A copy of the book “The ‘Red Devils’ and their Commander” by Hans Christern, signed by the author, measuring 161x226mm, 168 p., extremely fine condition with minor scuffing and age discolouration; a postcard showing a drawing of the author in uniform by Wolfgang Willrich, measuring 89x138mm, near mint condition with light age discolouration. The first page contains an inscription by the author, saying “Panzer voran!” (Panzers forward!). It is dated to Berlin on March 31, 1942, and contains a signature in blue ink. The book was published in 1941. It is a retelling of the missions during the invasions of Poland and France of Panzer Regiment 31 and the death of their commander, Colonel Werner. Christern states that all names, except for Werner’s, have been changed. The book was meant to honour the commander’s death and inspire youth. It contains several drawings of panzers and soldiers in action.
Footnote: Hans Christern (1900–1966) was an officer during the Second World War in the rank of Colonel and a recipient of the Knight’s Cross. He was the final commander of the 7th Panzer Division.
Christern commanded the 2nd Detachment of the Panzer Regiment 31 at the time when Paul-Hermann Werner was the Regiment’s commander.
Paul-Hermann Werner (1893–1940) was a recipient of the Knight’s Cross. It was awarded to him for taking the Fortress Maubeuge on the Belgian-French border. He died of a heart attack while taking a swim in the Atlantic in occupied France.
Wolfgang Willrich (1897–1948) was an artist and writer. He was a patronising member of the SS and a fanatical believer in the Nazi arts ideology, one of the creators of the infamous “Entartete Kunst” (Degenerate Art) exhibition, aimed at deriding modern works of art, which were seen as un-German, Jewish, and Communist.
During the Second World War, he was part of a propaganda company in the field.