German, WWII, 6 June 1940, Feldzeitung der Moselarmee (Field Newspaper of the Mosel Army), No.176 – Battle of France Campaign – Complete 4 Pages
£40.00
An original dated June 1940 German Wehrmacht field newspaper from the Battle of France campaign, offering a fascinating and complete four-page wartime snapshot of frontline reporting and propaganda.
*German, WWII, 6 June 1940, Feldzeitung der Moselarmee (Field Newspaper of the Mosel Army), No.176 – Battle of France Campaign – Complete 4 Pages*
An original German World War II Feldzeitung der Moselarmee (Field Newspaper of the Mosel Army), issue number 176, dated Thursday 6 June 1940, produced during the German campaign in France. Complete as a four-page issue, this wartime publication was printed specifically for German troops and served as a mixture of frontline news bulletin, morale publication, and state-controlled propaganda distributed to soldiers in the field.
The front page prominently features the wartime headline "Die deutschen Divisionen zu neuer Tat bereit" ("The German divisions ready for new action"), reflecting preparations for the next phase of military operations following the Dunkirk evacuation. Beneath this appears the dramatic subheading referring to "the greatest battle in world history", typical of the exaggerated style frequently employed in wartime propaganda publications.
The issue contains reports concerning operations in France, developments around Paris, military updates, articles intended to bolster morale, and photographic content including "Träger des Ritterkreuzes in der Armee" ("Bearers of the Knight's Cross in the Army"), featuring decorated soldiers. The publication provides a fascinating insight into the heavily controlled information environment experienced by German troops during the early stages of the war.
The masthead carries the period Reich eagle and wartime insignia characteristic of German military publications. Unlike civilian newspapers, Feldzeitungen were prepared under military oversight and often produced by Wehrmacht propaganda companies (Propagandakompanien), making surviving examples important pieces of wartime historical material.
Approx. Measurements – Large format four-page field newspaper.
History Note: Dated 6 June 1940, this issue falls immediately after the Dunkirk evacuation and just before the launch of Fall Rot, the second phase of the German offensive into France. Such publications offer a direct period snapshot into how battlefield events and military successes were presented to German soldiers and remain sought after as historical artefacts documenting wartime propaganda and frontline life.
*Condition* Complete four-page issue showing age-related toning and fold wear throughout. There is a significant tear running across the centre from both sides of the newspaper, with only a small section remaining attached, together with edge tears, small losses, creasing and handling wear commensurate with age and period use. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
