Bernhard H.Holst

Hello Martin: Thanks for showing these photos which brought back memories of times when as a young boy we learned of these events. They were of course described as a gallant attempt to prevent the surrender of German high sea war ships to the British Navy. Internment of which was part of the German obligations to end the war. Admiral Ludwig von Reuter who was in command had given instructions for the scuttling of all ships upon a prearranged signal which he implemented when he believed a surrender to be imminent. Admiral v.Reuter I remember to have become somewhat of a hero, understandably so. Just a part of memory, Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Chris: Second document re.V.Fw. Kohlmeier, he indeed received the Prussian Gold Military Merit Cross with date of 6.June 1918. He was one of approx. 1700 other ranks who received this ,so called PLM of the enlisted men. In relation to total eligible personnel it was less often awarded than the Pour le Merite. Thank for showing the documents. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Chris: three possibilities: I, J or L. However to me only I or L can apply namely: IGG for Infanterie Granat Geschoss (rifle grenade fragment) or LGG for leichtes Granat Geschoss ( light artillery round fragment ). I hope this helps. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Pat: Thanks for showing these. As you know the DAF or Deutsche Arbeits Front became the huge umbrella Labor Union in Germany after the separate labor unions were dissolved . The head was Dr.Robert Ley, a suicide in Nuremberg at the beginning of the trials. 1. the first two pages of this membership booklet shows particulars of the person to whom this booklet belongs, a Mr. Paul Neumann, no profession indicated with the birth dates etc. , the second page gives his profession as Obering. or Senior Engineer.The third indicates prior membership in other unions. 2 and 3 : shows the membership dues as paid by the stamps inserted, a German method to indicate dues paid up or not. Also an entry that due to some arrangement his membership dues are reduced. I hope this helps, Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Dante. Thank you for the article. Of some small interest may be an incident described by Bernard Fall in his book "Hell in a very small place" in which a group of French prisoners are led away from the battle. As they come to a place at which to cross a barbed wire entanglement, a severely wounded Vietminh is laying in the path. One of the French prisoners tried not to step on him when an escorting Vietminh cadre tells him not to mind the wounded man thus: "You can step on him, he has done his duty for his country" . Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Dante: Thank you for showing this document. Because of the unit involved (12./13.DBLE) and the battle of D.B.Ph. I have a special interest, a very good friend of mine , Leg.Erhard Naundorf served in this company again during his second tour of duty in Indochina. He survived the battle of Hoa Binh in 1951-1952 during which this, the III.Battalion of the 13.DBLE lost heavily including the very much liked company commander of the 12.Cie., Capitaine Gille-Naves. Leg.Naundorf was mortally wounded in Annam later in 1952. After the voyage from Algeria to Vietnam,I had met him and several of his comrades in the Nam Dinh , Tonkin area on some occasions while operating in conjunction with their battle group. The description on this document of the fall of strong point Beatrice during the night of the 13. to the 14. March 1954 sounds very much like what is reflected in other accounts of this battle which practically wiped out one of the best units of the French Foreign Legion in Indochina. Thanks again for a glimpse at the tragic events of that time, Bernhard H. Holst formerly of the 1.REC 1951 - 1953 and again 1954.

Hello Chris: But it appears to me that this Stug.Unteroffizier holds the other glove in his gloved hand. The so-called "one gloved" performer could not or his gyrating routines would have derailed. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello readers: As Chris points to the tradition I take the liberty to expand on this just a bit: the Pioniers lead off at parades wearing as Chris' picture shows, the epaulettes ( here for Caporal-Chefs already the gold framed ends and the white kepi covers over the normally dark blue kepi body); a leather apron and shouldered axes. And every one with a proud beard. Legend had it that to gain entry into this august body of troops one must have been able to grow a beard. Beards were not and are most likely not now tolerated for the other legionnaires. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Chris. I share your feelings. Even though I have not served at the 4.Squadron of the 1.REC. But it is seldom that a single squadron is singled out for a unit citation. Bernhard H. Holst formerly with the 1.REC in Vietnam

Hello Ostpreussenmann: The reference book by Clemens Range and Andreas Duefel " Die Ritterkreuztraeger der Bundeswehr", 2nd Edition of 2002 lists more than 700 (714) recipients who served as career members, in addition there were several who served in a civilian capacity. The last recipient left the service in 1984. I had the pleasure several times to meet the later Admiral Kemnade ( S-Boats during the war) at my parents house after the war ( he was the boss of my father in the insurance business). Bernhard H. Holst

Hello AlecH: the correct spelling of the last name is "Lindemann" and thus spelled in all literature pertaining to this person. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Ulsterman. I had placed a reply to Echo's second post on this subject with the translation of Grandfather's citation for the award of the St.Heinrich Order. (Source is the reference book of the recipients of this order which lists the citations and some personnel data.) Not having heard I cannot say whether Echo has seen it or already knew about it. Bernhard H. Holst

Dear readers: Once again the anniversary of the death of a former officer of the French Army under whose orders I served in Vietnam in 1952-1953 and again in 1954 comes around. Capitaine Xavier de Cacqueray-Valmenier died for his country on the battle field the 28 September 1958 in Algeria. He was 30 years old and a member of an old French family, the military history of which, by the remark of a family member goes back to the early 1700's. The upper picture was taken in January 1953 in Nam Dinh, Tonkin and shows from left to right: Capitaine Andre Viard, company commander 5.Cie.Portee/ 1.REC, Lt. X.de Cacqueray-Valmenier, executive officer, Brigadier B.Holst, company radio operator, trooper Vu, and Leg. Zenov. The second picture shows the Lt.de Cacqueray on the radio with radio operator, Brigadier Holst and the carrier of the radio, a PIM ( Prisonier Internee Militaire) taken on operation in 1953 in the Red River Delta of (North) Vietnam. The class of 2012 of the French Army Officers Academy of St.Cyr has elected to be named after this distinguished officer. Photos of the graduation festivities can be seen at: www.st-cyr.terre.defense.gouv.fr go to "Actualites then scroll down to "Triomphe 2012"; for pictures of the class parading on the past July 14 in Paris go to : "Les Ecoles sur les Champs Elysees" Thank you for reading this. Bernhard H. Holst formerly of the 1.REC and the 1.RE

Hello Chris. While stationed in Vietnam (Tonkin), in the 1950's I had occasion to spend a little time in Hanoi and more in Haiphong. I do not recall seeing any French Army personnel in white uniforms. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello: Thank you to all those readers who showed an interest by reading this post and who contributed valuable information. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Michael. I had the opportunity to visit the Verdun Battlefield in the late 1980's. Unfortunately only for a quick visit. I had read a lot about the battle in the German literature as a youth. And more recently the post WW I description by the German National Archives ( Reichsarchiv) in several volumes. What is of note is the absence of national prejudice slanting the history even in publications dating the 1933 - 1945 period. What seems overlooked is the role in finally stopping the senseless slaughter of then Crown Prince Wilhelm. He intervened with his father. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Dave. Thank you for this information. But with your and Rick 's help a lot of information has come the family's way. Thanks again. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Jens. I have not been able to locate my uncle in that facility, but thank you for the link. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Dave: Thank you very much for this, additional information. I will relay it to other family members. The date of death varies but only by one day. Rick sent me a copy of the "Ehrenmal des Preussischen Offizier-Korps" and the "Militaer Wochenblatt". My father's family originates from Hamersen, as you report a rather small village. Thanks again for the information, Bernhard H. Holst

Hello readers; Here is another but very poor picture ( probably a copy of a copy ) of my uncle as Offiziersstellvertreter in R.I.R. 84. He is seated on the right. Also a picture of his grave. Information on the original postcard bears a stamp " Aus militaerischen Gruenden verzoegert", ( Delayed for military reasons ). Complete information on his unit is given ( i.e.regiment, division and army corps which astounded me. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello readers: With the valuable help of Rick Research I am able to post some information regarding Lt.d.Res. Hans Holst, the eldest brother of my father. Uncle Hans was born 25 February, 1891 and was a school teacher by profession. The first information regarding his military life is his serving as Offiziersstellvertreter in Res.Inf.Rgt. 84. He received his commission as Leutnant d.Res. on 39 July, 1915 in that regiment to be transferred to Res.Inf.Rgt. 207. He lost his life during the battles at Verdun on 30 April, 1916 serving in that regiment. I wish to thank Rick for his help in this very personal matter. The German Volksbund caring for the administration of German War Graves, the recovering of remains still today and other endeavors regarding mainly German war losses, do not show data of him in their registry of German War Dead. I recall another photo of him from home wearing the ribbon of the Iron Cross but which must have gotten lost over time. My uncle is on the right. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello: In number 3 post: was read the "Articles of War"! Received "Putzzeuggeld" (money for small maintenance items i.e. boot polish etc); Took the oath. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Fotomaster. The French Foreign Legion grenade will always show seven (7) flames , so the one pictured on the headgear here is other than the Legion. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Lars. Thank you for the additional names of those who lost their lives that day. I was unaware that two legionnaires beside Cav.Mau were killed that day and who belonged to my , the 18.Escadron. I do not recall any honor detachment or other detail of our troops at the funeral. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello readers: I have earlier stated to have only one photo of our fallen , much liked Company Sgt.Major (Adjudant de Compagnie), the Marechal des Logis-Chef Bonastre, Manuel. The picture shows the Regimental Colors of the 1.REC with its color guard just prior to the actual ceremony which took place in early April 1952 at the Base Camp near Haiphong (Tonkin). M.d.L.-Chef Bonastre is on the extreme right. He not long after died on 17 May, 1952. The color bearer is a Lieutenant who was recently wounded and charged to bring the colors from regimental headquarters in Central Vietnam up north for this presentation to our newly created formation. The bandage on his upper chest is clearly visible BTW: Extreme left/second rank is this writer. Bernhard H. Holst