The Collector’s Encyclopaedia · Decorations · Wehrmacht awards

Campaign Shields: History, Grades and Collector’s Guide

Narvik Shield Established 19 August 1940; silver-coloured for army and Luftwaffe, gold-coloured for the navy
Crimea Shield Established 25 July 1942; service south of the Perekop isthmus, 21 September 1941 – 4 July 1942
Worn On the left upper arm
Typical paperwork Award documents; Wehrpass entries
In the collection No pieces currently available

Campaign shields (Ärmelschilde) were metal badges worn on the upper sleeve to commemorate particular battles. They are attractive objects and popular with collectors, which makes them a frequent target for reproduction.

What Was the Campaign Shields?

The Narvik Shield was established on 19 August 1940 for those who took part in the landing at Narvik and the fighting of “Gruppe Narvik” under Eduard Dietl. Army and Luftwaffe personnel received a silver-coloured version and the navy a gold-coloured one. The Crimea Shield was established on 25 July 1942 for Wehrmacht personnel who served south of the Perekop isthmus between 21 September 1941 and 4 July 1942. Both were worn on the left upper arm. Other shields commemorated Cholm, Demjansk and the Kuban bridgehead.

Who Awarded It, and Which Documents Go With It?

The award was recorded on a document and in the Wehrpass. A shield on its original uniform cloth backing, with the document, is the strongest group. See award documents and Wehrpass.

What Should Collectors Watch For?

  • Reproductions are very common; backing plates, cloth and construction need close checking.
  • Navy and army Narvik versions must match the recipient’s branch.
  • Dates on documents must fit the qualifying period.

Legal note. In Germany the 1957 Orders and Decorations Act allows Second World War awards to be worn only without National Socialist emblems, which is why “1957 pattern” versions without the swastika exist. The public display of Nazi symbols is restricted in Germany, Austria and several other countries. Owning, buying and selling original decorations as historical objects is treated differently from country to country, so check the law where you live and where you ship.

Collector’s Note

Each shield points to a specific place and time. Matching it to the man’s Wehrpass is the most satisfying check in this field.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Narvik Shield established?

On 19 August 1940.

Who qualified for the Crimea Shield?

Wehrmacht personnel who served south of the Perekop isthmus between 21 September 1941 and 4 July 1942.

Where were campaign shields worn?

On the left upper arm.

Historical Responsibility Notice: this entry documents historical figures and artefacts of the National Socialist period for collecting, preservation, education and research. It does not endorse or glorify any ideology, and it is written in memory of the victims of the regime.

References & Further Reading