This silent film, a home movie from 1940, is titled “A March Took Place at Nordwall”. According to a knowledgeable expert named Frank B., the film was shot in Krefeld at the crossing of two streets named „Nordwall“ (see sign at 3:11) and „Westwall“. The vehicles at 02.05 are „Sonderkraftfahrzeuge“ which were developed for and used by tank reconnaissance units (Panzeraufklärer). In 1940 the Panzeraufklärungsabteilung 57 was stationed in Krefeld, Adolf von Nassau Kaserne. These barracks were later used by the British Army’s Coldstream Guards in 1946.

During the French campaign the Panzeraufklärungsabteilung 57 was assigned to the 6. Panzerdivision which again formed a part of „Panzergruppe Guderian“. The letter „G“ was the Panzer Group 2 troop association insignia from June 22, 1941 to the end of 1941.

Fritz Linbrunn was the commanding officer of the unit.

The parade appears to be a victory parade, most likely celebrating the defeat of the French in late June of 1940. We don’t know exactly who is shown in the film but it appears that there are officers of importance or general staff shown at the 5:49 mark and following. (If you know who they are, please note their names in the comments.) Civilians and members of the Hitler Youth are also visible in the footage. According to another knowledgeable source, the trucks at 1:20 and 2:19 are captured British vehicles.

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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD and 2k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com