Germany, Third Reich. A Rare Order of the German Eagle, I Class Merit Cross with Case, by Deschler & Sohn Province of China Hawkins was commissioned as a

Hawkins was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant while taking part in the Guadalcanal campaign in the Battle for the Solomons

1939 at Bucharest

obverse illustrating the Royal Marines badge surrounded by the inscription "ROYAL MARINES RIFLE ASSOCIATION"

and was eligible for further promotion

93 mm (w) x 20

Germany, Third Reich. A Rare Order of the German Eagle, I Class Merit Cross with Case, by Deschler & Sohn Province of China Hawkins was commissioned as a(Orden vom Deutschen Adler Verdienstkreuz I. Stufe mit Etui). Instituted 1 May 1937. (1937 1943 issue). Constructed of gilded silver with enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with white enameled arms, joined through the quadrants by NSDAP style German national eagles clutching wreathed mobile swastikas on white enameled discs, the twelve oclock arm topped by an eyelet and loop retaining a period original length of neck ribbon, the six oclock arm