so what were the specific requirements to win a shooting lanyard - was it only open to NCO's and officers or could general conscripts win the early award? What were the requirements for a typical soldier to win such an award? Any help apreciated
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Hi, the marksmanship awards were only open to enlisted men and NCO's only. Officers were not entitled to these awards.
They were introduced on 29th June 1936. The original plaque design of an eagle on a sheild was updated in 1939 to a sheild with crossed swords with an eagle above it, all in a wreath. Panzer troops had their own design, that of a tank within a wreath with eagle above.
See pages 54 to 57 of "German Army Uniforms & Insignia 1933-45" by Brian L. Davis.
Hope this helps you a little?
Cheers, Ade. -
Hello, In Roger J. Benders book The Luftwaffe pages 246/248 you will find that the LW also had these marksmenship lanyards they were awarded to individuals for proficiency with firearms up to and including flak guns.They were divided into three sections. Grades 1-4, dark silver eagle and wreath, 5-8, matt aluminum eagle and wreath, 9-12 gold colored eagle and wreath....jnobleComment
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I can only comment on the Imperial army--which issued "Shooting Books" that showed the marksmanship scores each soldier achieved on test firing with the rifle he was issued. Lanyards were awarded by scores, but I'm not sure whether higher grades were on re-qualifications or "immediate" (i.e., a "first award" of say the "8th grade" based on score).Comment
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Hi,
Here's a Luft Lanyard with the Document I have in my collection.
Enjoy,
Jos.Comment
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