The story of Otto Funk and the 12th SS Panzer division in Rots, June 1944
Some time ago, I was asked to help recreate this famous photo series.
In the photograph taken in Rots, we see Otto Funk and his unit after an assault, captured in what is arguably one of the most famous series of photographs taken in Normandy. They were following up on the attack at Norrey-en-Bessin on June 9, 1944. The image is well known for showing a young Waffen-SS soldier with the haunting “Thousand Yard Stare.” Otto Funk was only 18 years old at the time and had been fighting continuously for several days.
The unit seen in the various photos taken in the alley in Rots belonged to the 15th (Reconnaissance) Company, SS-Panzergrenadier Regiment 25 of the 12th SS Panzer Division “Hitlerjugend.” The division was composed mainly of boys aged 16 to 18. It became infamous for its ferocity and was thrown into battle during the fighting in Normandy following the D-Day landings in June 1944. These young soldiers were often fanatical in combat despite their youth, they were well armed and thoroughly indoctrinated in the Nazi cause. The Battle of Normandy took a heavy toll on the division, which emerged from the Falaise Pocket having lost around 12,000 men t
Photoshoot of Otto Funk.
Some of the other members of the unit seen in the original photo series were also recreated in the display.
This mannequin is inspired by the photo of Klaus Schuh.
This mannequin is inspired by the photo of Wilhelm Boigk.
This mannequin is inspired by the photo of Max Wünsche.
