Post-war PLMs

[Gordon Williamson]

I have a problem with a decorated solider wearing 'more' than he earned just because he could obtain the piece.

I'd agree but have always wondered about the case of Korvettenkapit?n Nikolaus Burggraf und Graf zu Dohna-Schlodien, commander of the M?we, awarded the PLM in 1916. Nowhere in any of the accepted lists is he noted as an Oakleaves winner.

Wearing just the PLM here, but in Edkin's book "The Prussian Orden Pour le Merite", there is a photo of him wearing the PLM with Oakleaves.

Was he wearing something to which he was not entitled ? He certainly did something to upset people as he was known to be greatly disliked in naval circles after the award of his PLM.

[Guest Brian von Etzel]

Your eyes are better than mine Gordon, I can't tell from Edkin's book whether that blurry photo has oakleaves... And he is not listed in Die Ritter des Ordens Pour le Merite Teil 1, Ch. Zweng as having ever been given oaks. I think the rolls very clear and concise so no oaks for him.

[Gordon Williamson]

No, the Edkins book photo isn't all that clear but I believe there is also a photo in the Hildebrand & Zweng book which also shows him wearing the Oakleaves for which it would seem, not one single source would credit him as being entitled.