Areal observer badge

The use of aerial vehicles in the first two years of the Great War was mostly for reconnaissance and target observation for artillery. Balloons were best suited for artillery observation, and airplanes flew over enemy territory to observe troop movements, storage depots, headquarters, and other facilities further from the front line. Aerial observation required map knowledge and good orientation skills. Therefore, aerial observers were mainly artillery officers who were more experienced in this field.

The performance badge issued to aerial observers is the subject of this paragraph. Unfortunately, a nice, detailed description of the establishment of the badge and the conditions for awarding it is missing here. Perhaps my friend Gábor Széplaki will supplement the post with this information. For now, I will only present the badge and a wearing photo. This is perhaps the most common of the aviation-related badges.