Bavarian ID 11

I have classified this badge among the cap badges of the Monarchy. It belongs to a German (Bavarian) unit, and was made in Munich by the Deschler company. Yet it is here because it is one of the few German badges that could have been worn by Austro-Hungarian soldiers. This is also indicated by the fact that I have seen quite a few pieces of it in Hungary. It occurs more often than many other Kappenabzeichen of the monarchy.

The 11th Bavarian Division was a unit of the German IX Army. It participated in the Gorlice breakthrough, in repelling the Brusilov Offensive in the Kovel area. In the second half of 1916, it participated in beating off the Romanians attacking Transylvania. I have already written about the battles fought around the Vulcan Mountains in connection with another German badge (here). It was then deployed on the Western Front. In Galicia and Transylvania it operated together with Austro-Hungarian units. It was at this time when many Bavarian insignia were distributed to Austro-Hungarian soldiers.