul Block

Paul Block

Date of Birth: 16.05.1915 - Pommern (German Empire)
Date of Death: unknown

Religion: Evangelist
Father: Eduard Block (priest)
Mother: Frieda Schmidt
Wife: Gisela Leistikow (born 25.09.1921)
Children: Two sons (born in 13.11.1932 and 03.11.1942)

Promotions:
20.04.1936 Leutnant, RDA 01.04.1936 (850)
31.03.1939 Oberleutnant, RDA 01.04.1939 (129)
15.02.1942 Hauptmann, RDA 01.03.1942 (105)
01.03.1944 Major (19a)

Career:
04.06.1934 Entered Infanterie-Regiment 4
16.06.1934 Sworn-in
06.10.1936 Member of II.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 94
26.08.1939 - 27.09.1941 Chef 12.Kompanie / III.Bataillon / Infanterie-Regiment 94
28.09.1941 - 11.06.1942 Chef MG-Kompanie / Infanterie-Regiment 94
15.06.1942 - 19.01.1943 Inspektionschef Schule V für Offiziersanwärter der Infanterie
20.01.1943 - 28.02.1943 Führerreserve OKH
01.03.1943 - 24.03.1943 Stabsoffizier 321. Infanterie-Division
25.03.1943 - 09.11.1943 Adjutant 321. Infanterie-Division
10.11.1943 - 09.12.1943 Führerreserve OKH
10.12.1943 Adjutant 352. Infanterie-Division

Awards and Decorations:
03.10.1939 Eisernes Kreuz II.Klasse
19.08.1941 Eisernes Kreuz I.Klasse
15.12.1941 Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen in Silber

LINK DOCUMENT FILE IN THE GENERALKARTEI

Source:
Bundesarchiv