"For you the war is over". Period photos of German POWs

[Anderson]

Surrendering to the enemy. Mixed emotions printed on the faces of the prisoners and their captors. For some anger and disappointment, for others relief "their war was over."




Photo from 12 May 1943, Enfidaville, Germans surrendering to New Zealand troops. NZ Army photo.

[Anderson]

New Zealand infantrymen guard a dozen captured German Paratroopers at Cassino, Italy in March 1944. Interesting facial expressions from the smirking NZ officer to the wary nervous looks of the Germans, as if thinking "don't upset the guy with the tommy gun"

[Anderson]

Let's have some Americans in this. A GI guarding teenage German soldiers, 1945. The smiling American seems to be amused, "now it's boy's against men?"

[Anderson]

Some happy faces from Kriegsmarine prisoners Italy 1945. These German Navy personnel surrendered to New Zealand 21st Battalion troops on a beach near Lignaro, north Italy 5 April 1945. Photographed in blissful setting prior to moving off to a containment camp.For them the war was over, and they look happy.

[Anderson]

NZ troops of the 18th Armoured Division feed German prisoners, At Cassino, Italy March 1944.

[reneblacky]

Wack them up on Stonemint's thread -
Headgear Worn at the Time of Immediate Captivity

[Anderson]

Boy soldier who seems "over the moon" to be captured by US Forces at Normandy, France 1944. Probably the best day of his life. Take a look at that cut down tunic!

[Anderson]

Well, I could do, but it's not just head gear the photos reflect. It's more the total picture, the theme, that interests me.

[Anderson]

NZ soldier guards prisoners at El Alamein, North Africa.

[Anderson]

One for the helmet guys.




December 1941, Tobruk, Libya. New Zealand troops guard POW camp with truck load of Italian prisoners arriving. Interesting array of DAK helmets stacked in the foreground.