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artlovr59 — My granddad001
Published: 2014-12-20 18:43:03 +0000 UTC; Views: 749; Favourites: 24; Downloads: 4
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WWI photo of my maternal grandfather, János (Hans) Gith, a German-speaker from Hungary in the KuK Army at Villach. I don't know more of the details except that he had spent some time at the Italian Front already. He was a medic and his later photos show him prematurely aged. I can imagine why. The mountain warfare between the Austro-Hungarian K.u.K military and the Italians is often overlooked in English histories, but it was every bit as dreadful as the trench warfare on the Western front, with freezing temperatures instead of mud.Related content
Comments: 41
I'm watching a series on the great war now on netflix. Called 1914. It features a soldier in the K.U.K. He said it took 5 hours to swear the oath of allegiance. It was in 5 different languages.
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Wow! I do know they had to speak numerous languages. The officers had to speak the languages of their troops.
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Yes. Watch "14, Diaries from the great war." You'll see. It's a fantastic series.
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my Granduncel owes hes life to a Italian SS officer who saved him from getting stabbed by a Soviet in Ukarine in 1945
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Glad to hear he was saved!
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I've always thought the K.u.K uniform was rather stylish.
An interesting piece of family history. Thank you for sharing!
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I agree, they did look quite smart.
You're welcome!
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Ernest Hemingway wrote about the Austro-Italian front in his novel, "A Farewell to Arms".
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True, but I see Discovery channel et al don't seem to!
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I have more, but my mother has them, I'll put them up one day...
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WW1 Mountain warfare isn't quite as overlooked in the English speaking World as you might think. As a mountaineer (Jaeger or Gebirgsjaeger) Rommel first distinguished himself in the First World War when he was instrumental in the capture of thousands of Italian troops, earning himself the Pour le Mérite he wore until the day he died. The Italians apparently didn't object to serving under their former foe either. These and other campaigns from the First World War are occasionally taught or mentioned in several schools of Mountain Warfare. Forgotten by most. ...but not all.
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I'm pleased to hear it! Thanks for the interesting info!
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There are two bosniaken too! Beautiful photo indeed!
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Is that what they are? I always thought they were Turks! Wow, I'm learning a lot!
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The Bosnian troops were considered one of the most kaisertreue of the Imperial Royal Army "KuK". They were used in the hot spots of the front, and together the volksdeutscheland of the Sudeten had the greatest percentage of combat casualties.
The second Bosnian regiment was the one who received the highest number of decorations: to his soldiers were conferred 42 gold medals for valor.
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I can see you really know this period of history. I must confess I know much more about WWII, as my father was in it. I sadly never met my grandparents.
Very interesting information, thanks for that!!
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I knew my paternal greatfather, he lost three fingers of the right hand in the Carso, I confess that I don't know very much about WWII.
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He must have had many interesting stories!
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Unfortunately no, he was an old farmer, sad and silent, had a hard life that proved him. It was already much that he will greet.
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I suppose so. I think not many in that generation spoke much!
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Yes, my father too, hard work and little joy.
I take this opportunity to wish a Merry Christmas to you an to your loved ones.
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Let's hope it's better now.
Also, wishing you the same!!
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It was fine to know you, I wish not to lose you, I hope we hear more in the future.
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Yes, same here. No definetely we'll keep in touch!
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Oh,oops! BTW, my granddad is the corporal on the far left of the photo!
(Jaj de hüje tudok lenni!)
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The one sitting at the table with the awesome mustache?
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Yup, that's the one. Wish I could grow one like that!
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