The Collector’s Encyclopaedia · Signatories · Wehrmacht
Alexander Löhr (1885–1947): Signature, Documents and Historical Profile
| Born | 20 May 1885, Turnu Severin (Romania) |
|---|---|
| Died | 26 February 1947, Belgrade (executed) |
| Key commands | Austrian air forces (1934); Luftflotte 4 (1939–1942); 12th Army / Army Group E in the Balkans (1942–45); Commander-in-Chief South-East (1945) |
| Documents bearing his name | Luftwaffe and Balkan command papers, award documents, signed photographs |
| In the collection | No pieces currently available |
Alexander Löhr built Austria’s air force before the Anschluss and then commanded the German air fleet that bombed Belgrade in April 1941. He ended the war as commander of German forces in the Balkans and was executed in Yugoslavia in 1947.
Who Was Alexander Löhr?
Löhr was born in Turnu Severin in 1885 and served in the Austro-Hungarian army. From 1934 he was central to rebuilding Austria’s air forces. From 1 April 1939 he led Luftflotte 4 in Vienna, which supported the invasion of Poland, carried out the air raid on Belgrade on 6 April 1941 and directed the invasion of Crete from 20 May 1941. He became Generaloberst on 9 May 1941. In 1942 he took command of the 12th Army in the Balkans, which became Army Group E on 1 January 1943.
What Documents Bear Löhr’s Signature?
His signature appears on Luftwaffe and Balkan command documents, award papers and signed photographs, including press photographs. Rank must agree with the date: Generaloberst from May 1941. See original signature or facsimile.
What Should Collectors Watch For?
- Austrian and German periods must be distinguished.
- Rank and command must fit the date.
- Signed press photographs need comparison with authenticated exemplars.
Responsibility and Fate
Löhr was sentenced to death in Yugoslavia in January 1947 and executed in Belgrade on 26 February 1947.
Collector’s Note
Löhr’s career spans two armies, the Austrian and the German. That double background makes his documents interesting and makes it essential to check which uniform and which institution a given paper belongs to.
Related Entries and Pieces
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Frequently Asked Questions
What did Löhr command in 1941?
Luftflotte 4, which bombed Belgrade on 6 April 1941 and directed the invasion of Crete.
When did Löhr become Generaloberst?
On 9 May 1941.
What happened to Löhr?
He was executed in Belgrade on 26 February 1947.
Historical Responsibility Notice: this entry documents historical figures and artefacts of the National Socialist period for collecting, preservation, education and research. It does not endorse or glorify any ideology, and it is written in memory of the victims of the regime.
References & Further Reading
- Menges, F. (1987) ‘Löhr, Alexander’, Neue Deutsche Biographie, 15, pp. 43–44.