BAYERN. Regiments Ehrenkreuz mit Gefechtsspange des Königlich Bayerisches 8. Infanterie-Regiment Großherzog Friedrich II. von Baden, um 1900).
Gilt cross pattée with oak leaves between the arms and with loop for ribbon suspension; the face with a circular central medallion bearing the Bavarian crown, the upper, left, right and lower arms inscribed respectively ‘FÜR’ ‘KÖNIG’ ‘UND’ ‘VA. / TER. / LAND’ (For King and Fatherland), inverted crossed swords at the base of the upper arm, six-pointed stars at the upper and lower ends of the lateral arms; the reverse with a circular central medallion bearing the Bavarian arms, the upper, left and right arms inscribed respectively ‘IN’ ‘TREUE’ ‘FEST’ (In Steadfast Loyalty, motto of the Bavarian Army), the Bavarian crown at the base of the upper arm, six-pointed stars at the upper and lower ends of the lateral arms, crossed swords on the lower arm; on original age-faded ribbon parade-mounted for wear and with bronze crowned ‘K.B.8.J.RG.FRDR.v.BAD.’ clasp above a bronze cuirassier helmet imposed on crossed rifles.
The Cross was awarded to Bavarian regiments in about 1900.
The Königlich Bayerisches 8. Infanterie-Regiment Großherzog Friedrich II. von Baden was founded on 1 October 1753 by decree of Elector Maximilian III. Joseph as the Pechmann-Infanterie and underwent a number of changes of name in the following decades.
It took part in the Napoleonic Wars, the War with Denmark of 1849, fought with Austria against Prussia in 1866 and in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71 it participated in the Siege of Paris.
In World War I it fought on the Western Front, being almost wiped out in the Battle of Arras in April 1917. It returned to Germany after the armistice of 11 November 1918 and was demobilised at Bad Kissingen on 18 December 1918 and disbanded in May 1919.
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