Bernhard H.Holst

Hello. This picture may just be watched by some few. It shows my mother, brother and my two sisters about 1942. My father was in the service of the Luftwaffe as a civilian (due to limited eyesight not in military service) and on duty in Slesia. Yours truely or is it truly? on the right. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Rick. They would have. However it was all the rage and not a short duration fad as we see ( should we watch) nowadays. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Jock. And I forgot about Prien's penetrating Scapa Flow and all that though it did make quite an impact and propaganda coup. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Larry. I am butting in here with my 2 cents worth. The Dr. title here does not imply that this officer has a medical degree. If he were a medical officer his rank designation would be Stabsarzt ( E). The Dr. here could for political science , philosophy or such which title he would be authorized to carry. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Jock. To jar readers' memory: the Scapa Flow you mention refers to the scuttling of the surrendered German warships after the end of WW I. They were interned by the British Navy at Scapa Flow and then scuttled by their German crews in 1919. The scuttling took place just before the ships were to be handed over completely.This has been held up by the German nationalistic histoy writers as a very patriotic act and found its way into relevant writings since. Of note are the several scuttlings of German warships after the capitulation in May 1945 and contrary to orders by the German Navy High Command..This seems to have been a logical, consequential follow-up. Another good find. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Jock. To outfit children with navy-like clothing incl. hats, went back a long time. My brother and myself were outfitted like that. Should find that photo... Bernhard H. Holst

Hello: I am surprised to see the document also signed by the Soldiers Council ( Soldatenrat). they were oftentimes told to go somewhere else by returning, from frontline duty units. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Bison. Thank you for the information. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Peter and Michael. Thank you for the additional information. The medal has been reserved for delivery later. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Larry. You most likely noticed the Bunker mentioned on the sign.I interpret the inscription to indicate that this medical readiness platoon is assigned to the bunker located in Langemass street. To my recollection air raid shelters were most often identified by their location. Before long these fellows had to show their mettle, the first 1,000 plane raid was directed at Cologne. Some of them were veterans of WW I as their wear of ribbon bars demonstrate. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Rick. I have no information regarding award criteria. Military and civilian personnel were eligible. Instituted around 1886 and discontinued by France in the early 1950's. it comprised 5 classes.I have never knowingly encountered anyone while on duty in Vietnam who wore it. It is a bit of a stepchild it seems. Googling " green dragon of Annam' may bring better results. The house of the former emperor Bao Dai is still awarding this order for charitable and other good deeds. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello readers. This order is placed under France because it was awarded by both the then Emperor of Vietnam as well as the President of France. These are differentiated by the ribbons and the one shown is the French version. Of note is the finely crafted medaillion and the well made dragon. No maker present. BTW: the ribbon color scheme of yellow-green is also present on the campaign medals for Tonkin-Annam and China 1883-1885, the campaign medal for China 1900-1901 and the one for the French phase in the Indochina conflict 1945 - 1954. The latter also has a dragon included. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello readers. I have posted this under France because the Royal Order of Cambodia was awarded by both the King of Cambodia as well as the President of France. They are differentiated by the ribbons. The one shown here is the French version made by Boulanger, Paris and is the knight grade. The enamel is spotless with the insert of the medaillon very finely crafted. A delight to look at. The ribbon has a silk appearance. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello: A thank you to all who responded so quickly. Another look at the photo of the rim inscription would allow a G rather than a C. I have made some purchases from Straube Orden in Germany with whom this medal is listed and have been satisfied in every respect. Thanks again. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello readers. I am in need of assistance regarding a QSA campaign medal with clasps - South Africa 1901, - Wittebergen, - Transvaal, - Cape Colony. The rim bears the name 8718 PTE C.P. Grindley, Scots CDS. My questions because for me unknown collection area: - is this a likely combination? - what does Scots CDS stand for? And lastly would this be desireable? Price given as Euro 180. Thank you for any help. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello. I have two of similar unit-produced pamphlets among groupings and they are hilarious. It seems there are nearly always talented guys, the ryming can be a hoot. .. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Jock. Interesting find again. First edition of the official re-introduction of the Iron Cross at the beginning of WW II. Thanks for showing. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Jock. Carburetors for fire extinguishers, requested by diving service facility. Requests for Solex carburetors for torpedo trials facility of the L.W. on the Baltic Sea ( still fairly unmolested by Allied Airforces in 1944 ). Luftwaffe used torpedo planes in their attacks on Allied convois so one can imagine L.W. having their own testing facilities and such. One form asks for specs ref. particulars of equipment. I have no clue as to " Phoenix" and the other, these could be trial vessels or such. BTW: Solex was a leading carburetor manufacturer into the days that carburetors were used. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Rick. I understand it to stand for Field Punishment. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Chris. Here is a copy of the front cover of my " In Stahlgewittern" by Ernst Juenger. It is the 40th ( forty ) edition from 1998. Bernhard H. Holst

hello Chris. I read Georg Eitel. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello readers. Unable through lack of know-how to provide a ready link I nevertheless would like to draw your attention to an article which recently appeared at least in the Der Spiegel and the Washington Post about Lt. Hubert Rochereau who lost his life for France in 1918. His parents kept his room as it was as did his family. The house is to be or was sold with an obligation to keep his room as is in perpetuity. A Google however will bring a lot of links. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Jock. Thanks for showing this. I like to see Lower Saxony's jumping horse. Our state ( mine by origin ) I believe is still raising, racing and keeping horses on a more than small scale. BTW: during the war the Hitler Youth provided very essential fire fighting services including during and after air raids.

Hello Jock. More a guess of my part. The funny hat may just have been used as a convenient subject to fasten these mementos to. The little flag-like thingy is for the Hamburg gymnastic festival ( a competition axtual). On one other I can make out our state symbol for Lower Saxony, the jumping white horse. But no details. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Jock. Thanks for showing this . Printed by Mittler and Son, the Prussian military subjects printer, in the late 1890's. reading the index rang quite a few bells. I believe Sunday services were obligatory. Bernhard H. Holst