Nazi Social Welfare Decoration, Second Class

Nazi Social Welfare Decoration Second Class breast badge. A slightly convex cross couped in white enamel. Obverse: A black enamel German eagle with square down swept wings, clutching a gold wreath containing a black swastika in its talons. Reverse: Plain gilt with a large vertical brooch pin.

Awarded in recognition of meritorious achievement tending the specific and general needs of the German population, including the fields of medicine, nursing, social work, philantropy, housing, education and recreation. Recipients included individuals from every walk of civil, political and military life. Many award recommendations were submitted through the National Socialist People's Welfare Organisation (NSV), which ultimately included over 20 per cent of the entire German population in its membership. In 1942 swords were authorised for wear on the third class medal ribbon to denote the military related service of doctors and nurses engaged in caring for the wounded on the eastern front. 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.