The Collector’s Encyclopaedia · Signatories · Wehrmacht
Alfred Jodl (1890–1946): Signature, Documents and Historical Profile
| Born | 10 May 1890, Würzburg |
|---|---|
| Died | 16 October 1946, Nuremberg (executed) |
| Key offices | Chief of the Armed Forces Operations Staff (from 1939); Generaloberst (1944) |
| Documents bearing his name | OKW operational orders and correspondence; the Reims surrender of 7 May 1945 |
| In the collection | No pieces currently available |
Alfred Jodl was Hitler’s closest military adviser on operations throughout the war. He signed or initialled many operational orders of the Armed Forces High Command and, on 7 May 1945, the unconditional surrender at Reims.
Who Was Alfred Jodl?
Jodl was born in Würzburg in 1890. Shortly before the war began he became chief of the Armed Forces Operations Staff of the OKW, renamed the Wehrmachtführungsstab in 1940. He was promoted to Generaloberst in 1944. On 7 May 1945, as Dönitz’s authorised representative, he signed the unconditional surrender of the Wehrmacht at Reims.
What Documents Bear Jodl’s Signature?
His signature or initials appear on OKW operational orders and correspondence; many orders survive as typed copies. See original signature or facsimile.
What Should Collectors Watch For?
- Operations Staff documents date from 1939.
- Distinguish signatures from typed copies and initials.
- Rank: Generaloberst from 1944.
Responsibility and Fate
The International Military Tribunal found Jodl guilty on all counts and sentenced him to death on 1 October 1946. He was hanged in Nuremberg on 16 October 1946.
Collector’s Note
Operational orders often carry initials rather than a full signature. Initials can be authenticated, but only against good exemplars of the same form.
Related Entries and Pieces
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Frequently Asked Questions
What did Jodl sign at Reims?
The unconditional surrender of the Wehrmacht, on 7 May 1945.
What was Jodl’s role?
Chief of the Armed Forces Operations Staff, Hitler’s principal operational adviser.
What happened to Jodl?
He was sentenced to death at Nuremberg and hanged on 16 October 1946.
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, Alfred Jodl 1890–1946 (M. Wichmann; last updated 2014).