Kreta cuff title WWII German

The Crete Cuff Title, or Crete Cuff Band, (Ärmelband Kreta) was a World War II German military decoration awarded to Wehrmacht servicemen who took part in the battle of Crete between 20 and 27 May 1941.  While a number of German units had worn cuff titles as part of their regimental or corps insignia, this was the first World War II operation where a cuff title was awarded as a campaign award.

Eligibility:

As part of Germany’s Balkan campaign, the Wehrmacht invaded the island of Crete on 20 May 1941. About 22,000 paratroopers and mountain troops took part, delivered by transport aircraft, gliders and naval vessels and supported by bomber and fighter aircraft.  After two weeks of fierce fighting, the defending Greek and British Commonwealth troops had either surrendered or been evacuated.

The cuff title was instituted separately by each of Germany’s armed services:Navy: 14 August 1942;
Luftwaffe: 29 September 1942;
Army: 16 October 1942.[2] While the conditions of eligibility differed between the three services, the broad qualifying criteria were that, between 20 – 27 May 1941, a member of the German armed forces would have to:

land on Crete, either by ship, parachute or glider; or
take part in air operations over Crete, including transporting troops; or
be on active service at sea in the Crete theater of operations.
The cuff title was distributed for wear from mid-1943. The deadline for applications was 31 October 1944

Unit Cuff Titles – These generally referred to the name of a division, although some regiments also had distinctive titles.
Branch of Service Cuff Titles – These identified those who served in a specific branch of service like the military police and war correspondents. The cuff title of the Feldgendarmerie (Military Police) wore a distinctive cuff title, often in conjunction with a unit cuff title, if entitled.
Campaign Cuff Titles – Participation in some campaigns, such as the Kurland, Crete or North African campaigns, was recognized by the award of a special commemorative cuff title.