Photograph by Simon Patrick © 2010. No un-authorised use.

Leutnant Hausser orders the line forwards. Every Füsilier is laden with heavy yet necessary equipment to protect against attacks from both enemy tanks and infantry.

Photograph by Simon Patrick © 2010. No un-authorised use.

Füsilier Andreas looks to his front, excited by the prospect of further enemy engagements. This young man was made for war.

Photograph by Simon Patrick © 2010. No un-authorised use.

Gefreiter Deecke is glad the column has been brought to a halt. He carries so many tins of heavy ammunition that movement becomes difficult! However, he is a strong and able campaigner and no burden is too great for a man that so many younger Füsilieren look up to.

Photograph by Simon Patrick © 2010. No un-authorised use.

A line of Feldgrau (field grey) clad Füsiliers march onwards. Notice the spacing between each man - to bunch up too closely in enemy territory would be extremely hazardous - one burst of enemy machine gun fire or a direct mortar hit could wipe out a whole Gruppe (section) in a matter of moments.

Photograph by Simon Patrick © 2010. No un-authorised use.

Stabsgefreiter Heinz moves cautiously through the fields. He carries the MG-42 like a rifle and with a 50 round belt already inserted hs is ready to bring it up to fire in an instance.

Note how he also carries his entrenching tool tucked into his belt.

Photograph by Simon Patrick © 2010. No un-authorised use.

Photograph by Simon Patrick © 2010. No un-authorised use.

The MG-42 team cover the advance of the Füsiliers. Füsilier Andreas holds the 50 round belt steady as Stabsgefreiter Heinz looks down the sights. Notice the MG-42 spare barrel slung over the gunners back. MG-42 barrels would glow red hot and lose there efficiency quickly after prolonged periods of firing and would require frequently changing.

Photograph by Simon Patrick © 2010. No un-authorised use.

The MG-42 team keeps the ground in front covered. Gefreiter Deecke carries spare ammunition for the MG-42 and with the aid of his binoculars is able to keep the MG-42 team informed of any enemy activity they are not aware of.