The War Badge was instituted on 31st August 1940 at the direction of The Commander in Chief of the Kriegsmarine - Grand Admiral Raeder. The award was created to recognise the dangers of, and to reward successful operations by the Minesweepers, Escort Vessels and Sub-Chasers.
The ships Captain wrote the recommendation for the award, which was to be awarded to both officers and men. The award criteria being:-
Participation in three operational engagements
Excellence for performance over a six month period (if other criteria not met)
Hazardous duty in a mined area
25 days of escort duty
The awards could also be presented to soldiers, who were wounded during the course of a sea action, sailing on a ship that was sunk in action, or if a sea based operation was exceptionally successful.
