Bernhard H.Holst

Hello readers. First continuation : After a period of shake downs and a considerable thinning of ranks of the legionnaires which originally made up the cadre of our company and were found wanting, the final count of legionnaire cadre did not exceed twenty to twenty five . Of these only seventeen or so were part of the combat deployed company ( five per platoon plus radio operator and one officer batman). The balance consisted of Vietnamese troopers who did not give any disciplinary concerns ever. My recollections do not contain any important breaches of discipline in our company or the two associated troops. Here is one instance of how the matter of a dissatisfied Brigadier in the 8.Escadron ( troop) was handled. Brigadier Kopanczik was unhappy being in a mechanized unit and not much taken to things running on tracks and such. His repeated requests for a transfer to our company were rejected so that the only way out was to surrender his two stripes which would then trigger an automatic transfer into another unit. That approach worked and Legionnaire First Class Kopanczik joined us and became this writer's best companion and very quickly regained his second stripe, ( later made Brigadier-Chef and was the recipient of the Medaille Militaire and becoming a Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur). Four instances of N.C.O.'s coming to grief should be mentioned here: - The mail clerk (vaguemestre) misappropriated money orders or similar and was restricted to his room waiting for his court date. I once had to take is meal to him from the troop kitchen while on guard duty. No more better food from the N.C.O.Mess. The verdict escapes me but a stint in the Disciplinary Company was certain. - One Marechal des Logis who had a weakness for young Vietnamese troopers made the mistake to make advances to one while on guard duty and who promptly alerted the Brigadier of the Guard. This N.C.O. was gone next day. - M.d.L. with the name beginning with M. came through the ranks of our company as a competent squad leader with subsequent promotions. In 1954 when I was reassigned to my old outfit for my second tour of over seas duty he was in charge of the N.C.O. mess. A beautiful girlfriend apparently proved too expensive so that allegations of embezzlement were made. Restricted to his room awaiting further judicial proceedings he was found hanged one morning. He was buried on the military plot without military honors and without notification to us. An eyewitness told me that his girlfriend was standing in the far distance. Who knows how she got word? - One M.d.L. was assigned to us shortly before the armistice in July 1954. Vietnamese troopers reported to me upon our return to base near Haiphong that he borrowed money from them without reimbursing them. Of this I was unaware and very much resented his preying on poorly paid troopers. I took my information to the Company Sergeant Major who also was my platoon commander and the man was gone next day. In 1956 while on duty at headquarters in Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria I had occasion to read the regimental news sheet. One day I found among personnel changes that Sergeant P. Service Number ... was reduced to ranks . The reason given was "debts". The service number ( matricule) was quite familiar to me . I encountered him a day or two later and he gave me some story as to why . And I thought his bull... finally caught up with him but why did it take so long? to be continued Bernhard H. Holst

Hello readers. With the encouragement of Chris Boonzair I would like to place some reflections and personal experiences concerning the discipline and the enforcement of it in the ranks of the French Foreign Legion. I believe that there are plenty different accounts in circulation as to the severity of discipline and the punishments of any breaches, some of which point to an inhumane application in many instances. So I shall add my account of this subject. Having served during the years of 1951 to 1957 principally in the ranks of the 1.REC ( 1er Regiment Etranger de Cavalerie or 1. Foreign Cavalry Regiment ) the following account is somewhat limited in scope not having any official manual or regulation at hand and realizing that internal discipline or rather the enforcement did vary from unit to unit. This would of course result in different methods or approaches. First off one should be aware of the rank structure in the French Army which is the one equally applied in the French Foreign Legion . The rank of non commissioned officer begins withe rank of sergeant. Ranks below that are considered a stand alone rank i.e. corporal /brigadier or senior corporal ( caporal-chef or brigadier-chef ) who already do have authority. At the time of enlistment we were not given or read the Articles of War or similar, the simple fact that most had no or very little command of the French language would have made it a waste of time. But starting basic training it took little time to understand who called the shots. Barracks rooms were run by corporals who were responsible for the condition and the personnel roomed there. Inspections mornings and before lights out, with re dos if not found acceptable by the sergeant of the week or duty sergeant. On occasion visits were made by an officer. Extra duty for those who were found wanting. I do not recall any severe incidents which required disciplinary measures beyond that. During advanced training ( training as radio operator for me and clerical duties for others/ French speaking personnel ) I became a witness to an unpleasant procedure whereas an offending legionnaire had to stand with his nose touching a wall and at attention for varying time spans. I do not recall seeing that again in other units I was assigned to. Circumstances in this training company were uncomfortable with lots of petty nuisances present which caused great annoyance to the troops but served no practical benefit. With the help of a cadre N.C.O.I was able to get a transfer to a transport forming for the Far East. Transit camp duties were light but for the trip to Vietnam accommodations on a former German freighter surrendered after WW I were crude with poor food and constant friction with North African troops sharing the ship. Discipline was upheld and after 30 days Saigon was reached. Together with a number of others I was assigned to a newly formed unit in Tonkin ( North Vietnam). A base camp near Haiphong , an abandoned brick factory was installed under canvas which slowly took shape with corrugated iron huts and brick buildings. But my new assignment was to be with a mounted infantry company which consisted mainly of Vietnamese personnel who were to be trained by us in a garrison farther away. This turned out to be a rewarding posting. A brigadier who neglected to relieve sentries in a timely fashion was dealt with quite leniently, or so was the general thought. Upon completion of the basic training our company joined the new amphibious group at its base camp and took shape by beginning small operations on foot in the vicinity. My abbreviated training as a radio man followed me though and I was made an assistant company radio operator to a French speaking man until he became severely ill and had to leave. This event made me the radio man in a sink or swim situation. I do not remember any disciplinary events in our company except the driver of the company Jeep who was put in front of a military court for rape and most likely ended up in the Legion Disciplinary Company. I had occasion to observe how the two other troops in our group handled disciplinary incidents. Our camp had a sort of parade ground made from crushed bricks of which there were plenty. This terrain was also used to exercise delinquents to circle it on the double ( pas de gymnastique ) with a shouldered 50 cal machine gun barrel for a number of times. This was supervised by a N.C.O. who had discretion to speed up the delinquent's pace and to regulate the number of times. Later a twist was introduced which consisted of a rucksack being carried with a load of bricks and a barrel added as above described. This was applied in more severe cases i.e. theft from comrades and such. I believe punishments such as this were given by higher ranking N.C.O.'s and certainly not for trivial matters. As regimental prison the former brick oven was utilized but only overnight. The prisoner performed his normal duties or rather selected ones. to be continued.. Bernhard H. Holst formerly a member of the French Foreign Legion 1951-1957

Hello: First off sincere thanks to Claudio for this excellent post with the many pictures. For any one interested in more historical details an Internet search of Invalidenfriedhof will give good results in at least English and German languages. The Wikipedia examples shown give a very good indication. A search includesofficial sites. It is stated that at one time about 30000 grave sites were included with a subsequent sizable reduction over the years since its beginning under the reign of Frederick the Great to some few hundreds presently. Bernhard H. Holst

Here is one to Schutztruppe fuer Deutsch Suedwest Afrika.. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello to The Prussian. I believe the D to stand for Dragoner ( dragoon). Abbreviation for Dragoner Regiment was D.R. for instance.Also rank was given when inserting sender on postcard or letter. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Douglas. continuation of translation from Number 10: Hardly had the complete detachment entered the village that strong enemy firing from the front and out of houses forced a halt, many horses were were shot and men wounded. The signals battalion marching as point had to withdraw on the succeeding wireless stations and engineers. These immediately and in spite of disorder caused by the surprise firing among the horse drawn vehicles responded to the firing by dismounted riflemen to support their own men. Vehicles and horses were sheltered as possible between houses. Intimidated by the decisive actions of officers and riflemen of the signalmen and engineers, the enemy in numbers tenfold superior , ceased fire after a short exchange and surrendered. Many houses in the village still contained Russians which through energetic action were removed and assembled . They were 8 officers and 870 men . Nearly a battalion strong they laid down their weapons before the riflemen of the signalmen and engineers whose combat strength was hardly that of 60. The detachments continued on their way with their captives to Brzeziny which they reached after nightfall. End of report. BTW: the picture is unrelated to the report given. It shows a signal lamp station on Nordstrand Island subordinated to Coastal Defense Army, Hamburg. The building is called Villa Oxygen. Bernhard H. Holst .

Hello Douglas. In an effort to perhaps round off Dave Danner's and the Prussian's valuable contributions I start a translation of the pages containing the description of the combat of Witowice: Combat of the Light Wireless Stations 9 and 11 ( cadres from Signals Battalion 3 ) at Witowice, ca. 4 km s.w. of Brzeziny, 24 Nov.1914. by Hauptmann Robert BALTZER During the encirclement of German troops near Lodz the accompanying Light Wireless Stations were the only communication means to the other German troops. After strenuous activities in very cold weather, under shortcomings of all sorts the elements of the 6.Cavalry Division, namely the wireless stations 9 and 11 together with the Signals- and Engineer Battalions were about to force their way from Karpin in the direction of Brzeziny. This was the only remaining way out of the Russian encirclement while the regiments of the cavalry division still covered the retreat of the XXV. Reserve Korps in its flank and rear. But already this route was under enemy small arms and artillery fire. In spite of this it was possible to reach the railroad line Lodz - Koljnszki without losses and cross this. When at dusk the column approached the village of Witkowice the point of the Signals Battalion made contact with small groups of Russians which surrendered. to be continued. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Alex. The pictured Waffen-SS officer is the later SS-Oberfuehrer Karl SCHUEMERS (umlaut u) born 17 Oct. 1905 and died 18 Aug. 1944 in Greece. K.C. with date of 30.Sep.1942 as SS-Sturmbannfuehrer and commander of II./SS-Polizei Schuetzen Rgt. 1 of the SS-Polizei-Division on the Eastern Front. The decoration after the Police Long Service to appears as the Westwall Medal. The last one ???. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Douglas. Here goes: Monkolice, 8.December 19? Dear Grandparents. With this I send you greetings from cold Russia. I am doing well which I also hope of you. Wishing you Merry Christmas. Many greetings is sending your Otto The sender apparently served in the Signals Battalion of the 6. Cavalry Division. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello readers. This event of a long time ago is still much on my mind and is one of the more discouraging actions I was a witness of. I decided not to reveal the name of the commander of the temporarily formed battalion . Let me call him Major X., the battalion of which he was put in command and which was tasked with the evacuation of a strong point isolated for some time, consisted of: - one company Algerian Rifles; - one company of the Colonial Infantry under the command of Lt. Agnew. It consisted of mostly Vietnamese riflemen with French cadres. We had been in the field with them several times before and valued their performance; - the Commando Petit of the Amphibious Group of the1.Chasseurs, This unit was well known to us, having been on operation with us many time before; - one company of the newly formed Vietnamese National Army which had been on operation with us before and can safely be called unproven and under questionable command. Our company commander, Captain A. Viard who on several occasions was in command of a hastily formed provisional battalion had in the past kept a careful eye on this unit and guided their commander. - our company which was available for tasks to perform on foot when our heavy amphibious vehicles were in required maintenance or were waiting for repairs or spare parts. An early morning departure by Amphibious Landing Craft brought us to an outpost on the Red River from which we proceeded on foot to the strong point of Phu Ke about 4 km away. The trail we followed was heavily damaged by the cutting of alternate , partial trenches in the roadbed which made it too narrow for vehicles. We were to form a security corridor through which the evacuation could safely proceed. Photo shows a like damaged road, here RC 1 (Route Coloniale 1) Photo shows 3. and 4. Squads of 1.Platoon with Marechal des Logis Mahieu. The day was spent into the afternoon watching the troops with their families leaving. Warning of impending explosions reached us and we saw and heard the place blowup. This included a GMC 2 1/2 ton GMC. Photo shows this writer on his SCR 300, watching the X-Officer's, (the Lt.X.de Cacqueray') carbine and helmet and the First Aid Kit of our Corpsman, shortly before the big bang..... The Vietnamese company was stationed to one side and was to disengage last, not a sound decision by Major X as it turned out. While our company being moved out ahead of the last which was still in their flanking position , a small village when I noticed a good number of black clad figures approaching that place at a great rate of speed through the rice fields. This meant nothing but trouble which was not long in coming. The Algerian Riflemen began firing their 57 mm Recoilless Rifle without effect. Our company commander briefed the X-Officer and went towards the firing apparently in an effort to help. Lt. de Cacqueray detailed a number of Legionnaire cadres under our Company Sergeant Major Tabournel as rearguard while the rest of the company under their Vietnamese cadres were to continue towards the point of re-embarkation. The Battalion Commander when asked for instructions by Lt. de Cacqueray did not respond but told his radio operator to close the set and said and these were his words:" sauve qui peut!"(Loosely translated" each man for himself"". Lt. de Cacqueray looked at me with an expression I am unable to describe , anger, disappointment? Our Vietnamese elements were together and he held them in place while the Algerians drifted by, losing equipment and things, giving a sorry picture. Our company commander rejoined us, bringing a walkie-talkie (SCR 536) he had recovered. Not a sign of the Vietnamese Army people. No radio contact . Captain Viard was able to contact the remaining units which had not given any sign of disintegration namely those of Lt. Petit and Lt. Agnew and assumed command. Setting up a hedgehog we spent a hungry and restless night. Next morning a search was conducted without results. Later we reembarked after finding our rucksacks where we had left them at the strong point under our guards. I have to admit to very uneasy feelings when the rearguard was detailed of which a number of good comrades were part. Would I see them again? Our Company Sergeant Major and commander of 1.Platoon, Marechal des Logis-Major Tabournel and the Brigadier The. Our company commander Captain A. Viard when reembarking for the trip home after that unfortunate event, with his batman , Leg. Zenov Bernhard H. Holst formerly of the 1.REC in Vietnam, 1951 - 1953 and 1954-1956

Hello Chris. This looks like an impressive, complete grouping of documents and medals. Congratulations. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Chris: I have the reference book of all the recipients of the Prussian Gold Military Merit Cross. I would have to collate the listed members of SB 5. Do you want the names and other data for them? I am pressed for time today but could look through the book in the very near future to provide the information. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Ericc: I stand corrected in my assumption or rather can offer a correct explanation of the meaning of "HJ K-Uebungsleiter". Another document I just viewed, a graduation certificate from an HJ-Area school, clearly indicates the "K" as standing for Krieg and here HJ-Kriegs Uebungsleiter. These persons were considered qualified to conduct training in shooting- and terrain exercises. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Claudio: As the inscription says: the photo shows the then SS-Obersturmbannfuehrer Hinrich Schuldt, later SS-Oberfuehrer and received the Swords to the Oak Leaves to the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross after death which occurred on 15 March 1944. He was also promoted to the rank of SS-Brigadefuehrer und Generalmajor der Waffen-SS. As to the monetary value I do not know. Bernhard H. Holst

Here is the website to consult and possibly order: www.ironcross1939.com I have read the article which I found most interesting and others. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Eric. I am not a HJ specialist by any means, having only been a member of the DJ from 1942 - 1945. But memory tells me of our envy of the Marine HJ and the Flieger HJ. They could do the fancy things and wore the nicer uniforms! As to # /page 44 HJ K Uebungsleiter I believe that to mean " Kanu Uebungsleiter" or canoe exercise leader; the inland units had to resort to what ever would float on the rivers or streams in their area. -page 45: grosse Wasserfahrt to me indicates an extended trip by water. The itinerary on the Danube demonstrates that re. Passau, Vienna to Budapest. Bernhard H. Holst formerly a "Pimpf"

Hello: I received this Iron Cross 1.class of 1914 included in the military estate of Major Justus Schirmer which shows an unusual marking of LW together with a raised, round spot at each corner. It is of the vaulted/domed type.I remember seeing a post to this LW matter recently but was unable to retrieve the post. Note: Above the LW marking is the date of bestowal. Unfortunately the pictures are the best I could come up with. Any comments would be welcome. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello: Thank you for showing the large document which is a not too subtle invitation to make an application to join the Waffen-SS Division "Hitlerjugend". For those who may not have a command of the German language: the letter dated July 1943 is addressed to all boys born in 1926 to report in an effort to join that elite motorized division etc. Bernhard H. Holst

Dear readers: On the 6. March 1953 caused by a second attack of what may have been heart failure, died the Marechal des Logis (sergeant) Theodore Hanemann, Mle. 34 155, born 19.February 1925 in Poland. M.d.L. Haneman was in command of the 2.Platoon of the 5.Compagnie Portee ( mounted infantry) of the amphibious units of the 1. REC deployed in the northern part of Vietnam during 1951 - 1954. He came from the 3.REI to replace the fallen M.d.L. Sombrutzki who was taken from us in combat on 28 June, 1952. Both were outstanding leaders and highly regarded by their men who were for the most part Vietnamese. The 2. Platoon thus had the misfortune of losing two of their commanders while the 1. Platoon lost one . The 3. Platoon ( which I considered the "lucky one") none and also had the fewest fatal losses of men. Their commander was the M.d.L. Salcedo , a cautious leader who on one occasion refused a careless order of a frontal advance on a defended position . Here are some pictures of our M.d.L. Hanemann following the captions: In the field January 1953, M.d.L. Hanemann in raincoat and wearing helmet liner Has award presented During an awards ceremony as platoon leader 2.Platoon: Reviewing some photos: from your left M.d.L. Ossenbrink, Mocanu, Hanemann, Capitaine A. Viard Company Commander and M.d.L. Major Tabournel Company Sergeant Major and commander 1.Platoon. M.d.L. Theodore Hanemann on his deathbed as we saw him for the last time and say our goodbye: The above is placed here in respectful remembrance of a well liked veteran infantry cadre who in the lowest rank of non-commissioned officers in the French Army was entrusted with the leadership of a platoon of mainly Vietnamese trooper. He came up to expectations and his loss was truly felt. Bernhard H. Holst formerly of the 1.REC during 1951-1953 and 1954 - 1956

Hello Chris. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Reading the entire text in the link you provided, one reads the military life of an exceptional soldier. I see him to have been a man made for being a soldier and a leader. I am a slight bit puzzled of him not yet having made at least Adjudant...? But then I do not know the present methods applied for advancement. As an aside: interesting to read readers comments following the article in the publication. At least not one along the lines of " mercenary, got what he had coming, so what etc". Cannot help but feel moved by any loss in the military regardless of country. Thanks again, Bernhard H. Holst

Hello: To number 1 : The name of the reservist is indeed Carsten. Nice items you found. I cannot comment on the picture. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello Fotomaster: At first glance I doubt very much that anyone of the pictured personnel belongs to the French Foreign Legion even with the small size photos which makes it difficult to make out details. Here is why I think so: - neck ties shown are all khaki colored ( Legion wears green neck ties and certainly did so in the time frame here which I put in the 1950's). - garrison caps appear of one color while only some Legion formations wore garrison caps when in dress uniform shown here( to mind comes the 3. REI and when in wear were always green with red top portion). As to details ref.fouragere, sleeve insignia, shoulder boards etc they are too unclear because of size, to permit me to state my impression. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello readers: On 8.February, 1954 during a combat involving the 18.Escadron of the 1.REC somewhere in the province of Nam Dinh ( location unfortunately given in a garbled fashion by the SAG "Memoire des Hommes" as Chin Thon Noi Che or Tinh Than Nai The ) two members of this writer's former unit lost their lives . _ Marechal des Logis Kaelin, Roger, Mle. (Service Number) 28598, born 17 February, 1926 in Switzerland. Died by mine explosion. M.d.L. Kaelin took over this writer's position as radio operator for the commander of the mounted infantry elements which were part of the 18.Escadron, at the end of his first tour in Vietnam. - Brigadier Hao,Vu Van; ( His grave marker in the military cemetery in Nam Dinh lists Vu,Van Hao); Mle. 328 381, born in 1922. Brigadier Hao was a squad leader in the 1. Platoon/Mounted Elements 18.Escadron. I have inserted a picture of Brigadier Hao's grave marker. Unfortunately I was unable to locate any description of the action which took place a few days prior to my return for my second tour of duty. Bernhard H. Holst

Hello: Another one: Bernhard H. Holst