History

The Badge was likely instituted in 1939, and was conferred upon individuals in Gau Wartheland (district) who helped build up and consolidate the newly created district. It is also known as the Gauehrenzeichen für Verdienst im Volkstumskampf (Gau Honour Badge for Merit in the Struggle of Nations).

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

On October 26, 1938, Poland was dismembered and transformed into two new German districts. The first was Gau Danzig-West Prussia, and the second was Gau Posen. In January of 1940, Gau Posen was renamed Gau Wartheland.