The "Leib-Gendarmerie 1. Zug" were the Kaiser's personal bodyguard and served as his personal standard bearers and headquarter orderlies. The platoon consisted of one officer ("Kommandeur der Leibgendarmerie"), three NCOs (one Sergeant Major "Wachtmeister" and two Corporals "Unteroffizier") and twenty troopers. Their home uniform was a dark green cavalry Waffenrock with blue collar and Polish style cuffs with yellow Litzen. Shoulder straps were blue with a yellow metal crowned "WR" monogram. Their helmet was cuirassier style in polished steel with a "flying " eagle on top and the Prussian Guards star on the front.

The "Leib-Gendarmerie 2. Zug" were the Empress' ("Kaiserin") personal bodyguard. The platoon consisted of an officer (always a Premierlieutenant or Sekondlieutenant from the 2nd Queen's Own Pomeranian Cuirassier Regt ("Kürassier-Regiment Königin (Pommersches) Nr. 2")), two NCOs and 24 troopers. Their home uniform was a white cavalry Waffenrock with collar and Polish style cuffs piped in red with white Litzen. Shoulder straps were white, piped in red. Their helmet was cuirassier-style in polished steel with a "flying " eagle on top and the Prussian Guards star on the front. They also had a Gala Dress 18th Century style uniform with a coatee, again white with red facings and a black tricorn hat (see Wikipedia).

White metallic lace braided aiguillettes were worn across the right breast by all ranks of both platoons with the home and tropical uniforms.

The tropical uniform of the two platoons had piping down the front and around the collar and Polish style cuffs in blue for the 1st and red for the 2nd. The collar and cuffs were in the platoon colours for officers and senior NCOs and khaki with piping in platoon colours for junior NCOs and other ranks. Litzen was worn on the collar and cuffs in yellow metallic thread for the 1st platoon and white for the 2nd. Shoulder straps were as worn on the home uniforms, blue with a yellow metal crowned "WR" monogram for the 1st platoon and white with red piping for the 2nd. Trousers were also piped in blue for the 1st platoon and red for the 2nd.

Musicians swallows nests were also worn on the shoulder by the platoon trumpeters. As on the Leibgendarmerie home uniforms they were blue with vertical yellow metallic lace bands and fringing for the 1st platoon, and red with diagonal white metallic lace bands for the 2nd.

1. Zug Leibgendarmerie Shoulder Strap
(Rastatt Museum Collection)
Photo by C Dale

Figure 1 is based on a photograph of Kaiser Wilhelm II, King of Prussia and German Emperor, taken in Potsdam shortly before departing for Palestine in 1898. He is dressed typically for a General officer on the visit to Palestine. He wears the khaki tropical uniform for general officers. It has a red collar and Swedish style cuffs with yellow metallic Litzen. His aiguillette cords are in yellow metallic (gold) thread for a general officer. In this photograph the Kaiser is only wearing one breast medal, probably the Prussian Court Hunting Badge (see the Prussian Hunting Badge Page at Medal Net). As King of Prussia and German Emperor he was entitled to wear dozens of Prussian and German awards and those of foreign countries. In other photographs taken later in Palestine he wears a few more medals (including an unidentified cross at throat and one breast medal on a ribbon) but never anywhere near his full compliment.

His tropical helmet is the same as worn by other General and staff officers. It has the Prussian Guard Eagle in yellow metal (gold) on the front, a fluted yellow metal spike on a cruciform base, gold lace cords around the hatband and a large cockade on either side (Prussian on the left and imperial on the right).

His riding breeches have the thick double red stripes of general and staff officers. As with most officers he wears brown leather equipment and riding boots. His sword was attached with a more supportive leather strap system than usually worn by officers to compensate for his weak left arm. This system is seen more clearly in other photographs of the Kaiser in different uniforms, but was also used by other officers on the Palestinian visit. On the sword is a Prussian officers sword knot "Portepee" in white metallic lace with black threads.

Figure 2 is based on a studio photograph of Generalfeldmarschal Graf von Waldersee, Commander of the East Asian Expeditionary Corps taken in Germany shortly before departing for China in 1900. He wears the khaki tropical uniform for general officers with a red collar and Swedish style cuffs with yellow metallic Litzen. His shoulder straps are gold braid with a crossed field marshal's baton. His aiguillette cords are in yellow metallic thread for a general officer. In this photograph von Waldersee wears three medals, the Grand Cross of the Order of the Red Eagle at his throat, a badge on his left breast (possibly the Prussian Court Hunting Badge) and the 1870 Iron Cross, first class from the Franco-Prussian War below that. He wears the side cap with piping and lower half in red for general officers and small Prussian and imperial cockades on the left and right sides respectively.

In his year in China, von Waldersee wore a variety of uniforms, the tropical khaki one illustrated here, several uniforms of his home regiment, the the 13th Kings Own Hanoverian Lancers ("Königs-Ulanen-Regiment (1. Hannoversches) Nr.13") and a different later replacement khaki uniform.

Figure 3 is based on a photograph of a Vizewachtmeister of the 1st Platoon of the Leibgendarmerie taken in Germany shortly before departing for China in 1900 as one of von Waldersee's two personal bodyguards. He wears the khaki tropical uniform with the yellow metallic Litzen and blue collar, cuffs and piping of the 1st platoon. The shoulder straps are the 1st platoon's blue with yellow metal crowned "WR" monogram. The yellow metallic lace on the collar and cuffs and the large collar buttons indicate his rank as Vizewachtmeister. He wears the white metallic lace braided aiguillettes were worn across the right breast by all ranks of both platoons of the Leibgendarmerie. His medals cannot be made out for certain in the original photograph upon which this illustration is based but one appears to be the 1897 Wilhelm I Centenary Medal. Lower on his pocket is a Prussian long service award.

He wears the khaki tropical helmet with Guard Star, blue hatband for the 1st Platoon and khaki neckshade. The spike for the helmet should presumably be fluted on a cruciform base for that of a senior NCO although it cannot be seen for certain in the original photograph upon which this illustration is based.

His boots are the high cuirassier riding boots of the Leibgendarmerie on home service but appear to be in natural brown leather.

The equipment is typical for the Leibgendarmerie in tropical uniform and consists of a brown leather belt and pouch, a holster to carry a pistol , the heavy cavalry "Pallasch" sword, a water bottle carried on a strap across the right shoulder and the strap for the cartouche pouch across the left. The buckle is the other ranks yellow metal oblong with a white metal Guard Star.

Figure 4 is based on a photograph of a Trooper of the 1st Platoon of the Leibgendarmerie taken in Germany shortly before departing for Palestine in 1898. He wears the khaki tropical uniform with the blue piping of the 1st platoon, also noticeable on the trousers. He wears the white metallic lace braided aiguillettes by all ranks of both platoons of the Leibgendarmerie, here seen tied around the right shoulder. Note the slit in the rear of the tunic skirt to facilitate mounted duties. He wears the khaki tropical helmet with blue hatband for the 1st Platoon and khaki neckshade. The spike for the helmet would be plain for other ranks on a circular base.

He wears short brown leather boots with gaiters with six straps and buckles, seen clearly from the rear. The equipment is typical for the Leibgendarmerie in tropical uniform and consists of a brown leather belt and shoulder straps carrying the cartouche pouch seen here with its Prussian Guard Star.

Figure 5 is based on a photograph of a Gefreiter of the 2nd Platoon of the Leibgendarmerie taken in Germany shortly before departing for China in 1900 as one of von Waldersee's two personal bodyguards. He wears the khaki tropical uniform with the white Litzen and red piping of the 2nd platoon. The shoulder straps are the 2nd platoon's white with red piping. The small collar button at the rear of his collar :Litzen indicates his rank as Vizewachtmeister. He wears the white metallic lace braided aiguillettes were worn across the right breast by all ranks of both platoons of the Leibgendarmerie.

He wears a white tropical helmet with Guard Star, red hatband for the 2nd Platoon and khaki neckshade. He is the only other ranks member of the Leibgendarmerie I have seen with a white helmet, yet several period photographs confirm its shade. The large Prussian cockade on the left side can clearly be seen. The spike for the helmet should presumably be plain for other ranks although it cannot be seen for certain in the original photograph upon which this illustration is based. His boots are the high cuirassier riding boots of the Leibgendarmerie on home service but appear to be in natural brown leather.

The equipment is again typical for the Leibgendarmerie in tropical uniform and consists of a brown leather belt and pouch, a holster to carry a pistol , the heavy cavalry "Pallasch" sword, a water bottle carried on a strap across the right shoulder and the strap for the cartouche pouch across the left. The buckle is the other ranks yellow metal oblong with a white metal Guard Star.

Figure 6 is based on a photograph of a Sergeant of the 2nd Platoon of the Leibgendarmerie taken in Germany shortly before departing for Palestine in 1898. He wears the khaki tropical uniform with the white Litzen and red collar, cuffs and piping of the 2nd platoon. Note the trouser piping. The shoulder straps are the 2nd platoon's white with red piping. The white metallic lace around his collar and cuffs and small collar button at the rear of his collar Litzen indicates his rank as Sergeant. He wears the sided cap with piping and lower half in red for the 2nd platoon, note the small Prussian cockade on the side.

He wears short brown leather boots with gaiters with six straps and buckles, seen clearly from the side. The equipment is typical for the Leibgendarmerie in tropical uniform and consists of a brown leather belt carrying the the heavy cavalry "Pallasch" sword (with its Prussian white and black "Faustriemen" sword knot) and shoulder strap carrying the cartouche pouch.

Figure 7 is based on a photograph of Kommandeur der Leibgendarmerie und Diensttuende General à la suite SM General-Major von Scholl taken in Germany shortly before departing for Palestine in 1898. He wears a white officer's Paletot double breasted coat with a blue collar for the 1st platoon of the Leibgendarmerie. On his right breast are the white metallic aiguillette cords of the Leibgendarmerie. His trousers are in white as were the usual home uniform trousers of the Leibgendarmerie and are tucked into privately purchased leather gaiters and ankle boots. He wears the tropical helmet with a white cover and neckshade.

Figure 8 is based on a photograph of a Trooper of the 2nd Platoon of the Leibgendarmerie taken in Germany shortly before departing for Palestine in 1898. He wears the same khaki uniforms, tropical helmet and brown leather equipment, sword, boots and gaiters as worn by the previous Leibgendarmerie figures. Over this uniform he wears a cape. This illustration is based on the only period photograph I have seen of the tropical cape. It appears to be a waist length cape with a removable hood shaped to be worn over the tropical helmet and its spike and appears to have a drawstring around the face. It appears to be fastened at the front with two pairs of buttons.

Figure 9 is based on a photograph of an Imperial Footman taken in Palestine in 1898. He wears the khaki tropical uniform with the white lace, edged in red and black with small Prussian eagles along it (from the home uniform of the imperial footmen) on his collar and cuffs. Note that the waist of the tunic is drawn in when seen without a belt. He wears a newly awarded Jerusalem Cross medal from his second tunic button. His headdress is the plain khaki side cap. He wears khaki trousers with a broad white stripe and leather riding boots.

Figure 10 is based on a photograph of an Officer of the Imperial Footmen  taken in Palestine in 1898. He wears the khaki tropical uniform with black collar and cuffs with white lace, edged in red and black with small Prussian eagles along it. His headdress is a tropical helmet. It appears lower and rounder than those worn by the Leibgendarmerie, has no imperial eagle but does appear to have a small cockade at the front and officers yellow metallic cords around the hatband. He wears khaki trousers, though from the original photograph upon which this illustration is based, it cannot be seen if he has the broad white stripe down the edge. He wears the same brown leather gaiters and short ankle boots as worn by the Leibgendarmerie in Palestine. His belt is similar to that of a Prussian army officer (white metallic silk with black stripes) with the Prussian crown on the buckle. His weapon appears to be some kind of short sword although it cannot be seen clearly enough for positive identification in the photograph upon which this illustration is based.

Period Photographs of Kaiser Wilhelm II's Expedition to Palestine

Kaiser Wilhelm II and the Imperial Entourage, Jerusalem 1898
This photograph shows Kaiser Wilhelm II and his entourage at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. The Kaiser, in the centre, wears his khaki tropical uniform and tropical helmet. The helmet has a white cover and a loose white cloak is worn from it. The general walking with him also wears the khaki uniform and tropical helmet. He has no cover on his helmet and his "flying" Guard eagle, Prussian cockade and neckshade can clearly be seen in the close up below.

Behind the Kaiser can just be seen two members of the Leibgendarmerie bearing their imperial standards. In the close up below it can be seen that they both wear khaki tropical helmets with the Guard star on the front.

To the right of the photograph can be seen two Ottoman Zouaves of the Imperial Guard. Their uniforms are not dissimilar to those worn by the Zouaves of the French and American armies. They are blue with red edging and a red waistband. For headdress a green turban ("Keffiyeh") is worn wrapped around a red fez. Their ankle boots and gaiters are French army pattern in black leather. Their medals cannot be clearly made out. They may possibly include the Ottoman medal to commemorate the Kaiser's previous visit to Istanbul in 1889 or the Medal for the Greco-Turkish War of 1897.

Elsewhere in the photograph are some civilians in the Kaiser's entourage (note the gentleman on the right in a western suit with a tropical helmet and loose white cape), Ottoman army officers in dark blue uniforms with red fezzes and .Muslim leaders in traditional clothing.

In the left background of the photograph can be seen the head and shoulders of an imperial footman (see close up on the right). He wears a tropical helmet without a front plate or coloured hatband. The chinstrap is folded over the front peak. It appears to be more similar in shape to British helmets of the period rather than the helmets worn by other members of the imperial entourage. It may well be a privately purchased item. He wears the khaki tropical uniform, the dark coloured collar (probably black) may indicate that he is a senior NCO or officer. Note the footmen's lace with small Prussian eagles around the collar. Photo from G. Eric and Edith Matson Photograph Collection, US Library of Congress / WikiCommons

Kaiser Wilhelm II and the Imperial Entourage, Jerusalem 1898
The Kaiser and his entourage at the arch erected to celebrate the Imperial visit by the Jewish community of Jerusalem. Most wear the tropical uniform. Note the variety of khaki and white tropical helmets and loose white gowns worn over them.

Photo from G. Eric and Edith Matson Photograph Collection, US Library of Congress / WikiCommons

Kaiser Wilhelm II and the Imperial Entourage, Jerusalem 1898
The Kaiser and his entourage in Muristan, Jerusalem. In this photograph they wear European uniforms. There is a fabulous array of uniforms on view.

Wilhelm wears the uniform of the Prussian Gardes du Korps cuirassier regiment, complete with cuirassier helmet with eagle on top and Guard star on front, breastplate and high boots. Over his uniform he wears a white coat. I can only hope he didn't have to walk far in this outfit in the heat of Jerusalem. The Empress, Kaiserin Augusta sensibly carries a parasol just to the right. Her ladies in waiting appear to be struggling to keep up with the pace in their long dresses behind the Empress.

Behind the imperial couple are two guardsmen from the 1st Platoon of the Leibgendarmerie bearing the imperial standards and wearing their dark green home uniforms and cuirassier style helmets. In the upper right of the photo is trumpeter from the 2nd Platoon of the Leibgendarmerie wearing the white home uniform piped in red and cuirassier style helmet. Note the musicians swallows nests.

In the right foreground with an ostrich-plumed hat, is Prince Albrecht of Prussia ("Prinz Albrecht von Preußen") in the uniform of Herrenmeister of the Johanniter Order, a Prussian Protestant Order of Knighthood always headed by a high ranking member of royalty. His tunic is red with white facings and gold lace.

Prussian army officers can be seen in dark blue uniforms with Pickelhauben with the spikes replaced by parade plumes (or feathers for general officers).

Several Ottoman officers are also in dark blue uniforms with the black wool "Kalpak" headgear or a red fez. The Kalpak was only authorised for all army officers from 1909, but was worn prior to then by officers of the cavalry and artillery. It has been speculated that the three officers in the top centre right of the photograph may be German officers then serving as Generals in the Ottoman army (Kamphoevener Pascha and Baron Von Hobe Pascha both serving in the cavalry and Pasha von Grumbkow of the artillery). Baron Von der Goltz Pascha, the Inspector General of the Ottoman army may also have been present.

On the far right of the photo is a Zouave of the Ottoman Imperial Guard (wearing the blue uniform and green turban as described above). Note that every male in the photograph, including the Zouave has a full breast of medals.

Photo from G. Eric and Edith Matson Photograph Collection, US Library of Congress / WikiCommons see also Pickelhaubes Forum

Imperial Entourage, Jerusalem 1898
The imperial entourage on the Jaffa Road, Jerusalem. Most wear European uniforms. An officer of the footmen on the left of the photograph is the obvious exception. Note his cuff and collar lace, and impressive medal bar.

Just the the right is a imperial naval officer in dark blue frock coat and cocked hat. Further right is a trumpeter of the 1st Platoon of the Leibgendarmerie in dark green home uniform with cuirassier helmet. Note the lace bars on his sleeve to denote him as a musician.

In front of him is a Prussian Guards Infantry officer, also in European Uniform with Guards eagle on his Pickelhaube which has the parade white plume rather than a spike. Note the Litzen on his collar and cuffs.

To the right of him is a standard bearer of the 1st Platoon of the Leibgendarmerie again wearing the dark green home uniform and cuirassier helmet.

Photo from G. Eric and Edith Matson Photograph Collection, US Library of Congress / WikiCommons

Second Platoon Leibgendarmerie, Jerusalem 1898
This photograph shows troops of the 2. Zug of the Leibgendarmerie in European Uniforms mounted in camp at Jerusalem. They wear the white cavalry Waffenrock with red collars and Polish cuffs and white Litzen of the 2nd Platoon. They are also wearing the polished steel Cuirassier helmet with "flying" Prussian eagle on top and Guard star on the front. The "lobster tail" neckguard of the helmet can clearly be seen on the figure on the right.

The officer in the foreground wears a dark blue tunic with Swedish style cuffs with Litzen and therefore is not from the Leibgendarmerie, but from a guard unit of the Prussian army. He wears a dark blue Waffenrock and black leather Pickelhaube bearing the Guard star. He has an improvised neckshade tucked into the chinscales of his helmet and wears a long loose white gown over his uniform.

Photo from G. Eric and Edith Matson Photograph Collection, US Library of Congress / WikiCommons

		Imperial Footman, Berlin 1898 This photograph shows an Imperial Footman in Tropical Uniform after his return from Palestine. He wears the khaki uniform and side cap with lace around the collar and cuffs showing the Imperial Eagle in black on a white background edged in red and black. He wears the Jerusalem Cross in his second buttonhole and the Ottoman Medjidie Order on his left breast. Photo © Joe Robinson

Period Photographs and Illustrations of Generalfeldmarschal von Waldersee in China 1900-01

The two pictures above show Generalfeldmarschal von Waldersee in tropical uniform.

The picture above left is a popular period postcard based on a photograph of von Waldersee in his tropical uniform. Note the generals yellow metallic aiguillette cords. He has an impressive display of Prussian medals. The most senior are the Grand Cross of the Order of the Red Eagle at his throat with its accompanying breast star and the Grand Commander ("Großkomtur") collar of the Royal House Order of Hohenzollern. On his breast he wears an 1870 Iron Cross first class below the aforementioned Order of the Red Eagle star and a General Adjutant's badge. His medal bar consists of an 1870 Iron Cross second class with 25th anniversary clasp, Knight's Cross of the Royal Hohenzollern House Order, Red Eagle Order fourth class with swords, Officer's Long Service Cross, 1870 War Medal with numerous clasps, 1866 War Medal, Mecklenburg-Schwerin Military Merit Cross second class and one unidentified medal (see Discussion on von Waldersee's Medals at the GMIC).

The photograph above right shows von Waldersee at the head of his bodyguards. He wears the khaki spiked tropical helmet with khaki uniform. Behind him are his two bodyguards of the Leibgendarmerie carrying his German Field Marshal's banner (striped from top to bottom in black/white/red with a black Iron Cross in the centre and crossed Field Marshal batons) and other members of his staff. They also wear khaki uniforms and tropical helmets. On the left of the photograph is an officer of the German East Asian Expeditionary Corps wearing the unique straw hat (see East Asian Expeditionary Corps). On the right of the photograph is a British Indian Bengal Lancer, noticeable in his turban.

The two photographs below show him wearing the home uniform of the 13th Kings Own Hanoverian Lancers ("Königs-Ulanen-Regiment (1. Hannoversches) Nr.13").

The photograph below left shows von Waldersee inspecting Italian Bersagleri Infantry in China in 1901 in his role as overall Commander of Allied Armies in China. He wears the dark blue Lancer tunic ("Ulanka") of the 13th Lancers piped in white and a matching peaked cap. Perhaps more interesting is a figure to the left of the photograph, the Gefreiter of the 2nd platoon of the Leibgendarmerie wearing the khaki tropical uniform and a white tropical helmet with red hatband.

The photograph below right shows von Waldersee again inspecting Allied soldiers. In this photograph he wears the Lancer helmet ("Tschapka") and cavalry officers grey double breasted greatcoat ("Paletot").

Photos from WikiCommons- Graf von Waldersee and WikiCommons- Von Waldersee Inspecting the Italians 

Main Printed Sources

"Der Kaiser Reist ins Helige Land" by Alex Carmel & Ejal Jakob Eisler (Verlag W.Kolhammer)
"Tropenhelme der kaiserliche Marine, der Ostasiatischen Truppen und der Schutzruppen" by Ulrich Schiers (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Heereskunde)
"Zeitschrift für Heeres- und Uniformkunde" (April/May/June 1936 Edition)- contains a photograph of von Waldersee's bodyguard
"Deutsche Expeditionstruppen und Schutztruppen" by Edgar Graf von Matuschka - contains colour illustrations of Waldersee and his bodyguard
"The Kaiser's Warlords" by Ronald Pawly and Patrice Courcelle (Osprey Elite)- this book contains the only colour illustration I have so far found of the imperial footmen in their home uniforms
"Das Deutsche Heer, Friedensuniformen bei Ausbruch des Weltkrieges " by H. Knötel and P. Pietsch (Diepenbroick-Grüter & Schulz) - shows the home uniforms of the Leibgendarmerie
"The German Colonial Troops 1889-1918" by Jürgen Kraus and Thomas Müller (Verlag)
"Uniforms of the German Soldier - 1870 to the End of World War One" by Alejandro M. De Quesada (Greenhill)

Main Online Sources and Recommended External Links

Discussions on the Pickelhaubes Forum on the Leibgendarmerie in Tropical Uniform, the Leibgendarmerie, a Leibgendarmerie Helmet and the Johanister Order
Discussion on the Jerusalem Voyage on the Axis History Forum
Discussion on the Jerusalem Cross at the Gentlemens Military Interest Club
Discussion on the Jerusalem Cross and Palestine Voyage on the Wehrmacht Awards Forum
The Jerusalem Cross and Other Commemoratives of the Palestine Visit at Israeli Decorations
German Wikipedia article on Palästinareise Kaiser Wilhelms II and the Leibgendarmerie
Wikipedia article on and Fritz Rosen
Photographs of the Kaiser and the Zionist Delegation in Palestine at the Zionist Archives
Another photograph at the Huis Doorn Photograph Collection
WikiCommons images of The Leibgendarmerie by Krickel, The Leibgendarmerie by Knötel, Leibgendarmerie Uniforms from a Postcard

And thanks very much to Peter Abbot, Mike Dwyer, Christopher Flaherty and Mike Blake for their generous help on this subject.

The Kaiser Wilhelm II Obelisk on Mount Carmel in Haifa looking out to see where the Imperial yacht Hohenzollern first anchored. The cannon next to it is an Ottoman one, probably from the early 19th century.
Photo by Dr. Avishai Teicher at Wikimedia