This is an extraordinary and extensive collection of medals and documents belonging to Werner Barholomeus, consisting of:
1) Iron Cross 1939 First Class (Eisernes Kreuz 1939 1. Klasse). A cross pattée of multi-piece construction with a blackened brass core (non-magnetic) within a ribbed border; the obverse with a raised central mobile swastika with the re-institution date “1939” in raised numbering on the lower arm; the reverse plain, with a slender banjo style vertical pinback, a barrel hinge, and a flat wire catch; measuring 44.05 mm (w) x 43.86 mm (h); weighing 19.6 grams. Accompanied by its case of issue; constructed of heavy cardstock with a black lightly textured faux leather (leatherette) exterior; the exterior of the case embossed with an outline of an Iron Cross in silver; with a lined interior lid, (showing an outline of an Iron Cross 1939), with a slotted medal bed (dated 15.5.1942, Russland, Chrakow/Donez. Ofw. W. Bartholomeus), with an intact interior fabric hinge cover, functional spring catch with stud release, and functional exterior metal hinge; measuring 70 mm (w) x 68 mm (h). Accompanied by its Award Certificate - The Iron Cross 1st Class award document is named to Oberfeldwebel der Feldgendarmerie (Master Sergeant of the Military Police) Bartholomeus in Feldgendarmerie Troop 54. It is dated to June 15, 1942 and signed in blue crayon by the Commander of the 1st Mountain Division, Major General Hubert Lanz (1896–1982), a recipient of the Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves. Uniquely, on the reverse, a detailed explanation for the award is stated. On May 25, 1942 Bartholomeus noticed a strong Russian force of 400 men, some on horseback, approaching the bridge near Lyman (present-day Ukraine), then moving east to cross the swamps and flank and attack the village. This would have essentially meant the loss of the bridge. Bartholomeus manned a machine gun and ordered two men to operate a second one. Their quick retaliation prevented most of the Russian soldiers from crossing, and with reinforcements arriving the threat was contained. That night, the bridge was used by hundreds of German baggage vehicles retreating from the front line, who would have otherwise been captured by the Russians. The report is dated to June 22, 1942 and signed in blue ink by a Lieutenant and leader of Feldgendarmerie Troop 54, the name is illegible.
2) Iron Cross 1939 Second Class (Eisernes Kreuz 1939 2. Klasse). A cross pattée of multi-piece construction with a blackened iron core (magnetic) within a ribbed border; on loop for suspension with a shortened correct replacement ribbon; the obverse with a raised central mobile swastika with the re-institution date “1939” in raised numbering on the lower arm; the reverse with the original institution date “1813” in raised numbering on the lower arm; measuring 44.08 mm (w) x 44.08 mm (h); weighing 16.1 grams. Accompanied by its Award Certificate - The Iron Cross 2nd Class award document is named to Oberfeldwebel of the Feldgendarmerie Bartholomeus of Feldgendarmerie Troop 54. It is dated to Rownoje on August 18, 1941 and once more signed in blue ink by Major General Lanz.
3) Eastern Winter Campaign Medal (Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42 Medaille). Constructed of silvered and patinated zink; with a large national eagle on the obverse clutching a swastika (“Hakenkreuz”) and a leftward facing Stahlhelm on the top with horizontally oriented stick grenade; the reverse “Winterschlacht im Osten 1941/42” (Winter Battle in the East 1941/42) in all capital letters with a crossed sword and laurel wreath on the bottom; on a loop for suspension (unmarked); measuring 35.90 mm in diameter; weighing 18.3 grams. Accompanied by its Award Certificate - The Eastern Front Medal award document is named to Oberfeldwebel of the Feldgendarmerie Bartholomeus. It is dated to August 20, 1942 and signed in blue crayon by a Lieutenant and leader of Feldgendarmerie Troop 54, the name is illegible.
4) Anschluss Medal (Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 13. März 1938). A circular silvered bronze medal; on loop for suspension from its well preserved period original ribbon featuring a horizontal pinback; the the obverse with two raised male figures, the one on the right bearing the German flag in his left hand, with his right hand placed around the shoulders of the figure on the left, with broken chains around his right arm with the German eagle directly below; the reverse with the date “13. März, 1938” centrally and circumscribed “Ein Volk, Ein Reich, Ein Führer” (One People, One Country, One Leader); measuring 31.97 mm in diameter; weighing 15.8 grams. Accompanied by its presentation case; constructed of heavy cardstock, with a red faux leather (leatherette) exterior; with a lined interior lid, a recessed medal bed, a functional spring catch with stud release, intact interior fabric hinge cover, and a functional exterior metal hinge; measuring 48 mm (w) x 102 mm (h). Accompanied by its Award Certificate - The Anschluss Medal award document is named to Gendarmerie-Wachtmeister (Sergeant of the Gendarmerie) Bartholomeus in Traunstein (southeastern Bavaria). It is dated to January 23, 1939 and shows a facsimile of the Chief of the Presidential Chancellery of the Führer and the Chancellor, Otto Meissner (1880–1953).
5) Police 8-Year Long Service Medal (Polizei-Dienstauszeichnung). Constructed of silvered bronze; on a loop for suspension; with its period-original cornflower blue ribbon suspended from a loop; ribbon with a sewn-on horizontal pinback; measuring 38.08 mm in diameter; weighing 24.0 grams. Accompanied by its Award Certificate - The 8 Year Long Service Medal award document is a Zweitausfertigung (duplicate). It is named to Gendarmerie-Zugwachtmeister (Platoon Sergeant of the Gendarmerie) Bartholomeus in Munich. It is dated to Berlin on July 25, 1940 and shows a facsimile of Otto Meissner.
6) 1936 XI Summer Olympic Games Service Medal. Constructed of silvered bronze; the obverse depicting a national eagle with spread wings clutching a wreathed mobile swastika infront of the Olympic bell tower; the reverse inscribed “Für Verdienstvolle Mitarbeit bei den Olympischen Spielen 1936” (German - For meritorious service at the Olympic games) with a stem of oak leaves directly beneath; on a loop for suspension; measuring 37.07 mm in diameter; weighing 18.5 grams. Accompanied by its original case of issue; constructed of heavy pressed paper, with a white faux leather (leatherette) exterior; the exterior of the lid embossed with the Olympic rings; lined interior lid, with a recessed medal bed and a recessed area for the placement of the mint and unissued period original ribbon; with a functional spring catch with stud release, intact interior fabric hinge cover, and a functional exterior metal hinge; measuring 66 mm (w) x 112 mm (h). Accompanied by its Award Certificate. The German Olympic Memory Medal award document is named to Polizei-Wachtmeister (Sergeant of the Police) Bartholomeus. It is dated to Berlin on May 5, 1937 and carries a facsimile of A.H.
7) Entry into the Sudetenland Commemorative Medal (Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 1. October 1938). A circular bronze medal; on loop for suspension; with its period original ribbon; the obverse with two raised male figures, the one on the right bearing the German flag in his left hand, with his right hand placed around the shoulders of the figure on the left, with broken chains around his right arm (symbolic of the liberation of the Sudeten German from Czechoslovak oppression), with the German eagle directly below; the reverse with the date “1. Oktober 1938” centrally and circumscribed “Ein Volk, Ein Reich, Ein Führer” (One People, One Country, One Leader); measuring 32.06 mm in diameter; weighing 14.2 grams. Accompanied by its presentation case. Accompanied by its presentation case; constructed of heavy pressed cardstock, with a burgundy faux leather (leatherette) exterior; the exterior of the lid embossed with a golden national eagle; with a lined interior lid - marked Paul Meybauer, Berlin”, a recessed medal bed, an intact interior fabric hinge cover, a functional spring catch with stud release, and a functional exterior metal hinge; measuring 50 mm (w) x 102 mm (h).
8) SA Bronze Sports Badge; the obverse constructed of an oak wreath with a ribbon at the 9 and 3 o’clock positions, with a mobile swastika in the center and a vertically upright sword superimposed onto the wreath; the reverse plain, with a vertical pinback and a functional hinge/catch assembly; maker marked “Berg & Nolte A.G, Lüdenscheid” and marked “Eigentum der S.A.Sportabzeichen Hauptstelle” on the revese; measuring 45.77 mm (w) x 58.13 mm (h); weighing 17.1 grams.
The SA Sports Badge booklet states that Bartolomeus was awarded the SA Sports Badge in Bronze on April 27, 1936. He retained it throughout 1938 and 1939. The booklet is dated to Traunstein on July 19, 1939.
9) Bronze Grade DRL Sports Badge (in bronze; the obverse consisting of an oak wreath with a bow and mobile swastika on the bottom, with “DRL” in script superimposed on the badge; the reverse plain, with a straight pin, a barrel hinge, and a flat catch; maker marked “Wernstein, Jena” and “DRGM 35269” on the reverse; measuring 38.55 mm (w) x 48.12 mm (h); weighing 15.8 grams.
10) A Police Officer’s Bullion Sleeve Eagle; constructed of fine quality round, twisted, and flat silver aluminum bullion wires in the shape of a national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika within an oval shaped oak wreath; on a field-gray wool backer, with black paper backing; uniform removed; measuring 86 mm (w) x 78 mm (h); uniform removed
10) Bezirksleutnant of the Gendarmerie Shoulder Boards and Collar Tabs; the collar tabs constructed of silver/aluminum Russian braid in a U-formation; on a bright orange wool backer; measuring 35 mm (w) x 110 mm (h). Officer Gendarmerie Schulterklappen; constructed of silver aluminum bullion in the shape of standard officer’s collar tabs; standard buckram core; measuring 68 mm (w) x 42 mm (h).
11) Motorized Rural Police Officer’s Cufftitle (Motorisierte Gendarmerie Manschettentitel); constructed from chocolate brown wool, with “Motorisierte Gendarmerie” embroidered in fine silver aluminum bullion on the obverse; measuring 391 mm (w) x 33 mm (h). Accompanied by its original cardstock box (missing its lid).
12) Rubberized Police Baton; constructed of a 24 mm (w) x 420 mm (h) round rubber stick, with a drill hole through which a thick leather string is tied; accompanied by its baton belt-keeper; constructed of chocolate brown leather.
13) Police whistle; constructed of silvered bronze, with a ball in the shell of the whistle; measuring 57 mm (w) x 20 mm (h).
14) The DRL Sports Badge booklet states that Bartholomeus of the Feldjäger-Bereitschaft (Military Police readiness unit) in Essen (western Germany) was awarded the Sports Badge in Bronze on February 22, 1936.
15) The promotion document to Lieutenant of the Security Police is dated to December 16, 1943.
The appointment document to Junker der Schutzpolizei (Officer Cadet of the Security Police) is dated to September 18, 1943 and signed by the Commander of the Police Officer School in Fürstenfeldbruck (south of Munich), a man named Hagemann.
16) The promotion document to Hauptwachtmeister (Regimental Sergeant) is dated to November 30, 1942 and signed in blue ink by the District President of Upper Bavaria, Heinrich Gareis (1878–1951). The post war transcript is dated to Traunstein on October 13, 1950.
17) The promotion document to Bezirksoberwachtmeister (District Squadron Sergeant) is dated to July 28, 1939. It is once more signed in blue ink by Heinrich Gareis.
18) The promotion document to Oberwachtmeister (Squadron Sergeant) is dated to November 23, 1938.
19) The Straßenpolizei-Fachprüfung (traffic police exam) certificate states that Bartholomeus took part in the course from May 25, 1937 to September 30, 1937. He passed the exam and is approved for the motorised field police. It is dated to Suhl (central Germany) on October 1, 1937. The post war transcript is dated to November 15, 1962.
20) The post war transcript of a Schutzpolizei cadet’s training course certificate states that Bartholomeus took part from May 2 to August 30, 1935. The original was dated to Essen on August 31, 1935. The post war transcript is dated to November 15, 1962.
21) The two post war transcripts of an Officer Cadet training course certificate state that Bartholomeus took part from August 23, 1943 to December 17, 1943. The original was dated to December 20, 1943. One transcript is dated to December 3, 1948, the other to January 1, 1951. Bartholomeus is described as suitable to become a police troop officer and a military policemen. In his evaluation it is stated that he was fluent in French.
22) The Bierzeitung (literally translated to beer newspaper) of the 6th Feldjäger-Bereitschaft (Military Police readiness unit) was published on account of the unit’s first anniversary, as well as in celebration of Christmas. The term “Bierzeitung” comes from the jargon of German university students from the 18th and 19th century and refers to a commemorative publication for a closed group of people, celebrating a special occasion in a humorous or satirical way.
The birth certificate is dated to Konstanz on July 5, 1913. It was certified on August 27, 1935.
The hereditary health certificate is dated to Essen on June 24, 1937. It states that a woman named Elisabeth Müller, born in Essen on November 18, 1917, is racially and hereditarily healthy. Presumably, this is Bartholomeus’s future wife, proving that she is fit to bear healthy, German children. Her racial profile is stated as “nordic”.
23) The post war denazification questionnaire was used to determine Bartholomeus’s involvement in the crimes of Germany during the war. He states his membership in the NSDAP, SA, and HJ. It is undated.
24) The transcript of a post war denazification legal decision is dated to August 2, 1948. It states that Bartholomeus, in terms of his involvement in crimes of the Third Reich in Germany, is classified as a Mitläufer (follower). He is sentenced to pay a fine of 200 Marks.
25) The repeal of the aforementioned legal decision is dated to January 3, 1950. It states that there will be a new trial on the grounds that Bartholomeus, as a mere follower and with a low personal income, deserves a milder sentence.
26) The post war transcript of a Bavarian police rehiring certificate states that there are no objections to the re-employment of Bartholomeus as part of the Bavarian police force. The original was dated to July 4, 1950. The transcript is dated to July 10, 1950.
27) The post war transcript of a salary appointment states that, effective December 1943 and backdated to January 5, 1938, Bartholomeus was eligible to earn 3000 Reichsmark annually. The original was dated to January 28, 1944. The transcript is dated to January 11, 1951.
28) The post war letter upon request of transitional salary is dated to July 2, 1951.
Footnote: Werner Karl Bartholomeus was born on July 4, 1913 in Konstanz (on Lake Constance, southwestern Germany). He joined the HJ on December 12, 1929, the SA on October 1, 1931, and the NSDAP on August 1, 1932. When he became a member of the Schutzpolizei (Security Police) on April 1, 1936, Bartholomeus had to leave the SA. He went on to serve in the Feldgendarmerie (Military Police), eventually being promoted to Lieutenant. Bartholomeus saw action on the Eastern Front.