About five years ago I picked up this S.W. Afrika tropical tunic with pants from a fellow who really didn't know it was a German Schutztruppen uniform. This is not a “Heimat” uniform for wear in Germany, but a very well used in-country tropical set. I was intrigued with the Iron Cross patch on the tunic. It appears original to the tunic (black light shows no new cloth). Construction is fairly well done. It is embroidered on a brown patch, which in turn was sewed onto the tunic. The detail of the cross is quite good. It doesn't have the crown, W and 1914 that I find on my IC embroidered crosses, but is plain. Both the tunic and pants are named and so I am very curious as to the names of the nine DSWA soldiers who were awarded the "Hildegard cross" for the 1914 action against the British. The size of the cross is the same as the measurements listed by Previtera in his "Iron Time" history of the Iron Cross.
Anyone have the names of those awarded the "Hildegard Cross" in 1914?
Hope the photos come theough.
Anyone have the names of those awarded the "Hildegard Cross" in 1914?
Hope the photos come theough.
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