(出典: italdred、darylfranzから)
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An LST docked outside of Sicily brings in supplies and replacement vehicles onto the beach as a soldier works on a Jeep in the foreground. July, 1943.
(出典: kampfgruppe)
(出典: kampfgruppe)
(出典: kampfgruppe)
These hulking pieces of concrete were integral in the air defense of Nazi Germany.
Known as Flak Towers, they were built originally in a triangle against Berlin, essentially sealing the city off from air raids. Outfitted with eight 128 mm guns, thirty two 20mm guns, and a handful of 37mm.
Originally created in response to an RAF raid on Berlin in 1940, the flak towers grew into a huge project. Each flak tower was divided into an L tower and a G tower. The G Tower was the larger of the two, housing the guns. The L tower served as a command post.
During the Battle of Berlin, thousands of residents fled to these towers, seeking refuge. In acts of desperation, the guards still occupying the towers would use their anti-aircraft guns on ground personnel. Soviet forces invading the city avoided the towers, unable to penetrate their 3.5 meter thick walls.
Many of the towers were destroyed after the war. Some still stand today, either in a dilapidated state or converted to a tourist attraction.
For the towers that still stand, a stark reminder of a time not so long ago for Berlin residents. The authoritarian blandness they convey is some of the last remnants of the Nazi regime.
