German Awards - Honorary Cross of the Fire Department of the Provincial Association of Firefighters of Westphalia 1934

After the dissolution of the Westphalian Fire Union on 18 March 1934 in Münster, fire brigades were organized into the Westphalian Provincial Fire Union. With the advent of the National Socialists, this was done taking into account the reorganization of the provinces. The association established at an unknown time a new honorary fire service cross, which on the back, in accordance with the spirit of the times, also shows a swastika behind a fire helmet. It was awarded for outstanding service in firefighting to firefighters and probably not to firefighters who have earned special merit in firefighting.
Under the National Socialists, the Fire Extinguishing Act was passed on November 23, 1938, and entered into force on November 27, 1939. Thus, unification was carried out in the field of fire protection. The badges of honor established until then were no longer awarded. Due to the short awarding period from 1934 to 1938, this honorary cross is extremely rare. Award data is unknown.

Silver-plated non-ferrous metal cross. Cruciform arms bordered with silver and red on the front side, translucently enameled. Central on the front side is a 6-carbon central shield. The reverse is smooth, silver-plated with a raised edge and a destination inscription. The contours of the 6-carbon middle shield are commensurate. On the upper cruciform shoulder is a pupate ear with a ribbon ring.

Front side:

• Under the red translucent enamel of the crosses, hatching in the longitudinal direction .
• 6-carbon medium medallion with a wide silver border. The sides are slightly curved inward.
• Radiation segments are increased in corners, 5 intermediate beams between them.
• The enclosed 6-coal midfield is enameled in red.
• On it is a silver horse (ross), rising to the left with its tail raised.

Downside:

• Smooth and silver-plated with raised edges. On it aud rises above the upper cruciform shoulder:
• fireman's helmet, facing left with a swastika in the background.
• Across horizontal cross-shaped levers 3-line inscription of increased purpose:
• - FOR - OUTSTANDING -/- MERIT - IN THE FIELD -/- FIRE FIGHTING -.
• On the lower cruciform shoulder, 2-linearly raised: - P.- F.- V.-/- Westphalia -.

Tape:

white 30 mm wide, in the center 3 stripes of red 4 mm/2 mm/4 mm, between them white 3 mm.

Photos of www.Militariasammlung.de