Submarine War Badge (All) – findings

Submarine War Badge (U-Boots-Kriegsabzeichen) Immediately after the war began in the autumn of 1939, Rear Admiral Dönitz proposed the introduction of a Submarine War Badge for the crews of his submarines. He intended to build on the Submarine War Badge established by Kaiser Wilhelm II on 1 February 1918. "for submarine crews in recognition of their war service". Thus, on 13 October 1939, the Kriegsmarine Commander-in-Chief, Grand Admiral Raeder, established the Submarine War Badge (U-Boots-Kriegsabzeichen). The provision establishing the badge stated, among other things, "I hereby order the establishment of a Submarine War Badge for submarine crews. The badge may be awarded to all officers, enlisted men and men who have proved themselves on two or more cruises against the enemy. This requirement may be waived in the event of injury. The badge is worn on the left side of the chest, like the War Submarine Badge, both on and off duty." On 1 November 1939, the Schwerin und Sohn Berlin company began production of the first tombak badges, which could be delivered to the troops as early as 10 November 1939. By the spring of 1941 - but perhaps even longer - Schwerin und Sohn was the sole manufacturer of Submarine War Badges. Later, they were produced by other companies (e.g. Rudolf Souval Wien or Friedrich Orth Wien). During the war, they also started producing woven badges made of artificial silk or cotton in the original size, which were more comfortable to wear in the submarine than metal badges when sewn onto the uniform. Obverse: an oval laurel wreath, tied at the bottom with an 'X' shaped ribbon. At the bottom of it is a submarine which overhangs it fore and aft. At the top of the wreath is the Kriegsmarine emblem - an eagle looking to the left with outstretched, straight, sidewayswings, sharply crossed, holding a swastika in its claws. Reverse: no artwork, hanging system according to the manufacturer. Marked by the manufacturer or unmarked. Mostly solid solid badges were produced, rarely pressed metal badges. The badge is straight, not convex, but we can encounter period shaped badge wearers, with slightly inward curved pieces on the sides. These period modifications do not detract from the collectible value of the badge. Material: Gilded tombak or zinc.In addition to metal badges, machine embroidered badges for non-commissioned officers and men and hand embroidered badges for officers were produced. Method of wearing. The badge could be worn not only on the jacket of the walking uniform, but on any left upper part of the naval service dress in use.