Original World War Two German Kriegsmarine FlakGeschützführer I - Geschützführer der Schweren Flakartillerie (Heavy Anti-Aircraft Artillery Gun Chief) NCO Specialist Rate Career Insignia - White Uniform.
The insignia consists of a vertically oval, ribbed, white cotton/rayon blend material base with a hand embroidered, vertical, winged, artillery shell with "flames" emanating from the top edge positioned above dual chevrons all in bright red rayon threads. The outer edge of the base has a strip of protective white cotton/rayon tape machine stitched in place. The insignia indicates the specialist career of a heavy anti-aircraft artillery gun chief.
Upon joining the Kriegsmarine, all personnel were assigned to a specific career and received specialized training. These careers were diverse, with certain roles limited to specific ranks. Upon completion of training, personnel were given distinct career insignia to be worn on the upper left sleeve of their uniform. EM/NCOs could wear the insignia combined with their rank or separately. Regulations mandated the insignia's base color to match the color of the uniform. Originally introduced in 1933, the Specialist career insignia for Junior NCO's and EM's differed from the standard insignia as it required more extensive training and featured red thread emblems rather than the typical gilt metal, golden yellow, or cornflower blue ones. In 1940, the insignia was modified and remained in use throughout WWII.
