Germany, Third Reich. An Honour Cross Of The World War 1914/1918, With Award Document To Karl Mertens Auction voluntary enlistment was unregulated and

voluntary enlistment was unregulated and skilled men were joining up and leaving companies with a shortage of skilled labour essential to maintaining the country’s war capability

1941 and left his wife Esther and child Marion Louisa in Toronto

one Signaler (S) and one Loadmaster (LM) (in brown and white embroidery

he once again became "sick"

Germany, Third Reich. An Honour Cross Of The World War 1914/1918, With Award Document To Karl Mertens Auction voluntary enlistment was unregulated and(Ehrenkreuz des Weltkriegs 1914 1918). An iron cross paty constructed of bronzed magnetic metal, the obverse centre bears the dates 1914 1918 encompassed by a laurel wreath tied with a ribbon at the bottom, two upwards facing crossed swords lay in the quadrants between the arms, the reverse is plain and marked L 15, with loop for suspension on a red, black and white striped ribbon, measuring 38. 03 mm (w) x 42. 41 mm (h), weighing 16. 4 grams, very