Operation Barbarossa, Germany’s invasion of the Soviet Union, which began on June 22, 1941, involved three army groups comprising at least 120 divisions. It was the largest concentration of Wehrmacht forces in World War II. The combat mission of Group South was the destruction of the Red Army on Ukrainian territory west of the Dnieper. The spearhead of this group was Kleist’s 1st Panzer Group, named after its commander, General von Kleist. It consisted of five tank, three motorized, and four infantry divisions, later joined by Hungarian, Italian, and Slovak contingents.
This previously unknown archive of an unknown German officer is a unique documentary record of the beginning of the German army’s Blitzkrieg against the USSR. Several rolls of black-and-white film were packed in special cardboard boxes, some of which were signed in pencil by the photographer with “Ostfront” (German: Ostfeldzug).
At the outbreak of the war, the photographer was stationed at the Wehrmacht’s 298th Infantry Division. At the end of June 1941, soldiers of the 298th Infantry Regiment engaged in battle on the Eastern Front for the first time. The insignia of the 298th Infantry Division was a deer skull with horns and the letter G between the horns. The division commander was Lieutenant General Walther Graeßner. During the invasion of Ukraine, the division was part of the XVII Army Corps, 6th Army (which would later be defeated at Stalingrad).
All photographs were taken in the early months, August–September 1941, when German troops had already occupied half of Ukrainian territory and were approaching Kyiv. Among the most interesting and rare images are those presumably taken during the so-called “Kiev Pocket,” which represented the Red Army’s greatest defeat during the Great Patriotic War. German generals called it “the greatest pocket battle of World War II” and their “greatest victory.” In the Kyiv Pocket of 1941, the entire Southwestern Front of the Red Army was defeated and occupied: four Soviet armies were defeated and completely annihilated, and two others were partially defeated.
According to German sources, the Red Army lost 665,000 prisoners of war. This is the highest number of prisoners captured in a single battle. According to the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces from 1993, Soviet losses exceeded 700,000 people, of which 627,800 were irretrievable. The defeat of the Southwestern Front opened the way for the enemy to advance into eastern Ukraine, the Sea of Azov, and the Donbass.
The photographs taken by this unknown German photographer depict various moments of life and death during the war. Judging by the composition, framing, the photographer’s own shadow in the frame, and the periodic overlap of shots due to the film in the camera not being properly tensioned, the photographer was more of an amateur. His pictures show the rapid advance of German troops into Ukrainian territory despite the lack of roads, the repair of bridges blown up by the Red Army, German soldiers resting, eating, and receiving vaccinations. But most striking, of course, are the images of the horror and the extent of the consequences of the fighting between the German and Soviet armies on the battlefields: the still-smoking remains of shattered Soviet equipment, the abandoned horses running in shock, the dead and captured Red Army soldiers. All these images powerfully convey the atmosphere of the beginning of the war, a war that would last another four years and end with the defeat of Nazi Germany.
A German officer on horseback among the still-burning remnants of Soviet equipment: numerous GAZ-AA “Polutorka” trucks. Presumably the Kyiv Pocket, Ukraine. August–September 1941
A German officer on horseback among the still-burning remnants of Soviet equipment: numerous GAZ-AA “Polutorka” trucks. Presumably the Kyiv Pocket, Ukraine. August–September 1941
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After the battle. Among the destroyed Soviet vehicles are GAZ-AA Polutorka, ZIS-5 trucks, and GAZ-61 all-wheel drive vehicles. Presumably the Kyiv Pocket, Ukraine. August – September 1941
After the battle. Among the destroyed Soviet vehicles are GAZ-AA Polutorka, ZIS-5 trucks, and GAZ-61 all-wheel drive vehicles. Presumably the Kyiv Pocket, Ukraine. August – September 1941
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The surviving horses wander among the still-smoking remains of Soviet vehicles: GAZ-AA Polutorka trucks, ZIS-5s, and GAZ-61 all-wheel-drive vehicles. Presumably the Kyiv Pocket, Ukraine. August–September 1941
The surviving horses wander among the still-smoking remains of Soviet vehicles: GAZ-AA Polutorka trucks, ZIS-5s, and GAZ-61 all-wheel-drive vehicles. Presumably the Kyiv Pocket, Ukraine. August–September 1941
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The surviving horses wander amidst the still-smoking remains of Soviet equipment. Presumably the Kyiv Pocket, Ukraine. August – September 1941
The surviving horses wander amidst the still-smoking remains of Soviet equipment. Presumably the Kyiv Pocket, Ukraine. August – September 1941
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The burning and smoking remains of Soviet equipment: GAZ-AA Polutorka trucks, GAZ-61 all-terrain vehicles, and a wheelbase of an anti-aircraft gun. Presumably the Kyiv Pocket, Ukraine. August–September 1941
The burning and smoking remains of Soviet equipment: GAZ-AA Polutorka trucks, GAZ-61 all-terrain vehicles, and a wheelbase of an anti-aircraft gun. Presumably the Kyiv Pocket, Ukraine. August–September 1941
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The burning and smoking remains of Soviet military equipment: GAZ-AA Polutorka trucks and GAZ-61 four-wheel drive vehicles. Presumably the Kyiv Pocket, Ukraine. August–September 1941
The burning and smoking remains of Soviet military equipment: GAZ-AA Polutorka trucks and GAZ-61 four-wheel drive vehicles. Presumably the Kyiv Pocket, Ukraine. August–September 1941
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The remains of wrecked Soviet GAZ-AA Polutorka trucks next to a burning village house. Presumably the Kyiv Pocket, Ukraine. August – September 1941
The remains of wrecked Soviet GAZ-AA Polutorka trucks next to a burning village house. Presumably the Kyiv Pocket, Ukraine. August – September 1941
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Destroyed Soviet equipment and dead soldiers on the battlefield. Vehicles seen include GAZ-AA “Polutorka” trucks, GAZ-33s, GAZ-61 all-wheel drive vehicles, and the Stalinets-65 (C-65) tractor, which was used as a tractor at the time. Presumably the Kyiv Pocket, Ukraine. August–September 1941
Destroyed Soviet equipment and dead soldiers on the battlefield. Vehicles seen include GAZ-AA “Polutorka” trucks, GAZ-33s, GAZ-61 all-wheel drive vehicles, and the Stalinets-65 (C-65) tractor, which was used as a tractor at the time. Presumably the Kyiv Pocket, Ukraine. August–September 1941
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Burned-out Soviet equipment after a battle. In the foreground, the charred body of a Red Army soldier lies in the body of a burned-out GAZ-AA Polutorka truck. In the background on the right is a burned-out STZ-5-NATI tracked tractor. Presumably the Kyiv Pocket, Ukraine. August–September 1941
Burned-out Soviet equipment after a battle. In the foreground, the charred body of a Red Army soldier lies in the body of a burned-out GAZ-AA Polutorka truck. In the background on the right is a burned-out STZ-5-NATI tracked tractor. Presumably the Kyiv Pocket, Ukraine. August–September 1941
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Panorama of destroyed Soviet vehicles: GAZ-AA Polutorka trucks and GAZ-61 four-wheel drive vehicles. Presumably the Kyiv Pocket, Ukraine. August – September 1941
Panorama of destroyed Soviet vehicles: GAZ-AA Polutorka trucks and GAZ-61 four-wheel drive vehicles. Presumably the Kyiv Pocket, Ukraine. August – September 1941
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Destroyed Soviet equipment. Presumably the Kyiv Pocket, Ukraine. August – September 1941
Destroyed Soviet equipment. Presumably the Kyiv Pocket, Ukraine. August – September 1941
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A German officer at an observation post looks behind the front edge into an army rangefinder. A Soviet Degtyarev PPD-40 submachine gun, a German Mauser rifle, and German M-24 “Kolotushka” stick grenades lie at the edge of the trench. Ukraine. August-September 1941
A German officer at an observation post looks behind the front edge into an army rangefinder. A Soviet Degtyarev PPD-40 submachine gun, a German Mauser rifle, and German M-24 “Kolotushka” stick grenades lie at the edge of the trench. Ukraine. August-September 1941
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German MG-34 machine gun with crew during battle. Ukraine. August–September 1941
German MG-34 machine gun with crew during battle. Ukraine. August–September 1941
The body of a Red Army soldier killed in action with a Mosin rifle and bayonet strapped to his shoulders. August–September, Ukraine, 1941
The body of a Red Army soldier killed in action with a Mosin rifle and bayonet strapped to his shoulders. August–September, Ukraine, 1941
The body of a Red Army soldier killed in action. August–September, Ukraine, 1941
The body of a Red Army soldier killed in action. August–September, Ukraine, 1941
Red Army prisoners wait for a convoy near a village hut. August–September, Ukraine, 1941
Red Army prisoners wait for a convoy near a village hut. August–September, Ukraine, 1941
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A column of Red Army prisoners. On the left side of the German vehicle is the insignia of the 298th Infantry Division (a deer skull with horns and the letter G). The commander is Lieutenant General Walter Gressner. Presumably the Kiev Pocket, Ukraine. August-September 1941
A column of Red Army prisoners. On the left side of the German vehicle is the insignia of the 298th Infantry Division (a deer skull with horns and the letter G). The commander is Lieutenant General Walter Gressner. Presumably the Kiev Pocket, Ukraine. August-September 1941
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A column of Red Army prisoners. On the left side of the German vehicle is the insignia of the 298th Infantry Division (a deer skull with horns and the letter G). The commander is Lieutenant General Walter Gressner. Presumably the Kiev Pocket, Ukraine. August-September 1941
A column of Red Army prisoners. On the left side of the German vehicle is the insignia of the 298th Infantry Division (a deer skull with horns and the letter G). The commander is Lieutenant General Walter Gressner. Presumably the Kiev Pocket, Ukraine. August-September 1941
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Column of Red Army prisoners. Presumably the Kyiv Pocket, Ukraine. August–September 1941
Column of Red Army prisoners. Presumably the Kyiv Pocket, Ukraine. August–September 1941
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Red Army prisoners on a horse-drawn cart. Presumably the Kyiv Pocket, Ukraine. August-September 1941
Red Army prisoners on a horse-drawn cart. Presumably the Kyiv Pocket, Ukraine. August-September 1941
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A convoy of Red Army prisoners is escorted. Presumably the Kyiv Pocket, Ukraine. August – September 1941
A convoy of Red Army prisoners is escorted. Presumably the Kyiv Pocket, Ukraine. August – September 1941
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A convoy of Red Army prisoners is escorted. Presumably the Kyiv Pocket, Ukraine. August – September 1941
A convoy of Red Army prisoners is escorted. Presumably the Kyiv Pocket, Ukraine. August – September 1941
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Advance of the German army. Ukraine. August – September 1941
Advance of the German army. Ukraine. August – September 1941
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Locals watch as a German convoy drives through their occupied village. A light German SD Kfz 250 armored car drives along the road. Ukraine. August–September 1941
Locals watch as a German convoy drives through their occupied village. A light German SD Kfz 250 armored car drives along the road. Ukraine. August–September 1941
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German soldiers next to the stele bearing the Soviet five-pointed star. Ukraine. August–September 1941
German soldiers next to the stele bearing the Soviet five-pointed star. Ukraine. August–September 1941
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German soldiers at their position with a radio station. Local residents sit next to them, apparently bringing them food. Ukraine. August–September 1941
German soldiers at their position with a radio station. Local residents sit next to them, apparently bringing them food. Ukraine. August–September 1941
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March of the German army. In the foreground is a German Mercedes-Benz 170V car. Ukraine. August – September 1941
March of the German army. In the foreground is a German Mercedes-Benz 170V car. Ukraine. August – September 1941
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A military convoy stopped to observe the situation with an army rangefinder. In the foreground is a German Horch 901 off-road vehicle. Ukraine. August–September 1941
A military convoy stopped to observe the situation with an army rangefinder. In the foreground is a German Horch 901 off-road vehicle. Ukraine. August–September 1941
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Column of German medium tanks Pz.Kpfw. III. Ukraine. August–September 1941
Column of German medium tanks Pz.Kpfw. III. Ukraine. August–September 1941
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A column of German troops passes German medium tanks Pz.Kpfw. III. Ukraine. August–September 1941
A column of German troops passes German medium tanks Pz.Kpfw. III. Ukraine. August–September 1941
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A column of German infantry walks along the side of the road while a convoy of vehicles drives alongside. Ukraine. August–September 1941
A column of German infantry walks along the side of the road while a convoy of vehicles drives alongside. Ukraine. August–September 1941
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A German army convoy reaches one of the Ukrainian villages. Ukraine. August – September 1941
A German army convoy reaches one of the Ukrainian villages. Ukraine. August – September 1941
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German army advance along a dam in one of the Ukrainian villages. Ukraine. August – September 1941
German army advance along a dam in one of the Ukrainian villages. Ukraine. August – September 1941
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A German army convoy during a halt. Motorcyclists can be seen in the foreground. Ukraine. August–September 1941
A German army convoy during a halt. Motorcyclists can be seen in the foreground. Ukraine. August–September 1941
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German soldiers prepare lunch during a halt. Ukraine. August–September 1941
German soldiers prepare lunch during a halt. Ukraine. August–September 1941
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German soldiers attempt to repair the destroyed bridge over the river. Ukraine. August–September 1941
German soldiers attempt to repair the destroyed bridge over the river. Ukraine. August–September 1941
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German military removes functional parts from broken equipment. Ukraine. August – September 1941
German military removes functional parts from broken equipment. Ukraine. August – September 1941
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Civilians dig trenches along the road under German military supervision. Ukraine. August–September 1941
Civilians dig trenches along the road under German military supervision. Ukraine. August–September 1941
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Soviet prisoners of war bring German artillery shells. Ukraine. August–September 1941
Soviet prisoners of war bring German artillery shells. Ukraine. August–September 1941
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Soviet prisoners of war bring German artillery shells. Ukraine. August–September 1941
Soviet prisoners of war bring German artillery shells. Ukraine. August–September 1941
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Vaccination of German soldiers. Ukraine. August – September 1941
Vaccination of German soldiers. Ukraine. August – September 1941
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Vaccination of German soldiers. Ukraine. August – September 1941
Vaccination of German soldiers. Ukraine. August – September 1941
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