By Dr. Eric Johansson, Archivist
Although it is not considered a ‘rare’ war badge, the Naval Mine Sweeper badge
is certainly part of a long tradition of well-earned badges that could be given
to qualified naval personnel. Indeed, if we look at the history of the German
Mine Sweeper Service, we will see that it, perhaps more so than the capital
ships, played a significant and valued service of protection with regard to
German interests.
Mine Sweepers, often known as Light Coastal Protection Ships, evolved as a
defense against the planting of enemy mines in home waters, shipping lanes and
general penetration of sovereign territory by enemy vessels.
Although no firm statistics are available for this service prior to 1900, it is
not unwarranted to assume that the presence of a force of shallow draught
vessels was maintained by almost all maritime countries, if for nothing else
than protection against illegal smuggling operations.
In the years preceding the First World War the Germans employed two classes of
minesweeper vessels, designated M and FM. M series ships had their equivalent
in the British Fleet under the designation of British Fleet Minesweepers whilst
FM class warships were actually shallow draught vessels. They were excellent
for coastal areas but ran into difficulties in deeper water where they proved
unstable. They also could not carry sufficient fuel to make them viable for
long operations.
In general the M series ran from designation 1 – 176; FM class ships ran from
FM 1 to FM 66. They were supplemented by trawlers, around a hundred is believed
to be accurate, which were designated for general work in laying, clearing
mines. Many of these were sold after 1918 to commercial interests.
During the First World War, some 29 minesweepers were lost either to enemy
action, mine explosions or through incidental damage—beached, burned or
wrecked. Surviving ships continued sweeping mines after 1918, clearing the
shipping lanes of the heritage of the war.
In the Second World War, Germany again relied upon a significant fleet of mine
sweepers, now also designed as Sub-Chasers and Security Vessels. The new
Minesweeper fleet of the Third Reich was officially designed as
‘Minensuchbotte’ and fell under several series—these includes M-Boote Type 43,
Type 40, Type 35, Type 15. On an average, these vessels weighed in at around
550 tons and had an operational radius of 10,000 miles at 10 knots. They were
armed against air attack and could take on enemy submarines. Most carried a
4.1” gun in addition to a 37mm quick firing cannon and six 20mm anti-aircraft
guns. By and large they had a crew complement of 76-80 men.
The activities of these ships were recognized early in the war:
Oberbefehlshaber der Kriegsmarine, Grossadmiral Dr. h.c. Raeder officially
recognized the war badge on 31 August 1940. The badge itself was designed, as
were many others, by the firm of Otto Placzek in Berlin.
In its final form, the badge has a size of approximately 43-45mm in width: it
averages 53 to 56mm in height and the eagle, with swastika, measures 27 to
29.8mm: the swastika is 11 to 12mm tall. The badge itself is an open gilt
wreath surmounted by a spread winged eagle, all in gilt. In the center there
appear waves in gray with a matching gray metal ‘explosion’ of water caused by
a depth charge (wasserbombe) or exploding mine. There is a vertical pin
attachment.
It was authorized to be worn on the lower left breast of the tunic, where most
of the other Kriegsmarine war badges were worn. It could be worn in conjunction
with other badges and it is not unusual to see period photographs of KM
personnel wearing both this badge in addition to a Destroyer or High Seas Fleet
or even Submarine badge.
There were several requirements for qualification for this badge and the
following are among those recognized by the Kriegsmarine—
Good Duty in the Minesweepers for 6 months without official punishment.
Taking part in three operations.
Outstanding Service in Operational Areas.
Taking part in exceptional operations under the command of an Admiral.
Further admissions could be based on 25 days of operational duty defined as
escort convoy operations or if the man happened to be wounded or found himself
on a luckless ship that was sunk.
The badge was first produced by the firm of Fa. C. Schwerin u. Sohn, Berlin:
production began on July 19, 1940; Dr. Raeder’s announcement was on 31 August
1940 and the badge was first issued to three KM personnel on the date of Nov.
28, 1940.
The first badges were produced in a bronze tombak material which was replaced
by a wartime zinc metal. It continued, as a war badge, to be issued into 1945
and it is not unusual to see mimeo-graph ship made documents authorizing a
sailor or officer to wear the badge as an official decoration.
The earlier documents often incorporated the design of the badge as a
lithographic top or bottom plate and were appropriately signed by an admiral;
later wartime examples of these documents could be signed by the commanding
officer of the ship.
One should note that Assmann and also C.E. Juncker of Berlin also made these
badges though it is not unusual to find many made without reference to a
producer’s hallmark.
Due to the wartime conditions of service and construction, many of these badges
have oxidized to a uniform gray finish.
For those who like historical particulars, the FIRST recipient of the Mine
Sweeper Badge was Commodore Ruge; this was dutifully posted in the 29 Nov. 1940
issue of the Deutsche Allgemeine Zeitung, Berlin.
The full and proper name of this badge in German is ‘Kriegsabzeichen fuer
Minensuch, U-Boots-Jagd- und Sicherungsverbaende.’ A most impressive and
tongue-twisting spew of words!
One should note in passing that this, like all other Third Reich badges, has
been plentifully copied after the war….
On the average, these Mine Sweeper badges sell for around $75-90 on the open
market, a very attractive price designed to attract the collector who will note
that there is a good record of prices going up.
References:
Angolia, John R., Ltc. Ret. Fur Fuhrer and Fatherland: Military Awards of
the Third Reich.
Klietmann, Dr. Kurt-Gerhard. Deutsche Auszeichnungen.
Littlejohn, David & Col. C.M. Dodkins. Orders, Decorations, Medals
& Badges of the Third Reich.
Taylor, John C. German Warships of World War I.
-------- --------. German Warships of World War II.