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General => Armed Forces => Topic started by: littlefacey on Saturday 26 October 13 16:15 BST (UK)

Title: German Military Uniform
Post by: littlefacey on Saturday 26 October 13 16:15 BST (UK)
Hello

Can anyone help with this photograph? I found this photocopy along with a note

'Uncle Fritz Schonbeck'

'I think this picture must be treated with some scepticism, if it is to be that of our great grandad JFC Schonbeck. This photo is stamped Loescher & Petsch, Berlin 1890.
The family emigrated from Germany to London around 1878.
JFC Schonbeck was a military nursing orderly in the Franco - Prussian war from 1870-1871 but the dates dont tie up - and the uniform (Mit Kissenkreutz) looks a bit too grand for a medical orderly. A mystery!'

Can anyone help with his uniform??


Many Thanks
Title: Re: German Military Uniform
Post by: John915 on Saturday 26 October 13 22:54 BST (UK)
Good evening,

The gentleman in the photo is an officer, what rank I can't tell. The same uniform was still in use until some time after WW1.

John915
Title: Re: German Military Uniform
Post by: T1 on Tuesday 24 May 16 14:42 BST (UK)
A long time ago, but I'm afraid this is General Helmuth von Moltke (the elder) see https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/1200x/46/6e/44/466e44d7ad8e0608f24fdfd02fa6de4f.jpg for example.

T
Title: Re: German Military Uniform
Post by: Regorian on Tuesday 24 May 16 16:26 BST (UK)
Not certain but this photograph may date to 1864.
Title: Re: German Military Uniform
Post by: mmm45 on Tuesday 24 May 16 20:05 BST (UK)
Looks like he is wearing the Iron Cross which was issued from 1871 ,end of Franco-Prussian war.

Ady
Title: Re: German Military Uniform
Post by: Regorian on Tuesday 24 May 16 22:38 BST (UK)
I think the medal is the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross 1870. The Helm is the 1867 pattern. So, you are probably right about after 1870. He was born 1800.
Title: Re: German Military Uniform
Post by: millymcb on Wednesday 25 May 16 01:53 BST (UK)
Quote from: T1 on Tuesday 24 May 16 14:42 BST (UK)
A long time ago, but I'm afraid this is General Helmuth von Moltke (the elder) see https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/1200x/46/6e/44/466e44d7ad8e0608f24fdfd02fa6de4f.jpg for example.

T

I think T1 is right about it being General Helmuth von Moltke who died in Berlin on 24 April 1891.

Milly