GERD VON RUNDSTEDT

GERD VON RUNDSTEDT
(1875-1953) German general field marshal commanded during the invasion of Poland, France, Dunkirk, Barbarossa, and Normandy. Handwritten letter in German in German, 8.5.1948, 2 pages, 7 x 9 inches, to Major Fred Biere of the International Red Cross. Von Rundstedt writes from a British military hospital, in part: 'Many thanks for your letter of May 6...I always like to think about the trip with you and the nice acceptance I found in all of the hotels along the way as a 'war criminal'... The English commandant, the colonel, the doctor, the interpreter etc. all are doing their best to make it nice and comfortable for us. Every wish is fulfilled instantly and they always ask if we had new wishes! Even the German personnel are much nicer and not so limited and dull as it is up there. I am sorry to say that my health has gotten worse since I got sick. Very terrible pain, also when I am in bed so that I had to spend several nights sitting in bed under torture... Of course walking is out of the question...Now I have cried enough on your shoulder, dear Mr. Bieri...With my warmest greetings, also from (Wehrmacht General Rudolf) Strauss...' Signed at conclusion.