Curious Historian

World War Two was one of the most trying times in the history of mankind, and almost 72 years later, it is still being talked and written about. However, are you aware of the iconic moments they don't show in the history books? Start the slideshow to see some of the rarest WWII photos ever taken.

Resilient London Bridge

Source: USA Social Condition

Despite all the destruction that is synonymous with war, the London Bridge suffered little damage. Although it needed a few repairs and backup systems, the London Bridge survived many German bombings during World War II.

German Prisoners of War Captured by Americans

Source: USA Social Condition

Germans captured by the Americans actually had high praises for America. They spoke well of the country and 5,000 of them settled into the United States after their release. Thousands more willingly returned to visit.

St. Lo destroyed

This picture was taken in the city of St. Lo, France. The massive damage reflects the horrors of World War II. Buildings were reduced to dust and peoples lives were completely destroyed.

The USS Arizona

Source: USA Social Condition

December 7th, 1941 will always be remembered as the day of the Pearl Harbor attack. The USS Arizona was bombed four times by the Japanese until it sank. About 1,177 crewmen lost their lives, and The Arizona still rests at the bottom of the harbor today.

Bodies and Tanks

A nasty battle ensued when the Americans sought to take control of this German town. One of these two tanks was put out of service during the battle, but the Americans successfully seized the town. Between the tanks, two medics retrieve the body of a fallen American soldier.

Scenic Italy

These American Army trucks are parked in this serene location, next to the St. Lucia fountain in Italy in 1943. Luckily, this structure survived World War II and is still standing today.

Camouflage

In 1943 at the El Guettar Valley, the fight between Germany and America led to a new technology. Maximizing the element of surprise, these soldiers utilized new methods of camouflage in order to blend in with their surroundings. Now stealthily hidden, the encampment can patiently wait for their orders.

Limited access

U.S. Engineers blew up a German bridge as a war strategy to slow down the German troops heading towards the town. The size of the blast shows the strength of the explosives that they used.

Carnage

These four horses were caught in the crossfire when five German soldiers were killed by American artillery. It just goes to show that the casualties of war even included animals.

French tank

Source: USA Social Condition

As seen in this picture, French tanks were monstrous. They were much larger than German panzers, and were also well armed. Over 3,000 tanks fortified the French army.

Ghost army

Source: USA Social Condition

To trick the Germans, US soldiers created fake tanks to help confuse the expected positioning of the military forces. These fakes were executed in Operation Fortitude to help keep the attack on Normandy a surprise. These tanks were quite convincing since pre-recorded audio made them sound and look like an army convoy.

There’s nothing like a Coca-Cola

Source: USA Social Condition

By World War II, Coca-Cola was an integral part of American life. In order to keep the troops refreshed, this bottling plant was established in Saipan in the Pacific.

Yokohama

Source: USA Social Condition

Yokohama was one of the war-torn areas of Japan. Between April 1942 and August, 1945, they were targeted by aerial bombs that destroyed much of the city. Here, this resident stoops among what was once his home.

Sealing history

These five photographers strike a pose in front of Pappy’s Pram before they head off to duty. Thanks to them and others, we have many images from World War II and can get a glimpse into history.

Italy in ruins

Though it is unclear which Italian town this is, the remnants of war are evident. This image was taken in May, 1944. Here, American servicemen ride through this destruction.

German victims of war

American artillery strolled through this town, destroying everything in its path. Among the victims are these German soldiers who were hit by the shells and died in the same spot where they fell.

Trophy flag

After successful operations, these British and South African soldiers display a Nazi trophy flag in the bombed city of Cassino, Italy in 1943. Behind them, engineers on bulldozers try to clear a path through the rubble.

Ready for take off

Like a swarm of bees this fleet of planes prepare for launch from the USS Lexington (CV-16) in April, 1944. The flight deck crew do their final inspections before take-off to New Guinea.

Female Russian Sniper

Source: USA Social Condition

Roza Shanina was a celebrated Russian Sniper who had 59 confirmed kills. Her shooting precision led to her description as “the unseen terror of East Prussia.” Shanina died in combat in 1945 at age 20.

B-17 Flying Fortress

Source: USA Social Condition

This mighty plane certainly lived up to its name. The B-17 Flying Fortress was capable of carrying 8,000 lbs of bombs on short-range missions, and 4,000 lbs of bombs on longer missions.

The siege of Leningrad

Source: USA Social Condition

The siege of Leningrad was one of the most brutal in history. Residents were left cut off from water, food, energy, and utilities for over 2 years. Due to mass starvation over 1.5 million people died, soldiers and civilians alike.

Bombs away

Source: USA Social Condition

The Germans used V-1 Missiles as part of their ammunition. However, skilled US pilots would knock these bombs with the tips of the plane wings, sending the bombs crashing into the ground. This picture shows the aftermath of such bombing.

Scene of a U.S attack on Germany

A German convoy was attacked by the U. S. Artillery as they were trying to escape an encirclement. This scene was taken in Lug, Germany, where dead horses, destroyed equipment, and wrecked vehicles were in disarray on the road.

Atomic bomb testing

Source: USA Social Condition

This atomic bomb was the first of many that were detonated for testing in New Mexico in 1945. It marked the ushering in of a new era of warfare.

TNT explosives

Sometimes, abandoned German tanks were used as placements for bombs. Here, this American soldier packs ½ pound tins of TNT under one of these German tanks, which would eventually be detonated. This picture was taken in EI Guettar Valley, Tunisia, in early 1943.

Poland in ruins

Source: USA Social Condition

Poland suffered immensely during WWII. They lost 20% of their population in the war, making it the country to suffer the highest casualty per capita. Here, some of its citizens roam among the rubble.

Plane repairs

Source: USA Social Condition

“Waste not, want not” was a principle implemented in war. When fueling the money guzzling war machine of World War II anything that could be reused was reused. Many damaged planes were cannibalized to repair other planes in an effort to maximize the number of working planes.

French Refugees

Source: USA Social Condition

Desperate for safety, many persons in France became refugees. With little options, the folks in this picture found refuge in a quarry. It offered temporary shelter from the war and a support group who were all facing the same dire situation.

Pilot and shooter ready for attack

This rare close-up view shows how World War II was fought from the sky near New Guinea in April, 1944. On the left is American Lt. George Glacken who pilots the plane, while Leo Boulanger controls the guns from the back.

Hitler’s personal retreat

Source: USA Social Condition

For 10 years, Berghof was Hitler’s sanctuary. It also functioned as one of his headquarters during the war. On April 25th, 1945, Berghof was bombed by the British. Five days later, Hitler committed suicide. However, even after his death, Berghof was burned by retreating SS Troops, then later looted by Allied soldiers.

Carefully moving bombs, 1944

These two servicemen move one of the hundreds of bombs that were dropped during World War II. Bombs and other weapons were stored in Ammunition Dumps much like this one.

Enola Gay

Source: USA Social Condition

This Boeing B-29 Superfortress Bomber dropped the first of the two atomic bombs used in warfare. They were both detonated in Japan. The first bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, and the second on Nagasaki. The plane bore the name of the pilot’s mother, Enola Gay Tibbets.

Frozen soldiers

These German soldiers lay frozen on the floor in France. It is unclear whether they froze to death, or if they were first killed. Nevertheless, this haunting image of bodies pilled up for funeral preparation can leave most speechless.

Precious resource

Gas was a precious commodity during the war. Without it, they couldn’t use their Tanks and other military vehicles. Here, this soldier is stacking gas cans in preparation for the D-Day invasion of France.

Dinner time

These soldiers dine atop boxes of ammunition just before they prepare for the D-Day invasion of France in 1944. Their meals seem balanced and include protein, carbohydrates, fruit, and something to wash it all down.

Obliterated German Town

Heilbronn, Germany really felt the stings of war. The town was almost flattened, and the few remaining buildings were left in ruins. Although there were still buildings standing, much of the town was reduced to rubble.

Hiroshima Aftermath

Source: USA Social Condition

Hiroshima was all but obliterated after the United States detonated a nuclear bomb over the city. About 70% of the buildings were destroyed and 140,000 people perished. Those who lived suffered severe burns and the generational aftereffects of the radiation.

Hearty meal

Before the Battle of Normandy, this soldier enjoys his meal of potatoes, chicken, bread, and a pineapple. His table and chair are stockpiled ammunition shells. This picture was reportedly taken in England in May, 1944.

Smashed machine gun, dead soldier

Here a German machine gunner lays killed. He was shot in the head after his position was compromised, and his machine gun became smashed so that no one else could use it.

Protecting Children

Source: USA Social Condition

As much as possible, children were evacuated from areas that were war targets. However, they were oftentimes caught in the crossfire. Here, women try to protect the children from the nearby gunfire.

Inspecting the rubble

Here, three American soldiers inspect an extensively damaged and abandoned German tank. Perhaps they were thinking of ways it could be re-purposed to their advantage. This photo was taken in Italy during May, 1944.

Airplane losses

Source: USA Social Condition

This is just one of the 94,000 planes that the United States lost during World War II. Comparatively, Germany lost 76,000 planes, and the Soviet Union lost over 106,000.

Fallen soldier

Here lies the grave of an unknown American soldier who was buried by the enemy. When American soldiers noticed the grave, they decorated it with ferns, mortar, and shells to pay their respects.

Charred remains

This unknown pilot suffered a fiery fate when his plane was hit and brought down by arms fire. It is uncertain if this was a German or U.S. pilot, but the mangled remains show the extent of the wreckage.

Fighter Plane Tracers

Source: USA Social Condition

Tracers were bullets with illuminating qualities which were meant to help the pilot determine if the target was hit. They proved misleading. Sometimes if one tracer hit the target, 80% of the regular bullets would fly past. Tracers were also shot consecutively to signal to their colleagues that the plane was out of ammunition, but this signal quickly made them targets for the enemies.

Front-line convicts

Source: USA Social Condition

Russians had an interesting strategy for preserving their army. When they moved through open fields, they would place convicts at the very front. These convicts were likely to be fatally injured, allowing the Russian army to move forward unharmed.

Military Entertainment

Source: USA Social Condition

In the midst of war, soldiers welcomed breaks from the fighting and suffering. Here, the Soviet troops enjoy a performance by these talented gymnasts. Without a stage, the performers improvised and put on a good show.

Women in Factories

Source: USA Social Condition

World War II initiated many social changes. While the men were off to war, many women left the home and took on the vacant factory jobs. They considered this a civil duty, plus those jobs paid 40% more than domestic work.

France, liberated

The battle of Normandy led to the successful liberation of France from Germany. Here, crowds rush to the streets to greet and thank American soldiers for helping them gain victory.

Fat Man

Source: USA Social Condition

“Fat Man” was the generic name given to bombs with this fat teardrop shape. It was also the type of atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki, Japan in August, 1945. These bombs weighed over 10,000 lbs and were over 3 meters in length.

The Algiers Sky, 1942

Source: USA Social Condition

In their attempt to take down the bombers flying overhead, Algiers’ anti-aircraft guns would illuminate the sky at night. The scene gives a sense of the intense fighting that occured in and above the city.

Plane Maintenance

With a damaged airplane, this pilot had to land his American P-47 Thunderbolt fighter plane in a makeshift airfield in the countryside. The crew does the necessary repairs just after the invasion of Normandy in August 1944.

American Prisoners of War

Source: USA Social Condition

Along with the possibility of losing their limbs and lives, soldiers also had to worry about being captured by the enemies. This was the fate of over 120,000 persons. Here these emaciated American prisoners of war contemplate their fate.

German Prisoners of War

Satisfied American soldiers stand guard behind somber German soldiers who were captured in France during the Normandy invasion in 1944. German captures who were taken to America spoke well of the country, and many emigrated there after the war.

High demand for Penicillin

Source: USA Social Condition

This life saving antibiotic, discovered in 1928, was in such high demand during World War II that doctors went to extreme measures to recycle it. The drug would be extracted from the urine of soldiers who were currently taking it, so that it could be re-used on other needy soldiers.

German Pillbox

Pillboxes were concrete guard posts with slots or holes through which short-range weapons could be fired. This particular German pillbox suffered massive structural damage, most likely from an American tank fire.

The 80cm Nazi Railway Gun

Source: USA Social Condition

Known as Shwerer Gustave, this massive railway gun was the largest rifled weapon ever used during war. It weighed almost 1,350 tonnes and could accommodate shells weighing 7-tonnes.

Radio-controlled explosives

Source: USA Social Condition

In order to keep the men safe, radio-controlled explosives were sometimes used. These contained bombs that were controlled and detonated remotely, causing significant damage to the target area lowering the risk of friendly casualties.

St. Lo in Ruins

St. Lo, France took a heavy hit after the D-Day offensive in 1944. Here, a barely recognisable fire-truck sits in front of the bombed Palais de Justice.

Pre-burial

Preparations are made to bury the dead at this unknown burial ground. Deceased German and American soldiers’ bodies would be placed in mattress covers before they are put in graves. German prisoners were responsible for digging the graves and placing the bodies into them.

WW2 Photos They Never Show In History Books

World War Two was one of the most trying times in the history of mankind, and almost 72 years later, it is still being talked and written about. However, are you aware of the iconic moments they don't show in the history books? Start the slideshow to see some of the rarest WWII photos ever taken.

German Prisoners of War Captured by Americans

St. Lo destroyed

The USS Arizona

Bodies and Tanks

Scenic Italy

Camouflage

Limited access

Carnage

French tank

Ghost army

There’s nothing like a Coca-Cola

Yokohama

Sealing history

Italy in ruins

German victims of war

Trophy flag

Ready for take off

Female Russian Sniper

B-17 Flying Fortress

The siege of Leningrad

Bombs away

Scene of a U.S attack on Germany

Atomic bomb testing

TNT explosives

Poland in ruins

Plane repairs

French Refugees

Pilot and shooter ready for attack

Hitler’s personal retreat

Carefully moving bombs, 1944

Enola Gay

Frozen soldiers

Precious resource

Dinner time

Obliterated German Town

Hiroshima Aftermath

Hearty meal

Smashed machine gun, dead soldier

Protecting Children

Inspecting the rubble

Airplane losses

Fallen soldier

Charred remains

Fighter Plane Tracers

Front-line convicts

Military Entertainment

Women in Factories

France, liberated

Fat Man

The Algiers Sky, 1942

Plane Maintenance

American Prisoners of War

German Prisoners of War

High demand for Penicillin

German Pillbox

The 80cm Nazi Railway Gun

Radio-controlled explosives

St. Lo in Ruins

Pre-burial