These were worn on either side of an open-necked dark green tunic collar. The oak leaf and acorn were traditional symbols of German forestry. Every landed estate would have had its foresters responsible for keeping the woodland in trim and the livestock herds therein in good condition, ie culling them when need be.

This gem is inscribed 'High Wood Aug. 1916' on the hessian backing of the reverse. No doubt a Thomas Atkins souvenir, picked up perhaps in an abandoned dug-out, or even removed from a corpse! High Wood was perhaps one of the best known locations in that eventful summer, with a fearsome reputation on both sides.

This is an oberleutnant's example (one star). The silver bullion with black silk thread denotes a Prussian unit. The light blue underlay denotes the arm of service, in this case the Military Train (transport corps). The button is of gilding metal,with a gilt rank star.

This replaced the silver bullion epaulettes as a war time economy measure, the black/white chevron denoting Prussian service, the red underlay the artillery branch, and the number that of the regiment. By virtue of the single pip, this is for an oberleutnant's rank. The insignia is zinc with a feldgrau wash.