EK 1914 EK2 document - Matrosen-regiment 4

[Laurens Q]

While searching the internet for (EK2-) award docs given for actions in 'Flandern', I noticed this item. I don't question originality, but I raise an eyebrow for the unit. Simply because I have no knowledge of a Matrosen-Regiment. Can someone please elaborate on these units? Where they of any importance or rather rated poorly? Thank you,Laurens

Edited December 27, 2009 by Laurens Q

[Guest Rick Research]

The Matrosen Regiments of naval infantry were formed largely out of sailors combed out of the useless high seas fleet, so employed as soldiers. There was some mixture with Sea Battalion personnel. They wore field gray naval uniforms, down to their "Donald Duck" caps.

It is hard to judge effectiveness since they were employed along the "quiet" Belgian coast, where major land operations never occurred.

Poor old Clemens von Weise led this regiment from July 1915 to war's end. He survived and was discharged in 1919, only to be killed, apparently as a hapless civilian passer-by, in the street fighting in Eutin on 16 March 1920.

[Guest Rick Research]

Members of a Matrosen Regiment-- the "dirt sailors of Flanders"--

Contrasted with their Marine comrades of the Sea Battalions--

Note that even here, a blue-clad "sea sailor" is mixed in. This was not at all uncommon. Group photos often show such mixtures of uniforms--but navy blue can hardly have been a good idea in frotnline trenches! :speechless1:

[Chris Boonzaier]

It is the standard format doc for the navy (and attached units),

Best

Chris

[Laurens Q]

Thank you gents, including the nice photos as well! Did I read correctly (but on a Dutch forum) that one of these regiments were deployed as far as Ypres (Poelkapelle) in 1915?