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Commemorative Medal of the 1914–1918 War

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The Commemorative Medal of the 1914–1918 War (French: Médaille Commémorative de la Guerre 1914–1918, Dutch: Oorlogsherinnerinsmedaille 1914–1918) was a Belgian commemorative war medal established by royal decree on 21 July 1919 and awarded to all members of the Belgian Armed Forces who served during the First World War that were eligible for the inter-allied victory medal.[1]

Commemorative Medal of the 1914–1918 War
1914–1918 Commemorative War Medal, bearing four silver bars representing time served on the Front.
TypeWar medal
Awarded forMilitary Service during World War 1
Presented by Kingdom of Belgium
EligibilityBelgian citizens
StatusNo longer awarded
Established21 July 1919
Reverse of the medal

Ribbon bar

Medal description

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The Belgian 1914–1918 Commemorative War Medal was struck from bronze, it was 47 mm high by 31 mm wide, triangular shaped and with rounded sides. On its obverse, the relief left profile of a helmeted soldier within a 29 mm in diameter circular recess, the helmet adorned with laurels. Between the circular recess and the bottom left corner of the medal, the relief date "1914", in the lower right corner, the relief date "1918". In the upper point of the triangle, above the circular recess, the relief images of a lion rampant with an oak branch to its left and a laurel branch to its right. On the reverse, near the top, the relief image of a crown surrounded by the same branches as the lion on the obverse, below the crown, the relief semi circular inscription in French on two rows over the large relief dates "1914 – 1918", "MEDAILLE COMMEMORATIVE / DE LA CAMPAGNE", the inscription repeated in Dutch below the dates "HERDENKINGSMEDAILLE / VAN DEN VELDTOCHT" (COMMEMORATIVE MEDAL OF THE 1914 – 1918 CAMPAIGN).[1]

Ribbon and devices

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The medal was suspended by a ring through the suspension loop to a 39 mm wide red silk moiré ribbon with an 11 mm wide central yellow stripe bordered by 1 mm wide black stripes.[1]

Multiple devices were allowed for wear on the ribbon:[1]

  • A crown for volunteers, also eligible for a separate medal;
  • Silver bars, the 1st bar denoting a year at the front, consecutive individual silver bars denoting additional periods of six months at the front;
  • Gold bar, worn in lieu of five silver bars;
  • A red enamelled cross for each wound received in combat;
  • Naval anchor, for sailors also awarded the "Maritime Decoration";
  • "1916-R-1917" or "1916-R-1918" clasps to members of the Expeditionary Corps to Russia.

Notable recipients (partial list)

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Uniform of King Albert with the Medal.
 
Example of the medal, with one gold bar, three silver bars, and two red crosses

The individuals listed below were awarded the 1914–1918 Commemorative War Medal:[2]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Royal Decree of 21 July 1919 creating the 1914–1918 Commemorative War Medal". Moniteur belge. Belgian Defence Ministry. 21 July 1919.
  2. ^ "Recipients of the 1914–1918 Commemorative War Medal compiled from the ARS MORIENDI web site" (in French). ARS MORIENDI. 6 July 2012. Archived from the original on 6 September 2011. Retrieved 6 September 2012.

Other sources

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  • Quinot H., 1950, Recueil illustré des décorations belges et congolaises, 4e Edition. (Hasselt)
  • Cornet R., 1982, Recueil des dispositions légales et réglementaires régissant les ordres nationaux belges. 2e Ed. N.pl., (Brussels)
  • Borné A.C., 1985, Distinctions honorifiques de la Belgique, 1830–1985 (Brussels)
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