Eiserne Wehr's portrait corner.

[Bernd_W]

16 hours ago, Eiserne Wehr said:

This certainly can be read as someone being away and unable to communicate for a longer period, i.e. being a prisoner. While there's relativity little text, he emphasizes twice that he's doing great, which would be a bit over the top in a normal letter. His desire to hear and even see his mates is also apparent.

This "Gott sei Dank geht es mir ganz gut." means him being well.

This "Haben es bisher noch ganz gut." is IMO about he (and his unit) is not at the Frontline, but at the shooting range in Elsass, where life was much better.

"Lass wieder was von dir hören." is not literally about to hear is voice, its: Send me a card.

[Eiserne Wehr]

Again, thank you for your input, i got a bit carried away with my interpretation. Of course i was not referring him to actually want to literally hear from him but just a bid to receive words from his mate.

[Eiserne Wehr]

This photograph shows an Unteroffizier of Königlich Bayerisches 9. Infanterie-Regiment 'Wrede' in a village or town setting. Through his second buttonhole he attached the ribbon of his Eisernes Kreuz II. Klasse, around his neck hangs a set of binoculars. On his belt a small calibre pistol in it's leather holster, a Grabendolch and a Bajonett with a Mannschaften Troddel. Over his right arm hangs a coat. The back there's only a name written on it: Schreg.

[Grabendolch]

Excellent thread Eiserne Wehr, keep it up! The excellent write up make me believe identifying the knives is not a problem but let me know if you need any help with any obscure ones.

[Eiserne Wehr]

Sitting on his horse is Leutnant Schaal of Feld Rekruten Depot XXVII, Reserve Korps, 8. Kompanie in Audenarde, Belgium. His Pickelhaube with brass scales over the leather chinstrap is covered by a privately purchased cover that sits snugly. From his neck hangs a set of binoculars and from his shoulder a map case that holds a map and some documents. On his belt sits a Grabendolch. Soldiers gather in the background in front of an industrial building, perhaps the actual depot? The tall building in the back is the 'Sint-Walburgakerk', 'church of saint Walpurga'. This church was one of the few, although damaged, still standing during the war in contrast to most churches in the surroundings. Churches were easy targets for the artillery to aim for, their towers stick out on the horizon like a sore thumb. That's the reason why you see so many churches in photographs with their towers destroyed or even completely shot to bits. The other obvious reason to target them is that they provide an excellent point of observation. I traced back the location of where this photograph was taken, the industrial buildings are all gone. On the map where the hand is pointing is the approximate location where the photograph was taken.
The back reads:
Audenarde(Oudenaarde) 5. Juni 16.
Liebe Grete! Es hätte mich
sehr gefreut wann ich dich in Rav.(Ravensburg)
hätte begrüssen können, aber
leider schickt sich mein Urlaub
mindestens bis Anfang Juli hinaus.
Haben sich deine Nervlein wieder
gut erholt? Gestarkts zur
wiederaufnahme diener menschenfreundl.(menschenfreundlichkeit)
tätigkeit? Bei
Tante Katzew(?) Geburtstag
wart ihr scheinst vergnügt
beisammen. Grüsse Mutter
u.(und) Geschwister u. (und) Sei du recht
Herzlich gegrüsst von deinem
Onkel fugen da dir gute
Gesundheit u.(und) Befriedigung
im Amt wunscht.

 

An Schwester Grete Sterkel
Parkettfabrik
Ravensburg
Württemberg

 

Abs.(Absender) Schaal Ltt.(Leutnant) d.L.u.K.F.
Feld Rekr.(Rekruten) Depot
XXVII. R.(Reserve) Korps.

 

Audenarde

Audenarde(Oudenaarde) 5th of June 1916.
Dear Grete! I would have been delighted to greet you
in Ravensburg but sadly my vacation will be pushed back at least until beginning of July.
Have you recovered again from your nerves?
Strengthened by resuming your humanitary duties?
At aunt's (name) birthday you appeared to have enjoyed each others company.
Greet mother and siblings and be most heartily greeted from your uncle
who would like to add to wish you best health and satisfaction at the office.

 

To sister Grete Sterkel
Parkettfabrik(parquet floors factory)
Ravensburg
Württemberg

 

Sender: Schaal, Leutnant d.L.u.K.F.
Feld Rekr.(Rekruten) Depot
XXVII. R.(Reserve) Korps.
Audenarde

 

Included is also an image of the factory miss Sterkel worked.

 

 

[Eiserne Wehr]

This very young looking lad is of 10. Württembergisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 180. This photograph is most likely made after 27. October 1916 because the numbers are removed from his Pickelhaube cover. On his back a Tornister with a blanket and Zeltbahn strapped to it. On his left side, next to his Grabendolch, sits a holster with his Luger 08 pistol on his belt. On his right side hanging from loops is a small flat pouch made from wool. At first i thought that it must be a pouch for a wire cutter but the size, construction and material seems too fine for such a tool. I am unable to identify this pouch, if you happen to have information about it, please share it here. In his right hand are his gloves, he is wearing corduroy trousers. The photographer or his assistant made the floor of the studio look as if it has snowed. The back is unwritten but there's print on it: Gebr.(Gebrüder) Schmid. Truppenübungsplatz bei Münsingen(Baden-Württemberg). The brothers Schmid strategically set their studio up on the main street that leads to the military training grounds of Münsingen. In the area south from the training grounds were many establishments to be found to cater the soldiers. Apart from the photography studio, a bakery, restaurants, a large scale butchery, a chemical dry-cleaner, even a lemonade factory to name a few. On 3. August 1895 King Wilhelm II. of Württemberg signed a mandate to evict those who lived in the area that was assigned for the location of the military grounds. From 24. October 1895 the training grounds were being used for training in marksmanship, two years later there were sleeping quarters created for the soldiers to stay on the training grounds. After the turn of the century two large observation towers were erected. Each year around 40.000 soldiers from the region finished their military training here. During the first World war there was also a prisoner camp for about 4.000 French, Russian, Italian and Serbian prisoners of war.

[Eiserne Wehr]

These two mates are of the Königlich Bayerisches Infanterie-Leibregiment. The soldier on the right has a trench knife on his belt. They both wear mountaineer boots, but in contrast, their puttees are of a different colour. The back has only print on it:'Photogr.(Photography) Atelier L. Führer, München, Schwanthalerstr. 97/III'.

[Eiserne Wehr]

Standing confidently, in this lovely studio photograph, is Alfred Bettschuck of Königlich Sächsischen 5. Infanterie-Regiment 'Kronprinz' Nr. 104. On his belt he carries a Grabendolch from the F. W. Backhaus manufacturer in Solingen. In his right hand are a pair of white parade gloves. The photography studio of H. Frank was situated on Bernsdorfer Straße 65. Chemnitz. The beautiful building is still standing and i thought it is worth including a picture of it here.
The back reads:
Chemnitz 22. 11. 17.
Sehr geehrte Frl.(Fräulein) Tag!
Die herzlichsten Grüße von
Chemnitz sendet Ihnen und
allen Bekannten Alfred Bettschuck.
Es geht mir noch sehr gut eur
Ihnen Hoffentlich auch. Ich
hatte bis jetzt glück gehabt
den es Kan(kann) sein das ich noch
bis zum frühjahr in Chemnitz
bleibe dar im Winter ist
es im Feld auch nicht gut
so schön da lebe ich mein
Jägerschloßchen wo ich im quartir(quartier)
liege. Es grüßt Sie auf
ein Wiedersehen
Alfred Bettschuck

 

Chemnitz 22. 11. 17.
Dear miss Tag!
The most hearty greetings i send to you and all
acquaintances from Chemnitz, Alfred Bettschuck.
I am doing great and i wish you all the same.
Untill now i am very lucky, i will likely remain in
Chemnitz untill spring because being in the field during winter
isn't great. Beautiful is my life in the hunting lodge where
i am currently staying.
He who greets you and untill we meet again
Alfred Bettschuck

 

The hunting lodge he refers to is probably the Augustusburg hunting lodge, 12. Km. eastwards from Chemnitz.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited January 22 by Eiserne Wehr

[Eiserne Wehr]

This striking Bavarian Unteroffizier would stand out from a crowd and that's not only due to his awards. He proudly poses with his Militärverdienstkreuz II. Klasse mit Schwertern, Eisernes Kreuz II. Klasse and Militärverdienstkreuz III. Klasse mit Schwertern und Krone. On his belt a Grabendolch with Bavarian style Portepee. His right hand rests on his visorcap.

[Eiserne Wehr]

Portrayed, while smoking, is Eduard Schidlo of 4. Schlesisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.157., 11. Kompanie,  which was part of the 12th Division. On the right side of his belt sits a Holster with his Luger 08, on his left a Grabendolch with a Mannschaften Troddel wrapped around the scabbard. Across his trench knife hangs a webbing that is attached to his belt by a clip. Perhaps when he unbuttons the leather strap at the moment he senses close combat is imminent the webbing prevents the trench knife from flopping about? The Verlustlisten shows him going missing on the 18. October 1914, on 21. August 1915 his status is altered to:"reported to be missing, is dead", yet on the 26. November 1915 the report was as follows:"Not dead, was severely wounded, is now discharge(from hospital)". At the time he went missing he was fighting north-west of Verdun at Cheppy, Malancourt and Vauquois.

[Eiserne Wehr]

A beautiful studio photograph of Vizefeldwebel Hutzelmann of Königlich Bayerisches 5. Infanterie-Regiment 'Großherzog Ernst Ludwig von Hessen', 5. Kompanie. Note his visor cap, it has the gray covering band over the coloured band of his visor cap and by regulations still show the Kokarde of his state. A small ribbon bar sits on his tunic and on his belt a Grabendolch with Bavarian Portepee. The puttees wrapped on his lower legs are that of the darker in colour type. His right hand rests on a stylish Jugendstil table. In the Verlustlisten there are three men from Königlich Bayerisches 5. Infanterie-Regiment with the last name Hutzelmann. Adolf Hutzelmann was a Gefreiter so he is not this man, Heinrich Hutzelmann(rank not specified) from Oggersheim is of 5. Reserve-Infanterie-Regiment and died early in the war, 11. November 1914. Martin Hutzelmann is from Sennfeld which is relatively close to Hammelburg where the studio was situated in which this photograph was taken. On 11. October 1916 he was reported as to have died, this in combination with his M1915 Bluse would made me conclude that the man on the front is named Martin Hutzelmann.

[Eiserne Wehr]

Although the photographer failed to put this Sachsen Gefreiter in full focus, the camera still picked up some of the details to determine to what Regiment he belonged. He is of the Königlich Sächsische 6. Feld-Artillerie-Regiment Nr. 68. On his tunic he has two medals, i believe the small round one is that of Friedrich-August-Medaille in Bronze which he regards of higher distinction than his Eisernes Kreuz II. Klasse. On his belt on the right sits his holster of his pistol, the holster resembles that of the Dreyse manufacturer. On the left side he carries a trench knife. His right middle finger is adorned with a ring and on his riding boots are spurs applied.

[Stogieman]

That first medal is indeed a FAM. During the war, most Saxons wore their Saxon awards before anything else, similar to the Bavarian troops!

[Eiserne Wehr]

Posing in this photograph is Bavarian Unteroffizier Josef Köglmeier, of Königlich Bayerisches 11. Infanterie-Regiment 'von der Tann'. He is portrayed with his earned Militärverdienstkreuz 3. Klasse mit Schwertern while having a smoke. On his belt a Grabendolch and a Bajonett. I happen to own this photograph twice, one has writing on it and the other just his name but that one includes also his first name.
The back reads:
Geschrieben den 4. januar 1917.

Werte Anna!

Ich bin im besitz
von deiner Karte
wofür ich dir herzlich
Danke Ich mir dir ein
Kleines Anlegen schicken
Ich bin soweit gesund
das ich auch von dir hoffe
Es Grüßt dich Herzlich
Köglmeier
Grüß an Deine Eltern und Geschwisters
Auf Wiedersehen

 

An Fraul(Fraulein)
Anna Schmid
Rickatshofen
Richt(Richtung) Oberreitnau

 

Abs.(Absender) Unteroffizier Köglmeier
6 Kg Div 11 Inftr Regt 12 Komp
(6. Kgl. Bayer. Infanterie-Division, Kgl. Bayer. 11. Infanterie-Regiment 'von der Tann', 12. Kompanie)

 

Written on the 4th of january 1917.

Worthy Anna!

I received the Postcard you send me and i would like to gratefully thank you for it.
Hereby i send you a small compensation for it.
So far i am healthy what i also hope likewise of you.
He greets you heartily
Köglmeier
Greetings to your parents and siblings
Until we meet again.

 

To Miss
Anna Schmid
Rickatshofen
Near Oberreitnau

 

Sender Unteroffizier Köglmeier
6 Kg Div 11 Inftr Regt 12 Komp
(6. Kgl. Bayer. Infanterie-Division, Kgl. Bayer. 11. Infanterie-Regiment 'von der Tann', 12. Kompanie)

[Bernd_W]

5 hours ago, Eiserne Wehr said:

Richt(Richtung) Oberreitnau

Could be Post Oberreitnau, because there was no post office in Rickatshofen.

but Im not sure. s is different form the one in Rickatshofen. But for Richt its also a different c when comparing with Rickatshofen, and the R is also different.

 

Edited January 26 by Bernd_W

[Eiserne Wehr]

A Bavarian soldier poses with an Eisernes Kreuz II. Klasse ribbon attached on his tunic, a 11. Königlich Bayerische Infanterie-Division commemorative badge on his collar and a Grabendolch on his belt. The manner in which he has attached his trench knife to his belt is out of the ordinary. The leather loop that normally is attached to the scabbard seems to be replaced or modified. The piece of leather strip is buttoned together while the original would be a simple loop. The leather loop with the button that normally holds the trench knife up straight is too small to go around the belt. It might be the case that the larger loop tore apart and the smaller loop was used to bridge the gap. His trousers are reinforced with leather patches at the knees and over his long socks he wrapped puttees, his shoes are that of the mountaineer type. Alongside him, a walking cane made from a tree branch or small tree and a box of matches. In his left hand a cigarette.
The back reads:
Zum Andenken
an meine Freund
Franz

 

To remember my
friend Franz

[Eiserne Wehr]

A fantastic studio photograph of an Infanterist with his full gear. Although to me the eye-catcher here is his F.W. Backhaus trench knife on his belt, to others, the 43/44 Ersatz bayonet fixed to his Mauser Gewehr 98. Sadly there is nothing to deduce any further information about this soldier. 

[Grabendolch]

On 24/01/2025 at 13:46, Eiserne Wehr said:

Portrayed, while smoking, is Eduard Schidlo of 4. Schlesisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.157., 11. Kompanie,  which was part of the 12th Division. On the right side of his belt sits a Holster with his Luger 08, on his left a Grabendolch with a Mannschaften Troddel wrapped around the scabbard. Across his trench knife hangs a webbing that is attached to his belt by a clip. Perhaps when he unbuttons the leather strap at the moment he senses close combat is imminent the webbing prevents the trench knife from flopping about? The Verlustlisten shows him going missing on the 18. October 1914, on 21. August 1915 his status is altered to:"reported to be missing, is dead", yet on the 26. November 1915 the report was as follows:"Not dead, was severely wounded, is now discharge(from hospital)". At the time he went missing he was fighting north-west of Verdun at Cheppy, Malancourt and Vauquois.

 

Good morning!

 

The webbing strap you see clipped on his belt is called a "Karabinerschlaufe". It was a short cloth (early versions were made of leather) strap that was used to pull the fuse on handgrenades. There is a great stormtrooper instruction movie in the Bundesarchiv which features the use of this strap.

Best regards from the Netherlands,
Sven

The strap:

The instruction video:

 

Edited January 27 by Grabendolch

[Eiserne Wehr]

Presented here is a fairly young Prussian Leutnant with his stormtroopers, an interesting assemble of characters if i may add. The Leutnant wears an officer type M 1915 tunic accompanied by a black leather belt with a Prussian Feldbinde buckle. On his left breast pocket flap sits his Eisernes Kreuz II. Klasse ribbon. He appears to have no side arm on his belt but perhaps it's out of view. The majority of the men in this group earned an Eisernes Kreuz II. Klasse, carry a pistol and a trench knife. The two men on either side of the Leutnant proudly show their Eisernes Kreuz I. Klasse that is pinned on their tunic. This group of soldiers display two types of trench knives, one is with wooden scales that are fastened with predominant rivets, these stick out from the handle as small domes. The overall common trench knives with wooden scales have rivets that are flush with the scales. The other type is the in metal stamped Demag "crank-hande" knife. The soldier behind the Leutnant on his left has either a really bad sunburn or there's make-up applied to his face. The outline is quite clear and would match when wearing a toque. What is also noteworthy is the fact half of the men wear an early war tunic that shows the buttons and the others the M 1915 where the buttons are obscured. Some wear trousers with patches applied to the knees, both in leather and cloth, but they all wear the shoes with puttees combination.

[Stogieman]

Good Morning! I’m enjoying seeing all these Bavarian awards in wear. The Prussian Leutnant appears to have his EK2 ribbon folded through a buttonhole? Very unusual!

Thanks for sharing these!

[Eiserne Wehr]

Shown here is a Prussian soldier of Infanterie-Regiment 'Prinz Friedrich der Niederlande' (2. Westfälisches) Nr. 15. The Schwalbennester attached from the shoulders tells us unmistakeably that he's a band member. He wears an Eisernes Kreuz II. Klasse ribbon and a Verwundetenabzeichen on his tunic. On his black belt sits his Grabendolch, in the background on his left sleeve can a mourning armband be observed. Note his visor cap that has the gray cover band applied to cover up the colour band of the cap, he also wears riding trousers.

[Eiserne Wehr]

A wonderful photograph of Bavarian Oberstleutnant Flösser taken in a densely wooded and hilly terrain. Looking at the five little loops on his tunic he must have an impressive medal clasp. Although he isn't wearing his clasp, he proudly displays his Eisernes Kreuz I. Klasse together with the ribbons of his Eisernes Kreuz II. Klasse and Bavarian Militärverdienstkreuz. The leather sling going across his chest is most likely that of his binoculars case and the canvas webbing that of a gas mask. On his right he carries a leather case for maps and documents on his belt. On his left a Grabendolch that is mounted in the frog of a bayonet which is wrapped with a Bavarian Portepee. He wears thin leather gloves, a pair of riding trousers that are covered at the lower legs with leather gamaschen. To his shoes are cleats applied. Over the years i stumbled on this photograph three times and bought them all. There is text written on two of them but they all differ slightly in quality, this is the sharpest of the three.

These are two accounts of different soldiers who state that sir Flösser was a friendly, well liked commander and that they were saddened when they heard he was laid off. While the first soldier only briefly mentioned sir Flösser, the second dedicates the whole backside of the card to praise him. He obviously had a more personal contact with the gentleman.

[Bernd_W]

Nice picture, the more well versed gentlemen in this field might tell you his awards. 

I only can tell you this:

Er war ein Offizier wie er im Buche stand.

[Eiserne Wehr]

This Bavarian soldier had to make due with a makeshift "photography studio" for when he wanted his picture taken. A partial torn blanket is draped over a stone wall as an improvised backdrop. The ribbon attached to his tunic reveals he earned an Eisernes Kreuz II. Klasse, on his belt sits his Grabendolch. From his right jackboot protrudes a thin long object which appears to be made out of metal with scales of wood or bakelit, a straight razor perhaps?

[Eiserne Wehr]

There is sadly nothing that indicates his Regiment or even of which state he is from, the back is also unwritten. The shoulder board is that of a Leutnant but i can't identify what numerals or possible Monogram is attached to it. He wears a M16 steel helmet and pinned on his tunic are two ribbons and the prized Eisernes Kreuz I. Klasse. On his belt he has a trench knife in a traditional leather sheath with a chape on it's end made from metal. In his right hand are a pair of gloves.