| Place | Europe: Germany |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | RELAWM30369 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Badge |
| Physical description | Gilded metal |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | Germany |
| Date made | c 1939 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
German Navy U-Boat War Badge
Description
German Navy U-Boat War Badge. Obverse: A horizontally aligned oval wreath of gilded laurel leaves encompassing a voided submarine with a Nazi eagle and swastika at the top. Reverse: Plain with a single vertical brooch pin.
History / Summary
The badge was instituted on 13 October 1939 and was awarded for a minimum of two engagements or sorties against the enemy. This condition could be waived at the discretion of the boat commander if a crewman was wounded without achieving the required number of engagements. Over 80 per cent of U-Boat crews were killed in action during the Second World War. 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.