Bernhard Rogge – Hilfskreuzer “Atlantis” (Eichenlaub)

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Bernhard Rogge. Vizeadmiral Bernhard Rogge (4 November 1899, Schleswig † 29 June 1982, Reinbek) was one of the most famous commerce raider commanders of the Second World War, rising to the rank of Vizeadmiral in the Kriegsmarine. He became legendary as the commander of the Hilfskreuzer “Atlantis”, conducting one of the most successful raiding cruises of the war.

Awards and Decorations:

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 7 December 1940, as Kapitän zur See and Kommandant of Hilfskreuzer “Atlantis”.

• Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross (Eichenlaub zum Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes, 51st award) – 31 December 1941, as Kapitän zur See and Kommandant of Hilfskreuzer “Atlantis”.

• War Badge for Auxiliary Cruisers with Diamonds (Kriegsabzeichen für Hilfskreuzer mit Brillanten) – one of only a handful of such awards, underlining his exceptional service.

Career Highlights:

• A professional naval officer who entered the Imperial German Navy during the First World War.

• Took command of the Hilfskreuzer Atlantis in 1939 and embarked on a legendary commerce-raiding voyage across the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans.

• Between 1940 and 1941, Atlantis sank or captured 22 ships totaling more than 145,000 GRT, the most successful raiding cruise of any German auxiliary cruiser in WWII.

• Known for his strict adherence to the rules of war and humane treatment of captured crews, earning him respect even among the Allies.

• Promoted to Vizeadmiral, later serving in shore commands within the Kriegsmarine.

• After the war, briefly interned before being released; lived quietly in Reinbek until his death in 1982.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Vizeadmiral Bernhard Rogge.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Clear, well-preserved autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Bernhard Rogge is among the most collectible Kriegsmarine figures due to his fame as commander of the “Atlantis”, the most successful German auxiliary cruiser of WWII. His rare combination of the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves and the Hilfskreuzer War Badge with Diamonds makes his autograph highly sought after, particularly for collectors of naval warfare and commerce raider history.