A curated visual archive of wartime German blacksmiths (Schmiede) — craftsmen who kept the army moving.
In the German Army of both World Wars, Schmiede — blacksmiths — shoed horses, maintained horse-drawn vehicles, and made or repaired the countless iron fittings and tools needed in the field. Because they traveled with heavy equipment such as anvils, hammers, and portable forges, their workshops were often semi-fixed and less mobile than other support units.
Blacksmith detachments were attached anywhere horses and wagons were used: field kitchens, bakeries, artillery batteries, cavalry and supply columns. Wherever hoofbeats and wagon wheels were heard, a Schmied was close by — keeping the transport system functioning with fire, iron, and skill.
Click any image to view it larger with zoom and pan controls. Filenames are shown as captions for reference.