The Blockade Runner Badge or the Badge for Blockade Runners (German: Abzeichen für Blockadebrecher) was a World War II German military decoration awarded for service on warships or merchant vessels that attempted to break through the British Blockade of Germany (1939–1945). It was instituted on 1 April 1941 upon the order of Adolf Hitler and first awarded on 1 July of the same year to Hugo Olendorff.[1]
| Blockade Runner Badge Abzeichen für Blockadebrecher | |
|---|---|
 Designed by Otto Placzeck | |
| Type | Badge |
| Awarded for | service on warships or merchant vessels that attempted to break through the British sea blockade of Germany |
| Presented by | Nazi Germany |
| Eligibility | Military and non-military personnel |
| Campaign(s) | World War II |
| Status | Obsolete |
| Established | 1 April 1941 |
Design edit
The badge was designed by Otto Placzeck in Berlin. It was in either tombac or zinc and featured a ship with a large German eagle grasping a swastika on its bow. Around the circumference of the badge is a chain, through which the ship is cutting.[1] The eagle was silvered whilst the rest of the badge was a dark gray colour.
The badge was worn on the left breast pocket of the uniform. A smaller half-size version was awarded for use by civilians and members of the merchant marine.[1]
Notes edit
- ^ a b c Angolia 1987, p. 134.
References edit
- Angolia, John (1987). For Führer and Fatherland: Military Awards of the Third Reich. R. James Bender Publishing. ISBN 0912138149.