The Kriegsmarine fought the duration of the war with a significant inferiority in number of ships, and the battleships they possessed found themselves at the disadvantage of having to fight against the odds. This was partly remedied by the wide use of submarines, and indeed U-Boats caused grave difficulties in Allied shipping reaching the English Island. For a while, it looked as if their goal of bringing England to starvation would be achieved. However, with the development of radar and the uncoding of enigma, the fortunes of war turned against these brave men.

Though most famous, U-boat and Battleship crews were obviously not the only warriors in the Kriegsmarine arsenal. There were a significant number of Kriegsmarine personnel employed in other venues, such as coastal defense, anti-aircraft duties, E-boats (fast attack boats), and escort ships. These are the war badges they received.

The Fleet War Badge

Introduction

At the direction of Grand Admiral Erich Raeder, commander in chief of the navy, the Fleet War badge was instituted on April 30 1941 to recognize the sea actions of the German Navy, mainly in actions against England. The designer as well as the principal maker was, Adolf Bock of Berlin. Even though the badge was instituted in 1941, it was awarded for actions prior to that date.

Manufacturing and Technical information

The High Seas Fleet War Badge is highly detailed and easily recognized by its silver German battleship coming head on at full steam plowing through the center of the Badge. The battleship is surrounded by a gold wreath that has, at its base, a ribbon tied in the form of an X with an acorn in the top and lower V formed by the tie. There are 8 bunches of two oak leaves that make up the wreath, with a single acorn at the tip of each leaf alternating on the outside and inside. At the top of the Badge is the national emblem with wings spread, clutching a swastika in its claws. One will note the high detail in the battleships guns, windows, and waves created as it passes through the water. From the base to the tip of the eagles’ head measures 57mm and the width is 44mm. The eagles’ wingspan is 31mm and width of the wreath is 7mm. The back of the badge is flat with a dished shape and black in appearance. The hinge, pin and hook assemblies are also black. Some known makers of this badge are Adolf Bock, Schwerin and Friedrich Orth.

Presentation, Wear and Documents

The badge was presented in a case or gray envelope with the name of the award stenciled on the front. The case was dark blue with an unmarked exterior. The interior was lined with a bright flocking on the top and bottom of the case. It was presented with a standard award document.

The High Seas Fleet Badge was worn on the lower left breast pocket below the Iron Cross 1st Class, if that award was owned by the recipient.

Award Criteria

The Fleet War Badge was awarded to crews of battleships, cruisers and other naval ships serving in combat areas, including those killed in action. For personnel serving on battleships or cruisers, the award came through the commander of the task force. For other naval personnel the award came through naval headquarters. The criteria for receiving the award is as follows:

• 12 weeks service on a battleship or cruiser, with proof of distinction and good conduct.

The number of weeks could be reduced if the following conditions were met;

• If the recipient wounded or killed during the voyage.
• If the cruise was successful.
• For participation in “Rawalpindi” and “Jan Mayen”.

The following Kriegsmarine Badges will be covered here soon,

-Destroyer War Badge
-Minesweeper, Sub Chaser and Escort Vessel War Badge
-E-Boat War Badge
-Auxiliary Cruiser War Badge
-Submarine War Badge
-Submarine Combat Clasp
-Blockade Runner Badge
-War Badge for Marine Artillery
-Naval Combat Clasp
-Combat Badge for Small Battle Units