U-Boat War Badge 1918

The U-Boot-Kriegsabzeichen 1918 (U-Boat War Badge 1918) was instituted on February 1, 1918, by Kaiser Wilhelm II and represents one of the most significant decorations of the Imperial Navy during World War I. The creation of this badge occurred during the war's final year as recognition of the dangerous and crucial role played by German submarine crews in the naval war. By 1918, Germany's U-boat campaign had inflicted massive losses on Allied shipping but had also resulted in severe casualties among U-boat crews.

The badge was designed by sculptor Walter Schott (1861–1938), a prominent Berlin artist who worked extensively for the Kaiser. After World War I, Schott fell into poverty due to his close association with the Imperial government. Manufacturing was carried out by various firms including Wilhelm Deumer, Steinhauer & Lück, and Paul Meybauer. Walter Schott also produced examples himself, both during and after World War I.

The badge's form consists of a horizontal oval-shaped laurel leaf wreath with a German U-boat positioned across the center facing right, surmounted by the Imperial German Crown (Reichskrone) at the top center. The wreath is tied with ribbon whose gathered ends are visible at the upper left and right sides. Dimensions measure approximately 47–50mm in width and 47–51mm in height. The badge was manufactured in bronze, brass, or tombac, and gilded. Later versions were also made in war metal gilded. The laurel wreath was originally green patinated, though this patina was often polished off.

On the reverse, maker-marked examples bear “WALTER SCHOT fec.” or “WALTER SCHOTT fec.” stamped at the bottom. Both spellings appear on authentic period pieces, with the single-T version being a characteristic marking variant. The badge features a horizontal pin attachment with block hinge and wire catch or C-catch.

Originally, the badge was awarded to all U-boat crew members (officers, NCOs, and enlisted ranks) who completed at least three enemy war patrols. Award criteria were later modified to include those who completed two war patrols with at least 150 days of active service at sea (coastal station time not counted), or personnel wounded in combat action. The badge was worn on the lower left side of the uniform. Recipients retained the badge after discharge from the Imperial Navy (Kaiserliche Marine) and it was not subject to return.

After World War I ended in November 1918, the badge remained in possession of recipients and was not subject to recall. Production continued into the early 1920s for private purchase by veterans, particularly officers. The Treaty of Versailles banned German U-boat operations, making the badge a historical memento of the Imperial Navy. Miniature versions and lapel pins became popular for veterans to wear with civilian clothing during the Weimar Republic (1919–1933).

Estimates suggest that between 4,500 and 5,000 total awards were made. On October 13, 1939, a new version was instituted for World War II with the imperial crown replaced by a Nazi eagle and swastika. Original WWI examples are now valuable collector's items, though reproductions exist and Walter Schott-marked badges are particularly subject to forgery. The present example, made of gilded brass and signed by Walter Schott, is noted as one of the few awarded originals, showing significant wear and a period repair to the pin.