War-dated ALS in German in blue pencil, signed “Heil dem Fuhrer, E. Rommel,” one page both sides, 8 x 11.5, Panzergruppe Afrika letterhead, January 12, 1942. Letter to Rosemarie Kliem. In full (translated): “For 8 weeks my soldiers have been fighting a difficult battle against great enemy [with] numerical superiority. So you will understand that I, too, have had no time for personal matters and that I have not been able until now to read your dear letter of 11/15 and to express my thanks. I was very happy to receive your words, the drawings, and the poem. The battle here is continuing. We hope to be able to hold our own and to conquer in the end.” Accompanied by the original mailing envelope imprinted with “General der Panzertruppen Rommel 39496,” on the reverse and addressed in Rommel’s hand to, “Rosemarie Kliem, Berlin-Pankow, Zillertalstrasse 53 III,” with a military cancellation and a January 22, 1942, postmark. In fine condition, with central horizontal and vertical folds, one passing lightly through a single letter of signature.
Two months after taking command of the German Afrika Korps in North Africa, the Italo-German forces under Lieutenant General Rommel laid siege to the Libyan city of Tobruk, a crucial Mediterranean port on the border of Egypt. Two-hundred days into the siege, still struggling to penetrate the Allied forces, the British Eighth Army launched Operation Crusader, a major offensive, on November 18, 1941. Drastically outnumbered—with only around 400 tanks and a handful of infantry divisions compared to his enemy’s 770 tanks and 1000 aircraft—Rommel was able to make some significant tactical gains, but ultimately forced to withdraw his army all the way back to El Agheila. Putting an end to the 240-day Seige of Tobruk, this was the first victory over German ground forces by British-led forces in the Second World War. ALSs from Rommel’s time in Africa are extremely rare; this one, written while preparing his counterattack—which he would successfully launch on January 21—is an extraordinary find, showing the determination that characterized his distinguished career. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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