AtlanticRZM

KM high seas fleet badge (OS)

Click on the magnifying glass to see the zoom

KM high seas fleet badge (OS)

Reference : MNL231BCDE

Reproduction of the Kriegsmarine High Seas Fleet insignia.
Old silver finish.
Attachment on back.
Manufacturer's markings ''FEC. ADOLF BOCK''.

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

The High Seas Fleet Combat Badge (German: Flottenkriegsabzeichen) is a German military decoration of the Third Reich. It was created on April 30, 1941 to reward sailors who fought against the Royal Navy on the high seas.

The insignia was instituted on April 30, 1941 to reward sailors serving aboard Kriegsmarine capital ships, whether heavy cruisers like the Deutschland class or battleships like the Bismark class. Admiral Raeder received several proposals for the shape of the insignia, and chose Adolf Bock's design.

The badge is oval in shape, measuring 57 mm high and 44 mm wide, with a mass of around 34g. Seen from the front, it depicts a Scharnhorst-class cruiser cutting through the waves. The scene is surrounded by a gilded oak-leaf wreath and topped by the Reichsadler holding the swastika in its talons. A vertical pin is attached to the reverse, which is slightly concave so as to emphasize the ship towards the front of the badge. In addition to the maker's mark, some examples bear the designer's signature in the form of the inscription "FEC. ADOLF BOCK".

The badge was initially made by tombac stamping, with quality finishes such as mercury gilding of the crown and bluing of the ship. Later, due to cost-cutting measures imposed by the prolongation of the war, the badge was made in zinc, with a simple gold wash on the crown. Similarly, at the end of production, the original pin with thin ends and thick center was replaced by a simpler needle-type pin.

The criteria established on April 30, 1941 require a minimum of twelve weeks' service on the high seas. A complementary system of points to be converted into mission weeks was introduced in October to take account of veterans' past achievements. This identifies seven types of task worth a predetermined number of points, each point equivalent to one week. Minor or low-risk actions, such as carrying out a complete minesweeping operation, crossing the North Sea on a cruiser, or taking part in the attack on Norway the previous year, are each worth one point. Major actions, such as exchanging fire with the opposing coastal defense, successfully repelling a major air attack and fighting in the attack on Norway, are worth four points. Finally, bringing a ship damaged by enemy fire back into port is worth two points.

Sailors who have been wounded in action, or who have taken part in a victorious naval action, can be awarded the badge directly, regardless of the length of their tour of duty.

The badge should be worn on the left pocket or, on the jacket, at the level of the second row of buttons from the top. If the recipient also holds the Iron Cross First Class, the badge is worn underneath and to the right of it.

made-to-order

17.90 €

KingEshop - E-commerce