Germany, Luftwaffe. A Jagdgeschwader 51 Traditions Badge

(Jagdgeschwader 51 „Mölders“ Abzeichen). Constructed of gilded bronze with multi-coloured enamels, the obverse consisting of a blue enameled shield bearing a raven carrying an umbrella and gas mask canister, circumscribed by inscriptions of “II GRUPPE JG51” and “GOTT STRAFE ENGLAND” (“GOD PUNISH ENGLAND”), the reverse with a threaded lug retaining an original nut, unmarked, measuring 18 mm (w) x 22 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: Jagdgeschwader 51 was formed in August 1939 by noted fighter ace Theodor Osterkamp, and saw extensive combat in the Battles of France and Britain in the early stages of the war. Notably, it was the only fighter unit to be engaged in continuous combat with the Royal Air Force between June and July 1940. It lost 68 pilots during the Battle of Britain, which was the highest casualty rate of any Luftwaffe unit engaged in combat with British forces.