Auxiliary Cruiser War Badge : Kriegsmarine

Places
Accession Number REL/15472
Collection type Heraldry
Object type Badge
Physical description Bronze, White metal
Maker Unknown
Place made Germany
Date made c 1941-1945
Conflict Second World War, 1939-1945
Description

German Navy Auxiliary Cruiser War Badge. The oval shaped bronze badge shows a viking ship sailing across the top of the globe, within an oak leaf wreath surmounted by the Nazi eagle and swastika. The white metal globe is a separate part, attached to the main badge by a small rivet. The reverse is unmarked, and has a vertical hinged pin clasp.

History / Summary

The Auxiliary Cruiser War Badge was awarded to crew members of supply vessels or armed merchant cruisers for participation in a successful long distance voyage. Auxiliary Cruisers (such as the 'Kormoran', 'Pinguin' and 'Atlantis') carried mines and torpedos in addition to their concealed guns, and normally sailed disguised as Neutral cargo ships. They formed a useful part of Germany's campaign against Allied merchant shipping, and enjoyed particular success in the more remote sea lanes of the South Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans.