| Place | Europe: Germany |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | RELAWM30339A |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Award |
| Physical description | Glass enamel, Silver gilt |
| Maker |
Godet und Sohne |
| Place made | Germany |
| Date made | c 1943 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
Order of the German Eagle : Fourth Class breast badge
Description
Order of the German Eagle, Fourth Class breast badge. Obverse: A 48 mm white enamel Maltese cross with gilded German eagles with folded wings between the arms, carrying the Swastika in their talons. Reverse: Plain with a large vertical brooch pin, stamped 900 21.
History / Summary
The Order of the German Eagle (Orden vom Deutschen Adler) was instituted on 1 May 1937 by Adolf Hitler. It was awarded with swords to military personnel and without swords to civilians and to deserving 'friendly' foreigners, including diplomats. In December 1943 the Order was restructured from six classes to nine. Originally a second class award worn with a neck badge, but became the fourth class in the 1943 restructure, when it was worn alone. This medal is part of a collection of Second World War German orders and decorations 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.