Minesweeper’s war badge (Kriegsabzeichen für Minensuch-U-Boat-Jagd, und Sicherungsverbände)

Die struck alloy construction badge in the form of a gilt washed, vertically oval oak-leaf wreath with national eagle superimposed to top, encompassing burnished, silver washed, horizontal waves and a cut-out, silver washed, exploding, vertical water funnel.

Maker marked R.K. for Rudolf A. Karneth & Sohn, Gablonz.

The Minesweeper’s war badge was instituted on August 31ST 1940 by Oberbefehlshaber der Kriegsmarine und Großadmiral, (Commander in Chief of the Navy and Grand Admiral), Erich Raeder for award to personnel serving on minesweepers, sub-chasers, and escort vessels who met the prescribed requirements. The main prerequisite for bestowal of the award was particip hree operational sorties.