WW II Kriegsmarine Bordmutze

Pictured are two Kriegsmarine caps with "unofficial" badges. This was the standard cap worn by enlisted men during the war. The elephant badge was used by crew members of U 52, the second badge is unknown. Most u boats had their own adapted symbol, and badges were made usually by a skilled crewmember while on long patrols to pass the time. Some were crudely made , while others were more elaborate. The crew would then stitch them on their caps. The high command tolerated these badges and let crew members wear them to help boost morale for the crew.