History

An air force branch under control of the German Navy was formed by decree of Emperor Wilhelm II on June 1, 1913. Its tasks were mainly reconnaissance-related and confined to the North Sea and Baltic areas. Some naval air force support was granted to the Ottoman allies, namely in the Black Sea area, including the Dardanelles.

Airships were first developed in the form of static reconnaissance balloons and later as free-floating zeppelin-style aircraft. However, the development of comparatively cheap motor-powered airplanes eventually made the expensive, slow-moving, and highly inflammable airships easy targets for enemy pilots. During the course of the First World War, airships fell out of favour.

A badge for airship crew members was under development during the war, but when it ended, the effort was discontinued. However, based on these plans, a Naval Airship Commemorative Badge was introduced by the Weimar Republic ministry of defence on August 1, 1920. It was awarded to any airship crew member who served in this capacity on the frontlines for at least one year. A document was issued and the recipients had to purchase the badges themselves. The badge could then be worn on the lower left breast.

The Naval Airship Commemorative Badge is of very similar design as the Army Airship Commemorative Badge. It features an oval wreath aligned horizontally, the upper part made of laurel and with a bow, the lower part made of oak leaves, both green lacquered. The cut-out centre features a silvered airship facing to the viewer’s left. The reverse usually features a pinback for attachment. The only difference to the Army Airship Commemorative Badge is that the Naval Badge features an Imperial Crown on top of the bow.

The badges measure roughly 70x50-60mm (depending on the size of the crown, which varies) and weigh approximately 35 to 45g. They are made of silvered and lacquered brass.

A smaller sized badge exists, referred to as Prinzen Size, which measures 40x30mm and weighs about 10g.