Original German WWII Set of Three Driver Proficiency Badges - Gold, Silver, and Bronze Grades

Original Items: One Set of Three Only. Here we have a lovely complete set of German WWII Driver Proficiency Badges, representing the three grades that they were available in: Gold, Silver, and Bronze. All are in very good condition, and still retain their original fabric bases, which are secured by metal discs on the reverse under a paper backing. They do show wear from age and storage, but do not look to have been installed on uniforms previously. The bronze badge has a feldgrau (field gray) fabric base, indicating issue to the Heer Army, while the silver and gold badges have fliegerblau (flyer's blue) bases, indicating Luftwaffe Air Force issue.

A nice set, ready to become a part of your German WWII insignia collection!

The Driver Proficiency Badge (Kraftfahrbewährungsabzeichen) was established on 23 October 1942 to reward drivers of military transport vehicles, including trucks, cars and motorcycles, who served for specified periods in a war zone after 1 December 1940. Both service personnel and civilian drivers under Wehrmacht command could qualify, as could foreign volunteers, but not members of forces allied to Germany.

The requirement for the award was to have served since 1 December 1940 on the front line or in rear areas on the Balkan, North African and Eastern Fronts, with other areas added as the war progressed. The qualifying period depended on the type of vehicle driven. For the bronze badge this was:

- motorbike reconnaissance and dispatch riders: 90 days
- supply vehicles supporting the front line: 120 days
- other forms of military transport: 135 days

The silver badge was awarded where these requirements were met for a second time; with the gold for a third time. The badge could be awarded for shorter periods where drivers faced particularly arduous conditions, or for special driving achievement. Awards were authorized by battalion commanders and above or, for civilians, by the Ministry of the Interior.

The award could be forfeited, for example if the recipient drove dangerously or failed to maintain his vehicle. It could not be awarded posthumously.

Design
The badge consists of a laurel wreath, 44 mm high and 41mm wide, containing a depiction of a steering wheel. It was made from iron or zinc alloy, with the appropriate color finish. Attached to a fabric base, it was sewn on the uniform jacket above the left cuff, with the color of the fabric matching the branch of the Wehrmacht the recipient was a member of.