An unidentified group of German prisoners. Frédéric Duriez / mediadrumworld.com

By Rebecca Drew

INCREDIBLE colourised pictures have brought to life the Germans who fought and were captured in WW1.

 

Palais des Princes-Évêques de Liège 1914. Frédéric Duriez / mediadrumworld.com

The stunning images show German soldiers who were captured by the Canadians walking through Hersin-Coupigny, France and captured prisoners sitting on the ground near Villers-Bretonneux in July 1916.

One image shows German soldiers standing over Belgian civilians fixing a road whilst another shows them inspecting a Fokker Dr.I in readiness for take-off.

 

German soldiers supervising Belgian civilians repairing a road, Belgium 1916. Frédéric Duriez / BDIC / mediadrumworld.com

The expertly colourised shots were brought to life by French bank technician, Frédéric Duriez (51).

“The Germans, though better prepared and better equipped at the beginning of the conflict, suffered as much from the war as the Allies,” said Frédéric.

 

Unknown. Frédéric Duriez / BDIC / mediadrumworld.com

“The photographs represent most of the prisoners, most people can read on their faces the suffering expression and the deliverance.

“But also, one can see from time to time gestures of mutual aid and compassion between national enemies because, in fact, they all lived through the same sufferings.”

 

German prisoners captured during the offensive of July 1916, Near Villers- Bretonneux (Somme). Frédéric Duriez / BDIC / mediadrumworld.com

The total number of casualties in WW1 was more that 38-million. In 1914, Germany was recognised as having the world’s most efficient army. At the end of WW1, the German Army had suffered an estimated five-million casualties.

“The Germans were better suited to modern warfare but despite this advantage Germany would lose more than two million soldiers during the conflict,” added Frédéric.

 

Bringing wounded down a slope, advance East of Arras, October, 1918. Frédéric Duriez / Canada. Dept. of National Defence/ Library and Archives Canada / mediadrumworld.com

“I get good reactions from people and I am surprised at this, many tell me that they are impressed by the colours I use and that it highlights the characters.”