Colonel Schrek awarding German artillery unteroffizier with Cross of liberty 1941.11.17 Kiestinki

Photo Number 64454

Receiving Cross of liberty

Franz Kirchmann from 3. Marine Artillerie Abteilung in Norway, 1940-42. This picture is taken in Germany in 1940 before he left for Norway. What happened to him after 1942 is unknown.

Destination Norway

An 8.8cm Flak 36 is set up in a firing position on the steppes. The big gun was conspicuous and difficult to conceal much less dig in. The pit in the foreground is for ready ammunition. The "Acht-Acht" or "Otto-Otto", as the Germans called the "88", depended on its longer range to survive tank engagements. The ammunition handler standing in the pit wears a Soviet insulated winter jacket.