Article about: Jean Paul Pallud makes a very detailed analysis of what the propaganda kompanie asked them to do, milling about and walking back and forward up the road. Even the "dash" across the
"Mr Battle of the Bulge" or "Winter Fritz" as he has been called is one of the iconic images of the 1944 offensive. Young and with chiseled good looks, he has never been identified and many believe never will be - but will forever remain the unknown German SS machine-gunner of the Ardennes offensive...
However on another Axis history forum a poster as recently as September this year has come forward with an identity.
He believes his name was Hans Tragarsky and he passed away on January 7, 2011. He claims to have known him and that the old man didn't know that his pictures had become somewhat famous.
He was 23 when the photo was taken and all he recalled about that day was that his unit ambushed a convoy of American armour & soft skinned vehicles and, after the fight was over, they took food, weapons and cigarettes from the US wreckage. Cameramen from the "Propagandakompanie" came by, stopped and asked if they could take pictures.... nothing spectacular, another skirmish, another day.
Luckily for us, the images found their way into US hands ( from a captured cameraman as the newsreel tells us ) so at least we can see the cine images for ourselves to get a feel for what may have transpired.
So, is the story true or false? ....... Hans Tragarsky has now passed on, so no-one but the OP can know for sure. Should it be case closed or do we ponder some more? .... Should he always remain the unidentified the face of the bulge? .....Does it even matter?
Cheers, Dan
The top photo was on ww2germanhelmets for a while captioned with the name of Hans Tragarsky, so it seems to be legit. I've always loved that photo. Fighting knife tucked in at his chest, spade ready in his belt, no doubt for close quarters fighting also.
It would be great to see a modern photo of him. These photos near Poteau are probably my favorite shots of ww2.
There is an excellent chapter in ' Battle of the Bulge then an now' on this photo and the other footage shot on this day.
I love the fact that the little hut in the background of one of the photos is still standing and that Jean Paul Pallud drew a map of the bend, marking every camera postion and vehicle.
If i ever go to Europe im going to this spot for sure.......although i can see my wife asking why are we standing on this road in the middle of nowhere
The top photo was on ww2germanhelmets for a while captioned with the name of Hans Tragarsky, so it seems to be legit. I've always loved that photo. Fighting knife tucked in at his chest, spade ready in his belt, no doubt for close quarters fighting also.
And a 9mm tucked into his belt as well, he was armed and dangerous, and, God forgive him, probably killed a few GI's that fateful day.
If i ever go to Europe im going to this spot for sure.......although i can see my wife asking why are we standing on this road in the middle of nowhere
regards Paul
Ha ! I think you'll find that this stretch of road is rather like a WWII version of the Beatles' Abbey Road pedestrian crossing.......my wife had to take a couple of these to get it reasonably 'right'......
Arguably some of the most "iconic" photo's of WWII.
Is it right that he should he remain "anonymous" or "be named"?
Big question, with an even bigger answer and open to everyone's own personal interpretation.
Personally, I would prefer that he remained anonymous, to me, it just "seems right" that way, other's will no doubt disagree.
Arguably some of the most "iconic" photo's of WWII.
Is it right that he should he remain "anonymous" or "be named"?
Big question, with an even bigger answer and open to everyone's own personal interpretation.
Personally, I would prefer that he remained anonymous, to me, it just "seems right" that way, other's will no doubt disagree.
Just my 2pennorth guys.
Regards etc
Ian D
AKA: Jimpy
Got to agree with you, gives it a bit of mystery!.....
Mr Battle of the Bulge...... Hans Tragarsky??
.
by KradSpam
Re: Mr Battle of the Bulge...... Hans Tragarsky??
I think you'll find that this stretch of road is rather like a WWII version of the Beatles' Abbey Road pedestrian crossing.......my wife had to take a couple of these to get it reasonably 'right'......
Bookmarks