Nikolaus von Falkenkorst – XXI. Armeekorps – Norway (Wartime Signed)

Original Wartime Signature on a Postcard of Generaloberst Nikolaus von Falkenhorst (17 January 1885 † 18 June 1968) was a senior commander in the German Army, best known for leading the successful invasion and occupation of Norway (Weserübung) in 1940. He served as Kommandierender General of XXI. Armeekorps during the campaign and later as Oberbefehlshaber in Norwegen.

Awards and Decorations

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross – 30 April 1940, as General der Infanterie und Kommandierender General of XXI. Armeekorps.

• German Cross in Silver (Deutsches Kreuz in Silber) – 20 January 1945.

• Iron Cross (1914) 1st and 2nd Class, Clasp to the Iron Cross (1939), and various long service and campaign awards.

Ritterkreuz Citation (excerpt):
“…With unstoppable forward drive, German troops have established a land connection between Oslo and Trondheim. Thus the Allied aim to bring us to our knees through an occupation of Norway has now definitively failed… As a sign of this appreciation I am awarding the Knight’s Cross to the Supreme Commander in Norway, General von Falkenhorst.”

Item Details

• Original wartime signature of Generaloberst Nikolaus von Falkenhorst.

• Signed on a wartime postcard.

• Size: standard postcard format.

• Condition: As seen – period ink signature on postcard stock.

Collector’s Note

Nikolaus von Falkenhorst was one of the most significant German commanders of the Norwegian campaign, directly tied to Hitler’s strategic success in Scandinavia. His Knight’s Cross award citation was widely publicized as a propaganda tool. Original autographs of Falkenhorst on wartime postcards are sought-after, especially given his role as Oberbefehlshaber Norwegen and his later postwar trial and imprisonment.

Ritterkreuz for: “…With unstoppable forward drive, German troops have established a land connection between Oslo and Trondheim. Thus the Allied aim to bring us to our knees through an occupation of Norway has now definitively failed. Units of the Heer, Kriegsmarine and Luftwaffe have brought us this victory through exemplary cooperation, a victory which is a testament to the audacity of our young German Wehrmacht… Through me the nation speaks its’ thanks. As a sign of this appreciation I am awarding the Knight’s Cross to the Supreme Commander in Norway, General von Falkenhorst.”