Germany. A Post War Signed Photo of Belgian SS volunteer and KC Winner Remi Schrijnen

Measuring 101x148mm, mint condition. The photo shows Remi Schrijnen wearing the Knight’s Cross at the annual meeting of the Order of Knight’s Cross Recipients of the Iron Cross in Cologne from September 15 to 18, 1988. He signed both the obverse and reverse in black ink.

Footnote: RemiSchrijnen, known as the “Last Knight of Flanders”, was born on December 24, 1921 in Kumtich (near Tienen, Flemish Brabant, Belgium). He joined the Vlaams Nationaal Verbond (VNV, Flemish National League) which ultimately collaborated with the NSDAP after Germany had occupied Belgium. In order to maintain some influence, the VNV supported the creation of a Flemish SS volunteer legion in which Schrijnen fought. This unit was later known as the 27th SS Volunteer Panzer Grenadier Division “Langemarck”. Schrijnen became a successful anti-tank gunner, distinguishing himself in the Battle of Leningrad. During the Battle of Narva in the summer of 1944 he single-handedly destroyed seven (other sources claim eleven) tanks in a Russian attack. For this he received the Knight’s Cross on September 21, 1944, one of only four Belgians to do so, and was promoted to SS-Unterscharführer. Additionally, he was wounded eight times, receiving the Wound Badge in Gold. After the war Schrijnen was put on trial in Belgium for collaborating with the Germans and committing treason. He spent several years in prison, after which he emigrated to Germany. He died on July 27, 2006.