Prussia The medals of Werner von Hentig

[Chris Dale]

Werner Otto von Hentig (1886-1984) was one of the leaders of the German Afghan Mission 1915-16, prior to then he was wounded as an officer in the 3rd Cuirassiers on the Eastern Front. This photo shows him in Afghanistan still with his white cavalry uniform. I'm wondering what medals he's wearing. Does anyone know he was awarded by 1915?

There's a better version of that photo here-

http://www.phototheca-afghanica.ch/index.php?id=35&no_cache=1&tx_browser_pi1[showUid]=205&cHash=44602c60b5

Any help would be appreciated!

Cheers
Chris

[Hugh]

A different version of the photo appears on the cover of Peter Hopkirk's Like Hidden Fire - The Plot to Bring Down the British Empire. The poses are very slightly different, and the gent in the fez has left to get a cuppa, but otherwise it is identical. Capt. Oskar Niedermayer with the slouch hat and the grumpy disposition has moved next to Raja Mahendra Pratap (center). It's a helluva book.

Edited January 31, 2013 by Hugh

[Chris Dale]

Hi Hugh,

Thanks for that. Actually "Like Hidden Fire" was the first book I read on this subject, it's a great read isn't it?

On von Hentig's mysterious medals, he worked in the German diplomatic corps in Peking, Tehran and the Ottoman Empire before the Afghan Mission so its quite possible that some of his medals are Chinese, Persian or Turkish...

Cheers

Chris

[Chris Dale]

I've added a page on my website about the uniforms worn during Hentig's Mission to Afghanistan-
http://s400910952.websitehome.co.uk/germancolonialuniforms/afghan%20mission.htm

You'll find some clearer photos of Hentig and the rest of the mission there. Perhaps someone can identify some of Hentig's medals from those photos?

Cheers

Chris

[jaba1914]

Realy interesting article. Thank you.

Regards

Alex

[Chris Dale]

Thanks Alex, glad you enjoyed it...
Cheers

Chris