Gold Tank Destruction Badge

Gold Tank Destruction Badge awarded for the single-handed destrcution of five tanks. The badge manufactured as a strip of woven golden wire brocade, and with upper and lower black woven borders. To the centre a darkened silver metal tank motif. The reverse of the badge bearing an aluminium and copper plated backing plate, with three holes to accept the pins of the magnetic tank. Size overall: 9cm x 3cm.

Condition report: Removed from a jacket and showing obvious signs of wear.

Notes: Initially only a silver grade tank detruction badge was instituted, from an order dated 9th March 1942. The gold version of this award was instituted on 18th December 1943, when it was recognised that some soldiers were ending up with a ridiculous amount of silver awards down their sleeve. The gold version was awarded for five single-handed destruction of enemy tanks. It is believed just under 20,000 silver awards were made before the end of the war, where as just under 400 gold awards were made.

Additional notes: initially the gold award had a silver plated metal tank to the centre of the strip, however this was quickly changed to a darkened silver anodised tank.