A Miniature Marian Cross Of The German Knight Order Auction RAF records state Essen was

RAF records state Essen was second only to the capital city of Berlin in terms of total allied bomb tonage dropped during the war

appointed to the Permanent Force

He was the only Coldstream Guards officer wounded during the battle

complemented by the circular Swastika insignia in the centre on both sides

A Miniature Marian Cross Of The German Knight Order Auction RAF records state Essen wasA Large Miniature Marian Cross of the German Knight Order Silver gilt and enamels, 16 mm x 20. 8 mm each, on original triangular ribbons with sewn reverses, intact enamels, residue around the red crosses on the obverse centrepieces, near extremely fine.