Landwehr Dienstauszeichnung 2. Klasse Schnalle or Prussian Landwehr Long Service 2nd Class Badge
The Landwehr Dienstauszeichnung 2. Klasse Schnalle (often abbreviated LDA 2.) was instituted in 1842 by the Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm IV. It was designed to be worn slighly below the heart. Awarded to Landwehr and reserve NCO's, there were three minimum requirements:
- Twelve years minimum Landwehr service and
- Participated in a campaign or at least 3 months active service and
- Recommended by their Commanding Officer.
In 1868, an Officer's Landwehr Long Service Cross (sometimes called the 1st Class, awarded for 20 years service) was instituted and the NCO award became known as the 2nd Class. Prussian Cabinet Order, dated 4 December 1871, specified that it would be worn after all orders, decorations and campaign medals. This rule was generally followed until this award was discontinued. In early-1913, it was replaced by the Landwehr Long Service Medal. It's important to remember that the Prussian active duty military had a similar award which is often confused with this one. In many ways, this award is very similar to the British Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.