History

The badge was instituted by the Supreme Commander of the Kriegsmarine, Erich Raeder. Its full name is Minesweeper, Subchaser, and Escort Vessel War Badge (Kriegsabzeichen für Minensuch-, U-Boots-Jagd- und Sicherungsverbände). It was awarded to German Navy personnel protecting German-controlled coastlines performing a variety of duties.

The badge was conferred at the recommendation of the ship’s captain, and was awarded for either the successful completion of three missions, being injured during an operational mission, serving on a ship that was sunk by the enemy, completing service in a heavily mined and dangerous zone, serving on an escort mission for a minimum of 25 days, or demonstrating outstanding conduct for a minimum of six months.

The badge was designed by Otto Placzek in Berlin.

The wreath and eagle are gilded, while the explosion in the water is silvered. The waves at the bottom are often chemically darkened, as is the reverse.

Badges by Hobacher are sometimes, but not always marked “WH” inside a circle. Badges are made of zinc.