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)
flaviok
História e fotografia excepcionais meu amigo, obrigado por compartilhar, aplausos (5)
dusty357
it is great to hear these stories, one my dr's has a father who was in that war he too had some great stories ,, and it is understood that his father as well as yours were performing the duty they felt at the time was in a patriotic fashion to honor theyre respective countries, to me its kinda like iraq,, im not for what our govt is or has been doing, but i have great respect for the serviceman and women that are doing theyre duty. I didnt mean to preach ,, great image and post thank you for sharing.
duncanoooo
Great story Sig, love the picture, I've never seen a picture of your father before, great job.
DennisReed
A great pic of your Dad!
dragonmuse
Fascinating story. Growing up on the other side, one can forget that the "enemy" are real people too. Its wonderful to hear such stories :) Thank you so much for sharing your father's picture and stories.
irakika
Great historical shot!
neiwil
Always good to see the other side of the fence, and exceptional quality print, more of these would be most welcome.Thanks for sharing so vivid a memory.
MongusKing
Fantastic work my friend!!! XCellent!!!
kasalin
Hallo, lieber Sig. Danke für diesen kostenlosen Geschichtsunterricht :) Sehr mutig von Dir, aber wie Du siehst gar kein Problem !!!!!! Excellent historical photography !!! 5*
Richardphotos
I am glad you posted this memory of your father.You told me at Red Robin of your plans.I sure was glad to meet you and I enjoyed your stories so much.your directions in Arizona was perfect, but the motel was full and most all in the town, but checking at the last chance we found a room
jocko500
I like this very much and you did a wonderful job on makeing it look like it was taken today. super story too
auntietk
Bill made sure I saw this, and I'm so glad he did. Thank you for sharing this part of your history with us, my friend. Your memories of your father, the fact that you have these stories to tell ... it's a gift. You honor him, and us, by sharing this image and these stories. Thank you.
dbrv6
Awsome photo - very crisp and clear. Thank you most though for sharing the history behind it and of your family.
marcopolinski
colorful story and memorialized photo!
Osper
A nice piece of history! If you offend anyone, it is because they do not understand history. Very well done scan!
Buffalo1
Great photo and the stories your dad told are real history. I hope you write them down.
danapommet
Sig, What a fantastic capture to have of your Dad. Not a bad looking car either. I am a big fan of your work and have been thinking about scanning "in" some of my older photos, from my travels. What kind of scanner are you using? I you get a chance could you site mail me at danapommet or E-mail to POMMET@EARTHLINK.NET Dana P
Faemike55
A ery wonderful picture and a nice bit of history made more personal by your father! Well done
zxcv
Admirable that today's Germans can finally come to terms with their history. I only hope we in the U.S. can come to terms with ours.
LYNZ1947
Nice story Boy, always have enjoyed your pics, you have given me the introduction to this site and really enjoy the pictures and the chance to share my photos. Thanks Lindell