The Collector’s Encyclopaedia · Signatories · Wehrmacht
Franz Halder (1884–1972): Signature, Documents and Historical Profile
| Born | 30 August 1884, Würzburg |
|---|---|
| Died | 2 April 1972, Aschau |
| Key offices | Chief of the Army General Staff (1 September 1938 – 24 September 1942) |
| Documents bearing his name | General Staff documents 1938–42; post-war historical studies and letters |
| In the collection | No pieces currently available |
Franz Halder directed the planning of the German army’s campaigns from 1938 to 1942. He was in contact with the military opposition before the war, was dismissed by Hitler in 1942 and arrested after the 20 July plot. After the war he worked for the US Army’s historical programme.
Who Was Franz Halder?
Halder was born in Würzburg in 1884. On 1 September 1938 he succeeded Ludwig Beck as Chief of the Army General Staff. In 1938–39 he and Brauchitsch were in contact with the military opposition. After clashes with Hitler over the campaign in Russia he was dismissed on 24 September 1942. After 20 July 1944 he was arrested and held in Flossenbürg and Dachau until liberated by American troops.
What Documents Bear Halder’s Signature?
His signature appears on General Staff documents of 1938–42 and on post-war letters and studies written for the US Army’s Historical Division. See original signature or facsimile.
What Should Collectors Watch For?
- General Staff documents fall between September 1938 and September 1942.
- Post-war material should be described as such.
- Typed copies of staff documents are common.
Later Life
From 1946 to 1961 Halder led the German section of the US Army’s Historical Division. He died in 1972.
Collector’s Note
Halder’s war diary is one of the key sources on German planning. His own documents are therefore of real research value, and I describe them with that in mind.
Related Entries and Pieces
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Frequently Asked Questions
When was Halder Chief of the General Staff?
From 1 September 1938 to 24 September 1942.
Was Halder arrested?
Yes, after the 20 July 1944 plot; he was liberated in 1945.
What did Halder do after the war?
He led the German section of the US Army’s Historical Division.
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
- Deutsches Historisches Museum, LeMO – Lebendiges Museum Online, Franz Halder 1884–1972 (M. Wichmann; last updated 2014).