Photos Colour and Colourised Photos of WW2 & earlier conflicts
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German Spring Offensive, 1918
7 May 1918
A Gunner of the Royal Field Artillery sitting by his Ordnance QF 18 pounder gun, camouflaged with a covering of straw. Near Corbie, Somme.
The 18-pounder was a quick-firing horse-drawn field gun designed to be towed behind a limber and six horses. The gun barrel was wire bound nickel-steel with a single-motion screw breech with a cartridge extractor. It fired a fixed round of shell and cartridge fixed together, which was known as "quick firing" in British terminology. The lower carriage comprised a single hollow steel trail fixed to the centre of the axle-tree. The limited traverse saddle supported the elevating mass and a shield. Traverse controls were on the left and elevation on the right of the saddle. Recoil was by a hydraulic buffer with telescopic running-up springs to return the barrel to its firing position.
(Photo source - © IWM Q 6495)
Photographer - Lieutenant John Warwick Brooke
Colorised by Leo Courvoisier
7 May 1918
A Gunner of the Royal Field Artillery sitting by his Ordnance QF 18 pounder gun, camouflaged with a covering of straw. Near Corbie, Somme.
The 18-pounder was a quick-firing horse-drawn field gun designed to be towed behind a limber and six horses. The gun barrel was wire bound nickel-steel with a single-motion screw breech with a cartridge extractor. It fired a fixed round of shell and cartridge fixed together, which was known as "quick firing" in British terminology. The lower carriage comprised a single hollow steel trail fixed to the centre of the axle-tree. The limited traverse saddle supported the elevating mass and a shield. Traverse controls were on the left and elevation on the right of the saddle. Recoil was by a hydraulic buffer with telescopic running-up springs to return the barrel to its firing position.
(Photo source - © IWM Q 6495)
Photographer - Lieutenant John Warwick Brooke
Colorised by Leo Courvoisier
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Starving prisoners are evacuated from the newly liberated Wöbbelin Camp in Germany.
The photograph was taken by the U.S. Army on May 4th, 1945, during the transfer of the survivors to Mecklembourg.
The man carrying a fellow prisoner on his back is Luciano Allende Saiz, alias TOTO, a Spanish member of the Resistance. He was deported to KZ Neuengamme on May 21, 1944. They registered him with the number 31417 and he passed through the sub-camps of Schandelah, Fallersleben and Wöbbelin. In the latter he was released on May 2, 1945.
The Wöbbelin camp, near the city of Ludwigslust, was a subcamp of the Neuengamme concentration camp. At its height, Wöbbelin held some 5,000 inmates, many of whom were suffering from starvation and disease.
On May 2, 1945, the 8th Infantry Division and the 82nd Airborne Division encountered Wöbbelin.
Luciano appears in the center of the photograph carrying another Spaniard on his shoulders. His partner died the next day. He remains unidentified.
When the Americans arrived living conditions were deplorable.
There was little food or water, and some prisoners had resorted to cannibalism. They found about 1,000 inmates dead in the camp. In the aftermath, the US Army ordered the townspeople in Ludwigslust to visit the camp and bury the dead.
On May 7, 1945, the 82nd Airborne Division conducted funeral services for 200 inmates in the town of Ludwigslust. Attending the ceremony were citizens of Ludwigslust, captured German officers, and several hundred members of the airborne division.
The US Army chaplain at the service delivered a eulogy stating that:
The crimes here committed in the name of the German people and by their acquiescence were minor compared to those to be found in concentration camps elsewhere in Germany. Here there were no gas chambers, no crematoria; these men from The Spain, Netherlands, Russia, Poland, Czechoslovakia, and France were simply allowed to starve to death.
Within four miles of your comfortable homes 4,000 men were forced to live like animals, deprived even of the food you would give to your dogs. In three weeks 1,000 of these men were starved to death; 800 of them were buried in pits in the nearby woods. These 200 who lie before us in these graves were found piled four and five feet high in one building and lying with the sick and dying in other buildings.
In accordance with a policy mandated by General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces, the US Army ordered "all atrocity victims to be buried in a public place," with crosses placed at the graves of Christians and Stars of David on the Jewish graves, along with a stone monument to memorialize the dead.
Luciano was repatriated to France in mid-June 1945. He never returned to Spain and died in Cannes on January 23, 1983. (Info credits to 'Amical de Neuengamme'
Caption: US Holocaust Memorial Museum, Washington, DC.
The photograph was taken by the U.S. Army on May 4th, 1945, during the transfer of the survivors to Mecklembourg.
The man carrying a fellow prisoner on his back is Luciano Allende Saiz, alias TOTO, a Spanish member of the Resistance. He was deported to KZ Neuengamme on May 21, 1944. They registered him with the number 31417 and he passed through the sub-camps of Schandelah, Fallersleben and Wöbbelin. In the latter he was released on May 2, 1945.
The Wöbbelin camp, near the city of Ludwigslust, was a subcamp of the Neuengamme concentration camp. At its height, Wöbbelin held some 5,000 inmates, many of whom were suffering from starvation and disease.
On May 2, 1945, the 8th Infantry Division and the 82nd Airborne Division encountered Wöbbelin.
Luciano appears in the center of the photograph carrying another Spaniard on his shoulders. His partner died the next day. He remains unidentified.
When the Americans arrived living conditions were deplorable.
There was little food or water, and some prisoners had resorted to cannibalism. They found about 1,000 inmates dead in the camp. In the aftermath, the US Army ordered the townspeople in Ludwigslust to visit the camp and bury the dead.
On May 7, 1945, the 82nd Airborne Division conducted funeral services for 200 inmates in the town of Ludwigslust. Attending the ceremony were citizens of Ludwigslust, captured German officers, and several hundred members of the airborne division.
The US Army chaplain at the service delivered a eulogy stating that:
The crimes here committed in the name of the German people and by their acquiescence were minor compared to those to be found in concentration camps elsewhere in Germany. Here there were no gas chambers, no crematoria; these men from The Spain, Netherlands, Russia, Poland, Czechoslovakia, and France were simply allowed to starve to death.
Within four miles of your comfortable homes 4,000 men were forced to live like animals, deprived even of the food you would give to your dogs. In three weeks 1,000 of these men were starved to death; 800 of them were buried in pits in the nearby woods. These 200 who lie before us in these graves were found piled four and five feet high in one building and lying with the sick and dying in other buildings.
In accordance with a policy mandated by General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces, the US Army ordered "all atrocity victims to be buried in a public place," with crosses placed at the graves of Christians and Stars of David on the Jewish graves, along with a stone monument to memorialize the dead.
Luciano was repatriated to France in mid-June 1945. He never returned to Spain and died in Cannes on January 23, 1983. (Info credits to 'Amical de Neuengamme'
Caption: US Holocaust Memorial Museum, Washington, DC.
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Five German NCOs from the Field Signal Troop #229 with their signalling equipment in the Vosges Mountains, Alsace-Lorraine. May 1917.
The man in the centre is operating a Heliograph. The two men on the right side are operating a acetylene signal lamp, the so called "Spiegelsignalgerät 14" which was produced by Carl Zeiss in Jena. This device used artificial light to send messages, not the sun. Only the Heliograph in the centre used the sunlight to send messages.
All optical signal equipment (Heliograph) required a direct line of sight and as such were often limited to sending messages to rear positions.
Signals flashed towards the enemy lines could be seen by enemy signallers and/or attract the attention of Allied artillery.
(Photograph and info from the Drakegoodman collection)
Colourised by Royston Leonard
The man in the centre is operating a Heliograph. The two men on the right side are operating a acetylene signal lamp, the so called "Spiegelsignalgerät 14" which was produced by Carl Zeiss in Jena. This device used artificial light to send messages, not the sun. Only the Heliograph in the centre used the sunlight to send messages.
All optical signal equipment (Heliograph) required a direct line of sight and as such were often limited to sending messages to rear positions.
Signals flashed towards the enemy lines could be seen by enemy signallers and/or attract the attention of Allied artillery.
(Photograph and info from the Drakegoodman collection)
Colourised by Royston Leonard
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VE Day - 1945
Victory in Europe Day is the day celebrating the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II of Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces on Tuesday, 8 May 1945, marking the end of World War II in Europe.
Several countries observe public holidays on the day each year, also called Victory Over Fascism Day, Liberation Day or Victory Day. In the UK it is often abbreviated to VE Day, or V-E Day in the US, a term which existed as early as September 1944, in anticipation of victory.
Several former Soviet bloc countries including Russia and Belarus, and Serbia celebrate on 9 May as the end of all combat actions was specified at 23:01 Central European Time, which was already 9 May in the Soviet Union. Israel also marks VE Day on 9 May.
Colour by Jecinci
Victory in Europe Day is the day celebrating the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II of Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces on Tuesday, 8 May 1945, marking the end of World War II in Europe.
Several countries observe public holidays on the day each year, also called Victory Over Fascism Day, Liberation Day or Victory Day. In the UK it is often abbreviated to VE Day, or V-E Day in the US, a term which existed as early as September 1944, in anticipation of victory.
Several former Soviet bloc countries including Russia and Belarus, and Serbia celebrate on 9 May as the end of all combat actions was specified at 23:01 Central European Time, which was already 9 May in the Soviet Union. Israel also marks VE Day on 9 May.
Colour by Jecinci
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Soviet and American soldiers in the Tanzcafé Femina (dance cafe Femina), located on Nürnberger Straße 50-52 in the Schöneberg district of Berlin (American Sector), August 1945.
Note the British soldier of the 7th Armored Division "The Desert Rats" looks at the camera.
This photograph was taken by Robert Capa. A Hungarian photographer who accompanied US troops to Berlin in G.I uniform in summer 1945.
Note the British soldier of the 7th Armored Division "The Desert Rats" looks at the camera.
This photograph was taken by Robert Capa. A Hungarian photographer who accompanied US troops to Berlin in G.I uniform in summer 1945.
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HAPPY V-E DAY
Victory in Europe Day is the day celebrating the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II of Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces on Tuesday, 8 May 1945, marking the end of World War II in Europe. Several countries observe public holidays on the day each year, also called Victory Over Fascism Day, Liberation Day or Victory Day. In the UK it is often abbreviated to VE Day, or V-E Day in the US, a term which existed as early as September 1944,[1] in anticipation of victory.
Several former Soviet bloc countries including Russia and Belarus, and Serbia celebrate on 9 May as the end of all combat actions was specified at 23:01 Central European Time, which was already 9 May in the Soviet Union. Israel also marks VE Day on 9 May, as a result of the large number of immigrants from the former Soviet bloc, but it is not a public holiday.
Color by Johnny Sirlande for Historic photo restored in color
Image Getty Images | Crédits : Bettmann Archive
Victory in Europe Day is the day celebrating the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II of Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces on Tuesday, 8 May 1945, marking the end of World War II in Europe. Several countries observe public holidays on the day each year, also called Victory Over Fascism Day, Liberation Day or Victory Day. In the UK it is often abbreviated to VE Day, or V-E Day in the US, a term which existed as early as September 1944,[1] in anticipation of victory.
Several former Soviet bloc countries including Russia and Belarus, and Serbia celebrate on 9 May as the end of all combat actions was specified at 23:01 Central European Time, which was already 9 May in the Soviet Union. Israel also marks VE Day on 9 May, as a result of the large number of immigrants from the former Soviet bloc, but it is not a public holiday.
Color by Johnny Sirlande for Historic photo restored in color
Image Getty Images | Crédits : Bettmann Archive
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V DAY
V-J Day in Times Square is a photograph by Alfred Eisenstaedt that portrays a U.S. Navy sailor embracing and kissing a total stranger—a dental assistant—on Victory over Japan Day ("V-J Day") in New York City's Times Square on August 14, 1945.
V-J Day in Times Square is a photograph by Alfred Eisenstaedt that portrays a U.S. Navy sailor embracing and kissing a total stranger—a dental assistant—on Victory over Japan Day ("V-J Day") in New York City's Times Square on August 14, 1945.
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American Marines crossing Japanese-laid barbwire the day after disembarking in Red Beach, Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, 21 November 1943.
It is unclear whether the picture was taken immediately after the men from 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines captured the beachhead or much later, at the end of the campaign. The image could as well depict the unopposed landing at Green Beach, in the western extreme of the island at 1100hrs on D-Day+2. Note the variety of equipment and camouflage used. Most of the uniforms depicted are M1943 and would be the first time they were tested in combat. An interesting point in this photograph is that, while clearly being staged and not depicting front combat, it shows a Marine healing a wound in his hand. This might support the official statement that the picture had been taken on November 21.
Source: Records of the United States Marine Corps
It is unclear whether the picture was taken immediately after the men from 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines captured the beachhead or much later, at the end of the campaign. The image could as well depict the unopposed landing at Green Beach, in the western extreme of the island at 1100hrs on D-Day+2. Note the variety of equipment and camouflage used. Most of the uniforms depicted are M1943 and would be the first time they were tested in combat. An interesting point in this photograph is that, while clearly being staged and not depicting front combat, it shows a Marine healing a wound in his hand. This might support the official statement that the picture had been taken on November 21.
Source: Records of the United States Marine Corps
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French infantry pushing through enemy barbed wire, 1915.
While originally invented to restrain cattle in Ohio, barbed wire played a pivotal role in shaping the new ways of fighting that emerged during the First World War. Preventing any kind of unified infantry charge, wire was used as a defense of the now universal trench static system. It was not until the invention of the tank that barbed wire defenses could be overcome in an effective way.
Source: Bibliothèque nationale de France (Agence Meurisse, 58736)
While originally invented to restrain cattle in Ohio, barbed wire played a pivotal role in shaping the new ways of fighting that emerged during the First World War. Preventing any kind of unified infantry charge, wire was used as a defense of the now universal trench static system. It was not until the invention of the tank that barbed wire defenses could be overcome in an effective way.
Source: Bibliothèque nationale de France (Agence Meurisse, 58736)
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A German observer jumping from his observation balloon, 1917-1918.
While this picture's original description written on 13 November 1918 reads "German aviator escapes from attacked ballon. German Soldier jumping from gondola of his observation balloon during an attack by allied aircraft. His parachute has not opened yet", it is difficult to know if this is a staged photograph. Instead of a real action photo, this seems to show a German official demonstrating the method of escape from an observation balloon in the event of attack. However, this image is featured in a collection of war stamps. Its caption reads: "The spring battle at Arras. April 2 - May 25, 1917. Parachute jump of an artillery watcher from a captive balloon during an enemy air raid. From the official material of the Reichasarchiv Potsdam." Others point it was taken by a nearby aviator. The original was most likely taken by a German soldier or photographic unit, which was later captured by American soldiers. That would explain its presence in the archives labeled as "Enemy Activities - Miscellaneous" and without the date of shot. Reconnaissance balloons hanged up to more than 1000 metres above the ground and, while they had by anti-aircraft batteries and machine guns, were easy but fortified victims. Shooting a balloon down counted as taking down any other aircraft (1).
Source: National Archives and Records Administration (31479817)
Ghent University Library (ED059A90-1728-11E2-A8D9-5A520D0ED9C1)
Australian War Memorial (H13483)
Bibliography: 1. Hodges, Ian (2010) Australian Fling Corps. Canberra: Department of Veterans’ Affairs, p. 23, 87
While this picture's original description written on 13 November 1918 reads "German aviator escapes from attacked ballon. German Soldier jumping from gondola of his observation balloon during an attack by allied aircraft. His parachute has not opened yet", it is difficult to know if this is a staged photograph. Instead of a real action photo, this seems to show a German official demonstrating the method of escape from an observation balloon in the event of attack. However, this image is featured in a collection of war stamps. Its caption reads: "The spring battle at Arras. April 2 - May 25, 1917. Parachute jump of an artillery watcher from a captive balloon during an enemy air raid. From the official material of the Reichasarchiv Potsdam." Others point it was taken by a nearby aviator. The original was most likely taken by a German soldier or photographic unit, which was later captured by American soldiers. That would explain its presence in the archives labeled as "Enemy Activities - Miscellaneous" and without the date of shot. Reconnaissance balloons hanged up to more than 1000 metres above the ground and, while they had by anti-aircraft batteries and machine guns, were easy but fortified victims. Shooting a balloon down counted as taking down any other aircraft (1).
Source: National Archives and Records Administration (31479817)
Ghent University Library (ED059A90-1728-11E2-A8D9-5A520D0ED9C1)
Australian War Memorial (H13483)
Bibliography: 1. Hodges, Ian (2010) Australian Fling Corps. Canberra: Department of Veterans’ Affairs, p. 23, 87
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Chindits attached to the 26th Indian Infantry Division preparing a meal beside a temple on Ramree Island, Burma, January 1945.
This same month, the Battle of Ramree Island, also known Operation Matador (‘Killer’, in Spanish) took place between the XV Indian Corps offensive and several Japanese units under Kanichi Nagazawa. The British attack attempted to recpature Ramree and Cheduba Islands, by that time, under Japanese hands, which had captured it three years before. The battle is most known by a reported incident where Japanese soldiers were eaten in great numbers by saltwater crocodiles living in the inland mangrove swamps.
Original picture: Sgt. Frederick Wackett (IWM SE 2209)
This same month, the Battle of Ramree Island, also known Operation Matador (‘Killer’, in Spanish) took place between the XV Indian Corps offensive and several Japanese units under Kanichi Nagazawa. The British attack attempted to recpature Ramree and Cheduba Islands, by that time, under Japanese hands, which had captured it three years before. The battle is most known by a reported incident where Japanese soldiers were eaten in great numbers by saltwater crocodiles living in the inland mangrove swamps.
Original picture: Sgt. Frederick Wackett (IWM SE 2209)
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