“Decree regarding the War Badge for Minesweeping, U-Boat chasing and Security Units.

1. The hard and perilous service of the minesweeping, submarine chasing and security units, who with their small vessels in combat against U-boat, mine and airplane dangers are constantly at the mercy of the elements, requires of every man on board full commitment and high nervous tension. The service is particularly austere and unnerving, as in most cases the deployment of the individual does not allow him to distinguish himself before his comrades in direct combat against the enemy. In recognition of the responsible and successful activities of these forces, I order the introduction of a war badge for the minesweeping, U-boat chasing and security units.

2.  The badge is awarded:

a) by the Leaders of Minesweeper Boats (F.d.M, Führer der Minensuchboote)

b) by the Leaders of Patrol Boats (F.d.V, Führer der Vorpostenboote)

c) by the Leader of Special Units (F.d.S., Führer der Sonderverbände)

d) by the superior-ranking commanders of other units in the service position of a Rear Admiral (i.e. Commodore)

3. The badge, upon fulfillment of the award conditions, can be awarded to:  the crews of all minesweeping, U-boat chasing and security units.

4.  The badge is worn on the uniform like the 1939 U-Boat War Badge on and off duty. (decree of the Supreme Commander of the Kriegsmarine from August 31, 1940.) 

  The Naval High Command issued implementation regulations on September 11, 1940, from which we highlight:

The badge remains, after the demise of the recipient, as a keepsake for the bereaved. 

The recipient receives a certificate of ownership.  

Conditions of award: Merit

Specific conditions:

a) participation in 3 engagements or

b) special distinction on sorties in the area of operations or other outstanding single act or

c) participation in an outstanding undertaking by determination of the Fleet Chief or the commanding Admiral

or in the specific requirements of the relevant unit, for example for minesweeper units:

- 60 days at sea in fulfillment of the obligatory war duties of the relevant unit or

- clearing of mine blockades on 10 different days or

- participation in 25 offensive sorties in a mine-endangered area or

- 25 days escort service (Norway, Kattegat and Skagerrak and outside Terschelling to Horns Rev) or

- laying of 10 mine blockades, etc.

Furthermore the badge can be awarded:

a) to survivors of a boat lost through enemy action or

b)  in special cases to the wounded.

The badge is not to be awarded to the crews of units which belong to the command of the Leader of the Torpedo Boats (F.d.T.) and are used only temporarily in security service.”

    The following notice was published on October 15, 1940 in Volume 7, Issue 20 of “Uniformen-Markt” and quotes the award criteria issued on September 11, 1940 by the OKM (Oberkommando der Marine = Naval High Command).  The article includes a photograph of a Minesweeper Badge made by the Berlin firm of Carl Schwerin & Sohn, an official supplier of Kriegsmarine awards.

A sailor receives his award certificate.