Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Walther Gerhold

Schreiber-Obergefreiter Walther Gerhold (8 June 1921 – 2 March 2013) was a Kriegsmarine sailor and recipient of the Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes for his daring action as a one-man torpedo operator with the Kleinkampfverbände.

Award and Citation

• Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes – 6 July 1944, as Schreiber-Obergefreiter und Einmanntorpedofahrer with Kleinkampf-Flottille 361.

• Citation:

  “The 23-year-old Schreiberobergefreiter Walter Gerhold, from Sauerland, is the first lone fighter from the Kriegsmarine to be awarded the Knight’s Cross for sinking a British cruiser of the Aurora-class under the most difficult conditions. Commanding his human torpedo, Gerhold passed six British destroyers at close range, broke through their security ring, and attacked a cruiser lying behind it with a skillful and calculated approach. The ship sank following a major boiler explosion. For his bravery before the enemy, Gerhold was also promoted to Schreibermaat.”

Item Details

• Type: Original postwar signed photograph

• Size: Postcard format

• Condition: Very good, clear autograph

Collector’s Note

Walther Gerhold holds a special place in Kriegsmarine history as the first one-man torpedo operator to be decorated with the Knight’s Cross. His bold solo mission against a heavily defended Royal Navy formation showcases the extreme risks undertaken by the Kleinkampfverbände (small battle units). Autographs from Gerhold are scarce, making this postcard an excellent addition for collectors of Kriegsmarine and naval special forces memorabilia.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Klaus Feldt. Korvettenkapitän Klaus Feldt (14 April 1912 – 7 September 2010) was a highly decorated Kriegsmarine Schnellboot commander during the Second World War. He earned distinction for his aggressive leadership in fast attack craft operations, particularly in the English Channel and North Sea, commanding both individual boats and flotillas.

Awards and Decorations

• Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes (Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross) – 13 June 1942 as Oberleutnant zur See and Kommandant of Schnellboot S-30.

• Eichenlaub (Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross) – 1 January 1944 as Korvettenkapitän and Chef of the 2. Schnellbootflottille, in recognition of his continued successes in offensive operations.

Career Highlights

• Fast Attack Craft Commander: Rose from boat commander (S-30) to flotilla leader, gaining a reputation for bold night attacks against Allied shipping and convoy routes.

• Channel & North Sea Operations: His leadership in high-risk torpedo boat missions contributed significantly to the Kriegsmarine’s ability to disrupt Allied supply lines.

• Highly Decorated: One of the few Schnellboot officers to be awarded both the Knight’s Cross and Oak Leaves, a testament to his sustained operational impact.

• Longevity: Survived the war and lived to the age of 98, making him one of the longest-lived Oak Leaves recipients of the Kriegsmarine.

Item Details

• Type: Postwar signed photograph.

• Size: Postcardsize.

• Condition: Good, clear autograph and preserved photo.

Collector’s Note

Klaus Feldt’s career represents the elite echelon of Schnellboot commanders, men whose daring raids earned them top decorations. His combination of the Ritterkreuz and Eichenlaub places him among the Kriegsmarine’s most successful fast-attack leaders. Signed items from Schnellboot officers are notably scarcer than those of U-boat commanders, making this a particularly desirable piece.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Klaus Feldt. Korvettenkapitän Klaus Feldt (14 April 1912 – 7 September 2010) was a highly decorated Kriegsmarine Schnellboot commander during the Second World War. He earned distinction for his aggressive leadership in fast attack craft operations, particularly in the English Channel and North Sea, commanding both individual boats and flotillas.

Awards and Decorations

• Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes (Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross) – 13 June 1942 as Oberleutnant zur See and Kommandant of Schnellboot S-30.

• Eichenlaub (Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross) – 1 January 1944 as Korvettenkapitän and Chef of the 2. Schnellbootflottille, in recognition of his continued successes in offensive operations.

Career Highlights

• Fast Attack Craft Commander: Rose from boat commander (S-30) to flotilla leader, gaining a reputation for bold night attacks against Allied shipping and convoy routes.

• Channel & North Sea Operations: His leadership in high-risk torpedo boat missions contributed significantly to the Kriegsmarine’s ability to disrupt Allied supply lines.

• Highly Decorated: One of the few Schnellboot officers to be awarded both the Knight’s Cross and Oak Leaves, a testament to his sustained operational impact.

• Longevity: Survived the war and lived to the age of 98, making him one of the longest-lived Oak Leaves recipients of the Kriegsmarine.

Item Details

• Type: Postwar signed photograph.

• Size: Postcardsize.

• Condition: Good, clear autograph and preserved photo.

Collector’s Note

Klaus Feldt’s career represents the elite echelon of Schnellboot commanders, men whose daring raids earned them top decorations. His combination of the Ritterkreuz and Eichenlaub places him among the Kriegsmarine’s most successful fast-attack leaders. Signed items from Schnellboot officers are notably scarcer than those of U-boat commanders, making this a particularly desirable piece.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Klaus Feldt. Korvettenkapitän Klaus Feldt (14 April 1912 – 7 September 2010) was a highly decorated Kriegsmarine Schnellboot commander during the Second World War. He earned distinction for his aggressive leadership in fast attack craft operations, particularly in the English Channel and North Sea, commanding both individual boats and flotillas.

Awards and Decorations

• Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes (Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross) – 13 June 1942 as Oberleutnant zur See and Kommandant of Schnellboot S-30.

• Eichenlaub (Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross) – 1 January 1944 as Korvettenkapitän and Chef of the 2. Schnellbootflottille, in recognition of his continued successes in offensive operations.

Career Highlights

• Fast Attack Craft Commander: Rose from boat commander (S-30) to flotilla leader, gaining a reputation for bold night attacks against Allied shipping and convoy routes.

• Channel & North Sea Operations: His leadership in high-risk torpedo boat missions contributed significantly to the Kriegsmarine’s ability to disrupt Allied supply lines.

• Highly Decorated: One of the few Schnellboot officers to be awarded both the Knight’s Cross and Oak Leaves, a testament to his sustained operational impact.

• Longevity: Survived the war and lived to the age of 98, making him one of the longest-lived Oak Leaves recipients of the Kriegsmarine.

Item Details

• Type: Postwar signed photograph.

• Size: Postcardsize.

• Condition: Good, clear autograph and preserved photo.

Collector’s Note

Klaus Feldt’s career represents the elite echelon of Schnellboot commanders, men whose daring raids earned them top decorations. His combination of the Ritterkreuz and Eichenlaub places him among the Kriegsmarine’s most successful fast-attack leaders. Signed items from Schnellboot officers are notably scarcer than those of U-boat commanders, making this a particularly desirable piece.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Klaus Feldt. Korvettenkapitän Klaus Feldt (14 April 1912 – 7 September 2010) was a highly decorated Kriegsmarine Schnellboot commander during the Second World War. He earned distinction for his aggressive leadership in fast attack craft operations, particularly in the English Channel and North Sea, commanding both individual boats and flotillas.

Awards and Decorations

• Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes (Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross) – 13 June 1942 as Oberleutnant zur See and Kommandant of Schnellboot S-30.

• Eichenlaub (Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross) – 1 January 1944 as Korvettenkapitän and Chef of the 2. Schnellbootflottille, in recognition of his continued successes in offensive operations.

Career Highlights

• Fast Attack Craft Commander: Rose from boat commander (S-30) to flotilla leader, gaining a reputation for bold night attacks against Allied shipping and convoy routes.

• Channel & North Sea Operations: His leadership in high-risk torpedo boat missions contributed significantly to the Kriegsmarine’s ability to disrupt Allied supply lines.

• Highly Decorated: One of the few Schnellboot officers to be awarded both the Knight’s Cross and Oak Leaves, a testament to his sustained operational impact.

• Longevity: Survived the war and lived to the age of 98, making him one of the longest-lived Oak Leaves recipients of the Kriegsmarine.

Item Details

• Type: Postwar signed photograph.

• Size: Postcardsize.

• Condition: Good, clear autograph and preserved photo.

Collector’s Note

Klaus Feldt’s career represents the elite echelon of Schnellboot commanders, men whose daring raids earned them top decorations. His combination of the Ritterkreuz and Eichenlaub places him among the Kriegsmarine’s most successful fast-attack leaders. Signed items from Schnellboot officers are notably scarcer than those of U-boat commanders, making this a particularly desirable piece.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Klaus Feldt. Korvettenkapitän Klaus Feldt (14 April 1912 – 7 September 2010) was a highly decorated Kriegsmarine Schnellboot commander during the Second World War. He earned distinction for his aggressive leadership in fast attack craft operations, particularly in the English Channel and North Sea, commanding both individual boats and flotillas.

Awards and Decorations

• Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes (Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross) – 13 June 1942 as Oberleutnant zur See and Kommandant of Schnellboot S-30.

• Eichenlaub (Oak Leaves to the Knight’s Cross) – 1 January 1944 as Korvettenkapitän and Chef of the 2. Schnellbootflottille, in recognition of his continued successes in offensive operations.

Career Highlights

• Fast Attack Craft Commander: Rose from boat commander (S-30) to flotilla leader, gaining a reputation for bold night attacks against Allied shipping and convoy routes.

• Channel & North Sea Operations: His leadership in high-risk torpedo boat missions contributed significantly to the Kriegsmarine’s ability to disrupt Allied supply lines.

• Highly Decorated: One of the few Schnellboot officers to be awarded both the Knight’s Cross and Oak Leaves, a testament to his sustained operational impact.

• Longevity: Survived the war and lived to the age of 98, making him one of the longest-lived Oak Leaves recipients of the Kriegsmarine.

Item Details

• Type: Postwar signed photograph.

• Size: Postcardsize.

• Condition: Good, clear autograph and preserved photo.

Collector’s Note

Klaus Feldt’s career represents the elite echelon of Schnellboot commanders, men whose daring raids earned them top decorations. His combination of the Ritterkreuz and Eichenlaub places him among the Kriegsmarine’s most successful fast-attack leaders. Signed items from Schnellboot officers are notably scarcer than those of U-boat commanders, making this a particularly desirable piece.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Alfred Eick. Kapitänleutnant Alfred Eick (9 March 1916 – 12 April 2015) was a decorated U-boat commander in the Kriegsmarine during the Second World War.

• Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes – 31 March 1944, as Oberleutnant zur See und Kommandant of U-510.

Career Highlights:

• U-Boat Service: Took command of U-510, a Type IXC/40 long-range submarine, in 1943.

• Successful Patrols: Conducted multiple extended patrols in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, sinking and damaging a number of Allied merchant vessels.

• Knight’s Cross: Awarded for his leadership and successes at sea, particularly for his aggressive operations during 1943–44.

• Postwar Life: Survived the conflict and went on to live until 2015, making him one of the last surviving Ritterkreuz U-boat commanders.

Item Details:

• Format: Postwar photograph, postcard size.

• Signature: Clear, authentic postwar autograph of Alfred Eick.

• Condition: Very good; crisp image with well-preserved signature.

Collector’s Note:
Alfred Eick’s career with U-510 places him among the recognized commanders of Germany’s U-boat arm. Surviving into the 21st century, his signature is both scarce and desirable, especially tied to his Knight’s Cross award as a U-boat commander.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Alfred Eick. Kapitänleutnant Alfred Eick (9 March 1916 – 12 April 2015) was a decorated U-boat commander in the Kriegsmarine during the Second World War.

• Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes – 31 March 1944, as Oberleutnant zur See und Kommandant of U-510.

Career Highlights:

• U-Boat Service: Took command of U-510, a Type IXC/40 long-range submarine, in 1943.

• Successful Patrols: Conducted multiple extended patrols in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, sinking and damaging a number of Allied merchant vessels.

• Knight’s Cross: Awarded for his leadership and successes at sea, particularly for his aggressive operations during 1943–44.

• Postwar Life: Survived the conflict and went on to live until 2015, making him one of the last surviving Ritterkreuz U-boat commanders.

Item Details:

• Format: Postwar photograph, postcard size.

• Signature: Clear, authentic postwar autograph of Alfred Eick.

• Condition: Very good; crisp image with well-preserved signature.

Collector’s Note:
Alfred Eick’s career with U-510 places him among the recognized commanders of Germany’s U-boat arm. Surviving into the 21st century, his signature is both scarce and desirable, especially tied to his Knight’s Cross award as a U-boat commander.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Alfred Eick. Kapitänleutnant Alfred Eick (9 March 1916 – 12 April 2015) was a decorated U-boat commander in the Kriegsmarine during the Second World War.

• Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes – 31 March 1944, as Oberleutnant zur See und Kommandant of U-510.

Career Highlights:

• U-Boat Service: Took command of U-510, a Type IXC/40 long-range submarine, in 1943.

• Successful Patrols: Conducted multiple extended patrols in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, sinking and damaging a number of Allied merchant vessels.

• Knight’s Cross: Awarded for his leadership and successes at sea, particularly for his aggressive operations during 1943–44.

• Postwar Life: Survived the conflict and went on to live until 2015, making him one of the last surviving Ritterkreuz U-boat commanders.

Item Details:

• Format: Postwar photograph, postcard size.

• Signature: Clear, authentic postwar autograph of Alfred Eick.

• Condition: Very good; crisp image with well-preserved signature.

Collector’s Note:
Alfred Eick’s career with U-510 places him among the recognized commanders of Germany’s U-boat arm. Surviving into the 21st century, his signature is both scarce and desirable, especially tied to his Knight’s Cross award as a U-boat commander.

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Alfred Eick. Kapitänleutnant Alfred Eick (9 March 1916 – 12 April 2015) was a decorated U-boat commander in the Kriegsmarine during the Second World War.

• Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes – 31 March 1944, as Oberleutnant zur See und Kommandant of U-510.

Career Highlights:

• U-Boat Service: Took command of U-510, a Type IXC/40 long-range submarine, in 1943.

• Successful Patrols: Conducted multiple extended patrols in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, sinking and damaging a number of Allied merchant vessels.

• Knight’s Cross: Awarded for his leadership and successes at sea, particularly for his aggressive operations during 1943–44.

• Postwar Life: Survived the conflict and went on to live until 2015, making him one of the last surviving Ritterkreuz U-boat commanders.

Item Details:

• Format: Postwar photograph, postcard size.

• Signature: Clear, authentic postwar autograph of Alfred Eick.

• Condition: Very good; crisp image with well-preserved signature.

Collector’s Note:
Alfred Eick’s career with U-510 places him among the recognized commanders of Germany’s U-boat arm. Surviving into the 21st century, his signature is both scarce and desirable, especially tied to his Knight’s Cross award as a U-boat commander.