Framed U-380 grouping

[Terrence]

Today I finished putting together this grouping. Because of the spirit of collecting here at the Forum, I was able to fill the u-boat badge void without it costing me an arm and a leg. Thank you to that member. This grouping is made around U-380 that was launched in Nov 1941 and had 12 operational cruises for the sinking of only 21,000 BRT. She spent most of her time in La Spezia and Toulon. Of interest was that on 10 May, 1943 in the Mediterranean, U-380 rescued five German soldiers escaping from Tunisia in a small boat. She brought them to port in La Spezia, Italy on May 16. Her conning tower had the olympic rings. Thus, after reviewing the award documentation of many of her crew, I came up with this grouping. There is one small inconsistency, the smaller 18mm spanish cross has swords where as the larger is with out swords. I could not find where any of her crew were actually awarded the SC with swords.

Enjoy
Best regards,
Terrence

[John Ammons]

terrence, that's a fantastic grouping... and the frame job is excellent. thanks for sharing that with us

[Bob Hunter*]

Congratulations. A very comprehensive display. Were you able to obtain any of the award documents?

[Terrence]

Hi Bob,

I have only one award document (for the spanish cross without swords). The fellow earned it serving on the Admiral Scheer. The clover-leaf has U-380 inscribed on it. The grouping is just my attempt to put together items that have a common theme so that with a little imagination and bits of actual history, it tells a story.

Best regards,
Terrence

[Giel VW]

Very nice Terrence, quite a story behind those medals!

[Mooyman]

Hi Terrence,

Great group and display!!!

Congratulations!!!

Regards,

Ricardo.

[WILLIAM RUSSO]

OUTSTANDING....What more can I say!!! I wish I owned it. Bill

[Michel]

Hello Terrence,

My U-380 emblem.

Regards,

Michel

[Terrence]

Hi Michel,


Here is the back of mine.

[Michel]

Not the same.
Look the directions of the emblem and the tail of clover.
Also, your hinge emblem look like a 57 type.

[Terrence]

Hi Michel,

I was at first concerned about the direction of the clover too but have since seen pictures of the clover facing the other way with some of the u-380 crew members. If though as you say, the catch is 1957 type, I would be a bit disappointed. I picked this one up from Tom Huss. While there is always a risk in picking up tradition cap badges, he was pretty sure it was period. But now as doubt has been cast, I will probably be looking for another one to replace it.

Thank you for posting pictures of your though. Its a nice one.

Best regards,

T

[Michel]

As you say 'there is always a risk in picking up tradition cap badges', today it's very hard to find a good one.

Good luck for the futur...

Best,

Michel

[Terrence]

Michel,

Otherwise, the similarities are uncanny. Its as though one is a reverse image of the other. The finishing even looks similar. Interesting. Love to see some of your other pins.

Here is a frame I have shown before but I have added to it. The pin in this one is a 1st u-flotilla pin that I feel much more confident in.

Best regards,

T

[Michel]

No problem with the 1st U-Flotilla emblem, it's a good one.

[Michel]

Another one, crew 36.