Commemorative Badge for Armored Fighting Vehicle Crews from the Estate of Lieutenant Lappe, Assault Tank Battalion 3 Commander “Gretchen”

The Kampfwagen-Erinnerungsabzeichen (Tank Memorial Badge), also known as the Erinnerungsabzeichen für die Besatzungen deutscher Kampfwagen, represents one of the rarest German military badges of the twentieth century. Instituted on 13 July 1921 by Reich Defense Minister Otto Geßler, it was created to commemorate the achievements of German tank crews from World War I and keep their memory alive among the German people.

The badge design features a German A7V tank in the center crossing battlefield terrain, with three exploding shells above it. A skull (Totenkopf) positioned over crossed bones appears at the top, while a wreath of oak leaves on the right and laurel leaves on the left frames the design. A bow at the bottom ties the wreath together. The badge has an elongated oval shape measuring 5.4 cm in height and 3.8 cm in width. Production was originally undertaken by C.E. Juncker, Berlin SW, Alte Jakobstr. 13, as specified in the founding regulation. Later, Paul Meybauer, Berlin also manufactured the badge.

The Juncker production is characterized by hollow-stamped construction made of silver-plated base metal or silver. The characteristic pin attachment system resembles those found on WWI aviation badges. The crossed bones and bow were polished to contrast with the silver finish. Weight varied between 15.8 grams and 18.3 grams. The badge cost approximately 25 Marks with packaging in 1921.

Award criteria were clearly defined: eligibility extended to former crews of German tanks who served in 1918. This included commanders, gunners, machine gunners, loaders, drivers, mechanics, messengers, and signallers. Requirements encompassed participation in at least three combat engagements (Feindfahrten), or being wounded during combat, or taken prisoner during combat, or demonstrating exceptional acts of bravery. Recipients had to apply to the Inspectorate of Motorized Troops (Inspektion der Kraftfahrtruppen) to receive a certificate (Besitzzeugnis), then purchase the badge privately. It was worn on the lower left breast, below the Iron Cross 1st Class if applicable.

The historical context gives this badge particular significance. Germany fielded only 20 A7V tanks during World War I, first deployed in combat on 21 March 1918 at St. Quentin, plus approximately 60 captured British Mark IV tanks. Approximately 1,400 men served in German tank units, distributed among nine Sturmpanzerwagen-Abteilungen (assault tank detachments). Following the war's end, tank forces were dissolved under the Treaty of Versailles.

The present collection from the estate of Lieutenant Franz Lappe provides remarkable documentation of a tank commander's history. Lappe commanded A7V 501 “Gretchen” with Sturmpanzer Abteilung 3. A7V 501 “Gretchen” was the first combat-ready A7V and was initially configured as a female version with machine guns only before receiving its 57mm cannon. “Gretchen” participated in the St. Quentin action in March 1918 and was stationed at Wiencourt on 23 April 1918, operating from Charleroi, Belgium. Lappe had already received the Iron Cross 2nd Class on 30 October 1916 while serving with Etappen-Kraftwagen-Kolonne Nr. 63 (Supply Motor Transport Column No. 63).

The letters included in the estate provide moving insights into the crew's fate. A machine gunner named Prick wrote from War Hospital 33 on 28 April 1918 that he would lose his left eye but gladly gave it for the Fatherland. Another letter from 3 June 1918 reported the death of Lieutenant Engels at Vielliers-Bretonneux, struck by an aerial bomb. These documents illustrate the harsh realities of tank warfare.

Although literature sources cite only 99 official awards, an estimated one-third of the 1,400 tank soldiers met the award criteria, approximately 467 men. The discrepancy may be explained by post-war economic conditions including hyperinflation and the Weimar Constitution's prohibition on creating new orders and decorations. Many additional applications likely occurred after 1933 when veterans sought to wear the badge.

The badge became the predecessor to the 1939 Panzerkampfabzeichen (Panzer Assault Badge) of the Wehrmacht. It was authorized for continued wear during the Third Reich period and in Wehrmacht service. Under the 1957 Law on Titles, Orders and Honors of the Federal Republic of Germany, orders and decorations awarded by the German Empire and Reich President were authorized for continued wear in denazified form. The A7V tank design featured on the badge symbolically connected WWI and WWII German armored forces.

Documented wearers included SS-Obergruppenführer Josef “Sepp” Dietrich, who later became prominent in the Third Reich, and Ernst Volckheim, a pioneer of German tank forces. Most pieces currently on the auction and collector market are post-period reproductions or fakes. Genuine period pieces are extremely rare, making this badge one of the most sought-after items in German militaria collecting.