The Italian hospital ship, "Gradisca," arrives in Stettin harbour, in Germany, (Stettin on the Oder River, now Poland, Szczecin), during World War 2. She carries recuperating exchange German prisoners of war, back home from Oran, Algeria. They are greeted by medical staff and many well-wishers. Children run to the ship as it berths and throw flowers to the soldiers on deck. Wounded on stretchers are removed first. Then the ambulatory soldiers disembark amid warm welcome. Another steamship is seen approaching on the river. It is the Freigeleit. (Actually, this is the French ship,“Djenne,” in German possession, and it too is bringing exchange German POWs back from Oran.) German soldiers fill her upper decks. They play music on deck and celebrate their homecoming. (All the troops, congregating on their port sides, caused both the Gradisca, and the Freigeleit to list to port, somewhat, as they approach the pier.) A bouquet of flowers is raised to the deck of the Freigeleit, on a line, as she ties up. Red Cross nurses line up holding flowers, as sick or wounded soldiers are taken off the ship on stretchers. Then the remaining troops disembark and are greeted with flowers. Some troops write notes to be transmitted to loved ones. A military band plays on the pier. The soldiers board waiting railroad trains to continue their journey.
Points of interest in Berlin, Germany. Cars pass through Checkpoint Bravo. British, French and United States check post. Flags of the three countries flying in front of the building. Tempelhof airport hangar. Airplanes parked at the airport.
The activities of the French troops during World War I in Verdun, France. Wrecked buildings in the area. Soldiers stand in line. General Pierre Dubois arrives.
German troops captured in the battle of Verdun, during World War One, are held temporarily at prison camp in Souilly (Meuse), France. French soldiers stand guard with the prisoners. Conditions are rainy and muddy. German prisoners line up to receive canvas tents for their immediate shelter. For their first meal they receive bread and canned food. Group of captured German officers pose. The German prisoners are loaded into army trucks for transport to more permanent prison camps, in the rear. (Slate says "They will return to the peace camps in France" or words to that effect.)
French soldiers fight during World War I in France. Soldiers walk in trenches. They come out of the trench and move forward on the battlefield. Bombardment in the battlefield and near the trenches. Smoke from bombardment. Wreckage in the field. Destroyed barbed wire entanglements. The Germans surrender. They are marched to a stockade.
German prisoners of war during World War I in France. Prisoners of war march in large numbers on the battlefield. French soldiers march along with them. Some soldiers on horses, horse-carts, military vehicles and bicycles. Prisoners are marched to the stockade. Trees in the area. United States flag flutters on a flag pole.
CRITICALPAST.COM: About Us | Contact Us | FAQs - How to Order | License Agreement | My Account | My Lightboxes | Shopping Cart | Advanced Search | Featured Collections | Website Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Links ©2024 CriticalPast LLC.
License Agreement |
Terms & Conditions |
Privacy Policy
©2024 CriticalPast LLC.