Photograph by Simon Patrick © 2008. No un-authorised use.
The Leutnant emerges from the darkness of the underground tunnel system and enters the field after receiving a briefing from his chain of command. There is news of a renewed Soviet offensive. He puts his map away and dons his gloves, whilst the Gruppe await their instructions.

Photograph by Nick Halling © 2008. No un-authorised use.

The position is held, the Soviet counter-attack is defeated but at a high cost. The Füsiliers expertly found cover and poured intensive fire down and into the advancing Soviet infantry. The Unteroffizier kept his nerve under pressure and provided and example for all to follow. Equipped with his trusty MP40, the Unteroffizier steadied the

Gruppe and lent close range fire support to repel the Soviet masses.

Photograph by Simon Patrick © 2008. No un-authorised use.
A cold and distant stare. The fatigue and horror of the days combat can be seen in this Füsiliers eyes. However, the Füsiliers must take this opportunity to rest and get some hot liquid inside them.

Photograph by Simon Patrick © 2008. No un-authorised use.
Perhaps something that seems quite trivial in modern times, but a hot drink could do wonders for morale in the field.

This Füsilier drinks from the issue cup that was paired with the Feldflasche (field flask). Made from aluminium, the content would not have kept hot for long and a familiar sight is that of Landsers burning their lips because of a hasty first sip!

Photograph by Panzer Füsilier Regiment Grossdeutschland © 2008. No un-authorised use.
The fight must go on. Battle-weary and exhausted, Füsilieren take a much needed rest during a lull in the close-combat fighting. The No.1 MG gunner, an Obergefreiter (centre) awaits new instructions. His fire support leads the Gruppe onwards. Meanwhile, another Füsilier uses the break as a chance to unwind and light a cigarette. The official ration of cigarettes per solder was seven a day; however these could be bartered for and traded with other items.

Photograph by Simon Patrick © 2008. No un-authorised use.
The Obergefreiter converses with his MG No.2. Perhaps he is issuing some advice or further instruction after the day’s earlier scenes of combat. A good understanding within the MG team would have been vital for maintaining the effective firepower of the MG-42.

Photograph by Simon Patrick © 2008. No un-authorised use.
Portrait of a Füsilier. Tired and weary, he has not yet had a chance to offload his equipment. Perhaps he traded his cigarette ration so a dab hand with a sewing needle could sew on his breast eagle and collar insignia.

Photograph by Simon Patrick © 2008. No un-authorised use.
Portrait of a Grenadier. Füsiliers and Grenadiers fighting side by side share a break and a chance to socialise. Rivalry was strong between the two combat regiments within GD. This Grenadier demonstrates the classic hair cut of the period; shaved closely over the ears and with a high side parting. He also wears the issue round-framed spectacles.

Photograph by Simon Patrick © 2008. No un-authorised use.
The end of a long day. The Füsilieren take watch over the ground that they have won. This Füsilier observes a beautiful sunset - a stark contrast to the horrors that he has experienced during the course of the day’s action. Knowing that he will be awoken early to continue the defence, he hopes for a good night's sleep.