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.
Original Film Foto Verlag Postcard Nr. R217 of Generalleutnant Theodor Scherer (17.07.1889 † 11.05.1951), who earned the Knight’s Cross on February 20, 1942 as Generalmajor und Kommandeur of the 281. Sicherungs-Division and the Oakleaves on August 5, 1942. Good condition. Postcardsize.
Set of an Award document for the Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse (Iron Cross 2nd Class) & Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz (Wound Badge in Black) of Leutnant der Schutzpolizei Wilhelm Kretschmer of the 3. Kompanie/ Reserve-Polizei-Bataillon 2 subordinated to the 281. Sicherungs-Division. He earned the Iron Cross 2nd Class in November 1941 and the Wound Badge in January 1942. Documents signed by Generalleutnant und Divisionskommandeur Friedrich Bayer (died in Soviet captivity) and Major der Schutzpolizei Röhrbein.
He likely earned it for actions on 12th November. See extra attachment!
Original Film Foto Verlag Postcard Nr. R217 of Generalleutnant Theodor Scherer (17.07.1889 † 11.05.1951), who earned the Knight’s Cross on February 20, 1942 as Generalmajor und Kommandeur of the 281. Sicherungs-Division and the Oakleaves on August 5, 1942. Good condition. Postcardsize.
