Memories of my Father by junge1
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Description
This picture shows my father in the uniform of the German Wehrmacht (Army) as an Obergefreiter (I think). The 3.4 litre Mercedes was one of two vehicles he drove as the assigned driver of a Lieutenant Colonel. The other one was a BMW (no picture). These two vehicles provided endless bedside stories to the point that I knew the stories so well that when he took a shortcut on occasion I knew exactly what he had left out. This picture was taken in 1943 in Ostpreussen (East Prussia) most likely at the Wolfsschanze. The triangular sign on the right bumper indicated either that they were part of, or attached to, the Fuehrerhauptquartier (Hitler's headquarters). The saddle looking thing on the left fender was a night driving light.
My father was drafted at the beginning of the war in September 1939 and was slated to become a Panzerspaehwagen (lightly armored 6-wheeled vehicle)driver. He developed pneumonia and wound up in the motor pool, which probably saved his life.
During the six years he spent time in the Wehrmacht he was on the Western Front in France, later in the Ukraine, and also in Leningrad (St. Petersburg) and back on the Western Front toward the end of war.
During the six years he also drove Buessing trucks, captured French Berlitt trucks, Hannomag Zugmaschienen and Kuebelwagen. He talked about many things, for instance how vast Russia is, how cold the winters were, and that one could read the newspaper at 23:00 by daylight in Leningrad. But the stories I enjoyed the most were about this Mercedes and the BMW. But he also talked about how good the soils smells when one is under fire, and with a laugh, after the Battle of the Bulge, when the Americans had advanced toward the Western part of Germany and put artillery fire on an intersection and the German soldiers were running down the stairs toward the basement, how the pressure wave lifted them off the stairs, their legs never stopped moving, and as soon they they touched the stairs, kept on running down.
My father and the colonel were captured by the Americans in Austria but were turned over to the Russians, but shortly thereafter returned to the custody of the Americans. He was released from POW camp in late summer 1946.
During the entire time of the war I saw my father once, shortly before the end of the war. They had stopped at our village of Neu Rohlau in Sudentenland (now Czech Republic). They stopped for about half an hour and gave my older cousin Maritsch and myself a ride in the Kuebelwagen, with top down, and me sitting next to a Panzerfaust (bazooka). At the end of the village they dropped us off and we had to walk back.
This picture is scanned.
Thank you for viewing and commenting and any favs,
Sig...
Comments (50)
Crabbycabby
Fantastic historical photograph.
shadownet
Great photo and wonderful story.
stevey3d
Wonderful image! I enjoyed your memories from your childhood too! Excellent upload!
Radar_rad-dude
A most mesmerizing story and marvelous photo! A thoroughly enjoyable account of your Father's experiences! I greatly enjoyed reading the account and seeing this photo!
renecyberdoc
schöne erinnerungen und einen besonderen respekt fuer deinen vater-toll gemacht.
junge1
I was afraid of posting this and offending some people. But my father did what I did during the 60s. I went to Southeast Asia and I had no choice. But that is what one does when one is in the Service. I came back, just as my father did, with all limbs attached and no permanent psychological damage.
lizzibell
nice photo...
jeroni
Beautiful composition. excellent work
ysvry
intresting foto, plz show us more of your fathers war time pics.
tallpindo
A very nice well preserved picture of an excellent technological marvel with an experienced and trained operator. My father is still alive having had his 93rd birthday just a few days ago. He thinks of himself as having German heritage on his mother's side. There is no evidence that the forebears were ever in Pennsylvannia and there is almost certainty they came through Baltimore and New York. If they came from Germany it was Bavaria and not the Palatine.
flavia49
Very beautiful picture and very touching story! I can understand you very well because during the WW2 my father was an Italian officer (second lieutenant) in the Italian Army (Armoured Division Ariete) and when I was young during the 50's he told me his war stories. Hugs.
Rainastorm
The photo os in excellent condition...a GREAT post! Awesome memories! My gramma will be 97 this July...still think she is tougher than the entire family. :-)
sandra46
A most interesting family story. I also like the part about the people running down the staircase. My father and my mother also told me about their war adventures and how they managed to survive.
bmac62
Excellent Sig. This is a wonderful photo with a wonderful story to back it up. I had no idea that some were held for so long after the war...but with the shortages of food and the general chaos at the end of hostilities...maybe this was a blessing in disguise...at least for your dad. Sounds like he made up for lost time with you kids when he got home. This is a fine tribute to your dad. The photo looks to be in A-1 condition!
timtripp
FABULOUS SIG.
PIERRE25
Jolie photo!
debbielove
Awesome, historic photo! A really great image and it's really nice of you to show us this picture. Fascinating family history. Can ONLY go straight in Faves! Many thanks again. Rob.
lyron
A photo that is part of the history. Great!!!
Minda
im glad that you post this sig and im sure your father must be proud of you...this is really beautiful photo of him love to see this kind of classic stuff thanks for sharing this with us...hugs...
kgb224
This picture is well preserved my friend.I am one that is not offended.When one is in the force you do what you are supposed to do.I was one of those who was convinced that they were the Whites worst enemies.So be it.Life must go on my friend.This is a well preserved picture of your father.I thank you for sharing this picture and stories about your father my friend.This picture is going to my favorite list my friend.
ranman38
a soldier is a soldier, no matter when, no matter where. Love to see more.
virginiese Online Now!
excellent shot ! You have stunning memories of your father !
annie5
A wonderful photo Sig..beautiful memories for you! :)
lucindawind
fabulous old photo..and wonderful tribute ! very interesting historey also
ragouc
Very good photo.
emmecielle
Very interesting photo and story! :)
thevolunteer
Well Sig, I think this is a fantastic photo of your father. I am glad he came back in good shape, as did you. In war times, you just have to do what you have to do. That's life. At least you have some fond memories of your father. He is a handsome looking dude.....Aloha
Hendesse
Interesting shot in excellent quality!
Miska7
Great shot and information!
delaorden_ojeda
Hi Sig ! incredible narrative and story, very interesting image of your memories, I think you could write a best seller of your memories, Great photo of your father and this superb and old Mercedes, fantastic Sig !