Luftwaffe Insignia of the Flak Artillery

[J Temple-West]

1st Pattern. Instituted on the 28th October 1936 (Order: LV 36, No 1320)

[J Temple-West]

2nd Pattern. Instituted on the 23rd July 1937 (Order: LV 37, No 968) replacing the 1st pattern.

Generally considered to be a specialty trade patch, the ?Insignia of the Flak Artillery arm badge? (Flaktaetigskeitabzeichen) should (IMO) be thought of more in terms of a service/achievement award as the criteria for receiving the badge was somewhat different to that of the usual trade patches that were issued, together with the qualification certificate, to individuals who successfully completed courses in a particular field.

The ?Insignia of the Flak Artillery badge? was awarded to selected members of flak units who had served for a minimum nine months, and was dependent on probation under combat conditions.

Again, unlike the usual trade patch, an award ceremony was prescribed to take place on the 1st August of each year where the badge was proudly presented to entire flak crews (NCO?s & privates) or individuals who had excelled within the unit.

The information available points to it being an award rather than a trade qualification badge.

If a trade qualification badge, which trade(s) did it cover?

Does anyone have the full regulations/criteria pertaining to the badge, as I would love have an answer to this age-old question?

Shown below is an example of an early embroidered badge on Luftwaffe uniform material.

[Paul R]

I have had the same question. All of my references state the same as you wrote.

I am thinking it to be more of an achievement/excellence award than a qualification badge. Believe it or not, these are not easy to find on tunics(with original placement).

I love your bullion examples!!

Paul

[Scott]

Superb examples. 'Cord-stitched' LW insignia are my favorite!

Scott