The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross - German Military memorabilia

T he Iron Cross is perhaps the most widely recognized German Military decoration and is mistakenly considered by some to be symbolic of Nazi Germany when in reality it was not. The Iron Cross was a military decoration long before Hitler's Nazi Germany and was awarded for bravery during the Napoleonic Wars and also during World War One. It was the The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross an adaption of the original Iron Cross to which many people refer to when they mention the 'Iron Cross Medal.'

It was the placement of a swastika at the centre of the 1939 newly designed Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (an adaption of the original Iron Cross) which forever created the linkage to Hitler's Nazi Germany.

W ar is horrific and this lens does not seek to glorify war. Death and destruction can never be desirable and yet War Films, Documentaries, books and memorabilia remain fascinating subjects. With so many images of War from News programs and fictional productions do young people understand the true nature of war and do we as a society have a responsibility to ensure that they are educated ?

H itler stole many ideas from History to give his regime identity and to encourage participation. The swastika originates from Neolithic India and is still recognised as religious sign.

The extended arm 'Heil Hitler' may or may not have its origins in Roman History. The Roman salute "Hail Caeser" may well have been the accepted method of acknowledgment of rank used by soldiers. In such a military dominated society this argument has merit, although there are no historic records to substantiate the argument.

Interestingly the Eagle an emblem having significant relevancy in Roman history was embraced and altered to promote the imagery of heroism and the invincibility of Nazi Germany. The German eagle existing long before the bastardisation by the Nazi party who displayed it sitting on top of a swastika within a wreath of oak leaves. They even dictated which way the eagles head must face insisting that the eagle was shown looking over its left shoulder (The Parteiadler) rather than its right shoulder when it represents Germany (The Reichsadler)

Eagle looking over its left shoulder represents Nazi Party (The Parteiadler)

Eagle looking over its right shoulder represents Germany (The Reichsadler)

H ow could a political party as fundamentally evil and overtly racist as the Nazis come to power? This remains one of the most enigmatic questions of the last century.

S ince its publication in 1960, William L. Shirer's monumental study of Hitler's German Empire has been widely acclaimed as the definitive record of this century's blackest hours. The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich offers an unparalleled and thrillingly told examination of how Adolf Hitler nearly succeeded in conquering the world. With millions of copies in print around the globe, it has attained the status of a vital and enduring classic.

Battle of Leipzig or Battle of the Nations

G eneral Field Marsall Gebhard Leberecht von Blucher, commander of the Prussian army distinguished himself numerous times during the Napoleonic Wars. His command at the Battle of Leipzig (October 1813), the largest land battle in Europe prior to World War 1 resulted in Napoleon being decisively beaten. His Prussian forces were also instrumental in the defeat of Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo.

Blucher was awarded the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross which together with the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd Class was founded on the 10th March 1813. His award of The Grand Cross of the Iron Cross was later elevated to the Star of The Grand Cross of the Iron Cross

The year stamp 1813 together with the initials "FW" for Frederick William III the King of Prussia featured on all versions of the Iron Cross up until the Franco-Prussian War of 1870

Napoleonic Wars Versions

Iron Cross 2nd Class (1813)

Iron Cross 1st Class (1813)

Grand Cross to the Iron Cross (1813)

Star of the Grand Cross to the Iron Cross (1813)

Franco - Prussian War of 1870

Iron Cross 2nd Class (1870)

Iron Cross 1st Class (1870)

Grand Cross of the Iron Cross (1870)

World War 1

Iron Cross 2nd Class

Iron Cross 1st Class

The Grand Cross of the Iron Cross

The Star of The Grand Cross of the Iron Cross (WW1)

World War 2

Iron Cross 2nd Class

Iron Cross 1st Class

Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross

Grand Cross of the Iron Cross

Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves

Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords

Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds

The historic range and variations of the Iron Cross makes this particular item of military memorabilia very collectable

T his book, published in 1984, is one of the first to actually focus on a specific award. In this case it's the Iron Cross; a German award that is possibly the most recognizable medal in the world (along with the Purple Heart and, perhaps, the Medal of Honor).