This is an authentic Nazi Germany "Kreta" (Crete) cuff-title, the first in a series of 4 campaign award cuff-titles. It was introduced on 16 October 1942 & awarded to personnel (all three service branches) actively involved in participation in the invasion & assault on the Mediterranean Greek island of Crete from 20 May 1941 to 1 June 1941.
Considered a military combat decoration, it would have been bestowed with a corresponding award possession document and entered into the recipient’s official military service documentation (this ad does not convey such a document).
Worn on the lower left sleeve of the field blouse, service tunic, or greatcoat by all eligible personnel w/no differentiation for rank.
The other three campaign award cuff-titles:
- "Afrika" - introduced 15 January 1943
- "Metz" - introduced 24 October 1944
- "Kurland" (Courland) - introduced 12 March 1945
Description:
Obverse: Ribbed woven white cotton/rayon blend construction cuff-title with machine embroidered block Latin script "Kreta" flanked on either side by ornate acanthus leaves all in bright golden yellow cotton threads. The script is in nice high relief while the leaf ornamentation is slightly lower. The cuff-title is bordered at both the top and bottom edges in bright golden yellow rayon braiding. The edges have some thread loosening but otherwise great condition considering its age.
Reverse: Typical opened back construction.
History:
Acanthus leaves is a perennial herb or shrub native to the Mediterranean region & used throughout ancient history as ornamentation in art and architecture. They symbolize quality, strength, longevity, and creativity. The "Kreta" cufftitle was manufactured in two versions; one having 7 leaf petals & the other with 9.
The significant role German Fallschirmjäger, (Paratroopers) played in the invasion led to their receipt of a large percentage of the cuff-titles. Crete was strategically important to the Allies because of secure naval harbors in the eastern Mediterranean and airfields within range of the strategically significant Romanian oilfields, a German Ally.
The German assault on Crete, was the first, primarily airborne assault ever mounted. Fifty percent of German participants were Paratrooper & Glider borne Infantry personnel. Although a success, the German airborne casualties were considered so high (by Hitler) it prompted him to reevaluate German airborne assault doctrine - that the ultimately important surprise element (Paratrooper use) had been eliminated and thus, they never launched another large airborne assault during WW2.
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WW2 (Nazi Germany) - Authentic
Luftwaffe Kreta (Crete) Cuff-Title
$335.00 (Firm)
Introduced on 16 October 1942.
Awarded to personnel who participated
in the invasion of Crete from
20 May 1941 to 1 June 1941.
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