A German Chaplain’s group of three attributed to Father W. Schnabel, Roman Catholic Military Chaplain of the 333 Infantry Division

Germany, War Chaplains’ Army Crucifix, wood and silvered metal, skull and crossed bones emblem below Christ crucified; Cross of Honour 1914-18, bronze, non-combatants’ issue, without swords; War Merit Medal 1939-45, bronze, good very fine, the first rare (3) £300-400

Wilhelm Schnabel was a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Mainz, and served with 333 Infantry Division.

Prior to the introduction of conscription in 1935, there were only 8 full time Chaplains of all denominations, supervised by 2 Military Bishops, in the entire German Army. By 1942 there were approximately 480 Protestant Chaplains, and a similar number of Roman Catholic Chaplains. However, no new Chaplains were appointed after 1942. Prerequisites for applicants were that they had to be at least 30, needed the approval of the Base Commander, Military Bishop, and the Ministry of Church Affairs, and they also needed to pass a background check by the Gestapo.

Sold together with the recipient’s World War II book of catholic field songs, the front page stamped ‘Krgspfr. Schnabel F.P. Nr. 08167’ [War Chaplain Schnabel, Field Post no. 08167].