Synopsis

During World War II, a hand-picked group of American GI’s undertook a bizarre mission: create a traveling road show of deception on the battlefields of Europe, with the German Army as their audience. The 23rd Headquarters Special Troops used inflatable rubber tanks, sound trucks, and dazzling performance art to bluff the enemy again and again, often right along the front lines. Many of the men picked to carry out these dangerous deception missions were artists. Some went on to become famous, including fashion designer Bill Blass. In their spare time, they painted and sketched their way across Europe, creating a unique and moving visual record of their war. Their secret mission was kept hushed up for nearly 50 years after the war’s end.

The Ghost Army A Film by Rick Beyer 2013, 68mins, UK.

About Benoît Niederkorn:

Benoît Niederkorn studied modern and contemporary history in Freiburg im Breisgau and Regensburg. His master’s thesis focused on the logistical challenges faced by Austrian troops stationed in Luxembourg during the 18th century. Since 2017, he has been the director of the National Museum of Military History. His current research focuses on the documentation, cataloguing, and analysis of World War II monuments in Luxembourg. Most recently, he curated the exhibitions Koreans from Luxembourg. Luxembourg in the Korean War and “Our Destroyed Villages.” The Reconstruction of Luxembourg after the Second World War.

Duration: 1.5h

Language: EN

Age: for adults

Free of charge | Booking required.

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The screening will be preceded by a tour led by curator Charles Wennig. The event will open with a presentation by Benoît Niederkorn, (Director of the National Museum of Military History, MNHM) introducing the themes of the screening.

More information on www.konschthal.lu

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