Wartime Signed Postcard of Ritterkreuzträger Generalleutnant Eugen-Heinrich Bleyer

Original wartime German postcard portrait of Ritterkreuzträger Oberst / later Generalleutnant Eugen-Heinrich Bleyer, featuring his original ink signature to the lower portion of the card. The postcard shows Bleyer wearing the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) together with Heer officer’s uniform and visor cap.

Bleyer was born on 20 November 1896 in Mainz and served throughout both World Wars. During the Second World War he commanded several infantry formations and became particularly noted for his leadership on the harsh Arctic front in northern Finland and the Soviet Union.

He served as:

• Commander of Infanterie-Regiment 379 of the 169. Infanterie-Division
• Later commander of the 258. Infanterie-Division
• Finally commander of the 181. Infanterie-Division

He received the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross on 14 December 1941 as an Oberstleutnant and commander of Infanterie-Regiment 379. The award was granted for distinguished leadership during the fighting on the Arctic front, especially during the battles around:

• Salla
• Keinuvaara
• Kulantoinvaara
• Alakurtti
• Gora Lyssaja

These operations formed part of the brutal German-Finnish campaigns against Soviet forces in the far north during 1941.

Bleyer was promoted to:

• Generalmajor on 1 December 1943
• Generalleutnant on 20 July 1944

Following Germany’s surrender, he spent several years in Yugoslav captivity as a POW until 1952.

The postcard itself is an attractive wartime example and has been artistically trimmed/cut along the edges in period to create a more decorative appearance. The signature remains clear and well-presented. Reverse marked “Postkarte.”

A very nice signed portrait of a Knight’s Cross recipient and divisional commander with direct connection to the little-seen Arctic campaign of the Second World War.

Condition:
Good overall wartime condition with period trimming to the borders as shown. Light age toning and handling wear consistent with age. Signature remains strong and attractive.