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WW2 Collaboration awards


Before and especially during the German occupation of Belgium a number of Belgians decided to collaborate with the Germans. They came from all walks of life, both from Flanders and Wallonia and did so out of different motives. Amongst these, some went into service with the German armed forces, particularly on the Russian front, mainly in such units as the "Legion Flandern", "Legion Wallonien", "Brigade Langemarck" etc.
Some of their awards were political, others were combat related.

The Joris van Severen Honour Badge


The origin of this badge finds its roots in the execution of the Flemish politician and leader of the "Verdinaso"-party in Abbeville, France, on 20 May 1940. Those arrested for their pro-German political views by the Belgian government prior to the German invasion were awarded this badge. It was instituted in two classes : silver and bronze. The legend reads : "Trouw aan Joris van Severen - Abbeville 20 mei 1940".

The Verdinaso party (Verenigde Dietsche Nationaal-Socialisten) later became the VNV (Vlaams Nationaal Verbond).

Joris van Severen Badge

 

The Tollenaere Badge


This badge was awarded by a collaborating Flemish political party, the VNV. One of the VNV leadership members, Raymond Tollenaere, by way of "setting the good example", was one of the first to volunteer for service with the German Waffen-SS in the "Legion Flandern". After training, he was commissioned and with the Flemish Legion fought on the Leningrad front where he was eventually killed in action (Kopzy, 10 January 1942).

Those VNV members which, together with Tollenaere, had volunteered and had been fighting at the Leningrad front during the 1941-42 winter, were awarded this badge in recognition. The legend reads "Trouw aan R. Tollenaere Kopzy Jan. 1942".

Tollenaere badge

 

The Anti-Terrorist Badge


This badge was instituted in 1943 and awarded by the VNV to those who had undergone an attack by "terrorists" (Resistance, partisans). It features the VNV's triangle within a circle and a sword representing the struggle against Bolshevism. The legend reads "Wie leven wil moet strijden".

VNV Anti-Terrorist Badge

 

The War Merit Badge


This badge was again instituted by the VNV, in June 1944, and was awarded for special acts of courage either at home or at the Eastern front. The legend reads "Eer en Trouw".

VNV War Merit Badge

 

The Rexist Honour Badge


This badge was instituted by the Rex-party of Léon Degrelle in 1941 in 4 grades : bronze, silver, gold and gold with diamonds. The bronze grade was awarded to party members in military service, the silver grade for services to the party. It is unclear what the exact criteria for the gold grades were. The legend reads "Bravoure, Honneur, Fidélité".

Rex Honour badges in bronze and silver

 

My warmest thanks to Rene Chavez who allowed me to use pictures and information from his website.

 

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