| Place | Europe: Germany |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | RELAWM30364 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Badge |
| Physical description | Gilded metal |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | Germany |
| Date made | c 1941 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
German Navy Auxilliary Cruiser War Badge
Description
German Navy Auxiliary Cruiser War Badge. Obverse: An oval gilt oak leaf wreath surmounted by a gilt Nazi eagle, with outstretched squared wings, clutching a swastika. The voided centre has a gilt Viking longship on top of a partial globe in silver. Reverse: Plain with a single vertical brooch pin.
History / Summary
Created on 24 April 1941, this badge was awarded to Navy personnel for participation in a single long distance voyage, or for being wounded. It was also awarded to those serving on merchant ships, crewed by the navy, which acted under the guise of cargo vessels and harassed undefended allied shipping. This badge is part of a collection of Second World War German orders, decorations, badges and insignia 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.