ALS in German, written in pencil and signed “Erwin,” both sides of his personal 6 x 4 note card, July 15, 1944. Rommel writes to his wife, “Dear Lu.” In full (translated): “Nothing new of any importance. The fighting around Grodno shows the fast advance of the Bolsheviks toward all the borders of the Reich. The front line is still holding here but against very strong resistance because of overwhelming enemy war materiel. How long still? Yesterday I was at the front and will try to study the Russians firsthand. In a few days an officer will leave for Germany again. He will call on you. Warmest greetings to you and M[anfred, his son]….” The “very strong resistance” Rommel refers to must have been strong, indeed: on the following day, the Russians retook Grodno [Belarus or White Russia]. Staple holes touching a single word and a touch of very subtle soiling, otherwise fine condition. The seldom-seen personal association, rarely encountered “Erwin,” and notable war-related content add up to an item of exceptional interest! LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
