Books: Prussian Golden Militärverdienstkreuz

[Chris Boonzaier]

Hi,

• Franz Josef Ophaus: Das Preußische Goldene Militär-Verdienst-Kreuz. Verlag Karl Siegismund. Berlin 1936. (Der pour le merite des deutschen Unteroffiziers)
• Klaus D. Patzwall (Hrsg.): Das preussische Goldene Militär-Verdienst-Kreuz. Militair-Verlag Patzwall. Norderstedt 1986. (Quellen und Darstellungen zur Geschichte der Orden und Ehrenzeichen, Band 2)
• Willi Geile: Das Preußische Goldene Militärverdienstkreuz. Seine Verleihungen aufgeschlüsselt nach Regimenten. (= Statistische Ausarbeitungen zur Phaleristik Deutschlands. Band II.) PHV. Offenbach 1997. ISBN 3-932543-01-7.

I have the Ophaus book.... does Patzwall bring anything new to the table? Is it worth getting?

I assume the Geile article is in a Journal that is not to be found anyway....

[Bernhard H.Holst]

Hello Chris.

The Patzwall book is based largely on the Ophaus book. In addition the book by Dr.B. Nickel Von den Taten der Tapferen. 100 Kampfberichte von Inhabern..., Berlin Bernhard & Graefe 1938 was used , all per statements from Patzwall. It does include some reports of deeds which led to the bestowal. Included is that of Gerhard Fieseler, who later developed the Fieseler Storch .

In the past I have never been impressed by books from Patzwall. This, my dislikes include a severe lack of review and corrections before print. Perhaps I may be biased but I believe one wants to put best foot forward with anything meant for the public to read and then value or not.

The third publication you mention seems a part of a journal or such. So may be difficult to find.

Bernhard H. Holst