Ehrenblätter - Honor Documents

[Chip M]

Hello all,

Just wondering why, during the 1914-18 war, some units gave out these elaborate Ehrenblätter? They seem to be given to individual soldiers for distinquished acts of bravery. They often tell of the specific exploit and give the details that you do not get on a EK document. They are somewhat official in that they often have the same unit stamp that you would see on an EK document and are signed in the same fashion as well. One that I have even has an Iron Cross motif on it. Rather than go to all this trouble, why did they not just give the soldier an EK...or was this meant to be something additional to explain how an EK was won? I would be interested in any thoughts on the subject.

Regards,
Chip

[Chris Boonzaier]

Hello all,

Just wondering why, during the 1914-18 war, some units gave out these elaborate Ehrenblätter? They seem to be given to individual soldiers for distinquished acts of bravery. They often tell of the specific exploit and give the details that you do not get on a EK document. They are somewhat official in that they often have the same unit stamp that you would see on an EK document and are signed in the same fashion as well. One that I have even has an Iron Cross motif on it. Rather than go to all this trouble, why did they not just give the soldier an EK...or was this meant to be something additional to explain how an EK was won? I would be interested in any thoughts on the subject.

Regards,
Chip

I have a few of these, I find them really sexy.
I would imagine they are a step above an EK1, there was really nothing to step up to once you had an EK1... okay, there was... but it was a big step indeed, so if a Divisional commander wanted to reward someoen, these docs were the best way to do it. No badge or award, so no need for approval from above.

By favourite is one to the 15th bavarian Sturm bataillon, awarded to a man for a fighting patrol where he captured enemy soldiers.

all the best
Chris

[Chip M]

Chris,

That makes sense, but I wonder what the truth is. My document is for a trench raid whereby four French "Alpenjäger" were taken prisoner. You are correct in saying that they are "sexier". The documents usually have artwork that put most EK documents to shame and the descriptions of the action give you a better feel for what it took to get recognized.

Another document I have is in the same genre and is called an "Anerkennung für Tapferkeit". Once again, it is a large format document with nice artwork, 2.Gd.Res.Div. stamp and is signed by the divisional commander.

While this document does not give the specifics that the Ehrenblatt does, it does say, "...für seine am 1.Aug.1917 bewiesene Tapferkeit gegentlich der Kämpfe bei Langemark...". Still more than you would get on an EK document.

Regards,
Chip

[Chris Boonzaier]

I have a few EK docs that mention specific actions, but as you say, not as nice as the Anerkennungs-Urkunden.

I suppose that in lieu of the fact that there is no nice visable badge given with it, they made an effort that the certificate was extra nice.

As i have posted before, a soldier who served 40-45 could have an EK2, Infantry assault, Close combat clasp, KVK2, Krim shield, frozen meat medal, wound badge in whatever color, Tank destruction strip, maybe a thing or two more.

His commander had an award for every eventuality.

A guy serving 14-18 ? Sure, other ranks got EK1's, but not a lot. Wound badge? right at the end of the war, awarded retroactively.

Basically, a guy who had gone through the battle of the frontiers, Ypres, Verdun, the Somme, etc. etc. could very well have stood there in mid 1918 and only had an EK2 ribbon to show for it. If they were Bavarian or Saxon they would have gotten some local ornaments as well... must have sucked to be a Prussian when it came to decorating your tunic...no wondering about which order your single medal was worn in

Sooo...I think this certificate must have been a much needed way to reward services.

[Chip M]

Ehrenblätter

Chris,

Thanks for your additional thoughts.

Chip

[Chris Boonzaier]

Chris,

Thanks for your additional thoughts.

Chip

Hi Chip,
Will try to get the docs in question posted over the next couple of days.
all the best
Chris

[Michael Root]

I'd love to see some pics of these also.

[Chris Boonzaier]

Here we go... I knew this there somewhere...

I no longer have all the pix saved, so i just added Chips to the thread...


http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d=1#post710351