GOETZ: K-300 A.L. Schlageter

cacheman

Opus 300 “ALBERT LEO SCHLAGETER”, 1923, Cast AE, 60.6mm, Edge punched “KGoetz”. Beautiful dark patina. UNC.

The passive resistance as declared by the Government against the Ruhr occupation in many cases turns into active deeds against French troops. Activists of the national movement enter the Ruhr Valley in order to fight a Guerilla war. Sabotage acts against bridges, railroad lines, waterways, and the killing of the French guards are committed frequently. The French react sharply with arrests, military trials, deportations to the rest of Germany and also death warrants. On May 26, 1923 they execute Albert Leo Schlageter, an ex-member of the Freikorps (volunteers military units). Schlageter becomes a national hero and all parties, from the right to the far left hail him as the martyr of the battle against the Ruhr occupation. The Nazis of course claimed him as their own. Inscription on the Obverse in exergue “Glow holy flame, glow. Glow and never stop glowing for the Fatherland.” Inscription on the Reverse: “Murdered by the French May 26, 1923.”

syraq

German Resistance via sabotage acts! Who would have thought back then, that some years later, most European countries would be conducting their own Resistance against the German invaders.


I like your new sigline.

theboz11

Great Medal

laurentyvan

Living history from the German perspective. Was Goetz as ardently nationalistic (or patriotic if you prefer) as his satiric medals seem to indicate?

cacheman

Yes, he was a very strong patriot who idolized Bismarck, tolerated Wilhelm, and undermined Hitler in subtle ways...

Askari

An excellent piece ... as usual.