2 WWII PsyWar leaflets

[Vincennes]

Over the weekend I bought 2 3 ring binders assembled by Monte Bankhead [38325696] a Tec 4 Sgt in the 250th Field Artillery Battalion during WW2, These were apparently assembled for a reunion of the unit and contain the History of the unit during WW2, many photos of the men at reunions, and original WW2 photos of Monte during the war with somw documentary papers. Included in the material was these two propaganda leaflets. The first leaflet (ZG 76) has a note written on the bottom saying "Leaflets which were shot to the Germans in Artillery sheells." There are several varieties of this safe conduct leaflet but this is the one in 3 languages, German, French, and English. So the Germans could surrender to either French or English/American forces.

 

Paul

[Vincennes]

Here is the reverse.

 

Paul

[Vincennes]

The other leaflet is ZG 40 and I have NOT found a translation of it on the web. So I do not know what it says or what it was used for. It is titled "In the West" on the PsyWar web page. That is a translation of the Bold first line. My copy has apparently had the borders trimmed.

 

Paul

[Vincennes]

And the reverse of #2.

 

Paul

[dhcoleterracina]

I've always found these leaflets used by both sides to be very interesting.

[javimetal]

Hello

Thanks for sharing.

It's curiosus, I just acquired some of his belongings.

It's a shame, who knows how many more of his things are scattered out there among other collectors...

[DaveUK]

Here is the AI overview and translation of the "reverse of #2", pasted below.

You can do the same by dragging the other images into google lens and it will give you an overview and translation. It gives a lot more details and information on Muller who after his capture co-operated with the Soviets. Fascinating.

 

 

AI Overview

This German document, titled "Im Osten" (In the East), is a World War II propaganda leaflet designed for Allied forces to drop on German troops to persuade them to surrender. It features an order from General lieutenant Müller to the 4th Army near Minsk, dated July 8, 1944, instructing them to cease fighting due to their hopeless situation. 

General lieutenant Müller orders his surrounded troops east of Minsk to surrender immediately to stop the useless fighting.

The leaflet outlines promises from the Russian High Command regarding medical care for the wounded and the retention of swords for officers and medals for soldiers.

It advises assembling and handing over all weapons and equipment undamaged.

 

Translation

In the East

Lieutenant General Müller capitulates as his 4th Army is cut off near Minsk by the surprise Russian advance. On July 8, 1944, he issues the following order to his troops east of Minsk:

Soldiers of the 4th Army!

After a week of heavy fighting and marches, our situation has become hopeless. We have done our duty. Our combat strength has dropped to a minimum, and there is no hope of reinforcement. According to information from the OKW, the Russians are near the city of Baranovichi. The last lines over the next watercourse are cut off from us. There is no hope of escaping from here with our forces and means. Our units are hopelessly scattered. A huge number of wounded had to be left in the lurch without any help.

The Russian High Command has promised: a) medical help for the wounded; b) to leave the sword to the officers and the medals to the soldiers.

It was proposed to us: to collect all weapons and equipment and hand them over undamaged; to stop the useless resistance.

I order the fight to be stopped immediately. Local groups of 100 to 500 men will assemble under the leadership of officers or senior non-commissioned officers. The wounded will be collected and taken along. We must show discipline and composure and begin executing this measure as quickly as possible.

This order is to be passed on in writing, orally, and by all means.

MÜLLER, LIEUTENANT GENERAL

Commanding General of the 12th Army Corps.