I really need some help here, so I hope you guys can come through for me. The other day I was in a meeting with a friend (Dietmar), and we have in the past talked about our German family roots and so on. He himself has a very interesting story because as a small child he survived the fire bombing of Dresden. Anyway, to make a long story short, he pulled out a picture of his grandfather, and I was blown away. I told him to email me the picture, and I might be able to help him with the medals. I don't know if he has any of the medals as we had to start the meeting, but I do know that he didn't know anything about them, but he knew his story, which I'm looking forward to hearing more of. He asked me if I could help identify any of the medals as he knows I collect iron crosses. Well, beyond the iron crosses, I wasn't much help. However, I told him I was a member of a website that has many experts in many collecting fields, and I was sure that someone or several members could help identify his medals and help him. I'm attaching the text of the email that he sent me, and the really cool picture of his grandfather. Any help recognizing anything on his uniform would be greatly appreciated by both myself and my friend Dietmar. Thanks in advance. Russel
Attached find picture of my grandfather. His name was Guido Rietschier. He was born in Dresden . After finishing his basic military training he started his military carrier as an officer in the 108 Infantry Regiment in Bautzen, Saxony. In 1896 he became an Inspection Officer and latter Adjutant in the military School in Anklam . He was transferred back to Saxony, to Leisnig, in 1901 as Hauptman of Infantry Regiment 179. In 1906 he transferred to Dresden as Company Chief of Pioneer Battalion # 12. In 1910 he was promoted to Major of this battalion. From 1911 to 1913 he was transferred to Doebeln as Major of Infantry Regiment 139.
In 1914 he was Battalion Commander of Infantry Regiment 133 in Zwickau as World War I started. He entrained with his troops in Zwickau to the western Front. In March 1915 he was assigned as Commander of Pioneers of the 19 Army Corps in the vicinity of Lille (France) . In 1916 he was assigned as Commander of Reserve Infantry Regiment 24. After the armistice he marched with these troops back to Germany. From my aunts stories, he was known by the soldiers as the " Father of the Company". He was a soldier and gentleman in the old fashion way.
All the regiments etc. mentioned here were from the Saxon Army.
When we have time and you are interested I can tell you some of his war stories. He wrote a chronicle of his war experience.
Let me know what you find out about his military orders.
Attached find picture of my grandfather. His name was Guido Rietschier. He was born in Dresden . After finishing his basic military training he started his military carrier as an officer in the 108 Infantry Regiment in Bautzen, Saxony. In 1896 he became an Inspection Officer and latter Adjutant in the military School in Anklam . He was transferred back to Saxony, to Leisnig, in 1901 as Hauptman of Infantry Regiment 179. In 1906 he transferred to Dresden as Company Chief of Pioneer Battalion # 12. In 1910 he was promoted to Major of this battalion. From 1911 to 1913 he was transferred to Doebeln as Major of Infantry Regiment 139.
In 1914 he was Battalion Commander of Infantry Regiment 133 in Zwickau as World War I started. He entrained with his troops in Zwickau to the western Front. In March 1915 he was assigned as Commander of Pioneers of the 19 Army Corps in the vicinity of Lille (France) . In 1916 he was assigned as Commander of Reserve Infantry Regiment 24. After the armistice he marched with these troops back to Germany. From my aunts stories, he was known by the soldiers as the " Father of the Company". He was a soldier and gentleman in the old fashion way.
All the regiments etc. mentioned here were from the Saxon Army.
When we have time and you are interested I can tell you some of his war stories. He wrote a chronicle of his war experience.
Let me know what you find out about his military orders.
You don't see the commander's grade of the St. Henry Order every day.
This group of orders would be of considerable value.
Thanks again for all of y'alls help in identifying the medals.
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