Erich Bärenfänger – Grenadier-Regiment 123 (Schwertern, Suicide Berlin ’45) (Wartime Signed)

Original Wartime Signature on a Photo of Erich Bärenfänger. Oberstleutnant Erich Bärenfänger (12.01.1915 in Menden † 02.05.19545 in Berlin) earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on August 7, 1942 as Oberleutnant und Führer of the III. Bataillon/ Infanterie-Regiment 123; the Eichenlaub on May 17, 1943 as Hauptmann und Kommandeur of the III. Bataillon/ Infanterie-Regiment 123 and the Schwertern on January 23, 1944 as Major und Kommandeur of the III. Bataillon/ Grenadier-Regiment 123 of the 50. Infanterie-Division. Size: 12,7×8,5cm.

Members of SS-Brigadeführer Wilhelm Mohnke’s “break out group” saw quite a sight thanks to Bärenfänger. On 1 May, the group left the surrounded central government sector, which included the Führerbunker. As they made their escape, there before them they saw a “host” of new Tiger II tanks and “artillery pieces” arrayed around the Flak tower as if “on parade”. Bärenfänger was allegedly seated in the turret cupola of one of the Tigers thus arrayed. On 2 May, Bärenfänger, a devoted Nazi, committed suicide with his young wife and her brother in a side street of Berlin. (Source: Wikipedia)