Nov 12, 2009: Nazi Surrender

xoxoxoBruce · 11-11-2009, 11:31 PM

Ronald Playforth was Monty's clerk from D-Day on, and hiding in the bushes, took the only color photographs of the Nazi surrender. He took two pictures, unseen by the world until now, that have been in his family album ever since.

Quote:

His pictures show Admiral Hans Georg von Friedeburg, the most senior member of the delegation, General Eberhard Kinzel, chief of staff of the north west Germany army, and Major Friedl, a 6ft 6ins Gestapo chief. They were received by Field Marshall Montgomery, with his customary black beret and army uniform, who, when the Germans tried to negotiate, reportedly gave them a ‘tongue lashing’ about the bombing of Coventry and the horrors of Belsen. The delegation reported back to their HQ and Admiral Karl Doenitz – Hitler’s successor – and were given permission to sign the surrender papers, which they did the next day, May 4. When it was all over Montgomery is said to have leaned back and said simply: ‘That concludes the surrender.’ Two of the German delegation – Kinzel and Friedeburg – committed suicide weeks later by taking cyanide while Friedl died in a car accident.

Hmmm, car accident... they got rid of Patton that way, too.

Ok, the picture is not all that clear, but it is an actual photograph, and one of the only two in color, of one of the most important happenings in modern human history.

You can see the other one here.

EDIT: I lied, he took 4 photographs, according to some sources.

ZenGum · 11-12-2009, 04:44 AM

This thread was Goodwined before it started.

Shawnee123 · 11-12-2009, 08:56 AM

Very neat. I love when they find historically significant photos that someone just had in an album and never thought much about: like when they found the Helen Keller/Anne Sullivan pic.

I think of what was in the mind of the photographer, at that moment.

Sheldonrs · 11-12-2009, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shawnee123

...I think of what was in the mind of the photographer, at that moment.

Probably wondering if the photos would ever be considered good enough for IotD.

newtimer · 11-12-2009, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shawnee123

... think of what was in the mind of the photographer, at that moment.

"Blast it! Why did those Germans have to walk up and surrender at THIS spot?? And why now? Couldn't they wait 5 more minutes for me to finish up my morning latrine business in the woods in peace?"

Elspode · 11-12-2009, 09:05 PM

The Japanese surrender location was much, much more impressive than this.

monster · 11-12-2009, 10:02 PM

I cleaned it up a little and was able to provide more detail....

.

11-12-2009, 04:44 AM	#2
ZenGum Doctor Wtf Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Badelaide, Baustralia Posts: 12,861	This thread was Goodwined before it started. __________________ Shut up and hug. MoreThanPretty, Nov 5, 2008. Just because I'm nominally polite, does not make me a pussy. Sundae Girl.

11-12-2009, 08:56 AM	#3
Shawnee123 Why, you're a regular Alfred E Einstein, ain't ya? Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 21,206	Very neat. I love when they find historically significant photos that someone just had in an album and never thought much about: like when they found the Helen Keller/Anne Sullivan pic. I think of what was in the mind of the photographer, at that moment. __________________ A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones who need the advice. --Bill Cosby

11-12-2009, 09:05 PM	#6
Elspode When Do I Get Virtual Unreality? Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Raytown, Missouri Posts: 12,719	The Japanese surrender location was much, much more impressive than this. __________________ "To those of you who are wearing ties, I think my dad would appreciate it if you took them off." - Robert Moog

11-12-2009, 10:02 PM	#7
monster I hear them call the tide Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Perpetual Chaos Posts: 30,852	I cleaned it up a little and was able to provide more detail.... . Attached Images __________________ The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity Amelia Earhart

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