THE SEATING PLAN FOR THE SURRENDER OF GERMAN FORCES IN NORTHWEST GERMANY HOLLAND AND DENMARK
An impressive and important document the seating arrangement for the first significant German surrender of the war drawn by the chief German emissary Kriegsmarine Commander in Chief Hans-Georg von Friedeburg and signed by him as well. On May 3 1945 and under intense pressure from Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery German president Grossadmiral Karl Donitz had agreed to surrender all German forces in northern Germany Denmark and Holland which included three German armies. Before the surrender ceremony at Luneburg Heath the next day von Friedeburg prepared this 12 x 8 inch sketch undoubtedly at Montgomery's behest indicating where each signatory to the surrender was to be seated. Of course the victorious Montgomery was seated at the head of the table with von Friedeburg placing himself at Montgomery's right. Lieut. General Eberhard Kinzel chief of staff to Field Marshal Ernst Busch the Commander of German Armies in the Northwest is to be seated to Montgomery's left. The other three seats are to be occupied by Rear Admiral Gerhard Wagner Director of Donitz's military cabinet to the right of von Friedeburg with Kinzel's staff officer Col. Fritz Pollek to Kinzel's left and OKW representative Major Hans Friedl to Wagner's right. This layout was graciously accepted by Montgomery and the surrender ensued a few hours later. Fine condition. Photo for illustrative purposes only and not included.