Les

Rick, A few years back I researched Hans Georg Horn, FAA221(a). Horn entered service in 1913, but was not commissioned until the late fall of 1914, after the Aufmarsch. He was awarded the PlM on the same day Fricke received his (23 Dec. 1917). I located and acquired a complete copy of Horn's WWI and WWII military records, along with an assortment of political and related reports regarding him. During WWII, Horn became a Nationalsocialist-forschungs Offizer (NSFO), whose job duties included political indoctrination of the enlisted ranks, political fitness reports on fellow officers, etc. (Yes, he was a NSDAP member and I have a copy of his party application form, his party number, etc.) Records for WWII (political and other) officers are available, but you have to know how the German "Affensachel" works and how to use it to your advantage. When he was de-mobbed in 1919, his WWI service record was given in detail. The WWI awards however, were not complete. There is a date for his being awarded the EKII, EKI, and PLM. Nothing else for WWI. O'Connor's search of the rolls however turned up additional information. Horn's records are a lesson that tells me, sometimes the official records miss things. When the personnel files (developed from the information entered directly into the Soldbuch and/or Wehrpass) are incomplete or never recorded, the Ranglisten which takes it's information from regimental records, may also suffer. The Germans do, and did make mistakes. Anyone thinking otherwise, should ponder the events of late 1914, the invasion of Russia in 1941, and a few other mistakes that don't require much effort to turn into a list. Les

Dan, Note that during the "big one" he was an observer, not a pilot. There were only -eight- (nine if you count Schreiber) observers who were awarded the PlM. Pilots could run up their victory tallies to a predictable figure and assume the PlM wasn't far away if they survived. Observers who were awarded PlMs usually pioneered and established new methodologies or tactics over a long time period. For example, Hans Georg-Horn who was a "back seat" guy with FAA221(a), flew several hundred "Idfleg" missions in addition to standard observation flights. "Idfleg" for those who aren't familiar with the term, is low level infantry support ground attack missions. Against entrenched infantry with machine guns, these are nasty affairs... If memory serves me correctly, Fricke worked out methodology for the use of radio communications air/ground/air. I'll have to check my references on that, so till then don't quote me on that one. Les

How about this'un? I noticed the date of death given as the spring of 1946. It's interesting that a fair number of junior officers awarded the PlM during WWI, and weren't all that old when WWII ended (mid or late 50's) seem to have keeled over before their "allotted" three-score and ten. Les

For what it's worth (not much), the reverse. Les

Bad. Really bad.... A combatant award with a non-combatant EKII. Who does he think he's fooling? "02-305 TWO-PLACE MEDAL BAR. This is a two-place medal bar. Often, two-place medal bars can be rather mundane. This one, my dear readers, is VERY special, as you will see! It includes the following two decorations. *Golden Military Merit Cross - Prussia (GMMC). The GMMC was THE highest award that could be given to an enlisted man/NCO. A Military Merit Cross in Silver was also awarded for bravery. The GMMC is often referred to as the "Enlisted Man?s Blue Max." It was awarded in VERY limited numbers. This is not an award example, but one that was purchased privately for this medal bar. *1914 Iron Cross 2nd Class for Non Combatants. The 1914 Iron Cross was awarded in two varieties. One was for Combatants, where the ribbon?s primary color is black, with smaller white stripes. The version for Non Combatants is just the opposite. White is the predominant color, with thinner black stripes. This is a very unusual combination with the GMMC and the 1914 2nd Class for Non Combatants." Les

Or he might have died and his heirs, or someone that sold it for them/him split it up? Beau...there is a regimental history. Check out: http://www.denkmalprojekt.org/Verlustliste...396_brb_wk1.htm Les

At the time Shaka claimed leadership of the Zulu throne, the tribe numbered in the hundreds. Culturally, the tribe was hardly different from any of the other surrounding tribal groups. Starting with Shaka, the tribe began growing through warfare and assimilation of subjugated neighboring tribes. The process of conquering and assimilating tribes into the "Zulu" state continued after Shaka's death, and by successive Zulu kings until the 1879 War. During the initial period of Zulu expansion, neighboring tribes in southern Africa realized relatively quickly they would soon face either subjugation by the ever-expanding Zulu state, or they could attempt to move somewhere else, or if uninhabited land was not available, by attacking smaller neighbors and displacing them. One faction of the Zulu, led by Mzilikazi, split off from the main tribe, and began moving northwards, eventually settling north of the Limpopo River in what is now Zimbabwe. The area had already been settled by the Shona tribe, but the two groups developed a tentative relationship with each other. Both raided smaller tribes north of the Zambezi for their cattle, to establish tributary tribes that provided salt, ivory, copper, etc. It is important to note that assimilation of tribal groups did not happen overnight. Unlike meals which an organism can ingest and process in a brief period of time, assimilating people who speak slightly different languages, have different tribal customs, and material cultures which may be similar but not completely identical, takes time. Particularly in an age when there are no forms of mass communications that can be used to establish "uniform ways" of doing things. The United States for example is a "melting pot" country that has existed for well over two hundred years, and has a wide range of sub-cultures, dialects, and ethnic diversity that has not been obliterated by a long shot.e expansion of the Zulu/Matabele/Ngoni and related tribal groups resulted in the "Mfecane" or time of troubles in southern Africa. With regards to the "Zulu" the tribe was never a large block of people with standardized customs, items used in daily life or war, etc. The sheer numbers of people assimilated into the tribe between 1815-1879, was too fast, involved too many diverse groups, that complete and total assimilation never happened. The number of spears that Mervyn mentions is not the result of special purpose items, but the persistence of cultural items from peoples subjugated and forced into the "Zulu" tribe. The point of this, is there are many tribal groups south of the Zambezi River (the border between modern day Zambia and Zimbabwe") prior to circa 1880, that were culturally and linguistically, very similar. In many situations, ethnic associations are often based on where an item comes from or was found because far too often items are very similar if not identical when compared to other tribal groups in the same region. Anthropologist (and archaeologists) fall into what I call the "stamp collector" mind set. Everything has to have a special label or name, even though it might look almost identical to something else. The "typological mindset" common to anthropologist and archaeologists, results in special terms or categories being used or claimed that the person who made or used the item never used or saw a difference between the items. For example, a common screwdriver with a wood handle, another with a plastic handle, and a third made all of metal would be divided into three categories by some of them. (Helen....talk to an archaeologist and you'll know how true this is...). During the pre-colonial era traditional African cultures made iron through a laborious process, and metal for tools and weapons was expensive. Spear heads were relatively small. If you think about it, a one-inch (25.6mm) knife blade is enough to kill a person. A large animal can be brought down by making it bleed, keeping it moving/running, and letting it drop from exhaustion. A typical villager would not need and probably could not afford more than one or two spear heads at most, supplemented by wooden items (clubs), etc. He'd need an axe or adze to fell trees and make firewood, but other than that, the amount of metal object he'd have owned would have been very small. Making and selling items to tourists is a way people living in small villages, or away from urban centers where there are better paying jobs or other ways of making a living, to get hard cash. Well into the 20th century, American Indians made blankets, beaded items, pots and other items associated with "Indians" for sale to European-Americans (aka "whites") and anyone else with cash, and looking to take home souvenirs. Even Hispanics got into the act of selling to whites, playing on ignorance and selling "Indian" stuff made by someone else, sometimes not even made in the US. Cultural revivals can play havoc with the perception of traditional cultures and societies. Anyone familiar with the Victorian era and rebirth of Scottish pride is well aware of the creation of clan tartans, new blades being married to old Claymore and Highland basket hilts (that had the blades removed almost a century earlier), and so on. The same thing has happened in Africa and elsewhere. African items have been sold to tourists since the start of the Colonial era, and over the last century has been a major component of the "art" market. Peter's point about the rug he bought in 1980, is an important one. People making things for the tourist market, may have no idea of what the traditional culture was like, how things should have been made, but instead, interpret the past as they see fit, or imagine it to have been. IMO, if an item wasn't made before the imposition of western(ized) colonial governments on traditional cultures, the context of items acquired during the "tourist era" are not truly representative of a "traditional culture" at all. Les

George, Congratulations on putting everything together. It's been a while coming together. My suggestion about whether to mount the medals onto a bar, or not, is do what NO did for his "famous chest" and simply wrap the ribboned medal around a carboard frame. You could put the "bar" in a ryker mount for display purposes, and leave the contents alone. Later if you ever wanted to dispose of the ribboned medals you could either sell the entire "bar" or remove them. Individually, and as a "group" they all add up to an impressive amount of money spent! Again, a nicely done job! Les

Where there any other officers who had the same three, plus others? Les

Leutnant Berndt von Kleist is mentioned in the regimental history, and at this (auf Deutsch) site: http://www.erstes-garderegiment.de/Geschic...Geschichte8.htm Before visiting, either turn the volume off or down on your computer system. If you're not expecting German marching music, the sound will catch you off guard. Note #2 at the bottom of the linked page, mentions him being seriously wounded and amputation of his leg. Les

The EK ribbon has a small pull-through in the center showing green and white fuzzies underneath, and the long service has a definite trace of white thread present. There's no definite holes from thread in the other ribbons. While those two appear to have had minis present at some time, the others show no real traces being threaded and then having any medals pulled. Rick, your idea that the "peacock" had the bar made up and then found there weren't any minis for some of those awards is entirely possible. The pin back arrangement is very tight and might indicate it wasn't opened/closed much. Then again, seeing the photo Ulster posted means rethinking what was going on with the bar. Thanks for the input guys. Les

I picked this up because I liked the way it looked, despite some ignorant git stripping the mini-medals from the bar. It's been in storage for a while, and saw sunlight again for a short while today. It would be nice to find all of the missing medals, but I don't think it's likely to happen anytime soon... What a shame. Les

Not so plain.... Anyone have others with different features? Les

A generic looking German wartime knife: Les

MUbarak is not the guy to contact. The person in charge of Egypt's archaeological program is Dr. Zahi Hawass, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA). He's far too busy being involved with television appearances on NOVA, the Discovery Channel, the History Channel etc, being pompous and telling the world how he can tell the difference between an ordinary and royal Egyptian mummy. He's a real jerk (I've met him, but that's another story), and a publicity hound. A letter to him would also go unanswered. Although Egypt's past, and antiquities are a major (if not the only?) reason people visit Egypt, and tourism is a major industry, the country has limited money to spend on the National (Cairo) Museum, let alone the architecture and other archaeological materials from the pre-modern era. One of the lessons about Egypt being an old country, where real change takes place slowly, if at all. I have no doubt the bugs will be there for a long time, and even if mentioned on a televised program, the result would be the people who made the program would not be given further access to any of Egypt's antiquities.

Reuters, today: Australia's last World War One soldier dies, aged 110 Wed Jun 3, 4:00 am ET CANBERRA (Reuters Life!) ? The last remaining Australian to serve in World War One has died at the age of 110, Veterans' Affairs Minister Alan Griffin said on Wednesday. John "Jack" Ross, who was also Australia's oldest man having turned 110 in March, died in his sleep early Wednesday morning at a nursing home in Bendigo in the state of Victoria. Ross was 18 when he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in January 1918 and trained at the wireless training school, but the war ended nine months later and before he could be posted overseas. He was discharged on Christmas Eve that year. "Mr. Ross showed his willingness to serve Australia and her allies in what was an extremely tumultuous time in our history, and for that we are grateful," said Griffin in a statement. "While he did not travel overseas, he completed his training, ready for deployment." Griffin said Ross was the last of 417,000 Australians who served in World War One and one of only a handful of remaining veterans from that war. Ross served Australia again in World War Two as a member of the Volunteer Defense Corps. As a civilian, he worked for the Victorian railways before retiring in 1964. "It now falls to Australians everywhere to ensure that veterans memory is kept alive. We must ensure that their contribution to Australia's wartime history is passed on to future generations, so that their sacrifice is never forgotten," said Griffin. (Reporting by Belinda Goldsmith, Editing by Miral Fahmy) Les

Barry, Check out this (google e-)book which is on-line at http://books.google.com/books?id=MZAYAAAAM...fox-a#PPA275,M1 Then go to page 275. Lo and beholdeth there, a list of the 5e. Cuir engagements during the 1809 campaign. Les

Until you can come up with a positive identification, you won't know for certain what the temperature ranges the eggs/larvae can endure, or for how long. There are plant seeds that require a freeze/thaw cycle before the seeds will germinate. I wouldn't rule out some insects requiring something similar. Try this: put the bagged items in the freezer for a week (or two), take them out and let them thaw out and remain at room temperature for a few days or even a couple of weeks. It's possible the freeze and then thawing to "normal" temps might cause any eggs to hatch. Then...put the bagged items right back in the freezer before the things reach adult breeding age and lay more eggs. Repeat the process again, perhaps for a total of three times. After that, keep the items in a sealed display item where you can keep tabs on it, and be certain it won't lead to other items in your collection (or house) being infested, or if your house is infested with something, that the items aren't going to be re infested. Rick/Stogie, is that worth trying until there's better information to act on? Les

I found this photo on-line, showing a "Sanni" wearing the early gauge face mask and one of the respirators with an oxygen bottle. The photo does support Chip's comment that the mask could have been used for treating gas casualties, although the amount of oxygen would be limited and not be useful for treating more than one or at most two patients for a brief period of time. The medic could also use the oxygen to provide a quick dose of oxygen to important (or v.i.p.) casualties with lung wounds (gun shot, shrapnel, etc), or even for a personal energy boost. Les

Andreas, I'd suggest any error here, should be on the side of caution. The fellow was supposed to be in a "Begleit" or escort unit and he's awarded a -flak- badge? Escort units might have anti-aircraft support (m.g.s, and trailer hauled anti-aircraft 20mm guns, but probably nothing larger than that), and personnel in the unit would not likely be in a position to be a Flak "gunner", and so on. At one point he's a flak crew member, and at another point he's serving on a "Panzer" and eligible for a tank assault badge? I'm not so sure someone would be moved around from one specialized piece of equipment to another type of service requiring a whole new set of skills. Could happen, but in this particular case, I'd be leery given the potential value of the docs if real. Another thing that bothers me is the typewriter used to prepare both documents looks like it might have been the same one. The way the unit is spelled or abbreviated might suggest the two docs were done a year or more apart, but then would the typewriter ribbon have been replaced a time or two, and therefore the amount of ink on the page be different (darker/lighter, not the same....)? One by itself could easily pass, while two documents allows the details on the two to be compared. I don't know what you're going to do, but I'd pass on these. Regards! Les

Ok...they got uniforms, headgear, the same style of weapons, and other external visuals including growing facial hair that would make a cat proud, but they still don't look like......Germans. Rickie will like this photo. Les

Chip, I had one of those I sold to Bill Combs about two years ago. Mine had also had the eyepieces, and came in a pressed steel gas mask can painted fieldgrey, that was about three and a half inches in diameter, and a little over ten inches long. The can also had papecloth straps on it. Christophe, here's a photo from my collection. It appears to be a training exercise. The officer in the foreground is wearing the identical type mask in the photo you posted. In his right hand is a kugelgrenate and with the left hand, he's holding the muzzle of a Gew98. The man behind him is wearing a standard infantry mask. Les

For those who want to download and save (a permanent) digital copy of this book, google books has it on line, free, at: http://books.google.com/books?id=TqIQAAAAY...esnum=1#PPR3,M1 Les

Vince, the dissolution was by agreement between the Soviets and Western Allies (France, Russia, the UK and the USA). It was not unilateral by the Soviets. Here's the full text: Territorial Reorganization Inside Germany ABOLITION OF THE STATE OF PRUSSIA Control Council Law No. 46 and Excerpt from Report of Military Governor [ February 25, 1947] The Prussian State which from early days has been a bearer of militarism and reaction in Germany has de facto ceased to exist. Guided by the interests of preservation of peace and security of peoples and with the desire to assure further reconstruction of the political life of Germany on a democratic basis, the Control Council enacts as follows: Article I The Prussian State together with its central government and all its agencies is abolished. Article II Territories which were a part of the Prussian State and which are at present under the su?preme authority of the Control Council will receive the status of Laender or will be ab?sorbed into Laender. The provisions of this Article are subject to such revision and other provisions as may be agreed upon by the Allied Control Authority, or as may be laid down in the future Constitu?tion of Germany. Article III The State and administrative functions as well as the assets and liabilities of the former Prussian State will be transferred to appropri?ate Laender, subject to such agreements as may be necessary and made by the Allied Control Authority. Article IV This law becomes effective on the day of its signature. Done at Berlin on 25 February 1947. P. KOENIG, G?n?ral d'Arm?e V. SOKOLOVSKY, Marshal of the Soviet Union LUCIUS D. CLAY for JOSEPH T. MCNARNEY, General B. H. ROBERTSON for Sir SHOLTO DOUGLAS Marshal of the Royal Air Force [ February 1947] Control Council Law No. 46, signed on 25 February, liquidates the State of Prussia, its central government, and all its agencies. This law is in the nature of a confirming action; the eleven provinces and administrative dis?tricts of prewar Prussia have since the begin?ning of the occupation been split up among theSoviet, British, and U.S. Zones and Poland.17 ____________________ 17 Excerpt from Legal and Judicial Affairs ( Bimonthly Review), OMGUS Report No. 20, Jan. 1-Feb. 28, 1947. Publication Information: Book Title: Germany, 1947-1949: The Story in Documents. Contributors: U.S. Dept. of State - orgname. Publisher: U.S. Govt. Print. Off.. Place of Publication: Washington, DC. Publication Year: 1950. Page Number: 151.

The Kaiser and Kronprinz both signed the same abdication document, which forever gave up their claims/rights to the Prussian and Imperial thrones. Considering that father and son both released any royal or Imperial claims (and by extension duties, obligations, so-called rights, etc) the argument can be made that if he also gave up his -legal- "head of family" status, and therefore was no longer the head of any order(s) associated with being the former head of a royal or Imperial family. Willy does not seem to have been an indepth thinker (otherwise many of the errors leading up to WWI, and it's consequences for Germany) might have been thought out and acted on differently. That said, the finer points of law probably eluded him, and he either didn't know, or if he did, didn't care that he had no right to award household orders of a family of which he was no longer the "head." Today, the Hohenzollern family may have a head of family, but in the strictest sense of the word, the head of the family, is a pretender to a non-existent throne. "Prussia" itself was formally dissolved by an Inter-allied Control act in 1947, the terms of which were binding on the later Federal German constitution, and by extension to the unification of the former DDR with the BDR. The Austriana solution to legal and other problems with the Habsburg's and their noble allies, was to disenfranchise the lot, requiring "von" to be dropped from legal names, and paying attention to more pressing matters instead of dealing with pretenders and their adherents. The Peasant Revolts of 1517-1519 never stood a chance. Tscahde! Les