WWII German Press Photo – Artillery Command Post in the Normandy Bocage – Dated 29.06.1944

Original German WWII press photograph showing a field artillery command post established within the dense hedgerow countryside (Bocage) of Normandy during the fighting that followed the Allied D-Day landings.

The photograph depicts German artillery personnel and officers operating from a concealed position under tree cover while coordinating fire missions. Such command posts played a crucial role in directing artillery support during the difficult fighting in the Norman hedgerow terrain.

The reverse retains its original wartime press caption and photographer attribution.

The original German caption reads:

“Heckenkrieg in der Normandie.”

“Provisorisch ist in dem Hecken- und Waldgelände ein Batteriegefechtsstand eingerichtet worden. Zielsicher wird von hier das Feuer unserer Feldartillerie gesteuert.”

Translation:

“Hedgerow warfare in Normandy. A battery command post has been established in the hedgerow and wooded terrain. From here, the fire of our field artillery is accurately directed.”

The caption was issued on 29 June 1944, during the intense battle for Normandy when both sides struggled for control of the difficult bocage landscape.

Details

• Original German WWII press photograph
• Size: approximately 13 x 18 cm
• Date issued: 29 June 1944
• Photo reference: A 129 420 a
• Photographer: PK Kriegsberichter Koll
• Marked “Nur innerhalb einer Serie” (Only to be published as part of a series)
• Original typed wartime caption on reverse
• Normandy Campaign / D-Day period
• Depicts German artillery command personnel in a battery command post
• Excellent illustration of bocage warfare conditions
• Good original condition with age-related wear