Description:

VON REICHENAU'S O.K.H. KRIEGSTAGEBUCH ENTRIES ON 'OPERATION WINTERSPORT'
Historically important, unique set of O.K.H. war diaries, entries from the 'Kriegstagebuch' being official daily OKH war records for nearly 1.5 million men on the southern front used in the planning of the the German 'Operation Wintersport', the unrealized German plan in late 1941-1942 for capturing Soviet oilfields in the Caucasus, later attempted as Operation Edelweiss. The notes, 2pp. 4to. in pencil, are written in an unknown hand but original and from the estate of German Gen. FRANZ HALDER (1884-1972) who planned 'Operation Barbarossa', the invasion of the Soviet Union. The notes, marked 'KTB', indicate they are from the war diary of the German Army groups mentioned, and were a log of the daily actions/operations at the German High Command in that respect. Halder obviously stole these at some point as these were crucial in defending his position in the last arguments he had with Hitler concerning the operation. Case Blue/Wintersport would not work, and Halder was correct. The 6th Army entered Stalingrad, Moscow drive was lost and the oil fields were too far for the reach. Von Reichenau's plans read, in part: '...The success of the operation 'W' is tied to very specific prerequisites...keeping the Russian Black Sea Fleet away from the Kerch Strait...blockades by a coastal battalion...Laying and clearing of mines...Evasive employment of air combat forces against the Russian fleet...second prerequisite is covering the crossing with strong air combat forces against the enemy air force and the weapons of the enemy coastal defenses. Tasks: fighter protection during the crossing; keeping the Russian fleet at a distance; neutralizing the coastal defenses at the landing sites; suppressing the enemy during the approach of the 2nd and 3rd waves...provision of the required crossing (transport) equipment...favorable weather conditions. The fifth prerequisite is the prior fall of Sevastopol. All these prerequisites being met at the same time—doubtful. Operational surprise is excluded; tactical surprise is very questionable, since the number of landing sites is limited. In terms of forces, given the nature of the area, limited forces (one division) are sufficient for the defenders...a commitment of forces of the 11th Army across the Kerch Strait is operationally tempting. Technically, however—as has now been established—it is so difficult, especially in the winter half-year, and moreover so dependent on the weather, that not the slightest success can be expected from it. Furthermore, due to the major enemy offensive in the area northwest of Rostov, the prerequisites for committing the 1st Panzer Army...cannot, at the very least for the time being, be assessed. Since the overall situation in any case requires the early concentration of strong forces in the Taganrog–Stalino–Mariupol area, it is proposed to refrain from employing the 11th Army across the Kerch Strait, to move the army—except for the parts required to secure Crimea (two divisions)—at the earliest possible date in the direction of Mariupol, and to conduct Operation 'Winter Sports' earlier with strong forces across the lower Don. In this case, a crossing over the Kerch Strait would continue to be developed as a deception. The departure of formations of the 11th Army from Crimea can only begin after the fall of Sevastopol and a replenishment period of at least 14 days...' The notes are signed 'v. R.' at conclusion, indicating they had emanated from WALTER VON REICHENAU (1884-1942), German field marshal who commanded the Tenth Army in the invasion of Poland, and the Sixth Army in the invasion of France and in the taking of Kiev and Kharkov. Very good. No official war diaries higher than regimental level have ever been offered on the market.

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.

April 21, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
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