WW2 HistoryBook World War II historical images. WW2 book reviews and movie reviews. 
Adolf Hitler and high ranking German officials photographed in front of the Compiegne Wagon on June 21st, 1940.
In the picture we can see Joachim von Ribbentrop, Wilhelm Keitel, Hermann Göring, Rudolf Hess, Adolf Hitler, Erich Raeder (mostly obscured) and Walther von Brauchitsch.
The famous carriage hosted Germany’s virtual surrender in World War One, and was symbolically used by Hitler for France’s surrender in World War Two. Hitler ordered the wagon to be taken out of its shelter and moved to the exact same location for the signing of the second armistice.
It is generally believed that the Compiegne Wagon was destroyed by the SS with fire and dynamite in 1945, although some reports (including civilian eyewitnesses) say that an air raid near Ohrdruf a year earlier was to blame.
Today there is an exact replica of the carriage in existence, which can be viewed near the original car’s remains.
Book suggestion ⤵️
📖 Strange Victory: Hitler’s conquest of France (Ernest R. May, 2000)
