Hermann Grothaus – Artillerie-Regiment 389

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Hermann Grothaus

Oberleutnant Hermann Grothaus (22 August 1921, Rheine – 9 April 2009, Rheine) served as an artillery officer in the German Army during the Second World War. He distinguished himself as Chef der 11. Batterie/Artillerie-Regiment 389, where his leadership and actions earned him the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross in September 1944.

Awards and Decorations

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 10 September 1944 as Oberleutnant und Batteriechef, 11./Artillerie-Regiment 389

Career Highlights

• Eastern Front Service: Fought in the heavy defensive battles of 1944 as part of 389. Infanterie-Division, a formation with a storied combat history dating back to Stalingrad.

• Knight’s Cross Action: Decorated for his outstanding leadership under fire, directing artillery support during critical engagements in the late-war Eastern Front battles.

• Frontline Officer: Known as a capable and courageous battery commander, Grothaus was repeatedly commended for his effectiveness in providing fire support under intense Soviet pressure.

• Postwar Life: Survived captivity and returned to his hometown of Rheine, where he lived until his death in 2009.

Item Details

• Type: Original postwar signed photograph

• Size: Smaller than Postcard format

• Condition: Clear and well-preserved autograph

Collector’s Note

Oberleutnant Hermann Grothaus is a representative of the often-overlooked artillery Ritterkreuzträger of the Wehrmacht. His service with Artillerie-Regiment 389, tied to one of the most famous infantry divisions of the Eastern Front, makes his signature a desirable addition to any collection focusing on artillery officers or recipients connected with the late-war fighting of 1944.