This is a photograph of one of the many places devastated during the bloodiest war in human history. It is a mere specimen of the bigger picture, that can now also be relived through a documentary titled D-Day in color. It is a 120-minute film that is narrated by John Hurt, who guides viewers through the inexplicable scenes and experiences the Allied soldiers underwent during the infamous battle.
From the heavy preparations prior to the Omaha landing, to the psychological effects of the war on the soldiers, this digitized footage brings back the harrowing scenes of WWII. A reminder for us to never let such a tragedy happen again.
German Prisoners Of War
The Allied war effort was designed to encompass the enemy. It was large and composed of soldiers from various nations who were relentless in doing so. They were committed to ending Hitler’s evil regime, and the passion of the soldiers on the field reflected the nobility of the cause.
But the rules of war dictate how they would treat their prisoners. Pictured here is a large group of German soldiers who were captured after the Allied invasion on Omaha Beach, and a number of skirmishes on neighboring towns. They were to be treated as humanely as possible.
An Ammunition Box As A Dining Table
This photo shows two soldiers enjoying each other’s company while having their meals on top of ammunition boxes. This was a common sight during the heavy preparations for the D-Day invasion. They would load up the hefty amount of equipment needed, and when it was the time of day for a break, the men would find places to settle. In groups of two, they would eat, chat, rest, and sometimes even sleep. All of this on top of boxes of weapons, or explosives.
This was taken by photographer Frank Scherschel, on the 1st of May, 1944. The soldiers are located in Stratford-on-Avon, England.
Before The Bloodbath
Based on the wide scale and importance of the Battle of Normandy, high casualty rates were to be expected on both sides. It wouldn’t be easy to cross channels without any place to hide against a well-prepared enemy shooting straight at you, and to land on the shores of Omaha Beach meant testing your luck running across a territory that was heavy-laden with landmines.
Determined to minimize war casualties as much as possible, military ambulances are here photographed streaming into the belly of Landing Ship Tanks. This was taken at Portland Harbour, Dorset before the D-Day landings in 1944. Despite the rules of war that allow medical vessels to pass unharmed, many medical ships were shot at, or destroyed, during battle.
Barrage Balloons On D-Day
Checking out these old photographs of the war can lead you to the rediscovery of many an unusual artefact. These retired and long-since forgotten tactical balloons are a great example of this phenomenon. What you’re looking at is a barrage balloon lined up in an unnamed base in Weymouth, Dorset, England on May 1st, 1944. It flies above the structure, attached to cables below.
Barrage balloons look like a small-sized zeppelin and were used by the Allied forces to deter low-flying aircraft sent to sneak in undetected and drop bombs. These balloons were threats to the aircraft, posing as collision risks.