The Occupation of Kharkov in Colour Photographs

[Hollenweger]

http://ww2incolour.blogspot.co.uk/20...in-colour.html

The photos in the above link were taken by Johannes Hähle and depict the civilian population of Kharkov under occupation by Nazi Germany during the Spring or Summer of 1942. Hähle was a photographer with a Propagandakompanie, and at the time he was assigned to a Luftwaffe reconnaissance unit, likely 4.(H)/Aufkl.Gr. 10 "Tannenberg" (4th Squadron, Reconnaissance Group 10 "Tannenberg").

[Chimera]

Amazing to see the Freedom Square buildings unchanged:

[Steak-Sauce]

Thanks for the pictures.

The Luftwaffe reconnaissance unit Hähle was assigned to were equipped with the the Focke-Wulf Fw 189 "Uhu" (Eagle Owl). Three of the photographs depict a funeral for a member of the unit.

Looks like a mock funeral to me. First time I see a coffin with slogans painted on it, and later put on fire in the middle of an airfield. Not to mention the happy faces of the crews.. The "funeral" could have been part of a special occasion, i.e. change of command, etc.

[Hollenweger]

Thanks for the pictures.


Looks like a mock funeral to me. First time I see a coffin with slogans painted on it, and later put on fire in the middle of an airfield. Not to mention the happy faces of the crews.. The "funeral" could have been part of a special occasion, i.e. change of command, etc.

Ah good point! I've tried to work out what it says on the coffin but I've been unable to decipher it just yet.

[Hollenweger]

Amazing to see the Freedom Square buildings unchanged:

Fantastic then and now comparison, I wonder if Freedom Square survived relatively unharmed during the war?

[Dave76]

That's a repost. These pictures have been covered extensively here and all around the net, there were even featured on a Spiegel online article.

Ah good point! I've tried to work out what it says on the coffin but I've been unable to decipher it just yet.

Dein Leben - dein Gewinn
mich auch

[The Jannie]

According to Google Translate :
Your life - your income
I also

Still doesn't make any sense to me.

[Piirka]

According to Google Translate :
Your life - your income
I also

Still doesn't make any sense to me.

Your life - your win/gain/victory
For me too

Change of command mentioned, but there's the bit about them changing their plane type. Coffin for the previous plane (Henschel hs-126?) and remembering their time with it?

[johanness]

"... mich auch!!"

Usually this means: "You can kiss my a$$, too"

[w0nder]

Thats an excellent set of photos thanks for posting

[G-AWZT]

Amazing photos thanks!

[Hollis]

Thanks, great photos.

[Hollenweger]

Your life - your win/gain/victory
For me too

Change of command mentioned, but there's the bit about them changing their plane type. Coffin for the previous plane (Henschel hs-126?) and remembering their time with it?

Ah this may well be the case, I shall update the post, thank you!

[Captain Ernie]

AWesome.... Best of the Blogs (this season)