Camberlain, Daladier, Hitler, Mussolini and Ciano

The Munich Agreement, 29th September 1938

Donitz delivers a speech to U-Boat crew.  An interesting aspect of this photo is that, in spite of the "active" location, one can just see both the Admiral's WW1 U-Boat Badge and his WW2 U-Boat Badge with Diamonds.  The latter was an honorary award, not linked to any particular active service requirements; the former was an active combat badge in the usual German manner.  The status of badges like this is highlighted by the distinction; these were not exactly "decorations", but "awards".  The Wound Badge (after much debate) was similarly categorised during WW1.  On the other hand, the WW2 Close Combat Clasp was reckoned a high decoration, notwithstanding the "award-like" qualifications for its bestowal.  Forgive me, FTG (and any other proxi-Germans in the vicinity) - but it seems to me that Germans are particularly good at tying themselves up in debates of this nature.  Best regards, JR.

Grossadmiral Karl Donitz rallies the sailors ...

Former Grossadmiral (and Fuhrer) Karl Doenitz, photographed in a sylvan setting, ?1963.  What exactly he is doing in that sylvan setting is ... unclear to me.  I can remember the case of one Irish Junior Minister (of the Government, that is) who got into a Very Serious Pickle as a result of hanging around in the woods ... JR. 