Germany. A German Cross in Gold by Godet to Luftwaffe Minesweeper Fritz Goebel

This is a fine quality manufacture and well preserved German Cross in Gold (Deutsches Kreuz in Gold) by a desirable maker; the obverse with a double-overlaid sunburst pattern with eight points; the center with a black enameled rotated (mobile) swastika, with the enamels well preserved without chipping but with moderate scratches from period wear; within a stamped gilded circular wreath impressed with oak leaves, ribbons, and the introduction year “1941”; the inner and outer sides of the wreath feature a thin red enameled rings with a silver core in the middle; the reverse with six small countersunk rivets and a broad vertical pinback that tapers into a point towards the catch; with a functional barrel hinge and a round wire catch; marked “21” for Gebrüder Godet & Co. manufacture; measuring 63.68 mm (w) x 63.46 mm (h); weighing 69.6 grams; a worn example, with moderate contact marks on the enamels and light wear to the original silver finish in the centre of the obverse and on the reverse from wear. Accompanied by its presentation case of issue; constructed of heavy pressed paper, with a black faux leather (leatherette) exterior, with a lined interior lid and a slotted medal bed; fully intact interior fabric hinge cover, functional spring catch with stud release - however, the reverse of the lid is distressed and therefore slightly pushed forward, allowing the case to open without the button being pushed; measuring 108 mm (w) x 108 mm (h). In overall better than very fine condition. Accompanied by a Certificate of Expertise by Detlev Niemann.

Footnote: The award is accompanied by a post war copy of Goebel’s award certificate, dated to September 29, 1944. It is signed by Göring and certified by Colonel General Bruno Loerzer (1891–1960), a recipient of the Pour le Merite and the Knight’s Cross. Furthermore, it is accompanied by a post war copy of the official recommendation for awarding of the German Cross in Gold by Goebel’s squadron leader and Senior Lieutenant, the name is illegible. According to the recommendation letter, Oberfeldwebel (Master Sergeant) Friedrich “Fritz” Goebel has distinguished himself as a board gunner in the following ways: Between May 13 and May 24, 1940 he took part in 10 combat missions as a fighter pilot on the western front, being shot down on May 24 by French fighters and spending a month as a French prisoner of war. After this, Goebel began flying for Minensuchgruppe 1 “Mausi” - Minensuchgruppe (Mine Detection Group) 1 “Mausi” was established in September 1940. It was a squadron that used converted Ju 52 planes with a large magnetic ring (Magnetspule) attached to it, giving the planes the designation “Ju 52 MS”. The pilots’ job was to fly very low (between 10 and 30 meters) over the water, so that the magnetic ring would trigger the magnetic pistols of sea mines lying on the floor of the ocean. This was considered extremely risky work and left little room for error. In October of 1942 the sole squadron of the Minensuchgruppe was extended to six squadrons and a staff. They were deployed in all theatres of the war - Between September 27 and November 29, 1940 Goebel flew 42 minesweeper missions and destroyed 8 mines off the Dutch and Belgian coast. Between May 2 and May 27, 1941 he flew 5 minesweeper missions off the coast of Greece and during the Battle of Crete. Between September 8 and December 15, 1941 Goebel flew 21 minesweeper missions and destroyed 31 mines in the Black Sea. Between March 4 and August 13, 1942 he flew 48 minesweeper missions and destroyed 15 mines off the French Atlantic coast. Between August 23 and September 18, 1942 he flew 38 minesweeper missions and destroyed 15 mines in the Sea of Azov. Between October 25, 1942 and May 12, 1943 Goebel flew 74 minesweeper missions and destroyed 1 mine in the Baltic Sea. Between June 7 and September 7, 1943 and October 16, 1943 and May 27, 1944 he flew 191 minesweeper missions and destroyed 15 mines in the North Sea. Between June 12 and July 19, 1944 he flew 6 minesweeping missions over the Danube. Goebel also flew 77 transport missions, 4 of which were deemed front missions, between September 16 and October 15, 1943 during the evacuation of the Kuban bridgehead. The squadron leader goes on to say that not only did Goebel always did his duty, but in part he did so under very difficult circumstances. With 85 destroyed mines Goebel was the most successful of all minesweeper squadrons. The letter concludes that therefore he is worthy of the German Cross in Gold. Goebel was one of only two members of Minensuchgruppe 1 “Mausi” to be awarded the award. The other was Peter Winkler, also an Oberfeldwebel.