German Press Photo – “Fire-Spitting Bushes” at the Invasion Front, July 1944

Original wartime German press photograph showing camouflaged anti-aircraft positions hidden within the dense hedgerow terrain of the Normandy front. The caption, titled “Feuerspeiende Büsche an der Invasionsfront” (“Fire-Spitting Bushes at the Invasion Front”), vividly describes the deception of the landscape — where seemingly harmless bushes conceal deadly gun positions ready to open fire.

Reverse caption reads:

“In dem hügeligen Kusselgelände der Invasionsfront steht Busch neben Busch. Nichts Lebendes ist zwischen dem Blattgrün zu sehen, und doch speien die Büsche auf Befehl Feuer. Von rückwärts sieht der Busch nicht so harmlos aus. Unter der Tarnung zeigt sich das gepanzerte Führerhaus der Selbstfahrlafette, der Vierlingsflak, dessen Bedienungsmannschaft einsatzbereit den Feuerbefehl erwartet.”
(In the hilly terrain of the invasion front, bush stands beside bush. Nothing living can be seen between the greenery — yet on command, the bushes spit fire. From behind, the harmless-looking foliage reveals the armored cabin of a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun, its crew standing ready for the order to open fire.)

• Caption Code: 65059

• Date: 11 July 1944

• Photographer / PK Unit: Kriegsberichter Röder, 260 PK-Aufnahme

• Agency Stamp: Heinrich Hoffmann, Presse-Illustrationen, Berlin SW68 (on reverse)

• Size: approx. 18 × 13 cm

• Condition: Excellent – original typed caption label intact, light period wear, clear Hoffmann agency stamp.

Historical Context

Taken during the Normandy Campaign following the Allied landings, this image reflects German efforts to conceal Flak and anti-tank positions within the bocage countryside. The evocative caption title “Fire-Spitting Bushes” served as propaganda to emphasize both German ingenuity and resistance against overwhelming Allied air and ground forces.

Collector’s Note

A dramatic and well-documented Heinrich Hoffmann press photo, offering insight into the camouflage and defensive tactics of German forces during the 1944 Normandy fighting. Complete with its full typed caption slip and Hoffmann stamp, this is a fine and collectible example of authentic WWII propaganda imagery.