Request Info re: Braunschweiger KVK m/ Bewärungs-Abzeichen

[W McSwiggan]

Can anyone explain the circumstances for award of this device to me?

O’Connor, vol VII indicates that this device indicated two uninterrupted years of front line service. Pretty understandable. What is unclear to me is if this was an automatic “upgrade” to the KVKII when all conditions were met or if it was considered a separate award much as the KVKI therefore requiring an independent proposal for the recipient.

[WNickel]

Hi,

in WW1 it was very difficult to separate the awards for fighters at the front, fighters at home and civilian service. So a Zahlmeister or a Stabsarzt at home got the Ernst-August-cross for combatants.

In 1918 Brunswick and Oldenburg would differ the combatants at the front and the rest and so the Bewährungsabzeichen and the bar "Vor dem Feinde" were found.

Werner

[Rick Research]

The way the regulations read, it SOUNDS like it should have been "automatic," but from the scarcity of actual examples, I'd have to say that in REALITY these were more of an "additional" award... the difference between theory and practice.

I've seen so few documented groups, this may not be the case, but the few I have seen, the recipients were holders of the 1918 Ernst August Cross 1st Class and THEN got this device. Rank Lists also seem to bear that out.

[W McSwiggan]

Werner & Rick,

Thanks for your excellent & speedy replies.

wem

[McCulloh]

My understanding-from this forum, is that the Oldenburg "Vor der feinde" bar was unofficial and post war (@1921)-private purchase.
The Brunswick leaping horse emblem on the ribbon was issued from later in 1916 onwards and I think is mentioned in wehrpasses etc.. Am I incorrect?
Cheers,
JeMc

[Rick Research]

1918. There was a definite disconnect between the statutes and the reality, since as far as I can tell, the Brunswick device was "only" given to SOME EAC 1st Class holders.

[W McSwiggan]

Jeff,

Per O'Connor & Klietmann - the clasp was instituted in 1918 at the same time as the KVK (Ernst August) I. Both were legitimate official awards and were actually awarded. It would appear that the clasp did exactly as advertised - recognize two continuous years before the enemy. The first class, while a higher award, does not appear to require the two years - just presumably greater merit. I assume that the clasp could be retroactive to 1916 (meaning two years from 1914(.

The clasp for the FAK II is a mystery to me - I'm not sure that it was unofficial but will hope more knowledgeable members can enlighten. Rotsa ruck on that one...

[JensF.]

The Spange "Vor dem Feinde" was officially instituted on September 20, 1918 to denote continued merits on the front. Now it would be interesting to find out if these were ONLY awarded to holders of the FA-Cross 1. class.

[Rick Research]

Just for some pictorial reference, here is the Brunswick "Bewährungsabzeichen" device, in ribbon bar size:

[Rick Research]

And though this is off the original posted topic, because it has come up, and is the only OTHER "long service at the front" device, and therefore comparible in intention-- here is the Oldenburg one, again in ribbon bar size from The Ribon Bar Article on the other half of this website: