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KM Blockade Breaker badge (OS)

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KM Blockade Breaker badge (OS)

Reference : MNL233BCDE

Reproduction of the Kriegsmarine Blockade Breaker insignia.
Old silver finish.
Attachment on back.
Manufacturer's markings ''FEC. OTTO PLACZEK BERLIN''.

High-quality craftsmanship.
Made in the Philippines.
Registered postage included.

The Blockadebreaker Badge (German: Abzeichen für Blockadebrecher) is a German military decoration of the Third Reich, created on April 1, 1941 and awarded to merchant navy civilians for meritorious actions in breaking a Royal Navy blockade during the Second World War.

The Blockade Breaker Badge was instituted on April 1, 1941 by Adolf Hitler to reward civilian and military ships' crews who helped break the Royal Navy's maritime blockade. The blockade affected Germany's ability to continue the war by cutting off supplies of raw materials such as rubber and tin. The insignia was designed by Otto Placzek, and the award placed under the responsibility of the Reichsverkehrsministerium, the decoration being awarded by decision of Minister Julius Dorpmüller.

On June 28, 1942, the authority to issue the badge was transferred to the Reichskommissar für die Seeschifffahrt, the commissioner in charge of merchant shipping. The Reichskommissar für die Seeschifffahrt was also empowered to award badges for actions on the high seas and in areas under the responsibility of the Oberkommando der Marine. However, Gauleiter Karl Kaufmann made a clear distinction between civilians and servicemen, with the former reporting to him and the latter being awarded by the Kriegsmarine Command. Eligibility was extended to Luftwaffe troops on August 13, 1943, but in these cases the Kriegsmarine still decides on the allocation.

The badge takes the form of a circle 50 mm in diameter weighing approximately 30 g. The circumference is bordered by a chain symbolizing the blockade, which is broken on the left by the oddity of a merchant ship with a prominent figurehead depicting an eagle holding the swastika in its talons. The design shows a strong Art Deco influence. The badge is forged in tombac and is steel-gray in color, with the exception of the eagle, which is finished in silver. Occasionally, the chain is finished in the same way, or washed over the eagle due to careless application.

The reverse is mostly flat, although some Schwerin examples show a central depression due to the manufacturing method. At the bottom is the maker's mark, always preceded by the inscription "FEC. OTTO PLACZEK BERLIN", attributing the badge's design to its maker.

Awarded to civilians: Between the badge's creation on April 1, 1941 and June 28, 1942, it was awarded to civilians by decision of the Reich Minister of Transport, and from that date onwards by the Reichskommissar für die Seeschifffahrt until the end of the war. However, the award criteria remained unchanged following their definition by Julius Dorpmüller on May 2, 1941. There were four criteria: having broken the blockade by successfully bringing a ship loaded with goods back to port, having scuttled his ship to avoid capture by the enemy, having been wounded on board a ship sunk by the enemy, having shown courage to avoid the capture of his ship.

Allocation to military personnel: After June 28, 1942, Kriegsmarine sailors became eligible, but allocation was determined by their hierarchy rather than by the Reichskommissar für die Seeschifffahrt. The criteria were also different, defined by the Oberkommando der Marine on December 5, 1942. These specify that the candidate must have been on a civilian or military ship that left an Allied or neutral port overseas and arrived in a German or German-controlled port. He must also have transited the Strait of Gibraltar, or used the passage from Las-Palmas to Bordeaux, or from Vigo to Hamburg, or passed through the North Sea west of Rotterdam and north of Narvik.

Allocation was restricted to German or Allied citizens, while prisoners of war in transit were excluded. Luftwaffe personnel became eligible on August 13, 1943, but the award was still determined by the OKM.

Military personnel wear the insignia on the left side, level with the second row of jacket buttons. If the wearer also has the Iron Cross First Class, the badge is placed below on the right. Civilians do not normally wear the badge, but its miniature. However, this rule is not always respected.

made-to-order

17.90 €

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