Description
WARTIME KNIGHTS CROSS PORTRAIT PHOTO & SIGNATURE – WALTER VON HIPPEL – LUFTWAFFE FLAK GENERAL
Wartime portrait photo & signature. Approximately 11x17cm – larger than typical size. private studio portrait. Period signed image of Knight’s Cross recipient Walter von Hippel, typical of photographs sent to admirers and collectors during the war.
Walter von Hippel (May 27, 1897 – November 29, 1972) was a German Luftwaffe Generalleutnant during the Second World War, commanding several Flak (anti-aircraft) formations and recognized for his leadership during the early campaigns of the war.
KNIGHTS CROSS AWARDED July 29th, 1940
“Oberst von Hippel and his Flak-Regiment proved themselves in battle while supporting a Panzerkorps during the advance through Luxembourg and Belgium up until the closing of the Operation on the Channel coastline. Oberst von Hippel fulfilled his assigned tasks in close cooperation with the Panzer forces while displaying great bravery, decisiveness, prudence and skill.
In the further fighting along the Somme, Marne and Seine, as well as in the pursuit battles into southern France, Oberst von Hippel once again distinguished himself while leading his Regiment. He did so through his skillful military acumen, all while demonstrating great calm and personal readiness for action. During the time period 10.05.-22.06.1940 the Flak-Regiment 102 destroyed the following…
– 500 aircraft
– 31 tanks
– 33 bunkers
– 1 warship
– 21 transports
Of the 500 aircraft, 242 were destroyed or captured while on the ground.”
Background & Career:
Originally served in the Imperial German Army during the First World War.
Transferred to the Luftwaffe in 1935 as Germany expanded its air defense forces.
Commanded Flak-Regiment 102 (motorized) during the 1940 campaign in the West.
Later held senior commands including 3rd Flak Division and 25th Flak Division, rising to the rank of Generalleutnant.
Combat Record:
Distinguished himself during the 1940 campaign in France, coordinating closely with advancing Panzer units.
Under his command, Flak-Regiment 102 achieved significant success, including the destruction of approximately 500 aircraft, along with numerous tanks, bunkers, and other targets during the advance through France.
Promotions:
Portepee-Fähnrich: 8 August 1914
Degen-Fähnrich: 21 December 1914 (Patent 24 December 1914)
Leutnant (without Patent): 24 December 1914 (Patent established 27 January 1915)
Oberleutnant: 10 August 1925 (RDA 1 April 1925)
Rittmeister/Hauptmann: 1 April 1931
Major: 1 January 1936
Oberstleutnant: 1 January 1939
Oberst: 19 July 1940
Generalmajor: 1 April 1943
Generalleutnant: 1 August 1944
Career:
08.08.1914: Fähnrich, Infanterie-Regiment „Großherzog von Sachsen” (5.Thüringisches) Nr. 94
01.04.1935: transferred to the Luftwaffe
01.10.1939-06.07.1940: Oberstleutnant, Kommandeur, Flak-Regiment 102
00.06.1941-00.06.1942: Oberst, Kommandeur, 10. Flak-Brigade
01.07.1942-00.04.1944: Kdr, 3. Flak-Division, Hamburg
00.05.1944-01.02.1945: Kommandeur, 25. Flak-Division
10.02.1945-00.04.1945: Kdr, 27. Flak-Division, Königsberg
08.05.1945: British POW
00.00.1948: released
Awards & Recognition:
Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (29 July 1940) as Oberstleutnant and commander of Flak-Regiment 102 (motorized)
Iron Cross (1914) 2nd Class & 1st Class
Clasp to the Iron Cross (1939) 2nd Class & 1st Class
Luftwaffe Flak Combat Badge
Luftwaffe Ground Combat Badge
Postwar Life:
Captured by British forces at the end of the war and held as a prisoner until 1948.
