1957er Schnellboot-Kriegsabzeichen
Instituted on 30 May 1941, the Schnellboot-Kriegsabzeichen was created "in recognition of the feats of the German E-boats, which had undertaken many pushes against the enemy with seamanlike boldness and relentless initiative and in their dashing offensive missions had sent many a British warship and merchantman to the bottom of the sea".
In order to qualify for the badge, an E-boat crew member had to have participated in at least 12 attack missions. The badge could be awarded prior to fulfilling this requirement if individual operations were particularly succesful, if a crewman had particularly distinguished himself or posthumously if he was killed in action. It could also be awarded to surviving crewmen of boats that had been lost to enemy action and in special cases to men who had been wounded in action.
Prior to the institution of this badge, E-boat crewmen had been eligible for the Zerstörer-Kriegsabzeichen [Destroyer War Badge], which had to be returned upon receipt of the Schnellboot-Kriegsabzeichen.
The badge was originally designed by the artist Ernst Peekhaus. Initially, the bow of the boat and the waves did not protrude beyond the wreath. In 1943, this was changed in favor of a more dynamic and aesthetically pleasing design in which the bow of the boat and the waves were extended. The 57er version is based on this second model minus the eagle-and-Swastika originally found on top of the wreath.
Here’s the badge now. It’s a later piece, but still of nice quality.
Obverse and reverse views:
As always, all comments are welcome.
