Description
Cased Dutch Mussert Cross. Excellent example with original ribbon and ribbon bar in original case of issue awarded to the Dutch Waffen-SS Legion.
One of the numerous pro-Nazi political organizations to be formed in Holland prior to WWII was the NSB, Nationaal-Socialistische Beweging (National-Socialist Movement), founded by Anton Mussert in December 1931 and although never overly successful in Dutch elections the NSB was still in existence after the German invasion in May 1940. Mussert and the NSB’s willingness to collaborate with the Germans resulted in it being acknowledged as the only legal political party in Holland in December 1941. In July 1941 Arthur Seyss-Inquart, the German Reichskommissar of Holland, announced the formation of the Freiwilligen Legion Niederlande, (Volunteer Legion Netherlands), under control of the NSB. This Dutch Legion, outfitted in Waffen-SS uniforms, was sent to the Russian front by Leningrad in January 1942 and served there until April 1943. In the spring of 1942 Mussert instituted the Mussert Cross to recognize the achievements of the Legions personnel on the eastern front. Of Note: Allegedly Hitler forbade bestowal of this award as Mussert didn’t consult him before instituting it, and the Dutch Volunteers were eligible for German awards and decorations. LH11505 OHF