German Iron Cross First Class 1914 - 1918

German Iron Cross, First Class, unnamed as issued. A cross pattee in black iron edged with silver. Obverse: A 'W' in the centre with a crown on the top and '1914' on the lower arm. Reverse pin back.

The Iron Cross (in First, Second and Grand Cross Classes) was first introduced by Kaiser Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia in 1813, as a special gallantry award for the duration of the war then being waged with France. Following this precedent, successive leaders of Prussia, and later of the unified German state, reinstituted the award in times of war. The Iron Cross 1813 was succeeded by the Iron Cross 1870 (Franco-Prussian War), the Iron Cross 1914 (First World War) and the Iron Cross 1939 (Second World War). All versions feature the original date of institution '1813' on the reverse lower arm, with the later date of introduction on the obverse lower arm. This Iron Cross was collected by Robert Alexander McKillop while serving on the Western Front. McKillop was born in Tumut, NSW on 23 April 1882. He worked as a stock and stallion agent in Cooma, NSW prior to his enlistment for service at the age of 33 years in June 1915. He had also served with an Australian Light Horse Regiment (militia) prior to the First World War, though resigned sometime before the war's outbreak. McKillop embarked for service overseas with 13 Battalion in March 1916 and arrived in France, via Alexandria, in May. In August, McKillop was promoted to the rank of lieutenant before undertaking further training in England. Returning to France and 13 Battalion in July 1917, McKillop was soon after promoted to the rank of captain in August. On 14 July 1918, Captain McKillop was awarded the Military Cross for his actions at Hebuterne. There, in March 1918, he had led a successful advance of his company into the village and the night after led an attack which resulted in the capture of 10 enemy prisoners. Captain McKillop returned to Australia in September 1919. His son Robert Ian, served as a sergeant in the Australian Army during the Second World War; his medals are also held in the Australian War Memorial's collections.