Civilian life in occupied Soviet Union in photos & documents

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Another from the same series.

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Another.

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A very poor Russian child with crippled hand.

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German soldier skylarking in front of bemused Russian couple while his comrade thinks it's funny. Photo taken near Kiev.

[Svetlana Karlin]

Larry,

Those are fascinating photos. Poor children! Interestingly, many Russian personal accounts contain sarcastic comments on Wehrmacht 'oddballs'. No wonder.

More on civilians and billeting of soldiers. The sources are these online albums: http://news.webshots.com/album/550026933KLJnOl, http://news.webshots.com/album/550833578RUsEmU

Soldiers in an Ukrainian house (khata).

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Some villager in Northern Russia or Belorussia probably 'enjoyed' this view in his backyard.

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A soldier and his 'hosts'.

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[Svetlana Karlin]

A poster from Nikolaev (Mykolaiv) Province State Archive in Ukraine http://www.archives.gov.ua/Sections/1941-1945/I/index.php?7

1941BilletNotice.jpg

Translation:
Germans live in this house. Anyone, who harms their peace or property, will be shot.
Commandant.

[Vikki]

German soldier skylarking in front of bemused Russian couple while his comrade thinks it's funny.

Do you suppose maybe he's trying to ask a question or get some point across, but speaks no (or very little) Russian?

Great thread, by the way!

~Vikki

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German soldier skylarking in front of bemused Russian couple while his comrade thinks it's funny.

Do you suppose maybe he's trying to ask a question or get some point across, but speaks no (or very little) Russian?

Great thread, by the way!

~Vikki

Hi Vikki

It is possible. Looks like he is trying to do a funny version of a Russian dance.

Here are some photos from an album where the former owner seemed to have an interest in the local Russian inhabitants.
He took a large amount of photos of the people, their living conditions and lives.
Not exactly sure of the division/regiment he served with as I cannot positively ID the symbol seen often on their vehicles.
Any help appreciated.

A German officer talks to assembled villigers. I have put the symbol in the top corner.

Larry

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Muddy village street.

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Boy looks on as soldiers build a shelter for their Opel Blitz truck.

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Market day. Caption says photo taken in Gomel which is in Belarus.

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Goats fighting.

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Russian windmill.

More to follow.

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More from the album.

This also taken in Gomel.

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Russian girl.