Mecklenburg-Schwerin Award with Document – Dragoner-Regt. Nr. 26

This is a complete set consisting of the Militärverdienstkreuz 2. Klasse of Mecklenburg-Schwerin and its original award document (Urkunde), issued during the First World War.

The gilt bronze cross remains in excellent condition with strong detail and finish, accompanied by its original tricolor ribbon of pale blue with yellow and red edge stripes.

The award document measures 8″ x 12″ and is dated 28 April 1916, issued at Schwerin. It records the award to Wachtmeister Kruse of the Reserve Squadron of Dragoner-Regiment Nr. 26, part of the Grand Ducal contingent within XXVI. Armeekorps. The citation explicitly notes his “faithful and proven service in the War of 1914.”

At the document’s head, Grand Duke Friedrich Franz IV (1882–1945) is styled with his full titles as sovereign ruler. His facsimile signature appears prominently at the bottom, alongside the ducal seal featuring Mecklenburg’s elaborate coat-of-arms.

Dragoner-Regiment Nr. 26, based in Mecklenburg, was heavily engaged on both Eastern and Western Fronts. By 1916, regimental reserve squadrons such as Kruse’s were supplying vital replacements during the grinding attrition of the war.

Condition:

• Cross: Very fine, bright finish, original ribbon present with some light fraying.

• Document: Very good, with typical age toning and foxing; handwriting crisp and fully legible. Seal and signature clear.

A highly desirable Mecklenburg award group, tying a named NCO recipient to one of the Grand Duchy’s most distinguished cavalry regiments.

Translation of Document (Urkunde)

Header:
Wir Friedrich Franz, von Gottes Gnaden Großherzog von Mecklenburg, Fürst zu Wenden, Schwerin und Ratzeburg, auch Graf zu Schwerin, der Lande Rostock und Stargard Herr etc.

Translation:
“We, Friedrich Franz, by the Grace of God Grand Duke of Mecklenburg, Prince of the Wends, Schwerin and Ratzeburg, also Count of Schwerin, Lord of the Lands of Rostock and Stargard, etc.”

Body:
bezeugen hiermit gegenwärtige Verleihung des Militärverdienstkreuzes II. Klasse an Wachtmeister Kruse im Ersatz-Eskadron des Dragoner-Regiments Nr. 26 (Großherzoglich Mecklenburgisches).

Translation:
“Herewith we confirm the present award of the Military Service Cross 2nd Class to Wachtmeister Kruse of the Reserve Squadron of Dragoner-Regiment Nr. 26 (Grand Ducal Mecklenburg).”

Veranlaßt wegen bewährter Pflichterfüllung im Kriege 1914.

Translation:
“Granted in recognition of proven faithful service in the War of 1914.”

Schwerin, den 28. April 1916.

Translation:
“Schwerin, the 28th of April 1916.”

Seal: Coat-of-arms of the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin.

Signature: Friedrich Franz (autopen facsimile of Grand Duke Friedrich Franz IV).

Identified Names & Units

• Recipient: Wachtmeister Kruse (a senior NCO cavalry rank, equivalent to Sergeant of Horse).

• Unit: Dragoner-Regiment Nr. 26 (Großherzoglich Mecklenburgisches Dragoner-Regiment, part of XXVI. Armeekorps).

• Sovereign: Friedrich Franz IV (1882–1945), Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, last ruling duke before the 1918 abdication.