A Bavarian Military Merit Medal With Case Awarded To The 2Nd Jäger Battalion; Alpenkorps

This is an excellent example of this desirable Bavarian award. In silver with period ribbon, measuring 35mm, toned silver, near mint. In original and rare case of issue, case measures 57x67mm and is in extremely fine condition, with age induced discolouration. Accompanied by newpaper clipping detailing the Bavarian Roll of Honour. This citation states that it was awarded to Gefreiter (Lance Corporal) Ernst Pätzold during the First World War as a member of the 2nd Jäger Battalion. The 4th Company of the [Royal Bavarian] 2nd Jäger Battalion was decimated and only a few groups strong when engaging a Romanian battery. Lance Corporal Ernst Pätzold from Wurzbach (Thuringia, central Germany), a roofer in Regensburg (Bavaria), who had already been wounded twice at this point, constantly encouraging his comrades even though he was out of breath from running himself, was the first to reach the firing battery and opened fire on a retreating horse-drawn carriage, capturing two cannons with limbers and six wagons filled with ammunition. For this he received the Silver Medal.

Footnote: The 2nd Jäger Battalion initially fought in France, but was then made part of the newly formed Alpenkorps, which between September of 1916 and April of 1917 fought against Romanian forces. This medal was the highest Bavarian military merit honour for non-officers. Less than 3000 of the silver version were awarded during the First World War, and less than 5000 in total.