Nazi War Merit Medal

Nazi War Merit Medal. Circular with a raised edge rim. Obverse: A swastika within a wreath in the centre of a Maltese cross. Reverse: The inscription 'fur kriegs verdienst 1939' (for war service 1939) on four lines. The medal is fitted with a small loose ring suspender and a piece of 31 mm black ribbon which has white (inner) and red (outer) edge stripes and thin red stripe down the centre.

Instituted in August 1940 and awarded primarily to civilian industrial and agricultural workers, particularly those who exceeded production targets in munitions factories. It was also given to flak auxiliaries, Red Cross personnel, and membersof other organisations, for two years' general service in support of the war effort. This medal 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.