Bar with the Clasp of  a First World War Palestine Veteran

Photo © Glen Davis

The medals on this bar in order of seniority from left to right are-
Prussian Iron Cross, second class
Prussian Red Cross Medal, third class
German Legion of Honour Medal worn back to front with combatant clasp
German Kyffhäuser Medal with "PALÄSTINA" clasp

The original owner of this bar served in Palestine in the First World War, probably as part of the Asienkorps. His Iron Cross is that of a combatant, while he also wears a pre-1917 medal for Red Cross service.

The German Honour Medal for the World War Legion of Honour ("Ehrendenkmünze des Weltkrieges der Deutschen Ehrenlegion") was instituted in 1921 by the "Verband national gesinnter Soldaten“ veterans organisation for purchase by war veterans with an additional wreath and sword on the ribbon for frontline fighters.

In 1922 the "Kyffhäuserbund der Deutschen Landeskriegerverbände" veterans organisation instituted a medal to commemorate service in the First World War. Until the 1914-18 Honour Cross was instituted in 1934, the Kyffhäuser medal was often the only acknowledgement of First World War service for veterans. It could officially be worn with campaign clasps such as "YSER", "VERDUN" and "MACEDONIEN", this one has the "PALÄSTINA" official clasp for service in the Palestinian Campaign 1916-18. Other unofficial clasps included "KAMERUN", "OSTAFRIKA", "SÜDWESTAFRIKA" and "OSTASIEN".

Both the Legion of Honour and Kyffhäuser medal were not officially recognised awards and in 1934 when the Honour Cross was instituted, these unofficial awards were banned. This clearly dates this bar between 1922-34.

Recommended External Links - Discussion on this Bar on the Wehrmacht Awards Forum, GWPDA Page on Post-War Medals and Kyffhäuser Campaign Clasps at the GMIC