Now that I've learnt how to use a scanner properly (thanks Rick!), I can finally make decent closeups. I have used my new ability on Gustav Koch, a Zahlmeister (and BTW a distant relative of mine) from Imperial time to Wehrmacht. Here is what is known about him (thanks Glenn!):
1875 Born in Wehrstedt
1914 Zahlmeister in IR 165 Quedlinburg, seniority 1.10.1913 U5u
1917 Zahlmeister of III./IR 165, EK2
1922 Zahlmeister of III./IR 17, Quedlinburg
1939 Oberstabszahlmeister (equivalent to Major) on the staff of the Kriegsschule Hannover, seniority 1.9.1935
194?? Retired as Oberfeldintendant (equivalent to Oberstleutnant) in Hannover
1955 Died in Hannover
This is the only photo I have of him, taken during the summer of 1939:
And here is a closeup of his medal bar, which, I think, is interesting:
I think I can see the following:
1) EK2 1914
2) ?? (see below)
3) War Honor/Hindenburg Cross
4) Silesian Eagle (interesting a paymaster got this)
5) Prussian Allgemeines Ehrenzeichen (this is shown in the 1914 ranklist)
6) ?? (see below)
7) + 8) Heer long service, at least 25 + 12, but there might even be the 40 years oakleaves. Probably too blurry to see, though.
#2): Judging from the shape of the cross, I THINK it could be a Hanseatenkreuz (Bremen?), but I'm not sure. The shape is neither the War Aid Cross, often awarded to paymasters, nor the Brunswick War Merit Cross.
#6): Here it gets really difficult. I think I see a large medal before the long service cross, slightly larger than the Allgemeines Ehrenzeichen. Centenary? Judging from his probable service time, he could have had this. But is the precedence right? Where would the centenary go in Wehrmacht groups, probably behind long service?
Any opinions on this? Anyone have better eyes, especially for #2 and #6?
Regards
Chris
1875 Born in Wehrstedt
1914 Zahlmeister in IR 165 Quedlinburg, seniority 1.10.1913 U5u
1917 Zahlmeister of III./IR 165, EK2
1922 Zahlmeister of III./IR 17, Quedlinburg
1939 Oberstabszahlmeister (equivalent to Major) on the staff of the Kriegsschule Hannover, seniority 1.9.1935
194?? Retired as Oberfeldintendant (equivalent to Oberstleutnant) in Hannover
1955 Died in Hannover
This is the only photo I have of him, taken during the summer of 1939:
And here is a closeup of his medal bar, which, I think, is interesting:
I think I can see the following:
1) EK2 1914
2) ?? (see below)
3) War Honor/Hindenburg Cross
4) Silesian Eagle (interesting a paymaster got this)
5) Prussian Allgemeines Ehrenzeichen (this is shown in the 1914 ranklist)
6) ?? (see below)
7) + 8) Heer long service, at least 25 + 12, but there might even be the 40 years oakleaves. Probably too blurry to see, though.
#2): Judging from the shape of the cross, I THINK it could be a Hanseatenkreuz (Bremen?), but I'm not sure. The shape is neither the War Aid Cross, often awarded to paymasters, nor the Brunswick War Merit Cross.
#6): Here it gets really difficult. I think I see a large medal before the long service cross, slightly larger than the Allgemeines Ehrenzeichen. Centenary? Judging from his probable service time, he could have had this. But is the precedence right? Where would the centenary go in Wehrmacht groups, probably behind long service?
Any opinions on this? Anyone have better eyes, especially for #2 and #6?
Regards
Chris
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