War Cross of Honor (Association of German World War II participants)
The War Cross of Honor from the Association of German World War participants is a non-state German World War II commemorative award from the time of the Weimar Republic .
prehistory
For various political reasons, an official commemorative sign of World War 1914-18 was not established in the German Reich, whereas most other states (including those on the losing side) created corresponding decorations. This created a strong vacuum in Germany, as German war veterans wanted such a badge of honor.
This gap was filled by numerous smaller and larger associations with private foundations of World War I honors and commemorative marks, including the War Cross of Honor from the Association of German World War participants . Many of these associations were veterans' associations with a large number of members, others more associations of a local nature, there were even those that were founded only for the purpose of issuing a corresponding badge of honor. The need for such decorations was abundant and it was a lucrative business.
Often these awards are very artfully designed; more dignified and splendid - since paid for yourself - than a state commemorative symbol could ever have been. All these unofficial World War Medals were banned with the foundation of the (rather modest and only one-sidedly embossed) State Cross of Honor of the World War , 1934/35. At this point in time at the latest, they were no longer awarded, and no further wearing was permitted. In fact, however, they were often passed on with tacit tolerance alongside the official medals and decorations.
Foundation and award
Founded on February 13, 1925 and based in Munich 23, Ungererstraße 30, the "Association of German World War participants eV" donated a war honor cross with an unknown date. In order to acquire the cross of honor, one had to join the association as a member. This announced the award:
“ After submitting the military papers, the Federation awards its members, upon request, through the Grand Master’s Office, a cross of honor with swords for front-line fighters, without such for stage and auxiliary services. "
All German soldiers who had taken part in the World War and belonged to the "Ehrenbund deutscher World War participants eV" were entitled to wear it . The fighters at the front among them received the cross with swords on application. The Cross of Honor was awarded with a certificate and was subject to a fee.
Appearance
The single-stage award is copper-colored and has the shape of a Maltese cross with a narrow, raised border. Above is a suspension ring for the ribbon. The decoration has a length and width of 4 cm, with the swords on it is about 0.5 cm higher at the top.
front
In the center the imperial imperial eagle with crown, the middle shield of which is diagonally enamelled in black / white / red. The center is framed by a narrow wreath of oak leaves. On the two horizontal arms of the cross the year (left) 1914 ; (right) 1918 . Two crossed swords are attached to the combat crosses above, below the carrying ring.
back
In the center surrounded by a wreath of oak leaves the inscription: EHRENBUND DEUTSCH. WORLD WAR PARTICIPANTS - EV - . Otherwise no lettering or representation.
Carrying method
The award was worn on the left chest, on a ribbon, the right and left as a border, showing the national colors black / white / red in tricolor form. In the middle between them, a stripe in the Prussian colors black and white.
Special
The "Association of German World War Participants" and the war honor cross associated with it were founded in 1925 in competition with the much better known "German Legion of Honor" and their widespread German honorary medal from the World War , after the exiled emperor had distanced himself from it.
The "Honorary Association of German World War participants eV" issued its own federal gazette as a club magazine.
literature
- Ludwig Arndt: Military associations in Northern Germany: Club life, badges, awards, monuments , BoD - Books on Demand, 2008, ISBN 3833489669 , 9783833489662
- Die Weltbühne (magazine), complete reprint of the years 1918–1933, page 842, Athenäum Verlag, Königstein / Ts. 1978