Certificate Translation Please

[mp409mm]

Can anyone translate this certificate for me and what is for, I understand that it is for an Iron Cross 2nd class, but that is all
Thank You.

Alf.

[Gerdan]

The Chief of the IX Reserve-Corps has awarded in the name of his Majesty the Emperor and King

the EK II to the Sergeant d.(es) Lanst.(urms) Ludwig Iden, 4. Batterie Fußart.(illerie) Regiment

No. 2 , ....

Im Felde, 25. Mai 1917 - sign. Leutnant und Batterieführer.



Gerdan

[mp409mm]

The Chief of the IX Reserve-Corps has awarded in the name of his Majesty the Emperor and King

the EK II to the Sergeant d.(es) Lanst.(urms) Ludwig Iden, 4. Batterie Fußart.(illerie) Regiment

No. 2 , ....

Im Felde, 25. Mai 1917 - sign. Leutnant und Batterieführer.



Gerdan

Thank You Gerdan, for the translation. What is the meaning of the top heading please?
Regards
Alf.

[Brian L.]

Thank You Gerdan, for the translation. What is the meaning of the top heading please?
Regards
Alf.

Vorlaeufiger Ausweis = preliminary document

The majority of issued EK documents were preliminary documents to be replaced with an official document from the Royal Prussian Orders Chancellery after victory, which of course never happened.

In the future I would suggest if you want to translate something use Babylon. Sometimes it's a little off, but usually pretty accurate. You might learn some German in the process.

http://translation.babylon.com/german/to-english/

[mp409mm]

Vorlaeufiger Ausweis = preliminary certificate

Thank you bolewts58.
So it seems that a recipient for the iron cross was given 2 certificates, am I correct ? More info about the system is much appreciated. Thank You.
Alf.

[Brian L.]

Thank you bolewts58.
So it seems that a recipient for the iron cross was given 2 certificates, am I correct ? More info about the system is much appreciated. Thank You.
Alf.

Usually they were only given one. But, you do find some awards with a hand-written field document and a more formal printed document given later. But, in truth both documents were technically preliminary. When it was re-established in 1914, the EK was meant to be awarded by the Orders Chancellery. But, given the sheer number being awarded, even in the early years, this wasn't practical. The award was authorized initially at the Corps level, then Division level. But, it was awarded, especially as the war progressed and award numbers increased at the regimental, company and even platoon level, as is the case for your document, which was signed by a lowly battery commander.

[mp409mm]

Usually they were only given one. But, you do find some awards with a hand-written field document and a more formal printed document given later. But, in truth both documents were technically preliminary. When it was re-established in 1914, the EK was meant to be awarded by the Orders Chancellery. But, given the sheer number being awarded, even in the early years, this wasn't practical. The award was authorized initially at the Corps level, then Division level. But, it was awarded, especially as the war progressed and award numbers increased at the regimental, company and even platoon level, as is the case for your document, which was signed by a lowly battery commander.

Thank You bolewts58 for all this useful information. Also thank you for the translation tip. , much appreciated.
Regards
Alf.