27 December 2015

0120 | Photo | Comparison



Then and now: House of the National Assembly in Belgrade. The victory parade of the 11th Armoured Division ("Ghost Division") of the 1st Armoured Group, the conqueror of Belgrade, in front of the House of the National Assembly. Tanks of the division's armoured regiment parade before their commanders: standing in the centre is Colonel General Ewald von Kleist (group's commander), standing to his right is Major General Ludwig Crüwell (divisional commander), and on the left, in black uniform, there is Lieutenant Colonel Gustav-Adolf Riebel (regimental commander). The capturing of Belgrade was also mentioned in the "Song of Armoured Group Kleist": "Nothing was too difficult and unachievable, we were the victors of Belgrade. We crushed all resistance and put an end to a false state." Crüwell later fought under Rommel and, after the war, became chairman of the Africa Corps Veterans Association; Riebel was killed in 1942 at Stalingrad – and von Kleist ended his life in Soviet captivity, as a war criminal, in 1954. Today, standing at this site – from which the three officers once proudly watched their rolling tanks – are the civilians waiting for the bus.

Text: Ivan Ž.

Photographer: a) Heinz Fremke, 691st Propaganda Company; b) unknown.
Date: a) 13 April 1941; b) December 2014.
Location: a) Belgrade, Yugoslavia; b) Belgrade, Serbia.
Original caption: a) "After the capture of Belgrade. A German tank parade before Colonel General von Kleist in front of the Skupština, the Serbian parliament, in Belgrade." b) no caption.

File source: a) Narodowe Archiwum Cyfrowe, 2-485; b) Srbija danas.

NOT ALLOWED: removing source credits from the files – using text without crediting the original author – using files and information for political propaganda and commercial purposes.



Onda i sada: Dom Narodne skupštine u Beogradu. Pobednička parada 11. oklopne divizije ("Sablasne divizije") 1. oklopne grupe, osvajača Beograda, ispred Doma Narodne skupštine. Tenkovi oklopnog puka divizije defiluju pred komandantima: u sredini stoji general-pukovnik Evald fon Klajst (komandant grupe), sa njegove desne strane stoji general-major Ludvig Krivel (komandant divizije), a sa leve, u crnoj uniformi, potpukovnik Gustav-Adolf Ribel (komandant puka). Osvajanje Beograda je opevano i u "Pesmi Oklopne grupe Klajst": "Preteško i nedostižno nije bilo ništa, mi smo bili pobednici kod Beograda. Otpor svaki mi smo slomili i na državu lažnu tačku stavili." Krivel je kasnije ratovao pod Romelom i posle rata postao predsednik Udruženja veterana Afričkog korpusa; Ribel je poginuo 1942. kod Staljingrada – a fon Klajst je život okončao u sovjetskom zarobljeništvu, kao ratni zločinac, 1954. godine. Danas na ovom mestu – sa kojeg su trojica oficira nekada ponosno posmatrali svoje kotrljajuće tenkove – stoje civili koji čekaju autobus.

Tekst: Ivan Ž.

Fotograf: a) Hajnc Fremke, 691. propagandna četa; b) nepoznat.
Datum: a) 13. april 1941; b) decembar 2014.
Mesto: a) Beograd, Jugoslavija; b) Beograd, Srbija.
Originalni natpis: a) "Posle zauzimanja Beograda. Parada nemačkih tenkova pred general-pukovnikom fon Klajstom ispred Skupštine, srpskog parlamenta, u Beogradu." b) bez natpisa.

Izvor fajla: a) Narodowe Archiwum Cyfrowe, 2-485; b) Srbija danas.

NIJE DOZVOLJENO: uklanjanje naziva izvora sa fajlova – korišćenje teksta bez navođenja izvornog autora – korišćenje fajlova i informacija u političko-propagandne i komercijalne svrhe.

25 December 2015

0119 | Photo | 7. SS-Freiwilligen-Gebirgs-Division "Prinz Eugen"



Operation "Snowstorm". Members of the 14th Regiment, SS Division "Prinz Eugen", salute the graves of their comrades killed on Christmas, near the village of Duboštica (buried were SS-Untersturmführer Hans Hanel, adjutant of the III battalion, and privates Weber and Binder). Two years later, most of these men will also be lying under the ground by Christmas time. Those rare few, who were temporarily spared for trial, celebrated the holiday in captivity in the following way (a memoir by Wilhelm Ebeling, officer of the "Handschar" Division, a quote from the book "Forward, Prinz Eugen!" by Otto Kumm): "A good-natured NCO is on duty this evening. We asked him for permission to sing several songs and to have the lights left on a little longer. He generously granted it. Then began our Christmas. We had no candles and no pine branches. [...] We softly sang some Christmas songs. [...] There were gifts too. The elders had saved some cornbread in the past days. It was given to the younger, who now thought that it tasted like the best honey cakes. Several precious cigarettes also appeared from somewhere in the cell, and they were divided fairly. But soon the order 'Tišina!' [Quiet, in Serbian] came from outside, and the lights were turned out."

Text: Ivan Ž. / Wilhelm Ebeling.

Photographer: Hugo Kemps, SS Regiment "Kurt Eggers".
Date: December 1943.
Location: Duboštica (district of Visoko), Yugoslavia.
Original caption: unknown.

File source: National Archives, 242-JRP-40-53-27.

NOT ALLOWED: removing source credits from the files – using text without crediting the original author – using files and information for political propaganda and commercial purposes.



Operacija "Mećava". Pripadnici 14. puka SS-divizije "Princ Ojgen" salutiraju grobovima drugova poginulih na Božić, kod sela Duboštice (sahranjeni su SS-unteršturmfirer Hans Hanel, ađutant III bataljona, i redovi Veber i Binder). Dve godine kasnije, većina ovih ljudi će za Božić takođe ležati pod zemljom. Oni retki, privremeno pošteđeni zbog suđenja, praznik su u zarobljeništvu proslavili na sledeći način (sećanje Vilhelma Ebelinga, oficira "Handžar" divizije, citat iz knjige "Napred, Princ Ojgen!" Ota Kuma): "Jedan dobrodušni podoficir je večeras na dužnosti. Zamolili smo ga za dozvolu da otpevamo nekoliko pesama i da nam ostavi svetla malo duže upaljena. Velikodušno nam je dozvolio. Zatim je otpočeo naš Božić. Nismo imali ni sveće ni jelke. [...] Tiho smo pevali božićne pesme. [...] Ima i poklona. Stariji su prethodnih dana sačuvali nešto kukuruznog hleba. Poklonjen je mlađima, za koje je sada imao ukus najlepših medenjaka. Nekoliko dragocenih cigareta se takođe pojavilo odnekud u ćeliji, i razdeljene su pošteno. Međutim, ubrzo je spolja odjeknulo 'Tišina!' [na srpskom] i svetla su pogašena."

Tekst: Ivan Ž. / Vilhelm Ebeling.

Fotograf: Hugo Kemps, SS-puk "Kurt Egers".
Datum: decembar 1943.
Mesto: Duboštica (srez Visočki), Jugoslavija.
Originalni natpis: nepoznat.

Izvor fajla: National Archives, 242-JRP-40-53-27.

NIJE DOZVOLJENO: uklanjanje naziva izvora sa fajlova – korišćenje teksta bez navođenja izvornog autora – korišćenje fajlova i informacija u političko-propagandne i komercijalne svrhe.

0118 | Photo | SS-Freiwilligen-Division "Prinz Eugen"



Although the SS, being a pagan organisation, was essentially an opponent of Christianity – celebrating Christian holidays was nevertheless allowed within the organisation, because of the deep roots of this religion in Europe (that is, to avoid turning off the potential manpower). In the photo, members of the SS Division "Prinz Eugen" modestly celebrate their first and only peaceful wartime Christmas, before marching off to bloody battles across Yugoslavia. Their faces are already nostalgic and their thoughts directed towards home, to which most of them will never return.

Text: Ivan Ž.

Photographer: Keintzel, SS War Correspondent Battalion.
Date: December 1942.
Location: unknown, Yugoslavia.
Original caption: unknown.

File source: Süddeutsche Zeitung Photo, 00089897 / Alamy, CPJ87X.

NOT ALLOWED: removing source credits from the files – using text without crediting the original author – using files and information for political propaganda and commercial purposes.



Iako je SS, kao paganska organizacija, suštinski bio protivnik hrišćanstva – proslavljanja hrišćanskih praznika ipak su bila dozvoljena unutar organizacije, zbog duboke ukorenjenosti ove religije u Evropi (odnosno da se ne bi odbijalo potencijalno ljudstvo). Na slici, pripadnici SS-divizije "Princ Ojgen" skromno slave svoj prvi i jedini mirni ratni Božić, pred polazak u krvave borbe po Jugoslaviji. Lica su im već uveliko nostalgična, a misli usmerene ka domovima, u koje se većina njih više nikad neće vratiti.

Tekst: Ivan Ž.

Fotograf: Kajncel, Ratnodopisnički bataljon SS-a.
Datum: decembar 1942.
Mesto: nepoznato, Jugoslavija.
Originalni natpis: nepoznat.

Izvor fajla: Süddeutsche Zeitung Photo, 00089897 / Alamy, CPJ87X.

NIJE DOZVOLJENO: uklanjanje naziva izvora sa fajlova – korišćenje teksta bez navođenja izvornog autora – korišćenje fajlova i informacija u političko-propagandne i komercijalne svrhe.

22 December 2015

0117 | Photo | Comparison



Then and now: Monument to Karađorđe in Topola. In October 1942, the II Battalion of the 2nd Regiment, SS Division "Prinz Eugen", was tranferred to Topola, for additional training (which was carried out in the large park, where the battalion was housed). The soldiers also used this opportunity to take a photo in front of the monument to the founder of the Serbian and Yugoslav royal dynasty, famous Karađorđe Petrović.

Text: Ivan Ž.

Photographer: a) unknown; b) Ivan Ž.
Date: a) October 1942; b) September 2009.
Location: a) Topola, Yugoslavia; b) Topola, Serbia.
Original caption: a) no caption; b) no caption.

File source: a) Axis History Forum / tleto; b) Ivan Ž.

NOT ALLOWED: removing source credits from the files – using text without crediting the original author – using files and information for political propaganda and commercial purposes.



Onda i sada: spomenik Karađorđu u Topoli. Oktobra 1942. godine, u Topolu je prebačen II bataljon 2. puka SS-divizije "Princ Ojgen", radi dodatne obuke (koja je vršena u velikom parku, u kojem je bataljon bio smešten). Vojnici su ovu priliku iskoristili i za slikanje ispred spomenika osnivaču srpske i jugoslovenske kraljevske dinastije, čuvenom Karađorđu Petroviću.

Tekst: Ivan Ž.

Fotograf: a) nepoznat; b) Ivan Ž.
Datum: a) oktobar 1942; b) septembar 2009.
Mesto: a) Topola, Jugoslavija; b) Topola, Srbija.
Originalni natpis: a) bez natpisa; b) bez natpisa.

Izvor fajla: a) Axis History Forum / tleto; b) Ivan Ž.

NIJE DOZVOLJENO: uklanjanje naziva izvora sa fajlova – korišćenje teksta bez navođenja izvornog autora – korišćenje fajlova i informacija u političko-propagandne i komercijalne svrhe.

19 December 2015

0116 | Photo | 118. Jäger-Division



Partisan attack on Mljet and Korčula. German prisoners, members of the 750th Regiment, 118th Jäger Division, waiting lined up in Komiža on Vis to be transported to a POW camp on Biševo. The landing on Korčula was also a payback of the Partisan XXVI Division to the German 118th Division, for the defeats suffered during (German) Operation "Autumn Shower". In the first phase of this operation (October 1943), elements of the SS Division "Prinz Eugen" and the 118th Jäger Division pushed the XIII Dalmatian Brigade (XXVI Division) from Pelješac to Korčula; in the second phase (December 1943), the 750th Jäger Regiment drove the XIII Dalmatian Brigade out of Korčula, halving its manpower and even killing the XXVI Division commander, Niko Martinović. Five months later, the Partisan division defeated the German regiment on Korčula. For the successful action, the Partisans were also congratulated by the Allied Commander in the Mediterranean, British General Henry M. Wilson.

Text: Ivan Ž.

Photographer: unknown.
Date: April 1944.
Location: Komiža (district of Hvar), Yugoslavia.
Original caption: unknown.

File source: Muzej istorije Jugoslavije / Znaci, 12963.

NOT ALLOWED: removing source credits from the files – using text without crediting the original author – using files and information for political propaganda and commercial purposes.



Napad NOVJ na Mljet i Korčulu. Postrojeni nemački zarobljenici, pripadnici 750. puka 118. lovačke divizije, čekaju u Komiži na Visu da budu transportovani u zarobljenički logor na Biševu. Desant na Korčulu bio je ujedno i revanš partizanske XXVI divizije nemačkoj 118. diviziji, za poraze pretrpljene tokom (nemačke) operacije "Jesenji pljusak". U prvoj fazi ove operacije (oktobar 1943), delovi SS-divizije "Princ Ojgen" i 118. lovačke divizije potisnuli su XIII dalmatinsku brigadu (XXVI divizije) sa Pelješca na Korčulu; u drugoj fazi (decembar 1943), 750. lovački puk oterao je XIII dalmatinsku brigadu sa Korčule, prepolovivši joj ljudstvo, i ubivši i samog komandanta XXVI divizije, Nika Martinovića. Pet meseci kasnije, partizanska divizija porazila je na Korčuli isti nemački puk. Za ovu uspešnu akciju partizanima je čestitao i saveznički komandant Sredozemlja, britanski general Henri M. Vilson.

Tekst: Ivan Ž.

Fotograf: nepoznat.
Datum: april 1944.
Mesto: Komiža (srez Hvarski), Jugoslavija.
Originalni natpis: nepoznat.

Izvor fajla: Muzej istorije Jugoslavije / Znaci, 12963.

NIJE DOZVOLJENO: uklanjanje naziva izvora sa fajlova – korišćenje teksta bez navođenja izvornog autora – korišćenje fajlova i informacija u političko-propagandne i komercijalne svrhe.

17 December 2015

0115 | Photo | SS-Freiwilligen-Gebirgs-Division "Prinz Eugen"



Operations "Axis" and "Gaiseric". Armoured units of the SS Division "Prinz Eugen" and the 92nd Grenadier Regiment passing through the streets of the newly-captured city of Split; in the foreground: a Hotchkiss H39 tank of the SS division's armoured company (photographed from a vehicle of the 92nd Grenadier Regiment).

Text: Ivan Ž.

Photographer: Dr Gruber.
Date: 27 September 1943.
Location: Split, Yugoslavia.
Original caption: unknown.

File source: Bundesarchiv, Bild 101I-049-1553-16.

NOT ALLOWED: removing source credits from the files – using text without crediting the original author – using files and information for political propaganda and commercial purposes.



Operacije "Osovina" i "Gajzerih". Oklopne jedinice SS-divizije "Princ Ojgen" i 92. grenadirskog puka prolaze kroz ulice novoosvojenog grada Splita; u prvom planu: tenk Hočkis H-39 oklopne čete SS-divizije (snimljeno sa jednog vozila 92. grenadirskog puka).

Tekst: Ivan Ž.

Fotograf: dr Gruber.
Datum: 27. septembar 1943.
Mesto: Split, Jugoslavija.
Originalni natpis: nepoznat.

Izvor fajla: Bundesarchiv, Bild 101I-049-1553-16.

NIJE DOZVOLJENO: uklanjanje naziva izvora sa fajlova – korišćenje teksta bez navođenja izvornog autora – korišćenje fajlova i informacija u političko-propagandne i komercijalne svrhe.

14 December 2015

0114 | Photo | Artillerie-Regiment 51



Operation "Ball Lightning". A convoy of trucks (Fiat 626) with field howitzers (105 mm leFH 18M) of the II Battalion, 51st Artillery Regiment, on the move near the village of Mrkalji (photographed from one of the vehicles).

Text: Ivan Ž.

Photographer: Westermann, SS Regiment "Kurt Eggers".
Date: December 1943.
Location: Mrkalji (district of Vlasenica), Yugoslavia.
Original caption: unknown.

File source: National Archives, 242-JRP-81-20-31A.

NOT ALLOWED: removing source credits from the files – using text without crediting the original author – using files and information for political propaganda and commercial purposes.



Operacija "Loptasta munja". Kolona kamiona (Fijat 626) sa poljskim haubicama (105 mm leFH 18M) II diviziona 51. artiljerijskog puka u pokretu kod sela Mrkalja (snimljeno iz jednog od vozila).

Tekst: Ivan Ž.

Fotograf: Vesterman, SS-puk "Kurt Egers".
Datum: decembar 1943.
Mesto: Mrkalji (srez Vlasenički), Jugoslavija.
Originalni natpis: nepoznat.

Izvor fajla: National Archives, 242-JRP-81-20-31A.

NIJE DOZVOLJENO: uklanjanje naziva izvora sa fajlova – korišćenje teksta bez navođenja izvornog autora – korišćenje fajlova i informacija u političko-propagandne i komercijalne svrhe.

0113 | Photo | SS-Freiwilligen-Gebirgs-Division "Prinz Eugen"



Parade of the SS Division "Prinz Eugen" in Mostar. Half-tracks [Sd.Kfz. 7] of the Artillery Regiment parade through the King Peter Street (previously named after Franz Joseph, today after the Mostar Battalion), in the direction of the bridge of the same name, after the successful completion of Operation "Black".

Text: Ivan Ž.

Photographer: unknown.
Date: 8 July 1943.
Location: Mostar, Yugoslavia.
Original caption: unknown.

File source: Otto Kumm, "Prinz Eugen" (p. 314).

NOT ALLOWED: removing source credits from the files – using text without crediting the original author – using files and information for political propaganda and commercial purposes.



Parada SS-divizije "Princ Ojgen" u Mostaru. Poluguseničari [Sd.Kfz. 7] artiljerijskog puka defiluju Ulicom Kralja Petra (prethodno Franca Jozefa, danas Mostarskog bataljona), u pravcu istoimenog mosta, posle uspešno završene operacije "Crno".

Tekst: Ivan Ž.

Fotograf: nepoznat.
Datum: 8. jul 1943.
Mesto: Mostar, Jugoslavija.
Originalni natpis: nepoznat.

Izvor fajla: Otto Kumm, "Prinz Eugen" (str. 314).

NIJE DOZVOLJENO: uklanjanje naziva izvora sa fajlova – korišćenje teksta bez navođenja izvornog autora – korišćenje fajlova i informacija u političko-propagandne i komercijalne svrhe.

07 December 2015

0112 | Photo | 13. SS-Freiwilligen b. h. Gebirgs-Division (Kroatien)



Five brothers, artillerymen of the 13th SS Mountain Division, posing for the SS war correspondent Nonnenmacher and his new photo report, entitled "Five brothers and one howitzer". According to the original photo caption, the boys, who manned a gun together, volunteered to protect their homeland, and they were known in the entire division. Pictured in the foreground are the youngest two: Ibro (loader) and Jašar (ammo handler), nicknamed "the kid". (Today, this is one of the best known images of the 13th SS Division, but the story of five volunteer brothers has been forgotten over time.)

Text: Ivan Ž.

Photographer: Eugen Nonnenmacher, SS Regiment "Kurt Eggers".
Date: spring 1944.
Location: unknown, Yugoslavia.
Original caption: "Five brothers and one howitzer. The five brothers are known in the entire SS Volunteer B. H. Mountain Division. The five brothers came voluntarily to protect their homeland with weapons. They man a gun with joy."

File source: Bundesarchiv, Bild 146-1973-116-11.

NOT ALLOWED: removing source credits from the files – using text without crediting the original author – using files and information for political propaganda and commercial purposes.



Petorica braće, artiljeraca 13. brdske SS-divizije, poziraju ratnom dopisniku SS-a Nonenmaheru za njegovu novu fotoreportažu, nazvanu "Petorica braće i jedna haubica". Prema originalnom natpisu fotografije, momci, koji su zajedno opsluživali jedan top, prijavili su se dobrovoljno da bi štitili svoju domovinu, i za njih je znala cela divizija. U prvom planu na slici nalaze se dvojica najmlađih: Ibro (punilac) i Jašar (dodavač), zvani "mali". (Danas je ovo jedna od najpoznatijih slika 13. SS-divizije, ali je priča o petorici braće-dobrovoljaca vremenom zaboravljena.)

Tekst: Ivan Ž.

Fotograf: Ojgen Nonenmaher, SS-puk "Kurt Egers".
Datum: proleće 1944.
Mesto: nepoznato, Jugoslavija.
Originalni natpis: "Petorica braće i jedna haubica. Petorica braće su poznati u celoj dobrovoljačkoj b. h. brdskoj SS-diviziji. Petorica braće su dobrovoljno došli da oružjem štite svoju domovinu. Oni s radošću opslužuju jedan top."

Izvor fajla: Bundesarchiv, Bild 146-1973-116-11.

NIJE DOZVOLJENO: uklanjanje naziva izvora sa fajlova – korišćenje teksta bez navođenja izvornog autora – korišćenje fajlova i informacija u političko-propagandne i komercijalne svrhe.

0111 | Photo | 13. SS-Freiwilligen b. h. Gebirgs-Division (Kroatien)



A seemingly ordinary howitzer crew of the 13th SS Division – consisting, actually, of five brothers. Although there was a number of cases of family members enlisting together in the Bosnian-Herzegovinian SS division, five brothers serving in the same unit were a sensation – so an entire photo report was made about them for propaganda purposes. In this picture, however, only three brothers are seen; the NCO (on the far left) is not one of them, he is their commander. The photograph was originally black-and-white, but it was coloured professionally, for the German wartime magazine "Signal".

Text: Ivan Ž.

Photographer: Eugen Nonnenmacher, SS Regiment "Kurt Eggers".
Date: spring 1944.
Location: unknown, Yugoslavia.
Original caption: "Five brothers and one howitzer. In action against Bolshevik gangs. [...]"

File source: Ullstein Bild, 00920544 / Getty Images, 542878437.

NOT ALLOWED: removing source credits from the files – using text without crediting the original author – using files and information for political propaganda and commercial purposes.



Naizgled obična posada jedne haubice 13. SS-divizije – a čine je, zapravo, petorica braće. Iako je u bosansko-hercegovačkoj SS-diviziji bilo više slučajeva zajedničkog prijavljivanja članova iste porodice, petorica braće koji služe u istoj jedinici bili su senzacija – pa je u propagandne svrhe o njima napravljena i jedna cela foto-reportaža. Na ovoj slici, međutim, vide se samo trojica braće; podoficir (sasvim levo) nije jedan od njih, on im je komandir. Fotografija je u originalu bila crno-bela, ali je obojena stručno, za nemački ratni časopis "Signal".

Tekst: Ivan Ž.

Fotograf: Ojgen Nonenmaher, SS-puk "Kurt Egers".
Datum: proleće 1944.
Mesto: nepoznato, Jugoslavija.
Originalni natpis: "Petorica braće i jedna haubica. U akciji protiv boljševičkih bandi. [...]"

Izvor fajla: Ullstein Bild, 00920544 / Getty Images, 542878437.

NIJE DOZVOLJENO: uklanjanje naziva izvora sa fajlova – korišćenje teksta bez navođenja izvornog autora – korišćenje fajlova i informacija u političko-propagandne i komercijalne svrhe.

0110 | Photo | 11. Panzer-Division



Operation 25. An armoured column of the "Ghost Division" (11th Armoured Division) passes by the disabled vehicles of the Yugoslav 6th Army in the vicinity of Topola. Two days later, after heavy and exhausting battles, the division entered the Yugoslav capital.

Text: Ivan Ž.

Photographer: Arthur Grimm, 691st Propaganda Company.
Date: 11 April 1941.
Location: unknown (district of Oplenac), Yugoslavia.
Original caption: unknown.

File source: AKG-Images, AKG156544.

NOT ALLOWED: removing source credits from the files – using text without crediting the original author – using files and information for political propaganda and commercial purposes.



Operacija 25. Oklopna kolona "Sablasne divizije" (11. oklopna divizija) prolazi pored onesposobljenih vozila jugoslovenske 6. armije u okolini Topole. Dva dana kasnije, posle teških i iscrpljujućih borbi, divizija je ušla u jugoslovensku prestonicu.

Tekst: Ivan Ž.

Fotograf: Artur Grim, 691. propagandna četa.
Datum: 11. april 1941.
Mesto: nepoznato (srez Oplenački), Jugoslavija.
Originalni natpis: nepoznat.

Izvor fajla: AKG-Images, AKG156544.

NIJE DOZVOLJENO: uklanjanje naziva izvora sa fajlova – korišćenje teksta bez navođenja izvornog autora – korišćenje fajlova i informacija u političko-propagandne i komercijalne svrhe.

0109 | Photo | Durchgangslager Semlin



Resettlement of the Bessarabian Germans. After the Red Army occupied Bessarabia, in the summer of 1940, according to an agreement between the Third Reich and the Soviet Union, the resettlement of the local Germans into the Reich began. Yugoslavia, being friends with Germany, helped out and allowed temporary shelters for the resettlers to be formed on its territory. Pictured, the chairman of the Swabian-German Cultural Union (Kulturbund), Dr Sepp Janko, speaks to his fellow nationals in the Zemun resettlement camp. Set up behind the speaker's desk are the usual Nazi symbols: the Wolfsangel (freedom) and the Man rune (life), with a shovel (labour) between them. Lined up before Janko are his ethnic Germans, men and boys equipped in the style of the Hitler Youth. (Upon their arrival in the Reich, the Bessarabian resettlers would be subjected to political control, employed mainly as hard labourers, and the able-bodied men would be recruited and sent to war. Two years later, Janko and his men would also put on the uniforms of the German army, and set off to a bloody war – against their Yugoslav hosts.)

Text: Ivan Ž.

Photographer: unknown.
Date: autumn 1940.
Location: Zemun, Yugoslavia.
Original caption: unknown.

File source: Fortepan, 84033.

NOT ALLOWED: removing source credits from the files – using text without crediting the original author – using files and information for political propaganda and commercial purposes.



Preseljavanje besarabijskih Nemaca. Nakon što je, u leto 1940. godine, Crvena armija okupirala Besarabiju, počelo je, po dogovoru između Trećeg Rajha i Sovjetskog Saveza, i preseljavanje tamošnjih Nemaca u Rajh. Jugoslavija je, kao prijatelj Nemačke, priskočila u pomoć i dozvolila formiranje privremenih prihvatilišta za iseljenike na svojoj teritoriji. Na slici, predsednik Švapsko-nemačkog prosvetnog saveza (Kulturbunda), dr Zep Janko, drži govor svojim sunarodnicima u iseljeničkom logoru kod Zemuna. Iza govorničkog pulta postavljeni su uobičajeni nacistički simboli: volfsangel (sloboda) i runa man (život), a između njih lopata (rad). Ispred Janka su postrojeni njegovi folksdojčeri, muškarci i dečaci opremljeni u stilu Hitlerove omladine. (Po dolasku u Rajh, besarabijske iseljenike će biti podvrgnute političkoj kontroli, zapošljavane uglavnom na težim fizičkim poslovima, a vojno sposobni muškarci regrutovani i slati u rat. Dve godine kasnije, Janko i njegovi momci takođe će obući uniforme nemačke vojske, i poći u krvavi rat – protiv svojih domaćina Jugoslovena.)

Tekst: Ivan Ž.

Fotograf: nepoznat.
Datum: jesen 1940.
Mesto: Zemun, Jugoslavija.
Originalni natpis: nepoznat.

Izvor fajla: Fortepan, 84033.

NIJE DOZVOLJENO: uklanjanje naziva izvora sa fajlova – korišćenje teksta bez navođenja izvornog autora – korišćenje fajlova i informacija u političko-propagandne i komercijalne svrhe.

19 November 2015

0108 | Photo | 6. SS-Gebirgs-Division "Nord"



Otto and Stefan Bayer, Germans from Bačka (from Novi Sad), posing with their mother. Unlike most Yugoslav Germans, the two brothers were not recruited into one of the local SS divisions, but were sent to Finland, into the 6th SS Mountain Division "Nord". Otto ended the war in Soviet captivity – and Stefan was killed, in 1944 (his descendants live in the same city today, as artists, and Orthodox Christians).

Text: Ivan Ž.

Photographer: unknown.
Date: winter 1943/44.
Location: Novi Sad, Yugoslavia.
Original caption: no caption.

File source: V. I. (family archive).

NOT ALLOWED: removing source credits from the files – using text without crediting the original author – using files and information for political propaganda and commercial purposes.



Oto i Štefan Bajer, Nemci iz Bačke (iz Novog Sada), poziraju sa majkom. Za razliku od većine jugoslovenskih Nemaca, dvojica braće nisu regrutovani u jednu od lokalnih SS-divizija, nego su poslati u Finsku, u 6. brdsku SS-diviziju "Sever". Oto je rat završio u sovjetskom zarobljeništvu – a Štefan je poginuo, 1944. godine (njegovi potomci danas žive u istom gradu, kao umetnici, i pravoslavni hrišćani).

Tekst: Ivan Ž.

Fotograf: nepoznat.
Datum: zima 1943/44.
Mesto: Novi Sad, Jugoslavija.
Originalni natpis: bez natpisa.

Izvor fajla: V. I. (porodična arhiva).

NIJE DOZVOLJENO: uklanjanje naziva izvora sa fajlova – korišćenje teksta bez navođenja izvornog autora – korišćenje fajlova i informacija u političko-propagandne i komercijalne svrhe.

0107 | Photo | 294. Infanterie-Division



Members of the 294th Infantry Division and an unidentified SS unit cross the Danube on a ferry, from Novi Sad to Petrovaradin, between the destroyed bridges of Prince Tomislav (pictured) and Prince Andrew (behind the photographer), which were blown up by Yugoslav soldiers in an attempt to slow down the enemy's advance. Everything, of course, takes place under the watchful eye of the Hungarians, the new rulers of Bačka (the rest of Vojvodina was split between the Croats, who annexed Syrmia, and the ethnic Germans, who took over Banat). Only a few months later, in this very part of the river – but this time under water – hundreds of corpses of citizens of Novi Sad would be passing by, primarily of Jews and Serbs, shot and thrown under the ice by the Hungarians on the nearby beach.

Text: Ivan Ž.

Photographer: Curzio Malaparte.
Date: April 1941.
Location: Novi Sad, Yugoslavia.
Original caption: unknown.

File source: Mondadori Portfolio, AA326446 / Getty Images, 141561198.

NOT ALLOWED: removing source credits from the files – using text without crediting the original author – using files and information for political propaganda and commercial purposes.



Pripadnici 294. pešadijske divizije i neidentifikovane SS-jedinice prelaze skelom preko Dunava iz Novog Sada u Petrovaradin, između srušenih mostova Kraljevića Tomislava (na slici) i Kraljevića Andreja (iza fotografa), koje je minirala jugoslovenska vojska ne bi li usporila neprijateljsko napredovanje. Naravno, sve se odvija pod budnim okom Mađara, novih vlastodržaca u Bačkoj (ostatak Vojvodine podelili su Hrvati, kojima je pripao Srem, i domaći Nemci, koji su preuzeli Banat). Samo nekoliko meseci kasnije, u ovom istom delu reke – ali ovog puta pod vodom – prolaziće stotine leševa Novosađana, pre svega Jevreja i Srba, streljanih i bacanih pod led od strane Mađara na obližnjoj plaži.

Tekst: Ivan Ž.

Fotograf: Kurcio Malaparte.
Datum: april 1941.
Mesto: Novi Sad, Jugoslavija.
Originalni natpis: nepoznat.

Izvor fajla: Mondadori Portfolio, AA326446 / Getty Images, 141561198.

NIJE DOZVOLJENO: uklanjanje naziva izvora sa fajlova – korišćenje teksta bez navođenja izvornog autora – korišćenje fajlova i informacija u političko-propagandne i komercijalne svrhe.

17 November 2015

0106 | Photo | Einsatzgruppe Jugoslawien



Uniform of the Yugoslav king. Members of Special Detachment Hintze (Gestapo) and the Army examine the uniform of King Peter II of Yugoslavia, which they found in the Ostrog monastery during the arrest of Serbian Patriarch Gavrilo. According to the patriarch, the "Germans were so pleased and happy, as if they had solved the biggest problem in the world; their noisy voices strangely echoed in the silence of the monastery". The photograph was soon published in the "Berlin Illustrated Newspaper", along with a propaganda text about the king as a traitor of his people, and also, at the end of the year, in the book "Tanks in the Balkans" – as a concluding illustration of the collapse of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. (In the postwar Yugoslavia, the photo was forgotten; only the one from Drvar, showing seized Tito's uniform, was published.)

Text: Ivan Ž.

Photographer: Albert Otto, 691st Propaganda Company.
Date: 25 April 1941.
Location: Ostrog (district of Danilovgrad), Yugoslavia.
Original caption: "Serbian state treasure in a rocky eyrie. Among other finds, there is also a uniform of King Peter, who left behind in his hasty flight large amounts of luggage and a state treasure of 375 million dinars."

File source: Nationaal Archief, SFA022804408.

NOT ALLOWED: removing source credits from the files – using text without crediting the original author – using files and information for political propaganda and commercial purposes.



Uniforma jugoslovenskog kralja. Pripadnici Specijalnog odreda Hince (Gestapo) i vojske pregledaju uniformu kralja Petra II Karađorđevića, koju su pronašli u manastiru Ostrogu prilikom hapšenja patrijarha srpskog Gavrila. Prema patrijarhovim rečima, "Nemci su bili tako zadovoljni i srećni, kao da su rešili najveći problem sveta; njihov drekavi glas čudno je odjekivao u manastirskoj tišini". Fotografija je ubrzo objavljena u "Berlinskim ilustrovanim novinama", uz propagandni tekst o kralju kao izdajniku svoga naroda, a krajem godine i u knjizi "Tenkovi na Balkanu" – kao zaključna ilustracija sloma Kraljevine Jugoslavije. (U posleratnoj Jugoslaviji ova slika je zaboravljena; objavljivana je samo ona iz Drvara, sa zaplenjenom Titovom uniformom.)

Tekst: Ivan Ž.

Fotograf: Albert Oto, 691. propagandna četa.
Datum: 25. april 1941.
Mesto: Ostrog (srez Danilovgradski), Jugoslavija.
Originalni natpis: "Srpsko državno blago u kamenom gnezdu. Između ostalog pronađena je i uniforma kralja Petra, koji je u žurnom begu za sobom ostavio velike količine prtljaga i državno blago od 375 miliona dinara."

Izvor fajla: Nationaal Archief, SFA022804408.

NIJE DOZVOLJENO: uklanjanje naziva izvora sa fajlova – korišćenje teksta bez navođenja izvornog autora – korišćenje fajlova i informacija u političko-propagandne i komercijalne svrhe.

0105 | Photo | 369. (kroatische) Infanterie-Division



Operation "Black". Croatian legionnaires, members of the "Devil's Division" (369th Infantry Division), hurriedly carry their wounded during the fighting in the Ćehotina valley, in the vicinity of Pljevlja. In this area, with the support of aviation, the division overpowered and pushed the Partisan VI Eastern Bosnian, III Dalmatian and the VII Banija Brigade.

Text: Ivan Ž.

Photographer: unknown.
Date: 20 May 1943.
Location: unknown (district of Pljevlja), Yugoslavia.
Original caption: unknown.

File source: Đorđe Nestorov, "Sutjeska" (p. 37).

NOT ALLOWED: removing source credits from the files – using text without crediting the original author – using files and information for political propaganda and commercial purposes.



Operacija "Crno". Hrvatski legionari, pripadnici "Vražje divizije" (369. pešadijska divizija), užurbano prenose svog ranjenika za vreme borbi u dolini Ćehotine, u okolini Pljevalja. Uz podršku avijacije, divizija je u ovom kraju nadjačala i odbacila partizansku VI istočnobosansku, III dalmatinsku i VII banijsku brigadu.

Tekst: Ivan Ž.

Fotograf: nepoznat.
Datum: 20. maj 1943.
Mesto: nepoznato (srez Pljevaljski), Jugoslavija.
Originalni natpis: nepoznat.

Izvor fajla: Đorđe Nestorov, "Sutjeska" (str. 37).

NIJE DOZVOLJENO: uklanjanje naziva izvora sa fajlova – korišćenje teksta bez navođenja izvornog autora – korišćenje fajlova i informacija u političko-propagandne i komercijalne svrhe.

0104 | Photo | SS-Freiwilligen-Division "Prinz Eugen"



Members of the I Battalion, 2nd Regiment, SS Division "Prinz Eugen", practising mountaineering in Serbia. Just a few weeks earlier, during the division's first action, this battalion committed horrific atrocities against civilians, including the Kriva Reka massacre. The photo also shows their commander, SS-Sturmbannführer Richard Kaaserer (up on the rock, bareheaded) – one of the biggest criminals in the territory of Yugoslavia during World War II. Besides abusing the civilian population, Kaaserer also tortured his own soldiers, and was tried for it too, already during the war, in Germany. He was accused of beating, kicking and whipping soldiers during the training, of running one of them over with a horse, of keeping an entire company "at attention" under the sun until everyone fainted, and even of shooting one of the soldiers. The court attributed the crimes to his mental incompetence – and Kaaserer continued his service in Yugoslavia, and ended up as SS and Police Commander in Sandžak. His bestialities and derogation of the division's recruits, most of whom were just plain farmers, may at least partially explain their future violence against civilians (as is known, violence begets violence). In any case, it was Kaaserer and his battalion who started the criminal reputation of this division, which was later only strengthened, and is to this day remembered.

Text: Ivan Ž.

Photographer: Homann, SS War Correspondent Battalion.
Date: November 1942.
Location: unknown, Yugoslavia.
Original caption: unknown.

File source: National Archives, 242-JRP-34-30-14.

NOT ALLOWED: removing source credits from the files – using text without crediting the original author – using files and information for political propaganda and commercial purposes.



Pripadnici I bataljona 2. puka SS-divizije "Princ Ojgen" vežbaju planinarenje u Srbiji. Samo nekoliko nedelja ranije, za vreme prve akcije divizije, ovaj bataljon je izvršio strašne zločine nad civilima, uključujući i pokolj u Krivoj Reci. Na fotografiji se vidi i njihov komandant, SS-šturmbanfirer Rihard Kazerer (gore na steni, gologlav) – jedan od najvećih zločinaca na prostoru Jugoslavije za vreme II svetskog rata. Osim zlostavljanja civilnog stanovništva, Kazerer je mučio i sopstvene vojnike, zbog čega mu je i suđeno, još za vreme rata, u Nemačkoj. Bio je optužen da je tokom obuke udarao, šutirao i bičevao vojnike, gazio konjem, da je celu jednu četu držao u stavu "mirno" na suncu dok se nisu svi onesvestili, i da je jednog vojnika čak i upucao. Sud je zločine pripisao njegovoj neuračunljivosti – i Kazerer je službu u Jugoslaviji nastavio, i završio kao komandant SS-a i policije u Sandžaku. Njegovo iživljavanje i nipodaštavanje regruta ove divizije, koji su većinom bili obični ravničarski seljaci, može makar delimično objasniti njihovo kasnije nasilje nad civilima (kao što je poznato, nasilje rađa nasilje). U svakom slučaju, upravo su Kazerer i njegov bataljon zaslužni za stvaranje zločinačke reputacije ove divizije, koja je potom samo učvršćena, i do danas upamćena.

Tekst: Ivan Ž.

Fotograf: Homan, Ratnodopisnički bataljon SS-a.
Datum: novembar 1942.
Mesto: nepoznato, Jugoslavija.
Originalni natpis: nepoznat.

Izvor fajla: National Archives, 242-JRP-34-30-14.

NIJE DOZVOLJENO: uklanjanje naziva izvora sa fajlova – korišćenje teksta bez navođenja izvornog autora – korišćenje fajlova i informacija u političko-propagandne i komercijalne svrhe.

0103 | Equipment | 13. Waffen-Gebirgs-Division der SS "Handschar" (kroatische Nr. 1)



Fez of the 13th SS Mountain Division "Handschar". There were two fez types: a field-grey one, which was part of the service uniform, and a red one (pictured), which was part of the dress uniform. Note: the fez was also used by the 23rd SS Mountain Division "Kama", during its brief existence.

Text: Ivan Ž.

File source: Wehrmacht Awards Forum / BenVK.

NOT ALLOWED: removing source credits from the files – using text without crediting the original author – using files and information for political propaganda and commercial purposes.



Fes 13. brdske SS-divizije "Handžar". Postojala su dva tipa fesa: poljskosivi, koji je bio deo službene uniforme, i crveni (na slici), koji je bio deo svečane uniforme. Napomena: fes je za vreme svog kratkog postojanja koristila i 23. brdska SS-divizija "Kama".

Tekst: Ivan Ž.

Izvor fajla: Wehrmacht Awards Forum / BenVK.

NIJE DOZVOLJENO: uklanjanje naziva izvora sa fajlova – korišćenje teksta bez navođenja izvornog autora – korišćenje fajlova i informacija u političko-propagandne i komercijalne svrhe.

0102 | Equipment | 13. Waffen-Gebirgs-Division der SS "Handschar" (kroatische Nr. 1)



Fez of the 13th SS Mountain Division "Handschar". There were two fez types: a field-grey one (pictured), which was part of the service uniform, and a red one, which was part of the dress uniform. Note: the fez was also used by the 23rd SS Mountain Division "Kama", during its brief existence.

Text: Ivan Ž.

File source: United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, 1991.196.1.

NOT ALLOWED: removing source credits from the files – using text without crediting the original author – using files and information for political propaganda and commercial purposes.



Fes 13. brdske SS-divizije "Handžar". Postojala su dva tipa fesa: poljskosivi (na slici), koji je bio deo službene uniforme, i crveni, koji je bio deo svečane uniforme. Napomena: fes je za vreme svog kratkog postojanja koristila i 23. brdska SS-divizija "Kama".

Tekst: Ivan Ž.

Izvor fajla: United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, 1991.196.1.

NIJE DOZVOLJENO: uklanjanje naziva izvora sa fajlova – korišćenje teksta bez navođenja izvornog autora – korišćenje fajlova i informacija u političko-propagandne i komercijalne svrhe.

0101 | Equipment | Wehrmacht



A helmet of the German armed forces, found in Bosnia, on the Romanija mountain (the shrapnel holes speak of its initial owner's fate). Seen in the background is a shelter-half of the German Army, seized in Belgrade in October 1944.

Text: Ivan Ž.

File source: Ivan Ž. (private collection).

NOT ALLOWED: removing source credits from the files – using text without crediting the original author – using files and information for political propaganda and commercial purposes.



Šlem nemačkih oružanih snaga, pronađen u Bosni, na planini Romaniji (rupe od šrapnela svedoče o sudbini njegovog prvobitnog vlasnika). U drugom planu se vidi šatorsko krilo nemačke vojske, zaplenjeno u Beogradu oktobra 1944. godine.

Tekst: Ivan Ž.

Izvor fajla: Ivan Ž. (lična zbirka).

NIJE DOZVOLJENO: uklanjanje naziva izvora sa fajlova – korišćenje teksta bez navođenja izvornog autora – korišćenje fajlova i informacija u političko-propagandne i komercijalne svrhe.

0100 | Insignia | Deutsch-arabische Truppen



Sleeve insignia of German-Arabian troops. Motif: a palm tree and the rising sun, framed by a palm wreath with the swastika. Note: the insignia was initially used by the 287th and 288th special units, which fought on the Eastern Front and in Africa; in May 1943, the 288th Special Unit was disbanded, while the 287th was reorganised as the 92nd Grenadier Regiment and transferred to Yugoslavia; part of the unit was also used to form the 845th Infantry Battalion, which was transferred to Yugoslavia in October the following year.

Text: Ivan Ž.

File source: Wehrmacht Awards Forum / mseagle.

NOT ALLOWED: removing source credits from the files – using text without crediting the original author – using files and information for political propaganda and commercial purposes.



Oznaka za rukav nemačko-arapskih jedinica. Motiv: palma i izlazeće sunce, uokvireni vencem od palminog lišća sa kukastim krstom. Napomena: oznaku su izvorno koristile 287. i 288. specijalna jedinica, koje su se borile na Istočnom frontu i u Africi; u maju 1943. godine, 288. specijalna jedinica je rasformirana, dok je 287. preustrojena u 92. grenadirski puk i prebačena u Jugoslaviju; deo jedinice je iskorišćen i za formiranje 845. pešadijskog bataljona, koji je u Jugoslaviju prebačen u oktobru naredne godine.

Tekst: Ivan Ž.

Izvor fajla: Wehrmacht Awards Forum / mseagle.

NIJE DOZVOLJENO: uklanjanje naziva izvora sa fajlova – korišćenje teksta bez navođenja izvornog autora – korišćenje fajlova i informacija u političko-propagandne i komercijalne svrhe.

0099 | Insignia | 13. Waffen-Gebirgs-Division der SS "Handschar" (kroatische Nr. 1)



Sleeve insignia of the 13th SS Mountain Division "Handschar". Motif: coat of arms of Croatia (checkerboard). Note: the insignia was also used by the 23rd SS Mountain Division "Kama", during its brief existence.

Text: Ivan Ž.

File source: War Relics Forum / Adrian Stevenson.

NOT ALLOWED: removing source credits from the files – using text without crediting the original author – using files and information for political propaganda and commercial purposes.



Oznaka za rukav 13. brdske SS-divizije "Handžar". Motiv: grb Hrvatske (šahovnica). Napomena: oznaku je za vreme svog kratkog postojanja koristila i 23. brdska SS-divizija "Kama".

Tekst: Ivan Ž.

Izvor fajla: War Relics Forum / Adrian Stevenson.

NIJE DOZVOLJENO: uklanjanje naziva izvora sa fajlova – korišćenje teksta bez navođenja izvornog autora – korišćenje fajlova i informacija u političko-propagandne i komercijalne svrhe.

0098 | Insignia | 21. Waffen-Gebirgs-Division der SS "Skanderbeg" (albanische Nr. 1)



Sleeve insignia of the 21st SS Mountain Division "Skanderbeg". Motif: coat of arms of Albania (double-headed eagle).

Text: Ivan Ž.

File source: Wehrmacht Awards Forum / Woolgar.

NOT ALLOWED: removing source credits from the files – using text without crediting the original author – using files and information for political propaganda and commercial purposes.



Oznaka za rukav 21. brdske SS-divizije "Skenderbeg". Motiv: grb Albanije (dvoglavi orao).

Tekst: Ivan Ž.

Izvor fajla: Wehrmacht Awards Forum / Woolgar.

NIJE DOZVOLJENO: uklanjanje naziva izvora sa fajlova – korišćenje teksta bez navođenja izvornog autora – korišćenje fajlova i informacija u političko-propagandne i komercijalne svrhe.

0097 | Insignia | Jägertruppe



Cap insignia of German Jäger troops. Motif: three oakleaves with an acorn.

Text: Ivan Ž.

File source: War Relics Forum / Adrian Stevenson.

NOT ALLOWED: removing source credits from the files – using text without crediting the original author – using files and information for political propaganda and commercial purposes.



Oznaka za kapu nemačkih lovačkih jedinica. Motiv: tri hrastova lista sa žirom.

Tekst: Ivan Ž.

Izvor fajla: War Relics Forum / Adrian Stevenson.

NIJE DOZVOLJENO: uklanjanje naziva izvora sa fajlova – korišćenje teksta bez navođenja izvornog autora – korišćenje fajlova i informacija u političko-propagandne i komercijalne svrhe.

0096 | Insignia | Gebirgstruppe



Cap insignia of German mountain troops. Motif: edelweiss. Note: the insignia was also used by mountain troops of the German Police and selected units of the SS and Police Commander of the Alpine Region.

Text: Ivan Ž.

File source: Wehrmacht Awards Forum / kenneth wolfe.

NOT ALLOWED: removing source credits from the files – using text without crediting the original author – using files and information for political propaganda and commercial purposes.



Oznaka za kapu nemačkih brdskih jedinica. Motiv: runolist. Napomena: oznaku su koristile i brdske jedinice nemačke policije i odabrane jedinice komandanta SS-a i policije Alpske oblasti.

Tekst: Ivan Ž.

Izvor fajla: Wehrmacht Awards Forum / kenneth wolfe.

NIJE DOZVOLJENO: uklanjanje naziva izvora sa fajlova – korišćenje teksta bez navođenja izvornog autora – korišćenje fajlova i informacija u političko-propagandne i komercijalne svrhe.

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