Cross of Honour of the German Mother

(Ehrenkreuz der Deutschen Mutter)

Instituted on the 16th December 1938, by Adolf Hitler,  the Cross of Honour of the German Mother (Ehrenkreuz der Deutschen Mutter) was awarded to German mothers for exceptional merit to the German nation. Eligibility later extended to include Volksdeutsche (ethnic German) mothers from, for example, Austria and Sudetenland, that had earlier been incorporated into the German Reich.

Although instituted in 1938, the first presentations took place, throughout Germany, on the 21st May 1939 (Mother's Day).

Criteria

To Reichsdeutsche mothers who exhibited probity, exemplary motherhood, and who had conceived and raised at least four or more children in the role of a parent.  

Classes of the Order

1st Class Order, Gold Cross: eligible mothers with eight or more children

2nd Class Order, Silver Cross: eligible mothers with six to seven children

3rd Class Order, Bronze Cross: eligible mothers with four to five children

Cross of Honour of the German Mother (Ehrenkreuz der Deutschen Mutter) in Bronze, Silver and Gold with mini equivalent

1st pattern (left) and 2nd pattern (right) dedication to reverse

Documents (urkunde) for the Cross of Honour of the German Mother.

Bronze - Silver - Gold

Mother's Cross in wear

Mother's Cross mini in wear

A popular form of wear was the mini cross brooch - Bronze, Silver and Gold