This collection features photos from World War II that aren’t necessarily unusual—let’s just say, not entirely standard or textbook. The conflict affected virtually every part of the world during the years 1939–1945.
In many ways, the war was a continuation of the conflicts left behind by World War I after a troubled 20-year hiatus. With 40 to 50 million deaths, World War II was not only the bloodiest conflict but also the largest war in history.
World War II changed the political direction and social structure of the world. The United Nations was founded to promote international cooperation and prevent future conflicts. The victorious major powers—China, France, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States—became permanent members of the Security Council.
The Soviet Union and the United States emerged as rival superpowers, paving the way for the Cold War, which lasted nearly half a century. After the devastation of Europe, the influence of its major powers declined, leading to the decolonization of Africa and Asia.
Most countries whose industries had been damaged sought economic recovery and expansion. Political and economic integration, especially in Europe, began as an attempt to prevent future hostilities, end pre-war enmities, and create a sense of common identity.
The war criminals at the Nuremberg trials laugh carefree.
William Patrick Stuart-Houston (née Hitler), son of Alois Hitler Jr., was the half-nephew of Adolf Hitler. During the war, he joined the US Navy. ( More information about his story
)
Hitler reacts to a kiss from an excited 40-year-old American woman, Carla de Vries, at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Her explanation was: “I only hugged him because he seemed so friendly and amiable… I don’t know why I did it. I certainly hadn’t planned anything like that. I guess I’m just an impulsive woman.” ( For more information on this picture, click here ).
A picture of Hitler staring at the woman while she puts up some “strange” decorations.
US soldiers send Hitler Easter eggs.
A German soldier glances at a magazine. The guys at the front were desperate to get it in the mail.
Japanese soldiers relax for a moment and massage each other’s shoulders. Occupied China, late 1930s.
A German crew follows the hits.
A Wehrmacht soldier with a cat on his helmet.
The funeral of a German pilot (bring the coffin). The inscription reads in German: “Your life – your gain.” And “me too.” This photo was taken in the fall of 1942 by Siegfried Lauterwasser at Tatsinskaya Airfield, the main supply base 260 km from Stalingrad. The airfield was lost by the end of the year.
An unknown American soldier in summer uniform mocks Hitler’s mustache with a hair comb. 1944
The Germans are trying to tame the Russian bear.
My radio.
Not strange, but interesting. South African, Australian, and British troops learn how to cook in the field at the Western Desert Cookery School in Egypt. 1941.
A French woman pours tea for a British soldier fighting in Normandy, 1944. Let’s face it, this is most likely a staged photo.
A German soldier on the Eastern Front makes a political statement.
Drunk and having fun.
German soldiers surround a captured French 240 mm heavy howitzer “Saint-Chamond” Model 84.
I’m not sure if the general noticed the symbolism, but the photographer certainly did.
An SS officer frolics in a field of daffodils.
Heinrich Himmler, his wife, and daughter Gudrun happily pick flowers. 1941.
A Nazi DJ plays records at a radio exhibition in Berlin in 1932.
The Soviet sign reads: “The fastest way home is through a Russian prisoner of war camp.”
Allied troops mock Hitler, 1945.
Boys will be boys. American soldiers with a captured Panzerschreck, 1944.
Leave no one behind.
“If you are going much further, please take a…” The typical Australian sense of humor is reflected in this sign, which was placed by Australian troops on the road to El Alamein on 14 September 1942.
British troops practice defusing landmines.
LEAVE A RESPONSE
