1916 Postcard of men from IR21

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Guys, this postcard which was purchased by a soldier of the Regt from a photographic studio in Hamburg in 1916. As is often the case, he has marked himself with an "x".

I wonder how many of these men survived the war?

Does anyone have any info on this Regt?

Cheers, Ade.

[oradour]

Adrian, this is a Bavarian regiment, note the wappen on 1895 pattern pickelhaubes, it would appear these gents are engaged in basic training, hence all, (except NCO in middle/back row) are wearing old 'dunkelblau' tunics (actually Bavarian tunics tended to be a 'lighter' blue.) & old style equipment, (note the M1895 ammo pouches, ). Full title of this regt is ' Kgl.Bayer.21.Infanterie-Regt Grossherzog Friedrich Franz IV von Mecklenburg-Schwerin.' garrisoned @ Furth II Sulzbach.Formed 1-4-1897. III Bavarian Army Korps. It recruited from upper & middle Franconia. 1914-16 the regt was attached to 10th Bavarian Brigade, & from 1917-18 9th Bavarian Brigade, these Brigades were part of the 5th Bavarian Division, which in turn was part of the Bavarian 3rd Army Korps, which ultimately was attached to the 6th Army, under Crown Prince Rupprecht of Bavaria. A quick refrence to its wartime activities :-
1914:- Lorraine. 1915:- Champagne region.1916:- Artois, Somme. 1917:-Artois,Flanders. 1918:- Battle of Picardy (old Somme battlefield). It was last reported in the line at Mourcourt on 9th November. The 5th Division at this time was rated by Allied inteligence as first class. Hope this throws some light on the post card.

[Adrian Stevenson]

That is brilliant! Thank you very much!

Cheers, Ade.