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 Photograph by Simon Patrick © 2010. No un-authorised use. |
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The Leutnant of the Zug agrees the initial positions of a trench system with one of his subordinates who consults a map of the area. The Red Army is fast approaching and the order to dig in is given. This shot was inspired by the pictoral history of GD ; 'God, Honour, Fatherland'. |
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 Photograph by Simon Patrick © 2010. No un-authorised use. |
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Leutnant Hausser takes a moment to smoke of one his favourite cigars, a luxury possibly sent from loved ones at home. His face reflects experience and inspires confidence in his men. He knows that the following days will once again be difficult for his Zug. This shot was inspired by the pictoral history of GD ; 'God, Honour, Fatherland'. |
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 Photograph by Simon Patrick © 2010. No un-authorised use. |
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The Füsiliers start preparing their positions. A forward foxhole is manned by the experienced Stabsgefreiter Heinz. The dugout will house three Füsilieren with the MG-42 machine gun. Note the Splinter camouflaged Zelts lining the dugout - these will help conceal the position from both land and air. |
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 Photograph by Simon Patrick © 2010. No un-authorised use. |
An Alte Hase (old hare) takes a moment to chat with his Kameraden. He is fit, strong and experienced. He will be a rock to the younger Füsilieren who will look up to him for guidance and assurance. |
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 Photograph by Simon Patrick © 2010. No un-authorised use. |
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| Jünger Hasen (young hares). For many of the Füsilier Regiments new recruits this will be their first taste of action. A mix of fear and excitement proceeds them, but one thing is certain they will go into battle boys and come out hardened veterans. Whilst they wait, they enjoy a cup of German black tea - allegedly good for one's health! | |
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 Photograph by Simon Patrick © 2010. No un-authorised use. |
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Stabsgefreiter Heinz takes a break from digging and liaises with the Leutnant on the progress so far. He has prepared his position with tins containing ammunition for the MG-42 and a number of stick grenades, in case the fighting gets close and personal. |
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 Photograph by Simon Patrick © 2010. No un-authorised use. |
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Füsilier Andreas takes a moment to read a newspaper from home in the hope that he might have a better understanding of how the war was progressing. Perhaps with his naive youthfulness, he can't understand that Germany are losing the war - at least that's not what the propaganda tells him. |
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 Photograph by Simon Patrick © 2010. No un-authorised use. |
| Hard times are ahead. In the rear trench the experienced Füsilier Bohme watches on, waiting for the Soviet hordes. |
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