General

“The dozen is full!” – Major General iTR Michael Blaha, MSc, euphorically opened the 12th Kaiserball on February 15, 2020 in the historic city hall in Korneuburg. And the organizers – the k.u.k. Dragoons regiment Nikolaus Graf Pejacsevich No 2 and the k.u.k. Infantry Regiment FM Heinrich Freiherr von Hess No 49 – come up with many small and large attentions.

But one after the other. The evening started with a reception in the town hall Korneuburg at the invitation of Mayor Christian Gepp, MSc, where the evening’s guest of honor Archduke Ferdinand von Habsburg was allowed to register in a historical book and even received the chain of honor of the Mayor for this ceremony. Ferdinand von Habsburg, who is currently completing basic training in Korneuburg, followed this invitation in the basic uniform of the Austrian Armed Forces and thus showed his close relationship to the military and military tradition.

Arrived in the ballroom, the ceremonial entry of the guests of honor and the grand opening immediately continued. To the delight of the numerous guests, a few couples from Korneuburg came forward this year to open the ball – in combination with the historically uniformed dancers a really beautiful and elegant performance.

Member of the National Council Andreas Minnich delivered the words of greeting from Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner before SKKH Ferdinand von Habsburg took the microphone for the official ball opening. As a special surprise, the chef de cuisine, Christian Sehner, handed over a cake in the shape of an Aston Martin racing car before the archduke took the waltz himself – the competitive athlete also met all expectations in this regard.

As a specialty this year, a wine bar with a smoking lounge could be visited in the inner courtyard of the building. There the high-quality wines of the Maximilian von Habsburg winery were served and the wine bar quickly became an insider tip. But the rest of the culinary delights were also enjoyed and those who did not visit the wine bar found their way to the champagne and long drink bar in the gallery.

During a break of the Lower Austria Military Music Dance Orchestra, Elisabeth Jahrmann and Max Buchleitner delighted the auditorium with lively operetta melodies before moving on to the draw ceremony of the tombola. Of course for the 12th Kaiserball there were also 12 main prizes and the 12 winners were impressed by the high-quality prizes. The new day was started in an atmospheric manner with the traditional imperial anthem, sung by all ball guests to candlelight at midnight. With the rapid quadrille you could work out your midnight goulash and recharge your batteries for the rest of the ball night.

In the early hours of the morning, many guests took the opportunity to stop at the Habsburg wine bar before the 12th Kaiserball ended officially. For all guests and contributors one thing was clear – the 13th Kaiserball is a fixed point in the 2021 ball calendar!

>Ball impressions of the Imperial Ball 2020

World premiere: special kind of shooting festival

The Kremser traditional rifle corps of the former Infantry Regiment No. 84 was able to hold its autumn championship on Saturday, October 5th. For this, the shooting range in Mistelbach was rented by the 84ers. In bright weather hundreds of participants could compete in 15 different categories of shooting. Visitors from Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Russia and Hungary made the competition international. This allowed one to measure his performance in an internationally represented environment.

It was started with small caliber and large caliber, more than 100 years old orderly rifles, modern semi-automatic and with revolver and pistol. As an absolute highlight, the IR84 was able to organize a test shoot of two weapons companies: The company Norlite from Nuremberg provided its new weapon system USK-G. This new, revolutionary system was first presented to a selected trade audience for trial shooting on 27th September. On October 5, the USK-G had its world premiere at IR84 in a shooting competition and was available to the public two months before the sale as a loan weapon.

Enthusiastic visitors could convince themselves of the perfectly processed quality personally in the shooting range. The rush was hard to cope with. More than 100 shooters have given the new Norlite a special endurance test, with more than 3,500 rounds fired during the day. There was not a single inhibition and the hit picture could be seen even on 100 meters: Scattering of less than 50mm with the 9mm Luger pistol cartridge surprised many testers. How sturdy the new device is, underlines the fact that only after every 1,000 firing shots did the Weapon Master easily wipe the seal with a dry cloth and allow the weapon a few drops of oil.

The second company to win Red Rock was an international company that specializes in the marketing and distribution of high quality products and accessories in tactics, camping, hunting and sports. Red Rock has selected a number of manufacturers, each of which is a leader in its field. All producers are official suppliers of government agencies and security forces, including special forces. At the 84er Fall Championship, Red Rock introduced CAA’s MCK shank system to a specially built booth. This latest stem system for Glock and other pistols came out new this year in the US, there are still many people in Europe who do not know these models.

Again, there was a wave of enthusiasm, the new CAA products have improved significantly compared to their predecessors. The IR84 had a special guest of honor at its event in order to be able to test these shaft systems befittingly: the most successful visitor to the event was the successful internet blogger and well-known model Danielle Valkyrie. It was a special pleasure for the 84ers to welcome Danielle for the second time in one of their competitions. As a special feature Danielle Valkyrie was able to take along the newly released X-Targets targets. These discs represent a hostage rescue scenario and Danielle personally modeled the motif. All participants in the category “Pistolenkarabiner” could shoot at a hostel signed by Danielle and then take this disc home as a souvenir. After intensive preparations by the 84er the competition ran at full speed.

The Russian defense attache Colonel Mihail Egorkin, together with the top marksman Mjr iTR Dominik Scholz and rifleman StFw iTR Rüdiger Gruber presented the trophies at the festive award ceremony. The cups are custom-made and bear the coat of arms of the organizing traditional rifle corps.

Colonel Egorkin thanked clubs such as the IR84 for organizing well-organized and internationally-attended competitions. As a token of appreciation, Dominik Scholz and Rüdiger Gruber were honored as event organizers with gifts from Russia. The perfect course of this event underlines the quality of the organizer and contributes to international understanding and cross-border friendship through its international presence. On the part of the city of Mistelbach, the event was honored by the vice-mayor Christian Balon with his visit. The largest foreign team provided the reservist comradeship Hesborn, which arrived with 6 men over 900 kilometers. The longest journey was made by the delegation of the Kyffhäuserbund e.V. from Erndtebrück.

In addition, a raffle with high-quality prizes made for great joy in the lucky winners who had the right lot. As an “angel of good fortune” Danielle Valkyrie was allowed to draw the lots and hand over the high-quality prizes to the brilliant winners. The main prize, a semi-automatic rifle in caliber 22 went to Rudolf Loisel from Upper Austria.

Castle ride in the footsteps of the Marchfelder Habsburg dynasty under the patronage of BM a.D. Dr. Werner Fasslabend and under the seal “Sub Auspiciis” Karl von Habsburg.

The 26th Marchfelder Schlösserritt took place from May 30 to June 2, 2019, in cooperation with Mag. Klaus Panholzer, Managing Director of Schloss Schönbrunn Betriebs- und Kulturges.mbH, the division managers of Schloss Hof Mrs. Mag. Katharina Tschann and her deputy Lukas Svoboda, the communities, the federal forests and the regional hunters.

The opening again took place on Thursday in the Orangerie in Schlosshof. Numerous participants, helpers and guests of honor were welcomed by the organiser H. G. Ebetshuber. Mayor Josef Reiter from Engelhartstetten as well as the president of the Austrian Cavalry Association Colonel Franz Prandstätter honored the long-term commitment of the tradition Dragoon Regiment No. 3 in their speeches. After that, Elke Schwarz was awarded the Silver St. George’s Order for her tireless work and many years of dedication to the castle ride.

Before the commander of the Dragoon Regiment No. 3 Colonel of Cavalry Hans Günter Ebetshuber opened the castle ride, a prominent participant, the cabaret artist Lydia Prenner-Kasper, was warmly welcomed to the event. After the champagne reception, all those present were invited to an extremely interesting tour of the castle.

Due to the flooding of the March, the route had to be constantly changed by the organisation team. This year the competitions were again held in two categories. The A-competition total distance for both days about 80 km, with special tests that were carried out on the way or directly in Schlosshof, or the lunchtime rest in Schloss Eckartsau and Schloss Marchegg. Inter alia the shooting range Haringsee held the shooting competition. Riding through, hand horse riding, coping with natural obstacles in the group, individual jumping over natural obstacles the next day, distance estimation, plan reading, etc. were among the special tasks in which you could earn points.

33 participants (A) had a positive result in the special stages and completed the entire distance of approx. 80 km without a mistake. 19 participants were proud to receive the Kav performance badge for orienteering and trekking in bronze. Event-B about 50 km total on both days appealed to the 30 participants and was extra scored.

During the individual jumping over the natural obstacles, the 26th Marchfelder Schlösserritt received a high attendance: the president of the Lower Austrian Equestrian Federation KR Ing. Gerold Dautzenberg. He was welcomed by the organiser and with a passing carriage was brought in the castle to another competition.

Afterwards there was a special guided tour through the castle, to the regimental command DR 3 and to the festively decorated baroque stable for the gala dinner before the award ceremony. Mag. Ines Bejdl – an internationally recognized judge – also visited surprisingly the event because in Lassee there was a jumping tournament on the same day. The cozy castle restaurant garden was then a place of shoptalk and discussion about the support and promotion of equestrian popular sports.

After the gala dinner – this year in the baroque stable – badges, bows, certificates and placement prizes were handed over by the mayor from Eckartsau Ing. Rudolf Makoschitz, Dr. med. Hans Reinisch of Magna Racino and the organiser.

In appreciation of his services to the Tradition Dragoons Regiment No. 3, the commander-in-chief, Mr. Thomas Tschann (DR 4), is awarded the Regimental Order of the Dragoon Regiment No. 3 in bronze. Because of exemplary long-term service fulfillment for our common history and tradition Mr. Zgsf. Walter Bründl Pohl (DR3) has been promoted to sergeant. The golden medal of the Austrian Cavalry Association was given to Gundi Schmid and the Regimental Trumpeter of the DR 3, Zgsf. Günter Ringhofer.

The honorary challenge cup donated by Archduke Georg Habsburg was given to a uniformed participant, for the Cavalry highest military rating to Ptf. Christian Guss (Dragoon Regiment No.5), who also met the entire course (80km) without error for his regiment.

A-competition

• 1st place, Dragonerregiment Nr. 5
  Olt. Dr Anton Wankhammer, Ptf. Dr. Carina Wankhammer
  Olt. Ivor Schiller, Ptf. Christian Guss, Ptf. Silke Schmerlaib
• 2nd place
  Caroline Geiger, Finian Geiger, Sophie Mikula, Lara Johann, Michaela Res
• 3rd place
  Alois Hauptmann, Tzt. Rudolf Hauptmann, Sabine FRITZ, Christoph Allgäuer

B-competition

• 1st place
  Susanne Payr, Gabriela Payr, Lisa Würzl, Stefanie Dörnhöfer
• 2nd place
  Gerhard Lackner, Michaela Bischof, Markus Goldfuss, Irene Unger
• 3rd place
  Kpr.  Markus Potzmann, Mag. Doris Potzmann, Michaela Pinisch, Cornelia Oberguggenberger

Also in this year in Korneuburg was danced under the eyes of Emperor Karl and his grandson Archduke Georg von Habsburg

The evening began in Korneuburg with a reception in the town hall where city councillor Andreas Minnich representing the mayor Christian Gepp invited the guests into the historic boardroom. With sparkling wine and some sweets discussions and contacts were made

Afterwards the ball society was led into the ballroom by MajGen iTR Michael Blaha and past the honorary guards of the two organizing regiments

At the head Archduke Georg von Habsburg with his daughter, the procurator of the Order of St. George  Baron Vinzenz Stimpfl Abele as well as in the representation of the Governor of Lower Austria Johanna Mikl Leitner the President of the government of Lower Austria Karl Wilfing.

The entrance into the festively decorated hall was followed by the speeches of MajGen iTR Michael Blaha, President Karl Wilfing and Archduke Georg von Habsburg who found very praiseworthy words for the Emperors ball and tradition and he especially noticed the bust of his grandfather Emperor Karl.

With the opening of the ball the military music of Lower Austria began to play and the couples to dance. Many traditionalists danced into the morning but also vice versa many dance enthusiasts were happy about a traditional ball with many colourful uniforms.

Of course there was a very successful singing performance with Aneta Liepina, Michael Weiland and their pianist Roberto Secilla and a raffle with 11 main prizes.

What else can you say: “It was very nice, we were very happy.”. And, of course, “Gott erhalte – Gott beschütze” was sung loudly from all mouths at midnight.

With great sadness we have the duty to inform that the commander of “Deutschmeister Schützenkorps” SchHptm Eduard Grübling passed on abruptly on 3rd of February 2019.

The President of the Union of European Military Historical Groups Major General iTR Michael Blaha, the executive committee, the Presidium and all comrades of the UEHMG express their deepest sympathy to the bereaved for this grave loss.

The UEHMG will honor his deserving comrade in honor.

>obituary

With great sadness we have the duty to inform that our comrade and Honorary Member Colonel iTR Siegfried Wilfling passed on after a fulfilled and busy life on 31th of January 2019.

The President of the Union of European Military Historical Groups Major General iTR Michael Blaha, the executive committee, the Presidium and all comrades of the UEHMG express their deepest sympathy to the bereaved for this grave loss.

The UEHMG will honor his deserving official in honor.

>obituary

Under this motto the Museum of Military History in Vienna held a spectacular journey through seven centuries of military history on 8 and 9 July 2018. With camps, medieval market, shows, crafts, children’s program, performances by various re-enactment groups and much more.

Nearly 13,000 visitors took the opportunity to participate in this experience.

The UEHMG was represented for the second time at this major event with its own tent and the opportunity to present their members and maintain contact.

In addition to the demonstrations of the “Deutschmeister Schützenkorps” and the “Reitende Artilleriedivision No. 2 (RAD2)” who have been attending for many years, was a concert of the “k.u.k. Wiener Regimentskapelle IR4” one of the highlights of this year.

A big honor for the above mentioned groups was the visit of IKKH Camilla von Habsburg-Lothringen at this event.

On the initiative of the “Biedermannsdorfer Kapellenverein” one commemorated on 21.10.2018 in the context of a holy mass, celebrated by pastor Dr. med. Bernhard Mucha, the beatification of Emperor Karl I, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony in front of the Emperor Karl Chapel.

The most active participants were IKKH Camilla von Habsburg-Lothringen, with General-Adjutant of the House of Habsburg, MajGen iTR Peter Pritz, accompanied by the Knights of the Order of St. George and the Military Hospital Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem.

With standards went on traditional associations such as the “Deutschmeister Schützenkorps”, the “Reitende Artillerie Division Nr. 2”, the “Dragoner Regiment Nr. 3 König von Sachsen” and the “Dragonerregiment Nr. 2 Graf Pejacsevich”.

Furthermore represented were the “katholischen österreichischen Landsmannschaften” as well as the FF Biedermannsdorf.

After the Mass, the procession to the Emperor Karl Chapel took place, the blessing of those present with the Emperor Karl Reliquie, the repositio of the relic followed by a wreath-laying ceremony by the FF Biedermannsdorf.

Lieutenant iTR Alfred Cunat of the “Deutschmeister Schützenkorps” made a military message to the Highest-serving IKKH Camilla von Habsburg-Lothringen. In the course of the wreath-laying ceremony, a General-de-Charge was shot as a tribute under trumpet sounds by the “Deutschmeister Schützenkorps”.

After the closing message to the most present and as the conclusion of the solemn event the chapel society under Maj Peter Fuhrich invited all present to the Agape and a cozy get-together.