Researching GM Alfred Gutknecht - WWI German East Africa

[Shawn]

Hi! I'm doing a bit of research on WWII Generalmajor Alfred Gutknecht. Here's what "Die Generale des Heeres" says about his early military career:

• 19 March 1908: Entered Army service as a Leutnant in 3. Lothringisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 135.
• 1 March 1912-1 August 1912: Detached to the Military Riding Institute.
• 1 October 1912: Educator at the Senior Cadet Institute, Groß-Lichterfelde.
• 19 July 1913-1 October 1913: Returned to Infantry Regiment 135.
• 15 October 1913-15 March 1914: Detached to the Seminar for Oriental Languages.
• 24 April 1914: Detached to the Protection Troops in German East Africa.
• 19 May 1914: Platoon Leader in the 10th Field Company of Protection Troops in German East Africa.
• 22 June 1916: Leader of the 5th Field Company of Protection Troops in German East Africa.
• 28 November 1917: Prisoner of war in British captivity.
• 21 November 1919: Released from prisoner of war captivity and placed on leave.
• 31 March 1920: Separated from the Army.

Does anyone have any references to him in their literature on GM Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck's campaigns in German East Africa?

Also, his photo in "Die Generale des Heeres" depicts him wearing two Imperial decorations on his ribbion bar: the EK II (with 1939 Bar) and one that appears to be white with four narrow vertcal stripes. Any ideas what this one could be? I suppose he was also a recipient of the Colonial Badge (“Elephant Order”). Any confirmation on this one?

Thanks for any assistance!

[Rick Research]

No mention of him in Charles Miller's "Battle for the Bundu," the best account of the German side I have seen in English.

Dark and light stripes all same size? Sounds like a Bremen Hanseatic Cross, though hard to imagine how he could have picked up one of those. Since he was in the Police and not Army during Weimar, no Ranglisten to check awards. The Army did not list "Elephants" anyway, though the navy did.

It had to be applied for and self-purchased, so not everyone may have gotten one who was entitled to it.

[VerKuilen Ager]

Isn't it likely that the second ribbon is for the Kolonial Denkmünze? The black edge often blends into the woodwork in a b&w photo.

[Rick Research]

Nope, the last campaign that medal/bar was awarded for in East Africa was for action in 1912.