| Place | Europe: France, Picardie, Somme |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | RELAWM00987 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Flag |
| Physical description | Cotton fabric, Wood |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | Germany |
| Date made | pre August 1918 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
German artillery signalling flag : Reserve Leutnant Blankenberg, 5/28 RIR, German Army
Description
Red and yellow check, cotton fabric, signalling flag used by German Infantry. The flag is crudely made and is supported on two opposing edges by sticks that have broken in the middle. There are two khaki cotton tape loops sewn to the back of the flag. One is in the middle at the top and the other is at the bottom. The fabric is heavily stained, discoloured and grubby.
History / Summary
This signalling flag was used by German Infantry to indicate their position to their own artillery. It was found by Lieutenant Will Dyson (Official War Artist) in the last few days of August 1918, in the German 'Walfisch' strong-point in the Peronne Area. The flag was near Reserve-Leutnant Blankenberg, of the German 5/28th RIR, who was dying from a severe head wound. The artillery had apparently failed to see the flag because an unfinished message beside the dying officer stated that the artillery were shooting too short, and it is most likely that he had been struck by shrapnel from a shell fired by his own artillery.