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The Great War (1914-1918) Forum

Remembered Today:

The awarding of medals by the Central Powers [during and after the war] c/w the Allies


Matlock1418

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Given the different circumstances of the involved countries during, and at the end of/after, the 1914-1918/19 war I am interested to learn about how the Central Powers addressed the matter of issuing medals for the war [gallantry and war] - and to compare their approach(es) with the Allies [who seemingly I presume had a much freer opportunity to issue them] especially after the war.

Gallantry medals certainly do seem to have been awarded by most sides during the war - but after hostilities?

And what about ‘war’ medals?

I suppose the different types of end of the war [Armistice -v- unconditional surrender], type & duration of any period of subsequent occupation and any official & public inclination and ability to recognise the war [compared with and/or to celebrate victory] are likely to have been major factors.

Query really relates to official medals - but I understand that perhaps unofficial medals were sometime worn too by veterans [??]

So would like to discover more.

I look forward to hearing from you with your observations

:-) M

Edited by Matlock1418
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Hello,

 

Plenty of Iron Crosses (not only 2nd Class , but also 1st Class) were awarded after the war. Some by the (socialist) Soldiers' Councils late 1918-early 1919, but I have seen awards until 1921 at least. Sometimes awards were antedated.

The biggest problem with most of the awards was not that the war was over, but that the political system had changed, as all of the kings etc had abdicated and most of the orders were royal, princely etc, these could not be issued any more officially.

 

Jan

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8 hours ago, AOK4 said:

Plenty of Iron Crosses (not only 2nd Class , but also 1st Class) were awarded after the war. Some by the (socialist) Soldiers' Councils late 1918-early 1919, but I have seen awards until 1921 at least. Sometimes awards were antedated.

The biggest problem with most of the awards was not that the war was over, but that the political system had changed, as all of the kings etc had abdicated and most of the orders were royal, princely etc, these could not be issued any more officially.

Thanks.

I hadn't thought about the change of power/politics in potentially making matters even more confused

 

Found this other very interesting thread:

[Not yet Now completely read - EDIT: Wow a very long and interesting one it was/is too - will have to re-read to better digest :-) = It certainly seems at least the Germans had the inclination to produce and wear relevant period medals post-war - certainly not what I had previously known or even presumed. Learnt much]

But further comments welcome here too.

:-) M

Edited by Matlock1418
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