IRON CROSS A JOKE IN GERMAN ARMIES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12087, 16 August 1917, Page 7

IRON CROSS A JOKE IN GERMAN ARMIES.

The wholesale distribution of iron crosses to members of tho Kaiser's forces has readied the proportions of a national scandal, according to remarks made in the Reichstao- during the discussion of the array budget and fr-'and in copies of German papers reaching London. With the approval of practically the entire House, including the Conservatives, Deputy Huller, a Radical, assorted 'that the iron cross had become a joke in the army, which, said that the rain of decorations in the rear was as heavy as the rain of bullets at the front. Iron crosses, of the second class having become valueless, there is now general misuse of iron crosses of the fiyst; class. Herr Muller said the infantry at the front received fewer decorations than mon who had never been under fire, men who had never seen prisoners except, in the camps, railway officials, commissary officers, clorks in Government offices in Germany, army cooks and officers' servants. In the course of the debate many speakers voiced the grievances oi' the troops in the field. It was declared .ill old class prejudices were maintained concerning the appointment of officers, that commissions were stili withhold alike from Jews and from soldiers whoso fathers were "in trade, 1 ' and that Alsatians and Danes have had no leave since the beginning of the war.