The U-Boat badge of the Imperial German Navy was instituted by order of the Kaiser on 1 February 1918. Due to the late date of its institution, it is believed that the numbers issued were limited. Most surviving examples date to the inter-war period, the badge still being in production through to 1945. The award was designed by sculptor Walter Schott and shows a horizontal wreath of laurel leaves wrapped with ribbon and topped by the Hohenzollern crown. In the centre, facing from left to right, is a representation of an early model of U-Boat.

 

This badge was also made in stickpin lapel form for wear on civilian clothing, but it is believed that such miniatures are more likely to date from the 20s and 30s rather than prior to November 1918.

Above is shown an origoinal example of the Schott U-Boat badge, by for the most desired maker to a collector. Note the flaw in the spelling of Schott, which appears to have only one upright stroke to the double "T". This flaw has often been "corrected" on fake pieces. Note also below the designers name the abbreviation "fec" for the Latin "fecit" or "created". This is often incorrectly shown as "foc" rather than "fec" on current fakes. Schott badges always have the horizontal pin fitting mounted acroos the top of the badge. Although these badges carry the "Schott" name this merely indicates his status as the creator of the design. It is believed that these badges were actually manufactured by C E Juncker of Berlin and are the original production pieces.

 

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Above is shown an original 1930s example, its assumed date of manufacture being evident from the style of pin fitting used. This style of fitting was in common use from the 30s right through to 1945.

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Tally Ribbons

 

The following bands have been identified as having been produced and worn. All exist in two versions, woven in gilt wire lettering for seagoing personnel (Seemanisches Personal ), and in silver wire lettering for shore based technical personnel (Technisches Personnal ). Imperial era ribbons were executed in block capital letters on a black silk band approximately 2.2cm wide.

 

Above: Cap Ribbon for sea-going personnel of the Flanders U-Boat Flotilla

 

Above: Cap ribbon in silver wire for technical personnel.

I.UNTERSEEBOOTSFLOTILLE I.
II.UNTERSEEBOOTSFLOTILLE II.
III.UNTERSEEBOOTSFLOTILLE III.
IV.UNTERSEEBOOTSFLOTILLE IV.
I. UNTERSEEBOOTS-HALBFLOTILLE I.
II. UNTERSEEBOOTS-HALBFLOTILLE II.
III. UNTERSEEBOOTS-HALBFLOTILLE III.
IV. UNTERSEEBOOTS-HALBFLOTILLE IV.
V. UNTERSEEBOOTS-HALBFLOTILLE V.
UNTERSEEKREUZER-FLOTILLE
UNTERSEEBOOTSFLOTILLE-MITTELMEER
UNTERSEEBOOTSFLOTILLE-FLANDERN

UNTERSEEBOOTSFLOTILLE-KURLAND
UNTERSEEBOOTS-FLOTILLE
UNTERSEEBOOTS-ABTEILUNG
UNTERSEEBOOTS-SCHULE

( A number of merchant submarines used to bring supplies through the allied blockades also had their own named ribbons, i.e. HANDELS-U-BOOT DEUTSCHLAND, HANDELS-U-BOOT BREMEN and HANDELS-U-BOOT OLDENBURG ).

 

This photo shows a member of the Technical Branch wearing the Unterseebootsflotille Mittelmeer ribbon.