German Fighter Airplanes
German "Kampf und Jagd Flugzeuge" [combat and fighter airplanes] on a snow-covered airfield. German troops repair planes and shovel snow from the airfield, even as snow continues to fall. A German in a flight suit tries to warm himself by waving his arms and blowing on his hands. Men load bombs onto the planes. A large bomb is pulled on a sled across the field and then loaded onto a plane. The engines are warmed before takeoff, using a large tube shaped vent. Shots of different types of planes taking off and in the air. The pilot and copilot in the cockpit. Down below are dark tracks in the snow, made by tanks in battle. Bombs dropping on "Bolshevist" positions. Soviet planes appear and engage the Germans. Reel ends.
- Duration
- 00:03:00
- Locale
-
Soviet Union
- Language
-
German
- Genre/Form
-
Newsreels.
- Credit
- United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, gift of George R. Wheeler
-
Record last modified: 2022-07-28 22:03:57
This page: https://collections.ushmm.org/search/catalog/irn1003377
Also in George Wheeler Collection
A collection of German newsreel films collected by a watchmaker, Mr. Greenberg, who smuggled them out of Germany in the late 1930s or early 1940s.
Leningrad
Film
Map showing Leningrad and Tichwin (Tikhvin). German soldiers dragging large artillery shells on a sled through the snow in a forested area. They load the shells into a howitzer and fire at a structure that looks like a factory. A fast-forward section which soldiers load guns, hit the ground, fire, then hop up and repeat the sequence. More shooting across the snowy landscape, including with a machine gun. A contingent of Waffen SS troops, clad in white snowsuits and helmets, advance on the Soviet position. German troops using flamethrowers in a nighttime firefight. Daytime again; more shooting, pan across dead Soviets in the snow.
Rommel in Africa
Film
"Afrika" superimposed over an outline of the continent. German artillery, vehicles, personnel in the desert. Upbeat music as tanks are cleaned and readied for service. Low-angle close-ups of German soldiers drinking water, cutting bread, smoking cigarettes. Good, if brief, shot of Rommel with other officers. Low-angle shot of troops on a tank, signaling to move out. Various views of a line of tanks moving across the desert. View from a German airplane as it attacks British tanks. Ground-level view of a shot-up British tank, with the word "Beacon" on it. Injured British soldiers; burning British tanks.
Battle near Ladoga Lake (Leningrad)
Film
Map showing Leningrad. The narrator announces: "on the front, south of the Ladoga Lake." View of "hedgehog" fortifications (crisscrossed iron bars strung with barbed wire) in the snow. A German soldier in a white snowsuit and helmet and with a rifle slung over his shoulder, looks out at the scene. Another soldier, also on watch, stands in a trench. "Bolshevist tanks attack! Here they come!" announces the narrator, as German soldiers rush across the snow. Soldiers loading and firing howitzers and rifles as they defend their position against the Soviets. Shots of a number of damaged Soviet tanks in the snow. Germans inspect one of them. A close-up shot of a German tank (described by the narrator as a "Sturmgeschuetz") rolling across the snow, accompanied by infantrymen in white snowsuits. A large explosion in the distance causes two troops to hit the ground - the narrator says that the Soviets have noticed the movements of the Germans. Sounds of explosions and rifle fire while the Germans hold their positions and then attempt to advance.
Antonescu visits Hitler
Film
Hitler greeting Ion Antonescu as he arrives by train at Hitler's Hauptquartier (headquarters). There is snow falling and already on the ground as Hitler greets Antonescu. They are shown driving away in a car and walking into the Hauptquartier, where there are other officials waiting, including General Alfred Jodl. Maps are visible on the walls. The narrator states that there were discussions about political and military issues during this visit. The group gathers around a table and consults a map; Jodl appears to be bringing certain points to the attention of Hitler and Antonescu. Antonescu boarding a train; he is being seen off by Goering.
Invasion of the USSR
Film
German soldiers on horseback and in vehicles on a dusty road, moving east, on the march toward Schaulen (Siauliai). The camera focuses on one soldier who has his foot soaking in a bucket, riding on a horse-drawn cart. The music is upbeat and slightly comical. Three soldiers carry radio or telephone equipment between them as they walk. The music changes as the soldiers engage the enemy with automatic weapons and rifles. A few Soviet soldiers, with their hands in the air, surrender to the Germans. More fighting, surrender, burning vehicles. Close-ups of POWs, including one woman, described by the narrator as a "Flintenweib," or female partisan. Many of the POWs are Asian. More POWs marching; as a result of the "double battle" of Bialystok and Minsk, says the narrator, almost 350,000 POWs were captured. He goes on to list numbers of tanks airplanes, and other weapons destroyed or damaged, as we see destroyed vehicles on the road. Close-ups of one of the largest Soviet tanks, also destroyed. Destroyed planes on an airfield.
Defeat of France -- Compiegne -- Foch's railcar
Film
The narrator announces that is it the "21st of June, day of Compiegne." Franco-German armistice negotiations began at Compiegne, France, on June 21st, 1940. German soldiers are shown draping a French war memorial with a Nazi German flag. German troops holding rifles march into the camera, then into the Glade of the Armistice (a large plaza which was created as a memorial to the French victory in 1918), in the center of which stands the train car of Marshal Foch. This is the location of the signing of the armistice ending World War I, on November 11, 1918. It was destroyed by the Germans three days after France accepted the surrender terms in 1940. The ceremony associated with Hitler's acceptance of France's capitulation is shown. Hitler with his generals reviewing an honor guard and inspecting the French war memorials (including a large plaque) as they proceed toward the train car. The interior of the car: the narrator states that everything in the train car has remained as it was in 1918. The French delegation arrives, including General Charles Huntziger, who would sign for France. The French delegation is seated around the table. The narrator summarizes the terms of the agreement. Hitler and his contingent leave the wagon as the band plays "Deutschland Ueber Alles". The French delegation remains in the wagon to discuss the terms. They eventually exit the wagon and are lead to another building in the woods to telephone others in the government in Bordeaux. 01:19:45 German troops on a road in France as the narrator announces that the capitulation is final on 22nd June. French colonial POWs march along the road. The narrator states that three army leaders and 500,000 POWs are held by Germany. Shots of crowds of French POWs. The camera pans along a line of POWs and focuses on several African (French colonial) soldiers, while the narrator makes disparaging remarks about them and about the way the French "celebrate [the Africans] as their black brothers." 01:21:20 Return to the train car in the Glade of the Armistice. A different narrator says that on 22nd June the French-German armistice was signed. He names the representatives of France and Germany and shows them inside the train car, signing the document. General Wilhelm Keitel signs for Germany; General Charles Huntziger for France. The scene switches to clouds rolling across the screen. Stirring music, with a chorus, plays over shots of tolling bells, German flags waving in the breeze, churches. Ends with brief shot of Nazi eagle.
Hitler visits Latvia in July 1941
Film
Title with names of cameramen/journalists (some off screen): "Breselow, Burckhardt, Elsigan, Empter, Epkens, Helmut Fischer, Frentz, Frickhoeffer, Geer, Gerhard Haller, Heere, Iffland, Jansen, Jonak, Jung, Kester, Klicks, Langner, Leske, Loesche, Loos, Lusteck, Nischwitz, Noak, Onasch, V. Pebal, Peters, Petrusch, Proszkowski, Pruefer, Ramhorst, Sakeus, Hans Schmid, Schneider, Werner Scholz, Selbach, Selle, Tann, Thomassen, Weil, Wild, Wilke, Zumpe" 01:00:40 Hitler visiting troops in the East at Malnava in Latvia at HQ of Army, Group North on July 21, 1941. He is lands and gets into a car. He is driven down a tree-lined road, past destroyed (presumably enemy) military equipment. He is saluted by German troops lining the road. He visits an Army command center (map room), and is shown inside with other leaders, including Wilhelm von Leeb (next to Hitler) and Keitel. Hitler exits the building and is greeted by enthusiastic troops as he drives away.
Deportation of Bessarabian Jews to Transnistria
Film
Low aerial shots from an airplane show the destroyed city of Balti. Pan across dead bodies, with the narration that the KPU (communists) and their "Jewish helpers" had perpetrated the murders. The next shot shows the forced march of Bessarabian Jews in the area of Balti, Romania, part of the deportations to Transnistria, late fall, 1941. The narration describes how these "eastern Jewish types" overran Europe after World War I and attempted to destroy the culture of the non-Jews. Long line of impoverished people moving along a country road and over a low wooden bridge. Some are barefoot. Most carry bundles. They are guarded by a few Romanian soldiers. Pan of a seemingly endless line of people stretching back to the horizon.
Mogilev; Smolensk; Vinnitsa -- German capture
Film
Map showing Mogilev and Smolensk. Interior with officers studying documents (map?) on a table. The narrator indicates that this is a conference of the army high command. An attack is being decided upon. A soldier at a typewriter types up the orders, which will be distributed to the field. The battle starts, represented by a shot of a howitzer firing. Shirtless German soldiers operate artillery. The narrator identifies the location as Vinnitsa. Long shots of smoke rising from the countryside. The "Armeefuehrer" arrives in a plane to observe the conflict. German soldiers push their bicycles and march across a field. The narrator indicates that they are marching towards Mogilev and that their way is now free; shots of destruction in the town, including burning buildings. The narrator says that Mogilev has been mostly destroyed by the Soviets as they retreated. More shots of burning buildings and destruction. German soldiers set up equipment in communist party headquarters, which are "for the first time being put to a meaningful use." We are told that the electricity produced by the equipment will be used to run medical machinery. This narration is accompanied by shots of the interior of a hospital or infirmary, with patients, doctors, and various equipment. A flag with a cross is shown flying outside the building. 01:13:12 Pan across a Soviet air field, now captured by the Germans. The hangars and planes on the field have been badly damaged by German bombs. Close-up on a bullet-riddled Soviet star on the side of a plane. The narrator indicates that the Soviet air force as a whole is in a similar state. Further shots of damaged planes; stirring music. Panning shots of cannons and tanks, also damaged. Pan across crowds of Soviet POWS sitting on a hillside. Many are in civilian clothes. The narrator says that in the first weeks of the war, hundreds of thousands of Soviets have given up their weapons and themselves. Brief close-ups of Soviets in civilian clothes. Long columns of prisoners marching along a road, raising dust. Close-ups of some of their faces. Almost all of these prisoners wear uniforms. 01:15:43 German soldiers walking beside a damaged and smoking railroad car and tracks. The narrator identifies the region as Smolensk. After fourteen days of fighting, the Germans have won. Shots of still-smoking railroad cars, which have been bombed by German Stukas. A German military vehicle with several soldiers aboard races past the destroyed transport train. The scene switches to the city of Smolensk in flames. Germans run along a street, avoiding snipers. The narrator observes that the troops entered Smolensk on 16 July [1941], but that according to British and Soviet propaganda, Smolensk was still in Soviet hands two weeks later. More street fighting, and capture and search of Soviets wearing civilian clothes. The narrator claims that they are soldiers who have put on civilian clothing. A line of men in civilian clothing, with hands raised, marches toward the camera.
Caucasus Front
Film
Animated map of the Caucasus region. The campaign in the Caucasus began in the summer of 1942, preceding Stalingrad. An airfield with a plane. Three men in flight suits study a map; one of them holds a dog. According to the narrator, they are preparing to fly a reconnaissance mission around the Terek river, looking for artillery emplacements. View of a plane from the ground, then the interior, with two men in the cockpit. Aerial view of the Terek river and surrounding area. The copilot studies the ground through binoculars. The scene switches to German soldiers on the ground, listening to radios. The reconnaissance mission in the plane has found something, which is relayed to the soldiers on the ground, then to a group of soldiers who are gathered around a map. German volunteer soldiers fire at Soviet positions with heavy and light artillery. 10:38 Soldiers hiking in the high mountains of the Caucuses (identified by the narrator as the Golbasi). They ascend steeply, using the pickaxes that they carry as staffs. They reach a sauna that has been built especially for German soldiers. They are shown exiting the sauna and walking naked to a nearby stream. They jump in the water and splash each other. 11:49 The narrator announces: "Storm clouds over the Golbasi." A shot of the mountain. Soldiers, preparing for a mission, don white snow suits over their uniforms and pick up their weapons. They make their way across the snowy mountains toward some kind of enemy position. They exchange shots with the enemy and force him back; there is a distant shot of black-clad men in retreat. The last image is of the snowy, cloud-obscured mountains, accompanied by triumphant music.
Rommel at El Alamein
Film
Graphic of a map, labeled "Afrika". The narrator states: "On the Egyptian front." Panning shot of desert, showing a soldier on watch at the Qattara Depression, near El Alamein. Rommel giving orders to another officer, surrounded by soldiers. They peer through binoculars and consult a map. The narrator states that the defense of El Alamein is being discussed in detail. Italian and German paratroopers are shown carrying equipment across the desert. They are shown setting up and shooting guns and skirmishing with British troops, some of whom are captured in their trenches. German tanks during battle. Shots of burning British tanks, British POWs. After making gains against the British, Rommel's advance was stalled, and he dug in his defenses at the El Alamein line in July 1942. The battle of El Alamein between the British and the Germans, which the Germans lost, took place in November, 1942.
Invasion of France
Film
Night scenes: sounds of mortar fire and burning buildings along the Maginot Line. Shots of German planes overhead, aerial views of the Maginot Line, German planes dropping bombs. Germans shooting cannons; soldiers crossing the Rhein in a small boat. More fighting, until the narrator states that Strasbourg, the old German city, is again in German hands. Organ music plays over a shot of a cathedral. German troops pass French civilians on a road. The narrator announces the entry into Metz. Civilians lining the road salute the passing German troops. Happy population of Metz out on the streets; German soldiers holding children.
Death of Fritz Todt
Film
List of "Kriegsberichter": Dr. Aletan, Blenck, Buhlmann, Dressler, Elton, Ertl, Frentz, Frickhoeffer, Garms, Gessl, Grund, Hapke, Hardacker, Hornschu, Jacobi, Koenig, Komor, Lehmann, Mahla, Olesko, Onasch, v. Reibnitz, Sakeus, Schmidmeier, Alfred Scholz, Hans Scholz, Schwennicke, Thoemmes, Wenig. Tribute to Dr. Fritz Todt and the works of the Organisation Todt, including construction of the Autobahn and the Westwall. Todt walks with other officials. He hands out shovels to workers, who march with the shovels over their shoulders. The narrator states that construction of the Autobahn began in fall of 1933. Nice shots of the construction of the Autobahn. Close-up of Todt at a construction site and being thanked by Hitler for his work. The narrator links the construction of the Autobahn, some 7,000 bridges, and other civilian projects with the beginning of the war and the construction of the Westwall and munitions manufacturing. Good shots of cars traveling along completed sections of the Autobahn; members of Hitler Youth and League of German Girls waving down from an overpass. Todt in an office with another man, studying a map or blueprints. Shots of construction of the Westwall. A close-up of a drawing of a tank and then men constructing a tank. Interior of a factory with rows of tanks, shown from different angles. Todt visits various construction sites or factories near the front (in the east - shot of road signs pointing toward Gorki and Witebsk, in Belarus). He speaks with workers and soldiers. Close-up of the medals worn by the workers. Construction of bridges and roads in the east. More construction, including shots of workers wearing "Organisation Todt" armbands. Todt at the Fuehrerhaupquartier with Hitler. Founded in 1938, the Organisation Todt was a state construction agency. It was initially created to construct various military facilities, the first of which was Germany's western defense line, the so-called "Westwall." The ranks of the OT were first filled with German men who were fulfilling their labor service obligations. During the war, however, the OT was eventually subsumed into the Wehrmacht engineering corps and organized along military lines. Its German personnel were outfitted with uniforms and armbands, but due to the demands of the war, the OT also utilized thousands of foreign forced laborers and prisoners of war, including concentration camp inmates and Jews. Fritz Todt remained the head of the OT until his death in a plane crash in February 1942, after which the OT was directed by Albert Speer. 01:05:12 01:05:14 Funeral of Todt. Cortege of tanks traveling down a snowy road, saluted by German soldiers. The camera focuses on the flag-draped coffin, which is on its way to Berlin. View from the train as it travels toward Berlin. Train pulling into the station and the coffin being unloaded. Crowds of military and civilians paying respects, giving Heil Hitler salute. Lots of good shots of the coffin and people with somber expressions. The coffin is taken into the Reichskanzlei. Interior of the Reichskanzlei; flags at half-mast. Hitler greeting and offering condolences to people in black (presumably family members). Goering is also present. Somber music. Interior of Reichskanzlei, where crowds are seated for the funeral. Brief shot of Hitler speaking. Front row of funeral, including family members and Goering. Hitler paying his respects and laying an enormous wreath on the coffin. More ceremony as the coffin is carried out, people leave, and the cortege moves slowly down the street, watched by crowds. The narrator lists Todt's accomplishments.
Struggle between British and Germans in Africa
Film
One reel (not the first) from a feature film set during the first World War depicting a struggle between the British and the Germans in Africa. A young woman who works for the British is secretly helping her German husband, with the aid of a young boy and an African man. The woman and her husband communicate using messenger pigeons. The woman takes masks down from the wall of her room and leaves the British camp with her two companions. The camera lingers on a boxing match that is taking place outdoors at the camp. The woman delivers the masks to her husband, along with the news that the British plan to erect a munitions depot and occupy all of the locations where water can be procured. She explains to him that she has brought the masks so that he and his men can use them to scare the men driving the munitions truck. They follow her advice and blow up the munitions on the truck. However, they have very little water left and must seek more. Meanwhile, the head of the British camp notices that the masks are missing and warns the German woman that aiding the enemy is punishable by death. The group of German men rides through the desert, desperately seeking water, but the only water they find is undrinkable. They decide to send a message via messenger pigeon. Reel ends.
Crimea
Film
Map of the Crimea. German soldiers in the devastated city of Jevpatorija, where houses and other buildings have been destroyed. Fires still burn in the background as the Germans reconnoiter. Explosions and sniper fire. Germans fire a howitzer and toss grenades. They climb onto the tiled roof of one of the houses. A group of Soviets surrender. German soldiers toss a grenade into the basement of a structure; an injured man tries to crawl out of the building a moment later. More capture of Soviets. Pan across a group of them standing next to a wall, their arms raised.
Kaluga, USSR
Film
Sounds of artillery and grainy pan of trees and German soldiers. The narrator says that the infantry is entering Kaluga [USSR]. In the town itself: dead horses in the street, destruction. German soldiers moving along a street. They do house-to-house-searches. Civilians on the street (brief close-ups) as a long column of German soldiers moves through, some pushing bicycles. More destruction caused by Stukas (according to the narrator), including a destroyed and still-smoking transport train. Soviet POWs in "endless columns" march past buildings with thatched roofs. The line of prisoners stretches far into the distance. The column marches through a town. A brief shot of one of the prisoners, limping and with torn clothing. The prisoners break into a run at one point. A shot of a tank, as the narrator says that German tanks have reached the outer ring of defense outside Moscow (Kaluga is southwest of Moscow). Tanks in a long line traveling along the Smolensk-Moscow road. The narrator states that the cameraman who took these images was riding in one of the first tanks traveling toward Moscow. The perspective changes to that of someone in the tank as it crashes through trees and across fields. The reporter/cameraman gives his report as the battle ensues. Tanks driving across a field, explosions, burning structures, night fighting. The next day: the reporter states that snow has fallen overnight, but the battle goes on. Soldiers on foot and in tanks proceed along a snowy road. More fighting, shooting, explosions, burning buildings, planes from the Luftwaffe flying overhead in support of the ground troops. The reporter is now reporting events from the third, decisive day. Soldiers load and fire artillery. Germans in tanks and on foot pass burning buildings and dead bodies on the road. Finally, he reports, they have broken through the defenses. The original narrator returns and explains the several lines of defenses used by the Soviets in this battle, including automatic flamethrowers, pits to trap tanks, "hedgehogs" (crisscrossed iron bars strung with barbed wire), and a river lined with barbed wire entanglements, among others. The point is illustrated with a graphic of the various defenses as well as actual footage. The narrator points out that all of this was not enough to hold the Germans back.
German wounded
Film
"The victory is achieved" announces the narrator, as a wounded German soldier is loaded onto a truck to receive medical care. He is given a cigarette to smoke and a pat on the head as he lies on the table, waiting for treatment. More wounded on stretchers transported from ambulances in the field to trains that will take them home. They smile out of the train window and sit up in their beds inside the train. Heroic music plays.
Robert Ley in Italy
Film
Black screen with the words: "...mit Frontaufnahmen der Kriegsberichter: Elsaesser, Ertl, Hardacker, Huth, Hans Jacobi, Kester, Kramer, Meisenkothen, Oberhoff, Olesko, Paulsen, Rolf Richter, Schiffko, Waldmann." Presumably these are the names of the journalists/cameramen reporting from the front. Heroic music. Celebration of 20th anniversary of the March on Rome, which occurred in October 1922. Troops marching, playing drums, at the Palazzo Venezia in Rome, which is where Mussolini's offices were and the location of the balcony from which he gave his famous speeches (not shown). Robert Ley arrives on a train, representing the NSDAP. He is shown giving Heil Hitler to Italian soldiers. Ley inside the Palazzo, bringing personal greetings to Mussolini from Hitler. Cheering Italian fascists as Mussolini and Ley make their way to an exhibition about fascism (sign in Italian reads: "Mostra della Rivoluzione Fascista"). Mussolini shown leaving exhibition. The narrator identifies the man to the right of Mussolini as Parteisekretaar Staatsminister ??). Mussolini reviewing groups of fascist girls and women, in uniforms. He greets the "youngest of the fascist movement." Close up of a young girl then a young boy. Women in traditional costume, one of whom presents Mussolini with flowers. Mussolini is shown speaking animatedly to Robert Ley. Ends with the narrator quoting Hitler that Mussolini will elevate his people to a turning-point in history.
Japanese in South Pacific
Film
Japanese ships battling Americans and English in the South Pacific. Shots of Japanese sailors preparing for battle, shoes running across the deck and up stairs of the ship, exciting music. Japanese planes taking off from the deck of an aircraft carrier; shots of planes in the air. Battle scenes from the Japanese ship's perspective, including guns firing and low-flying planes, with dramatic music and occasional comments by the narrator. A graphic illustrates the number of American vessels destroyed by the Japanese. "In the first eleven months of the war, the Japanese navy has destroyed seven warships, twelve aircraft carriers, seventeen cruisers, thirteen destroyers, six submarines."
Stalingrad (Battle)
Film
Animated map showing Stalingrad and surrounding area. The narrator announces "The Battle for Stalingrad." Stalingrad, which lasted from October 1942 to February 1943, and ended with a German defeat, was the turning point in the war against the USSR. This footage must be from the early days of the battle, when things were going well for the Germans. Two men, with their backs to the camera. One looks through binoculars into the distance. The narrator says that the Germans are firing on an ordnance factory. Shots of cannons firing alternate with shots of the city being shelled. Stukas flying over the city. Germans loading and firing howitzers. German infantry cautiously approaching the destroyed ordnance factory; a German tank rolls over the rubble. More shots of German soldiers shooting, covering behind hills of rubble and partially destroyed buildings. Good semi-close shots of soldiers, with the narration, "These are the fighters for Stalingrad." The narrator tells of the dangers lurking as the soldiers advance, meter by meter, into the city. Lots of good shots of destroyed city, Germans advancing. Interior of destroyed buildings. Columns of Soviet POWS march down streets and along a road.
Volunteers from Nazi-occupied countries
Film
Volunteers from Nazi-occupied or collaborator countries sent to help Germany in the fight against the Soviets. A column of Dutch Nazis marching down the streets, giving the fascist salute. The narrator describes them as the first transport of Dutch volunteers to travel to Germany, where they will join the army and fight against the Soviet Union. Crowds of well-wishers on a train platform wave goodbye to the volunteers. A close-up of a Dutch volunteer kissing his wife or girlfriend before boarding the train. The train pulls out of the station. Scene switches to Croatia, where Marshal Slavko Kvaternik sends off the Croatian volunteers. Men receive flowers from smiling women. A crowded train platform as a train carrying volunteers departs. A similar scene in Italy shows women handing flowers to troops on board a train.
Finland
Film
Map of border between the USSR and Finland. German troops on the border in the area of Salla, Finland, marching, shooting howitzers. Map showing southern wing of the front. Romanian troops march along a road. The narrator states that Bessarabia [which the USSR had demanded and received from Romania in June 1940] was now free. German and Romanian officers in the field consult a map. Romanian soldiers marching over a bridge. Romanian King Michael and General Ion Antonescu are shown in the field with Romanian troops. German troops crossing a river in small boats, under enemy fire, marching along a road, shooting artillery. Germans investigating a farm village, looking in a window. They encounter and search a couple of civilians, including one who emerges from his home with his hands raised, looking very bedraggled. Soviet POWs marching across a field; some are wounded and are being carried by their comrades.
German capture of Vinnitsa, Ukraine
Film
Map showing Vinnitsa, Ukraine. Ukrainian citizens and German soldiers work to repair roads destroyed by the Soviets. German military vehicles attempting to drive down muddy roads; a large van slides along the road and must be pushed by a number of German soldiers. More street repair and muddy roads. The narrator announces the fight for Vinnitsa. German soldiers in a field; sound of gunshots. Destroyed bridges and vehicles, with some corpses visible. Germans marching through Vinnitsa after capturing the city. German soldiers greeted by a Hungarian officer.
Invasion of France
Film
German military vehicles winding down a road in France. Soldiers on bicycles pass a sign that reads : Sacy-Le-Gr__" The rest of the town name is cut off in the frame. Soldiers conduct house-to house searches in order to secure the town. The narrator makes reference to World War I and what that means to the soldiers as they fight in France once again. Soldiers get into a small inflatable boat and cross a river, under enemy fire. Scene switches to show a road sign indicating the direction in which Paris lies. German soldiers on horseback ride toward the camera, and the narrator states that their goal is Paris. A column of French soldiers, including some African colonial troops carrying a wounded man on a stretcher, march down the road under German guard. The French soldiers appear to be in retreat, heading the opposite direction from the Germans. More close-up, medium, and long shots of Germans on the march. Buildings set on fire in the towns before Paris. A view of Versailles, with German military vehicles driving by in front. The narrator points out that the Nazi flag flies now over Versailles, the scene of Germany's humiliation in 1918. Germans are shown in silhouette, raising the flag. Shots of famous Paris landmarks underscore the narrator's remarks: "Paris ... is reached! The heart and the soul of France, the home of the largest share of its armaments industry, the birthplace of liberalism and democracy, is in German hands and stands therewith under German order." Inspiring music and shots of German soldiers, some close ups, climbing the Eiffel Tower and raising the German flag atop it. 01:04:58 Germans soldiers marching past the Eiffel Tower, under the Arc de Triomphe. Footage showing celebrations of French national day from one year earlier, with the German narrator's comments. English and French colonial troops marching in front of the Arc de Triomphe. Scene switches to show German troops marching through the Arc. General Georg von Kuechler and General Feodor von Bock are shown reviewing the marching troops.
Invasion of France
Film
Columns of German troops walking along a road in France. Destroyed buildings line the road. Tanks traveling along a road.
Defeat of France; Hitler with Mussolini
Film
Hitler surrounded by top Nazi leaders. Close up of Hitler speaking, smiling. General Keitel presents a document to Hitler for his signature. The narrator states that after the capitulation of Petain, Keitel is obtaining Hitler's signature on an invitation for Mussolini to come to Munich, which happened in mid-June 1940. A shot of Hitler looking happy, smiling with others, as the narrator exults that France is defeated. In his 1995 documentary about Hitler's cameraman, Walter Frentz, Juergen Stumpfhaus asserts that Hitler was somewhat unhappy about this piece of footage, because he was usually shown in a stern, serious light, and this footage shows him looking relaxed and carefree. Hitler nonetheless allowed the footage to be used, and Frentz felt that the German people responded well to this view of their leader [Eye of the Third Reich, Juergen Stumpfhaus. International Historic Films, Chicago, 1995]. Adoring crowds wave and salute Hitler's train as it travels to Munich. Hitler looking out the window of his train at the passing countryside. Passengers riding on a train on a parallel track wave to him. Hitler and Mussolini riding in a motorcade down a Munich street, hailed by crowds on either side of the street. Hitler and Mussolini wave to the crowds from a balcony at the "Fuehrerbau", a major party office building. Hitler and Mussolini inside, discussing the cease-fire with France. While France had requested armistice negotiations with Germany, it did not do so with Italy until Hitler interceded on Mussolini's behalf. This was the subject of the discussions in Munich.
German victory at Kiev
Film
"The Great Encirclement in the Ukraine" Map showing Kiev and surrounding areas, where a great German victory occurred on September 26, 1941. A triangle appears on the map around Kiev as the narrator describes the size of the area and the defeat and surrender of five Soviet armies. Footage of German soldiers and tanks taken during the "decisive hours of the battle." Quality somewhat grainy and contrast-y. Destruction, vehicles burning, burning oil in the streets. Masses of damaged war material. Troops and tanks moving across a field. German antiaircraft gunners aim and shoot down a Soviet plane, which we see fall from the sky and crash. The meeting of the Second Panzer Division, headed by General Heinz Guderian, and the army headed by General Paul von Kleist. Guderian is identified by name, speaking with someone who may be von Kleist. Shots of Soviets waving white flags as they surrender. The narrator reports that 656,000 Soviets prisoners taken. Columns of prisoners marching along the road. Close-ups of prisoners, identified by the narrator as uncivilized people from the Steppes of Asia who could have meant the end of European culture. Scenes of German soldiers, equipment, and vehicles moving "further forward, to the East" as the narrator announces that this was the greatest victory in history (it was in fact unprecedented in the scope of the defeat and the number of prisoners taken).
Invasion of Norway
Film
The German invasion of Norway, which happened on April 9, 1940, simultaneous with the invasion of Denmark. The Norwegians offered much more resistance than the Danes, and they did not capitulate until May 9. Airplanes in the air. Interior of the plane with German soldiers, smiling and talking. The plane lands on an airfield on the coast of Norway and the troops disembark and gather their weapons and equipment. They march away from the airport, to "occupy the important military points in the area of the airport." View of Norway from an airplane. The planes drop bombs on targets near Oslo. The bombing is shown from various perspectives, including a brief shot of a bomb from inside the plane as it is dropped. After the bombing, German troops land in Oslo without resistance, according to the narrator. German troops on a ship; unloading vehicles, consulting maps. A panning view across the city of Oslo, across cargo from a ship, and across German soldiers, some with bicycles, behind a fenced enclosure. Perhaps the entrance to the harbor and they are preparing to enter Oslo? German ships in the Bergen harbor. German soldiers ferried into Bergen harbor in a small motor boat; one soldier looks through binoculars at the tall snow-capped mountains. Soldiers unloading equipment and supplies and interacting with the Norwegian population. The narrator notes that German transport ships and troops are arriving in the important harbors of Norway, over a shot of soldiers disembarking and tanks, vehicles, and horses being unloaded from ships. 01:08:23 Germans marching down a road in Norway, singing. The narrator describes the Norwegian soldiers who are resisting as being influenced by "English agents" and radio broadcasts out of London. Shot of a badly damaged vehicle that was attacked by Norwegian troops. However, after a "short but difficult" fight, the resisters give themselves up. The Germans treat them very politely. They are arrested and searched as a light snow falls. The Germans confiscate their weapons in a civilized and orderly manner. Ship after ship carrying German soldiers traveling toward Norway, accompanied by merry martial music. German soldiers waving from the deck of a ship at the camera. Panning shot of German ships in a Norwegian harbor. More unloading of supplies, soldiers marching, general display of material and human military might. Long view of a railroad bridge between Oslo and (Lille)hammer (?). Detailed view of the bridge, which was destroyed by the Norwegian forces to try and stop the German forward march. This was in vain, as the narrator points out, because "Railroad Pioneers," who gained experience in the Polish campaign, quickly create a new passage. Various views of soldiers building a new path, then traveling along it. Horse-drawn wagons travel along a snowy road, higher into the mountains. German troops clad in white-covered helmets and white ponchos march up a hill, dragging a sled with supplies. The narrator states that only the most experienced troops can handle this duty. They discover a building containing a cache of weapons, which they confiscate. Germans engaged with the enemy, shooting howitzers. Destroyed buildings and terrible scenes of devastation in Elverum, where the Norwegian government had moved after the occupation of Oslo. The narrator describes Elverum as being the center of resistance and the "Englandhoriger" (enslaved by England) Norwegian government. A few views of the Norwegian landscape around Lillehammer, followed by a shot of a column of Norwegian POWs. The narrator states that at Lillehammer, the Germans captured English forces, documents, and plans. Shots of British POWs. German forces in large numbers marching and driving horse-drawn carts down a road, having defeated the English forces. The narrator says that southern and middle Norway are in German hands. Views of a "British munitions depot" that was captured by the Germans. More British POWs, walking down a road under German guard, including one who is limping and is being supported by a fellow prisoner. Truckloads of POWs on their way to a collection point. A crowd of British POWs, one of whom is being interviewed in English about the humane treatment and good provisions he has received at the hands of the Germans. The scene ends with the large group of POWs and German soldiers, laughing and smiling, all singing "It's a Long Way to Tipperary." Shots of German soldiers walking amongst still-burning pieces of enemy aircraft that have been shot down "before they could start their destruction work." Various views of German planes flying and dropping bombs. They bomb a fleet of enemy transport ships.
German munitions
Film
Panning shot of German heavy and light weapons for use on the front. Emphasis on the numbers and might of the tanks and weaponry. Close-up of tanks wheels rolling past as the narrator reports that the Soviets are being decisively defeated on all parts of the front, and that neither "General mud nor General winter" can stop the German advance. Vehicles of all types rolling along the road. Low aerial shot of the convoy along the road with triumphant music.
Invasion of Oesel and Moon Islands, Estonia.
Film
"Ufa" logo; "Nr. 57" appear on screen. The narrator says, "Die Inseln Oesel und Moon in deutscher Hand." [The islands of Oesel and Moon in German hands]. Map showing Oesel (Saaremaa) and Moon islands, located between Latvia and Estonia. Luftwaffe planes in the air over the islands. German ships in the ocean; mines detonating in the water. Soldiers on board ship receiving orders. Cannons firing from the ship at Soviet positions. Germans in small motorboats race toward the island while planes overhead cover them and fire at a lighthouse/watchtower on the island. Planes bomb the island. Germans on the ground admiring a bomb crater made by a Stuka. Soldiers crossing a bridge between the two islands. A sign in German reads "Beware: Mines". Fighting on the island between the Germans and the Soviets. Back on the ocean, a ship brings vehicles (and perhaps horses?) to the island. The boat is unloaded onto the beach; nice shots of cars splashing into the water and driving onto the beach. Soviet prisoners sitting on the ground and boarding the ferry to be taken back to Estonia. German soldiers heading toward the capital of Oesel island. Views of the capital and of the Germans being greeted by smiling women in the doorway of a house.
German soldiers advance; Jewish forced labor
Film
Map showing Minsk, Libau, Riga. The narrator announces that we are about to see the entry of the German army into Riga. German tanks and other vehicles driving through the streets of Riga. Destruction, destroyed Soviet vehicles, dead horses on the road. Good shot of terribly damaged and destroyed buildings and civilians walking in the streets. The narrator blames the destruction on the Soviets. Huge piles of rubble long shots of Jews at forced labor, removing rubble. Brief shot of someone drawing the scene on a sketchpad. Closer view of Jews at forced labor, including an older man wearing glasses. The narrator says that the lazy Jews were immediately put to work cleaning up. Jews with shovels hopping out of the back of a wooden-paneled truck. A German soldier walking amongst Jews, including religious Jews, who are at forced labor shoveling dirt. The soldier yells at the men. Religious Jews taking off their shirts and then working shirtless.
Atrocity in Riga; Riga synagogue burns
Film
According to the narrator, an atrocity committed by the retreating Soviets against Latvian nationalists in the Riga area. View of a building, then people carrying corpses on stretchers and laying them out in a row on the grass. Civilians looking at the bodies and weeping; many women. A woman in a flowered dress lays a body in a coffin. Close-up of a woman weeping. Bodies of children. Latvian civilians beating Jews they hold responsible for the atrocity. They drag a man across the street. Many German soldiers in the street watching the Jews being beaten. A burning synagogue in Riga. The narrator suggests that the Soviets had spared the synagogue while destroying the rest of the town, but the citizens destroyed it as revenge for the atrocity committed by the Soviets/Jews.
Battle for Kharkov
Film
Map showing the "southern sector of the front." Troops marching in the area of "Donez" (Donets'k) and "Ckarkow" (Kharkov). Odessa and the Dnieper River also appear on the map. German troops marching and riding bicycles along a road. Shots of horse-drawn carts and soldiers on horseback from a ground-level perspective. A German soldier rides a camel down the road, because "the Asian border is not far away." A plane flies overhead; we see the line of horse-drawn carts and a gasoline storage facility from its perspective. From the perspective of the ground again, we see German soldiers rolling barrels of fuel. German planes dropping bombs on Soviet positions. Extended sounds of planes flying, higher pitched sounds as they dive, explosions as bombs hit. Cannons firing, jerky pan of horizon. The narrator says that on the 24th of October the Germans started the battle for Kharkov, and that the town was taken on the same day. Germans fighting in the town, which, according to the narrator, is one of the most important armaments and economic centers. Further fighting and destruction in the town, including a damaged streetcar and the destroyed train station. Kharkov is in German hands, says the narrator, despite the English and Bolshevist liars, who did not report the fall of the city for six days, and reported that the Soviets left the city for strategic reasons. Our images show the opposite, says the narrator, as the Nazi flag is raised.
Invasion of Denmark
Film
A harbor in Copenhagen, Denmark, with German ships, troops, and military vehicles. Troops raise a German flag atop a citadel. Germany invaded Denmark on April 9, 1940, meeting almost no resistance from the ill-prepared Danes. German planes fly overhead and drop leaflets stating that the Danish population should view the Germans "not as enemies, but as friends" and that the Germans are only occupying Denmark to protect Danish neutrality. This was the official reason given by the Germans for the invasion; they claimed they were protecting Denmark from an imminent British attack. An expanse of grass covered in leaflets, and a shot of hands holding the leaflet and turning it over. German troops light cigarettes for Danish troops to illustrate the friendly relations. The amicable relations between the two governments is also shown. Minister Cecil von Renthe-Fink, the German ambassador to Denmark who would serve as minister until 1942, stands with a German general outside the German embassy. German and Danish officials shake hands, agreeing, according to the narrator, that the Danish military would offer no resistance to the Germans. Views showing how "normal" Copenhagen appears, including a wide plaza or town square with people going about their business, and King Christian X taking his daily horseback ride down the street. The King is saluted both by Danish civilians and by a German officer in uniform. Germans direct automobile and bicycle traffic. Smiling crowds of "curious" Copenhagen residents watch the German troops. Crowds of people, including German troops, at the harbor.
Finland
Film
Map showing Norway, Sweden, and Finland. German soldiers loading munitions, animals, vehicles and supplies onto a ship bound for the Finnish front. Views of the soldiers boarding the ship: they are shot from below as they climb steep steps up to the deck of the ship. Life of the troops on board the ship as it speeds toward Finland, including cleaning boots, shaving, eating, playing cards. The Soviet Union attacked Finland in November 1939, launching the so-called Winter War, which lasted until March 1940. The Finns managed to inflict quite a bit of damage on the Soviets, but they nonetheless lost territory and resources with the signing of the Moscow Treaty. Finland accepted Nazi Germany's support in the time leading up to and during the Continuation War, which Finland fought against the Soviet Union beginning in June 1941.
