Nazi War Merit Cross, First Class with Swords

Nazi War Merit Cross First Class with Swords breast badge. Obverse: A Maltese cross with crossed swords between the arms and a swastika within a wreath in the centre. Reverse: Plain with a large vertical brooch pin.

Awarded to both members of the military and civilians who had contributed meritorious service to the war effort of the Third Reich. Swords indicated that the award was for military service. There were four levels of the award: Knights Cross neck badge, First Class breast badge, Second Class cross and the War Merit medal. 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.