1GRzF October 2, 1916
- Thread starter JMC02
- Start date
John Josef
Well-known member
My guess is that it's a plaque that was presented to a Leutnant of the Reserves Eckardt by the Oberst and Regiment Commander sorry I can't make out his signature clearly and I don't want to guess but I'm sure there are members here who have the unit history and could find the full names no problem.
It could have been given for a number of reasons from him taken command or retiring. Again, someone with the unit history could check this date against his name and find out no problem.
Hope this helps and gets you started.
MFG John Josef
It could have been given for a number of reasons from him taken command or retiring. Again, someone with the unit history could check this date against his name and find out no problem.
Hope this helps and gets you started.
MFG John Josef
CLOVIS 57
Well-known member
Philippe (Argonne) might be able to tell us more.
Peter B
Well-known member
Wow that is really interesting. Not a medal but a great recognition for his service on that day.
Translation and summary at the bottom by ChatGpt:
On the night of October 2–3, a patrol operation was carried out by the 5th Company, consisting of 24 men under the command of Lt. Eckardt.
As the various detachments advanced, Cpl. Mierzwa, with four men, came upon a still-unoccupied but well-fortified English position and surrounded it in a semicircle. Soon afterward the English approached; when they reached the “los” [signal/position] of Cpl. Mierzwa, they threw hand grenades, and the patrol jumped into the trenches. The English resisted desperately, during which Mierzwa received a bayonet thrust in the body. Soon all five Englishmen lay dead in the trench.
As Lt. Eckardt of the patrol hurried to Mierzwa's aid, the English attacked from all sides. Lt. Eckardt then withdrew as ordered, continuously pursuing and keeping the English at bay.
At the same time, a strong English attack was launched against our position, which was followed by the conclusion that the English had intended an operation against us, for which we had been forewarned.
Cpl. Mierzwa, who was decorated the following day with the E.K. I. Kl. (Iron Cross, 1st Class), succumbed to his wounds. Lt. Eckardt also demonstrated great skill and bravery during this operation.
“The document is describing a German patrol action against an English position during World War I, and specifically commends Cpl. Mierzwa and Lt. Eckardt for their actions.”
Translation and summary at the bottom by ChatGpt:
On the night of October 2–3, a patrol operation was carried out by the 5th Company, consisting of 24 men under the command of Lt. Eckardt.
As the various detachments advanced, Cpl. Mierzwa, with four men, came upon a still-unoccupied but well-fortified English position and surrounded it in a semicircle. Soon afterward the English approached; when they reached the “los” [signal/position] of Cpl. Mierzwa, they threw hand grenades, and the patrol jumped into the trenches. The English resisted desperately, during which Mierzwa received a bayonet thrust in the body. Soon all five Englishmen lay dead in the trench.
As Lt. Eckardt of the patrol hurried to Mierzwa's aid, the English attacked from all sides. Lt. Eckardt then withdrew as ordered, continuously pursuing and keeping the English at bay.
At the same time, a strong English attack was launched against our position, which was followed by the conclusion that the English had intended an operation against us, for which we had been forewarned.
Cpl. Mierzwa, who was decorated the following day with the E.K. I. Kl. (Iron Cross, 1st Class), succumbed to his wounds. Lt. Eckardt also demonstrated great skill and bravery during this operation.
“The document is describing a German patrol action against an English position during World War I, and specifically commends Cpl. Mierzwa and Lt. Eckardt for their actions.”
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