Pre-WWII Rhön Gliding School Ceremony – Wasserkuppe Tournament Launch (German Press Photo)

Original pre-WWII German press photo capturing a ceremonial opening at the famed Rhön Gliding School on the Wasserkuppe, Germany’s hub for glider innovation and training. The image shows a crowd of uniformed attendees and a prominent flag, likely linked to Germany’s aviation organizations of the 1930s. These events played a central role in circumventing Treaty of Versailles restrictions, fostering the development of Luftwaffe pilots through non-powered flight. The typed caption confirms the image documents the start of a glider tournament. Press stamp and handling wear present—an authentic artifact from the birthplace of modern gliding.