| Place | Europe: Germany |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | RELAWM30346 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Award |
| Physical description | Iron, Silver |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | Germany |
| Date made | c 1939 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Source credit to | This item has been digitised with funding provided by Commonwealth Government. |
Iron Cross First Class
Description
Iron Cross First Class. A flat cross patee of iron with a beaded silver edge backing plate. Obverse: A swastika in the centre and '1939' on the lower arm. Reverse: Plain with a frosted silver finish and locating pin on the top arm. The cross is fitted with a large circular screw threaded nut.
History / Summary
Reinstituted in 139 by Adolf Hitler the Iron Cross 1st Class was awarded for bravery or repeated meritorious combat service. Authority to award the Cross was delegated down to divisional commander level. Approximately 730,000 were awarded between 1939 and 1945. 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.