WWII GERMAN KRETA CUFF TITLE - EARLY UNIFORM REMOVED

Description

This is a very fine World War II German ‘KRETA’ cuff title that is excellent field worn condition. It is constructed of an off-white cotton linen material with the word ‘KRETA’ machine woven in gold cotton thread. The top and bottom edges of the band have gold colored Russian braid sewn to the edges with gold cotton thread matching that of the lettering. On either side of the word ‘KRETA’ is a six-pointed acanthus leaves arranged horizontally with three on top and three on the bottom and which enclose a fan-like acanthus flower. Two vertical ‘S’ scrolls connect the bases of the acanthus leaves on the inside. This cuff title was sewn at the ends at one time but had that stitching removed to facilitate its removal from a uniform or flieger blouse. This remains an excellent example that exhibits light soiling from actual field use.
The ‘Kreta’ cuff title was instituted on 16th October 1942 to commemorate the battle for the Island of Crete. It was awarded for participation in a parachute or glider assault on Crete between the 20th and 27th March 1942. The criteria for award also included air operations over Crete or sea operations around the island before 28 May 1942 which included Army personnel that were delivered to the island by boat on 19 May 1942.
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