History

The Badge was instituted in January 1944, and was conferred upon individuals in Gau Sudetenland (district) who served in the Nazi Party during the Kampfzeit or “Time of Struggle” when the Nazis struggled to gain political power.

The Nazi Regime divided Germany into a series of districts of “Gaue” to facilitate nationwide Party administration.

Every Gau was administered by a Gauleiter or “District Leader.

In October of 1938, Southern Moravia became a part of Gau Ostmark (formerly Austria), Southern Bohemia was made a part of Bavaria, and what remained was proclaimed Gau Sudetenland. The Gauleiter of this area was Konrad Heinlein, and the headquarters were established at Reichenberg.

Despite the fact that the Badge was instituted fairly late in the war, it was produced and awarded. However, it is very rare.