Famous Reichstag photo was staged

[AnarchistPatriot]

I saw on the History Channels' D Day to Berlin. The actual capture of the Reichtag occurred on May 1, 1945. A group of volunteers rushed the Reichstag and assended to the roof at great risk to their lives. The flag was hoisted. No photographer was on hand to photograph the event.

Some time later a Georgian Soldier who did not participate in the seige was photographed in the now famous photo.

I saw an interview with the man who actually put the flag. He spoke of feeling betrayed

[mikeaverko]

I saw that as well.

Someone once said the Georgians were considered the "Italians of the USSR" in the looks dept.

Perhaps this was done for photogenic reasons.

The chap who raised the initial flag did get awarded for doing so.

[eroem]

I've read somewhere that not only the photo was staged, it was also edited. They had to redraw the arm of the man who helped the flag carier, because one could see several watches on his wrist. Or he was an extremely punctual guy, or the watches were marauded in Berlin.

[mikeaverko]

So what if it was staged.

Like this doesn't happen in the West.

It's a great photo that defines a great moment for many.

[vorosilov]

That is a faboulos photo even if it was staged. Beautiful.

[TravisCongleton]

Staged photo? Yeah, but so was the rising of the flag of Iwo Jima.

[ILay]

yes, the photo was staged. The flag was brought to the top of Reichstag in the evening of 30th of April. The photo was taken 1 or 2 days later, with a different flag and at the different part of the building.

So what, the photo is still beutiful.