German Dr Fritz Todt Prize Badge, Second Class (silver)

Dr Fritz Todt Prize Badge, Second Class, in silver. Obverse: A large German eagle standing on a banner inscribed 'DR FRITZ TODT' over a cog wheel with a swastika in the centre. Reverse: Plain with a large vertical brooch pin.

Created on 8 February 1944 to reward those whose inventions or initiatives significantly furthered the war effort. Known as the Dr Fritz Todt Prize it came in three classes - gold, silver and iron, and carried cash rewards of 50,000 Reichsmarks, 30,000 Reichsmarks and 10,000 Reichsmarks respectively. 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.