Description:

HITLER DECLARES HE WILL FIGHT 'DESPITE EVERYTHING' AS MOSCOW COLLAPSES
A historic grouping of four telegrams exchanged between Adolf Hitler and AUGUSTIN MUNOZ GRANDES (1896-1972), Spanish general, politician and commander of the Axis-aligned Blue Division (250th Infantry Division of the Wehrmacht), written at the start of 1942, days before the Nazi were officially defeated by the Soviets in the Battle of Moscow on January 7, 1942. Riding high on his military successes up until June, 1941, Hitler believed that taking the city of Moscow would be another smooth and quick victory. At the same time and despite her avowed neutrality, Spain was gathering up ad hoc units to reinforce Hitler's Werhmacht. Galvanized in hatred of Russia but for her role in securing the victory of the Nationalists during the Spanish Civil War, Spanish troops were raised and, on August 20, 1941, troops were deployed to the Eastern Front to support the Wehrmacht. Some 45,000 troops would eventually fight in most major theatres in Russia. Although purported to be less disciplined than German soldiers and even less accustomed to cold weather, the Blue Division is widely remembered for its ferocity and capability.
However, by late October, 1941, the German forces were depleted by a combination of poor planning, ill-preparedness, dogged Soviet determination to defend ‘Mother Russia', and Stalin's seemingly endless supply of reserves. On December 2, the final German push to reach Moscow, Hitler would boast of certain victory. However, that same evening Fedor von Bock told Franz Halder, ‘Doubts of success are beginning to take definite form'. Two days later, on December 4, Hans Guderian called off the attack and ordered his units over to the defense. Historians note that this was truly the day that Germany had lost the battle of Moscow. On December 14 and against Hitler's wishes, Halder and Gunther von Kluge ordered a limited withdrawal. However, six days later Hitler, on December 20, annulled the withdrawal and ordered his soldiers stand, ‘digging trenches with howitzer shells if needed'. By this time it was too late.
The first document in the group is a telegram is sent by Munoz Grandes to Hitler, 1p. 4to., [n.p.], Jan. 1, 1942. Munoz Grandes offers solace to the German leader, in part: '...Together with thoughts that go to my own country, I wish Germany complete victory over our enemies in the year which has just begun. The hardships of the present moment can only confirm my confidence in the final victory, and my sole wish is that the relationship between our two countries may become still deeper and more intimate, even if at the cost of heavy sacrifices...Munoz Grandes, Commander of the Spanish Division...' File and staple holes in blank margins, else very good. Notations show that the text was received at 2100 hours at the 'Wolf's Lair' and submitted to Hitler the next day by his adjutant NICHOLAS VON BELOW, who has initialed it in blue pencil. The second item is the typed draft of the telegram to be sent from Hitler to Munoz Grandes, 1p. 4to., 'Fuhrerheadquarters', Jan. 2, 1942. It is text typed on the large font 'Fuhrer typewriter' with an addition in Hitler's own hand. In part: '...I was grateful for your good wishes for the New Year, certain that, despite everything ['trotz allem'], our struggle against our enemies will be as successful in the future too, as it has been so far, and that final victory will be ours. I am in grateful remembrance of your country, which can be proud of the exploits of its Blue Division. I send you and your soldiers my best wishes...' The content of Hitler's message to the Spaniard is particularly interesting, as in the typed draft he has added to his apparently boastful certainty of success the penciled-in phrase: 'trotz allem', or 'despite everything'. This would be Hitler's first admission of doubt in what had been an otherwise glory-filled war - and the beginning of his end. File holes, else very good. The lot also includes a re-typed copy of Hitler's amended text, same date and time, including the 'trotz allem' addition. Finally, the lot includes the final retained transmittal copy of the telegram, worded the same, dated Jan. 3 and transmitted at 1315 hours. A month later, the Blue Division, at Leningrad, would fight off a counter-attacking Russian force seven times its strength, part of which had quickly been transported there following Paulus' defeat at Stalingrad. A historical grouping of great importance from the turning point of World War II. Four pieces.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, COD (cash on delivery), Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

*SEE ADITTIONAL SHIPPING ABOVE* -Shipments are sent via FedEx and DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option. Due to complications from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we will ship with USPS Priority Mail only if the buyer submits their request to us in writing and accepts responsibility for delayed shipments. Signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

December 4, 2024 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000