The U-Boat War Badge 1939
The U-Boat War Badge was a combat badge of the German Navy during World War II. It was established on October 13, 1939, by the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, Grand Admiral Dr. Erich Raeder. It could be awarded to any member of a U-boat crew. Posthumous awards were also possible.
Design of the U-boat War Badge
Oval-shaped badge made of gold-plated non-ferrous metal, or later in the war, usually of zinc. The badge features a stylized German submarine in the center. The boat is surrounded by a laurel wreath tied at the bottom. At the top of the wreath, in the center, is the Kriegsmarine's national eagle, clutching a swastika in its claws. Dimensions approximately 48 x 40 mm.
The badge was designed by Paul Casberg. His design was heavily influenced by the 1918 U-boat War Badge (World War I). On November 1, 1939, the Schwerin company from Berlin began production of the first badges. Over the course of the war, however, the badge was also produced by many other companies. The manufacturer's markings are on the back of the badge. For example, "Schwerin Berlin 68", "GWL" (Gebrüder Wegerhoff, Lüdenscheid), "RS" (Rudolf Souval, Vienna), "fo" (Friedrich Orth, Vienna), "L/13" (Paul Meybauer, Berlin), "L/56" (Funcke & Brüninghaus, Lüdenscheid), and "Beco" (Börger & Co, Berlin), to name just a few. Unmarked pieces also exist.
Requirements for the award of the Submarine Warfare Badge
The badge could be awarded equally to all members of a Navy submarine crew, regardless of rank. The minimum requirements for award were two combat patrols and generally proven service. These requirements could be waived in cases of injury or exceptional service. The assessment was based on individual cases and was decided by the Commander-in-Chief of the U-boats (BDU), Grand Admiral Karl Dönitz. The U-boat War Badge was awarded in the name of the Commander of the U-boats (BdU).
In mid-1944, the U-boat front clasp donated as a supplement and extension of the U-boat War Badge.
How to wear the U-boat War Badge
The U-boat War 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 U-boat Badge had to be worn below the Iron Cross. Wearing up to two Kriegsmarine combat badges was permitted. For example, the U-boat War Badge could be worn together with the Fleet War Badge , the Destroyer War Badge, the Fast Attack Craft War Badge, the Auxiliary Cruiser War Badge , the Naval Artillery War Badge , and the War Badges for Minesweeping, Submarine Hunting, and Escort Units.
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 €200 and €800, depending on the design. 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. The subject of submarines is one of the most popular and sought-after naval subjects. Collectors mostly come from Great Britain and the United States.
