Show off your Silesian Eagle 1st class

[stogieman]

The reverse!

I don't want to pull it apart, but that's a 1.kl. pin-back on the bar!

[TerryG]

Silesian

These are new to my collection and I really like them so I thought I would post them here. Where can I find some information about the fighting which lead to the awarding of these badges? Any books you can recommend?

[TerryG]

Silesian

The back of the above badge as well as an enamel version.

[JensF.]

Here is a very well made enamel type in nearly mint condition:

[JensF.]

Back with a 30s period pin:

[TerryG]

Eagles

I own 2 of these badges but know nothing about why and where these were awarded. Can anyone point me in the direction of a good book on this subject?

[Brian S]

Silesia was an important catalyst to WWII. That little piece of paper known as the Treaty of Versailles was not a happy moment in German history. And, as seemed to have always been the case in European history, Poland was was in the 'middle' of the conflict.

Here's a quick cut and paste which give some critical geographical and historical names to search further;

Silesia became part of the German Empire within the unification of Germany (1871). There was considerable industrialization in Upper Silesia, and many people moved there. A majority of the population was Polish-speaking and Roman Catholic, and in whole Silesia Polish-speakers were estimated to more than 30%, concentrated in regions of Upper Silesia and Opole.


After Germany's and Austria's defeat in WWI the Austrian parts of Silesia were divided between Poland and Czech. In the Treaty of Versailles it was decided that the population of Upper Silesia should hold a plebiscite in order to determine the future of the province. This plebiscite was held in 1921 and organised by the League of Nations. The outcome of the referendum was 706,000 votes for Germany, and 479,000 for Poland. However, in the southeastern areas which were the backbone of economy and industry, there was a strong majority for Poland. Nonetheless Upper Silesia remained German. Silesia was then reorganised within the two Prussian provinces of Upper and Lower Silesia.

After the referendum, there were three Silesian Insurrections, and as a result of them the League of Nations decided that the province should be split and areas that voted for Poland should become autonomous Silesian Voivodship (Wojewodztwo Śląskie), as part of Poland. Germany took possession of these parts of Silesia again in 1939, when the attack on Poland marked the begin of WWII. The Silesian Poles were killed or deported, and German settlers were brought to their homes subsequent to these atrocities.

[JensF.]

There were some voluntary Freikorps in Silesia led by the VI. Armeekorps. A lot of fighting at the borders of Silesia appeared in 1919-1921. The Armeekorps instituted the "Schlesisches Bewährungsabzeichen / Schlesischer Adler" at june 16, 1919 and it was awarded in two classes. Class II on a ribbon for 3 months participation in the border fighting/protection and class I for 6 months. The 1. class was worn as pinback. In 1933 the award became official until today!

[J.von Canon]

Silesia

Silesia was an important catalyst to WWII. That little piece of paper known as the Treaty of Versailles was not a happy moment in German history. And, as seemed to have always been the case in European history, Poland was was in the 'middle' of the conflict.

Here's a quick cut and paste which give some critical geographical and historical names to search further;

Silesia became part of the German Empire within the unification of Germany (1871). There was considerable industrialization in Upper Silesia, and many people moved there. A majority of the population was Polish-speaking and Roman Catholic, and in whole Silesia Polish-speakers were estimated to more than 30%, concentrated in regions of Upper Silesia and Opole.


After Germany's and Austria's defeat in WWI the Austrian parts of Silesia were divided between Poland and Czech. In the Treaty of Versailles it was decided that the population of Upper Silesia should hold a plebiscite in order to determine the future of the province. This plebiscite was held in 1921 and organised by the League of Nations. The outcome of the referendum was 706,000 votes for Germany, and 479,000 for Poland. However, in the southeastern areas which were the backbone of economy and industry, there was a strong majority for Poland. Nonetheless Upper Silesia remained German. Silesia was then reorganised within the two Prussian provinces of Upper and Lower Silesia.

After the referendum, there were three Silesian Insurrections, and as a result of them the League of Nations decided that the province should be split and areas that voted for Poland should become autonomous Silesian Voivodship (Wojewodztwo Śląskie), as part of Poland. Germany took possession of these parts of Silesia again in 1939, when the attack on Poland marked the begin of WWII. The Silesian Poles were killed or deported, and German settlers were brought to their homes subsequent to these atrocities.

AND...you might have continued how millions of German Silesians were beaten,robbed,raped,tortured,murdered,and deported by the Poles out of areas that had been German for centuries-the great "unspoken Holocaust"of World War II(and this was all AFTER the lovely Soviet onslaught.)There is even a saying in Berlin that "every other Berliner is a Silesian";and it's true...
Perhaps the "entire"history of World War II will eventually be told someday.
J.von Canon (Silesian descendant)

[TerryG]

Silesian

Thanks a lot. Any publications on the subject that you could recommend?

[Brian S]

AND...you might have continued how millions of German Silesians were beaten,robbed,raped,tortured,murdered,and deported by the Poles out of areas that had been German for centuries-the great "unspoken Holocaust"of World War II(and this was all AFTER the lovely Soviet onslaught.)There is even a saying in Berlin that "every other Berliner is a Silesian";and it's true...
Perhaps the "entire"history of World War II will eventually be told someday.
J.von Canon (Silesian descendant)

Yes Mr. Canon. Lots of pain for many countries. I wasn't intending on giving as you say a history lesson but merely a simple overview as I thought that what was asked.

I am sure of one thing, no single people or country had a monopoly on pain and suffering.

I think it's something that most people on this forum take for granted and from what I've read in this forum, most of us are vets in our own right and have our own experiences. But, I thought we were sharing the Silesian Eagle Awards and not our pain. I'm sorry I offend anyone by not expressing the suffering and anguish surrounding this award, but I think everyone gets that.

[stefan_swe]

Well, a few months too late but here is my Schlesischer Adler 1 Stufe.
It was sold as a SS eagle but I got it for half its market value anyway

//Stefan

[Canutt]

Some SE from Detlev...

[Canutt]

2

[Canutt]

3