Rare Photos From World War II

Ashley Reign
Updated March 10, 2021 2.2M views 10 items
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Even decades after its end, WWII still strikes a chord in the hearts of people from all corners of the globe. For some, it was a time of epic heroism and a fight for morality and freedom. For others, it was a time when the darkest imaginations of the human soul came to life. Here, we’ve gathered a collection of rare World War 2 pictures that show both the depths of human evil and the fierce goodness we can aspire to. More than anything, these pictures from the Second World War prove that greatness can be achieved when good men and women vow to fight against monstrosities.

In a world that sometimes seems overrun by chaos, here you’ll find evidence that there is always hope, as long as those who stand for good continue to fight against the forces of evil. Though many are still stunned by the darkness that was revealed during the conflict, these WWII pictures will show you why it’s so important to remember history: It’s the only way to guarantee that some aspects of it are never repeated again.


  • 1

    An Abandoned Boy Sitting Amid The Ruins Of His London Home

    An Abandoned Boy Sitting Amid The Ruins Of His London Home

    An abandoned boy sits clutching a stuffed animal amid the ruins that used to be his London home. This image was captured by Toni Frissell after a German air raid in 1945.

    7,928 votes
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  • 2

    A POW Stares Defiantly At Hitler's Right-Hand Man

    A POW Stares Defiantly At Hitler's Right-Hand Man

    This photo was taken in August 1941 when Hitler's right-hand man, Heinrich Himmler, visited a Shirokaya Street POW camp in Minsk, USSR.

    8,613 votes
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  • 3

    The Architect Of Auschwitz Right Before He Met His End

    The Architect Of Auschwitz Right Before He Met His End

    Rudolf Hoess was the architect and commander of Auschwitz concentration camp, where thousands lost their lives. 

    6,622 votes
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  • 4

    Two Soldiers With 'Easter Eggs'

    Two Soldiers With 'Easter Eggs'

    Technical Sergeant William E. Thomas and Private First Class Joseph Jackson had an extra special Easter egg for Hitler in 1945.

    7,097 votes
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  • 5

    German Soldiers Looting Fallen American GIs

    German Soldiers Looting Fallen American GIs

    This photo was taken during the Battle of the Bulge in 1944, and depicts German soldiers stripping boots and other supplies off of fallen US soldiers.

    3,126 votes
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  • 6

    The Sky Over The United Kingdom After A 1940 Battle

    The Sky Over The United Kingdom After A 1940 Battle

    This photo was taken in the United Kingdom in 1940 and shows the city skies after an air fight between British and German pilots.

    2,573 votes
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