Gilt metal cross patonce with loop for ribbon suspension; the face with a circular central medallion bearing the crowned ‘FIIR’ cipher of King Friedrich II (Frederick the Great) of Prussia within an oak wreath, the arms stippled within rope borders, the upper arm bearing a helmet facing left, the lower arm bearing a Prussian eagle, the left and right arms inscribed ‘TREU DEM’ and ‘REGIMENT’ (Loyal to the Regiment) respectively; the reverse with a circular central medallion bearing an eagle with wings displayed within an oak wreath, the arms stippled within rope borders, the upper arm bearing crossed swords, the lower arm bearing an oak spray, the left and right arms inscribed ‘ALLZEIT’ and ‘BEREIT’ (Always Ready) respectively; on original ribbon with gilt ‘WÜRTT. GEB. REGT’ clasp of corresponding shape, the reverse with maker’s mark ‘PAUL KÜST / BERLIN C19 / SEYDELSTR 19’ and stamped ‘GES. GESCH.’ (for gesetzlich geschützt = legally protected, i.e. a registered design).
The Cross was unofficial and awarded from 1920 until 1933 to veterans of the First World War.
The Regiment was instituted on 3 May 1915 and first saw action in the Vosges Mountains of France that year. In October 1916 it fought in Romania and later with Austrian forces in Carinthia and the Italian Alps before returning to the Vosges in 1918 and then moving to the Chemin des Dames) and Reims, then to Macedonia and finally to Verdun and the Meuse.
After the Armistice of 11 November 1918, it transferred to Luxembourg and then to Waldshut for border duty on the Swiss frontier. In late 1919, elements of the Regiment formed the 1st Company, 13th (Wurttemberg) Infantry Regiment.
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