Original WWII Allied Safe Conduct Leaflet – ZG61A – Artillery Shell Version

Original Allied WWII Safe Conduct leaflet, code US/GB-ZG61A-1944.

This is the smaller artillery-distributed version of the well-known Allied “Passierschein / Safe Conduct” leaflet used against German forces in Western Europe during the final phase of the Second World War.

The introduction of this smaller artillery version coincided with the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944. The severe winter weather in the Ardennes, including fog, snow and poor flying conditions, seriously restricted Allied air operations. Artillery-fired leaflets therefore provided an effective means of reaching German troops close to the front line during this period.

The ZG61A version was printed in a reduced format specifically for distribution from special artillery leaflet shells. The leaflet was designed to be handed to German soldiers and offered instructions and guarantees concerning surrender and treatment as prisoners of war.

The distinctive burn marks along the side and extreme creasing are associated with the artillery-shell method. Because hundreds of miniature leaflets were tightly packed into a shell casing, they feature a highly recognizable, accordion-like crease pattern.

An original and uncommon piece of Allied psychological warfare material from 1944!