Image size: 1565 x 1600 pixel. 723 KB
Date: 1941
Place: Soviet Union
Photographer: Unknown
Leutnant Helmut Ritgen (10 March 1916 - 7 February 2013) from 6. Panzer-Division collecting his lunch from a field kitchen (feldküche) mounted on the reliable 2½-ton 6 x 6 diesel lorry built by MAN, Henschel, Büssing-NAG, Magirus and Faun. The uncropped photograph shows, low on the right rear body of the truck, the white marking 'GI' (Gefechtstross I or Forward Battle Train). Until 1944 each company had its own "battle train", including a field kitchen; subsequently these were incorporated into the supply companies of each battalion. Ritgen would be awarded the coveted Deutsches Kreuz in Gold in 30 December 1944 as a Hauptmann in Panzerlehr-Regiment 130 / Panzer-Lehr-Division. He ended the war as an Oberst.
Source:
Helmut Ritgen photo collection
Book "The 6th Panzer Division: 1937-45" by Oberst a.D. Helmut Ritgen
