High Seas Fleet Badge


The High Seas Fleet Badge, also known as High Seas Fleet War Badge, was a World War II German military decoration awarded for service to the crews of the Kriegsmarine High Seas Fleet, mainly of the battleships and cruisers, but also those ships that supported them operationally for which there was no other award given. Although the award was instituted in April 1941, it could be awarded for actions that took place prior to this date. It was "primarily in recognition of the sea struggle" against the British fleet.

Description

The medal had an outer gold laurel wreath of oak leaves with the German Eagle at the top, while clutching a swastika. In the center was a "forward sailing battleship" in grey. The badge was worn on the lower part of the left breast pocket of the naval service tunic, underneath the 1st class Iron Cross, if awarded.

Criteria for award

To be eligible to receive the badge one must have 12 weeks service on a battleship or cruiser, with proof of distinction and good conduct. The number of weeks were reduced if one of these conditions were met: