The Collector’s Encyclopaedia · Signatories · Luftwaffe
Kurt Student (1890–1978): Signature, Documents and Historical Profile
| Born | 12 May 1890, Birkholz |
|---|---|
| Died | 1 July 1978, Lemgo |
| Key roles | Inspector of airborne forces and 7th Air Division (1938); airborne attacks of May 1940; invasion of Crete (May 1941) |
| Documents bearing his name | Fallschirmjäger documents, award papers, signed photographs, post-war letters |
| In the collection | No pieces currently available |
Kurt Student built Germany’s airborne forces from scratch and directed their great operations of 1940–41, including the invasion of Crete. His signature is a centrepiece for collectors of Fallschirmjäger history.
Who Was Kurt Student?
Student was born in Birkholz in 1890 and was a fighter pilot in the First World War. In 1938 he was named inspector of the new airborne forces and given command of the 7th Air Division. In May 1940 his forces attacked in Belgium and the Netherlands, where he was critically wounded in Rotterdam on 14 May. In May 1941 he planned and led the airborne invasion of Crete.
What Documents Bear Student’s Signature?
His signature appears on Fallschirmjäger documents, award papers and signed photographs, and on post-war letters. See original signature or facsimile.
What Should Collectors Watch For?
- Separate wartime and post-war signatures.
- Check ranks and commands against the date.
- Signed photographs need comparison with authenticated exemplars.
Later Life
The invasion of Crete was followed by reprisals against the civilian population. After the war Student was tried by a British court for the mistreatment of prisoners on Crete. He died in Lemgo on 1 July 1978.
Collector’s Note
Fallschirmjäger collectors value Student items highly. As always, the higher the value, the stronger the provenance I expect.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What did Student command in 1941?
The airborne invasion of Crete.
Was Student wounded in 1940?
Yes, critically, in Rotterdam on 14 May 1940.
When did Student die?
On 1 July 1978.
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
- Welsh, W. E. (2019) The Father of Airborne Warfare, HistoryNet.