Extensive grouping KC holder Generalleutnant Friedrich Karst

Extensive grouping to Generalleutnant Friedrich Karst – Knight’s Cross recipient
Very large and historically important grouping to Generalleutnant Friedrich Karst (1893–1975), who was awarded the Knight’s Cross on 28 August 1942 as commander of Infantry Regiment 461 for his leadership on the Eastern Front. At the end of the war, Karst commanded “Kampfgruppe Karst” near Haminkeln, just across the Dutch border, where his unit fought against US paratroopers during Operation Varsity. He later commanded the 262nd Infantry Division.
This grouping is among the most extensive known for a Knight’s Cross recipient, offering deep insight into Karst’s personal and military life.

– Around 560 original photographs, well-organized in two large albums, many high-quality images with Karst wearing his Knight’s Cross.
– Preliminary award document for the Knight’s Cross (28.08.1942), signed by General of Infantry Bodewin Keitel.
– Award documents for the Clasp to the Iron Cross 1st Class (05.08.1941) and Infantry Assault Badge (21.11.1941).
– Numerous original wartime documents and correspondence, including letters and telegrams from high-ranking officers such as Generalfeldmarschall Günther von Kluge, Generaloberst Reinhardt, and others.
– Personal papers such as Karst’s birth certificate (1893), WWI and WWII service records, promotion documents, hand-drawn operational maps, and congratulatory letters upon awards and promotions.
– Kampfgruppe Karst documents from March 1945, including orders and reports from the final fighting days.
– Postwar documents, including POW letters, denazification papers, veteran association certificates (e.g. honorary commander 1971), and press clippings.