The War Badge for Minesweeping, Submarine Hunting and Security Units
The Fleet War Badge was a combat badge of the German Navy during World War II. It was established on August 31, 1940, by the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, Grand Admiral Dr. Erich Raeder. It could be awarded to all crew members of minesweepers, submarine hunters, and escort vessels. Posthumous awards were not permitted. It is often shortened to the "Minesweeper Badge." It is the most frequently awarded combat badge of the Navy during World War II.
Design of the war badge for minesweeping, submarine hunting and security units
A tall oval badge made of non-ferrous metal, or tombac. From 1943 onward, it was mostly made of zinc. In rare cases, it was also made of aluminum or silver (sterling). The badge depicts a fountain in the center, symbolizing an exploding sea mine in the middle of the sea. It is surrounded by a golden oak wreath tied at the bottom (typical of all naval badges). At its highest point, the Kriegsmarine's national eagle, with a swastika in its claws, is depicted. The badge was designed by the Berlin graphic artist and sculptor Otto Placzek.
The most common manufacturer of this badge was the Schwerin Berlin company; these badges are marked on the reverse with "FEC. Adolf Bock Ausf. Schwerin Berlin." However, there are several other manufacturers.
Requirements for the award
In addition to the general conditions, dignity, good conduct and no arrest in the last 6 months, there were the following special conditions:
– Participation in at least three battles or
– Special award for travel in the operational area or other outstanding individual action or
– Participation in an outstanding undertaking as decided by the Fleet Commander or Commanding Admiral
– 60 days at sea to fulfil the wartime duties incumbent upon the unit, or clearing minefields on 10 different days, or participation in 25 voyages into mined areas, or 25 days of convoy duty, or laying 10 minefields, etc.
– to survivors of a boat lost through enemy action, or
– in special cases to those wounded in action (with simultaneous award of the Wound Badge)
How to wear the war badge
The badge was worn as a pin-on badge on the left breast. If the wearer had also been awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class, the Fleet War Badge had to be worn below the Iron Cross. Wearing up to two Kriegsmarine combat badges was permitted. For example, the War Badge for Minesweeping, Submarine Hunting, and Escort Units could be worn together with the Submarine War Badge , the Destroyer War Badge , the Auxiliary Cruiser War Badge , the Fast Attack Craft War Badge , the Naval Artillery War Badge , and the Fleet War Badge.
The certificate
A certificate bearing the signature of the unit commander and the unit's official seal was issued for the award. The award was recorded in the recipient's pay book or military service record.
Value and purchase
Due to the sheer number of different variants, a value can only be determined individually. Individual badges can be worth between €50 and €150, depending on the design. However, extensive estates, including certificates, photos, etc., can be worth well over €700. Individual certificates, boxes, miniatures, and photos of wearers are also of great interest to militaria collectors.
