Original WWII German Military Photograph – Operation Barbarossa – June 22, 1941 – Do-Werfer / Nebelwerfer Rocket Artillery in Action
An historically significant original WWII-era German military photograph documenting the opening of Operation Barbarossa, June 22, 1941, the German invasion of the Soviet Union.
What makes this photograph particularly collectible is its original German typewritten reverse inscription, which specifically identifies the beginning of the Russian campaign, records the time as 3:20 a.m., and describes Do-Werfer rocket launchers in action.
Original German reverse inscription:
Beginn des Rußland-Feldzuges
22. Juni 1941 – 3 Uhr 20 Min.
Do-Werfer in Tätigkeit.
English translation:
\"Beginning of the Russian Campaign.
June 22, 1941 – 3:20 a.m.
Do-Werfer rocket launchers in action.\"
Historical Significance
The photograph documents a scene identified by its period caption with the opening hours of Operation Barbarossa, one of the most consequential military campaigns of the Second World War.
The term Do-Werfer was a German designation associated with early Nebelwerfer rocket artillery, notably the 15 cm Nebelwerfer 41 system.
The photograph depicts a dark, early-morning landscape with visible smoke rising across the horizon and several bright points in the distance, consistent with the caption describing rocket-artillery activity.
Although the rocket launchers themselves cannot be positively identified in the image, the original typed inscription provides valuable contemporary documentation of the event.
Original Wartime Provenance
The reverse retains a purple photographic stamp:
Erich Biewald, Breslau 1
Film: 2
Bild (Photograph): 13
The stamp and film/image reference are particularly interesting archival details.
This photograph originates from an associated group of German wartime images, including photographs documenting military activity, pontoon bridge construction and German troops in the Bug River crossing sector during June 1941.
The precise location of this individual scene and the identity of the rocket-artillery unit have not been independently established.
Condition
Original vintage black-and-white photographic print with scalloped/deckled edges.
Displays age-appropriate toning, especially around the borders, together with light surface marks, scattered minor spotting, faint scratches or handling lines, and small areas of edge and corner wear.
The photographed scene is naturally dark and somewhat low in contrast. Smoke and bright points remain visible across the distant landscape.
Reverse exhibits age-related discoloration, light spotting and minor handling wear. The purple Breslau stamp and original German typewritten caption remain substantially legible.
Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.
The actual historical photograph shown is the item being offered, not a modern reproduction.
Shipping
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Tracking included.
Carefully protected in sleeve or protective enclosure.
Secure, rigid packaging to help prevent bending and transit damage.
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We specialize in original WWI and WWII militaria, historical photographs, military documents, medals, badges, maps and unusual European antiques and collectibles.
Browse our other original WW1/WW2 German militaria and historical photographs. More interesting wartime pieces are regularly available in our store.
Item SpecificsFieldValueConflictWW II (1939–1945)ThemeMilitariaRegion of OriginGermanyCountry of Rocket ArtilleryCampaignOperation BarbarossaMilitary BranchGerman Army / WehrmachtWeapon MentionedDo-Werfer / NebelwerferPhotograph DateJune 22, 1941 (per reverse caption)Reverse MarkingErich Biewald, Breslau 1Photograph IdentificationFilm 2, Bild 13FormatBlack-and-white photographic printConditionUsed – vintage
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