Chris Boonzaier

Good stuff. This came out of the same house as the photo....

His parents probably sent the text to the printers ... dad saying to mom "What was the name of the silver badge he had with the tank on it ?"

From what I can see... this would have to be Bavarian 4th Reserve Infantry Regt. On the back of the photo is St Mihiel 1917. The 4 b.R.I.R. was there for a short spell after being withdrawn from the battle of the Aisne. A question about the medals. Would a MVK3rd class with swords be a possibility?

It is a good site... i had lost the link some time ago. Thanks for posting it. Best Chris

Before I order this book for a kings ransom... Can you confirm if VA Coaker is pictured as CO (or at all)... or if he has any worthwhile mentions? Thanks Chris

Anyone ever heard of the 2 volume series "Generalfeldmarschall graf von Shlieffen - Dienstschriften", published by the German General Staff in 1937 ? All I can say is ...... WOW ! a war gamers wet dream... even if you just have a glance at the maps.....

Thanks, I have spent the last week trying to track them down. Even in the bavarian histories they barely get a mention. Best Chris

Anyone :-)

Thanks :-) fills in a few gaps...

Any idea of where old Ritter von H was after May 1916? I have his as chief of staff 3. AOK, commander of the 2. GID... then a year later commanding the G.K. XV. b.RK... but where in between ? Thanks Chris

Is that a one piece EK? it looks like it could be a bit dangerous IMHO.

So I guess I will feel your pain in 20 years

Nice photos... I must get there some time soon.....

Oh yeah? Well think how old I feel !!!! Just saw on TV yesterday... the first Guns n Roses album ........ WAS RELEASED 20 YEARS AGO !!!! I remember it like yesterday....Even we young guys are getting old

Prosper... I think your man was killed by the 92nd infantry Regiment, or at least the 20th Division.

A wonderful, wonderful , wonderful... heavy, heavy, heavy book... Many parts out of regtal histories, good descriptions of battles.... A must have !!!!

Some damned nice tunics there ! Where did you pick up the general?

While working on some research I found the following passage.... An extremely hard attack was launched at the left wing where the 8./ b.R.Fda.R.5 was in position about 1500m Southwest of Guignicourt between the road to Berry au Bac and the Aisne. Under the calm orders of Leutnant Ibach the battery engaged enemy assault troops in the fields along the Aisne over open sights. The enemy, who had made it to Guignicourt were hit from the rear and seven tanks were destroyed at close range. Finally the artillery position was overrun, The 2. and 7. /B. R.Fda.R.5 who had taken up position just behind the trenches fired until the last moment but were swamped by the enemy attack as well. I have an Iron Cross award document to a guy who was in this gallant battery (the 8th), awarded 4-5 days after the action. This action is mentioned in a book that condenses the whole bavarian war effort into one volume, so i assume it gained a bit of notice back in the time. Does anyone know if Ibach got a high award of some sort? He would probably have been a RK candidate in WW2. Best Chris

seems it took some time to identify him and confirm his death...

Here ya go....

Hi Guys, Thanks, esp. for the info >Rick. It is indeed the one that was framed (in 1925 according to the back). I am glad I removed it... its nice and warm in a binder now ;-)

Take into account the brim of the helmet is not round, it has a little point in the front.

Helmet rim is not round, a bit pointy in the front...

Can anyone pinpoit it exactly? no badges visable, but the boots are only for certain units?

Have not had time to scan anything, I think most know these old pics of his Jacket....