What does the Stripe on Austrian uniforms mean?

[William Jake P]

I have seen it multiple times but never knew what it meant. What does the stripe mean?

[museumtom]

Death of someone close?

[Moonraker]

Or of a fellow-officer?

[GreyC]

Hi,

both is possible. The German word is Trauerflor (mourning band). Officers could wear this if a close familiy member died or if a high ranking member of the royal family passed away or a high ranking officer. In the latter cases there was an order published, detailing measures on how to grieve/honor the dead and for how long. Kaiser Franz Joseph I died 21st  November 1916. The General wearing it is Austrian. Maybe it´s because of the Kaiser´s death.

GreyC

Edited 3 August , 2019 by GreyC

[FROGSMILE]

I too think that it is most likely a mourning band for the Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria.