German Press Photo – Nebelwerfer Battery in Action, Normandy 1944

Original wartime German press photograph showing a Werfer (rocket launcher) battery of the Wehrmacht on the Normandy front, preparing to counter an expected Allied attack. The detailed caption describes how German Nebelwerfer crews took up positions to strike at advancing enemy forces before their offensive began, while Flieger-MG (anti-aircraft machine guns) were positioned to defend the battery against Allied fighter-bombers.

Reverse caption reads:

“Bei einer Werferbatterie. In der Normandie hat sich der Feind zu neuem Angriff bereitgestellt. Eigene Werferbatterien sind in Stellung gegangen, um die feindlichen Kräfte noch vor dem Angriff zu zerschlagen. Flieger-MG werden in Stellung gebracht, um die Feuerstellung vor feindlichen Tieffliegern zu schützen.”
(At a rocket battery. In Normandy, the enemy has prepared for a new attack. Our own rocket batteries have taken up position to smash enemy forces before their assault begins. Anti-aircraft machine guns are set up to protect the launch positions from low-flying enemy aircraft.)

• Date: 22 July 1944

• Photographer / PK Unit: Kriegsberichter Scheck (Wb)

• Caption Code: L 2392 Wb EM

• Agency Stamp: Weltbild Presseservice, Frankfurt am Main (on reverse)

• Size: approx. 18 × 13 cm

• Condition: Excellent – original typed caption slip intact, light handling consistent with wartime use.

Historical Context

Taken during the Normandy Campaign, this image documents the deployment of Nebelwerfer rocket batteries, among the most feared German artillery weapons of the war. Their distinctive shrieking sound earned them the Allied nickname “Screaming Meemies.” These batteries were critical in providing heavy fire support and counter-battery fire during the desperate defensive battles of summer 1944.

Collector’s Note

A fine and authentic Weltbild press photo capturing one of the iconic weapons of the German army — the Nebelwerfer. With its complete typed caption and period agency stamp, this photograph offers excellent provenance and is ideal for collectors focused on German artillery, Normandy operations, or WWII propaganda photography.