Chris Boonzaier

He seems to have deserved an EK2 even though he was at the front for just 6 days, the award was much later. It is easy to say "hah! cheap award , only 8 days at the front!"... but that is totally wrong, a lot can happen in 8 days... certainly more than i ever experianced.

A bit more about his career

Here is the hard to read 1916 posting...

I am still ploughing through a binder full of "fluff" that I have to keep, but wish was not there (to a certain extent). He joined in October 1894, 1895 Gefreiter, 1896 Uffz., 1901 Sgt, 1905 or 06 Vize Fldw. Leaves in 1908 becoming LandW II. Becomes Zoll Guy. August 1914 Offz Stellv. December 1914 to RIR263. 6.2.15 until 14.2.15 took part in the Winterschlacht in the masuren. On the 15th he was sick and spent 5 months in Hospital (Sick not wounded). then 10 Months at the Ersatz Batln of IR26. then until November 1916 with the army in magdeburg (can someone read this below?) Then released and to the Zoll.

Another Prussian

A bit more post war...

1897

Other documents relating to it...

For his 15 years...

Here is a Dienstauszeichnung III Class in 1904...

Here you go.... the group... http://gmic.co.uk/index.php/topic/59597-documents-of-a-soldier-customs-man/

Early 1915 and still in the army...

The small book of the statutes for the award.... Cover and the 1901 statutes...

The award document

Document 1 is the accompanying letter

Hey Gunner... you see post 6? http://gmic.co.uk/index.php/topic/59560-a-rare-artillery-pickelhaube/ :-)

So... you guys (and gals) ready?

Now that is a great line to start a conversation.... It is almost as good as the classic "My Aunt, who I live with...." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sgt8-oy8wkI

Could he have been entitled to a silver star that he never claimed? i thought the star on the victory medal ribbon later became a silver star?

I must admit, I had no idea that the vents were regulated, I would have just thought those without were cheaper :-( Once again I learn something!

Very nice start!! I did not remember you were into this!

I am still on the road, i hope the goodies are waiting for me when i get back! ;-)

watch to the end...

636175b2db16c7843d198dfc0007d0b2

Good stuff... lets see more!