General Staff Photos Part 2 from Charles' "Things You'll Never See" Thread

[Rick Research]

That was taking too long to download. Here are some typical ones from my collection--which is why I'm not doing multi-volume Schiffer books!

The usual "staff" group photo looks like this--

[Rick Research]

There's just no way to ID a General Staff officer in a shot like that-- too many officers ALSO wore collar Litzen. I can't even tell what the "Pour le Merite" above really is, or what the weird Feldgrau naval uniform at left is (those will go in another thread as closeups).

Here's the staff of the 3rd Bavarian Infantry Division in July 1916, surrounding Generalleutnant Karl Ritter von Wenninger (killed in action in Rumania the next year). I assume the fellow standing next to him with Litzen is his General staff Officer, but can't see trouser stripes.

Note the Bavarian Generals pattern collar insignia, and the military Chaplain 2nd right in the second row.

[Rick Research]

This rather faded sepia photo was taken in Russia, dated 1 November 1917. The unknown division's General Staff Officer is at left, ostentatiously holding his paperwork. See how hard it is to see his trouser stripes?

[Rick Research]

The contrast is better in this one, also taken someplace in the east ("Barracks" in Russian over the door. Here the General Staff officer stands at far right. Perhaps the General himself took this one, since these are what appears to be the entire staff WITHOUT their General. The pleased fellow in the Louis XV chair is only a Hauptmann.

Note the Hussar officers-- there were lots of "leftover" cavalry officers once the realities of trench warfare set in, and many went into staff, or even normal infantry positions. As viewed to the left of the "throne" is a monocled hauptmann from Jäger Baon. 10 wearing the "Gibraltar" title on his right cuff.

[Rick Research]

Here's a closeup of the General Staff officer. Note that while wearing collar Litzen, he has none on his cuffs.

[ccj]

Rick,

I can't see half of the pictures you posted. I am confused at the number of images that I can't see on this forum, especially yours' and stogieman's.

Maybe someone can tell me why! WHY!!!!

[ccj]

rick,


images show now. You have done some magic!!!

I like these staff pics. Are most staff officers not general staff men? I see that many look to be cav, inf, and arty troops. I would think that a flieger officer would also need to be present.

I understand that the general staff officer was held in very high regard. Many were awarded the PlM and other high honors as the Germans rewwarded planners and leaders but I have read that any staff officers lead men in battle, this most likely due to commanders being wounded or on leave.

[ccj]

Okay everyone. Lets see some more pictures of Staff officers. Some generals would be great to. Anyone have pics of officers decked out in orders? Neck badges!!!!

[Glenn2438]

General von Francois

Charles,

one of my favourites - the then Generalmajor Hermann von Francois.

Regards
Glenn

[ccj]

Glenn,

That is a beauty. He has a mass of neck orders!!

I love to see those pics.

[Daniel Krause]

Whow! What a nice pic! This guy has plenty of beauties on his chest!

Best regards

Daniel

[Daniel Krause]

You want more neck orders? Here is General von Einem wearing some:

[Glenn2438]

Eichhorn

The later Generalfeldmarschall Hermann von Eichhorn as the commanding general of the 18th Army Corps in 1904. Of note is the pre 1909 general officers' pattern parade dress.

Glenn

[Glenn2438]

Hindenburg

And Generalleutnant Paul von Hindenburg as the commander of the 28th Division at Karlsruhe.

Glenn

[ccj]

Terrific!

Man I wish some of you guys would partner up for a photo history book deal.