History of the Inventor: The Technical Office, established in 1933, set up testing facilities for weapons and equipment at various locations that existed until 1945. Inventory description: KOMMANDO DER ERPROBUNGSSTELLEN According to the provisions of the Versailles Treaty of 1919, the German Reich was prohibited from developing and constructing aircraft for military purposes. Nevertheless, as early as 1920, the Reichswehr Ministry (RWM) set up units with the task of carrying out preparatory work for the creation of development and testing sites for an air force. For example, a "Air Defence" (TA) unit was set up in the Truppenamt (TA) and an aeronautical unit in the Inspektion für Waffen und Gerät (IWG). After the merger of the IWG with the Waffenamt (Wa.A) of the RWM at the beginning of 1927, the aeronautical department became the department 6 F of the testing group (Wa.Prw. 6 F). He was in charge of the development departments disguised as civil engineering offices as well as the test groups in Johannisthal and Rechlin. The testing thus fell within the competence of the testing department of the Weapons Office. At the end of November 1928, the procurement department was also taken over by the Wa.L.Prw. Group. At the end of July 1939, in order to better meet the growing requirements, the Aviation Group in the Weapons Office (Wa.L) was divided into three groups: "Development of aircraft (Wa.L. I)", "Development of equipment" (Wa.L. II) and "Testing" (Wa.L. III). There was also a group on "Procurement" and a group on "Defense Economics and Armaments". On February 8, 1933, on the orders of Reichswehr Minister Blomberg, the Air Protection Office (LA) was formed, which was now also to be responsible for the development, testing and procurement of aircraft, aircraft engines and special aircraft equipment. He was assigned the aviation group in the weapons office, now known as Wa.Prw. 8, as Division L 2. After the transfer of the air-raid protection office to the newly created Reich Aviation Ministry (RLM) in May, the aviation technology department was initially subordinated as the Technical Department (B II) to the General Office (LB) of the RLM, but then, in the course of the reclassification of the RLM to the Technical Office (LC) on October 1, 1933, and, like the latter, directly subordinated to the Secretary of State for Aviation, Colonel General Milch. It was divided into the departments LC I (Research), LC II (Testing) and LC III (Procurement). Colonel Wimmer, as head of the Technical Office, remained responsible for aviation technology, while Captain Freiherr von Richthofen, who headed the LC II department from June 1934, was in charge of the technical aspects of the test centres (e-places). Until the Luftwaffe was unmasked in March 1935, the tests were carried out by the "Test Centres of the Reich Association of the German Aviation Industry" disguised as civilian. The "Commando der Fliegererprobungsstellen" (Command of Pilot Test Centres), which had been established in 1934 and was based in Rechlin, now appeared as the central testing authority. At the head of the command was the commander of the testing stations (K.d.E.), who was at the same time head of the E station Rechlin and superior of the chief of the E station Travemünde. His supervisor was the head of department LC II (Testing). In December 1936, the E posts Rechlin and Travemünde as well as Tarnewitz were directly subordinated to the new Chief of the Technical Office, Colonel Udet, in 1937 and charged with the development and technical testing of the Luftwaffe equipment. In the course of a reorganization of the entire RLM, the Technical Office was directly subordinated to Göring. As a result, Udet changed the organizational structure of the Technical Office again in May 1938 and dissolved the office of Commander of the Test Laboratories. The E posts now received independent command offices, which were technically subordinate to the head of the Technical Office. On February 1, 1939, the Technical Office, the Supply Office and the "Industry and Economy" group of offices were merged to form the new General Airworthiness Inspectorate (GL) and once again placed under the authority of the State Secretary for Aviation. Lieutenant General Udet was appointed General Airworthiness Officer and was now responsible for the management and control of the entire aviation technology as well as for the securing of the entire air force requirement while retaining his function as Chief of the Technical Office. After his suicide on 17 November 1941, the former Secretary of State for Aviation at the RLM, Generalfeldmarschall Milch, assumed these offices in personal union. In autumn 1941 a new command of the testing stations (Kdo.d.E) was established. In technical and operational terms, it was subordinate to the Commander of the Test Centres (K.d.E ), who in turn was subordinate to the Chief of the Technical Office and worked closely with the responsible development departments C to E of the Technical Office (GL/C). This post was held by Major Petersen until the end of the war. After the General Aircraft Master's Office was dissolved on 27 July 1944, the business area and thus the entire technical air armament was transferred to the Chief of Technical Air Armament (Chief TLR). The office was subordinated to the General Staff of the Luftwaffe and thus to the High Command of the Luftwaffe (OKL). The commander of the testing stations was now directly under the command of the Chief of Technical Air Armament, but was then subordinated to the commander of the Ersatzluftwaffe (BdE-Lw) shortly before the end of the war. Until 1945 the following E-positions were established and partially dissolved: Rechlin, Travemünde, Tarnewitz, Peenemünde, Udetfeld, Madüsee, Werneuchen, Süd (Foggia), Munster-Nord, Jesau, Arktis-Finsee, Cazeaux (Süd) and Karlshagen. In addition, a large number of test commands and test squadrons were set up from 1941 onwards, some of which were formed only briefly for the testing of individual aircraft types and quickly dissolved again after testing. ERPROBUNGSSTELLEN Torpedowaffenplatz der Luftwaffe Gotenhafen-Hexengrund (ca. 1942-1945) On April 2, 1942, the Luftwaffe Torpedowaffenplatz was repositioned as a branch office. He was subordinate to the General Airworthiness Officer (Technical Office) in terms of military service and discipline. He was assigned to Luftgaukommando I in terms of war classification, economy and administration. With effect from 1 May 1944, the Torpedowaffenplatz was then placed under the command of the E units. He was responsible for the testing of air torpedoes and associated dropping devices. Jesau (1943-1944) This E-Stelle was founded in 1943 as an outpost of the Peenemünde-West testing station. The main task of the E-Stelle Jesau was the execution of surveying work for distance and proximity fuses as well as the testing of the rocket-powered aircraft Messerschmitt Me 163. In August 1944 the E-Stelle Jesau was dissolved. Munster-Nord (1935-1945) As early as 1916, a test and production facility for gas ammunition was set up in Munster-Breloh for the first time on 6,500 hectares. From 1935, manufacturing and testing facilities for chemical warfare agents were again built on the site and the Munster-Nord Army Experimental Station, which was subordinate to the Army Ordnance Office, was set up. Both the Luftwaffe and the Weapons Office use the area for technical testing of high attack bombs and low attack spray containers. Peenemünde-West, later Karlshagen (approx. 1939-1945) After the start of construction work at the end of July 1937, Peenemünde-West started operations on 1 April 1938. Uvo Pauls was in charge until September 1, 1942, succeeding Major Otto Stams and Major Karl Henkelmann at the end of 1944. The task of the E unit was the testing of rocket engines and rocket-propelled, remote-controlled dropping weapons (e.g. Fi 103, Hs 298). The central group of the test centre was the air traffic control, which was responsible for the deployment of the aircraft fleet. She was also assigned a weather station. The following test groups were active at the experimental site, working on different tasks: E 2: Aircraft and missile systems with rocket propulsion, including support of the troop test commands (Fi 103 and Hs 117) E 3: Engines and fuels E 4: Radio and radio control systems E 5: Equipment (power supply, control systems, image station, measuring base) E 7: Drop systems, target and target training equipment E 8: Ground systems The E station was moved to Wesermünde air base near Bremerhaven in April 1945. Rechlin (approx. 1925-1945) Already planned in 1916, the "Flieger-Versuchs- und Lehranstalt am Müritzsee" started operations in 1918 during the First World War. Due to the provisions of the Treaty of Versailles, however, the installations there were dismantled again at the beginning of the 1920s. As part of the camouflaged continuation of pilot testing in the Weimar Republic, a test airfield was built in Rechlin from 1925. On the initiative of Hauptmann Student, the German Aviation Research Institute (DVL) in Berlin-Adlershof set up a new "Department M" specifically for this purpose. The "Luftfahrtverein Waren e.V.", founded in 1925, acquired the necessary area on behalf of the Reich and took over the operation of the new airfield. Factory and flight operations began in the summer of 1926. From 1927/28 Albatros Flugzeugwerke GmbH in Berlin-Johannisthal leased the facility, which was now called the "Testing Department of Albatros Flugzeugwerke Johannisthal". After the Reichsverband der Deutschen Luftfahrt-Industrie (RDL) had taken over the site at the insistence of the Reichswehr troop office at the end of 1929, it was continued under the camouflage name "RDL Erprobungsstelle Staaken". After the National Socialists came to power in 1933, the facilities in Rechlin were rapidly expanded to become the largest testing station (E station) for aviation equipment. From 1935, the E-Stelle Rechlin was regarded as a showpiece of the Luftwaffe. Until the end of the war, four large building complexes with different uses were built on the huge area: Group North management and technical administration, air base command and weather station; Testing of airframes (from 1936), of radio and navigation equipment, of aircraft on-board devices and equipment, aeromedical tests as well as high-frequency and ionospheric research Group South Testing of engines, of materials as well as of fuels and lubricants East Group Testing of ammunition for on-board weapons and drop-weapons West Group Military testing (only 1935-1938), test group and shipyard, fracture recovery, training workshop Initially, the focus of testing activities in Rechlin was on flight and engine testing. This included the flight testing of the engines, the measurements on the individual engine components as well as the creation of complete aircraft types. Other areas of activity include the testing of aircraft equipment - from on-board instruments to rescue and safety equipment, hydraulic systems - and radio and navigation equipment. From 1933 the testing of weapons was also carried out in Rechlin. The main focus was on the testing of ammunition for firearms as well as the testing of drop ammunition within the framework of flight testing. After the beginning of the 2nd World War, prey planes were thoroughly tested there and the results evaluated. In addition to the purely technical testing of all land aircraft and their equipment, new aircraft types are tested for their military suitability, especially after the start of the war. For this purpose, the Lärz Test Command was set up, to which these aircraft types were assigned for operational testing. From mid-1944 the testing of the new jet aircraft Me 262, Ar 234 and He 162 received highest priority. The E-Stelle Rechlin has undergone several organisational changes during its existence. An overview of the structure and filling of positions is attached as an annex. This is a compilation from the publication of Beauvais. South (Foggia) (c. 1941-1942) In the second half of 1941, the E-Stelle Süd started operations at the airfield in Foggia, Italy. It was intended for the testing of air torpedoes and underwater weapons, which had to be carried out in Grosseto due to unfavourable conditions. At the end of February 1942, it was decided to move the E-Stelle Süd to the French town of Cazaux, southwest of Bordeaux, and operations began at the airfield in May 1942. The test flights were used for the ballistic measurement of various types of bombs or dropping containers, the testing of target devices and bomb droppings. The commander of the E post was Captain Henno Schlockermann. After Allied air raids in March and September 1944, during which the installations were severely damaged and several test aircraft destroyed, operations had to be restricted and then discontinued altogether. By order of 10 October 1944, the E post was officially closed. Tarnewitz (1937-1945) Construction work began in 1935, and two years later the Tarnewitz electric power station was officially put into operation. The task of the new unit was to test new weapon systems for Luftwaffe aircraft. In addition to machine guns and bombs, this also included the newly developed rocket weapons. The various tasks were performed by the groups W 1 (installation), W 2 (ballistics and sights), W 3 (mountings and air discs) and W 4 (on-board weapons and ammunition). From 1938, the E post was subdivided into the specialist groups machine guns and ammunition, including rocket testing (IIA), mountings and air discs (II D), ballistics and sights (II E), installation of weapons in aircraft (II F). Travemünde (1928-1945) In 1928 a seaplane test centre (SES) was founded in Travemünde under the camouflage name "Reichsverband der Deutschen Luftfahrtindustrie Gruppe Flugzeugbau". Originally planned and established after World War I as a secret testing ground for independent naval aviation, the Travemünde testing ground was subordinated to the RLM in 1934 after the National Socialists seized power and expanded further. The focus of the testing activities in Travemünde was the testing of seaplanes and their equipment, naval mines and air torpedoes as well as special ships and boats for maritime flight operations. This also included testing seaplanes, landing on icy and snowy ground, landing attempts on aircraft carriers and rescue measures on the open sea with the aircraft. The E post was divided into the following groups in 1933: A: Navigation, radio, seaman's equipment, special installations B: Operation of aircraft, ships, docks, catapults and vehicles, ground services E: Flight service, holding pilots ready F: Aircraft testing, preparation, execution and evaluation of measurements, reports, assessments G: Testing of on-board devices, radio measuring devices, laboratory, precision mechanical workshop, photo service, duplication K: Administration, personnel, material, buildings, installations M: engines, propellers, aggregates, workshop and test benches Udetfeld (1940-1945) The Udetfeld electric power station was set up in 1940 near Beuthen/Oberschlesien. At the beginning it was led by Major Werner Zober, later by Lieutenant Colonel Rieser. The test leader was Fl.Stabsingenieur Rudolf Noch. The task of the E-Stelle was the testing of small explosive and incendiary bombs, parachute bombs and special detonators as well as the acceptance blasting of all German bomb types. At times she was also engaged in the testing of parachutes and ejection seats. For this purpose it was equipped step-by-step with a measuring base, several discharge points and a picture position. Last tests and measurements took place until shortly before the invasion of the Soviet army at the end of January 1945. The E-Stelle was dissolved by order of 15 February 1945 and its tasks taken over by the E-Stelle Rechlin. Werneuchen (1942-1945) The E post was established in April 1942 at the air base in Werneuchen. She was responsible for the testing and development of search and target devices for air and sea reconnaissance and worked closely with the Aeronautical Radio Research Institute in Oberpfaffenhofen. Field stations for testing ground radio measuring instruments were located in Weesow and Tremmen. The flight testing of newly developed equipment was initially carried out by the test squadron of the Technical Test Command (TVK), and was then transferred to the newly formed night fighter group 10. Their tasks also included the development and testing of equipment for the defence against interference and deception by the enemy air forces. In Werneuchen, the night hunt radio measuring devices FuG 202 "Lichtenstein", the ship's target search device FuG "Hohentwiel" as well as the ground search devices "Würzburg-Riese" and "Freya" were tested. In February 1945, the E-Stelle was moved to Stade and renamed to E-Stelle Stade in April 1945. The E post was commanded by Major i.G. August Hentz until April 1944, then until its dissolution by Major i.G. Cerener. ERPROBUNGSKOMMANDOS und ERPROBUNGSSTAFFELN Erprobungskommando 4 (ERPROBUNGSSTAFFELN Test Command 4) Set-up by order of 1 December 1944 by air fleet 10. Troop testing of the X4 guided missile and testing of operational procedures and tactical capabilities. Test Command 15 Formed from the Experimental Squadron Hs 293 and intended for troop testing of the Gleitbombe Hs 293. Test Command 16 Set up on the Command Path in April 1942 in Peenemünde-West, at the beginning of September budgeting and transfer to Zwischenahn, then in October to Brandis. Testing of the rocket-propelled hunter Me 163 B "Komet". Dissolution on 14 February 1945. Tasks were to be taken over by Jagdkommando 400, which also received the operational aircraft. Erprobungskommando 17 Transfer of the 2./Kampfgruppe 100 from Hannover-Langenhagen to the French Chartes, renaming into E-Kommando XY in January 1942 and temporarily into E-Kommando 100 (March to May 1942), then budgeted as E-Kommando 17. Further development of the X- and Y-process and deployment against England. Mid-September 1942 Renamed 15th Combat Squadron, 6th Experimental and Training Command, 18, set up on 1 August 1942 in Pillau and subordinated to the General of the Air Force by the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy (Ob.d.M.). Testing of the aircraft types intended for the aircraft carrier "Graf Zeppelin" including the instruction and training of the flying and ground personnel on this equipment. Test Command 19 Deployment on 1 July 1942 at the Castel Benito airfield near Tripoli on the Command Way. Testing of the aircraft types Bf 109 and Fw 109 for tropical suitability as fighter and battle planes. Personnel of the supplementary groups of the fighter squadron 27 and 53, respectively. Test and training command 20 formation on 1 October 1942 in Travemünde (later Kamp). Testing of on-board special aircraft as well as instruction and training of flying and ground personnel for on-board special aircraft. Test and Training Command 21 Set up on 1 August 1942 in Garz/Usedom. Personnel and equipment of the disbanded II. combat squadron 3. troop testing of the bomb PC 1400X. Test and teaching command 22 Set up autumn 1942 in Lärz. Testing of the Fw 190 fighter bomber version with long range (Jaborei). Personnel of the combat squadron 40, of the fighter squadrons 2 and 26 as well as of a destroyer school. Spring 1943 Transfer to St. André in France and use for the formation of the I./Schlachtkampfgeschwader 10. Test and training command 24 formation on 1 March 1943 in Mark-Zwuschen. Testing of aircraft types suitable for reconnaissance purposes, including equipment (navigation and heading devices). Dissolution in October 1944, assumption of the tasks and the personnel by the experimental association OKL. Test Command 25 Set-up in accordance with the order of 17 April 1943. Troop testing of the aircraft required for day hunting, aircraft radio measuring equipment, weapons and combat procedures as well as deployment within the framework of the Reich Defence. Reclassification into hunting group 10 with the same tasks. Test Command 26 Set-up in accordance with the order of 29 December 1943 by renaming the 11th (Pz.)/battle squadron at the airfield of the Udetfeld E station. Dissolution on 14 February 1945 and transfer of personnel to General der Schlachtflieger. Assumption of the tasks of the supplementary squadron of the Schlachtgeschwader 151. Experimental squadron 36 Set up in Garz according to the order of 10 August 1943 by renaming the 13th/fighting squadron 100. Testing of the suitability for troops of the successor models of the Hs 293 as well as briefing of observers on the He 177 equipped with the Kehlgerät FuG 203. Dissolution on 12 July 1944. Transfer of the personnel to the E-Kommando 25 for the continuation of the testing of the fighter missiles. Test Command 40 The Fliegerforstschutzverband was formed on 5 March 1940 as an independent association from the "Pest Control Group" of the Flugkommando Berlin, which had existed since 1936. It was mainly used for forest pest control and from October 1941 also took over malaria control in the occupied territories. Numerous spraying and pollination flights were carried out for this purpose. Another focus of his activities was the sowing of agricultural and forestry seeds and the spreading of artificial fertilizers. After being placed under the command of the E units on 1 January 1944, the Fliegerforstschutzverband was renamed E-Kommando 40. By order of 3 September 1944, the command stationed in Göttingen was dissolved and the remainder of the command was transferred to Coburg in November 1944, where it was used to set up E-command 41. Erprobungskommando 41 Formation on January 22, 1945 from remaining parts of the Erprobungskommando 40 and subordination in military service under Luftgaukommando VII and operational under Luftflottenkommando Reich. Test Command 100 See Test Command 17 Test Command Bf 109 G Report of arrival at Rechlin on 15 March 1942. Equipped with eleven Bf 109 G-1 and seven pilots in July. No more data. Test Command Ta 152 Positioning on the Command Way on 2 November 1944 in Rechlin. In accordance with the order of January 9, 1945, the deployment was extended until April 1945, and the deployment was reorganized into a group staff with a staff company as well as four task forces and a technical testing squadron. No formation of the four operational squadrons due to takeover of troop testing of the aircraft type Ta 152 by III/Jagdgeschwader 301. Dissolution on January 23, 1945. Test command Ta 154 formation on December 9, 1943 at the air base Hannover-Langenhagen. Testing of the front suitability of the aircraft type Ta 154. Dissolution according to the order of August 1, 1944. Transfer of personnel to the E-command Me 262. Test command He 162, deployment order of January 9, 1945 for an E-command in group strength (but not with this designation). Implementation of the operational testing of the aircraft type He 162 by I./Jagdgeschwader 1. Experimental squadron He 177 deployment on 1 February 1942 in Lärz. Testing of the aircraft type He 177. Dissolution on September 20, 1943. Transfer of personnel to combat squadron 40. Test squadron Ju 188 set up on March 1, 1943 in Rechlin. Transfer at the end of July 1943 to Chièvres near Brussels. Used for 4th/combat squadron 66th test squadron Me 210 set up in late spring 1942 in Lechfeld, relocated in July 1942 to Evreux in France. Operational testing of the aircraft type. After temporary renaming into 16th/fighter squadron 6 and 11th/destroyer squadron 1, finally reclassification into test squadron Me 410. Test squadron Ar 234 set up summer 1944 (July) in Lärz. Operational testing of the aircraft type Ar 234 B as a bomber. Personnel of the combat squadron 76th Erprobungskommando Me 262, deployment on 9 December 1943 at the Lechfeld air base. First testing of the V-model Me 262 and personnel supply of the III./Zerstörergeschwader 26 in April 1944. Starting from August 1944 formation of Einsatzkommandoos among other things in Lärz. At the end of September use of parts of the E-command, the III./ZG 26 to form the E-command "Novotny" and a new E-command 262 in Lechfeld. Official dissolution of E-command 262 on 2 November 1944. Test command Do 335 set up on 4 September 1944 by command of the E-positions. Troop testing of the aircraft type Do 335 as a mosquito night fighter, fighter, reconnaissance and combat aircraft. Relocation to Rechlin on 20 November. Revocation of the dissolution order of 14 February 1945. Test command JU 388 set up on 15 July 1944 in Rechlin. Testing the Ju 388 as a night hunter. Dissolution on 14 February 1945. Transfer of personnel to Combat Wing 76, E-Command Do 335 and various units. Test squadron Me 410 See test squadron Me 210. Troop testing of the aircraft type Me 410. Integration as 9th squadron of the combat squadron 101 and renaming into 12./KG 2 in October 1943 and finally April 1944 into 13./KG 51. Test squadron 600 formation according to order of April 1, 1945, intended for testing the rocket-driven interceptor Ba 349 "Natter". No further data known. Test command "Kolb", order of 20 November 1944. No further information known. Test command "Nebel" (Fog), order of 26 July 1944, for the testing and production of the Me 264 aircraft type, then from December 1944 also for the testing of long-range aircraft. Etatisierung des E-Kommandoos Ende Februar 1945. Lehr- und Erprobungskommando (W) After Colonel Wachtel had already been commissioned since April 1943 to carry out the war operation of the Fieseler Fi 103 (camouflage designation Flak sight FZG 76), the establishment of the Erprobungskommando began in June 1943. In military service it was subordinated to the higher commander of the anti-aircraft artillery schools and in questions of training and testing to the general of the anti-aircraft weapon. It was supplied by Luftgaukommando III, to which it belonged in terms of war classification. On 15 August 1943, the Wachtel Command formed the Flak Regiment 155 (W), which was soon transferred to France. Sonderkommando Fähre (Siebel) The Sonderkommando Fähre was responsible for the provision and operation of air force ferries for the transport of air force goods. (The information on the E-positions and E-commands were published in abbreviated form by Heinrich Beauvais/Karl Kössler/Max Mayer/Christoph Regel: Flugerprobungsstellen bis 1945. Johannisthal, Lipezk, Rechlin, Travemünde, Tarnewitz, Peenemünde-West. Bonn 1998). Characterisation of content: The collection mainly comprises work and test reports as well as correspondence between the command of the test centres and the test centres themselves and superior departments and various companies. Most of the test reports are for the two E posts Rechlin (approx. 200 AU) and Travemünde (approx. 160 AU). About 60 volumes of files with pollination and spray reports including the corresponding maps have been handed down by the Fliegerforstschutzverband. Of the remaining e-positions, only minor fragments of files have been preserved. The seven file volumes of the command of the e-offices, which deal with organizational matters of the e-offices and e-commands, are to be emphasized. State of development: Online-Findbuch 2007 Scope, Explanation: 573 AE Citation method: BArch, RL 36/...

• 1896-1897, Landesarchiv Baden-Württemberg, Dept. Hauptstaatsarchiv Stuttgart, Q 2/48 bequests Rudolf von Gansser sen. and Rudolf Gansser jun. Contains among others: 1896: First experiences in Dar es Salaam (13.12.96); detailed description of the journey via Switzerland, Italy, Suez Canal to the arrival in Tanga (subsequently written after arrival in Dar es Salaam) (13.11.-7.12); description of Tanga (7th century); description of the journey to Tanga (13.11.-7.12).12.); quartering (8.12.); description of Dar es Salaam (with sketch p. 76), local people, animals, furnishing of his room (9.12.); customs clearance of imported weapons and photographic equipment, visit to the Sultan of Zanzibar (20.); visit to the Sultan of Zanzibar (20.); visit to the Sultan of Zanzibar (20.); visit to the Sultan of Zanzibar (20.).26.12); Christmas party (24. and 25.12.)<br />1897: Suicide and funeral of First Lieutenant Bresler (1.1.1897); preparation of the expedition (3.1.-9.1.); shipping from Zanzibar to Saadani (11.1.); Christmas celebration (24. and 25.12.)<br />1897: Suicide and funeral of First Lieutenant Bresler (1.1.1897); preparation of the expedition (3.1.-9.1.); shipping from Zanzibar to Saadani (11.1.)); solemn greeting of the new governor Colonel Liebert (17.1.); illness of Gansser and recovery (17.1.-20.01); order for the topographic survey of the country (20./21.1.); march into the interior of the country (25.1.).); Usambara Railway, arrival of Gasser at the plantation of Mr Georg Sander in Lewa (27.01.); construction of a trigonometric signal at the highest point of the plantation Sanders (28.01. - 04.02.).); visit of the governor Liebert in Lewa and visit of the trigonometric signal, short description of the coffee plantation in Lewa (05.02.); construction of a ground floor pyramid as a signal at Tongue Mountain, supply of Gansser's people by the natives (06.02); punishment of a young native boy by Mr. Hutcup (12.02.); ascent and descent to Mlinga (13.02.); erection of a trigonometric signal there (21.02.); march to Segoma mountain, erection of a signal there (22.-23.02., 28.2.); erection of a trigonometric signal there (21.02.); erection of a signal there (22.-23.02., 28.2.)); march on to Maramba, description of the village (01.03.); congratulations to the king, post from his homeland (03.03.); march on to Mount Wuga (06.03.) and erection of a signal there (07.03.); discussion with the technician Hutcup (08.03.); departure to Nielo mountain (12.3.) and erection of a signal there (13.3. ff); ascent to Lutindi, refusal to work by the aid organisations (17.3.); departure to Nielo mountain (12.3.) and erection of a signal there (13.3. ff); ascent to Lutindi, refusal to work by the aid organisations (17.3.)); construction of a signal there, exact description of the plant, after completion celebration with the assistants with Pombe (brown drink), Ngoma (drum) and dances of the natives (21.03.); illness of the blacks and cupping method against it (22.03.); healing methods of the natives (23.03.).); smaller signals set by the predecessors, from Kombola to Siai (29.03.); mail received (07.04.); erection of smaller signals by Böhler (13.04.); plantations and their ownership (15.04.); Easter as guest on the plantation of Mr. and Mrs. v. Horn near Nyuelo, birthday presents from home, birthday party on the plantation (17.04. ff.); description of the house of v. Horn (26.04.); onward journey to Kwamkoro (30.04.); the market of Kwamkoro (02.05.); march to the Bulwa mountains (11.05.); further stops at the v. Horns, completion of a signal under difficulties (16.05. ff.); ceremonial inauguration of the signal of Nyuelo, which was given to the wife v. Horn, Drunkenness of Wolffhauer (30.05.); March to Muhesa (04.06.); Assessment of the work of the land surveyor Böhler (05.06.); Theft of Gansser's left luggage (14. and 15.06.); further stay at the v. Horns, a.o. birthday party for Mr. v. Horn (16.06.); Ganssers dog "Flock" (11.07.); the plantation of the Wißmahl brothers, dispute with Böhler because of the basis of the triangulation, march of the caravan to Hakoko (12.07.); on the territory of the English mission (13.07.); further march towards Lutindi (19.07.); ascent to the Mashindei (20.07.); construction of a camp and a signal there (21.07. ff.) description: Contains and others: 1896: First experiences in Dar es Salaam (13.12.96); detailed description of the journey via Switzerland, Italy, Suez Canal to the arrival in Tanga (subsequently written after arrival in Dar es Salaam) (13.11.-7.12); description of Tanga (7th century); description of the journey to Tanga (13.11.-7.12).12.); quartering (8.12.); description of Dar es Salaam (with sketch p. 76), local people, animals, furnishing of his room (9.12.); customs clearance of imported weapons and photographic equipment, visit to the Sultan of Zanzibar (20.); visit to the Sultan of Zanzibar (20.); visit to the Sultan of Zanzibar (20.); visit to the Sultan of Zanzibar (20.).26.12); Christmas party (24. and 25.12.) 1897: Suicide and funeral of First Lieutenant Bresler (1.1.1897); preparation of the expedition (3.1.-9.1.); shipping from Zanzibar to Saadani (11.1.); Christmas celebration (24. and 25.12.) 1897: Suicide and funeral of First Lieutenant Bresler (1.1.1897); preparation of the expedition (3.1.-9.1.); shipping from Zanzibar to Saadani (11.1.)); solemn greeting of the new governor Colonel Liebert (17.1.); illness of Gansser and recovery (17.1.-20.01); order for the topographic survey of the country (20./21.1.); march into the interior of the country (25.1.).); Usambara Railway, arrival of Gasser at the plantation of Mr Georg Sander in Lewa (27.01.); construction of a trigonometric signal at the highest point of the plantation Sanders (28.01. - 04.02.).); visit of the governor Liebert in Lewa and visit of the trigonometric signal, short description of the coffee plantation in Lewa (05.02.); construction of a ground floor pyramid as a signal at Tongue Mountain, supply of Gansser's people by the natives (06.02); chastisement of a young native boy by Mr. Hutcup (12.02.); ascent and descent to Mlinga (13.02.); erection of a trigonometric signal there (21.02.); march to Mount Segoma, erection of a signal there (22.-23.02., 28.2.); march on to Maramba, description of the village (01.03.); congratulations to the king, post from home (03.03.); march on to Mount Wuga (06.03.) and erection of a signal there (07.03.); visit of the village (01.03.); visit of the village (07.03.).); discussion with the technician Hutcup (08.03.); march on the Nielo mountain (12.3.) and erection of a signal there (13.3. ff); ascent to the Lutindi, refusal to work by the supporters (17.3. ff); the first day of the tour (13.3. ff); the second day of the tour (17.3. ff).); construction of a signal there, exact description of the plant, after completion celebration with the assistants with Pombe (brown drink), Ngoma (drum) and dances of the natives (21.03.); illness of the blacks and cupping method on the other hand (22.03.); healing methods of the natives (23.03.); smaller signals set by the predecessors, from Kombola to Siai (29.03.); received mail (07.04.); erection of smaller signals by Böhler (13.04.); plantations and their ownership (15.); the development of the plantations and their ownership (15.).04.); Easter as guest on the plantation of Mr. and Mrs. v. Horn near Nyuelo, birthday presents from home, birthday party on the plantation (17.04. ff.); description of the house of v. Horn (26.04.); onward journey to Kwamkoro (30.04.); the market of Kwamkoro (02.05.); march to the Bulwa mountains (11.05.); further stops at the v. Horns, completion of a signal under difficulties (16.05. ff.); solemn inauguration of the signal of Nyuelo dedicated to Frau v. Horn; drunkenness of Wolffhauer (30.05.); march to Muhesa (04.06.); evaluation of the work of the land surveyor Böhler (05.06.); theft of Gansser's left luggage (14. and 15.06.); further stay at v. Horns, among others birthday party for Mr. v. Horn (16.06.); Gansser's dog "Flock" (11.07.); the plantation of the Wißmahl brothers, dispute with Böhler because of the basis of the triangulation, march of the caravan to Hakoko (12.07.); on the territory of the English mission (13.07.); further march towards Lutindi (19.07.); ascent to the Mashindei (20.07.); construction of a camp and a signal there (21.07. ff.)

In Togo, the Imperial Colonial Officer, District Officer Dr. Gruner, is travelling with several porters to carry out surveying work in the Missahöhe district. / Photographer: Scherl

Contains among other things: Reports on surveying work, exploratory reports Memorandum on German-Chinese border regulation under the State Treaty of 6 March 1898 Treaties on the regulation of border issues

Contains among other things: Reports on the surveying of Cormoran Island and Kiautschou Detachment Activity reports on surveying work

• 1896-1899, Landesarchiv Baden-Württemberg, Dept. Hauptstaatsarchiv Stuttgart, Q 2/48 bequests Rudolf von Gansser sen. and Rudolf Gansser jun. Also contains: some postcards<br />contains et al: 1896: Arrival in Dar es Salaam, snipe hunt with von den Marwitz, dinner at the fair (25.12.1896)<br />1897: Lieutenant Bresler, purchase of a donkey, fox terrier Flock, sister Lilli, née Countess Pückler (08.01.)1897); forthcoming reception of the governor (21.01.1897); trigonometric signal used at the Lewa plantation, visit of the signal by the governor, equipment of the Ganssers expedition (06.02.); the trigonometric signal used at the Lewa plantation (21.01.1897); the trigonometric signal used at the Lewa plantation (06.02.).1897); praise from the governor for the signal in Lewa, description of the plantation Lewa, erection of a further signal on the mountain Mlinga, further march to the Tengomaberg, view from the Tengomaberg (26.03.1897); description of the mountain Lutindi, celebration of the 100th birthday of emperor William I. (19.03.)1897); completion of the signal on the Lutindi (30.03.1897); on the Mlunduiberg, congratulations on the wedding day of the parents, visit of the v. Horn planned during the Easter days (5./6.04.1897); thanks for the birthday box, good recording on the plantation of the v. Horns, so far 8 large signals erected (23.4.1897); celebration of the birthday (postcard from 26.04.1897 with a short greeting from Marieluise v. Horn); at the beginning of June further signals are to be erected on the coast, Gansser's fever attack, ownership of the plantations, description of the march route (18th century).05.1897); in Handei all points are built, next all points shall be measured and in autumn the coastal connection shall be made (11.06.1897); inauguration of the Marieluisenhöhle on the Bulwa-Berg (20.06.).1897); renewed friendly acceptance by the v. Horns for 14 days, here construction of a hut to house his loads, a box of Ganssers kept in Tanga was broken open and some of it stolen, among others a mouse pistol and ammunition (1.07.1897); construction of a log house on Msasa (part of Derema), where the v. Horns now live, for storage of objects and construction of a bed place there, no measurements possible in the Luengeratal due to flooding, invitation to the English mission (15.07.1897); base measurement in Luengeratal delayed due to continuous rainfall (01.08.1897); no hunting trip yet, game in Africa, climatic situation, signal in Lutindi completed on 14.08., new destination is Wuga (10.08.); the first one is in the Luengeratal.1897); Gansser recruits new porters and workers in Masinde, he tries to build a new base there, since the Luengeratal does not seem to get dry, hunting in the steppe near Lake Manga, seriously ill First Lieutenant Storch in Masinde and his death, receipt of the commemorative medal, congratulations on his father's birthday (06.09.1897); further congratulations on his father's birthday, since 3 months severe toothache, treatment by Dr. Eggel, still water in the Luengeratal, higher price level in D e u t s c h - O s t a f r i k a (29.09.2897); on his return journey to West-Usambara again with the v. Horns, Captain Asthausen of the "Bundesrat", with whom Gansser had made the journey to East Africa (10.10.2897); Gansser tries to carry out basic measurement in Luengeratal (24.10.1897), difficulty to advance basic measurement in Luengeratal (24.10.1897), hunt for hippos, planning for further surveying work (31.10.1897); fever, new dog, photography in East Africa, clearing of a 3000 m long and 10 to 15 m wide line from the bush for surveying purposes, the lighthouse of Ulenge near Tanga shall be the most eastern surveying point (20.11.).1897); sending of measuring instruments to the Luengeratal, small house there to store material and to sleep (6.12.1897); Gansser was examined by Dr. Becker, everything healthy, his measuring assistant Wolfhauer, who died, was a drunkard and died of a heartbeat (20th century).12.1897) ; celebrated Christmas in the bush (26.12.1897)<br />1898: celebrated New Year's Eve at the v. Horns, he hopes to have finished the measurement of the base in 6 weeks before the rainy season, then the measurement on all points follows (01.01.)1898); description of his stay in Kerenge im Luengeratal (16.01.1898); planning for his father's 70th birthday, upcoming visit of the governor (29.01.1898); visits to Gansser (07.02.1898); gift for Mr. v. Horn, forthcoming visit of the governor and his preparation (13.03.1898); forthcoming visit of the governor (22.03.1898); visit of the governor in the camp Kerenge, the course of which, Kielmaiers grave at the large caravan road (5.04.1898); punitive expedition because of the death of Kielmaier without Gansser, "but I have to do without war laurels here for the time being", low risk of smallpox, smallpox vaccinations are carried out; situation in Kiautschou (China) (16.04.1898); order of photographic plates from Schaller about the father (01.05.1898); thanks for the birthday cist from the parents, forthcoming survey of the horizontal survey base, military career of brother Konrad Gansser, assessment of the policy of Governor Liebert, non-appointment of v. Scheele as colonial director (13.05.1898); the geodetic professor did not come, success of Governor Liebert's visit, Gansser built a pile yoke bridge, measuring base, visit to the v. Horns over Whitsun (01.06.)1898); status of the work at the base, duration of the package mailing (11.06.1898); work at the base is finished, it can be surveyed, birthday of Mr. v. Horn (30.06.1898); condition of the survey base and further work on it (10.07.1898); possible gift for Mrs. v. Horn (31.07.1898); further work on the surveying base, Heilbronn riots, orders about the father, among other things photo plates (31.07.); the first one was made in 1898.1898); visit of the plantation "Magroko", high temperature fluctuations, march to the coast, lion hunt, freight shipment of furs, spears and horns to the parents, congratulations to the birthday of the mother, gifts for Mrs. v. Horn from Germany (5.09.1898); wishes for Christmas bakery shipment from the parents (24.08.); Christmas bakery shipment from the parents (24.08.)1898); plan 1899 to come to Europe, explanation for strong temperature differences, after completion of the signal surveying of Illich's plantation, now has a trained forester as an employee (13.10.1898); journey home of the governor (4.11.); the governor's plan 1899 to come to Europe, explanation for strong temperature differences, after completion of the signal surveying of Illich's plantation, now has a trained forester as an employee (13.10.1898); the governor's plan (4.11.).1898); trip to Mombasa, English Uganda Railway, sends pictures and others (21.11.1898); museum of Count Linden, Dar es Salaam trip and Mombasa, description of railway conditions (14.12.1898); thanks for the Christmas baking, Ganssers Christmas party, patent as lieutenant premier (28.12.1898)<br />1899: Situation in the camp on Msasa (11.1.1899); march to Lutindi, shooting of an antelope, plague of locusts in the area, measure against the famine, laborious work on the Lutindi (23.01.1899); fetched in Tanga a measuring instrument, return of the governor from vacation (17.02.1899); was on a strenuous 6-7 week tour, plan for a big safari before vacation (08.03.); was on a trip of 6-7 weeks.1899); astronomical determinations for the determination of the base because of bad weather and star view not yet finished, geographical latitude and longitude of the camp, his vacation request, wishes participation in the emperor manoeuvre (21.03.1899); has finished the hard work in the Luengeratal despite adverse weather conditions meanwhile (01.04.1899); upcoming vacation in Germany (14.04.1899); in the Mediterranean Sea on the way to Germany, wants to visit his brother Hans in Paris (19.06.1899); activities in Berlin (13.07.1899) description: Contains also: some postcards Contains among others..: 1896: Arrival in Dar es Salaam, snipe hunt with von den Marwitz, dinner at the fair (25.12.1896) 1897: Lieutenant Bresler, purchase of a donkey, Fox Terrier Flock, sister Lilli, née Countess Pückler (08.01.)1897); forthcoming reception of the governor (21.01.1897); trigonometric signal used at the Lewa plantation, visit of the signal by the governor, equipment of the Ganssers expedition (06.02.); the trigonometric signal used at the Lewa plantation (21.01.1897); the trigonometric signal used at the Lewa plantation (06.02.).1897); praise from the governor for the signal in Lewa, description of the plantation Lewa, erection of a further signal on the mountain Mlinga, further march to the Tengomaberg, view from the Tengomaberg (26.03.1897); description of the mountain Lutindi, celebration of the 100th birthday of emperor William I. (19.03.)1897); completion of the signal on the Lutindi (30.03.1897); on the Mlunduiberg, congratulations on the wedding day of the parents, visit of the v. Horn planned during the Easter days (5./6.04.1897); thanks for the birthday box, good recording on the plantation of the v. Horns, so far 8 large signals erected (23.4.1897); celebration of the birthday (postcard from 26.04.1897 with a short greeting from Marieluise v. Horn); at the beginning of June further signals are to be erected on the coast, Gansser's fever attack, ownership of the plantations, description of the march route (18th century).05.1897); in Handei all points are built, next all points shall be measured and in autumn the coastal connection shall be made (11.06.1897); inauguration of the Marieluisenhöhle on the Bulwa-Berg (20.06.).1897); renewed friendly acceptance by the v. Horns for 14 days, here construction of a hut to house his loads, a box of Ganssers kept in Tanga was broken open and some of it stolen, among others a mouse pistol and ammunition (1.07.1897); construction of a log house on Msasa (part of Derema), where the v. Horns now live, for storage of objects and construction of a bed place there, no measurements possible in the Luengeratal due to flooding, invitation to the English mission (15.07.1897); base measurement in Luengeratal delayed due to continuous rainfall (01.08.1897); no hunting trip yet, game in Africa, climatic situation, signal in Lutindi completed on 14.08., new destination is Wuga (10.08.); the first one is in the Luengeratal.1897); Gansser recruits new porters and workers in Masinde, he tries to build a new base there, since the Luengeratal does not seem to get dry, hunting in the steppe near Lake Manga, seriously ill First Lieutenant Storch in Masinde and his death, receipt of the commemorative medal, congratulations on his father's birthday (06.09.1897); further congratulations on his father's birthday, since 3 months severe toothache, treatment by Dr. Eggel, still water in the Luengeratal, higher price level in D e u t s c h - O s t a f r i k a (29.09.2897); on his return journey to West-Usambara again with the v. Horns, Captain Asthausen of the "Bundesrat", with whom Gansser had made the journey to East Africa (10.10.2897); Gansser tries to carry out basic measurement in Luengeratal (24.10.1897), difficulty to advance basic measurement in Luengeratal (24.10.1897), hunt for hippos, planning for further surveying work (31.10.1897); fever, new dog, photography in East Africa, clearing of a 3000 m long and 10 to 15 m wide line from the bush for surveying purposes, the lighthouse of Ulenge near Tanga shall be the most eastern surveying point (20.11.).1897); sending of measuring instruments to the Luengeratal, small house there to store material and to sleep (6.12.1897); Gansser was examined by Dr. Becker, everything healthy, his measuring assistant Wolfhauer, who died, was a drunkard and died of a heartbeat (20th century).12.1897) ; celebrated Christmas in the bush (26.12.1897) 1898: celebrated New Year's Eve at the v. Horns, he hopes to have finished measuring the base in 6 weeks before the rainy season starts, then the measurement follows on all points (01.01.).1898); description of his stay in Kerenge im Luengeratal (16.01.1898); planning for his father's 70th birthday, upcoming visit of the governor (29.01.1898); visits to Gansser (07.02.1898); gift for Mr. v. Horn, forthcoming visit of the governor and his preparation (13.03.1898); forthcoming visit of the governor (22.03.1898); visit of the governor in the camp Kerenge, the course of which, Kielmaiers grave at the large caravan road (5.04.1898); punitive expedition because of the death of Kielmaier without Gansser, "but I have to do without war laurels here for the time being", low risk of smallpox, smallpox vaccinations are carried out; situation in Kiautschou (China) (16.04.1898); order of photographic plates from Schaller about the father (01.05.1898); thanks for the birthday cist from the parents, forthcoming survey of the horizontal survey base, military career of brother Konrad Gansser, assessment of the policy of Governor Liebert, non-appointment of v. Scheele as colonial director (13.05.1898); the geodetic professor did not come, success of Governor Liebert's visit, Gansser built a pile yoke bridge, measuring base, visit to the v. Horns over Whitsun (01.06.)1898); status of the work at the base, duration of the package mailing (11.06.1898); work at the base is finished, it can be surveyed, birthday of Mr. v. Horn (30.06.1898); condition of the survey base and further work on it (10.07.1898); possible gift for Mrs. v. Horn (31.07.1898); further work on the surveying base, Heilbronn riots, orders about the father, among other things photo plates (31.07.); the first one was made in 1898.1898); visit of the plantation "Magroko", high temperature fluctuations, march to the coast, lion hunt, freight shipment of furs, spears and horns to the parents, congratulations to the birthday of the mother, gifts for Mrs. v. Horn from Germany (5.09.1898); wishes for Christmas baking shipment from the parents (24.08.1898); Unfavorable weather for surveying, wants to march next to West-Usambara (06.09.1898); father's birthday, satisfaction with the situation in D e u t s c h - O s t a f r i k a, condition of the base, trace of an old lion, illness of his sergeant, he is dismissed, comes to Dar es Salaam for lecture, report of Count von Lindens (21.09.1898); Beginning of measuring in West-Usambara, presentation of a forester as a new force, dismissal of his predecessor, (4.10.1898); plan 1899 to come to Europe, explanation for strong temperature differences, after completion of the signal surveying of Illich's plantation, now has a trained forester as an employee (13.10.1898); journey home of the governor (4.11.); the governor's plan 1899 to come to Europe, explanation for strong temperature differences, after completion of the signal surveying of Illich's plantation, now has a trained forester as an employee (13.10.1898); the governor's plan (4.11.).1898); trip to Mombasa, English Uganda Railway, sends pictures and others (21.11.1898); museum of Count Linden, Dar es Salaam trip and Mombasa, description of railway conditions (14.12.1898); thanks for the Christmas baking, Ganssers Christmas party, patent as lieutenant premier (28.12.1898) 1899: Situation in the camp on Msasa (11.1.1899); march to the Lutindi, shooting down an antelope, plague of locusts in the area, measure against the famine, laborious work on the Lutindi (23.01.1899); fetched a measuring instrument in Tanga, return of the governor from vacation (17.02.1899); was on a strenuous 6-7 week tour, plan for a big safari before the vacation (08.03..); was on a big safari before the vacation (08.03...1899); astronomical determinations for the determination of the base because of bad weather and star view not yet finished, geographical latitude and longitude of the camp, his vacation request, wishes to participate in the emperor maneuver (21.03.1899); has finished the hard work in the Luengeratal despite adverse weather conditions in the meantime (01.04.1899); upcoming vacation in Germany (14.04.1899); in the Mediterranean Sea on the way to Germany, wants to visit his brother Hans in Paris (19.06.1899); activities in Berlin (13.07.1899)

History of the inventor: Born 21 September 1865 in Baldenburg, district of Schlochau, died 31 December 1924 in Dresden. 1874 Admission to the Kulmer Kadettenkorps, then Prussian Hauptkadettenanstalt and in April 1885 entry as lieutenant second in the infantry regiment "von borcke" (4th Pommersches) No. 21 in Thorn. 1887 Transfer to the 2nd Lower Alsatian Infantry Regiment No. 137 in September 1888, one year's leave of absence to go to Africa. After a short time working for the D e u t s c h - O s t a f r i kanische Gesellschaft as an officer in the Schutztruppe für Deutsch-Ostafrika. On 18 May 1889 he took part in a battle at Dar-es-Salam as part of the suppression of the so-called Arab uprising. 1890 He rejoins the army. 1891-1904 Education at the Prussian Academy of War; 1895 transfer to the Grand General Staff. In the same year wedding with Luise Lindner. In 1898 he was promoted to captain during his command at the Reichsmarineamt, which from 1898 to 1899 included surveying work in the Kiautschou leasehold. 1900 Return to Germany and activity in the general staff. From 1902 company commander in infantry regiment 41. In 1904 promotion to major and transfer to the general staff of the stage command of the Schutztruppe für Deutsch-Südwestafrika. There he participated in the so-called Herero and Hottentot campaigns. During the Nama Uprising, Maercker led the Schutztruppen units in the Battle of Nubib and was wounded. 1910 Farewell to the Schutztruppe and appointment as battalion commander in the infantry regiment "König Ludwig III. von Bayern" (2nd Lower Silesian) No. 47. 1912 promotion lieutenant colonel; 1913 appointment as commander of the North Sea island Borkum. 1914 Promotion to colonel. 1915 and 1916 as regiment commander participation in the position fights at the Kormyn and at the Styr, afterwards at the western front, among others Yser, in the Wyschaete arch as well as at St. Eloi. Wounded in the Battle of the Somme in 1916, then in positional battles on the Aisne. At the end of 1916 he took part in the battles on the Narajowka and Zlota Lipa; from 1917 he was deployed on the western front: Somme, Wytschaete Arc, Yser, Arras, Champagne and Flanders with renewed wounding. Awarded the Pour le Mérite Order on 1 October 1917 and the Pour le Mérite Oak Leaf Order on 3 May 1918. On 18 August 1917 promotion to Major General and appointment as Commander of the 214th Division. In December 1918 Maercker formed the Freikorps "Landesjäger" from parts of his division; deployment of the Freikorps during the suppression of the Spartakus uprising in January 1919 in Berlin, followed by deployments in Weimar, Gotha, Erfurt, Halle, Magdeburg, Braunschweig and Helmstedt. On 2 May the Freikorps was integrated into the Reichswehr as Reichswehrbrigade 16. On 28 April 1920 Maercker was released from active military service. In 1922 he founded the Deutscher Kolonialkriegerbund. Processing note: General Wehrkreis IV (Saxony)? Description of the holdings: Major General, documents, personal letters, training documents, portrait photos, colonial history: General der Schutztruppe für Deutsch-Südwestafrika. R e i c h s k o l o n i a l a m t , surveying Tsingtau, commander of the infantry in the First World War in France and Belgium, Wehrkreiskommando IV, Freikorpsführer Geb. 21. September 1865 in Baldenburg, Kreis Schlochau, died 31. December 1924 in Dresden. 1874 Admission to the Kulmer Kadettenkorps, then Prussian Hauptkadettenanstalt and in April 1885 entry as lieutenant second in the infantry regiment "von borcke" (4th Pommersches) No. 21 in Thorn. 1887 Transfer to the 2nd Lower Alsatian Infantry Regiment No. 137 in September 1888, one year's leave of absence to go to Africa. After a short time working for the D e u t s c h - O s t a f r i kanische Gesellschaft as an officer in the Schutztruppe für Deutsch-Ostafrika. On 18 May 1889 he took part in a battle at Dar-es-Salam as part of the suppression of the so-called Arab uprising. 1890 He rejoins the army. 1891-1904 Education at the Prussian Academy of War; 1895 transfer to the Grand General Staff. In the same year wedding with Luise Lindner. In 1898 he was promoted to captain during his command at the Reichsmarineamt, which from 1898 to 1899 included surveying work in the Kiautschou leasehold. 1900 Return to Germany and activity in the general staff. From 1902 company commander in infantry regiment 41. In 1904 promotion to major and transfer to the general staff of the stage command of the Schutztruppe für Deutsch-Südwestafrika. There he participated in the so-called Herero and Hottentot campaigns. During the Nama Uprising, Maercker led the Schutztruppen units in the Battle of Nubib and was wounded. 1910 Farewell to the Schutztruppe and appointment as battalion commander in the infantry regiment "König Ludwig III. von Bayern" (2nd Lower Silesian) No. 47. 1912 promotion lieutenant colonel; 1913 appointment as commander of the North Sea island Borkum. 1914 Promotion to colonel. 1915 and 1916 as regiment commander participation in the position fights at the Kormyn and at the Styr, afterwards at the western front, among others Yser, in the Wyschaete arch as well as at St. Eloi. Wounded in the Battle of the Somme in 1916, then in positional battles on the Aisne. At the end of 1916 he took part in the battles on the Narajowka and Zlota Lipa; from 1917 he was deployed on the western front: Somme, Wytschaete Arc, Yser, Arras, Champagne and Flanders with renewed wounding. Awarded the Pour le Mérite Order on 1 October 1917 and the Pour le Mérite Oak Leaf Order on 3 May 1918. On 18 August 1917 promotion to Major General and appointment as Commander of the 214th Division. In December 1918 Maercker formed the Freikorps "Landesjäger" from parts of his division; deployment of the Freikorps during the suppression of the Spartakus uprising in January 1919 in Berlin, followed by deployments in Weimar, Gotha, Erfurt, Halle, Magdeburg, Braunschweig and Helmstedt. On 2 May the Freikorps was integrated into the Reichswehr as Reichswehrbrigade 16. On 28 April 1920 Maercker was released from active military service. In 1922 he founded the Deutscher Kolonialkriegerbund. Citation style: BArch, N 786/...

• o. Dat... Bundesarchiv, BArch MSG 2 Sachthematische und biographische Sammlung zur deutschen Militärgeschichte description: Contains: "Auf SMS Möwe - Bilder aus der Vermessungstätigkeit der Kaiserlichen Marine und Wissenschaftliche Forschungen auf der Ausreise SMS Möwe nach Südwestafrika im Jahre 1911 und Vermessungsarbeiten an der Küste des deutschen Schutzgebietes" (On SMS Seagull - Pictures from the Surveying Activities of the Imperial Navy and Scientific Research on the Departure of SMS Seagull to Southwest Africa in 1911 and Surveying Work on the Coast of the German Protectorate), both v...* Contains:<br />"Auf SMS Möwe - Bilder aus der Vermessungstätigkeit der Kaiserlichen Marine und Wissenschaftliche Forschungen auf der Ausreise SMS Möwe nach Südwestafrika im Jahre 1911 und Vermessungsarbeiten an der Küste des deutschen Schutzgebietes" (On SMS Seagull - Pictures from the Surveying Activity of the Imperial Navy and Scientific Research on the Exit SMS Seagull to Southwest Africa in 1911 and Surveying Work on the Coast of the German Protected...

1913-1914, Archives fédérales, BArch R 175-I Gouvernement du Cameroun