Wilhelm Fahrmbacher – 5. Infanterie-Division & XXV. Armeekorps

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Wilhelm Fahrmbacher. General der Artillerie Wilhelm Fahrmbacher (19 September 1888, Zweibrücken † 27 April 1970, Garmisch-Partenkirchen) was a career officer who served in both World Wars and rose to the rank of General der Artillerie. A highly decorated divisional and corps commander, he earned the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross for his successes during the 1940 French campaign and later led large formations on the Eastern and Western Fronts.

Awards and Decorations:

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 24 June 1940, as Generalleutnant and Kommandeur of 5. Infanterie-Division.

  Recognized for his decisive leadership during the breakthrough battles across the Marne on the night of 13/14 June 1940. His division’s bold assault forced an early French retreat and opened the way for a rapid German pursuit over the Aube and Seine rivers. Fahrmbacher’s energy and initiative proved of decisive importance for the success of the campaign.

• German Cross in Silver (Deutsches Kreuz in Silber) – 30 October 1943, as General der Artillerie and Kommandierender General of XXV. Armeekorps.

Career Highlights:

• Commissioned into the Bavarian Army in 1910 and served with distinction during the First World War.

• In 1938, appointed Kommandeur of 5. Infanterie-Division, leading it with success during the campaign in France in 1940.

• Promoted to General der Artillerie, later took command of VII. Armeekorps and XXV. Armeekorps, serving on both the Eastern and Western Fronts.

• Commanded Heeresgruppe Normandie in June 1944 and later acted as Fortress Commander of Lorient in Brittany, holding out until the final German surrender in May 1945.

• Captured by U.S. forces in 1945, held as a prisoner of war until 1950.

• After his release, served as a military adviser in Egypt (1951–1958), contributing to the organization of the postwar Egyptian Army.

• Retired to Bavaria, where he lived until his death in 1970.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of General der Artillerie Wilhelm Fahrmbacher.

• Signed on a postwar photograph. Smaller ID size.

• Condition: Clear and well-preserved autograph.

Collector’s Note:
Fahrmbacher’s signature is especially desirable due to his decorated service as a Knight’s Cross recipient, his command of both divisions and corps in major campaigns, and his long resistance as Fortress Commander of Lorient until 1945. His unique postwar career as a military adviser in Egypt adds further historical significance, appealing to collectors interested in both WWII and Cold War military history.