Early War German Regimental banners

[Old Goat]

Afternoon,

I've had a bit of a trawl on the web but cant seem to find any decent information of the regimental banners carried by the German army in 1914, much less what I'd really like which is a specific regiment that fought the British in the opening phases of the war...

I have the very good Osprey on First Ypres so I know what regiments were involved but not a jot on their regimental banners...

Pictures would be amazing if anyone can help.

Any advise or pointers from Great war enthusiasts or our German friends on the forum would be greatly appreciated...

Many Thanks, Goaty.

[Metternich]

Old Goat, after some of the bloodbaths of the Franco-Prussian War, German units did not go into battle with their regimental standards.  So, unless you are looking to do up a parade, you wouldn't see them.

[MartinR]

Yes, very unusual to see them at all, and if they did show up in 1914, they were often rolled.

Cheers
Martin

[cdr]

they did carry them in the field very early in the war. A german regiment (i think 89th) lost a flag in combat with the Belgian 12th line regiment near Liège. Another regiment buried a flag in the same encounter

Carl

[monk2002uk]

And here is a quote from Füsilier-Regiment Nr. 80's regimental history, dated 20th August 1914. It was the first engagement that the regiment was involved in:

'At about 1300 hours the division’s adjutant, Major von Fabeck, arrived by car with the order for the regiment to provide flank support to the attack by part of 41st Infantry Brigade, which had left Bercheux (10 km northeast of Neufchâteau) and was in action at Longlier. The division had encountered Sordet’s Cavalry Corps unexpectedly. The battalions were just lining up to be served, the rifles were stacked in pyramids in the street. In a few minutes the regiment was on the march, in the order I, III, II Battalion, advancing along the Ebly - Longlier road. The regimental adjutant galloped down the road: "Colonel’s order, unfurl the battle flags! I Battalion – deploy the men on both sides of the street; II Battalion – follow on echeloned to the left; III Battalion – follow on along the road in the second line!"'

Robert

[Old Goat]

Many thanks.  I'll have a think...

[monk2002uk]

Here is an example of a regimental flag unfurled in battle, though you have to be careful with the interpretations in paintings:



Lots of examples on this forum here.

Robert

[Old Goat]

Spot on Monk, I guess I'm after that 1st Ypres, picture weekly huzzah stuff...

You mention a forum.  Which one please?

Thanks, Goat

[monk2002uk]

It is a flags forum, which should be accessible via clicking on 'here'. This is the URL just in case:

http://www.flagsforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=35

Robert

[Metternich]

That picture is from a series of patriotic postcards produced early in the war (I have several in my collection, but not that particular one).  They aren't necessarily an accurate guide to real practices, as the artists sometimes took "artistic license" for dramatic effect.  That said, the actual uniforms and colors probably would be accurate.