Personalized - Navy Minesweeper Badge by L/11

German WWII > Awards and Medals > Navy Awards > Minesweeper Badge

Personalized - Kriegsabzeichen für Minensuch by “L/11” - Wilhelm Deumer of Lüdenscheid. Instituted August 31, 1940, the Minesweeper War Badge was awarded for participation in three engagements, special distinction during tours, an outstanding single deed or/and participation in a special operation. Other special conditions more suitably deemed by the commanding officer could grant the award as well. It is constructed out of a die struck zinc alloy base that has been gold gilded, silver washed and blackened. The obverse depicts an explosion coming out of the water, this is below a Kriegsmarine eagle (with out-stretched wings, clutching a swastika within its talons), which is surrounded by an oak leaf and acorn wreath that is tied together on the bottom. The fullback reverse of the badge is maker marked: “L/11” to the very bottom. The hinge, pin and catch have broken off and were replaced with a soldered-on pin assembly. Well worn. It measures 2 3/16 inches high by 1 3/4 inches wide.

The reverse is personalized reading:

• Left: “3.MS Flot.” – 3rd Class Minesweeper Flotilla
• Bottom: “M254” – The German minesweeper M254 was completed in June 1941 by the Deutsche Werft, Hamburg company. She was surrendered in May 1945 and was transferred to the Soviet Union in February 1946. It was renamed T-917.
• Right: “Royan / Bordeaux” – The German occupied town of Royan in France was blocking the port of Bordeaux.