SECOND WORLD WAR POSTCARDS

This page was last updated
30-Jan-2025 04:40

DER DEUTSCHE SOLDAT
(THE GERMAN SOLDIER)

This series of 8 postcards was probably published in 1940/1941 (earliest confirmed postal cancellation I have seen is Jul 1943). The cards depict the various branches of the Wehrmacht, and each has a title on the reverse, just below the image. The front side has the series title "Der Deutsche Soldat" - 'The German Soldier' as well as a serial number 4125/1 to 4125/8. These cards did not have a pre-printed stamp.

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No. 4125/1
AUF FEINDFAHRT

This card is inscribed 'AUF FEINDFAHRT' - 'ON ARRIVAL' and depicts a U-Boat captain.

No. 4125/2
AFRIKA KÄMPFER

This card is inscribed 'AFRIKA KÄMPFER' - 'AFRICA FIGHTER' and depicts a soldier wearing a Troppenhelm (Tropical Pith Helmet). These helmets were worn by most German troops in North Africa, Italy, Greece and also parts of Southern Russia.

No. 4125/3
FLUGZEUGFÜHRER

This card is inscribed 'FLUGZEUGFÜHRER' - 'AIRCRAFT OPERATOR' and depicts a Luftwaffe pilot wearing a cold weather flight cap and flying his aircraft.

No. 4125/4
GEBIRGSJÄGER

This card is inscribed 'GEBIRGSJÄGER' - 'MOUNTAIN HUNTER' and features a German soldier wearing a M1938 Bergmütze (Mountain Cap).

No. 4125/5
PANZERMANN

This card is inscribed 'PANZERMANN' - 'TANK MAN'. This soldier is wearing the traditional black panzer uniform and black Panzer beret (Schutzmütze) along with Totenkopf badges on his collar.