!['After the storm': Walter Kleinfeldt captions one of his images showing bodies strewn across the battlefield](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/09/article-2576335-1BD0865300000578-286_964x831.jpg)
'After the storm': Walter Kleinfeldt captions one of his images showing bodies strewn across the battlefield
By
Hannah Ellis-Petersen
They lay forgotten in a dank
cellar for almost a century. But these remarkable photos, published for
the first time, give a rare and uncensored view of the horrors of the
First World War from behind enemy lines.
They
were taken by Walter Kleinfeldt who joined a German gun crew in 1915
and fought at the Somme aged just 16. As his haunting pictures, taken
with a Contessa camera, make all too clear, life in the trenches was a
harrowing experience. The images provide an insight into the epic
machinery of war – and capture the darkest moments of battle, with
bodies strewn among the rubble.
![Carnage: Amid the appalling devastation and bodies of dead soldiers, a crucifix stands tall - miraculously preserved from the shell fire. The powerful image was captured after a bloody skirmish in 1917 - and Walter's son Volkmar says: 'This photograph is like an accusation - an accusation against war'](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/08/article-2576335-1C20AD8200000578-499_964x1061.jpg)
Carnage: Amid the appalling devastation and bodies of dead soldiers, a
crucifix stands tall - miraculously preserved from the shell fire. The
powerful image was captured after a bloody skirmish in 1917 - and
Walter's son Volkmar says: 'This photograph is like an accusation - an
accusation against war'
Returning
home in 1918, Walter set up a photography shop in the town of Tubingen,
where he worked until his death in 1945. Walter’s son Volkmar
discovered the pictures three years ago.
They
are now the focus of a new BBC documentary. Director Nick Maddocks
said: ‘It is rare to find such good-quality, honest and often beautiful
photos that show us war through the eyes of the soldier, particularly
from one so young.’
![Final moments: Walter was just 16 when he fought at the Somme but his photos soon took on dark tone. Here he captures a German army medic kneeling beside a dying colleague - but he can do no more than offer comfort](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/08/article-2576335-1C20AD6E00000578-391_964x673.jpg)
Final moments: Walter was just 16 when he fought at the Somme but his
photos soon took on dark tone. Here he captures a German army medic
kneeling beside a dying colleague - but he can do no more than offer
comfort
![Young life: Walter Kleinfeldt, pictured carrying ammunition in a Somme trench, joined a German gun crew in 1915 and fought at the Somme aged just 16, taking pictures of life on the frontline with his Contessa camera](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/08/article-2576335-1C20AD9600000578-799_964x920.jpg)
Young life: Walter Kleinfeldt, pictured carrying
ammunition in a Somme trench, joined a German gun crew in 1915 and
fought at the Somme aged just 16, taking pictures of life on the
frontline with his Contessa camera
![Calm before the storm: A 16year old Walter Kleinfeldt photographed in the German city of Ulm in 1915. Just a few weeks later, he was on the Somme.](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/08/article-2576335-1C20AD9A00000578-933_964x1172.jpg)
Calm before the storm: A 16year old Walter
Kleinfeldt photographed in the German city of Ulm in 1915. Just a few
weeks later, he was on the Somme.
![Constantly under threat: Gas attacks were a frequent menace in the Somme during the war so this group wear masks as they load shells into their gun in 1916](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/08/article-2576335-1C20AD7800000578-498_964x648.jpg)
Constantly under threat: Gas attacks were a
frequent menace in the Somme during the war so this group wear masks as
they load shells into their gun in 1916
![A studio portrait of 16 year old Walter Kleinfeldt, taken shortly after he volunteered in 1915](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/08/article-2576335-1C20ADA600000578-267_470x660.jpg)
Two worlds: A studio portrait of 16 year-old Walter Kleinfeldt, above, taken shortly after he volunteered in 1915, and the teenager, below, on the Somme in 1916
![Walter Kleinfeldt, photographed on the Somme in 1916.](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/08/article-2576335-1C20ADA200000578-630_470x660.jpg)
First day of horror: This photograph of members
of Walter's gun crew was taken on the 1st of July 1916, the first day of
the battle of the Somme
![Happy moment: Kleinfeldt photographed his comrades washing in a river while away from the front](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/03/09/article-2576335-1BD0866F00000578-247_964x650.jpg)
Happy moment: Kleinfeldt photographed his comrades washing in a river while away from the front
1 comment:
You, Ma'am, are a treasure. I study law now. I found a Chadsmans for $1 at a Salvation Army store. 1906 edition. Went from there.
Honestly, you are inspiring.
I'm glad you are back and well.
I learn so much. It's enriching and appreciated.
Wolly.
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