Freikorps Postcards

[Coburg]

Fantastic thread Brian. Great stuff!!!

Jim

[Brian L.]

Thanks for all the comments.

Here are a few more.

Bayerisches Schützen-Korps (Epp).

The first is an early one from Spring 1919 and the second is a later one, likely after September 1919 showing the green border on the badge indicating an original volunteer when the Freikorps was formed in Ohrdruf on February 11, 1919.

[Brian L.]

Two from a series for Freikorps Hülsen, one of the earliest Freikorps formed (December 26, 1918).

The messages in this series seem to focus on guilt-tripping men into volunteering.

The finger-pointing propaganda style must have worked because Freikorps Hülsen was one of the largest Freikorps of the period and included several smaller Freikorps units, as well as an MG unit, Field Artillery, Cavalry, Armored Train and even an Air squadron (Flieger-Abteilung 432).

The message in the first card is blatantly accusatory. It essentially asks incredulously: 'You're dancing?... while Germany is threatened by Bolshevism and Polish greed. Every young German capable of bearing arms contact Freikorps Hülsen'. The fact that it uses the familiar, "Ihr tanzt?" rather than the more polite 'Sie tanzen' indicates a certain condescending attitude towards people caught up in the post-war nihilistic hedonism that already was apparent in Berlin in 1919 and which would explode during the 20s.

The second card is more sentimental, but still with an undercurrent of guilt, as it implies you'll make your woman happy, only if you join Freikorps Hülsen.

[mchap]

Excellent pieces Brian. Thanks for sharing!

There is a documentary called "Berlin - Metropolis of Vice" that I found interesting. It puts the FK Hulsen flyers into perspective.

3 parts to watch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SkXCRmSkpg

[Brian L.]

Reichswehrmann sometime between 1920 and 1921 wearing the Baltic Cross and Loewenfeld Cross 1st class of the III. Marine-Brigade Loewenfeld, one of the Freikorps that was disbanded after supporting the failed Kapp Putsch in 1920.

[Brian L.]

Württembergischen Freiwilligen-Regiment "Mayer" formed by Hauptmann (later General der Flieger) Wilhelm Mayer. The pine-frond collar badge was transparent green enamel lacquer over gilt-bronze.

[vellocino]

Superb Freikorps examples! Bolewst58 very informative.
Thanks for the lesson!
Vellocino

[BlackWatch1]

I posted this by itself elsewhere but thought I should post it here too. Anyone know what group they were and where? Thanks

[BlackWatch1]

Member of the Freikorps Epp.

[Brian L.]

The group with the skulls are Jägerkorps Erlangen/Freikorps Engelhardt.

I don't believe that the other one is Freikorps Epp. The shield looks too large and the uniform is non-regulation. FK Epp was a true army unit and was an early part of the Preliminary Reichswehr.

I think it's Freikorps Chiemgau. They were a mix of regular soldiers and militia and wore a mixed bag of uniforms like this one. They were attached to and subordinate to FK Epp. But, they had there own badge.

[BlackWatch1]

The group with the skulls are Jägerkorps Erlangen/Freikorps Engelhardt.

I don't believe that the other one is Freikorps Epp. The shield looks too large and the uniform is non-regulation. FK Epp was a true army unit and was an early part of the Preliminary Reichswehr.

I think it's Freikorps Chiemgau. They were a mix of regular soldiers and militia and wore a mixed bag of uniforms like this one. They were attached to and subordinate to FK Epp. But, they had there own badge.

Thank you Boletws58! How about the other badge in the group photo? This is the best I can do with clarity.

[Brian L.]

I think it's a skull as well.

[Sergeant 08]

I think it's a skull as well.

I think the same. Looks like unsharp Brunswick skulls.

[BlackWatch1]

Thanks guys!

[Brian L.]

Two new cards.

1/ Submariner with Baltic Cross

2/ Reichswehr cavalryman of 16. Reiter-Regiment with Silesian Eagle 1st and 2nd class.