The submarine front clasp
The U-boat Front Clasp was a combat badge of the German Navy during World War II. The bronze U-boat Front Clasp was established on May 15, 1944, by Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, Grand Admiral Karl Dönitz. On November 24, 1944, the silver U-boat Front Clasp was established as a further level. It could be awarded to all U-boat crew members who had distinguished themselves in front-line operations. The establishment of a gold front clasp was planned but never realized.
Design of the submarine front clasp
Elongated clasp made of bronzed or silver-plated fine zinc. The centerpiece is a smaller version of the U-boat War Badge (1939), whose laurel wreath was supplemented at the bottom with two crossed swords. To the left and right of the centerpiece are six oak leaves, slightly offset from each other. The sole manufacturer of this badge was the Schwerin company in Berlin. These badges are marked on the reverse with "Entwurf Peekhaus Ausf Schwerin Berlin SW68."
Requirements for the award of the U-boat front clasp
The prerequisites for awarding the Bronze U-Boat Front Clasp were, in addition to impeccable conduct, participation in at least 15 combat patrols, or, more relevant in awarding practice, the achievement of 90 days at sea on board a submarine. The award regulations applied analogously to the Silver Front Clasp, except that at least 25 combat patrols or 120 days at sea were required. In special cases, these conditions could be waived, for example, in cases of special successes or merit, or due to wounds sustained in action. Grand Admiral Karl Dönitz reserved the right to award the medal personally for these special cases.
How to wear the submarine front clasp
The clasp was worn directly above the medal bar or field bar on the left side of the chest. If a submariner already awarded the bronze front clasp was awarded the silver front clasp, the bronze one had to be removed. Wearing both front clasps simultaneously was not permitted. Two wide naval combat badges could be worn as pin badges, independent of the front clasp.
For example, the Submarine War Badgethe Fleet War Badgethe Destroyer War Badgethe Speedboat War Badgethe Auxiliary Cruiser War Badgethe War Badge of the Naval Artillery and War Badge for Minesweeping, Submarine Hunting and Security Units.
The certificate for the U-boat front clasp
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 submarine front clasp
A bronze front clasp costs between €400 and €700, depending on its condition, and a silver one between €800 and €1.100. Extensive estates, including certificates, photos, etc., can be worth well over €5.000. Individual certificates, boxes, miniatures, and photos of the wearer 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.
