The Collector’s Encyclopaedia · Signatories · Wehrmacht
Heinz Guderian (1888–1954): Signature, Documents and Historical Profile
| Born | 17 June 1888, Kulm |
|---|---|
| Died | 14 May 1954, Schwangau |
| Key offices | Corps and Panzer group commands (1938–41); Inspector General of Armoured Troops (March 1943); acting Chief of the Army General Staff (July 1944 – March 1945) |
| Documents bearing his name | Command and inspectorate documents, award papers; post-war letters and books |
| In the collection | No pieces currently available |
Heinz Guderian shaped the German armoured forces before the war and led them in Poland, France and the Soviet Union. His memoir Panzer Leader made him one of the best-known German generals, and both wartime and post-war signatures are found.
Who Was Heinz Guderian?
Guderian was born in Kulm in 1888. He developed ideas on motorised troops in the 1920s and by 1938 was General der Panzertruppe. He commanded a motorised corps in Poland and a Panzer group in France and in the 1941 attack on the Soviet Union, and was relieved at Christmas 1941. In March 1943 Hitler made him Inspector General of Armoured Troops, and after 20 July 1944 he took over the duties of Chief of the Army General Staff until he was sent on leave at the end of March 1945.
What Documents Bear Guderian’s Signature?
Wartime signatures appear on command and inspectorate documents and award papers; post-war signatures on letters, photographs and his books. See original signature or facsimile.
What Should Collectors Watch For?
- Office and rank must fit the date.
- Separate wartime and post-war signatures.
- Signed photographs need comparison with authenticated exemplars.
Later Life
Guderian was held as a prisoner of war after 1945 and was not tried. He died in Schwangau in 1954.
Collector’s Note
Guderian is a favourite with collectors of armoured-forces history. As with Manstein, I make sure the description says whether a signature dates from the war or from his later years as an author.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When was Guderian Inspector General of Armoured Troops?
From March 1943.
Was Guderian Chief of the General Staff?
He carried out the duties from July 1944 until March 1945.
When did Guderian die?
On 14 May 1954.
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
- Vogelsang, T. (1966) ‘Guderian, Heinz Wilhelm’, Neue Deutsche Biographie, 7, pp. 251–252.