Bar and Miniature Ribbon Bar with the Colonial Service Medal

Photo
© Peter Klein

The medals on this bar in order of seniority from left to right are-
Prussian 1914 Iron Cross
, second class
1914-18 Honour Cross for combatants
Prussian Officers Long Service Award, for 25 years service
Colonial Service Medal, with clasp for "DEUTSCH-OSTAFRIKA 1905/07"
Hungarian 1914-18 Commemorative War Medal

The original owner of this medal bar was a naval officer and veteran of the Maji-Maji Rebellion in East Africa and the First World War. The fact that he served in the navy is indicated by the dark blue backing to the bar. His service in the Maji-Maji Rebellion is shown by the "German East Africa 1905-07" clasp on the Colonial Service Medal. Only three German ships served during the Maji-Maji Rebellion, so this officer would have been on either SMS Bussard, SMS Thetis or SMS Seeadler. His service in the First World War had some kind of Austro-Hungarian connection as he wears the Hungarian First World War medal.

The miniature ribbon bar below shows the same medals with the addition of a 3rd Reich Long Service award and with the Colonial Service medal now worn ahead of the Prussian officers Long Service award. This followed regulations introduced in 1939.


Close up of the Clasp for German East Africa 1905-07

 
     
     

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