By Eric J. Johansson
One of the most interesting of the numerous ‘"war badges’ badges"
instituted by the Third Reich is the so-called ‘Kriegsabzeichen fuer die
Marineartillerie’ or the Coastal Artillery War badge.
The German Armed Forces had long recognized the need for an effective force of
‘Luftabwehr’Luftabwehr units to offer anti-aircraft protection for sensitive
military and civilian areas. In this, the Germans were certainly not remiss in
recognizing the danger of Air Forces. Their own ‘Luftwaffe’ had been created in
secret, in defiance of the Versailles Accords, and when unleashed on Poland and
the western European nations, it proved devastating.
Thus it is not surprising that air defense should playplayed a pivotal role in
German war operations. The navy or ‘Kriegsmarine’ had its own self-defense
forces and by June of 1941, they were being officially recognized for their
invaluable aid in downing enemy aircraft and suppressing raids on military
objectives.
Supreme Commander of the Kriegsmarine, ‘Grossadmiral’ Dr. h.c. Raeder
established the Coastal Artillery War badge on June 24, 1941. In his laudatory
comments preceding the official recognition of the badge, he addressed himself
to the crews of the AA guns and spoke of their “verantwortungsvollen und
erfolgreichen Kampfes in der Luftabwehr.” Citing the ‘"responsibilities’
responsibilities" and ‘successful’ "successful" use of AA
weapons, he acknowledged that the new badge would be offered to all members of
the gun crews, regardless of rank.
In addition to those who served the weapons, the badge could be issued to those
killed in action during such service, those wounded in action or even those who
had fallen victim to disease while on duty stations. As such, the new badge was
truly ‘"democratic,"’ acknowledging the sacrifices of the naval anti-aircraft
gun crews.
A system of points was established for officially ‘"winning’ the right to
wear this badge on the lower left breast of the tunic. One had to accumulate
eight points: two points would be given to each gun crew for an enemy aircraft
destroyed by their efforts; if they shared the ‘kill’ with another gun crew,
each crew member received one point.
Auxiliary personnel supporting the primary gun crews could also qualify for
this badge but they accumulated only half points, thus making the acquisition
of eight points a lengthier process than that for the active crews. In addition
to points achieved for kills, the Germans also recognized gute Fuehrung, a term
best translated as "leadership" in English. This also qualified
personnel for the badge.
In addition to points achieved for kills, the Germans also recognized “gute
Fuehrung,” a term best translated as ‘leadership’ in English. This also
qualified personnel for the badge.
During the Polish Campaign of 1939, the badge was ‘grandfathered’ to include
participation in action of Naval Assault Troops (“Marinestosstruppkompanie);.
In the Norwegian Campaign, ground based ground-based Kriegsmarine personnel who
manned cannon also qualified. Thus, by its inception in 1941, there were
already many who had collected the necessary points or distinctions to proudly
wear the badge. By 1943, Statutes regulating the badge admitted those who were
both male and female auxiliary supporters of all ages which would of course,
allow later HJ members to qualify for the badge. One expert notes that in some
cases where merit was present but did not necessitate the issuance of the Iron
Cross 1939 2nd class, the war badge was substituted for KM gun crews so it is
quite possible that an exceptional deed, under gute Fuehrung could bring the
badge without any previous point qualifications.
By 1943, Statutes regulating the badge admitted those who were both male and
female auxiliary supporters of all ages which would of course, allow later HJ
members to qualify for the badge.
Initially the badge was made of brass:. examples exist of an alloy of
tombak-bronze: ; most of the later badges were made of fine zinc. The original
designer of the badge was the firm of Otto Placzek of Berlin. Initially the
first badges were struck by the company of Schwerin & Sohn in Berlin but
later examples bear other makers. One should note that most badges bearing an
"RS" hallmark are considered suspect by many collectors.
The original designer of the badge was the firm of Otto Placzek of Berlin:
initially the first badges were struck by the company of Schwerin & Sohn in
Berlin: later examples bear other makers. One should note that most badges
bearing an ‘RS’ hallmark are considered suspect by many collectors.
The badge itself measures 41.1 to - 42mm in width; it averages 54 to - 55mm
high. The eagle atop the wreath has a wing span if 9 to - 14mm; its height
ranges from 13 to - 17mm. It consists of an open wreath of oak leaves bearing
an eagle clasping a swastika at the top. There is a stylized bow to the bottom.
In the center of the badge there appears an anti-aircraft cannon, its barrel
turned to the viewer’s left. The wreath and eagle are in a gilt wash finish.
The gun and its carriage are in a gray wash.
The badge itself consists of an open wreath of oak leaves bearing an eagle
clasping a swastika at the top: there is a stylized bow to the bottom. In the
center of the badge there appears an anti-aircraft cannon, its barrel turned to
the viewer’s left. The wreath and eagle are in a gilt wash finish: the gun and
its carriage are in a gray wash.
In n respect to the wartime zinc badges, it should be noted that the gilt
finish has a strong tendency to decay rapidly, leaving the badge in a uniform
gray color. This should not prove detractive in terms of the later war badges
and, indeed, should be seen as a sign of period originality. A vertical pin
assembly is often encountered with this badge though horizontal mountings are
not uncommon and should give no rise to apprehension.
A vertical pin assembly is often encountered with this badge though horizontal
mountings are not uncommon and should give no rise to apprehension.
Because of the wartime issuance of this award, it is not uncommon to find a
variety of award documents going from fancy litho issues to those apparently
made from mimeo paper or its equivalent.
In general the price range of an average condition zinc version of the Coastal
Artillery badge commands around US $120-135. Award documents will often eclipse
the badge in value. Very ornate examples can bring as high as $250.00. Late war
mimeo types will sell for around $75.00.
One expert notes that in some cases where merit was present but did not
necessitate the issuance of the Iron Cross 1939 2nd class, the war badge was
substituted for KM gun crews so it is quite possible that an exceptional deed,
under “gute Fuehrung” could bring the badge without any previous point
qualifications.
Fortunately for the historian and collector, these badges are still available
on the market for modest prices; they should be seen as a well deserved award
of merit and service in a nation at war.
References:
Angolia, John R., Ltc. FOR FUEHRER AND FATHERLAND,
MILITARY AWARDS OF THE THIRD REICH
Klietmann, Dr. Kurt-Gerhard. DEUTSCHE AUSZEICHNUNGEN
Littlejohn, Dodkins.