Anschlusszuges

Anschlusszuges, also known as "annexation trains" or "occupation trains," were a series of trains used by the German military during World War II to transport German soldiers and equipment into occupied territories. These trains played a crucial role in the German invasion and occupation of various countries, including Poland, the Soviet Union, and other Eastern European nations.

The Anschlusszuges were typically composed of multiple wagons, each serving a specific purpose. These included troop wagons for soldiers, supply wagons for ammunition and food, and command wagons for officers. The trains were often long, sometimes stretching for several kilometers, and were designed to be self-sufficient, carrying all necessary supplies for the journey.

The use of Anschlusszuges allowed the German military to quickly and efficiently move large numbers of troops and equipment into occupied territories. This facilitated the rapid establishment of military control and the implementation of German policies, such as the persecution of Jews and other minority groups.

The trains were also used for the deportation of civilians, including Jews, Romani people, and political prisoners, to concentration and extermination camps. The most infamous example of this is the "death trains" that transported prisoners from the Warsaw Ghetto to Treblinka extermination camp.

The use of Anschlusszuges was a significant aspect of the German military's strategy during World War II, contributing to the occupation and control of numerous territories. However, their use also had devastating human consequences, leading to the suffering and death of millions of people.