Chris Boonzaier

This is from the Chaumont Area (Verdun) in mid 1916. Men of the Bavarian Leib Regiment examine a column of POWs from the French 167th Inf Regt as they march through. The Alpenkorps did not have tin hats at this time. I am assuming the men with the tin hats are from Sturmbattailon Rohr and are bringing back POWs they made on a raid? Seems to be the only tin hatted unit operating independently at this time.

You can see the EK ribbons in the Kaisers Right hand...

Here is the Kaiser visiting the Alpenkorps.... Is there any sure designation for the hats? Thanks Chris

Check out buddy on the right with hands full of EKs. The J?ger Tschalos have 3 and R14 on them.

Hi, back then you did not need a camra... you could order pics from photographers at the front. That way just about every german Vet who was at the battle for Narvik had the same photos in his album. best Chris

Here is a question I have been asking myself for ages. It concerns the filters on my WW1 gasmasks. Most came with a bit of rust that does not seem to stop. Would you consider piercing them from the top (through the screw part so it would not be seen when mounted on the mask)... and emptying out the contents... then treating it to stop rust? Optically it would change nothing.... but it would damage the filter.... and save them.....

I used to be really into this badge... have never seen a cloth one being worn. Great find!

Weeeeeeeeeellllllllll..... How slow can a bureaucrat move? Veeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrry slow indeed :-) I called up today to find out the status on the award of the Croix de combattant. I knew the criteria were met, that the papers were through.... Today the lady told me that the award proposal was finally signed and approved. They now had to issue the card of entitlement, which I should get at the beginning of next year.... slooooooooooooowwwwww. Anyway, its no big deal, the card will land up in a binder with my other papers....but I have the medals all mounted... it just would not feel "Right" hanging them on the wall until i had the official paperwork through, signed sealed and delivered. So.... they will gather dust in a drawer for another few months.... Still, nice to know that it is a step closer and only a formality away...

Hi, The guys in my company who did the NEXT tour qualify as they were by then under NATO command. We were not at the time. best Chris

A new article I am proud to have on the site.... http://www.kaiserscross.com/60401/176501.html

Its been a loooooong while... have had other priorities.... But here at long last is a new article from one of our very own members! An American, a Harlem Hellfighter, and a graphic rip roaring read as to how he got Frances highest combat decoration. http://www.kaiserscross.com/60401/176501.html

And I bet she got 100 emails from ebayers offering to buy the stuff as a lot. She should have just taken the highest offer. People used to sell BEFORE ebay as well, its not the only way. I bet she got a dozen or so offers, then thought she would rather maximise the profit and split it on ebay. Anyway, whatever. There are plenty of ways to sell, even without ebay. Anyone with google can sell anything today. best Chris

Indeed, When a group is split it is the seller who is to blame.... he could have sold it elsewhere.

I am seriously worried about you guys.............. ;-)

They are really, really, really close to the Nigerian design. Why not ask JR Gaunt?

would it have been one tenth as interesting if it was?

Fantastic!! As an EK doc collector I would have killed for that set....

A fantastic selection!!! Hat off for leaving the beaten track and collecting something different!!

Hi Uwe, but was it awarded in the Gallipoli time or after? Best Chris

Great to see two Turkish collectors on here.... Maybe they could clear up.... 1) Who was BBc and co? 2) What crosses did the Turkish soldiers get? Thnaks Chris

Absolutely fantastic. what a bit of luck!!!!

Nice group indeed!

I still am not 100% sure what they were for

Guys, no selling or trading on the open forum. Please use PMs.

Thats one boat I don't mind missing....