Liberty defence and other skiing badges

Sorry for not uploading in a while but here is a post about different skiing badges from ww2. 

Frihetens värn (Liberty defence) was instituted in 1940 by the Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet. It was an event for biathlon( ski and shooting sport). This event helped people to get interest in this type of sport, since it was only used by the military before. During 1940 to 42 it was very severe winters so the sport got serious attention, even in the southern parts of Sweden. 

You could get the badges in bronze, silver and gold. Until the war ended in 1945,  265,000 copies were awarded. 

"In their fathers track" was nationwide march on ski's. It was established in 1940 by Swedish Ski Association and got huge attention in 1941 and in 1942 just as the "liberty defence" event. It was a huge success and proof of that:  

• 217 000 approved tests in 1941
• 120 000 approved test in 1942 

The criteria was 10 km track and the time would be 1:15 for men and 1:30 for ladies. This event was carried out during the period February 9 to 16.

If you did an approved test in 1941 you would get the bronze and if you did it again in 1942 you would also get the silver. Stig Blomberg was the sculptor of the badges.

As a bonus I will show you these. They are military skiing badges for proficiency in sports during military drill in peace times, awarded under certain provisions.

Side note these particular badges was awarded to my grandfather so I am proud to own these!