1941 Belorussia and the capture of Minsk

July 16, 1941. Deutsche Wochenschau No. 567. The double-battle of Bialystok-Minsk has been decided. On the supply routes north and south from Bialystok roll thousands of motorized units eastwards. The marching columns of the infantry are continuous. Along these roads during the first days of the eastern campaign German panzer divisions have penetrated eastwards and created in the areas of Bialystok and Minsk ever new pockets of Soviet troops, which were to have driven into central Europe. Here, the greatest amount of military equipment in world history has been destroyed. These are Soviet roads. On the Berezina river. Again have the Soviets all the bridges destroyed. But the German engineers have already made new crossings. After the hard battles and unheard of marches, a time of rest. The infantry are daily 50 to 60 kilometers behind the battle. Volunteers for the field kitchens. Even the barbers are working. Washing the vehicles. The horses have likewise made grand efforts. A field concert. After a day of relaxation, the advance continues onwards. Outside of the burning city of Minsk. The city is a smoldering ruin. Only the vast headquarters of the Communist party was spared. This is the facade of the Soviet paradise, but behind it lays the social misery of the people. Thus appears the homeland of the working people. Ever tighter is the iron ring around the surrounded Bolsheviks. A picture of the Bolshevik paradise of the workers and peasants.A wretched little store allowed by the Bolsheviks. A poster showing how the Red army should fight against Germany. The Wehrmacht gives a hearty reply. Past Minsk, the forward heavy artillery places the Stalin Line under fire. The famous Stalin Line was penetrated at all decisive locations by July 12. A Soviet tank. The Soviets try again and again to break the pocket and head eastwards. None break through. They can nowhere break through the German iron ring. A shot up Soviet transport vehicle. The crew give themselves up. Again a tank try to break through; it's fate is quickly sealed. The number of prisoners grows. A Bolshevik matron in uniform. In the double battle of Bialystok and Minsk were almost 325000 prisoners taken, including several generals and divisional commanders. The number of Bolsheviks taken by July 11 is already over 400000. 3330 tanks, 1809 guns and a vast number of other weapons were either captured or destroyed in this battle. Up to this moment has the Soviet tank losses been over 7600. A Soviet heavy tank (KV-2). And here, the heaviest Soviet tank - A rolling fortress (T-35). It was helpless against the fire of German tanks. On airfields have the Bolsheviks lost by July 11 over 6233 aircraft. These pictures prove the absolute truth of the Wehrmacht reports.