RK of the KVK vs. RK of the Iron Cross

[torstenbel]

Hi there,

what is the essential difference in the award criteria for the Knights Cross to the Kriegsverdienstkreuz and the Knights Cross to the Iron Cross? Does anyone know total award numbers for both? Cheers, Torsten.

[torstenbel]

would anyone know a book or website, that might provide a clue?? Cheers, Torsten.

Hi there,

what is the essential difference in the award criteria for the Knights Cross to the Kriegsverdienstkreuz and the Knights Cross to the Iron Cross? Does anyone know total award numbers for both? Cheers, Torsten.

[Gareth Collins]

The RkdKVK mit S. is for great military service (without S. was for non-military) above and beyond the call of duty while not in direct combat (say a doctor, supply or staff officer) the RKdEK is for the same while in combat (either direct commander or front-line soldier).

These are, of course, dubious differences to say the least but that was the official stance.

[torstenbel]

Gareth, thank you very much for your reply... Cheers, Torsten.

[Scott C.]

JR Angolia echoes what Gareth said, "The award with swords was given only to those who served bravely in combat, but not to the extent that the Knights Cross to the Iron Cross would be warranted." Interesting to note that level of bravery was only recognized 118 times as compared to 7,300+ for the entry-level KC.

Scott

[torstenbel]

JR Angolia echoes what Gareth said, "The award with swords was given only to those who served bravely in combat, but not to the extent that the Knights Cross to the Iron Cross would be warranted." Interesting to note that level of bravery was only recognized 118 times as compared to 7,300+ for the entry-level KC.

Scott

Scott, this is really what prompted my question....there appear to be a lot more KC IC recipients than there are KC KVK recipients ...??...who decided on the award for the KC of the KVK? Was that also done by Adolf or was that maybe another body and did the KVK RK recipient enjoy as much prestige in Germany at the time as the KC RK recipients? Cheers, Torsten.

[Robin Lumsden]

The main difference was that the RK KVK was for substantial merit in the general war effort, which could include the fields of armaments production, economics, national security,transportation, etc. etc. Where military men won the RK KVK, it was usually for merit in improving logistics (including vehicle maintenance and supply for those lower down the pecking order), the development of new weapons, etc. Swords had nothing to do with bravery. The military men, police officers etc. would get the cross with swords, while the economists, scientists, politicians, diplomats etc. would get it without.


These are generalisations - a few receipients received the cross both with and without swords - but that was the general drift.


The RK KVK was not a bravery award - which is why the RK EK was always held in more prestige, despite the fact that many more were awarded.

[torstenbel]

Hi Robin,

thank you very much. I think that pretty much answers it... Cheers, Torsten.