WWII GERMAN BADGE - SUBMARINE -
Submarine warfare was used in small anounts during WWI. The ships of that era had limited maneurability,
could not dive very deep and had a limited armament. WWII saw a great increase in submarine warfare.
advancements in technology created machines that could travel longer distances. They could go to
greater depths and had more reliable torpedos. Under the direction of Admiral Dernitz, the U-boat
forces of the Third Reich formed attack groups known as wolfpacks. Working to gether, they created
a barrier in the Atlantic that nearly starved England.
Life in a WWII submarine was tough. The air was fowl, the space was very limited. Living quarters
were cramped. Long days of solitude and complete isolation. News fron home were almost
non-existant. submarine duty is not for everyone. Submariners were, and continue to be, a different
type of breed.
Hitler recognized the great potential of implementing submarines as part of an overall strategy.
He also knew that serving in these ships was a difficult assignment. He authorized the
development of an award to recognize the service of so many sailors.
The Submarine badge was introduced in 1939. It was distributed to crew members of submarines in
the German Navy (Kriegsmarine). The requirements for recieving the award included the
participation in two ro more missions against enemy forces.
This page is a recognition and identification guide for WWII German badges and awards. Multiple
detailed photos of a specific sample are provided. Descriptions point out clearly defined points
that should be noted.
One of the most commonly asked questions is "How much is my WWII German badge worth?". A price
guide is included here to address this question. The value of the badges and awards is reviewed
over a period of several years. A trend can be observed. The present worth of the German
badges in the collector's market is illustrated.
This service is provided free of charge to the visitor/enthusiast courtesy of
MilitaryItems.com,
a company dedicated to the preservation of military history and to providing quality military
antiques and collectibles to museums, institutions and the general public.
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The design of the badge consisted of a wreath in the shape of an oval. It is laid on its side. An
eagle is placed on the top section, with a portion of its body extending beyond the perimeter of the
wreath, both up and down. The bottom of the wreath has two crossed lines as if though to indicate
that it is being tied down.
The eagle has its wings fully spread. They taper down towards the claws. The head is facing to the
left. The beak is similar to one seen in a parrot. The eagle is clutching a swastika. A
horizontal pin is hinged on one. A catch is
placed on the opposite side. The badge is worn on the chest area of the
tunic by passing the pin
through a series of loops (Two or more) that are sewn to the
jacket.
The manufacturer's logo
is written in raised letters (F.Q.). It is important to know that not all badges had markings.
The badge was presented wrapped in brown paper inside a blue envelope. An award document was also
given to the sailor. In some instances, the envelope had the name of the manufacturer is written
on the corner.
This award is currently being
reproduced.
It is becoming more difficult to be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because the quality
of the reproductions is improving. The collector must become familiarized with the construction style
and materials employed in the manufacturing of this badge. Attention to the details is critical in
order to be able to determine the authenticity of the badge.
If you have an interest is seeing other badges and awards of the Third Reich, you can do so by going
to our
WWII German Badges and Awards
identification guide. Where we cover Heer (Army), Navy (Kriegsmarine) and
Air Force (Luftwaffe) items.
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