Article about: by Horst Great information : heres the Half-moon in wear by Grandpa. Horst Horst, Nice bit of familly history, fantastic that you can relate back to the award within your own familly. Jock
Jock - your on the money, was the Turkish equivalent to the Iron Cross first class, issued for bravery in the field .
Horst
Gentlemen, not strictly true....when this Turkish award was worn by German/Austro-Hungarian reciepiants (usually Asian Korps) it took a lower precedence to there own Iron Cross 2nd class !...it was prescribed by regulations not to be worn as a daily item, the ribbon (red/white/red/white/red) being worn thro the 2nd buttonhole instead (like the EK II). Many officers wore there award permanantly centre below right breast pocket. There was no officers version, the original Turkish award was issued to all and was a painted affair, many Germans & Austro Hungarians upon returning home either bought a replacement award or had a local jeweller make one up, these replacements were inlaid, detailed and made of far superior materials than the originals, i have seen vertical & horizontal pins and screwback versions, many makers including Godet made them available, B B & Co a Berlin company were prolific makers and are usually the type most commonly encountered. . It was awarded for gallantry in battle, and its official name was the Ottoman war medal, or Harp Madalyasi in Turkish, it had many names 'Gallipoli Star ', ' Eiserner Halbmond ', ' Iron Half Moon '.
i show mine (front & rear) a salty looking original Turkish version along with a photo of ribbon and the rare campaign bar (which was rarely worn). I also show a poster i spotted near Olu-Deniz whilst on holiday last year in Turkie. It apparently advertises Turkeys lament at the loss of life in the Great War.
Thank you for the potted history, that is very clear now.
I must say the Turkish version is 'nasty' at best, I can see why on return home troops would want to purchase something easier on the eye. I was unaware of the ribbon or bar, there looks to be no markings on it, white metal or silver? What does it say exactly?
jock auld, it wont be silver...unmarked white metal, as for what it says, well thats the million dollar question, i have no idea, is there a Turkish member in the house ?.....as for nasty, well i wouldnt quite put it that way, i love it !
jock auld, it wont be silver...unmarked white metal, as for what it says, well thats the million dollar question, i have no idea, is there a Turkish member in the house ?.....as for nasty, well i wouldnt quite put it that way, i love it !
Looks like a bit of remaining gold wash on the bar? My neighbour opposite is Kurdish maybe he can translate, I will ask?
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