Question on Flieger-Erinnerungs/"Retired" Pilot's Badge

[Aerowallah]

I spoke with Mike Stacey at SOS. He was a researcher and writer for Cross and Cockade. He claims based on period documents that criteria for a Flieger-Erinnerungsabzeichen DID NOT require loss of flying status, and that it is not really a "retired" pilot's badge. But that it was given more for time in service (he thought three years). Can anyone confirm this, or have documents stating the criteria of award?

I ask because on another thread there is an argument about whether a strange looking badge on theis Sanke card is an Erinnerungsabzeichen or a Flugzeugfuhrer Abz. with the sky cut-out around the badge (Everyone will be disappointed if it is only shadow or tarnish!!)









The thread is

http://gmic.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=16599


By all means tell me which way you vote! But I am especially interested if anyone has proof of the criteria for awarding this badge in contemporary documents!!

Rgds
John