History

In July of 1941, the Chief of the Army General Staff authorized the establishment of a cuff title for the members of the Africa Corps who were serving in North Africa at the time.

When veterans of the campaign returned to Germany, they continued to wear the cuff as a commemorative insignia. On January 15, 1943, an official cuff title, which was equivalent to a campaign medal, was created. This “Afrika” cuff is khaki green cloth, with two palms trees and the word “Afrika” embroidered in silver thread on the obverse.

In order to be eligible for an Award, an individual had to serve in an operational theatre in North Africa for at least six months. The Award was also conferred upon individuals who invalided out of service, as a result of contracting a tropical disease after 3 months of service in an operational North African theatre.

The Cuff was also awarded to individuals who had a German decoration in North Africa.

This Cuff is not to be confused with the khaki, silver and dark green “Afrikakorps” cuff title, or the dark blue with white “Afrika” cuff title of the Luftwaffe.