Forgotten WW2 Photos That Defined a Generation
March 11, 2024
Roger Godfrin, the only survivor of a massacre during which Nazi troops locked 643 citizens (including 500 women and children) inside a church and set fire to it on June 10, 1944 in Oradour sur Glane, France.
In the midst of World War II, the world was plunged into darkness. The horrors of war had spread like a deadly virus, engulfing everything in its path. The global conflict had impacted every facet of human life, leaving destruction and devastation in its wake. Amidst this bleak landscape, color photography served as a beacon of hope, offering a glimmer of light in a world shrouded in darkness.
These colorized photos of World War II provide a unique perspective on the most devastating conflict in human history. They offer a glimpse into the lives of soldiers and civilians alike, and showcase the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. Through these images, we are transported back in time, and invited to bear witness to the heroism, sacrifice, and tragedy that defined this monumental period in history. Join us on this journey through time, as we explore the vivid and haunting world of colorized World War II photography.
The massacre at Oradour-sur-Glane in Nazi-occupied France on June 10, 1944 was a moment of unspeakable horror and tragedy, a brutal reminder of the inhumanity that can be unleashed in times of war. Just four days after the Allied invasion of Normandy, a German Waffen-SS company descended upon the village, intent on punishing the population for their resistance activity in the area. What followed was a massacre of unprecedented scale and brutality, with 643 non-combatant men, women, and children slaughtered without mercy. The Germans showed no discrimination, murdering anyone they found in the village at the time, as well as innocent bystanders who happened to be passing through. Men were rounded up and executed in barns and sheds, their bodies doused in gasoline and set alight. Women and children were herded into a church and burned alive, with those who attempted to escape through the windows met with a hail of machine gun fire. The village was left in ruins, a haunting reminder of the senseless violence that had been inflicted upon it. In the aftermath of the war, a new village was built nearby, but President Charles de Gaulle ordered that the ruins of Oradour-sur-Glane be preserved as a permanent memorial and museum, a stark reminder of the human cost of war and the need for peace and understanding.
Soviet soldiers charge during the Siege of Leningrad, January 1, 1943.
On January 1, 1943, the Siege of Leningrad was in full force, a brutal and unrelenting assault on the people of the city that had been ongoing for over a year. The siege had begun in September 1941, with German forces encircling the city and cutting off all supply lines, effectively trapping the population inside. What followed was a period of unspeakable hardship and suffering, as the people of Leningrad were subjected to starvation, disease, and constant bombardment by enemy forces. But even in the face of such adversity, the people of Leningrad refused to give up, their unbreakable spirit a testament to the resilience of the human will. Food was scarce and fuel even scarcer, with temperatures dropping to well below freezing, but the people of Leningrad persevered, finding ways to survive and even thrive in the midst of unimaginable hardship. The siege would ultimately last for over 900 days, with hundreds of thousands of lives lost, but the legacy of Leningrad lives on as a symbol of hope and perseverance in the face of even the darkest of times.
French anti-aircraft fire during a Nazi raid on Algiers, 1943.
In the early years of World War II, Algeria was a key territory in the fight for control of North Africa. In November 1942, the Allies launched a massive amphibious assault on the northern beaches, known as Operation Torch. Under the leadership of Dwight D. Eisenhower, Allied forces overcame a Vichy French army of 60,000 troops, recapturing Morocco and Algeria and liberating northern Africa from German and Vichy control. Algerian troops, both Muslim and European, played a vital role in the fight for liberation, with over 134,000 soldiers mobilized and 18,000 giving their lives in the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. The bravery and sacrifice of these Algerian soldiers will forever be remembered in the annals of history.
A U.S. fighter plane spins its propellor on the deck of the USS Yorktown in the Pacific, November 1943
As autumn deepened in 1943, the USS Yorktown, pride of the Pacific Fleet, set sail from Pearl Harbor on a mission of great consequence. Under the aegis of Task Force 38 - the legendary Fast Carrier Task Force - the Yorktown was to spearhead a major assault operation that would mark her first foray into the crucible of battle. The operation in question was the occupation of the Gilbert Islands, a key strategic objective for the Allied war effort.
On November 19th, after making her way to the launch point near Jaluit and Mili Atoll, the Yorktown's intrepid aircrews launched a series of daring raids designed to suppress enemy air power and pave the way for the amphibious landings at Tarawa, Abemama, and Makin. Despite facing intense resistance from the Japanese, the Yorktown's pilots managed to put the enemy on the back foot and secure a crucial advantage for the advancing Allied troops. In the days that followed, the Yorktown continued to strike at enemy installations and planes, mounting daring raids on Wotje and Kwajalein Atolls, before finally returning to Pearl Harbor on December 9th for a month of intensive air training operations.
U.S. Air Force bombers fly over Ploiești, Romania, following a raid on August 1, 1943. Of the 16 cameramen accompanying this mission, the one who took this photo was the only one to survive
On June 12, 1942, the United States Army Air Forces dropped bombs on Romania for the first time during the Halverson project raid against Ploiești. Thirteen B-24 Liberator heavy bombers led by Colonel Harry A. Halverson from RAF Fayid in Egypt, unleashed their arsenal on Ploiești, Constanța, Teișani, and Ciofliceni, with minor damage and only three fatalities. However, the bombing of Ploiești on August 1, 1943, known as Operation Tidal Wave, was a much graver affair. It inflicted significant damage on four refineries and lesser damage on three, while also damaging the Ploiești rail station. Although the city itself wasn't greatly impacted, Câmpina was severely damaged. Over 660 American aircrew members were killed or captured, and petroleum exports exceeded pre-Tidal Wave levels by October.
U.S. infantrymen move through the destroyed town of Waldenburg, Germany on April 16, 1945
The once-beautiful Waldenburg, Germany, a historic town with a storied past, bore witness to the devastation wrought by the Wehrmacht's last-ditch stand against the United States 3rd army in the waning days of World War II. The Americans, forced to employ heavy artillery, pounded the town relentlessly, reducing it to rubble and ash. The heart-rending destruction was nothing short of catastrophic, with almost nothing remaining of the town's erstwhile beauty. The tattered remnants of the town, postwar, have been pieced back together with arduous efforts and Herculean determination, though some of its historic buildings will forever be lost to the unrelenting scourge of war.
A French man weeps as German soldiers march into Paris on June 14, 1940, after the Allied armies had been driven back across France.
The fall of Paris to Nazi Germany in June of 1940 marked a turning point in the war, as the country that had long been a bastion of culture, art, and resistance fell to the brutal machinery of the German Wehrmacht. The speed and ferocity of the invasion were shocking, catching the French military off guard and leaving the country reeling in the face of overwhelming force. But even as the Germans celebrated their victory, a different kind of resistance was taking shape. Led by General Charles de Gaulle and the Free French, a group of determined soldiers and civilians refused to give up the fight, launching a campaign of guerrilla warfare against their occupiers and working tirelessly to undermine the Nazi and Vichy regimes. It was a time of great hardship and suffering, but also one of resilience and courage, as the people of France stood up to defend their homeland against a brutal and oppressive regime.
The devastated remains of the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Shaw following the Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on December 7, 1941
The morning of December 7, 1941, was supposed to be just another Sunday for the servicemen stationed at Pearl Harbor. But then, without warning, the peaceful Hawaiian skies were pierced by the roar of Japanese warplanes. In a matter of minutes, bombs and torpedoes rained down on the unsuspecting ships anchored in the harbor, turning them into fiery infernos. The USS Arizona was hit with a direct hit that caused its ammunition to explode, killing 1,177 sailors and Marines in a matter of seconds. By the time the attack was over, 2,403 Americans were dead and another 1,178 were wounded. It was a devastating blow that brought the United States into World War II, and its impact would be felt for years to come.
A young French girl clings to her mother in May 1940 as French civilians flee the German Army offensive in the north of France.
The lead-up to Britain and France's entry into the Second World War was marked by a palpable sense of tension and unease, as the world braced for the inevitable clash between the Axis and Allied powers. With the German invasion of Poland in September 1939, the BEF sprang into action, deploying alongside their allies in France and Belgium to prepare for the expected German advance westwards. But despite the buildup of troops and resources, the initial phase of the war was marked by an eerie silence, as the Allies dug in along the borders and waited for the conflict to begin in earnest. It wasn't until the spring of 1940 that fighting finally broke out, with German forces launching surprise invasions of Denmark and Norway in a bid to secure crucial resources and maintain control of key shipping routes. Despite valiant efforts by British and French troops, the campaign was ultimately unsuccessful, with Norway falling fully under German control by June of that year. The Phoney War was over, and the real conflict had begun.
British soldiers shake hands from atop their vehicles in Tobruk, Libya, October 1942
The Western Desert campaign, also known as the Desert War, was fought in the vast and unforgiving deserts of Egypt and Libya and was the primary theater of the North African campaign during the Second World War. The campaign was initiated in June 1940 when Italy declared war and launched an invasion of Egypt from Libya in September of that year.
By 1941, the city of Tobruk had been besieged for nine long months, and although the Royal Navy could not guarantee the supply of the garrison, Lieutenant-General Claude Auchinleck viewed Tobruk as essential to holding back the Axis forces. However, on 21 June 1942, 35,000 Eighth Army troops surrendered to Lieutenant-General Enea Navarini, the commander of XXI Corps. Despite this significant setback, Auchinleck took charge of the Eighth Army, stopped the Axis advance at El Alamein, and held the line just 70 miles (110 km) from Alexandria. Although Auchinleck's success in the First Battle of El Alamein earned him great recognition, he was ultimately relieved of his position.
From left, Soviet leader Joseph Stalin, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill meet at the historic Tehran Conference in Iran on November 28, 1943
The Tehran Conference, code-named Eureka, marked a pivotal moment in World War II. From November 28 to December 1, 1943, the Soviet Union's embassy in Iran hosted the meeting of the Big Three Allied leaders: Joseph Stalin, Franklin Roosevelt, and Winston Churchill. The conference followed closely after the Cairo Conference, which took place just days earlier, and would precede the Yalta and Potsdam conferences of 1945. Although the three leaders had varying objectives, the Tehran Conference resulted in the Western Allies' commitment to launching a second front against Nazi Germany. Discussions also centered on the Allies' relations with Iran and Turkey, operations against Japan, and the postwar settlement. Notably, a separate contract signed during the conference promised recognition of Iran's independence by the Big Three.
Adolf Hitler joins key advisors Heinrich Himmler (left) and Martin Bormann (right) in surveying a strategic map at an unspecified location, 1939
The rise of the Nazi party in the late 1930s was a dark period in European history, as the extremist ideology gained momentum and spread like wildfire throughout Germany. Led by Adolf Hitler, the Nazis preached a message of hate and intolerance, targeting Jews, homosexuals, disabled individuals, and others deemed "undesirable" by the regime. The Nazis were ruthless in their pursuit of power, using violence, propaganda, and fear to suppress dissent and opposition. As they consolidated their grip on Germany, they set their sights on conquering Europe and beyond, unleashing a wave of destruction and terror that would leave a lasting scar on the continent.
An 18-year-old Russian prisoner of Dachau concentration camp not long after its liberation by U.S. forces on April 29, 1945
The liberation of Dachau concentration camp on April 29, 1945, was a moment of both triumph and horror for the U.S. forces who entered the gates. What they discovered inside was beyond anything they could have imagined. Over 32,000 prisoners were crammed into the camp, with many dying of starvation, disease, and torture. The stench of death and decay filled the air. Bodies lay piled up like cordwood, and emaciated survivors stumbled about in a daze. Some of the American soldiers were overcome with nausea and had to leave the scene. Others were so enraged that they took their anger out on the German soldiers and SS guards they captured. It was a moment of intense emotion, as the reality of the Nazi regime's atrocities became all too real for the first time to many of the American soldiers present.
Children of an eastern suburb of London, who have been made homeless by German bombings, sit outside the wreckage of what was their home, September 1940
The Blitz, a period of intense bombing of London during World War II, devastated homes and communities across the city. German bombers rained down explosive and incendiary bombs night after night, targeting residential areas with the aim of destroying the morale of the British people. By the end of the war, over a million homes had been destroyed or damaged in London alone. Families were left homeless, often with nothing but the clothes on their backs. The psychological impact of the Blitz was immense, as families struggled to cope with the loss of their homes and the trauma of living through the nightly bombings. Despite the devastation, however, the resilience of Londoners shone through as they banded together to rebuild their communities in the aftermath of the war.
Battered religious figures stand amid the rubble of Nagasaki, Japan on September 24, 1945, six weeks after the U.S. destroyed the city with an atomic bomb.
The bombing of Nagasaki in August of 1945 was a moment that would change the course of human history forever. After years of brutal conflict, the Allies had finally turned the tide of the war, and the Japanese government was on the brink of surrender. But rather than accept defeat, the country's leaders stubbornly refused to back down, forcing the Allies to take drastic action. On the morning of August 9, a B-29 bomber named Bockscar dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki, obliterating the city and killing tens of thousands of people in an instant. The destruction was so complete, so devastating, that it left an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of the world, a reminder of the terrible power that humanity now wielded and the catastrophic consequences that could result from its misuse. The bombing of Nagasaki was a moment that would echo through the ages, a haunting reminder of the darkest depths of human conflict and the fragile nature of peace.
German soldiers arrest a Jewish man in Warsaw, Poland following the ghetto uprising that had recently occurred there, April 1943
As the sun began to set on the eve of Passover in 1943, the police and SS auxiliary forces entered the Warsaw Ghetto with a plan to complete the deportation of its remaining Jewish population within three days. However, they were met with unexpected resistance from Jewish insurgents who ambushed them with Molotov cocktails, hand grenades, and gunfire. The Germans were caught off guard, suffering 59 casualties, and their advance came to a halt. The insurgents' petrol bombs even set two of their combat vehicles on fire. Despite the initial failure, the Germans regrouped with a reinforced ground attack led by SS-Brigadeführer Jürgen Stroop. The ŻZW stronghold at Muranowski Square put up the longest-lasting defense, where Dawid Moryc Apfelbaum, the ŻZW chief leader, was killed in combat. In a symbolic event, two boys raised the Polish flag and the blue-and-white banner of the ŻZW on the roof of a building on the square, which remained visible from the Warsaw streets for four days.
U.S. Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower gives instructions to paratroopers in England in preparation for the imminent D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944.
In the weeks leading up to the D-Day invasion of June 6, 1944, General Dwight D. Eisenhower stood before a group of paratroopers in England, his voice steady and his resolve unbreakable. The tension in the room was palpable, as the soldiers listened intently to the instructions of their commander, knowing that the success of the mission would depend on their skill and courage. Eisenhower spoke with the authority of a man who had seen the horrors of war up close, his words a rallying cry for the soldiers who would soon face the enemy in battle. He spoke of duty, of sacrifice, of the importance of each man doing his part to ensure the success of the mission. It was a moment of profound gravity, a reminder that the fate of the free world hung in the balance, and that the actions of these soldiers would shape the course of history. And yet, even in the midst of such turmoil, there was a sense of hope and camaraderie, as the soldiers listened to their commander's words with a mixture of fear and determination, knowing that together, they could achieve the impossible.
A British plane in Gibraltar prepares for its flight to the United Kingdom as searchlights shine in the background (date unspecified).
Throughout World War II, Gibraltar played a pivotal role in both the Atlantic and Mediterranean theaters, serving as a vital hub for naval traffic between the two bodies of water. Its commanding position and well-defended harbor provided a critical base of operations for ships to operate in both theaters, with Force H, under the leadership of Vice-Admiral James Somerville, stationed in Gibraltar to maintain naval superiority and provide critical escort for convoys to and from the besieged island of Malta.
For the Allies, Gibraltar was a key piece of the puzzle, a linchpin in their efforts to control the sea lanes and maintain their position in the Mediterranean. But it was also a target for the Axis powers, who recognized the strategic importance of the territory and launched numerous attacks in an effort to dislodge the Allies and seize control of the vital sea routes. Despite the constant threat of attack, Gibraltar remained a symbol of Allied strength and resilience, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there are still beacons of hope and fortitude to be found.
A man holds a noose used for hanging prisoners at the Buchenwald concentration camp following its liberation by U.S. forces in April 1945
The Buchenwald concentration camp, located near Weimar in Germany, was one of the largest and most notorious Nazi concentration camps during World War II. It held political prisoners, Jews, Romani people, homosexuals, and other groups deemed undesirable by the Nazi regime. On April 11, 1945, American troops arrived to liberate the camp. They found approximately 21,000 prisoners, most of whom were emaciated and suffering from disease and starvation. The sight of the conditions in the camp shocked the American soldiers, who had never seen anything like it before. The liberation of Buchenwald was a pivotal moment in the war and a stark reminder of the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime.
A young boy greets his father, a soldier allowed to return home for Christmas, 1944.
For the families of American soldiers during World War II, waiting for their loved ones to return from the front lines was a time of anxiety and uncertainty, a period of endless waiting and sleepless nights. Wives, mothers, and children alike would huddle around the radio, straining to hear any news from the battlefield, praying for a sign that their husbands, sons, and brothers were safe. For some, the waiting would be short-lived, with loved ones returning home soon after the war's end. But for others, the waiting would continue for months or even years, as the slow process of demobilization and repatriation ground on. The toll on families was immeasurable, with many struggling to make ends meet in the absence of their breadwinners and all grappling with the fear that they may never see their loved ones again. It was a time of profound sacrifice and loss, a reminder that even in the midst of war, it is the families left behind who bear the greatest burden of all.
Two women stand amid the leveled ruins of the almshouse that was their home before a German bombing raid destroyed it in Newbury, England on February 11, 1943.
The Blitz, a violent and destructive campaign of bombing raids that targeted cities across Britain, was a turning point in the war, a moment of unbridled brutality that marked a shift in German bombing policy. Derived from the term blitzkrieg, or "lightning war," the campaign was intended to demoralize the population and force surrender. But the tactic ultimately failed, as the British people rallied together in the face of adversity, their unbreakable spirit a testament to the power of the human will to endure and overcome.
The Blitz finally came to an end when Hitler's forces were diverted to invade Russia, but small numbers of aircraft continued to carry out "tip and run" raids all over the country for the duration of the war. These raids, often targeting towns on the south coast of England, were indiscriminate and deadly, leaving a trail of destruction and death in their wake. The Palace Hotel Torquay was bombed twice in 1942, with the RAF hospital stationed there bearing the brunt of the destruction. And in March 1943, the town of Hastings was devastated, with 38 people killed and 40 houses destroyed in a single raid. The legacy of the Blitz would be felt for years to come, a haunting reminder of the cost of war and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable hardship.
A U.S. landing craft approaches Omaha Beach during the D-Day invasion in Normandy, France on June 6, 1944.
The D-Day invasion on the beaches of Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944, was a watershed moment in the history of the Second World War. The skies were filled with the sounds of thunder as Allied forces descended upon the German-occupied coast, their fate uncertain but their determination unbreakable. The beaches were stained red with blood as the battle raged on, the air thick with the acrid smell of smoke and gunpowder. It was a scene of unimaginable carnage, as the Allies fought tooth and nail to establish a foothold on the continent. But despite the overwhelming odds, they pressed on, driven by a singular vision of a world free from tyranny and oppression. The invasion was a turning point in the war, marking the beginning of the end for the Axis powers and paving the way for a new era of peace and prosperity. It was a moment of unparalleled courage and sacrifice, a testament to the unbreakable spirit of humanity in the face of adversity.
U.S. soldiers wait in a landing craft as it approaches Omaha Beach during the D-Day landings in Normandy, France on June 6, 1944
The enormity of the D-Day operation on June 6, 1944, is difficult to overstate. Known as OVERLORD, it was a complex feat of coordination that combined the land, air, and sea forces of the allied armies in an unprecedented way. Five naval assault divisions descended upon the beaches of Normandy, France, each given a code name: UTAH, OMAHA, GOLD, JUNO, and SWORD. These beaches were stormed by 133,000 troops from the United States, the British Commonwealth, and their allies. The landing force was supported by over 7,000 ships and landing craft, operated by a staggering 195,000 naval personnel from eight different allied countries. The invasion was costly, with casualties numbering 10,300 from the United States, the British Commonwealth, and their allies. Yet the determined efforts of these brave soldiers, sailors, and airmen paid off. By June 30, over 850,000 men, 148,000 vehicles, and 570,000 tons of supplies had landed on the Normandy shores, and the German Nazi forces were on the run. Ultimately, it was the joint efforts of the allied forces on both the western and eastern fronts, including the Russian forces, that led to the surrender of German General Alfred Jodl at Reims, France, on May 7, 1945.
Soviet and American airmen pose with the bombs on which they'd written messages for the Nazis at a Russian air base on June 2, 1944.
The act of writing messages on bombs that were dropped on the Germans during World War II was a curious and haunting phenomenon, one that spoke to the complexities of war and the human psyche. The soldiers who etched their names and messages onto the bombs were, in a sense, leaving their mark on history, a reminder of their existence and their contribution to the war effort. But there was also a darker, more ominous undertone to this practice, a sense of gleeful destruction and triumphalism that was difficult to reconcile with the realities of war. The messages themselves were often crude and vulgar, a reflection of the soldiers' desire to taunt and humiliate the enemy. And yet, even in the midst of such brutality, there was a sense of humanity and connection, as soldiers wrote messages to loved ones or expressed their hopes for the future. It was a strange and haunting paradox, a reminder that even in war, the lines between good and evil, heroism and villainy, were never as clear-cut as they might seem.
American sailors stand amid wrecked planes at the Ford Island seaplane base, watching as the USS Shaw explodes in the center background during the Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on December 7, 1941.
The events of December 7, 1941, would be etched in the collective memory of Americans for generations to come. On that day, the Japanese launched a surprise attack on the naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in a series of coordinated attacks that left the American fleet in shambles. The skies were filled with the sounds of death and destruction as fighter planes and bombers descended on the unsuspecting ships, leaving over 2,400 Americans dead and 1,000 injured. The devastation was unfathomable, with 19 ships destroyed or damaged, including battleships, cruisers, and destroyers, and over 300 aircraft. For a nation that had thought itself safe from the raging war in Europe and Asia, the attack was a rude awakening, shaking the very foundations of the American psyche. It marked a turning point in the course of history, as the U.S. mobilized its resources to fight a global conflict that would change the world forever.
A celebration of Germany's surrender takes place on Paris' Champs Elysees, as seen from the top of the Arc de Triomphe, on May 8, 1945.
The joyous news of Germany's unconditional surrender on May 7, 1945, brought a wave of relief and elation that swept across the world. In Paris, crowds of people poured out onto the Champs Elysees, the city's grand avenue lined with trees and cafes, to celebrate the end of the long and brutal war. The air was filled with cheers, singing, and laughter as people hugged, kissed, and danced in the streets. Amidst the jubilation, tears of joy streamed down the faces of many, as the reality of the end of the war and the prospect of a brighter future sank in. The Champs Elysees, once a site of military parades and displays of German power, was now transformed into a scene of triumph and hope for a better tomorrow.
U.S. Gen. Douglas MacArthur wades ashore during the initial landings at Leyte, Philippine Islands in October 1944
General Douglas MacArthur was one of the most prominent figures of the Allied forces during World War II, and his leadership in the Pacific theater of war was instrumental in securing victory for the Allies. MacArthur was known for his strategic brilliance, tactical flexibility, and his willingness to take calculated risks to achieve his objectives. He played a crucial role in the defense of the Philippines and the Battle of Leyte Gulf, as well as the successful campaigns in New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. His famous speech "I shall return" became a rallying cry for the liberation of the Philippines from Japanese occupation, which he achieved in 1944. Despite occasional controversies and setbacks, MacArthur remained a respected and revered figure throughout the war, and his contributions to the Allied victory were widely acknowledged.
A dejected German soldier taken prisoner by Soviet forces at the Battle of Kursk
The Battle of Kursk was a turning point in the bloody conflict that ravaged Europe during World War II, a moment of unbridled violence and devastation that would come to symbolize the horrors of war on an epic scale. Germany, smarting from its crushing defeat at Stalingrad, launched a massive assault on the Soviet city of Kursk in a desperate bid to regain the upper hand on the Eastern Front. But despite their formidable arsenal of tanks, artillery, and air power, the Germans were outmatched by the tenacity and bravery of the Soviet soldiers who stood in their way. Hitler's delay in launching the attack gave the Red Army ample time to prepare for the onslaught, resulting in a brutal and bloody battle that would leave both sides with heavy casualties.
The entrance to the Nazis' Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland soon after its liberation by Soviet troops, January 1945
The liberation of Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland in January 1945 was a pivotal moment in the history of the Holocaust. Soviet troops entered the camp and found the survivors, many of them emaciated and on the brink of death. The liberation exposed the horrors of the Nazi death machine, with evidence of mass killings, torture, and experimentation on human subjects. Despite the fact that the Soviet troops had initially entered the camp on January 27, it wasn't until later that the full extent of the atrocities committed at Auschwitz became widely known. Today, the liberation of Auschwitz remains an important symbol of the triumph of good over evil, and a reminder of the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime during World War II.
Adolf Hitler and his entourage walk near the Eiffel Tower in Paris on June 23, 1940, following the occupation of France by the Nazis.
During the bleak and oppressive years of the Nazi Occupation, Paris was transformed from a city of light and love to a dark and foreboding place, its streets and boulevards suddenly overrun with the swastikas and propaganda of the Third Reich. The French government fled to Vichy, leaving the city to be ruled by German officials who wasted no time in asserting their dominance. The majestic buildings and grand hotels that once housed the French elite now became the headquarters of the occupying forces, from the Majestic Hotel on Avenue Kléber, which was taken over by the German high command, to the Hôtel Lutetia, which became the domain of the Abwehr, the notorious military intelligence organization. Everywhere you looked, there were signs of the new order, from the clocks that had been reset to German time to the propaganda posters that adorned every street corner. And yet, despite it all, the city endured, its spirit unbroken, as the people of Paris held fast to their identity and culture, even as their beloved city was overrun by the enemy.
An unidentified boy raises his arms as German soldiers capture Polish Jews during the Warsaw ghetto uprising sometime between April 19 and May 16, 1943.
The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising of 1943 was a moment of unbridled heroism and defiance in the face of unspeakable evil, a singular act of resistance by a people who had been pushed to the brink of annihilation. The ghetto, situated in German-occupied Poland during World War II, was the site of unimaginable horror and suffering, as Jews were rounded up and sent to the death camps of Majdanek and Treblinka. But in April of that year, the Jews of the ghetto rose up in a desperate bid to resist their oppressors and claim their humanity. They refused to surrender to SS-Brigadeführer Jürgen Stroop, even as he ordered the ghetto to be burned block by block. The battle raged for weeks, with the Jews facing overwhelming odds and certain death. But they fought on, driven by a fierce determination to dictate the time and place of their own deaths. Though ultimately unsuccessful, the uprising was a moment of unparalleled courage and defiance, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can never be truly broken.
A Sudeten woman from the area that is now the Czech Republic salutes the conquering German forces while crying at the fall of her people to the Nazis, circa 1942-1945.
The conquest of the Czech Republic by the Nazis during World War II was a tragedy of epic proportions, one that left an indelible mark on the country and its people. The German war machine, with its formidable arsenal of tanks and artillery, swept across the border like a dark storm cloud, obliterating everything in its path. The Czechs, caught in the maelstrom of war, were powerless to stop the onslaught, their cities reduced to rubble and their culture all but erased. It was a moment of profound despair, as the proud and independent people of Czechoslovakia were brought to their knees by the brutal force of fascism. And yet, even in the midst of such unimaginable darkness, there were glimmers of hope and resistance, as the Czech people fought back against their oppressors with all their might. The conquest may have been complete, but the spirit of the Czech people remained unbroken, a testament to the power of the human will to endure and survive in the face of adversity.
Firefighters put out a blaze caused by a round of German bombings in London, 1941.
The London Blitz of 1941 was a time of unrelenting terror and destruction, as the German Luftwaffe launched wave after wave of bombs upon the city, intent on breaking the spirit of the British people. The nights were filled with the sounds of explosions and the wail of air raid sirens, as families huddled together in underground shelters, waiting for the all-clear signal that might never come. The streets were a ghostly, apocalyptic landscape, littered with the rubble of buildings and the remains of those who had not been so lucky. It was a time of unparalleled suffering, as the people of London endured the horrors of war on their own doorstep. But even in the midst of such devastation, there were glimmers of hope and resilience, as the British people refused to be cowed by the brutality of the enemy. They stood firm, defiant in the face of adversity, their unbreakable spirit a testament to the power of the human will to survive and thrive, even in the darkest of times.
Five U.S. Marines and one sailor raise an American flag over Mount Suribabachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima on February 23, 1945.
The raising of the American flag over Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima on February 23, 1945, was a moment of both triumph and tragedy, a poignant symbol of the sacrifices made by the soldiers who fought for their country. Five U.S. Marines and one sailor stood atop the mountain, their hands clasping the pole that held the flag aloft, a fluttering banner of red, white, and blue that represented everything they were fighting for. It was a moment of fierce patriotism and national pride, a reminder that even in the midst of war, the American spirit could not be broken. And yet, the image of those soldiers, silhouetted against the sky, was also a reminder of the staggering loss of life that had brought them to this moment. They were but a handful of the many who had given their lives for their country, their sacrifice a testament to the horrors of war and the price of freedom. The raising of the flag was a moment of hope and defiance, a symbol of the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of light to guide us forward.
Māori soldiers from New Zealand perform a traditional war cry known as a haka in Helwan, Egypt, June 1941.
The legacy of the 28th (Maori) Battalion, one of New Zealand's most celebrated fighting units, endures to this day, a testament to the courage and sacrifice of the soldiers who served their country with distinction during the Second World War. At the heart of the battalion's success was a fierce sense of pride and determination, exemplified by Te Moananui-a-Kiwa Ngārimu, who won the Victoria Cross in 1943, a rare and coveted honor that spoke to the exceptional bravery of the soldiers who fought under the Maori banner. Though nearly 16,000 Māori enlisted for service during the war, it is the 20% who served in the 28th (Maori) Battalion who are perhaps best remembered, their reputation as one of New Zealand's finest fighting forces etched forever in the annals of history. They served with distinction, earning the respect and admiration of their peers and cementing their place in the pantheon of great warriors who have fought for their country.
In celebration of Japan's surrender, a U.S. Navy sailor kisses a women during festivities in New York City on August 14, 1945.
The news of Japan's surrender in 1945 sent shockwaves of excitement and relief throughout the United States, a moment of jubilation and celebration that marked the end of one of the darkest chapters in the nation's history. For years, Americans had endured the horrors of war, sacrificing their lives and their loved ones for the sake of freedom and justice. And now, at long last, the nightmare was over. People poured into the streets, waving flags and cheering, their hearts overflowing with gratitude and joy. It was a moment of profound significance, a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming adversity, the human spirit could persevere and triumph. The war had exacted a terrible toll on the nation, but it had also brought out the best in its people, inspiring acts of courage and selflessness that would be remembered for generations to come. As the country emerged from the shadows of war, it did so with a renewed sense of hope and optimism, ready to face the challenges and opportunities of a new era with courage and determination.
The atomic bombing of Nagasaki, Japan by the U.S. on August 9, 1945.
The atomic bombing of Nagasaki, Japan by the United States on August 9, 1945 was a moment of unmitigated horror and devastation, a stark reminder of the terrible power of modern warfare. The bombing, which followed a similar attack on Hiroshima just three days earlier, left a trail of destruction and death in its wake, obliterating entire neighborhoods and killing tens of thousands of people. It was a moment of profound tragedy, a reminder that even in the face of unspeakable evil, humanity can find ways to inflict untold suffering on itself. The decision to use the atomic bomb remains one of the most controversial and divisive in American history, with many arguing that it was an unnecessary and immoral act that marked a turning point in the way that nations approached warfare. But for the people of Nagasaki, there was no debate; the bombing was a cataclysmic event that would shape their lives and their city for generations to come, a moment of unspeakable horror that would never be forgotten.
An American torpedo boat marksman behind his machine gun off the coast of New Guinea, July 1943.
The New Guinea campaign was a grueling and prolonged struggle in the Pacific Theater of World War II, lasting from January 1942 until August 1945. The campaign had two distinct phases: the initial phase saw the Empire of Japan invade and take control of the Territory of New Guinea and Papua, while the second phase saw the Allies, primarily Australian forces, fight to reclaim these territories. Japanese troops were often besieged and cut off from vital supplies by Allied naval forces, resulting in heavy losses from disease and starvation. In fact, some estimate that up to 97% of Japanese deaths in the campaign were from non-combat causes. Despite the challenges, the Allies were ultimately victorious, but the campaign was one of the most arduous and difficult fought by any Allied troops during the war.
The devastated remains of Hiroshima, Japan just days after U.S. forces dropped an atomic bomb on the city, killing upwards of 140,000, on August 6, 1945.
The morning of August 6, 1945, was just another summer day in Hiroshima, Japan, until an atomic bomb, dropped by a U.S. B-29 bomber named Enola Gay, exploded over the city. The blast, equivalent to 15,000 tons of TNT, destroyed buildings and infrastructure in a 5-mile radius and killed an estimated 70,000 people instantly, with tens of thousands more dying in the months and years to come from radiation sickness and other injuries. The bomb was intended to force Japan's surrender in World War II, which it did just days later after another atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki. The long-term effects of the bombings on the health and well-being of survivors, known as hibakusha, are still being studied and debated to this day.
Allied soldiers come across a herd of cows as they make their way through Normandy, France, June 1944
As Allied troops marched through the French countryside during World War II, they encountered an unexpected challenge: farm animals.
Sandy Conti of New York explained:
If you saw cows in a field, it meant there here were no mines, so you could dig your foxhole. If snipers were lurking, the cows always faced their direction, hoping someone had come to milk them.
California's Manzanar War Relocation Center, one of ten internment camps in which the U.S. government held a combined 110,000 Japanese-Americans during the war (1943)
The internment camps of World War II were a blight on the moral conscience of the United States. In the aftermath of Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, over 110,000 Japanese-Americans, many of whom were American citizens, were forcibly removed from their homes and businesses and sent to internment camps across the western United States. The conditions were bleak and dehumanizing, with families cramped into small, hastily constructed barracks and forced to live under armed guard. The government attempted to justify these actions as necessary for national security, but in reality, they were a shameful violation of the civil liberties of innocent people based solely on their race. Many internees lost everything they owned, and the scars of this trauma would persist for generations to come. It remains a dark chapter in American history that serves as a reminder of the dangers of unchecked government power and the importance of safeguarding civil liberties for all.
The American ship Robert Rowan explodes after being attacked by a German bomber off the coast of Gela, Sicily on July 11, 1943
The SS Robert Rowan, a vessel carrying vital supplies for the invasion of Sicily, embarked on its mission with a sense of urgency and determination. Her cargo of ammunition and 334 soldiers of the 18th Infantry were poised for action. But the ship's journey was met with unexpected peril when it was targeted by German Junkers Ju 88 bombers during the battle of Gela. The ship was hit by three 500 kg bombs, causing explosions in the holds and setting the vessel ablaze. Despite the gravity of the situation, all 421 men on board managed to evacuate safely, and were rescued by PT boats and nearby destroyers. The ship burned uncontrollably, a sobering reminder of the dangers that loomed at every turn during the tumultuous years of the Second World War.
Citizens of Leningrad, Soviet Union vacate their houses, destroyed by German bombing, on December 10, 1942
The siege of Leningrad, a horrific and prolonged military blockade on the Eastern Front of World War II, was undertaken by the Axis powers against the Soviet city of Leningrad, present-day Saint Petersburg. It began on 8 September 1941, as the Wehrmacht cut off the last road to the city. For 872 days, the city was brutally besieged, causing immense destruction and suffering to its population. Though the Red Army was able to open a narrow land corridor to the city on 18 January 1943, the siege did not come to an end until 27 January 1944. Regarded as one of the lengthiest and most destructive sieges in history, the blockade was likely the most costly due to the vast number of casualties suffered throughout its duration. While not officially considered a war crime at the time, some historians have since categorized it as a genocide due to the systematic starvation and intentional destruction of the city's civilian population.
Field Marshal Wilhelm Keitel signs the unconditional surrender of the German army at the Soviet headquarters in Karlshorst, Berlin on May 8, 1945
In the aftermath of World War II, the official surrender of Nazi Germany was not a simple affair. On May 7, 1945, General Alfred Jodl, a high-ranking German officer, signed the instrument of surrender in Reims, France, with representatives from both the Allies and the Soviet Union present. The document declared that all German forces would cease fighting on May 8th at 23:01 hours. However, the following day, the Soviet Union rejected this surrender, insisting on a separate surrender to their Red Army. This second surrender was signed by Field Marshal Wilhelm Keitel in Berlin on May 8th, with General Georgi Zhukov of the Soviet army present. As a result of these two distinct moments of surrender, the celebrations of German surrender diverge between Eastern and Western Europe, with May 8th commemorated as "Victory in Europe Day" in the West, and May 9th celebrated as "Victory Day" in Russia.
Japanese Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu signs the Instrument of Surrender on behalf of the Japanese Government, on board the USS Missouri on September 2, 1945 as Lt. Gen. Richard K. Sutherland, U.S. Army, watches from the opposite side of the table
Amidst the ruins of war-torn Manila, the task of drafting the Japanese Instrument of Surrender was given to General Douglas MacArthur's staff, headed by the resourceful Colonel LeGrande A. Diller. With limited resources at their disposal, the team faced a daunting challenge. However, their perseverance paid off when a staff member stumbled upon a rare parchment in a monastery basement. The document was printed and the historic ceremony took place aboard the deck of the USS Missouri, lasting a mere 23 minutes but broadcasted throughout the world. The significance of the moment was not lost on those in attendance, as it marked the official end of hostilities in World War II.
French women accused of collaborating with the Nazis have their heads shaved by French Resistance fighters in Paris on June 21, 1944.
The aftermath of the D-Day landings in June 1944 was a moment of collective euphoria for the people of France, a flood of relief and hope after years of occupation and oppression. But for some, the liberation was quickly followed by a period of savagery and brutality, as vigilantes and resistance fighters took matters into their own hands in what came to be known as the épuration sauvage, the wild purge. Women accused of “horizontal collaboration” were among the most vulnerable, targeted by mobs and subjected to unspeakable acts of violence and humiliation. Their heads were shaved, their clothing torn from their bodies, and they were smeared with tar and paraded through towns, taunted, stoned, kicked, and even killed in some cases. The purges were spontaneous and unofficial, a reflection of the raw emotion and anger that had built up over years of occupation. But they were also savage, a reminder that even in the face of liberation, the human capacity for cruelty and violence can never truly be extinguished.
A tortured prisoner of the Buchenwald concentration camp in April 1945.
The dark and haunting history of Buchenwald begins on Ettersberg hill, near the city of Weimar, Germany, in July 1937. It was one of the first and largest of the concentration camps established within Germany's borders, designed to hold those considered undesirable by the Nazi regime. The camp's initial internees included actual or suspected communists, setting a pattern for the diverse range of prisoners who would later be confined there.
From Jews and Poles to the mentally ill and physically disabled, from political dissidents to Romani people, Freemasons, prisoners of war, ordinary criminals and sexual "deviants", all found themselves subjected to forced labor in local armaments factories. Insufficient food, wretched conditions, and calculated executions led to a staggering 56,545 deaths at Buchenwald, out of the 280,000 prisoners who passed through its gates and the 139 subcamps under its command. The camp achieved infamy after the United States Army liberated it in April 1945, with Allied commander Dwight D. Eisenhower making a poignant visit to one of its subcamps.
American soldiers, injured while storming Omaha Beach on D-Day, recover just after the landings in Normandy, France on June 6, 1944.
On that fateful day of June 6, 1944, the American forces descended upon the shores of Omaha Beach, their fate sealed by the raging tides and the iron will of their commanders. As the landing craft breached the waves, the sound of gunfire echoed across the coastline, as if the very earth was rebelling against the intrusion of man. The troops were met with fierce resistance, as the enemy held their ground with unflinching resolve, firing with deadly accuracy from their entrenched positions. But despite the odds, the Americans fought on, their courage and determination unwavering in the face of danger. And though the battle was long and bloody, they emerged victorious, their triumph a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Italian soldiers taken prisoner by British forces after the Allied landing in Sicily, July 1943
As the sun set on July 9, 1943, the Allies were preparing to unleash their fury on the southern shores of the island in a daring amphibious assault codenamed "Operation Husky." With over 3,000 ships, 4,000 aircraft, and more than 150,000 ground troops at their disposal, the Allies were determined to achieve their strategic objectives.
To deceive the Axis forces, the Allies employed several diversion tactics, including the famous and successful "Operation Mincemeat." Despite facing strong resistance from the Axis forces, Husky ended on August 17, 1943, achieving all of its goals. The Mediterranean sea lanes were once again opened for Allied merchant ships, and the Allies drove the Axis air, land, and naval forces from the island. This led to the fall of the Italian leader, Benito Mussolini, from power and paved the way for the Allied invasion of Italy on September 3.
Girls at the Leningrad Front, Parachute rigger. July 1944. Photo by M. Cache.
The Leningrad Front was a site of conflict between the Allies and the Axis, as the Soviet Union and Allies struggled to hold the city of Leningrad against the Germans' 900 day siege. In the end, the Soviets emerged triumphant, thanks to the bravery and determination of their soldiers and the resilience of the people of Leningrad. The Leningrad Front was a turning point in the war, and a testament to the incredible power of human courage and the will to overcome even the most daunting of obstacles.
T-34 crossing the Khandas-Gava River. Southern Sakhalin. 1945
The T-34 tank was one of the most iconic and formidable weapons of World War II. Designed by the Soviet Union in the 1930s, the T-34 quickly proved to be a game-changer on the battlefield. With its sloped armor, powerful engine, and devastating firepower, the T-34 was capable of taking on much larger and more heavily armed tanks. Its maneuverability and speed also made it a favorite of Soviet commanders, who used the tank throughout the war. The effectiveness of the T-34 on the battlefield was instrumental in the Soviet Union's eventual victory over Nazi Germany.
Two RAF Supermarine Spitfire Pilots of Squadron 241 Looking at a Map in Italy
The two dapper gentleman you see here are Flying Officer J S B Reynolds (right) and Flying Officer W R B McMurray of the Royal Air Force. These brave men flew the iconic Spitfire fighter planes, nimble and agile aircrafts that played a key role in the aerial war over Europe. Being a Spitfire pilot was also a dangerous and demanding job. Pilots had to contend with extreme temperatures, high altitudes, and the constant threat of enemy fire. Due to this, they often formed tight-knit communities, bonded by their shared experiences and the challenges they faced on a daily basis.
191 fighter aviation regiment. Aircraft technicians mastering an IL-2 aircraft, September 1944. Photo by M. Cache
The IL-2 was a workhorse of the Soviet air force, capable of carrying a wide variety of weapons and delivering devastating firepower against enemy ground forces. It was also highly maneuverable, able to dodge enemy fire and evade attack from enemy fighters. Despite its effectiveness, flying the IL-2 was no easy task. Pilots had to contend with difficult flying conditions, rugged terrain, and the constant threat of enemy fire. One of the most famous examples of the IL-2's effectiveness was during the Battle of Kursk, where it played a pivotal role in the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany. IL-2s were used to destroy enemy tanks and artillery, clearing the way for ground forces to advance and secure victory.
American combat engineers take a break from training to stand and eat their meals atop rows of stockpiled ammunition shells - Stratford-upon-Avon, England, May 1944.
When you're a soldier at war, there's not a whole ton of time for breaks, so you take what you can get. This poor guy doesn't even have time to get to a mess tent, instead breaking bread using ammunition crates as a table. He can't even seem to enjoy his meal, either - he looks on edge; always prepared for the next order.