A Leibstandarte Grenadier reaches out to pluck a handful of flowers, Kursk, 1943. Spring has arrived, at least here, in the South of Europe, Nature's rebirth reminded me of this photo, a unique moment of peace among the chaos of war, and proof that even the most battle hardened soldier can succumb to the most simple example of Nature's glory.

A moment of peace

Erwin Rommel (center) and aides during a tense meeting at the Italian Army corps in November 1941. texag57/Deo Vindice

Erwin Rommel

The Germans realised that they had bitten off more than they could chew.