Press Photo – Sturmgeschütz III in Forest Combat – Eastern Front, March 1944

Original wartime German Propaganda-Kompanie press photograph depicting a Sturmgeschütz III (StuG III) advancing through dense forest terrain on the Eastern Front, early 1944. The vehicle, carrying a full crew of grenadiers on its hull, moves cautiously through a devastated woodland — a striking image of German armored infantry coordination in difficult terrain.

The reverse retains the original typed PK caption slip (Für den Pressegebrauch!) from Propaganda-Kompanie 621, with complete details:

Bildbericht: Grenadiere und Panzer im Wintersumpf
Date: 27 March 1944
Text: “Sturmgeschütze brechen in das Waldgelände ein, in dem sich der Gegner schwer verschanzt hat. Sie brechen den ersten Widerstand und bahnen den Grenadieren den Weg.”
(Assault guns push into the wooded terrain where the enemy has heavily entrenched. They break the first resistance and clear the way for the grenadiers.)

The sheet is additionally stamped “Freigegeben durch OKW Propaganda-Abteilung” (Released by the High Command Propaganda Section) and bears press censorship and archival markings, dated 25 April 1944.

Item Details

• Original wartime Propaganda-Kompanie photograph with full caption slip and censorship stamps.

• Propaganda-Kompanie: 621 (Eastern Front)

• Photographer: Schröder-Lash; Text by Lt. Utschalt.

• Date: 27 March 1944 (released 25 April 1944).

• Location: Eastern Front (Heeresgruppe North sector).

• Subject: StuG III assault gun and grenadiers advancing through forest fortifications.

• Size: Approx. 13 × 18 cm.

• Condition: Excellent tonal contrast, crisp details, minor corner wear; fully intact caption slip with red censorship bar.

Collector’s Note

A dramatic and historically important image illustrating Sturmgeschütz operations in wooded, swampy winter conditions, showing the combined use of assault guns and infantry to break enemy defensive lines. Fully documented and dated — a fine, authentic PK-issued press photo from the Heeresfront, offering insight into the tactical realities of late-war Eastern Front fighting.