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**WARLORD** · 10-08-2007, 03:02 AM

The shield was indeed authorised, in this case by the commanding oficer. This is also the case with the Dunkirk shield. Entry was made for this in the soldbuck. In the case of the L orient shield, it is most probable that the tin shield could not be produced, due to die falt and the Disk was used. This could have two purpouses, first to be vissible on the wearer, secondly as a counter, that could be exchanged for a shield at a latter time.

As to pictures in wear, well I think this will be extreemly hard to find. Who was taking pictures at this time.Who had film to put in ther camera?

**MilitaryCollect** · 10-27-2007, 05:03 PM

Lorient shield

Hello,

Ostensibly, there were two Lorient "campaign shields", referred to as Lorient 1 and Lorient 2. The "Lorient 1" shield was the elongated version discussed in this thread. The "Lorient 2" was the disc. One author stated that the Lorient disc [Lorient 2] was a blank identity disc made of zinc and stamped with the inscription "Festung Lorient 1944". Other sources contend that the discs were stamped out of any material available, but bearing the inscription "FESTUNG LORIENT". See "The Military Advisor" Vol. 1, No. 4, page 20 (Photo borrowed and depicted below).

KM soldbuchs are known to exist with entries consistent with this "award", but are ambiguous as to whether for the Lorient 1 shield or the Lorient 2 disc. See: "World War II German Battle Insignia" (Men-at-Arms) by Gordon Williamson and Darko Pavlovic. See also photos of such a KM soldbuch (posts 24-28, below).

I believe that the majority are in agreement that the Lorient 2 disc's are genuine artifacts and with authentic, verifiable history. But I and others believe that the Lorient 1 was also a genuine WWII shield.

I cited various threads from this site on the Lorient 1 supporting its existence. Moreover, other (German) sites also support its existence. The Lexikon der Wehrmacht site heavily relies on: Auszeichnungen des Deutschen Reiches 1936-1945" von Kurt-G. Klietmann., pp. 96-97. The text is available, albeit in German. Perhaps someone has it and can provide details as to the author's sources on the legitimacy of the Lorient 1.

It is my own theory that the initial or precursor "Lorient 1" shields were produced with at least tacit authority, in very limited quantity, and to certain individuals or units, while the garrison at large was surrounded and subjected to continual assault by naval guns, air power and land patrols from late 44' to May, 1945. Thereafter, the idea caught on (perhaps for morale), and gained official approval, but with the 26,000+ man garrison - a simpler version was adopted for wider distribution. This is perhaps the same scenario as the Black Afrikakorps cuff title. See: http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=240242 - (known proof of period existence supported by pictorial evidence only).

Most who have approached this discussion have reached the same conclusion: a period photo is needed to cinch the issue. I had hoped to create discourse on the Lorient 1 which would lead to irrefutable proof. Proof positive must exist somewhere - although I believe others' accounts of vet acquisitions of this shield. Moreover, the very existence of the Lorient 2 demonstrates that the idea of a "Lorient campaign shield" was conceived and implemented. The question then is whether a precursor existed. I humbly suggest that there is simply too much evidence to dismiss the Lorient 1 shield as pure fabrication.

Christopher

**MilitaryCollect** · 10-27-2007, 05:18 PM

Lorient shield

Hello,

I've received a copy of: "Auszeichnungen des Deutschen Reiches 1936-1945", by Kurt-G. Klietmann. Unfortunately, its devoid of any sources for the history and statistics regarding the implementation and/or manufacture of the Lorient I shield.

Still, the hunt for a period photos continues. I respectfully invite forum members to peruse their KM photo albums for such a depiction.

Christopher

**pantherv** · 10-27-2007, 06:34 PM

Originally posted by DAKcollector1 View Post

Hello,

I've received a copy of: "Auszeichnungen des Deutschen Reiches 1936-1945", by Kurt-G. Klietmann. Unfortunately, its devoid of any sources for the history and statistics regarding the implementation and/or manufacture of the Lorient I shield.

Still, the hunt for a period photos continues. I respectfully invite forum members to peruse their KM photo albums for such a depiction.

Christopher

Hi Christopher.......I'll certainly keep an eye out for you and I hope a photo surfaces at some point in the future. Don't forget though, as I understand it, the Lorient 1 was never meant as an armshield so examples around at the moment with holes drilled are simply copies. I'd be much happier owning the disc than some of the shields I've seen.

Peter

**MilitaryCollect** · 10-27-2007, 07:34 PM

Lorient shield

Hi Peter,

Thank you for your support.

I must respectfully disagree though that all examples with drilled holes are copies. I have one which has both drilled holes the imprint of threads where attached to a tunic. Moreover, another forum member (moderator) has an original with holes and actual thread for attachment to a tunic. Here's the link:

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...Lorient+Shield

Please also see my example - posts 1-10 on this thread.

Christopher

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