Walter Hennecke – Seekommandant Normandie (Normandy)

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Walter Hennecke. Konteradmiral Walter Hennecke (23 May 1898, Betheln † 1 January 1984, Bad Lippspringe) was a German naval officer who rose to the rank of Konteradmiral during the Second World War. He is most remembered for his role as Seekommandant Normandy, where he earned the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross in June 1944 for his leadership during the Allied invasion of France.

Awards and Decorations:

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 26 June 1944, as Konteradmiral and Seekommandant Normandy.

Career Highlights:

• Entered the Imperial German Navy during the First World War, beginning a career that spanned both world wars.

• Held various command and staff positions in the Kriegsmarine, specializing in coastal defense and naval artillery.

• As Seekommandant Normandy, he was responsible for the German coastal defenses during the Allied landings in June 1944.

• Decorated with the Knight’s Cross in recognition of his command during these decisive battles.

• Captured by Allied forces and held as a prisoner of war until the conflict’s end.

• Lived quietly after the war in West Germany until his death in 1984.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Konteradmiral Walter Hennecke.

• Signed on a postwar photo

• Condition: Clear, well-preserved autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Hennecke’s signature is scarce, as he was a Knight’s Cross holder and one of the Kriegsmarine officers directly associated with the defense of Normandy during D-Day. The combination of an original postwar photo and letter makes this set particularly desirable for collectors of naval and high-command signatures.