German Front Line Driver Badge (gold)

Front Line Driver Badge (Gold). Obverse: A vehicle steering wheel within a laurel wreath. Reverse: Hollow backed without fixing pins. There is a small hole at the top to allow the badge to be stitched to the tunic.

This badge (Kraftfahrbewährungsabzeichen) was created on 23 October 1942 but was awarded retrospectively to 1 December 1940. It recognised both civilian and military drivers who distinguished themselves during combat and who took exceptional care in maintaining their vehicles under the harshest conditions. It was awarded in three grades - bronze, silver and gold. The badge had a cloth backing to match the uniform colour and was worn on the left forearm. This badgel is part of a collection of Second World War German orders, decorations, badges and insignia acquired by Flight Lieutenant K G Hesketh, RAAF Historical Records Section, who was based in London, but who made a number of visits to Germany immediately after the Second World War.