Indy Squadron House Rules A great site... a vibrant, active forum for all sorts of topics related to the game. - Mike Carr, creator of Dawn Patrol
All house rules listed have been passed by majority vote at an official squadron gaming day. The date and vote count is listed where known. Critical Hit Tables The "Dawn Patrol 8th Edition Critical Hit Tables," 3rd draft dated July, 1996 as released in AERODROME, are officially adopted as the critical hit tables used at the Indy Squadron. Upgraded from experimental status, passed by 3-1 vote, January 1, 2003. Victory Credit/Cuts for Kills Any player who scored one or more hits on a target on the turn that the target became a kill may cut for the victory credit. Evasion of Capture Passed by 4-0 vote, January 1, 2003. When forced down behind enemy lines, a pilot may roll 1D6 in an effort to evade capture. On a result of "1," the pilot evades capture entirely and successfully returns home. No other die rolls are necessary. If he fails to evade capture, he may still roll 1D6 according to standard rules to escape from prison camp. This supercedes the previous, similar Evasion of Capture house rule created in 1990. Targeting Targeting (the act of aiming a gun) and shooting (the act of firing a gun) are not synonymous. Declaring a target does not mandate that a player fire on that target. All other standard targeting restrictions remain unchanged. Passed by a 5-0 vote, March 23, 2002. Artillery Spotting Observer operates wireless set; aircraft must fly straight and level entire turn for wireless operation. Observer signals artillery unit to commence firing, with a 5% chance for the first, unguided salvo to hit (rolled at end of firing phase). Every successive signal to artillery results in a 10% increase for the next salvo to hit. Spotting aircraft must end turn within 10 squares of ground target in order to observe results. Artillery will fire only one salvo after each wireless message it receives. Once a hit is achieved, spotting aircraft must send a final message to "fire at will," after which target is destroyed. Final wireless message may be sent after escaping from combat, or at any distance from target. Observers may not perform any other duty while operating wireless, but are not required to announce the intentions
Lewis Gun "Raking Rule"
Any aircraft with a Lewis wing gun that can defend from top attacks can also attack an aircraft from the bottom (with just the wing mounted Lewis gun) while remaining level ("raking") and achieve an advantage. If both aircraft end the turn in level flight with identical directional facings, the attacking Lewis gun bumps up one table in addition to all other potential advantages or bonuses. The attacking plane may not attack another target with its deck gun. Passed by 6-0 vote, July 10, 2004. 3rd Man In When determining eligibility for a third attacker on a single target, firing range brackets will be used to calculate distance, not the actual distance of the shot. Therefore, a 50 foot shot is considered to be the same distance as a 100 foot shot for calculating “3rd Man In” eligibility, because they are in the same firing range bracket. The bracket ranges for firing are the sole determinant for the “equal or closer to” calculation. (The Point Blank Range rule cannot be used to determine any "equal to or better shot" consideration). Card Restriction Rule When seventh edition rules mandate the use of maneuver cards, a player may not exceed the restrictions on the cards and must execute the maneuver exactly as described. If the player fails to execute the maneuver properly or abide by the card restrictions, his plane is moved backwards and the move is corrected. This constitutes an exception to the Aircraft Movement Rule which prohibits backwards movement. Passed by 4-0 vote with two abstentions, January 17, 2004. Mercedes DIII Engine By a 4-0 vote the Indy Squadron adopted the Mercedes DIII High Compression by Scott Campbell on January 1, 2003. The rules, charts and accompanying article are available on a separate page (see link). Aircraft Groupings
until all movement is completed. Any conscious observer may operate wireless. Observer's Defense Rule Observers may under certain circumstances fire on enemy aircraft as it approaches his aircraft. Observer may stop an attacker in any square and declare his intention to fire on that attacker in that exact spot (usually marked with a die). Attacker is already assumed to be at his final intended altitude, and all standard blind spots and firing procedures remain in effect. Observer's fire takes full effect prior to attacking aircraft's shot, including checks for critical hits. Observer may declare an unlimited number of shots on an unlimited number of attackers, and does not select a final target until all movement is completed. Aircraft Damage Index for Campaigns Formation Flying Formation flying is executed by taking tailing position behind the flight leader, with tailing range expanded to 500'. The flight leader need not be in the firing range of the wingman. Wingmen do not roll for movement order, but declare their formation flying intentions prior to rolling initiative. Flight leaders then execute a specific maneuver, then stop as wingmen repeat it, then finish movement, again followed by wingmen. Formation flying is not permitted if you a) are tailing an opponent, b) intend to fire on an opponent who is being tailed by your flight leader, c) broke formation with that same flight leader on the prior turn, d) cannot duplicate your flight leader's maneuver, or e) rolled for movement order. Wingmen may stay in formation while their flight leader tails an opponent, but may not fire on that opponent in that turn. Wingmen must break formation if they end their turn outside their flight leader's 500' tailing zone. Point Blank Range All shots from 50' range are considered point blank, and one hit factor is added to the total damage inflicted. Aircraft Movement Rules Once an aircraft counter has been deliberately moved into a square on the game board, it may not be moved back. In the case of an illegal move, three options are possible: the player may reroute his aircraft to arrive at the same final square, the player may remaneuver his aircraft to arrive at that same final square (using only the maneuvers in his deck if the player is involved in tailing), or the player's aircraft may fall out of control. Correction of an illegal move does not
At their option, players may use the latest aircraft groupings published by the Fits Society, or they may use the official 7th edition aircraft groupings and simply add an "Early War Fighter" group for each nationality. Players opting to use 7th edition charts may absorb newer planes into existing aircraft groups using their own judgement. Such additions should be consistent with the existing aircraft groups in chronology and type and style of aircraft. Passed by 4-0 vote, January 1, 2003. Pilot Wounds Players may use either the standard 7th edition wound charts or the Pilot Wound Percentile Table below. Medium Wounds have not been adopted by the Indy Squadron. Pilot Wound Percentile Table Courtesy of “Flying Circus” Ohio Squadron Wound Location No Effect Light Critical Dead 1-10 Left leg 1-15 16-75 76-100 11-20 Right leg
1-15
16-75
76-100
21-25 Left arm
1-17
18-80
81-00
26-30 Right arm
1-17
18-80
81-00
31-40 L shldr 41-50 R shldr 51-70 Abdomen 71-85 Chest 86-00 Head
1-14 1-14 1-7 1-8 1-6
15-60 15-60 8-40 9-22 7-20
61-90 61-90 41-80 23-60 21-45
91-00 91-00 81-00 61-00 46-00
Revised Albatros Statistics Any player flying a non-high compression Albatros D series fighter may, at his/her option, use the traditional Albatros stats, or the following revised stats generated by Mike Vice: Albatros DII revised 160 hp Mercedes Sept 16-Apr 18 Altitude (ft) Top Turn Climb to 4,950 100 80 250 5,000-9,950 100 80 200 10,000-14,950 90 60 100 15,000-up 80 60 50 Maximum dive: 1,400 Ceiling: 17,000 Two ff Spandaus Single seat fighter, German Hit profile: 6-11-15-10-11-11-11
Albatros DIII revised 160 hp Mercedes Dec 16-end Altitude (ft) Top Turn Climb to 4,950 100 90 300 5,000-9,950 100 80 250 10,000-14,950 90 70 150 15,000-up 80 60 100 Maximum dive: 1,350 Ceiling: 18,000 Two ff Spandaus Single seat fighter, German Hit profile: 6-11-15-10-11-11-11
Albatros DV revised 160 hp Mercedes Altitude (ft) Top
May 17-end Turn Climb
"stop the clock" on a player who is being timed. Passed by majority vote circa 1989. Re-affirmed by 4-1 vote with one abstention, January 17, 2004.
to 4,950 110 90 250 5,000-9,950 110 80 200 10,000-14,950 100 70 150 15,000-up 80 60 100 Maximum dive: 1,350 Ceiling: 20,500 Two ff Spandaus Single seat fighter, German Hit profile: 6-11-15-11-12-12-12
60 Second Rule Any player at the table may at his/her discretion put any other player on a 60 second time limit to complete their movement by verbally informing the player who is moving. It then becomes the invoking player's responsibility to time the moving player, and the regularly post them on the time remaining. The 60 second rule may be invoked to time movement (during tailing, the maneuver phase and the post maneuver phase are timed separately) or choosing of tailing cards. Altitude may be announced after the time limit has expired, and the clock may be stopped for rule interpretations. Failure to finish movement within the time limit results in the plane stopping (if it has already moved 6 or more squares), or finishing the remainder of it's movement in a straight line. In either case, there is no gain or loss of altitude. Hidden Damage Attacking player informs the player receiving damage how many hit factors they receive. Player receiving damage rolls secretly to determine where hits occur, and if pilot hits are possible, informs attacker of the number of chances. Attacking player rolls pilot hit chances secretly; hits must be witnessed by a wingman.
Albatros DVa revised 180 hp Mercedes Sept 17-end Altitude (ft) Top Turn Climb to 4,950 110 90 250 5,000-9,950 110 80 150 10,000-14,950 100 70 150 15,000-up 80 60 100 Maximum dive: 1,400 Ceiling: 18,000 Two ff Spandaus Single seat fighter, German Hit profile: 6-11-15-11-12-12-12
Condensed Alternative Collision Chart When a potential collision occurs, each participant draws cards according to 7th edition rules. If a collision takes place, each participant then rolls on the table below until a valid result is achieved to determine the severity and results of the incident: Condensed Alternative Collision Chart Allied 1
2
3
4
5
6
1
X
X
AD1
BD4
2
X
X
AD2
BD3
3
CD1
CD2
X
CD3
Allied re-roll Allied re-roll X
4
BD1
BD2
AD3
X
X
Allied re-roll Allied re-roll Allied re-roll Allied re-roll
Indy Sqdn Tournament Scoring System • •
• •
•
+2 for each hit factor scored on an enemy aircraft +30 for shooting down an enemy aircraft. Kill points are split squally among any pilot who hits the same area that caused the plane's demise on the turn, that it goes down, regardless of the number of hits. If a pilot his is the cause of the plane's destruction, then in order for another player to split the kill, he/she must have also a) scored a pilot his (regardless of wound type), or b) reduced some area of the plane to zero, or c) inflicted a critical hit that would also have resulted in an indisputable kill. +6 for an assist; scoring hits on an enemy aircraft on the turn that it goes down (but in a different area of plane). +15/10/5 for surviving combat with aircraft in flying condition/surviving combat and returning to own lines (prisoner escapes fall in this category), surviving as prisoner for duration. +10 for forcing an enemy to escape via normal escape rules or any other de facto means. Principle:
C e n t r a l
5 6
Central re-roll Central re-roll
Obsolete/Repealed Rules All of the following former house rules were rescinded by majority vote. •
•
The Evasion of Capture rule originally passed in 1990 (which gave downed pilots a 5-10% chance of evading capture) is no longer necessary now that most of the society uses a similar rule. Indy's original EoC rule was rescinded on Jan. 1, 2003 in favor of the generally accepted society rule that is nearly identical. Increased Parabellum drum capacity: Indy's 1989
was the escape made following damage inflicted by the plane in question for the purpose of avoiding an attack or potential attack on the following turn? Two Seater Mission Credit
house rule expanding the ammunition in Parabellum ammo drums from 10 to 20 rounds became unnecessary when the society officially adopted a rule which increased the Parabellum's capacity to 25 rounds. Single gun firepower effectiveness: Indy's circa 1989 house rule that bumped single deck guns one table higher on the Firepower Effectiveness table became obsolete when the society adopted an identical rule. Rear Fuselage Critical Hit Table: Indy's 1990 house rule was rescinded six years later when the Fits Society incorporated a nearly identical rule into its new critical hit charts. Pilot Hit Points: The Indy rule that assigned a hit point capacity to each pilot personality was found to be undesireable and rescinded by majority vote.
•
It is not necessary for two seaters to fire or be fired upon in order to receive mission credit. Mission credit is obtained via participation in the game. Passed by majority vote, circa 1993. Grounded Balloon Rule Balloons that have been winched down to ground level are still viable targets and, if destroyed, may be claimed as victories. Passed by 4-1 vote, 9 September 2006. MG Pilot Wound Chances
•
•
When firing at airplanes from a head-on angle, ground machine guns must roll double "1's" to score a pilot hit. Passed 8-1, November 11, 2006.
Caproni CA.36 Bomber Special rules originally published in Aerodrome 95
Italian, French April 1917 end 3 x 150hp Isotta-Fraschini V4B LE 6
CE 6
To 4,950 5,000 9,950
RE 6 TOP 80 70
FF 24 TURN 70 60
RF 18
T 18
LW 20
CW 20
RW 20
CLIMB 150 100 Caproni Ca.36, the first true bomber
Note the positions of the front and rear gunners
10,000 13,400
60
60
50
Dive: 1,000 Ceiling: 13,400 Armament: front 1 Revelli rear 1 or 2 Revelli (Jan. 18 or later two Revelli) Crew: 3-4 Stall Speed: 50mph Special Rules 1) Loss of engine causes a 10mph decrease. With only one engine, the aircraft is considered gliding at low throttle. 2) With three engines operating ignore performance reductions from 1st engine critical (speed and climb). Other damage (fire, etc.) may not be ignored. All subsequent criticals take full effect. 3) No fancy maneuvers or loops (except falling leaf when extinguishing a fire). Smoke has no effect on this aircraft. 4) Aircraft is always considered level; the Caproni may never be nose-up or nose-down. 5) When carrying bombs, the Caproni suffers standard weight penalties: -20 mph top, -10mph turn, (but not less than 60 mph), and 50 climb.
6) Forward gunner may shoot at any target at higher altitude, or any target at equal or lower altitude that is in front of aircraft and the same row of squares as the Capronis wings. Exception: may not fire in same square as and below the Caproni. 7) Rear gunner may shoot at any target at higher altitude, or any target at equal or lower altitude that are behind the row of squares as the Capronis wings. The rear gunner may also fire at targets BELOW and BEHIND the Caproni, on a roll of 1-2 on a D6. 8) If either pilot or co-pilot is critically wounded or killed, the other crewman can land the aircraft with a 10% landing chance penalty. 9) Crew is pilot, copilot, forward gunner, and rear gunner. 10) Movement penalty, must add one to initiative roll. 11) Bombs: Forward gunner Salvo 10x25kg type D. Three crewmen sat in the front cockpit
Hit Location Table
One was stuck above the rear wing in the "birdcage"
1 2 3 4 5 6
head-on RW RE CW /rg FF /p/cp/fg LE LW
side FF /p/cp/fg W / fg E CE RF T
tail LW LW T +/rg CW +/p/cp RW RW
Top FF /fg LW CW +/p/cp CW +/rg RW RW
+ = possible E hit roll a D6 then 1=LE 2=CE 3=RE 4-6=no engine hit
p = possible pilot hit; probable in head-on cp = possible copilot hit; probable in head-on fg = possible forward gunner hit; probable in head-on rg = possible rear gunner; probable in head-on
Bottom FF /fg RW CW +/p/cp CW +/rg LW LW
Austria-Hungary
Country: Austro-Hungarian Empire Established: The Military Order of Maria Theresa (Militär Maria Theresien Orden) was established on 18 June 1757 by the Empress Maria Theresa.
Classes: The Military Order of Maria Theresa was originally established with two classes: the Grand Cross and the Knight's Cross. On 15 October 1765, Emperor Joseph II added the Commander's Cross and the Knight's Cross second class.
Criteria: The Military Order of Maria Theresa was one of the most prestigious and eagerly sought after military awards that the Austro-Hungarian monarchy could bestow. It was awarded to commissioned officers for especially meritorious and valorous acts. During World War I, the Military Order of Maria Theresa was only awarded 131 times.
Country: Austro-Hungarian Empire Established: The Order of Leopold (Leopold-Orden) established on 8 January 1808 by Emperor Francis I to honor his father.
Four Classes: The Order of Leopold was originally established with three classes: Grand Cross, Commander and Knight. Subordinate to the Grand Cross, a First Class was added by imperial decree on 1 February 1901.
Criteria: During World War I the Order of Leopold was awarded to recipients with Crossed Swords for acts of bravery in the face of the enemy.
Country: Established:
Austro-Hungarian Empire Established in 1805 by Napoleon I, King of Italy, the Coronne de Fer was awarded in three classes: Grand Dignitary, Dignitary and Knight. In 1815, the order was adopted by Austria after regaining control of Northern Italy. Reestablished on 1 January 1816 by Emperor Franz I of Austria, it became known as the Order of the Iron Crown (Orden der Eisernen Krone) and was awarded in three grades to noblemen.
Criteria:
During World War I, the Order of the Iron Crown was bestowed upon military officers for acts of bravery. Recipients could receive the order more than once for additional acts of bravery. Beginning on 13 December 1916, the order was awarded with swords for acts of bravery in action against the enemy.
Country: Austro-Hungarian Empire Established: Originally established in 1849, the Military Merit Cross (Militär Verdienstkreuz) was reorganised in three classes on 23 September 1914.
Classes: First class was a Steckkreuz (pin cross) Second class was worn at the neck Third class was worn on the left breast
Criteria: The Military Merit Cross was awarded to noncommissioned officers for repeated and special acts of bravery.
Country: Austro-Hungarian Empire Established: The small Military Merit Medal was established on 12 March 1890 in two classes. On 1 April 1916, Franz Joseph added a third, higher class: the large Military Merit Medal.
Three Classes: Gold (large medal), Silver and Bronze (small medal)
Criteria: The Military Merit Medal was awarded for outstanding services to the AustroHungarian Empire in war and peace. Crossed gold swords were attached to the medal's ribbon for meritorious acts in the face of the enemy. In February 1917, Karl I authorized silver bars for additional awards of the small medal and gold bars for additional awards of the large medal.
Country: Austro-Hungarian Empire Established: The Medal for Bravery (Tapferkeitsmedaille) in gold and silver was established on 19 July 1789. The bronze medal was established on 14 February 1915. Bars were authorized on 29 November 1915. Initially, the medals awarded during the Great War were struck with the image of Franz Joseph. Upon his death, the medals were struck with the image of his successor, the young Archduke Karl, beginning in April 1917.
Classes: Four classes - the Gold, the Silver in first and second class and the Bronze Criteria: The Medal for Bravery was awarded to military personnel for acts of bravery in combat. For each subsequent act of bravery, recipients were awarded a bar in the appropriate class. Number of medals minted during World War I: 3,700 Gold 143,000 Silver, 1st Class 384,000 Silver, 2nd Class 950,000 Bronze
Country: Austro-Hungarian Empire Established: Established on 13 December 1916 Classes: None Criteria: During World War I, the Karl Troop Cross (Karl Truppenkreuz) was awarded to all service personnel, regular, militia and volunteers who had served in combat for at least twelve months and had participated in at least one battle.
Country: Established:
Austro-Hungarian Empire The Wound Medal (Verwundetenmedaille) was established on 12 August 1917.
Classes:
One
Criteria:
Bestowed upon the sick and wounded during World War I, the Wound Medal was awarded with a plain ribbon to seriously ill recipients. For recipients wounded in combat, up to five red stripes were added to the medal's ribbon with each stripe signifying an instance in which the recipient was wounded.
Belgium
Country: Established:
Belgium The Order of Leopold (Ordre de Leopold) was instituted by King Leopold I on 11 July 1832.
Five Classes:
Grand Cross Grand Officer (Grand Officier) Commander (Commandeur) Officer (Officier) Knight (Chevalier)
Criteria:
Country: Established:
Belgium The Order of the Crown (Ordre de la Couronne) was established by King Léopold II on 15 October 1897. In 1908 it was made a national decoration of Belgium, junior to the Order_of_Léopold and awarded for any service to the Belgian state.
Classes:
The Order of the Crown is awarded in five classes, plus two palms and three medals: Grand Cordon, the medal on a sash worn on the right shoulder with the star worn on the left chest Grand Officer (Grand Officier), the star worn on the left chest Commander (Commandeur), the medal worn on a necklet Officer (Officier), the medal with ribbon (with rosette) worn on the left chest Knight (Chevalier), the medal with ribbon worn on the left chest Golden Palm, a wreath of golden palms medal with ribbon worn on the left chest
Silver Palm, a wreath of silver palms medal with ribbon worn on the left chest Gold Medal with ribbon worn on the left chest Silver Medal with ribbon worn on the left chest Bronze Medal with ribbon worn on the left chest
Country: Established:
Belgium The Order of Leopold II (Ordre de Léopold II) was instituted by King Leopold II on 12 April 1900.
Classes:
Grand Cross Commander (Commandeur) Officer (Officier) Knight (Chevalier) Gold Medal Silver Medal Bronze Medal
Criteria:
The Order of Leopold II was bestowed upon recipients for personal services to the King of Belgium.
Country: Established:
Belgium The Belgian War Cross (Croix de Guerre) was established on 25 October 1915.
Criteria:
During World War I, the bronze, silver or silver-gilt War Cross was awarded by the commander of the army for acts of bravery in the face of the enemy. For subsequent acts of bravery, recipients were awarded additional bronze medals. Receiving five bronze medals entitled recipients to a silver medal. Receiving five silver medals entitled recipients to a silver-gilt medal.
France
Country: Established: Criteria:
France 19 May 1802, by Napoleon Bonaparte. For military and civil service. The Legion of Honor (Légion d'Honneur) is currently France's premier order.
Classes:
Knight (Chevalier) Officer (Officier) Commander (Commandeur) Grand Officer (Grands Officier) Grand Cross (Grands Croix)
Country:
France
Instituted:
Created by Louis Napoleon Bonaparte, President of the French Republic, on 22 January 1852, by decree.
Criteria:
The Médaille Militaire (Military Medal) was created to reward warrant officers, corporals, sergeants, soldiers and sailors for military service, especially for acts of courage in combat. In June 1852, it was decided that the Médaille Militaire would also be awarded to generals and marshals.
Country: Established: Criteria:
France 8 April 1915 During World War I, the Croix de Guerre was awarded for bravery to military personnel mentioned in dispatches. Recipients of the Légion d'Honneur and Médaille Militaire were automatically entitled to the Croix de Guerre. For subsequent acts of bravery, the recipient was awarded a bronze palm leaf for Army citations, a gold star for Corps citations, a silver star for Division citations or a bronze star for Brigade and Regimental citations: Régiment and Brigade citations étoile de bronze Division citations
étoile d'argent
Corps citations
étoile de vermeil
Armée citations
palme de bronze
1 palme d'argent equals = 5 palmes de bronze
Germany
Country: Germany Grand Duchy: Mecklenburg-Strelitz Established: The Cross for Distinction in War (Kreuz für Auszeichnung im Kriege) was established by Grand Duke Friedrich Wilhelm on 10 March 1871. It was reestablished on 11 August 1914 by Grand Duke Adolph Friedrich VI who also established the First Class version of the award on 1 January 1915.
Classes: First Class and Second Class Criteria: During World War I, the Cross for Distinction in War was awarded in the Second Class to military recipients of all ranks for bravery and military merit. For repeated acts of outstanding bravery before the enemy, recipients received the First Class Cross.
Country: Grand Duchy : Established:
Germany Oldenburg The Friedrich-August Cross was established on 24 September 1914 by Grand Duke Friedrich-August.
Classes:
Two classes; the first class, a Steckkreuz, was only awarded to recipients of the second class.
Criteria:
The Friedrich-August Cross (Friedrich August Kreuz) was awarded for meritorious service.
Country: Kingdom: Established: Classes: Criteria:
Country:
Germany
Germany Saxony (Sachsen)
City: Established:
Hamburg 10 September 1915
Classes:
One
Criteria:
The Hanseatic Cross (Hanseatenkreuze) was awarded to military personnel for bravery. Hamburg awarded about 50,000 crosses during World War I.
Country: City: Established: Classes:
Germany Lübeck 21 August 1915 One
Criteria:
The Hanseatic Cross (Hanseatenkreuze) was awarded to military personnel for bravery. Lübeck may have awarded as many as 10,000 crosses during World War I.
Country: City: Established:
Germany Bremen 14 September 1915
Classes:
One
Criteria:
The Hanseatic Cross (Hanseatenkreuze) was awarded to military personnel for bravery. Bremen awarded 20,018 crosses during World War I.
Country:
Germany
Kingdom:
Prussia (Preußen)
Established:
The Iron Cross was originally established on 10 March 1813 by King Friedrich Wilhelm III. It was reestablished in 1870 during the Franco-Prussian war and again on 5 August 1914 by Wilhelm II, Emperor of Germany and King of Prussia.
Classes:
Three
Criteria:
The 1914 Iron Cross was awarded without regard for nationality or social class to combatants and noncombatants for acts of heroism, bravery or leadership skills. Although the medals of each class were identical, the manner in which each was worn differed. Employing a pin or screw posts on the back of the medal, the Iron Cross First Class was worn on the left side of the recipient's uniform. The Grand Cross and the Iron Cross Second Class were suspended from different ribbons.
WWI Awards: 5 Grand Cross 218,000 First Class 5,200,000 Second Class
Country: Grand Duchy: Established:
Germany Baden The Karl-Friedrich Medal for Military Merit (Karl-Friedrich Verdienstmedaille des Militärischen)
Classes:
Criteria:
Country: Grand Duchy: Established:
Germany Baden The Karl-Friedrich Order of Military Merit (Militärischer Karl-FriedrichVerdienstorden) was established in 1807.
Classes: Criteria:
Awarded to officers.
Country: Germany Kingdom:
Bavaria (Bayern)
Established: Classes: Gold and Silver Criteria:
Country: Kingdom: Established: Four Classes:
Germany Saxony (Sachsen) The Medal of the Military Order of St. Henry
Criteria:
Country: Kingdom:
Germany Bavaria (Bayern)
Established: Classes:
Three
Criteria:
Country: Germany Duchy:
Brunswick
Established: The Military Merit Cross (Militärverdienstkreuz) was established by Duke Wilhelm in 1879. The award was re-established in 1914 by Duke Ernst August.
Classes:
Criteria:
Country: Kingdom:
Germany Prussia (Preußen)
Established: Criteria:
During World War I, the Military Merit Cross (Militär Verdienstkreuz) was Prussia's highest award for noncommissioned officers. Often regarded as equivalent to the Blue Max for officers, it was bestowed upon enlisted personnel for bravery in combat.
Country: Germany Grand Duchy: Mecklenburg-Strelitz Established: The Military Merit Cross (Militärverdienstkreuz) was established on 5 August 1848 by Grand Duke Friedrich Franz II. The 1914 version was authorized on 28 February 1915.
Two Classes: First and Second Class
Criteria: The Military Merit Cross was awarded to recipients of all ranks for bravery or military merit in World War I.
Country: Kingdom: Established:
Germany Bavaria (Bayern) 1 January 1806, by Maximilian-Joseph upon his ascent to the throne of the Kingdom of Bavaria
Criteria:
The Knight's Cross of the Military Order of Maximilian-Joseph was bestowed upon Bavarian soldiers for bravery in combat. A knighthood entitled the recipient to a lifelong pension and the right to append " Ritter von" to his surname.
Country: Kingdom: Established:
Germany Saxony (Sachsen) The Military Order of St. Henry was established on 7 October 1736 by August III, King of Poland and Elector of Saxony.
Four Classes:
Grand Cross - not awarded to pilots or observers Commander, 1st Class - not awarded to pilots or observers Commander, 2nd Class - only awarded to Max Immelmann Knights Cross
Criteria:
Second only to Saxony's Order of the Crown of Rue, the Military Order of St. Henry was awarded to serving officers, either for conspicuous personal bravery on the battlefield or, more frequently in the case of officers of higher rank, for merit in positions of great responsibility. The Military Order of St. Henry was the highest Saxon decoration bestowed upon members of the German Air Service and was most often awarded to pilots and observers of Flieger, Feldflieger and Bomber Abteilungen. At least 2,717 recipients were awarded the Military Order of St. Henry during World War I. Of that number, at least 107 recipients were pilots or observers/gunners.
Country: Kingdom:
Germany Saxony (Sachsen)
Established:
The Order of Albert (Albrechts Orden) was instituted on 31 December 1850 by King Friedrich August II to honor the memory of Duke Albrecht the Brave, founder of the Albertine Dynasty. The military variation of the decoration was established in 1866.
Classes:
Ten classes consisting of divisions for the Grand Cross, Commander's Cross, Officer's Cross and Knight's Cross. Officers serving in the Luftstreitkräfte only received the three lowest-ranking awards: Knight, 1st Class with Crown and Swords Knight, 1st Class with Swords Knight, 2nd Class with Swords
Criteria:
The Order of Albert was originally awarded to " all those who render useful service to the state, or who distinguish themselves through civil merit, science, art, etc., who have earned a claim to Our recognition." Beginning in 1866, the Order of Albert was bestowed upon military personnel for merit in the field and to indicate this, a pair of crossed swords were added to the medal. Very often, non-Saxons also received this award.
WWI Awards: Knight, 1st Class with Crown and Swords: 4 (incl. Wilhelm Siegert - Chef des Feldflugwesens) Knight, 1st Class with Swords: 31 (1 ace) Knight, 2nd Class with Swords: 167 (pilots and observers)
Country: Kingdom: Established:
Germany Württemberg
Classes:
Country: City:
Germany Bavaria (Bayern)
Established: Classes: Criteria:
Militär-Verdienstorden
Country: Kingdom: Established: Classes:
Germany Prussia (Preußen) The Order of the Red Eagle (Rote Adler Orden) Grand Cross - Grand Cross badge on a collar (chain) or on a sash on the right shoulder with a star on the left breast 1st Class - badge on a sash on the right shoulder with a star on the left breast 2nd Class - badge on a necklet with a star on the left chest 3rd Class - badge on a ribbon on the left breast 4th Class - badge on a ribbon on the left breast Medal - medal on a ribbon on the left breast
Country: Grand Duchy: Established: Classes:
Germany Baden
Criteria:
Country: Kingdom: Criteria:
Germany Bavaria (Bayern) After gaining experience in aerial combat, a pilot of the German Air Force usually received a Pilot's Badge.
Country: Kingdom: Established:
Germany Prussia (Preußen) 27 January 1913, by Kaiser Wilhelm II
Criteria:
Issued to enlisted men as well as officers and noncommissioned officers, the silver Prussian Pilot's Badge was normally presented to a pilot after he'd gained experience in aerial combat. The front of the badge depicts an early monoplane flying over a village near a mountain range, surrounded by wreaths of laurel and oak leaves joined together at the base with a ribbon bow. The laurel leaves on the left symbolize victory while the oak leaves on the right symbolize strength. At the top of the badge is an Imperial Prussian crown representing a united Germany.
Country: Grand Duchy:
Germany Reuss (Reuß)
Established: Classes: Criteria:
Four
Country: Kingdom: Established: Criteria:
Germany Prussia (Preußen) 23 August 1851, by Frederick William IV The Cross of the Royal House Order of Hohenzollern was a Prussian order only bestowed upon officers. For acts of bravery in combat, the decoration was adorned with crossed swords. It was most often awarded to recipients who had already received the Iron Cross, First Class. The Royal House Order of Hohenzollern was awarded 8,300 times during World War I.
Country: Duchy:
Germany Saxe-Ernestine
Established: Five Classes:
Grand Cross, Commander's Cross with Star (Commander 1st Class), Commander's Cross (Commander 2nd Class), Knight's Cross 1st Class and night's Cross 2nd Class
Criteria:
The Saxe-Ernestine House Order was awarded to officers. Awards estimate for World War I: 62 Grand Cross 68 Commander's Cross with Star 410 Commander's Cross 879 Knight's Cross 1st Class 2,027 Knight's Cross 2nd Class
Country: Kingdom: Established:
Germany Prussia (Preußen) Established in 1667 by Margrave Frederick (later to become King Frederick I), the Orden Pour le Mérite was originally known as the Brandenburg Ordre de la Génerosité (Order of Generosity). Reorganized by Frederick II in 1740, it became the Orden Pour le Mérite (Order of Merit) and was awarded to military personnel and civilians. The Order was again reorganized in 1810 by Frederick William III who reserved it solely for individual military achievement on the battlefield against the enemy. After the Prussian army occupied Paris in 1814, a total of 1,662 Pour le Mérites were awarded. Of those, 1,470 Pour le Mérites were awarded to Russians. In 1842, Frederick William IV added a civil class for scholars, painters, sculptors, and musicians. Following the armistice of 1918, the Orden Pour le Mérite was never again awarded for military service.
Criteria: During World War I, Prussia's highest military award, the Orden Pour le Mérite,
was awarded to officers for repeated and continual gallantry in action. It was never awarded posthumously and recipients were required to wear the medal whenever they were in uniform. WWI Awards: Of all officers in the German army and navy, the most frequent recipients of the Orden Pour le Mérite were junior officers in the German Air Force. During World War I, it was awarded to 81 German military aviators: 76 army aviators and 5 naval aviators. Of that total, 78 of the recipients were officers who held the rank of Captain or below.
Country:
Germany
Principality:
Lippe
Established:
The War Honor Cross for Heroic Deeds (Kriegsehrenkreuz für heldenmütige Tat) and the War Merit Cross (Kriegsverdienstkreuz am Kämpferband) were instituted on 8 December 1914.
Criteria:
The War Honor Cross was awarded to military personnel, without regard for rank, for acts of heroism. The War Honor Cross for Heroic Deeds was awarded 740 times during World War I.
Country: Kingdom: Established:
Germany Saxony (Sachsen) The War Merit Cross was established on 30 October 1915 by King Friedrich August III.
Classes:
Country: Grand Duchy: Established: Classes: Criteria:
Germany Reuss (Reuß) The War Merit Cross (Kriegsverdienstkreuz)
Country: Germany Duchy:
Brunswick
Established: The War Merit Cross (Kriegsverdienstkreuz) was established as a subordinate award to the Military Merit Cross. It was instituted in one class by Duke Ernst August on 23 October 1914. On 20 March 1918, the Duke authorized the award of this medal in the first and second classes. Awards issued prior to that date were deemed to be of the second class.
Classes: Two Criteria: The War Merit Cross was awarded for meritorious service to soldiers who were citizens of Brunswick or served in a Brunswick unit.
Country: Grand Duchy: Established: Classes:
Germany Baden
Criteria:
Country:
Germany
Principality:
Lippe
Established:
The War Merit Cross (Kriegsverdienstkreuz am Kämpferband) and the War Honor Cross for Heroic Deeds (Kriegsehrenkreuz für heldenmütige Tat) were instituted on 8 December 1914.
Criteria:
The War Merit Cross was awarded for bravery in action or war merit on the home front. The War Merit Cross was awarded 18,374 times during World War I.
Country: Kingdom: Established:
Germany Prussia (Preußen) The Prussian War Merit Medal (Krieger-Verdienstmedaille)
Criteria:
Country:
Germany
Established:
The Wound Badge was established on 3 March 1918 by Wilhelm II, Emperor of Germany and King of Prussia.
Three Classes: Criteria:
Golden, Silver and Black In recognition for wounds received in combat, German military personnel were awarded the Wound Badge in one of three classes. The Black Wound Badge was awarded for less than three wounds; the Silver Wound Badge was awarded for three or more wounds; and the Golden Wound Badge was awarded for severe wounds that permanently injured or disfigured the recipient. Julius Buckler may have been the only German ace to receive the Golden Wound Badge.
Britain
Country: Established: Criteria:
Great Britain 5 February 1856 Great Britain's highest award, the Victoria Cross (VC), was awarded for most conspicuous bravery, a daring or preeminent act of valour, self sacrifice or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy. During the Great War, the Victoria Cross (VC) was awarded more than 600 times. Only 19 of the recipients were airmen of the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service.
Country: Established:
Great Britain On 4 June 1917, in the eighth year of his reign, King George the V was "pleased to institute, erect, constitute, and create an Order of Knighthood, to
be called and known for ever hereafter by the name, style, and designation of The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire." London Gazette, 24 August 1917
Five Classes:
Knights Grand Cross and Dames Grand Cross Knights Commanders and Dames Commanders Commanders Officers Members
Criteria:
"It is ordained that the persons to be admitted to this Order shall be such persons, male or female, as may have rendered or shall hereafter render important services to Our Empire, and that Foreign persons upon whom We may think fit to confer the honour of being received into this Order shall be deemed to be, and described as, Honorary Knights Grand Cross or Honorary Dames Grand Cross, Honorary Knights Commanders or Honorary Dames Commanders, Honorary Commanders, Honorary Officers, and Honorary Members, according to the classes in the Order to which they belong." London Gazette, 24 August 1917
Country: Established:
Great Britain 9 November 1886
Criteria:
The Distinguished Service Order (DSO) was awarded to military officers for individual instances of meritorious or distinguished service in war. Recipients usually received it for combat against the enemy. For additional acts of gallantry, a bar was issued.
Country: Established: Criteria:
Great Britain October 1914 The Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) was awarded to naval and marine warrant officers and officers of the rank of Commander or below for the performance of meritorious or distinguished service before the enemy. For additional acts, a silver bar was issued.
Country: Established:
Great Britain 28 December 1915
Criteria:
The Military Cross (MC) was awarded to commissioned officers of the rank of Captain or below and warrant officers for distinguished and meritorious service in battle. For additional acts of bravery, a straight silver bar was awarded. World War I Awards: 2885 (294 bars and 16 second bars)
Country: Established:
Great Britain The Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) was instituted by King George V on 3 June 1918.
Criteria:
During the Great War, the Distinguished Flying Cross was "awarded to Officers and Warrant Officers for acts of gallantry when flying in active operations against the enemy." Supplement to the London Gazette, 3 June 1918
The 1¼ inch wide ribbon consisted of alternating, horizontal violet and white stripes. Beginning in 1919, the stripes on the ribbon were diagonal.
Country: Established:
Great Britain The Air Force Cross (AFC) was instituted by King George V on 3 June 1918.
Criteria:
During the Great War, the Air Force Cross was "awarded to Officers and Warrant Officers for acts of courage or devotion to duty when flying, although not in active operations against the enemy." Supplement to the London Gazette, 3 June 1918
Country: Established: Criteria:
Great Britain 1854 The oldest British award for gallantry and second only to the Victoria Cross, the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) was awarded to enlisted personnel, non-commissioned officers and warrant officers of any nation, in any branch of the service, for distinguished conduct in battle. For each subsequent act of gallantry, the recipient was awarded a silver, laurelled bar.
Country: Established:
Great Britain 14 October 1914
Criteria:
The Distinguished Service Medal was awarded to Chief Petty Officers, Petty Officers and men of the navy (or army and air force personnel of equal rank serving with the fleet) who show themselves to the fore in action, and set an example of bravery and resource under fire, but without performing acts of such pre-eminent bravery as would render them eligible to receive the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal.
Country: Established: Criteria:
Great Britain 25 March 1916 The Military Medal (MM) was awarded for individual or associated acts of bravery.
Royal Warrant:
GEORGE THE FIFTH, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and of the British Dominions beyond the Seas King, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India, To all to whom these Presents shall come Greeting: WHEREAS We are desirous of signifying Our appreciation of acts of gallantry and devotion to duty performed by non-commissioned officers and men of Our Army in the Field We do by these Presents for Us Our heirs and successors institute and create a silver medal to be awarded to non-commissioned officers and men for individual or associated acts of bravery on the recommendation of a Commander-inChief in the Field: Firstly.—It is ordained that the medal shall be designated "The Military Medal." Secondly.—It is ordained that the Military Medal shall bear on the obverse the Hoyal Effigy, and on the reverse the words "For bravery in the Field," encircled by a wreath surmounted by the Royal Cipher and
a Crown. Thirdly.—It is ordained that the names of those upon whom We may be pleased to confer the Military Medal shall be published in the London Gazette, and that a Register thereof shall be kept in the Office of Our Principal Secretary of State for War. Fourthly.—It is ordained that the Military Medal shall be worn immediately before all war medals and shall be worn on the left breast pendent from a ribbon of one inch and one quarter in width, which shall be in colour dark blue having in the centre three white and two crimson stripes alternating. Lastly.—It is ordained that in cases where uon-commissioned officers and men who have been awarded the Military Medal shall be recommended by a Commander-in-Chief in the Field for further acts of bravery, a Bar may be added to the medal already conferred. Given at Our Court at Saint James's, this Twenty-fifth day of March, 1916, in the Sixth Year of Our Reign. By His Majesty's Command, KITCHENER.
Country: Established:
Great Britain The Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM) was instituted by King George V on 3 June 1918.
Criteria:
During the Great War, the Distinguished Flying Medal was "awarded to Non-Commissioned Officers and Men for acts of gallantry when flying in active operations against the enemy." Supplement to the London Gazette, 3 June 1918
Approximately 105 Distinguished Flying Medals were awarded during World War I.
Country: Established: Criteria:
Great Britain The Air Force Medal (AFM) was instituted by King George V on 3 June 1918. During the Great War, the Air Force Medal was "awarded to Non-Commissioned Officers and Men for acts of courage or devotion to duty when flying, although not in active operations against the enemy." Supplement to the London Gazette, 3 June 1918
Italy
Country: Established:
Italy Originally established on 14 August 1815 by King Victor Emmanuel I of Sardinia, the Military Order of Savoy (L’Ordine Militare di Savoia) was reestablished in 1855 by King Victor Emmanuel II of Sardinia (later King Victor Emmanuel I of Italy)
Classes:
Grand Cross (Cavaliere di Gran Croce), Grand Officer (Grande Ufficiale), Commander (Commendatore), Officer (Ufficiale), Knight (Cavaliere)
Criteria:
The Military Order of Savoy was awarded for especially distinguished service in war. The first three classes had the royal crown above the cross. The Officer class had the cross suspended from a "trophy" of flags. The lowest class, the Knight's class, had the cross suspended from a simple ring. The Knight's class was awarded to sailors as well as soldiers. The ribbon had three equal stripes of navy/red/navy. With the fall of the monarchy, the Military Order of Savoy was renamed the Order of Military Merit of Italy.
Country: Established:
Italy The Medal for Military Valour (Medaglia al Valore Militare) was instituted by King Carlo Alberto of Sardinia in 1833.
Classes:
Three; Gold (d'Oro), Silver (d'Argento) and Bronze (di Bronzo).
Criteria:
During World War I, the Medal for Military Valor was awarded to military personnel for exceptional valor in combat. For each subsequent act of valor, the recipient was awarded a bar in the corresponding class.
Country: Established:
Italy The Order of the Crown (Ordine della Corona) was established on 20 February
1868 by King Victor Emmanuel II to commemorate the unification of the Kingdom of Italy. Classes:
Five classes
•
Knight of the Grand Cross, which wore the badge on a sash on the right shoulder, plus the star on the left chest
•
Grand Officer, which wore the star on the left chest
•
Commander, which wore the badge on a necklet
•
Officer, which wore the badge on a ribbon with a rosette on the left chest
•
Knight (Cavalier), which wore the badge on a ribbon on the left chest
Criteria: The Order of the Crown of Italy was awarded for civilian and military merit.
Country: Established:
Italy The War Cross (Croce di Guerra) was instituted by King Victor Emmanuel III on 19 Janury 1918.
Criteria:
The Croce di Guerra was awarded "for war merit in land, sea, or air operations, after at least a year's service in the trenches or elsewhere in contact with the enemy; [to] those who were wounded in action and who had earned the award of the Medal for Wounded, those who had performed acts of bravery but not warranting the award of the Al Valore Militare (Medal for Military Valor), and for those who had received promotion for a mention for war merit." The Medals, Decorations & Orders of the Great War 1914-1918
