The Kriegsmarine's Fast-Boat War Badge
The Schnellboot War Badge was a combat badge of the German Navy during World War II. It was established on May 30, 1941, by the Commander-in-Chief of the Kriegsmarine, Grand Admiral Dr. Erich Raeder. It could be awarded to all members of Schnellboot crews. Until the Schnellboot War Badge was established, Schnellboot crews were sometimes awarded the Destroyer War Badge. Posthumous awards were also possible.
Design of the Schnellbootkriegsabzeichen
A tall oval badge made of non-ferrous metal or zinc. In the center is a stylized speedboat moving to the left. Surrounded by a golden oak wreath tied at the bottom (typical of all naval badges). In the center, at the highest point, is the Kriegsmarine's national eagle, with a swastika in its claws. The design of the badge was slightly modified on January 28, 1943. Many speedboat pilots complained about the somewhat "clunky" depiction of the S-boat in the badge. This badge, featuring the speedboat with the almost straight bow, is referred to as the 1st form. The redesigned badge, featuring the boat with the pointed bow, is referred to as the 2nd form. The national eagle of the 2nd form was also more massive, with widely outstretched wings. Both designs were designed by Wilhelm Ernst Peekhaus of Berlin. The most common manufacturer of this badge was Schwerin Berlin, but others existed.
Requirements for the award of the Schnellbootkriegsabzeichen
Crew member on a speedboat. In addition to dignity and good conduct, proven service on at least 12 combat missions was a prerequisite for the award of the Speedboat War Badge. Exceptions to these general requirements could be granted if individual combat missions were particularly successful, in the case of outstanding performance by an individual soldier, in the case of loss of a boat due to enemy action, or even in the case of injury.
Wearing the Schnellbootkriegsabzeichen
The Schnellboot War Badge was worn as a pin badge on the left side of the chest. Should the wearer also be Iron Cross 1st Class, the Schnellbootkriegsabzeichen (Swift Boat War Badge) had to be worn below the Iron Cross. Wearing up to two Kriegsmarine combat badges was permitted. For example, the Schnellbootkriegsabzeichen (Swift Boat War Badge) could be worn with the Submarine War Badge, Destroyer War Badge, Auxiliary Cruiser War Badge, Fleet War Badge, War Badge of the Naval Artillery and the War Badge for Minesweeping, Submarine Hunting and Security Units be compiled.
Those awarded the First Form of the Schnellbootkriegsabzeichen (Swift Boat War Badge) did not have to exchange their badges for the Second Form later. The First Form could continue to be worn.
The certificate for the Schnellbootkriegsabzeichen
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 of a Schnellbootkriegsabzeichen
Due to the multitude of different variants, a value can only be determined individually. Depending on the design, individual badges can be worth between €250 and €1.000. However, extensive estates, including certificates, photos, etc., can be worth well over €5.000. Individual certificates, boxes, miniatures, and photos of wearers are also of great interest to militaria collectors.
