History

The badge was instituted on April 24, 1941, and conferred upon crew members of auxiliary cruisers who showed worthiness and good behaviour, and proved themselves during a long-distance operation. It was awarded by the ship’s captain.

Auxiliary cruisers were merchant ships turned raiders, armed to differing degrees. Their mission was to disrupt trade and supply lines, and capture or sink enemy merchant vessels.

It has been estimated that the total amount of badges awarded may lie between 4500 and 4700.

The badge was designed by Wilhelm Ernst Peekhaus in Berlin. It shows a viking ship on the top half of a globe. Ship, eagle, and wreath are gilded, while the globe is silvered.

A small number of badges were made in Japan by one or more Unknown Makers. Badges are made of tombac or silver. Silver badges are marked “Sterling”. Japanese made badges are extremely rare.