Race to victory: Soldier's unearthed photo album reveals British troops and German PoWs in speedway competition just weeks after the end of World War II - and unseen snap of Churchill and 'Monty' in 1945

 Remarkable photos of a speedway race involving British troops and German PoWs at the end of the Second World War have come to light.

The black and white snaps feature in an album compiled by British Army soldier Private Edward Walsh. They show the races that were organised by British troops in Hanover, Germany, in October 1945 - after Adolf Hitler had committed suicide and his country had been defeated. 

At that time, British forces were part of the Allied group of nations that were occupying Germany amid the fallout from the war. 

The exciting races were organised to help boost the morale of both the local population and British soldiers.

The images show the competitors racing around an oval track with reckless abandon in front of packed crowds made up of soldiers and German civilians.

The album also contains previously unseen photos of the then Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery. 

Private Walsh's album, campaign medals and other personal effects are being sold by his family with East Bristol Auctions for an estimated £500. 

Remarkable photos of a speedway race involving British troops and German PoWs at the end of the Second World War in Hanover, northern Germany, have come to light. The black and white snaps feature in an album compiled by British Army soldier and speedway rider Edward Walsh

Remarkable photos of a speedway race involving British troops and German PoWs at the end of the Second World War in Hanover, northern Germany, have come to light. The black and white snaps feature in an album compiled by British Army soldier and speedway rider Edward Walsh

The images show the races that were organised by British troops in October 1945 - after Adolf Hitler had committed suicide and his country had been defeated. Above: Two soldiers compete in front of hundreds of troops and Germans

The images show the races that were organised by British troops in October 1945 - after Adolf Hitler had committed suicide and his country had been defeated. Above: Two soldiers compete in front of hundreds of troops and Germans 

Private Walsh photographed 'Monty' in front of a tank during his time with the Royal Engineers in North Africa in 1942.

He also snapped Churchill greeting Montgomery after arriving in Damascus, Syria, during the Levant Crisis, a skirmish between British and French forces in May 1945. 

Private Walsh, of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, served in the North African campaign and the invasions of Sicily and Normandy in northern France.

The exciting races were organised to help boost the morale of both the local population and British soldiers

The exciting races were organised to help boost the morale of both the local population and British soldiers

A British soldier is seen sitting on a motorbike in Hanover as his comrades stand nearby

A British soldier is seen sitting on a motorbike in Hanover as his comrades stand nearby

Other photos he took show fighting at El Alamein, bodies strewn in the desert and a military parade. 

Auctioneer Andy Stowe said: 'Walsh was a racer in the first speedway race held in Germany after the end of the war, coming in second place.

'A programme from a race the week after is also included, where Walsh is named as a racer.

'The race was held as a fundraiser to Hannover Welfare Fund, and family lore has it that the other competitors were often German PoWs.

The album also contains previously unseen photos of the then Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery. He snapped Churchill greeting Montgomery as he arrived in Damascus, Syria, during the Levant Crisis, a skirmish between British and French forces in May 1945

The album also contains previously unseen photos of the then Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery. He snapped Churchill greeting Montgomery as he arrived in Damascus, Syria, during the Levant Crisis, a skirmish between British and French forces in May 1945

Private Walsh photographed 'Monty' in front of a tank during his time with the Royal Engineers in North Africa in 1942

Private Walsh photographed 'Monty' in front of a tank during his time with the Royal Engineers in North Africa in 1942

'The photo album is filled with unique personal photographs taken by him during his service, including an unseen image of 'Monty' standing in front of his tank, photos of El Alamein, and Walsh meeting Winston Churchill, likely after the Levant Crisis.

'It's a unique collection - this gentleman was involved in some of the crucial parts of the war, and met some crucial people along the way!

'It's a remarkable and really unique snapshot of life both during and immediately after the War in Germany.'

A photograph showing an 'Individual Champion' shield at the speedway circuit

A photograph showing an 'Individual Champion' shield at the speedway circuit

Other photos Private Walsh took show fighting at El Alamein, bodies strewn in the desert and a military parade (above)

Other photos Private Walsh took show fighting at El Alamein, bodies strewn in the desert and a military parade (above)

Private Walsh's medal group (pictured left to right) consists of the War Medal; Italy Star; Africa Star; France and Germany Star and the 1939-45 Star

Private Walsh's medal group (pictured left to right) consists of the War Medal; Italy Star; Africa Star; France and Germany Star and the 1939-45 Star

Private Walsh's medal group consists of the War Medal; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; France and Germany Star.

There is also his medal which reads 'EJ Walsh - Second Prize - Hanomag Speedway - Hannover'.

The sale takes place on March 21.

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