Nazi Armed Forces 12 year Long Service Medal

Nazi Armed Forces 12 year Long Service Medal. Obverse: In the centre an eagle with square folded wings, clutching a swastika in its talons, within a Gothic inscription around the the circumference reading 'Treue Dienste in der Wehrmacht' (For loyal service in the armed forces). Reverse: In the centre the number '12' within an oak leaf wreath bound at the top and bottom. The medal is fitted with a small ring suspender and a piece of 24 mm cornflower blue ribbon.

Awarded for 12 years loyal service in the German armed forces. A small eagle of the appropriate pattern for each service was placed on the ribbon to indicate whether the medal was issued to the army, navy or airforce. It is missing from this example. 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.