Original WWII Photograph Russian POW Red Army Women Concentration Camp Survivors 1945

This photograph was taken by an unknown serviceman in the 777th Tank Battalion, part of the 69th Infantry Division. With Lt. Col. David T. Zweibel, the serviceman participated in the Siege of Leipzig. The Battalion entered Germany beginning February 1945, moved across the country in April, were policing an area 20 miles south of Leipzig in May, and departed from France in late June. Therefore, this photograph would have been taken between February and June 1945. 

This photograph says "Russian Prisoners Taucha." There were Russian POWs held as forced laborers at nearby Buchenwald concentration camp, and approximately 1200 women who were forced laborers in the factories of Taucha were housed in a Buchenwald subcamp. Unfortunately, the details of this photograph are unknown, but it looks like these folks, a group of men and women, one with an accordion, are recently liberated and are heading home. Interestingly, the train says: "GRUPPO DEPORTATI POLITICA -- TRIESTE" and "FRANCE," but I believe that the writing on the back is correct. 

This photograph measures 2 5/8 inches by 2 5/8 inches. Condition is good overall, with some creases at the corners.  

This is an original, first generation photo which has never been published. Please see my other listings for photos of POWs.