The Austrian Armed Forces, the province of Lower Austria, ‘Licht ins Dunkel’ and ORF invited guests to the 2024 Military Music Festival in Grafenegg on 22 and 23 May in aid of ‘Licht ins Dunkel’.
In addition to the host, the Military Music of Lower Austria, military musicians from Vorarlberg, Salzburg, Upper Austria, Burgenland, Carinthia and the Guard Music from Vienna took part in this year’s event.
In addition to the musical performances by well-known composers, the highlight of this year’s Military Music Festival was the world premiere of the newly composed work ‘Dream of an Austrian Reservist’ by Carl Michael Ziehrer, in which the ‘Reitende Artilleriedivision Nr.2’ (RAD2) with its cannon was also in action.
‘The Great Austrian Tattoo’ marked the end of the event. For the first time, this composition was staged with historical traditional organisations, represented by the Deutschmeister Schützenkorps and the ‘RAD2’ with the cannon.
It was a huge pleasure for Obstlt iTR Michael Joannidis and his comrades to be part of this event, but also a great challenge.
The 1st Commanders Meeting of the UEHMG took place in Korneuburg on 19 October 2024. The President, Major General iTR Michael Blaha, MSc, invited other umbrella organisations at all levels and, of course, the member associations of the UEHMG. Over 40 participants accepted the invitation, resulting in a colourful mix of functionaries, associations and uniforms.
After the official welcome by the President and a round of introductions of all participants, the commander of the conference location in the military barracks of the NBC Defence Centre, Colonel Mag. Jürgen Schlechter, addressed the attendees and presented the tasks and capabilities of his troops. President Major General iTR Michael Blaha, MSc, then explained the reasons for this meeting in detail. He pointed out the impact of the pandemic, inflation and war in Europe in recent years. All commanders were now called upon to work with motivation and commitment to improve the quality of the maintenance of tradition and to promote cooperation at all levels.
The guest of honour at the event, HIRH Karl von Habsburg, emphasised the importance of maintaining military tradition as a link between the past and the present. Compliance with rules, norms and standards is important to him and he also sees the task of quality assurance as anchored in the UEHMG as an umbrella organisation. Particularly when it comes to the awarding of medals and honours, he said, it is important to pay attention to the seriousness and always ask the question of the legitimacy of the award. With its ‘sub auspiciis’ seal, which the UEHMG was the first institution ever to be awarded, he emphasised the trust placed in the UEHMG as an institution and the leadership of the current President.
After the group photo, Major General iTR Michael Blaha, MSc, introduced the three planned working groups and their chairmen. The first working group dealt with the basic definition and differentiation of the maintenance of tradition, the second working group dealt with the gos and no-gos in execution, including how to deal with mistakes, and the third working group dealt with communication of the umbrella organisations with their members and with each other. The results of the working groups were then presented and we will of course distribute the protocols within the UEHMG as soon as they are available in writing.
Finally, the President honoured two awards that had been pending for some time. The Administration Officer Captain iTR Franz Schlosser was awarded the Badge of Honour as a neck medal and the Adjutant General Major General iTR Peter Pritz was awarded the Great Golden Badge of Honour as a breast star – both with great applause and the approval of the comrades present. In addition, each participant in the Commanders Meeting received a certificate of thanks and recognition, a commemorative pin and a bottle of traditional wine as a gift.
After an intensive day of work, characterised by motivation, camaraderie and engagement, everyone left the barracks with the clear opinion to continue this meeting next year and to work together on the implementation of the results. A complete success for the UEHMG and a big thank you to everyone involved!
To mark the 175th anniversary of the Bürgermiliz, this year’s general rapport was held in Sipplingen and organised by the Bürgermiliz. The Bürgermiliz Sipplingen was also made a member of the UEHMG at this year’s general rapport. As many of the participating groups had travelled long distances, they arrived during the course of the Thursday. To welcome everyone, the citizens’ militia had invited them to a “meet and greet” in the Rathauskeller. Here, the participants were able to greet each other and cultivate cross-border camaraderie.
After a long but wonderful evening in the Rathauskeller, a visit to Her Imperial Highness Margravine Valerie von Baden in Salem was on the agenda on Friday morning. Margrave Bernhard von Baden, who had invited the participants of the General Rapport to Salem, was unable to attend the parade due to an unforeseen stay abroad. The various groups lined up and marched under the command of Lieutenant Colonel iTR Adrian Staiger through the monastery grounds to the castle, where the gates were already open for the march into the Sternenhof. Lieutenant Colonel iTR Adrian Staiger reported to Her Imperial Highness, who had the Count von und zu Bodman with her as a wing adjutant to support her. The President of the UEHMG, Major General iTR Michael Blaha, MSc, from Vienna, walked down the ranks with Her Imperial Highness and Count Bodman and each group introduced itself to the Margravine.
The units from Austria were particularly excited to meet a Princess of Austria. This resulted in a real photo shoot, as every group wanted to be photographed with the Margravine and Count Bodman. The brother of the late Margrave Max von Baden, Prince Ludwig von Baden, and his wife Marianne Princess von Baden also attended the parade, which led to some great conversations between the participants and their Highnesses. The time flew by and Lieutenant Colonel iTR Adrian Staiger ordered the formation to line up again. As the formation signed off, he thanked the Margravine for the invitation and presented her with a commemorative gift. Count Bodman expressed her thanks for the visit on behalf of the Margravine.
The formation marched out of the castle and was then invited by the margravial family to a small drink in the Torkel. After a short stay in the Torkel at Salem Castle, it was straight back to Sipplingen, as the General Rapport was scheduled for 2 pm. The participating groups lined up on the town hall square and Vice President Colonel iTR Hajo Böhm reported to President Major General iTR Michael Blaha, MSc. In the festively decorated historic Bürgersaal of the town hall, all participants were skilfully welcomed by the deputy mayor Clemens Beirer and in his welcoming address he spoke about the history of the Bürgermiliz Sipplingen. The General Rapport itself ran harmoniously and the participants were able to relax in their accommodation before dinner, which took place in the assembly hall of the primary school. The dinner served by butcher Rico Zickmantel was highly appreciated by all. The celebrations and camaraderie continued well into the night.
On Saturday afternoon, everyone met again in the school yard and formed up to march to the cemetery. At the cemetery, a wreath was laid in the war memorial chapel. A communal Lord’s Prayer was said in memory of the fallen of the wars and the deceased members of the UEHMG. Major General iTR Blaha and Colonel iTR Böhm laid the wreath to the sound of the song of the Good Comrade, performed by the trumpeter of the Milizkapelle Aaron Biller. From the cemetery, the formation marched through the village to the dock, from where they travelled by boat to Bodman.
Count and Baron Bodman had also invited the UEHMG to Bodman Castle. To the sound of the Milizkapelle, the participants marched to the castle, where Lieutenant Colonel iTR Adrian Staiger reported to Count Bodman. Here, too, the groups introduced themselves to the count’s family. Count Bodman, who dedicated a Count Bodman medal to the 175th anniversary of the Bürgermiliz Sipplingen, handed it out to the members of the Bürgermiliz Sipplingen. With a concluding triple salute from the historic muzzle-loading rifles, the event moved on to the informal part.
After a few glasses of Bodman wine, the groups lined up again. Lieutenant Colonel iTR Adrian Staiger called the formation off to the Count von und zu Bodman and thanked him for the invitation and also presented him with a souvenir gift. To the sounds of the Milizkapelle Sipplingen, we returned to the landing stage in Bodman, where the ship was waiting for us. A wonderful and eventful General Rapport 2024 came to an end with dinner together on the ship and a tour of Lake Überlingen. On Sunday, the participants then set off on their – in some cases very long – journey home. The Bürgermiliz Sipplingen and the UEHMG would like to thank all members and external persons who helped to make the General Rapport a success!
The UEHMG took part this year at the beginning of July with its own exhibition tent at ‘Montur und Pulverdampf’ (Uniform and Gunsmoke) in the Museum of Military History. President Major General iTR Michael Blaha, MSc, took care of setting up the stand in advance and was able to welcome numerous representatives of military tradition from near and far on the two days of the exhibition. They included the Reitende Artilleriedivison 2, the Deutschmeister-Schützenkorps 1897, the Esterhazy Hussars, the 1st Tiroler Kaiserjäger Regiment/Schwaz in Tirol, the k.u.k. Pionierbatallion 8, the Hoch and Deutschmeister 1914-18, the Lützowsches Freikorps and the Traditionsverband des k.u.k. Infantry Regiment ‘George I King of the Hellenes’ No. 99.
With their drill demonstrations, the Deutschmeister-Schützenkorps 1897 naturally attracted many interested spectators and the cannon shots of the Reitende Artilleriedivison 2 provided the desired gunpowder vapour throughout the whole area. There was also an opportunity to honour an employee of the Museum of Military History by President Major General iTR Michael Blaha, MSc. We have already made firm plans to take part next year, including an overnight stay on site!
A ride on the double-headed eagle through Habsburg history on historic ground
The equestrian training cadre of the Dragoon Regiment No. 3 at the former k.u.k. Schlosshof Military Riding and Driving Training Institute organised the Marchfeld Castle Ride again this year from 30 May to 2 June 2024 – for the 31st time.
Imperial feeling in imperial weather with ideal temperatures for horse and rider. The route with its fantastic paths could be mastered with ease, with this great mood you could almost forget that it was a sporting competition.
This ride took place under the patronage of former Federal Minister of Defence Dr. Werner Fasslabend and under the patronage of Hungary’s special ambassador Archduke Georg Habsburg. In co-operation and with the support of Mag. Klaus Panholzer, Managing Director of Schloss Schönbrunn Betriebs- und Kulturges.m.b.H., the heads of the event department, the Schloss Hof animal area, the municipalities, the Federal Forests and the regional hunting community.
The event was planned down to the smallest detail by Hans Günter Ebetshuber. The opening in the Orangerie West with champagne reception and flag decorations, picture gallery with framed newspaper articles from the regional press and the horse revue of the last 30 years. A presentation by the organiser informed those present about the schedule and the tasks for the coming days. With best wishes from Johanna Mikl-Leitner, Governor of the Province, who sent the organisation and the participants her best wishes and warmest regards for the event.
Afterwards, the opportunity was taken to visit the exhibition in the castle and the various special testing facilities in the castle grounds. Riding on historical ground, the riders learnt ‘interesting facts’ about Austrian history from our information sheets; by delivering a dispatch at lunchtime, this knowledge could be used to gain additional points after opening the same.
The competitions were again held in two categories this year. The A-competition, total distance for both days approx. 80 km, with special tests on the way, directly in Schlosshof or during the lunch break in Schloss Eckartsau or Schloss Marchegg, where our honorary colonel Dr. Werner Fasslabend visited us. Among other things, we rode to the Haringsee shooting range, where the k.u.k. Rast and Gasser officers’ pistols were used to score points.
The cavalry tasks included fording, hand-horse riding, overcoming natural obstacles in a group, individual jumping over natural obstacles the next day, estimating distances, reading the map, etc. These were among the special tasks where points could be collected.
Once again this year, one participant achieved the cavalry performance badge for orienteering and trail riding in silver after three placings and, for the first time, three participants achieved the cavalry performance badge in gold after three victories, presented by the Managing President of the Noeps, Lieutenant Colonel Roland Pulsinger and the commander of DR 3 Colonel Hans Günter Ebetshuber, holder of the golden badge of honour of the Lower Austrian Equestrian Federation.
The competition B – approx. 50 km in total on both days – was well appreciated by the 43 participants and was scored separately. Norbert Linsbichler and his team were also completely enthusiastic about the route and the tasks.
The highest military score this year was achieved by Fhnr. Gerhard Kubu (Dragoon Regiment No. 3), who also completed the course faultlessly for his regiment. He was presented with the Cup of Honour of Archduke Georg Habsburg for 1 year.
Once again, many thanks for the support of the Lower Austrian Equestrian Federation through the managing president Lieutenant Colonel Roland Pulsinger and KR Ing. Gerold Dautzenberg and the company ‘Die Werbegestalten’ family Geiger. A big thank you also goes to our helpers, without whom such an event would not be possible.
After the gala buffet provided by the catering company ‘GAST & WIRT’ in the Prinz Eugen Saal, the organiser presented the stable chains, medals, certificates and prizes.
Save the date for the 32nd Marfeld Castle Ride: 29 May to 1 June 2025
RESULTS
Competition A (approx. 80 km in two days)
1st place Dr. Yvonne Stark-Ziegler, Vanessa Mitterer, Carmen Merwald, Gerda Göttlich, Marie Theres Tomasich
2nd place Daniela Schäfer and Otto Buchheit
Competition B (approx. 50 km in two days)
1st place Astrid Schibert, Lea Kaiser
2nd place Payr Susanne, Payr Julian, Payr Lilja, Payr Gabriele
3rd place Steiger Sonja, Weiße Susanne, Denise Leitgeb, Stephanie Hilscher
Competition carriages
1st place over 50 km Norbert Linsbichler, Michaela Gutschka, Beatrix Graf
Every 18 June, the “Deutschmeister” celebrate their traditional day in commemoration of the Battle of Kolin in 1757, in which the Austrians succeeded in defeating the Prussian King Frederick II for the first time thanks to the special efforts of the “Hoch- und Deutschmeister”. In honour of this military achievement, 18 June was declared Tradition Day of the “Hoch- und Deutschmeister” and is celebrated by the military successor organisations, currently the “Jägerbataillon Wien 1 Hoch- und Deutschmeister”, as well as the “Deutschmeisterbund” with its traditional groups.
The 2024 ceremony took place at the residence of the Teutonic Order in the heart of Vienna. The celebrations began with a festive church service, celebrated by H.E. Grand Master P. MMag. Dipl.-Bw. (FH) Frank Bayard, MBA. Afterwards, the band “Kapelle Original Hoch- und Deutschmeister” under the direction of Kapellmeister Reinhold Nowotny performed a musical programme as part of a concert in the square, which delighted all those present.
During the official part of the event, the President of the „Deutschmeisterbund“ and Media Officer of the UEHMG Lieutenant Colonel Andreas Tarbuk welcomed numerous guests of honour, including the Procurator of the Order of St. George Baron Vinzenz von Stimpfl-Abele as well as the President of the Union of European Historical Military Groups Major General iTR Michael Blaha, MSc, who represented the historical traditions of the highest umbrella organisation. In his speech, H.E. Grand Master Frank Bayard emphasised the great importance of the connection between the spiritual authority, which has always been provided by the Teutonic Order for the “Hoch- und Deutschmeister”, and the military associations throughout history, which has endured to this day and which was once again underlined by this ceremony.
Baron Vinzenz von Stimpfl-Abele emphasised the importance of tradition, especially in disorientating times like these: “Traditions are our living connection with the past and at the same time a bridge to the future. They are an expression of timeless values and principles that are worth passing on from generation to generation.” The courage to take responsibility for protecting and maintaining tradition is therefore very important for a society. The commitment of organisations such as the “Deutschmeisterbund”, but also the knightly orders, cannot be valued highly enough, especially today. “Because we know our roots, we know our values and we are raising the flag – each in our own way, but by joining forces. This gives us reason for hope and optimism for the future. VIRIBUS UNITIS!” concluded the Procurator.
President Major General iTR Michael Blaha, MSc, took the opportunity, in the presence of Secretary General Captain iTR Christian Zehetmayer and Financial Officer Financial Councillor iTR Frank Kasteliz, to award our deserving comrade Corvette Captain iTR Peter Hofer the Merit Mark of the UEHMG for his many years of support in keeping up tradition.
After the ceremonial speeches and honours, the social part of the Tradition Day began. In glorious imperial weather, the guests had the opportunity for many conversations and personal exchanges at the residence of the Teutonic Order. The event was a great success, characterised by the dignity of the occasion and the joy of being together. We would like to thank the Teutonic Order and the “Deutschmeisterbund” for their hospitality!
In October 1273, Rudolf I, the first Habsburg, was elected and crowned king. Our Grand Master actually wanted to commemorate the 750th anniversary of this historic event last autumn, but then he was diagnosed with cancer… Thankfully, he overcame this and was able to invite guests to a very special evening at the Palais Ferstel in Vienna on 13 June 2024. It was very important to Archduke Karl to use this event to create a link between Austria, Europe and the world. This combination of a certain value-based timelessness with an internationality deeply rooted in Austria still characterises the Habsburg-Lothringen family today and was reflected in the programme – both in terms of content and music.
As the Grand Master remarked in an interview, it would have been nice to have even more people connected to the archducal house around him, but then the Stadthalle would probably have been needed. As it was, the time-honoured palace in the heart of the former imperial capital and residence city could only hold just about 300 guests. Numerous members and friends of the imperial family, high-ranking personalities from the clergy, nobility, politics, diplomacy, economy, art, culture and media as well as, of course, the sponsors queued up to pay their respects to Archduke Karl.
Another highlight of this unforgettable evening was a musical world premiere: the FALCO SYMPHONIC CHAMBER ORCHESTRA. Falco stood and stands like no other artist for modern Austrian music with an international dimension. His timeless work now connects generations. In order to emphasise all these facets and honour the occasion, not “only” the original Falco musicians played, but a classical ensemble accompanied and amplified them. The world hits of Austria’s only pop superstar were interpreted by local and international vocalists. Archduke Karl’s decision in favour of this unique musical melange was confirmed by the enthusiasm of the guests, who celebrated the artists frenetically.
Thanks to President Major-General iTR Michael Blaha, MSc, the UEHMG was represented at the festivities by a strong delegation including Vice President Colonel iTR Hans-Joachim Böhm, Administration Officer Captain iTR Franz Schlosser, Financial Officer Financial Councillor iTR Frank Kasteliz, Media Officer Schützenfähnrich iTR Andreas Georg Tarbuk and Secretary-General Captain iTR Christian Zehetmayer. A worthy celebration of a truly important dynasty in Europe!
To mark the 25th anniversary of Rainermusik Salzburg, an anniversary concert was organised in February 2024 together with the Tiroler Kaiserjäger, which was celebrated as a double concert in the Kongresshaus Salzburg and in Erl. > Click here for the programme of the concert
Rainermusik was founded in 1999 by Dr. Herbert Glaser and Honorary President Dr. Manfred Holztrattner and, with the support of a sponsor, was able to organise concert tours to Hungary, Germany, Spain, Merano (Salzburg’s partner city) and, of course, Austria. Unfortunately, all funding has now been cancelled, which is why it is no longer possible to plan international concert tours.
That is why Rainermusik Salzburg is looking for donations so that such trips can take place again.
Bank details: Rainermusik Salzburg IBAN: AT43 3500 0000 9101 5123
Year after year! On 13 April 2024, the 39th corps meeting of the “”Hohenzollern-Küurassiere Sigmaringen” took place in the Reiterstüble “St. Georgs Klause” in Pault (near Sigmaringen). At the beginning of the event, the cavalry captain and chairman of the corps Anton Rädle welcomed the comrades present, followed by the trumpet corps, which performed a serenade.
Traditional opening of the corps meeting by the trumpet corps
The 39th Corps Meeting was a busy one, as both the Advisory Board and the officers had to be newly elected this year. In addition to the commemoration of our comrades who had died in the previous year, the annual report, presented by Lieutenant Gregor Meichelbeck, for the year 2023 was also of great interest! The treasurer’s report and the auditors’ report not only showed the great commitment shown by the comrades, but also provided the basis for the discharge of the entire board, which the meeting gave unanimously at the suggestion of Honorary Cavalry Captain Christian Baum.
The elections also showed a clear picture and the unity of the club, so that Gregor Meichelbeck was confirmed as lieutenant and Felix Bösch was elected cornet. Johannes Herre was elected to the advisory board in his new role as secretary and Bruno Herunter as a member of the advisory board. The other previous members of the advisory board, Ruth Bösch, Uwe Gruber and Hans Stoll, were confirmed unanimously in their positions.
In addition to the usual honours for numerous appearances, promotions were also awarded this year. Our corporals Max Bischofberger and Bruno Herunter were both promoted to the rank of constable. The formal part of the 39th Corps Assembly ended with the outlook for the coming year and the ” Kürassierlied”.
Then it was time to get to the cosy part. The comrades were offered a rich buffet of sausage salad and other dishes. The camaraderie was enjoyed in stimulating conversations until the late hours! All comrades were extremely satisfied with the successful corps meeting.
Text: Noah Bakó Photos: Erwin Schultheiss
Promoted to sergeant: Bruno Herunter and Max Bischofberger
