Friday 23 December 2011

Italian Submarine Service - Badge Design






Present Design

Italy established a submarine service somewhere between 1889 and 1896. The history of Italy's submarine badge is very complex. Italian military personnel purchased their badges from private vendors so many versions exist. Additionally, during part of WW-II, part of Italy had surrendered while Mussolini (RSI) had control of northern Italy, and both were issuing similar awards. The northern sailors removed the crown of their awards which were associated with the monarchy. After the war many governments followed each other in quick succession, often with variations on their awards. Many experts argue over the actual issue dates. I am not an expert but will try to provide examples of known awards.

It appears the original metal badge was issued in 1918 for Petty Officers and enlisted only for the appointment duration. At some point the badge lost the crown, or perhaps some variations did not have a crown. Many versions, restrikes and copies have occurred over the years, including handmade, solid fill, versions with blue enamel fill (available in the early 1950's), and lightweight chrome plate (modern and possibly WW-II issue).

Italy issued various badges before WW-II. One of the nicest was the Spanish Civil War award: "Distintivo del Sommergibilisti Legionari", a sub with 2 guns on crossed halberd, crossbow, and matchlock musket. The fiction behind this badge was that these Italian submariners (and their subs) were all volunteers in the Spanish Foreign Legion. This thin subterfuge was used to circumvent the League of Nations Non-belligerency Resolution in regard to the Spanish Civil War.

The Italian Navy Submarine Honor badge was instituted in 1941 to award submarine personnel for special service. These badges were granted for life to those who accomplished four years of duty (minimum of 3 month war time, war time counts 4:1) or five years of peace time duty. These badges existed with the Royal crown. Italian submariners which became members of the RSI probably would have removed their crown. Badges issued for the same purpose after the war may have a Mural crown (representing the Republic which was voted in 1946). Copies and restrikes have been reported. Many miniatures, official and otherwise have been reported.

During the war, a series of WW-II combat awards were instituted 11 July 1943, and the submarine award was a basking shark riding a torpedo overlaying a soft rope diamond and anchor. Three awards were given: bronze for 18 months assigned-1000 hrs underway/1 engagement; silver for 30 months/3000 hrs/3 engagements; and gold 48 months/5000 hrs/6 engagements. After the initial surrender of Italy, the sailors remaining in the south retained the crowns, while the RSI authorized the awarding of the badge without the Royal crown. It is unknown if the combat awards authorized by the RSI were ever issued. This award was possibly reissued in the early 1950's minus the crown. However, the original dies with crown are still available and restrikes and copies do occur. The Italian Navy also had midget submarines that conducted combat missions in WW-II, and perhaps there were some associated badges.

In the 1970's or 80's, a senior officer badge is reported with a reversed swordfish and slightly larger than the enlisted badge. In the 1980's, an officer badge is reported of a smaller size, no crown. Miniatures and lapel pins of this badge are reported. In the 1990's, a badge with a short/flat crown was instituted, the 3 cm version for 5 or more years of service in submarines and the 1.5 cm version for less than 5 years service. The large silver pin pictured is the enlisted badge, worn on the left sleeve. There is also a gold version of this large badge, possibly for submarine veterans.

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