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Auction: 18003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 895

(x) A rare Great War-period aircrew Badge of the Austrian Air Force

Austria, Empire, aircrew Badge, by J. Wimbler, Vienna, 58mm x 60mm including eagle wings, silver-gilt, silver and enamel, as issued with two hooks, nearly extremely fine and rare

Approximately 840 awards conferred.

With the beginning of hostilities and the development of air technology during the Great War, the need for a reward to members of the Austrian Empire Air Force was raised as early as September 1915. Following a number of proposed designs, adopted with a circular Order of 9.6.1917, under the following decree:

'His Apostolic Majesty has graciously approved with the highest decree of the 13th May 1917 the introduction of an aircrew badge to be worn on the right breast according to the following pattern. The badge is to be secured by two horizontal pins, under the initials shield and the coat of arms shield respectively. The insignia is to be awarded on the recommendation of the headquarters of air troops to the War Ministry to all active and reserve personnel who meet the determined conditions for aircraft observers and balloon pilots. The awards will be announced in the personnel announcements section of the k.u.k. official gazette. Personnel who also receive in addition to the aircrew badge, the field pilot badge will only wear the latter.'

The award criteria was as follows:

Ten sorties over enemy territory (valid as a sortie over enemy territory are such as those which as a minimum cross the enemy artillery positions) of at least two hours flight duration and with a properly completed mission. Of the ten completed sorties at least five must include secondary photographic tasks. A total of twenty bombs must be successfully dropped during the flights.
Balloon Pilots- Fifty captive or free balloon ascents before the enemy, the former with a duration of at least two hours each. (Shorter flights with a duration of less than two hours may only be counted if especial success or performance is achieved). Six free balloon sorties including two under independent command. Understanding of the relationship between aircraft observation and balloon observation.'



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Sold for
£300