Osprey Men-at-Arms 365 : World War II German Battle Insignia

The remarkable war effort of the German armed forces on three fronts between 1939 and 1945 was recognised by a wider range of insignia than seen in the Allied armies. While the Wehrmacht displayed fewer unit insignia than the Allies, a glance at a German soldier's tunic could reveal much more about his actual combat experience. These were officially awarded to mark a man's participation in particular campaigns or battles, his length of front line service, or particular achievements - eg. days in close combat, wounds, destroying a tank with a hand-held weapon, etc. These badges, cuff titles, arm shields, etc. greatly contribute to the military glamour of Wehrmacht uniforms, and account in large part for their enduring appeal to collectors and other enthusiasts. They also make it possible to decipher something of an anonymous soldier's battle history when spotted in photographs. Gordon Williamson explains and Darko Pavlovic illustrates the Battle and Assault Badges of the Army, Waffen-SS and Luftwaffe ground troops; the sleeve shields and cuffbands issued to mark service in particular campaigns; wound badges, commemorative medals, and other types of insignia.

Contents

• Battle Shields - Narvik, Krim, Kuban, Cholm, Demjansk, Lappland, Lorient
• Campaign Cuff Titles - Afrika, Kreta, Kurland, Metz
• Campaign Medals - Eastern Front 1941-42, Afrika
• Battle Badges - Infantry, Panzer, General, Flak, Anti-Partisan
• Luftwaffe Battle Badges - Ground, Sea, Panzer, Flak
• Close Combat Clasp, Tank Destruction Badge, Sniper Badge