Bernhard H.Holst

Hello readers: I have just now located the name and other particulars of a member of my former regiment killed during the combat on 21 May, 1954 described above. The Brigadier-Chef PANNICKE, Werner , born on 16 August, 1921 in Apolda, Germany was a member of the 8. Escadron of the 2.Groupement Amphibie of the 1.REC. This troop was equipped with M29 Weasel vehicles ( called Crabs by us ) which were unarmored and therefore quite vulnerable to enemy fire. Brigadier-Chef Pannicke was mortally wounded by gun shot. While personally unknown to this writer, it seems right to make his name known if only to a few readers. Together with Cavalier Mau the Brigadier-Chef Pannicke can now be named of having been two of the six members of our formation who lost their lives that day. Bernhard H. Holst

Hi Jon: German it is not. A guess would be Italian? Bernhard H. Holst

Hello readers: I take the liberty to amplify Veteran's post a little by stating what may be known to many reading this, that Limoges porcelain ( where this delightful piece appears to have been made) enjoys a deserved good reputation. While the Imperial Manufacture Sevres was the official manufacturer during the Napoleon I reign, many items with a Napoleon I theme were also made in Limoges but I believe after the abdication. I would enjoy reading more about this subject having some small items made in Sevres for the Imperial household during the first Imperial reign. BTW: Porcelain manufacture Sevres is still a major and a quality manufacturer today. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello readers: It has recently come to my attention that a short list of additional recipients of the Knighthood of the Saxon Military St.Henry Order appeared in the late 1980's. Here is the list of eleven additional recipients who do not appear in Oberst a.D. Georg Richter's reference book of 1937: - Max v.d.Pforte, for his merits on the first day of heavy fighting in the Flanders Battle, the 31.July 1917; - Friedrich Brucker, Lt.d.Res. in the Kgl.Saechs. Inf.Regt. 102. Incorporated into the Kaiserliche Schutztruppe fuer Deutsch Ost-Ostafrika (Imperial Protection Force for German East -Africa). Handed to the recipient on 5.Aug.1920; - Leopold v.Busse, Kgl.Saechs. Oblt. a.D. (as under Lt. Brucker. above). Handed to recipient on 18.June 1920; - Gottfried Gilbert, Oblt. u. Battr. Fuehrer 2.Feld.-Art. Rgt.32. Handed to recipient on 21.Apr.1920; - Albert Hahn, Lt.d.Res. Kdgl. Saechs. Infantry. Handed to recipient on 22.Dec. 1920; - Julius Heinemann, Hptm.d.Res. u. Fuehrer d. III.Batl. Kgl.Saechs. Ers.-Rgt.23. Handed to recipient on 27.Feb.1920; - Max Lessel, Lt.d.Res. ( as under v.Busse and Brucker above). Handed to recipient on 20.May 1920; - Friedrich Schnicke, Lt.d.Res. u. Fuehrer der 1. Komp. Kgl.Saechs. Inf.Rgt. 104. Date of award 1.Nov.1915; - Hans Schultze, Major u. Batl.Fuehrer III.Batl. Kgl.Saechs.Inf.Rgt.104. Handed to recipiemt on 1.Apr.1920; - Friedrich Singer, Lt.d.Res.,Kgl.Saechs. Feld -Art. Rgt.32. Handed to recipient on 21.Apr.1920; - Ernst Weiss, Lt.d.Res. Kgl.Saechs.Leib-Gren.Rgt.100 ( as under Brucker, v.Busse and Lessel ). Handed on 27.Jan. 1921; It is unknown to this writer why those officers not on active service in Afrika, did not have the awards listed at the time of bestowal or had the decoration handed after the end of the war. It seems self-explanatory for the officers then serving in Africa and who did not return to Germany until some time after the end of hostilities, not to have received their decorations. However General P. v. Lettow-Vorbeck, (commander of German Forces in then German East-Africa), General K.Wahle and his son , Oblt. a.D. R. Wahle serving under his orders, are listed in the reference book also with dates of actually receiving the decorations in the 1920's. Somewhat of a mystery. It now seems that a total of 2730 officers were awarded the Military Order of St.Henry. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Mark. Once again a very successful work. Thanks for showing these, I dare say dramatic, pictures. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello readers: This past July 21, the 2012 Class of the Ecole Speciale Militaire de St.Cyr named "Promotion Capitaine Xavier de Cacqueray" has graduated. This class had participated during the French National Holiday this past 14th of July together with other components of St.Cyr in the parade down the Champs Elysees. Any one who would like to see pictures of these events may pull up the website www.st-cyr.terre.defense.gouv.fr In the column "A La Une" click on Triomphe 2012 and then at the bottom one will see two inserts to view pictures of the daytime events and then those of the actual ceremony. To view the 14th of July Paris parade go to the left side under Actualites and roll down to "Les Ecoles sur le Champs Elysees". It may also be of interest that the German General Kammerer attended the graduation ceremony because four German exchange officer candidates graduated in the course of an exchange program in this regard. This writer had the good fortune to attend upon invitation a day of remembrance last year at the Ecole Militaire in Paris. This day was dedicated to Capitaine Xavier de Cacqueray who died of wounds for France in Algeria in 1958 and after whom the Class of 2012 elected to be named. This writer served under his orders in Vietnam in 1952-53 and again in 1954. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Christophe: Thank you for the link to the picture. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Mark: Thanks for showing these pictures, even though my computer threw a tantrum again, enough of them showed to congratulate you on this program. While I was spared field service upon my return from Vietnam in early 1956, I know how very cold it gets in winter in practically all parts of Algeria. In your photo shoots I recognized a number of weapons, equipment and radios ( SCR 536 having been a radio operator). The Sub Machine Gun MAT 49 ( I believe) was a most reliable, simple weapon, the FM 24/29 could also be counted on. The single shot rifle MAS 36 had only a crude aiming device but the Grenade Launcher system was great. I could not make out the paratrooper issue with the folding butt, I have not seen any for sale here in the USA at militaria shows so perhaps they are hard to obtain. Two commanders of the 3.RPC as you would know were famous : the earlier mentioned Col. and later General Bigeard and Lt.Col. Trinquier. A job well done, Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Mark Allen: I wish you the best of luck in your plans. The tragedy of Oct.1950 along the Route Coloniale 4 was devastating and the sacrifice of some units memorable. The number of survivors of the battle and subsequent captivity was so small. That of Vietnamese personnel of French Forces then and of later engagements was close to non . Of books in English there are some worth the effort to obtain should these be unknown to you: Bernard Fall; Ted Morgan's Valley of Death about the Battle of Dien Bien Phu in my opinion the best I have read. Should you be restricted to reading in English there nevertheless are the two volumes in French but easily to follow: - Histoire Des Parachutistes Francais, 1975 Societe de Production Litteraire. Includes OoB, commanders, Engagements, maps, losses, unit citations etc. Begins with the formation to 1975. The short French-British and Israeli war with Egypt is to me an example of well executed land, sea and air operations on short notice by quite different military forces. Again much success, thanks for your kind words, Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Cookie. Thanks for showing these pictures. Even though re-enactment and my computer's unwillingness to load all of them I must say that the environment, equipment and weaponry is right on the mark. I also appreciate your mention of the Vietnamese personnel who were part of the 6.BPC . They were present in practically all units plus there were formations consisting of nearly all Vietnamese personnel in the French Forces deployed in Indochina. Having been assigned to a French Foreign Legion unit strongly composed of Vietnamese personnel from 1951 to 1953 and again as of early 1954, your mention of my former comrades in arms was quite good to read. The 6.BPC as you know, was formed in July 1952 under the command of Maj. Bigeard who retained command through the battle of Dien Bien Phu. The battalion lost from the start of its deployment in Indochina until its dissolution in August of 1954 a total of 337 killed and missing in action. It earned citations at Army Level and the Fouragere of the Military Medal. Bernhard H. Holst formerly with the 2.Amphibious Group of the 1.REC

Hello Alex. Thank you for showing the picture of Lt.Kuehn's medal bar. I hope it found a good home. By what I read about him in the two reference books mentioned he must have been a quite extraordinary soldier. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello readers: Having recently received the Honors List of recipients of the Saxon Gold Military St. Henry Medal ( Ehrenbuch der Inhaber der Saechs. Goldenen St.Heinrichs-Medaille) and further review of the reference book of the Kgl.Saechs. Milit. St.Heinrichs-Orden, 1736-1918 I came across the following recipient: Lt.d.R. Walter Kuehn (u-Umlaut), born in 1894 he entered military service Easter 1914 with the Saxon Inf.Reg. 104. He made a fairly fast advancement . Apparently distinguished himself as a Patrol- and Assault Troop leader on many occasions. In particular in May 1916 he raided a British mining operation during which several works were destroyed and prisoners taken. This also led to the identification of the opposite enemy unit as the 11./Royal Scots . Promotion to officers rank followed. Lt. W.Kuehn was the recipient of both Iron Crosses, the Saxon St.Henry Silver and Gold Medals and the Knights Cross thereof ( 24 Nov. 1916). The Knights Cross 2nd cl. with Swords of the Albrecht Order. War Merit Cross of Lippe. In addition the King of Saxony bestowed a Honor Diploma (Allerhoechste Anerkennung). Lt. Kuehn was severely wounded on October 15, 1918 and became a prisoner of British Forces. He died of his wounds on October 18. The King of Saxony saw this officer decorated with all three ribbons of the St Henry Order and remarked very favorably on this highly distinguished officer. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Naxos: Thanks for the link. Good article and interesting site. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Carsten: Thank you for showing Maj.v.Raben's picture. I would like to mention that he was my and I believe many other German youth's hero during the years prior to 1945. I noticed in the bibliography in the Wiki entry the mention of a publication from 1942 which must be one of those we were able to purchase and then trade for others. The then German colonies in Africa gave plenty of subjects for writers and the propaganda machine. I have ordered a book from Germany " Der Krieg in Kamerun" which I hope to be interesting in the description of the short campaign there beyond the somewhat tainted material I recall. Bernhard H. Holst born in 1931

Hallo Chris: Die 1913 Rangliste gibt Frhr. von Hadeln als Lt. ab 27.01.06 und in der Schuztruppe fuer deutsch-Suedwestafrika an. Die Ehren-Rangliste als Hptm.a.D. und gleichfalls zur Schutztruppe fuer Deutsch-Suedwestafrika. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Chris. Interesting reading. Somewhat inaccurate considering the source . Der Spiegel is considered by me as usually reliable based on good sources . This having been published in 1949 puts it fairly at the beginning of its publishing. BTW: while stationed in Sidi Bel Abbes, with the 1.RE in 1956/57 I learned from a Sergent assigned to the Investigation Section, of the four months delay after enlisting which were used to complete a review of the new Legionaire's background. Only after the four months had lapsed and no reason to rescind the contract came up, was it finalized. Of course without any further notification. Those whose reviews did not lend themselves to be retained but to be considered undesirable, were escorted to the border of their country of origin. Such ones were along for their "discharge" ride under escort when I had my discharge and headed home. Bernhard H. Holst ex Mle.80921, 1951 - 1957

Hello readers: I take the liberty to add an explanation of the contents of this postcard Robin was good enough to display and some additional information which may be of passing interest: The young, very young daughter reports her latest grades obtained in school to her father on the pictured card. The grades are quite good. I could not find her father's name among those recorded as dead by the German War Dead Commission (Deutsche Kriegsgraeber Fuersorge) so chances are he survived the war but this is not certain. It would be interesting to read about this battle and what a cobbled together battle group is able to accomplish if only temporarily. Many of the officer candidates making up part of Kampfgruppe von Siegroth, were used as cadres for the misc. units. Most received the rank of 2nd Lt. while engaged in this battle. The later Generalmajor von Siegroth is missing in action at the end of hostilities April/May 1945 at the eastern front. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Chris. I do not know if the following will contribute to clarify matters but here it is: The 1913 Rank List does not list this person ( I do not have the 1914 list). The Ehren-Rangliste published in 1926 lists Oblt. v.der Muelbe as a.D. and having been assigned to Kaiser Franz Garde-Grenadier - Regiment Nr.2. Mention made above by Dave . As to prisoner exchange during WW I apparently this did happen from time to time . I have come across such occasions during readings i.e. biographies of German General Officers. I could not determine whether there had to be a particular reason such as wound(s) or illness which caused an exchange which usually took place via Switzerland. Sometimes after a short or longer internment there. It may be of passing interest here that Major Raynal, the valiant commandant of Fort Vaux, was assured of an early release as a POW upon the surrender of the Fort because of lack of water. I do not know if this took place or not. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello readers: Thanks to Mervyn for bringing this pamphlet and through it the subject matter to our attention and perhaps jar our memory as it did mine. The now legendary leader of the pro-independence/anti-imperialist movement was Subhas Chandra Bose who resided in Germany before and during WW II. He was married to a German woman and they had a daughter who later became a university professor. Subhas Chandra Bose had substantial propaganda exposure in Germany which probably accounts for a memory flashback of my part ( evidence at least of some lasting impact??). The German formed unit of captured Indian personnel of British Forces did not experience much action if any at all but was useful for propaganda purposes. There existed a decoration named after Azad Hind which I believe to be much sought after and much faked. The internet contains information which is interesting to follow but may possibly be somewhat tainted. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Dan. I believe you read that entry correctly "Ehrenkreuz der Alten Garde". Should you make a connection with any prior service with a Prussian guard unit I am rather inclined to associate it with a veteran association which as you know were very liberal in "awarding" medals and such sometimes with names which were fanciful ( example "Deutsche Ehrenlegion"). Bernhard H. Holst

Hello: Interesting posts by the two gentlemen above. Here is a small contribution from another oldtimer ( born in 1931) who has been slow in advancing with the rapidly advancing technology or better perhaps gadgetry in some instances. Just got a cellphone for use by my wife when by herself visiting the city ( Chicago ) or while driving in emergency situations. We gave up our rotary phone when one could no longer function with it. I consider some of these advances with mixed feelings such as cellphones in use while driving even walking, leading to distracted driving ( walking?) accidents. Not mentioning a considerable nuisance effect while used in public within hearing distance. Criminal minds are shown very fertile in use and abuse of electronic devices. The number of security updates for my computer ( still on dial-up ) by Microsoft or Symantec nearly every other day is astounding. Looking back it seems that we functioned quite well even though not "connected" all of the time. I believe the hectic "lifestyle" of today may just lead to some shortening of life expectancy combined with certain ailments popping up more often. A pronounced impatience in everyday activities especially traffic is very noticeable. This oftentimes includes disregard for fellow humans and is very unpleasant to observe. Just some quick observations by someone who has been around the block a few times. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello: one can see where a lot of his pay must have gone. But then we all have different priorities I think. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Hugh. The book (English Language) I mentioned is : "Valley of Death" by Ted Morgan.Random House, 2010; ISBN 978-1-4000-6664-3 and eBook ISBN 978-1-588-36980-2. The author's French name Sanche de Gramont while he served as an officer in the war in Algeria. I will have a look/see in order to possible locate some info. re.U-Minh area. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Hugh. The history of the French Paratroopers appears to list all operations whether airdrops or as conventional infantry. Of course I should have been more precise in my statement. The source consulted by me is: "Histoire des Parachutistes Francais", two volumes, 1975. Describing the formation of the first units in Great Britain under Gen. deGaulle and going through the conflicts to the 1970's. It appears that in 1952 only one battalion, the 1.BPVN ( 1. Vietnamese Parachute Battalion) in a transformation phase from French to Vietnamese was stationed in South Vietnam. IMHO: To find this event described in several , different places does not give me more assurance of its historical fact. BTW: you make mention of Dr.Bernard Fall, Howard University. I have all his books and found his "Hell in a very small Place" the best account of the battle of Dien Bien Phu until "Valley of Death" came along. I have lost a boyhood friend and neighbor there , Leg.1.Cl. ARMBRECHT, Kurt, 1.BEP. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Hugh: I do not recall any particular, popular song from the period. But then again radios were not many. Radio station Hirondelle I believe from Hanoi was listened to by those who had a radio. I have scrutinized the history of French paratroop units and could not find any mention of drops in the U-Minh Forest. there were some small scale drops in the south , they were in more favorable country. While I cannot claim to have any familiarity with airborne operations I doubt that the French Airborne Commanders would have sanctioned a proposed drop into such environment. I remember incidents of families being on opposite sides of the Vietnam conflict which one could compare with the US Civil War divided loyalties. Thanks for the article. Bernhard H. Holst