Medals and Uniforms

[Karl B]

Hi

Can someone post a few pictures of a German Uniform as it would have been around 1916/1917? I would like to know how the medals and medal bar would have been worn when they where in the trenches, at the front.

Cheers

Karl

[Daniel Murphy]

Karl,
I know this is not exactly what you were looking for, but here are four photos which demontrate how awards were worn at the front. First, except for possibly 1914, medal bars were not worn in the front lines. All this would do is make you a nice target for a sniper. I could not find a good quality photo of decorations being worn in the trenches. These photos were taken behind the lines, but demonstrate the following; ribbons in the buttonhole, ribbons on a ribbon bar, and Iron Cross 1st Class being worn. Notice the small photo, There is a buck private with a EK1 !. It looks like he was just awarded it. Talk about a go getter, this guy must have been something! I hope he made it home.
Daniel Murphy

[Chip M]

Daniel,

Your photo of the soldier with the leather knee reinforcing has me wondering what unit he is in. Though I can't see it clearly, the shoulder strap looks like it might be discernable if enlarged. Can you tell what unit it is when magnified? Perhaps the photo says something about the unit on the reverse?

Thanks,
Chip

[Daniel Murphy]

Chip,
Here is a close up of the strap, it appears to be from Infantry Regiment 153. If someone knows otherwise please post it. BTW Chip I was unable to respond to your PM for some reason but everything is OK. The forum is about knowledge and no one knows it all.
Dan

[Chip M]

Daniel,

Well, it is tough to tell, but your guess of the 153.I.R. looks right. He must be from the regimental Sturmtrupp. Thanks for the look at the enlarged photo. I also enjoyed seeing the Halstuch in use. For some reason, these are very hard to find now.

Regards,
Chip