During the German retreat from France in August 1944 the river Seine represented a major barrier for the retreating troops. At Caudebec-en-Caux, the 50-ton steam ferry was sunk during a night attack on August 27 but was immediately replaced by a spare vessel. From August 15-30 the ferry carried across about 2,000 vehicles and thousands of men. In this picture a Schwimmwagen enter the water by the side of the sunken ferry providing a good example of how the propeller was operated.

Crossing the Seine, 1944

Undated photo of Rommel leaving his Fieseler Storch somewhere in the Western Desert. Rommel frequently used this airplane to inspect the progress of his troops, often landing near the front lines to speak to the commanders in person. This practice wasn't without risk and he was lucky to escape being shot down in more then one occasion, in one such situation he flew at low level over a battalion of Bersaglieri. The surprised Italians opened up at the Storch with a gusto and Rommel said later that 'it was a miracle that we were not shot down. It did not speak well for Italian marksmanship!'