Original Extremely Scarce Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Johannes Streich. Generalleutnant Johannes Streich (16.04.1891 † 20.08.1977) earned the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes on January 31, 1941 as Oberst und Kommandeur of the Panzer-Regiment 15 of the 11. Panzer-Division. Condition as seen.
Ritterkreuz: Streich would be awarded the Knight’s Cross for the actions of his Regiment during latter stages of the Battle of France. The British were trying to evacuate their soldiers from the small community of Veules-les-Roses, just east of Le Havre. Streich’s Panzer-Regiment 15 attempted to enter the town on the 11.06.1940, but accurate anti-tank fire prevented this. Streich decided on a night attack, and the gamble paid off. By the morning of the 12.06.1940 Streich’s Panzers were firing on the remaining Allied ships in the harbour, and the soldiers that had not been evacuated surrendered. Streich’s Regiment claimed to have taken 26,000 English and French prisoners, including the French division commander Général Durant and two brigade commanders.
Read more about Johannes Streich (Wikipedia).
Provenance: This signature comes from one of the largest postwar signature collection I've ever commissioned. This collection was started by a Waffen-SS Veteran, Werner H., in the 1950's until he passed away.
Award document for the Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse (Iron Cross 2nd Class) for his service on February 14, 1944 of Obergefreiter Nikolaus Loch, who served with the 1. Kompanie/ Kradschützen-Bataillon 165 of the 16. Infanterie-Division for his service on October 21, 1941, which was signed by Generalmajor Johannes Streich (Ritterkreuz). Overall good condition but was folded in the past.
While searching the Gefallenenmeldungen, there's a Nikolaus Loch who was Killed in Action on July 26, 1943 while serving with the 4./ Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 116. The Kradschützen-Bataillon 165 formed the Panzer-Aufklärungs-Abteilung 116, so there's a big chance it's him. I've added that per illustration.
