German Front Line Driver Badge (silver)

Place Europe: Germany
Accession Number RELAWM30371.002
Collection type Heraldry
Object type Badge
Physical description Zinc alloy
Maker Unknown
Place made Germany
Date made c 1942
Conflict Second World War, 1939-1945
Description

German Front Line Driver Badge (Silver). Obverse: A vehicle steering wheel within a laurel wreath. Reverse: Hollow backed with two fixing pins.

History / Summary

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.