Nazi National Labour Corps Long Service Medal, 2nd Class

Nazi National Labour Corps Long Service Medal, 2nd Class. Oval shaped silver plated metal with an oak leaf wreath around the circumference. Obverse: A swastika on a spade between two barley ears in a 'V' shape. Reverse: The inscription ' fur treue Dienste im Reichs arbeits dienst' (for loyal service in the German labour service) on seven lines. The medal is fitted with a small ring suspender and a piece of 24 mm watered cornflower blue ribbon.

Instituted on 30 January 1938 and awarded in four classes to permanent staff members of the RAD (Reichs Arbeits Dienst) - gold for 25 years, silver with a silver eagle and swastika on the ribbon for 18 years, silver for 12 years, and bronze for 4 years Conscripts to the service were not eligible for the awards. Female members wore the medal from a ribbon bow. This medal is part of a collection of Second World War German orders, decorationsbadges 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.