Oberstleutnant. (a. D.) Ernst Freiherr von Schimmelmann - Help Needed

[91-old-inf-reg]

Hello all, 

I'm looking for any and all information regarding Freiherr v. Schimmelmann.

 

So far what I know is that we was awarded the Pour le Merite and he is one of just two individuals, the other being Alexander von Falkenhausen, to be awarded the Oldenburg Haus und Verdienstorden Ritterkreuz I klasse mit Schwertern und Lorbeer.

 

A real mouthfull I know.

 

The majority of the information that I had been able to gather comes from IR 91 Oberlt. Gert Pflugrat's book:

“Das Offizierkorps des Oldbg. IR 91 während des Weltkrieges 1914/18” 

 

What my main hope is, is to compile a complete list of Freiherr von Schimmelman's ranks, regiments, awards, and especially, a picture of the man.

 

Being a winner of the Pour le Merite, I figured that this shouldn't be to difficult; However, I haven't been successful. 

 

This is what I have so far:

 

 

Oberstleutnant (a. D.) Ernst Adolf Alfonz Freiherr von Schimmelmann

a. D mit Uniform Infanterie Regiment 91 - Charakterisiert 9. April 1920

(14 Januar 1869 in Frankfurt an der Oder - Death Unknown)

 

Diensteintritt:

• 22. März 1888 - Fähnrich  - I.R. 55
• 9. April 1920 - Oberstleutant char. - IR 91

 

Oberst und Kommandeur der Sicherheitspolizei in Duisburg 

 

• Pour le Merite - 16. Juli 1918
• Eisernes Kreuz II u. I klasse 
• Königliche Hausorden von Hohenzollern Ritterkreuz mit Schwertern 
• Großherzogtum Oldenburg Herzog Peter Friedrich Ludwig Haus und Verdienstorden Ritterkreuz I klasse mit Schwertern und Lorbeer 
• Großherzogtum Oldenburg Freidrich August Kreuz II klasse mit "vor dem feinde" Spange und I klasse.
• Königreich Bayernische Militärverdienstorden IV klasse 
• Hamburg Hanseatenkreuz

 

I can assume, due to his extended service prior to the war that he was awarded the Zentenarmedaille, Deinstauzeichnung I klasse, possibly the Roter Adler Orden IV klasse, or degree of the Kronen Orden, possibly an award from Lippe-Detmold due to his time in IR 55. Maybe @Solomon may be of some service in that department. 

 

A simple search of his name states that he authored a regimental history of Infanterie-Regiment Prinz Friedrich der Niederlande (2. Westfälisches) Nr.15 for its centenary in 1913 and he was a Hauptmann and a Kompagnie-Cheif of the regiment. - If this information is determined to be correct, could it be possible he was awarded with a Dutch award?

 

Further, according to The Axis History Forum user "Mjölnir", writes that Major Freiherr von Schimmelmann, when awarded the Pour Le Merite, was attached to I.R. 394, an Ersatz Regiment for I.R. 163 - The duration of his time attached to I.R. 394 would be greatly appreciated.

 

 

Peace time ranks and awards are most graciously appreciated.

 

Thank you in advance for all those who aid in this inquiery

 

Regards

 

Edited November 1, 2021 by 91-old-inf-reg

[Herman]

Good evening,

 

He indeed received a Dutch award. On June 26th, 1913 he was awarded an Officers Cross in the Order of Oranje Nassau. 

 

See attached pdf.

 

Regards

Herman 

00144858.PDF

[91-old-inf-reg]

@Herman, Thank you, this is phenomenal! 

 

From what the document states, Freiherr von. Schimmelman was a Hauptman while apart of the 2nd Westfälisches, and had to have served in it prior to 1913

 

This is very helpful, thank you again.

 

Regards

Edited October 31, 2021 by 91-old-inf-reg

[Dave Danner]

It is Alfons with an "s", not Alfonz

 

† 10. Mai 1953 in Oldenburg

 

22.03.1888 als char. Portepée-Fähnrich aus dem Hauptkadettenanstalt dem IR 55 überwiesen
15.10.1888 Portepée-Fähnrich
21.08.1889 Sekondelieutenant
27.01.1897 Premierlieutenant
22.03.1897 in das IR 158 versetzt
22.03.1902 mit dem 1.4.1902 als Militärlehrer zum Kadettenhause Naumburg a.S. versetzt (à l.s. d. IR 158)
30.06.1904 in den erblichen Freiherrnstand erhoben
15.09.1904 Hauptmann
27.01.1910 in das IR 15 versetzt
18.10.1913 unter Beförderung zum Major in das IR 91 versetzt
02.08.1914 Kommandeur des I./RIR 74
29.08.1914 verwundet, bei der Truppe verbleibt
xx.04.1916 wegen Erkrankung z. Ers./RIR 74
xx.01.1917 Führer eines Übungs-Regiments im Munsterlager
05.05.1917 Kommandeur des IR 394
19.12.1918 IR 394 aufgelöst
xx.xx.1919 Leiter der Abwicklungsstelle des IR 91
31.03.1920 der Abschied bewilligt
09.04.1920 Charakter als Oberstleutnant a.D.
27.08.1939 Charakter als Oberst a.D. (Tannenberg-Beförderung)

 

01.02.1920 Polizeioberst und Kommander der Schutzpolizei Duisburg
xx.05.1921 zurückgetreten

 

09.04.1897 Lippe-Detmold: Fürstlich Lippisches Ehrenkreuz 4. Klasse
16.03.1911 Schaumburg-Lippe: Fürstlich Schaumburg-Lippisches Ehrenkreuz 3. Klasse

 

His Bavarian MVO was 4. Klasse mit Schwertern und der Krone.

 

 

[91-old-inf-reg]

@Dave Danner Wow! How can I begin to thank you!, this is great!

 

I assume he had more peace-time awards, however, his awards are already becoming quite extensive.

 

Regards.

[Dave Danner]

His prewar Prussian awards were the ones you already mentioned: RAO4, DA and Centenary. The Lippe-Detmold, Schaumburg-Lippe and Netherlands decorations were his only other peacetime awards.

[91-old-inf-reg]

@Dave Danner Perfect! Thanks so much!

Now the hard part, trying to find a picture of the man!

[91-old-inf-reg]

@Herman, Thank you again for the attached document!

Just out of pure curiosity, would you mind telling me where you where able to obtain this? 

All the best.

[91-old-inf-reg]

Hey, 

Look what was shown to me!

 

(Collection of Edelweiß21 via Feldgrau-Forum)

And his peace time awards:

I wish I had the full photo!!

(Collection of Edelweiß21 via Feldgrau-Forum)

Edited November 9, 2021 by 91-old-inf-reg

[Herman]

On 31/10/2021 at 23:18, 91-old-inf-reg said:

@Herman, Thank you, this is phenomenal! 

 

From what the document states, Freiherr von. Schimmelman was a Hauptman while apart of the 2nd Westfälisches, and had to have served in it prior to 1913

 

This is very helpful, thank you again.

 

Regards

Yes, offcourse it's

 

https://www.nationaalarchief.nl/onderzoeken/index/nt00435?activeTab=nt&searchTerm=Schimmelmann&sortering=prs_achternaam&volgorde=asc

 

It is the site of the Dutch Chancellery of all Dutch Orders. 

The site is in Dutch ?.  Just type in the name, hit enter and all hits for this name show up.

 

Also Foreign Orders (Non Dutch), awarded by Foreign States to Dutch citizens are mentioned. They only show up if the recepient made an official request to the Chancellery to wear them.

 

Regards

Herman  

[91-old-inf-reg]

@Herman, Thank you very much, this is great! Thank you for being such a great asset in this search! 
 

Regards.