Bernhard H.Holst

Hello readers. Tomorrow, April 8, 1945 is the anniversary of this Lancaster identified as NG440 and TL-C crash within the municipal boundaries of Rotenburg in the then so-called Waldstegen town area just off the main road leading to Hamburg. I have long thought about my contradicting the location given by the son of the pilot, Squadron Leader Muller, Mr.Rod Muller which is based on official reports or statements and which can be found above together with other, additional information. I thank him for that. The crash site given as 5 miles north-west of Rotenburg must be incorrect because the German air force ( downed enemy aircraft listings) records in the summary indicate Rotenburg Waldstegen as the crash location and no other aircraft downed in the greater but local area. I can only think of a transcription error of some sort. The initial burial ground could well be the Rotenburg municipal cemetery because the cemetery section then set aside for deceased allied personnel was and still is near a church even though no official records could be located in the town archives. This post is meant to remind readers of the loss of practically the entire crew of this aircraft shortly before the end of hostilities in Europe. Reading about aircraft flying personnel from the opposing sides sheds some light on their accomplishments. The above is perhaps a little bit different and this writer certainly never expected an outcome such as this. I thank Iain Webster for his most valuable contribution and the photos of the crew's final resting places. They flew together and now are still together. Iain Webster and Rod Muller really put human beings and their families into the blank spaces present in my first telling of an incident during the waning days of World War II now so many years ago. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Dave. Yes, you did transcribe both correctly. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Jock. Thanks for showing these. First time I have seen any pre-1933 social-democratic paper extracts. Certainly aimed by National-socialists as arch-enemies, just one notch below communists because less militant and less ready to bash heads. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Jock. Thanks for posting these delightful rhymes and pictures. I could not help but think how many of these young people survived the following war years. They were subject to further assignments to all sorts of dangerous employments. Reading the humorous pages caused smiles, unfortunately impossible to translate any of it, would lose the gist of the telling. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Chris. The Patzwall book is based largely on the Ophaus book. In addition the book by Dr.B. Nickel Von den Taten der Tapferen. 100 Kampfberichte von Inhabern..., Berlin Bernhard & Graefe 1938 was used , all per statements from Patzwall. It does include some reports of deeds which led to the bestowal. Included is that of Gerhard Fieseler, who later developed the Fieseler Storch . In the past I have never been impressed by books from Patzwall. This, my dislikes include a severe lack of review and corrections before print. Perhaps I may be biased but I believe one wants to put best foot forward with anything meant for the public to read and then value or not. The third publication you mention seems a part of a journal or such. So may be difficult to find. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello readers. It may be of additional interest that presently the Bundeswehr is guarding the tradition of this, the oldest regiment of the former Prussian Army. Since the upholding of traditions of any former German military formation by the Bundeswehr was forbidden by law as of the early 1980's only the protest by the then Federal President Richard v. Weizaecker ( who recently died ) could the guarding of the tradition be assumed by the Bundeswehr Wachbtaillon on an exemption basis. Note: before 1945 the tradition was guarded by Infanterie Regiment 9 also garrisoned in Potsdam. The former President v. Weizaecker served in this regiment during WW II. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello. Thanks for all the additional information and pictures. I would like to add this: - this regiment was formed in 1688 thus took precedence over all other regiments; - the regiment had the highest officers' loss in killed, died of wounds and missing of any regiment during WW I. The monument is of special interest as it incorporates one of Fredrick's the Great grenadiers and a WW I soldier grasping each others hand, the latter seemingly looking up at the image of King Fredrick. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Chris. So it goes sometime. Thanks again. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Chris. Stunning series all belonging to members of this regiment incl. V.Fw. Wilhelm Flottmann, who received the Golden Military Merit Cross. Excellent find and causing envy at this end. It seems to me as if someone established a small collection of documents etc belonging to former members of this regiment. And you were the lucky one... Thanks for showing . Bernhard H. Holst

​Hello Chris. Interesting information. The prince Eitel Friedrich , I wonder why he gave up command. But note the other meaning of the word " eitel". Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Chris. Yes, it is. Nimmergut's Baenderkatalog gives 35 mm for the Prussian Golden Military Merit Cross and 30 mm for the E.K. Mine are at the bank or I would measure the ribbons. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Chris. I believe that there existed a substantial difference in the unit commanders titles' application during WW I and WWII. In my opinion the title of commander ( Kommandeur) and Leader ( Fuehrer) was used interchangeably. Graf Eulenburg was in fact the regimental commander of 1.Garde Regiment z. F. for the longest duration as a regimental commander and has been lauded as such in historians' evaluation. Looking at the several unit histories of WW I most often the "Fuehrer " title was used and I believe not to establish or signal a temporary command or as deputy. The honorary " Regiments Chef" or "Inhaber" was traditional and even assumed by females. During WW II existed such a slew of different command situations that scorecards would be helpful ( Stellvertreter, m.d.F.d.G. i.V and what have you.) Bernhard H. Holst

​Hello Chris. Here are the particulars: " Das Preussische Goldene Militaer-Verdienst-Kreuz ( Der PLM des Deutschen Unteroffiziers)" Mit Namen-Verzeichnis der Ordensinhaber By Franz Josef Ophaus, 1936, 211 pages I am aware of other books. This one appears to be published by the association of recipients , the listing gives status at the time of publication whether living, if so where , civilian occupation and date of award and rank with consecutive number of award also given. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Chris. The reference book of the holders of this , the highest decoration for enlisted personnel shows eleven ( 11 ) members of the 1.Garde Regiment z.Fuss were awarded this medal. BTW: all except one in 1918. One recipient was later a valet for Wilhelm II at Haus Doorn in the Netherlands, his residence in exile. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Chris. My very favorite decoration and regrettably much neglected. I was fortunate to obtain two, one with the document but uncertain whether the two belong together and the other in a case. But one that got away years ago with all medals and documents. Cannot forget... Thanks to everyone for showing. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Chris. Thanks for drawing our attention to these two articles. It is disappointing to find these in "Die Welt" which I have considered reasonably accurate and have read from time to time. Just a simple error should have been caught by an editor ( if such a person does exist ) namely that Fredrick the Great reigned from 1712 to 1786. While I am not too good in retaining money values the figures given by a so-called expert appear taken off the wall and do not reflect the current prices asked by German dealers. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Jock. Interesting documents. The last one you show is about a financial anniversary gift of 200 DM . The first one however testifies his unfitness for military service in 1971. Apparently after having served again following WW II. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello readers. After discharge from the French military hospital Roques in Saigon because of a severe case of dysentery and awaiting transport back to North Africa I was transferred to the Centre Thevenet. This center was an annex of the military hospital Medecin General Roques and provided recovery from severe illnesses or wounds prior to return to the home garrison areas, in my case the French Foreign Legion's North African garrisons in Algeria or Morocco. Since hostilities had ended the year before only those recovering from illnesses were inhabitants of the facility. The director of the center was a nun belonging to the Saint Vincent de Paul order. She must have been of Spanish origin which I believe her accent revealed. She was assisted by a small number of Vietnamese novice nuns ( if that is a correct description ), some kitchen help and a French Army aspirant, M Morvan who handled administrative matters. BTW the only one with that rank I encountered on active duty. The director knew every man in her care, either by name or a very fitting description. She handled every hot meal distribution by handing out the food items herself. The food in my memory was the absolute best ever had while in Vietnam. She was very concerned that nobody skipped meals and had a knack to register those who were absent from meals. And who in his right mind would spend money eating out when the best was to have free of charge? The now nameless sister was the recipient of the French Legion of Honor. I had occasion to see her once wearing it when she received a high ranking officer at the gate ( photo enclosed, unfortunately not revealing the wear which was beautiful to see on the white clothing ( habit?) This is a very late acknowledgement and thanks to a dedicated person in the service of the church with which I was never associated otherwise. I believe the facilities of St. Vincent de Paul in what was Saigon are no longer owned by the church or the order. http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_02_2015/post-351-0-03392100-1424531511.jpg http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_02_2015/post-351-0-90352800-1424531553.jpg Liberal leaves of absence were granted but I made it a point to be present for meals having lost too much weight. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Stijn. Train Ersatz Abteilung 12 or the replacement outfit for unit transport formations ( Train) numbered 12. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Jock. At that time it may still have been possible to discuss subjects, I do not know. However the moderators or speakers were certainly carefully chosen. Ludendorff was considered a man friendly to the Nazi platform probably because of the nationalistic aims and beliefs including the German military never having been defeated in the field ( "Im Felde unbesiegt") and the " Dolchstoss" or stab in the back myths with which we youth were indoctrinated. Noteworthy also the mention on the sign that entry fees were to share expenses and that people without income ( unemployed) could enter free of charge. The social concerns at work and for all readers of the poster clearly put. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello readers. I have another understanding of this poster. Subjects to be discussed and given on the poster are Ludendorff and Stennes. Gen.Ludendorff needs no further mention except that his name was NOT von Ludendorff. Stennes however is still a somewhat unknown person. He was then or around 1930 - 1931 a SA leader of large influence and with a large following . He had his own ideas of the role the SA was to play within the party which was contrary to Hitler's and Dr. Goebbels'. He was expelled in 1931 and left Germany later. So it appears that Stennes was subject of discussions and the poster seems to point out that the party indicated as Nation.... ( Hitler Bewegung) is following or is loyal to Hitler. I would therefore place the time at about 1931 or slightly later when the subject was still somewhat fresh. It is in any case a rare item, I am sure and thank Jock for showing it. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Hugh. I agree with you as regards photos. Having lived in the North German area which was occupied by British troops in April, 1945 I cannot recall this shape of helmet actually worn by any of them. Formations in our area going by memory were 52.Highland Division and "Desert Foxes" / 7.Armored Division? Bernhard H. Holst

Hello: Sennelager is/was a large training establishment in the western part of Germany. The Malkarton seems a commercially available carton piece on which to paint, came in different sizes? Pencil inscription as far as I can make it out " Heinz Car.. Nieder Wen.. ueber Ha.. Seems to be a name and address Sorry I could not be of more help. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Jock. Thanks for showing this. A reminder of just what you stated above. Also a look at the Tannenberg Memorial where Field Marshal v. Hindenburg had his initial resting place. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello: An I.D.card for the National Agricultural Products Office handling grain, feed and other agricultural products. Probably involved in distribution of such products nation-wide, I could imagine and the holder(s) may had to show this when on official business. Bernhard H. Holst