Some Freikorps Unit Badges

[Stossgruppe3]

This one . . .
Regards David

[Brian L.]

Glad you like it. It's actually quite a scarce badge because the Stadtwehr Augsburg was a small unit and only around for a short period.

[Brian L.]

Zeitfreiwilligenregiment Leipzig (Temporary Volunteer Regiment Leipzig)

On April 10, 1919 the Senate of Leipzig University in reaction to the occupation of the University of Munich by the Soviet revolutionary council on April 7 decided at a meeting of the general student assembly to end the semester on April 12 and close the university, so that the students could provide a volunteer unit to the existing Reichswehr formations in case of need. Rector Kittel gave his approval for the temporary closure of the university.

On May 11, 1919, Leipzig was occupied by order of the Reich government and with the consent of the Saxon state government by the Freikorps of General Maercker, after the assassination of the Saxon War Minister Gustav Neuring on April 12 by disgruntled war veterans of the soldier's council and the subsequent general strike of the USPD (Independent Social Democratic Party of Germany) and the communist Spartakusbund that lay siege to the city starting on April 14.
The security service of the Workers' and Soldiers Council was disarmed, the council deposed and its leadership temporarily arrested by Maercker's Freikorps.

Rooms of the university were occupied with troops, weapons, and ammunition and an ad hoc volunteer regiment started to form consisting of students, civil servants and city employees.

On May 23 general Maercker officially formed the Zeitfreiwilligenregiment Leipzig which already had a strength of 2,000 under the command of Oberst a.D. Schieblich, Major a.D. Bramsch, and Oberst Bierey. About a third were students. Most citizens supported the regiment because they feared a left-wing coup. The University Senate and the War Ministry endeavored to facilitate the deployment of students by providing university space and the university continued to facilitate study such as interim semesters, emergency examinations, and simplified exams. From the state side, the temporary volunteers were promised financial support.

Throughout the rest of 1919, there were frequent strikes and riots due to high unemployment. As a result, by January 1920, the regiment had grown to a strength of 3,377. When there was another general strike in Leipzig against the Works Council Act, the Zeitfreiwilligenregiment Leipzig intervened to break up the demonstrations.

When Kapp/Lüttwitz staged a Putsch against the Berlin government in March 1920, a general strike was also proclaimed in Leipzig. Saxon Commanding general, Generalmajor Max Senft von Pilsach ordered Zeitfreiwilligenregiment Leipzig to join Reichswehr Regiment 37 to put down the strike. There was heavy fighting in the city center that resulted in many casualties the destruction of the "Volkshaus". The Zeitfreiwilligenregiment Leipzig was accused of excessive violence by the demonstrators, despite asserting they were operating under orders to maintain peace and order.

The regiment was subsequently dissolved in late Spring 1920.

Below are the silvered collar badges worn by Zeitfreiwilligenregiment Leipzig.

[Masch19]

I search this collar Badges [emoji17][emoji17][emoji17]


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[Brian L.]

Sturmkompanie Koppe (Brigade Ehrhardt) Armband

Sturmkompanie Koppe (SSOS - Selbstschutz Oberschlesien) was formed in May 1921 in Breslau by two former officers in II. Marine-Brigade Ehrhardt, Zedlitz-Neukirch and Koppe comprising 200 former officers from the Brigade and Organization Consul and commanded by Kapitänleutnant Manfred von Killinger (later senior leader in the SA and the Third Reich ambassador to Slovakia and Romania).

This is a good illustration of how the Freikorps evolved and re-invented itself during the key period of 1919-1923.

After leading the failed Kapp Putsch in March 1920, the Ehrhardt Brigade was ordered disbanded by the Weimar government and the Reichswehr. Hermann Ehrhard then formed Organization Consul (O.C.) from officers of the Ehrhardt Brigade, as well as former frontline officers of the German Army, Imperial Navy and Freikorps. The O.C. was first tolerated by the Weimar government and Reichswehr leadership, who hoped with it and other similar groups to be able to undermine the armaments restrictions of the Versailles Treaty as part of the "Black Reichswehr". In this capacity, Ehrhardt was heavily involved in the illegal arms trade and creating secret caches of weapons.

Through the O. C. Ehrhardt managed a whole network of other paramilitary organizations throughout Germany. Members of the O. C. took part the 1920 referendum in Upper Silesia and as Sturmkompanie Koppe in the suppression of the Third Polish Uprising in 1921 including as shock troops at the Battle of Annaberg.

Shown are the armband with the collar badges and first pattern sleeve badge of the II. Marine-Brigade (Wilhelmshaven). The first pattern Wilhelmshaven badge was worn instead of the second pattern Ehrhardt Brigade badge for political expediency because of the previous disbanding of the Brigade after the Kapp Putsch. Also shown is a photo of a contemporary grouping of the armband and badges and the armband and badges in wear by a member of the Sturmkompanie.

[Brian L.]

Bund Oberland, 1921-1930

The Bund Oberland was the successor organization to the Freikorps Oberland, one of the most active free corps of the Bavarian defense movement from 1919 to 1921. By May 1921, this Freikorps was so well known that it made headlines internationally in the so-called national struggle in Upper Silesia during the 3rd Polish Uprising, not least because of its brutality against the Polish insurgents. It's 1650 men formed the spearhead in the attack on the Annaberg Hill during the Battle of Annaberg. Two of the heroes of this attack were Sepp Dietrich and Peter von Heydebreck.
After its return from this campaign, Freikorps Oberland was finally dissolved by order of the Reichswehr in June 1921.

But, by October 31, 1921, similar to other former Freikorps organizations, a replacement organization was founded: Das Bund Oberland. The organization’s insignia, also seen on their banner combined the old imperial colors black-red-white and an Edelweiss, that was placed on a blue diamond in reference to the Probation Badge of Freikorps Oberland which was initially awarded for service between 1919-1921.

The Bund pursued anti-Republican, Volkisch goals and the struggle against the Treaty of Versailles. Under the direction of Dr. Friedrich Weber (1892-1955), it cooperated closely with the NSDAP and joined the German Kampfbund in 1923. They were involved in 1923 sabotage in the Ruhr and the Beer Hall Putsch November 9, 1923. After Hitler's failed coup Bund Oberland was banned and only continued as a German shooting and hiking club.
On February 14, 1925, Bund Oberland was allowed to reform itself, but was finally dissolved in 1930. Many senior members then moved to the NSDAP, SS and SA.

The badge for Bund Oberland from 1925-1930 was a white Edelweiss on a red (rather than blue) diamond.

Shown are an armband, postcard and membership card from the first period of the Bund Oberland, 1921-23 and the membership pin from the second period 1925-30. (Only the armband is in my collection).

[Brian L.]

II. Marine-Brigade Wilhelmshaven (Ehrhardt)

A few badges from my collection to go with post #127 showing some of the variations for both the first pattern "Wilhelmshaven" issued in February 1919 and the second pattern "Ehrhardt" issued in March 1920.

The full size "Wilhelmshaven" badge (Haarcke 179.2) has closed in acorns and one hole for sewing.
The "Prinzen" size "Wilhelmshaven" originally had a pin on the back. I'm not sure how it was worn or by whom. But, I suspect it was worn on a cap as there are photos of a Prinzen version of the "Ehrhardt" badge being worn on a cap by a member of the Wikingjugend.

The full size Ehrhardt badges shown for comparison are a sew-on version with acorns cut-out and two holes for sewing (not shown in Haarcke) and the scarcer version with backplate (Haarcke 179.5) surrounded by a band in the Hanseatic colors.

Also shown again are the collar badges worn both by II. Marine-Brigade Ehrhardt and later by the Bund Wiking and Brigade-Ehrhardt im Verbande der SS.

[Masch19]

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[Brian L.]

The harder find version with the backplate (Haarcke 179.5) and the stickpin from the mid-20s to mid-30s.

[Brian L.]

Artillerie-Flieger-Staffel 101 / Eiserne Flieger-Abteilung 427 arm badges and Militärpass - Iron Division

It's always good when you can reunite items that have been broken up.

I got this Freikorps Flieger Militärpass in 2015 and showed it before here and on GMIC. At the time, the pass was sold separately and I wasn't able to get the arm badges that had originally been with it.

I have just managed to get the two badges to put back together with the pass. These badges are not documented anywhere. But, the provenance is undisputed.

This group belonged to Flieger Nicolaus Eberg who trained at the flying school at Halle beginning in late 1917, but who never actually saw action in WWI.

He was a volunteer pilot in the Freikorps, serving in the Baltic in Artillerie-Flieger-Staffel 101 which was part of the famous Eiserne Flieger-Abteilung 427 in the Iron Division. The pass includes a list of his campaign service in Riga and a stamp and notation of Eberg's air units. The planes of Eis. Fl-Abt 427 flew mostly recon while the ground troops attacked Riga on May 22, 1919. Then later, they flew cover during the German retreat.

He served in the Riga campaign from May to July 1919 including the Battle of Riga, the Defence of the Düna River and the evacuation and retreat from Riga to Mitau after the Iron Division and the Baltische Landeswehr were forced out of Riga by the Estonians and their Latvian allies.

Eberg most certainly would have been eligible for the Iron Division Medal and SSVK (Soldaten Sedlungsverband Kurland) medal which were awarded from 1920 on to veterans of the Baltic campaign.

[Brian L.]

Mobiles Freikorps Bamberg - Armbadge

Mobile Freikorps Bamberg (aka Sagittarius Regiment Leupold) was formed in Würzburg by volunteers from the Bayr. Infanterie-Regiment 5. Bamberg of the II Bayr. Armeeekorps to deal with the Bolshevik uprising in Bavaria.

The notice calling for the formation of the Mobiles Freikorps Bamberg was dated from April 22, 1919 and was signed by Lieutenant Colonel Panzer. The aim was to support the government-loyal troops in Munich. In the letter, Colonel Panzer identified the Bamberg coat of arms (standing Teutonic knight with banner and shield) as the insignia of the Freikorps. This was originally to be worn as a breast badge but later was designated as an armbadge.

On April 7, the government under Prime Minister Johannes Hoffmann had fled from Munich to Bamberg to escape the uprising by the communist workers and soldiers councils. Bamberg was guarded by government-loyal troops to protect the government and establish a protection zone. In addition to the Ulanen garrison already established in the town and Freikorps Bamberg, the civil militia (Einwohnerwehr Bayern – Gau Bamberg) was also involved.

Mobiles Freikorps Bamberg participated in the defeat of the Munich Soviet from May 1-6, 1919.

On 14 August 1919 the constitution of the Free State of Bavaria was declared in Bamberg.

Freikorps Bamberg originally consisted of 3 battalions. In June 1919 it became the 4. bayer. Reichswehr-Infanterie-Regiment 46. / Reichswehr Minenwerferkompagnie 46. of Reichswehr Brigade 23.

The badge continued to be worn by the unit in the Vorläufige Reichswehr, and as an Übergangsheer tradition badge from February to May 1920, when it was discontinued.

[Brian L.]

Freikorps Epp / Bayerisches Schützenkorps - Enlisted Man's Tradition Sleeve Badge for Temporary Volunteers

The 2nd type lion shield (lower relief, thinner edge, no date or signature) mounted on a blue diamond with silver-grey piping (silver bullion for officers) is a scarce variation worn as a Tradition badge by former temporary volunteers of Freikorps Epp on the uniform of the SA from 11/7/1933 and the Bavarian State Police from 16/10/1933. Authorizations for wear were issued up until 1939. However, the badge was allowed for wear until 1945.

Later versions of this badge had either a paper RZM label on the back of the diamond and/or an RZM stamp on the reverse of the lion shield.

Below is the badge (R) showing it in comparison with first pattern Freikorps period badges: original March 1919 issue (L) and 1921 Reichswehr issue with green piping (M) denoting original volunteer when unit was formed in Ohrdruf, Bavaria.

[Brian L.]

Stadtwehr Bremen

Bremen’s civil militia was established on February 5, 1919 by decision of the provisional government under mayor Deichmann (SPD), senator Theodor Spitta (DDP) and Major Walter Caspari of Freikorps Caspari.

Their members served "part-time" usually once a week for 24 hours. The troop had about 2500 members. The Bremen Stadtwehr served as a reserve of the government defence forces (Regierungsschutztruppen) and was meant as an auxiliary to the Bremen police.

Under pressure from republican left-wing political groups, Stadtwehr Bremen was dissolved in February 1921 and their defensive responsibilities taken over by the police. After the dissolution of Stadtwehr Bremen and Freikorps Caspari, Walter Caspari became police chief of Schutzpolizei Bremen.

Images:
1/ one year commemorative booklet given out to "Wehr-Männer" after completing 50 days of guard duty
2/ Honor certificate glued inside the front cover awarded to Stadtwehrmann Paul Klöning.
3/ photo of "Wehr-Männer" in their barracks
4/ photo of a visit by General Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck on October 22, 1919. Lettow-Vorbeck is in the center and to his right wearing a greatcoat, his PLM with his trademark black mustache is Walter Caspari.
5/ First pattern (left) and second pattern (right) of the Stadtwehr Bremen gorget worn while on duty.

[Semovente]

Very interesting thread indeed !....

[Brian L.]

3. Marine-Brigade von Loewenfeld

The 3. Marine-Brigade was raised by Wilfried von Loewenfeld in Kiel following the naval mutiny in November 1918 with a strength of 1,500 and eventually reached a strength of 4,600 men. It was one of the first Freikorps units to be formed and served primarily as a security force in Kiel, in Upper Silesia during the first Polish uprising and during the Red Army uprising in the Ruhr.
In support the Kapp Putsch in March 1920 it seized Breslau and received heavy casualties in attempting to seize Kiel from the Arbeitwehr (worker's militia) and the security police. As a result of its support of the failed coup, the Freikorps was disbanded. However, part of the brigade formed a new Freikorps unit called Die Spezialpolizei des Oberschlesischen Selbstschutz and went to Upper Silesia to fight the Poles.

A memorial in memory of the fallen of this Freikorps unit was inaugurated 25 June 1934 in Dorsten by Der Kameradschaft der 3. Marine Brigade von Loewenfeld (Comrades Association) which was formed in 1922 and banned in late 1934. This memorial was thrown into the river by British soldiers after the war. It was salvaged in 1949 and used as a memorial for prisoners of war.

A second surviving memorial was erected at the naval cemetery in Kiel.

A third surviving memorial to the fallen of the campaign in the Ruhr uprising was erected in Bortrop by the reconstituted Kameradschaft der 3. Marine Brigade von Loewenfeld in the early 1960s.

Pictured are:
A. 1st type collar badge
B. 2nd type variation (this type is much scarcer than the first)

With the 2nd type variation collar badges I received a group of documents pertaining to the revived comrades association which was re-formed sometime in the mid-1950s and lasted until 1988.
In this group were four bulletins (Winkspruch Nr. 14 - 17) detailing activities of the Kameradschaft der 3. Marine Brigade von Loewenfeld from 1963 to 1965. As well there was a commemorative booklet detailing the history of the Freikorps and listing all those killed in various actions and with it an invoice for the booklet addressed to a Kapitän (name unknown). The booklet was issued in 1963 in time for the annual meeting of the comrades association.

Interestingly, there was a great deal of activity by the "Kameradschaft" in the 1960s, judging from the bulletins, despite the fact that the members would have all been in their 60s and 70s.