I think it was a big lark although they must have been terrified out of their skulls
consisting of 1) A Military Merit Cross Third Class (Militärverdienstkreuz)
arms composed of groups of seven smooth rays
Austro-Hungarian empire (modern day Poland)
Germany, Sport. A Swimming Championships At Dusseldorf Award, C.1937 Auction Archive I think it was aIn silvered zinc, obverse illustrating the left facing sports eagle bearing a swastika on its chest, inscribed "DEUTSCHE SCHWIMM MEISTERSCHAFTEN 1937" above, with the Dusseldorf cityscape and inscribed "DUSSELDORF" below, reverse maker marked "ADAM DONNER ELBERFELD" and inscribed "Zweite uin der Staffelmeisterschaft 3 x 100 m, Kraulschwimmen" (Second in the Championship Relay 3 x 100 m, Freestyle Swimming), 57. 5 mm x 86 mm, scattered silvering wear,