Original Postwar Signature on a Carton with Photo Added to it of Hans-Ludwig Speth. General der Artillerie Hans-Ludwig Speth (7 October 1897, Rockenberg-Friedberg/Hesse † 30 April 1985) was a long-serving officer who fought in both World Wars and rose to the rank of General der Artillerie during the Second World War. He was a highly decorated general staff officer and divisional commander, awarded both the German Cross in Gold and the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross for his leadership.
Awards and Decorations:
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German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold) – 14 April 1942, as Oberst im Generalstab with Stab Generalkommando LIV. Armeekorps.
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Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 23 February 1944, as Generalleutnant and Kommandeur of 28. Jäger-Division.
Career Highlights:
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Entered service in 1915 with 2. Kurhessisches Feldartillerie-Regiment Nr. 47, serving as an officer in the First World War.
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Remained in the Reichswehr, advancing through artillery and staff assignments.
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Prewar instructor at the Kriegsakademie Berlin, later promoted to Oberstleutnant in 1939.
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Served as Ia of XXVII. Armeekorps during the 1940 Western campaign.
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Staff service in Romania and Albania in 1940–41 before becoming Chef des Generalstabes LIV. Armeekorps, participating in the Crimea and Leningrad campaigns.
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Awarded the German Cross in Gold in 1942 for his work as a corps staff officer.
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From late 1942 until late 1943 served as Chief of Staff, 18. Armee.
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Appointed Kommandeur of 28. Jäger-Division in December 1943, leading it through difficult Eastern Front fighting and earning the Knight’s Cross in February 1944.
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Promoted to Generalleutnant in 1944, and by October of the same year to General der Artillerie.
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Final wartime role as Commandant of the Kriegsakademie in Berlin until May 1945.
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Survived the war and lived in Hesse until his death in 1985.
Item Details:
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Authentic postwar signature of General der Artillerie Hans-Ludwig Speth.
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Condition: Clear and well-preserved autograph.
Collector’s Note:
Speth’s career bridged staff excellence and divisional command, with decorations reflecting both aspects. His awards — the German Cross in Gold as a senior staff officer and the Knight’s Cross as a divisional commander — make his autograph a desirable addition for collectors of Heer generals and decorated leaders of the Eastern Front.
