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The Commemorative Flyer’s Badge (Prussia)

The Commemorative Flyer’s Badge is a badge from the Kingdom of Prussia awarded to retired German Army Air Service flight crew during WWI. 

The Commemorative Flyer’s Badge (or Flieger-Erinnerungsabzeichen in German) is a badge from the Kingdom of Prussia awarded to retired German Army Air Service flight crew during WWI.

The Commemorative Flyer’s Badge Design

The badge is made from a heavy piece of solid silver and features a dove flying over a landscape. It measures 71 mm high and 44 mm wide and weighs 24.1 grams.

The obverse bears an eagle in flight over a rural landscape, bordered by a wreath made of laurel leaves on the left and oak leaves on the right, surmounted by an imperial crown, tied with a ribbon below. The reverse presents a barrel hinge and tapering banjo-style pinback meeting a round wire catch.

The Observer’s Badge (Prussia)

The Observer’s Badge is a badge from the Kingdom of Prussia awarded to qualified Imperial German Observers during WWI.

The Observer’s Badge (or Beobachterabzeichen in German) is a badge from the Kingdom of Prussia awarded to qualified Imperial German Observers during WWI.

Silver qualification badges were approved by the German Air Service shortly before the start of the First World War. Most wartime crews wore the Prussian designs, with minor changes to the badges worn by Bavarians. There were also variations in quality, particularly between issued versions and those purchased privately.

The Observer’s Badge Design

The badge measures 72.36 mm x 45.47 mm and is struck in silvered brass. In all of the Imperial German Army flight qualification badges, the outside perimeter is surrounded by a wreath. The left side has laurel leaves symbolizing victory, while the right side has oak leaves signifying strength and hardiness. The bow joining them together at the bottom signifies the joining of these two qualities.

The Observer’s badge carries an enameled flag of the German tactical symbol for an Army Corps. Issued badges were thinly stamped and silvered or silver-washed metal. Privately purchased examples can be found in hollow two-piece construction or single massive silver stampings.

The enameled square insignia consists of white, black, and red enamels mounted to the center of the badge via two hooks on the reverse. The insignia is placed within a bed of sun rays and a wreath consisting of oak and laurel leaves, and with a bow on the bottom, and a Prussian crown on the top of the wreath.

The Pilot’s Badge (Prussia)

The Pilot’s Badge is a badge from the Kingdom of Prussia instituted in 1913 by the King of Prussia and Emperor Wilhelm II.

The Pilot’s Badge (or Flugzeugführerabzeichen in German) is a badge from the Kingdom of Prussia instituted on 27 January 1913 by the King of Prussia and the Emperor of the German Empire Wilhelm II in conjunction with his birthday.

At some point during the war, and because stamped metal badges become scarce, it’s believed only certificates were issued and aircrew were required to purchase their own badges. While issued badges are thinly stamped and silvered (or silver-washed, an economical alternative) metal, privately purchased examples can be found in hollow two-piece construction or single massive silver stampings.

The Pilot's Badge Award Criteria

The badge was awarded to officers, NCOs and enlisted men upon successful graduation from the flying schools and passing two practical flight examinations. 

One of the examinations consisted of unassisted takeoff and landing. The other was a long-distance or a cross-country flight. The badges were presented by local air station commanders.

What Was Training Like for a Prussian Pilot?

Training to become a Prussian pilot during World War I was both rigorous and dangerous, reflecting the early, experimental days of military aviation. The training process involved multiple stages, beginning with ground school where recruits learned the basics of flight, navigation, and military conduct. This was followed by preliminary flight school, which included about 40-50 flight hours. Cadets had to perform a variety of maneuvers such as sideslips, loops, and simulated uncontrolled falls before graduating​ (Hartzell Propeller)​​ (MyLearning)​.

Some popular aircraft used during the time included:

  1. Fokker Eindecker (E-Series): The Fokker E.I, E.II, E.III, and E.IV were some of the first aircraft used for aerial combat. These were monoplane designs equipped with synchronized machine guns that could fire through the propeller arc, giving the Germans an initial air superiority.

  2. Albatros B Series: An early reconnaissance biplane, the Albatros B.I was unarmed and used primarily for observation and artillery spotting.

  3. Albatros D-Series (D.I to D.Va): The Albatros D.I and its subsequent models (D.II, D.III, D.V, D.Va) became the backbone of the German fighter force. Known for their speed and firepower, these aircraft were used extensively from 1916 onward.

  4. Halberstadt D.II: Another early fighter aircraft, the Halberstadt D.II was used to complement the Fokker Eindecker until more advanced aircraft became available.

  5. Fokker Dr.I: The Fokker Dr.I triplane, made famous by Manfred von Richthofen (the Red Baron), was renowned for its maneuverability. However, it was also prone to structural failures.

  6. Fokker D.VII: Considered one of the best fighter aircraft of the war, the Fokker D.VII was introduced in early 1918. It had excellent handling, firepower, and structural integrity, making it highly effective in combat.

  7. Pfalz D.III: The Pfalz D.III and its improved version, the D.IIIa, were used by many Jastas (fighter squadrons). They were known for their durability and decent performance but were generally considered inferior to the Albatros and Fokker designs.

  8. Aviatik C.I: A versatile two-seater used for reconnaissance and light bombing missions, the Aviatik C.I was one of the many C-type aircraft that served various roles.

The Red Baron, or Manfred von Richthofen, was a legendary German fighter pilot and fighter ace during World War I.
Replica of Richthofen's Fokker Dr.I triplane, at the Berlin Air Show in 2006". Aircraft & Warplanes

The Pilot's Badge Design

The badge measures 46.00 mm (width) by 70.60 mm (height), weighs 13.5 grams and is struck in silvered brass. In all of the Imperial German Army flight qualification badges, the outside perimeter is surrounded by a wreath. The left side has laurel leaves symbolizing victory, while the right side has oak leaves signifying strength and hardiness. The bow joining them together at the bottom signifies the joining of these two qualities.

The top of the badge mounts either a Preußen (Prussian) crown or a Bayern (Bavaria) crown. These badges were manufactured by C.E. Juncker (Berlin), Meybauer or Pollath and worn on or below the left breast pocket lower than the Prussian Iron Cross 1st Class.

The obverse bears a standard pilot’s badge motive within a wreath, with laurel leaves towards the left side of the wreath, and oak leaves towards the right side of the wreath, separated by a bow on the bottom of the wreath, ordained by the Prussian crown at the top.

The reverse is hallowed and has a vertical needle pinback with a barrel hinge and a round wire catch.

The Civilian Disobedience Medal

The Civilian Disobedience Medal (Médaille du Réfractaire / Werkweigeraarsmedaille) is a war service medal of the Kingdom of Belgium established on 12 February 1951 by royal decree and awarded to Belgian citizens refusing to support the German war effort during the Second World War.

The Civilian Disobedience Medal Design

The medal measures 37mm in diameter, and is circular and struck in bronze.

The obverse bears the relief torso of a civilian male with his arms crossed and his face turned away to the right in defiance. The reverse bears the relief inscription on two lines in Latin “FORSAN VICTI NUNQUAM SERVI” roughly translating into “MAYBE DEFEATED BUT NEVER SLAVES“. The years “1940-1945” are inscribed along the reverse’s upper circumference.

The ribbon measures 38mm wide and is silk moiré green, with two 3mm wide longitudinal stripes located 1cm from the edges, the stripes came in three different colors depending on the reason for bestowal:

  • yellow stripes indicated a refusal to serve in the German armed forces;
  • white stripes indicated a refusal to work for the Germans;
  • red stripes indicated a refusal to return to Germany by a forced laborer following leave at home in Belgium.

The medal is suspended by a ring through a suspension loop.

The Civilian Resistance Medal

The Civilian Resistance Medal was established in 1951 and awarded to all members of the Belgian civilian resistance during World War II.

The Civilian Resistance Medal (Médaille du résistant civil / Burgerlijke Weerstandsmedaille) is a war service medal of the Kingdom of Belgium established on 21 March 1951 by royal decree and awarded to all members of the Belgian civilian resistance during the Second World War who were recognized as such by the law of 24 September 1946.

The Civilian Resistance Medal Design

The medal measures 39mm in diameter and is circular and struck in bronze. The obverse bears the relief image of the torso of a man breaking free of chains around his wrists, a woman stands behind him and slightly to his left. The reverse bears the relief inscription in Latin “RESTITERUNT” meaning “THEY RESISTED” with the years “1940” above and “1945” below. The reverse has a slightly raised border.

The ribbon masures 37 mm wide and is light green silk moiré, with two central 1 mm wide red stripes 5 mm apart and 4 mm black edge stripes. The colors of the ribbon are symbolic, the black denoting the dark days of the German occupation and/or the clandestine nature of the resistance, the green stands for the hope of liberation and the red for the spilled blood of the resistance members. The medal is suspended by a ring through a suspension loop.

The Medal of the Armed Resistance 1940-1945

The Resistance Medal 1940–1945 (Médaille de la Résistance 1940–1945 / Medaille van de Weerstand 1940–1945) is a Belgian war medal established on 16 February 1946 by royal decree of the Regent and awarded to all members of the Belgian armed resistance during the Second World War.

The medal was also awarded to members of the intelligence service who operated in occupied territories and participated in combat actions aimed at the liberation of Belgium.

The Medal of the Armed Resistance 1940-1945 Design

The medal measures 39mm in diameter and is circular and struck in bronze.

The obverse bears the upper body of a young woman facing left in defiance with her right fist clenched. The reverse bears the relief inscription in Latin on three lines “1940 RESISTERE 1945” superimposed over a laurel wreath.

The ribbon measures 37 mm wide and is black silk moiré, with two central 1 mm wide red stripes 5 mm apart and 4 mm light green edge stripes. The colors of the ribbon are symbolic, the black denoting the dark days of the German occupation and/or the clandestine nature of the resistance, the green stood the hope of liberation and the red for the spilled blood of the resistance members. The medal is suspended by a ring through a suspension loop.

The Volunteer’s Medal 1940-1945

The Volunteer’s Medal 1940–1945 (Médaille du Volontaire 1940–1945 / Medaille van de Oorlogsvrijwilliger 1940–1945) is a Belgian war medal established on 16 February 1945 by royal decree of the Regent and awarded to Belgian and foreign civilians who voluntarily enlisted in the Belgian Armed Forces during the Second World War.

The medal could also be awarded to volunteers serving in the Belgian units of the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy or British merchant navy.

The Volunteer’s Medal 1940-1945 Design

The medal measures 38 mm in diameter and is circular and struck in bronze.

The obverse bears the relief image of a soldier standing at ease holding a rifle with a bayonet, with the soldier is superimposed over a large capital letter V in front of a rising sun. The reverse bears the relief image of the Flemish lion rampant below the inscription in Latin “VOLONTARIIS“, and the inscription of the dates “1940” and “1945“.

The medal was suspended by a ring through the suspension loop from a 38 mm wide silk moiré ribbon composed of fifteen 2 mm wide alternating red and blue stripes and two 4 mm wide blue edge stripes.

The Maritime Medal 1940-1945

The Maritime Medal 1940–1945 (Médaille Maritime 1940–1945 / Maritieme Medaille 1940–1945) is a Belgian bravery award of World War II, established on 17 July 1941 by Royal Decree and awarded to members of the Belgian Navy, merchant navy or fishing fleet (later also all naval personnel for service of two years onboard an allied warship and those shipwrecked twice due to combat action) for acts of heroism in the saving of ships or lives during action against the enemy.

The Maritime Medal 1940-1945 Design

The medal measures 38mm in diameter and is circular and struck in bronze. Its obverse bears the relief image of a lion rampant. The reverse bears the royal cipher of King Leopold III. 

The ribbon is 38mm wide ocean green silk moiré. There are six 1mm wide white stripes, three at left and three at right separated by 3mm each starting 3mm from the ribbon’s edges. The medal is suspended by a ring through the suspension loop. Miniature crossed bronze sea anchors are affixed to the ribbon, sizes vary greatly depending on the maker.

The 1940-1945 Belgian Red Cross Decoration

The 1940-1945 Belgian Red Cross Decoration (Décoration de la Croix Rouge Belge 1940–1945 / Ereteken van het Belgische Rode Kruis 1940–1945).

The 1940-1945 Belgian Red Cross Decoration (Décoration de la Croix Rouge Belge 1940–1945 / Ereteken van het Belgische Rode Kruis 1940–1945) is a Belgian Red Cross decoration.

It consists of a gilding metal pin-back badge of 60mm max height in the form of an openwork crowned pair of vertically elongate palms. The palms support the Greek Red Cross symbol in the center, which bears the dates ‘1940 -1945’ across the horizontal arms.

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The 1914-1918 Medal for National Restoration

The 1914-1918 Medal for National Restoration was instituted on 22 May 1928 and awarded for meritorious service in organizations rebuilding Belgium after the First World War.

The 1914-1918 Medal for National Restoration Design

The medal is circular and struck in bronze gilt designed by Alfonse “Alf” Mauquoy.

The obverse depicts a woman (representing Belgium), holding flowers, against a background of a city with a tower being repaired. The reverse shows the ruins of Ypres with the dates “1914” and “1918” and in a panel underneath, embellished by two oak leaves, the inscription: “SOUVENIR DE LA RESTAURATION NATIONALE” / “AANDENKEN VAN DE NATIONALE HERSTELLING“) (“In remembrance of the national restoration”).

The ribbon is red with two light blue edge stripes.