Press Photo – RKT Franz Kretschmer Explaining the “Elefant” Tank Destroyer, 1944

Original wartime German press photograph, issued by Propaganda-Kompanie 691 and dated 25 May 1944, showing Ritterkreuzträger Oberleutnant Franz Kretschmer addressing officers and enlisted men beside a Panzerjäger “Elefant” tank destroyer on the Eastern Front.

The reverse retains the original typed PK caption slip (Nur für den Dienstgebrauch!) with full wartime details:

“Nach der Verleihung des Ritterkreuzes erklärt Oberleutnant Kretschmer den Offizieren und Mannschaften den neuen schweren Panzerjäger ‘Elefant’.”
(“After being awarded the Knight’s Cross, Oberleutnant Kretschmer explains the new heavy tank destroyer ‘Elefant’ to officers and men.”)

Also present are original wartime censorship and distribution stamps, dated 15 July 1944, confirming official press release approval.

Item Details

• Original wartime press photograph from Propaganda-Kompanie 691.

• Date: 25 May 1944 (released 15 July 1944).

• Subject: Oberleutnant Franz Kretschmer (Knight’s Cross recipient) instructing troops beside a Panzerjäger “Elefant.”

• Location: Pouchlyce, Southern Eastern Front.

• Size: Approx. 13 × 18 cm.

• Condition: Very good; light handling wear and minor age marks. Original typed caption slip and official PK stamps remain intact and clearly legible.

Collector’s Note

A rare and striking Propaganda-Kompanie press photograph depicting Ritterkreuzträger Franz Kretschmer following his decoration, using the formidable “Elefant” tank destroyer as part of his tactical instruction. Fully documented and censorship-stamped examples such as this are scarce, offering strong historical and visual appeal to collectors of WWII armored warfare and German press documentation.