Theodor Scherer – 281. Sicherungs-Division (Eichenlaub) (Wartime Signed)

Original Wartime Signature on a Postcard of Generalleutnant Theodor Scherer (17 July 1889 † 11 May 1951) was a German Army officer best known for his leadership during the Demyansk Pocket battles in 1942. As commander of the 281. Sicherungs-Division, Scherer’s determined defense against Soviet forces earned him both the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes and later the Eichenlaub to the Knight’s Cross.

Awards and Decorations

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross – 20 February 1942, as Generalmajor und Kommandeur of 281. Sicherungs-Division.

• Oak Leaves (Eichenlaub) – 5 August 1942, as Generalleutnant und Kommandeur of 281. Sicherungs-Division.

• Iron Cross (1914) 1st and 2nd Class.

• Clasp to the Iron Cross (1939) 1st and 2nd Class.

• Additional Wehrmacht and long service awards.

Item Details

• Original wartime signature of Generalleutnant Theodor Scherer.

• Signed on a wartime postcard.

Collector’s Note

Theodor Scherer is remembered as the “Hero of Demyansk” for his role in the encirclement battles on the Eastern Front. His autograph is scarce and highly collectible, particularly on wartime material, as he received both the Knight’s Cross and Oak Leaves within the same year of heavy combat.