dharper
06-02-2004, 04:58 PM
http://www.harpercastings.com/images/image_posts/Vet%20Pic-1.jpg
Knowing that there are many unseen (and in some cases unwanted) WWII photos locked in attics and musty old basements, is a god given fact. Trying to find them and share them with fellow history buffs and modelers has become a quest. At least it has for me!
I have tracked many images down by networking with the many vets that I meet and interview. They will give me a lead, or a poor xerox of some photos that were at a previous reunion, and often a vague name of the guy who had them and maybe a hint at what city they think he lives in. With that info. I begin searching web databases, contacting unit organizations, fellow researchers and the hunt is on. Many times it leads nowhere, and the search fizzels out with but a valiant try. Sometimes you actually locate the party and gain access to the pictures, arrange an interview and pick up new leads to more photos and information.
But occasionally, you come home from work and find a letter in your mailbox from someone who knows someone that you talked to last year, about your interest in historical photos. Inside that envelope is a stack of 20 or so photos that they were going to throw out, and a letter explaining that "These photos belonged to my Grandfather or Father in law, who served in WWII. He passed away recently and when we went through his stuff we found these pictures. We have no use for them and thought that you might want them".
Such was the source of these four photos, they showed up recently, they were all damaged and falling apart as they are very brittle. I spent an hour repairing them and bringing them back to life using Photoshop, and so I thought that I would share them here.
The first photo shows an Army M4A3 being followed by an M7 Priest on Okinawa.
http://www.harpercastings.com/images/image_posts/Vet%20Pic-2.jpg
Photo two does not say where it was taken, maybe Okinawa. The Sherman appears to be a straight M4 (Tamiya kit) with the front armor plates. Thats a guess on my part, if anyone thinks different, sing out.
http://www.harpercastings.com/images/image_posts/Vet%20Pic-3.jpg
Photo three shows a 105 in action on Okinawa. On the original print you can make out the name "ALLIE" "The Southern Belle" and some numbers written on the shield in chalk. I have quite a few photos of 105's in the Pacific with all sorts of names and artwork painted on them. I am working on a set or two of dry transfers for them.
http://www.harpercastings.com/images/image_posts/Vet%20Pic-4.jpg
The final photo is of a Japanese Type 94 Tankette KO'd on Okinawa.
Hope you enjoy seeing them.
David
Knowing that there are many unseen (and in some cases unwanted) WWII photos locked in attics and musty old basements, is a god given fact. Trying to find them and share them with fellow history buffs and modelers has become a quest. At least it has for me!
I have tracked many images down by networking with the many vets that I meet and interview. They will give me a lead, or a poor xerox of some photos that were at a previous reunion, and often a vague name of the guy who had them and maybe a hint at what city they think he lives in. With that info. I begin searching web databases, contacting unit organizations, fellow researchers and the hunt is on. Many times it leads nowhere, and the search fizzels out with but a valiant try. Sometimes you actually locate the party and gain access to the pictures, arrange an interview and pick up new leads to more photos and information.
But occasionally, you come home from work and find a letter in your mailbox from someone who knows someone that you talked to last year, about your interest in historical photos. Inside that envelope is a stack of 20 or so photos that they were going to throw out, and a letter explaining that "These photos belonged to my Grandfather or Father in law, who served in WWII. He passed away recently and when we went through his stuff we found these pictures. We have no use for them and thought that you might want them".
Such was the source of these four photos, they showed up recently, they were all damaged and falling apart as they are very brittle. I spent an hour repairing them and bringing them back to life using Photoshop, and so I thought that I would share them here.
The first photo shows an Army M4A3 being followed by an M7 Priest on Okinawa.
http://www.harpercastings.com/images/image_posts/Vet%20Pic-2.jpg
Photo two does not say where it was taken, maybe Okinawa. The Sherman appears to be a straight M4 (Tamiya kit) with the front armor plates. Thats a guess on my part, if anyone thinks different, sing out.
http://www.harpercastings.com/images/image_posts/Vet%20Pic-3.jpg
Photo three shows a 105 in action on Okinawa. On the original print you can make out the name "ALLIE" "The Southern Belle" and some numbers written on the shield in chalk. I have quite a few photos of 105's in the Pacific with all sorts of names and artwork painted on them. I am working on a set or two of dry transfers for them.
http://www.harpercastings.com/images/image_posts/Vet%20Pic-4.jpg
The final photo is of a Japanese Type 94 Tankette KO'd on Okinawa.
Hope you enjoy seeing them.
David