The Medal of Merit of the Civil Guard (Dutch: medaille van verdienste van de burgerwacht, French: Médaille du mérite de la garde civique) is a decoration of Belgium. It was established on 18 November 1830 and was awarded to members of the Belgian Civil Guard for distinguished service.[1]
| Medal of Merit of the Civil Guard | |
|---|---|
| Type | Military decoration |
| Awarded for | Distinguished service |
| Presented by |  Kingdom of Belgium |
| Eligibility | Members of the Belgian Civic guard |
| Clasps | None |
| Status | Abolished |
| Established | 19 November 1830 |
| First awarded | 1830 |
| Last awarded | 1830 |
| Total | 5 |
| Total awarded posthumously | 0 |
| Total recipients | 5 |
Insignia
editThe medal is circular and gold-plated. the obverse bears a climbing lion holding up a lance surmounted by a phrenic cap, symbolizing liberty and freedom. Below the lion, the name of the creator of the medal is written (Braemt F.). The reverse of the medal shows a wreath similar to the one surrounding the Maltese cross of the Order of Leopold, being a wreath of laurel (left) and oak leaves (right). Within, the French text "recompense civique" (civil reward) is written.
Ribbon
editThe ribbon is 35 mm wide and consists of the following stripes:
- 5,6 mm Red;
- 1,6 mm Dark green;
- 5,6 mm White;
- 1,6 mm Dark green;
- 11,3 mm Red;
- 1,6 mm Dark green;
- 5,6 mm White;
- 1,6 mm Dark green;
- 5,6 mm Red;
Award conditions
editThe medal was awarded by the Belgian provisional government to members of the Belgian Civil Guard for distinguished service. Only five medals were ever awarded.[2]
Order of precedence
editThe order of precedence of the medal was never formally established.
Recipients
edit- Baron Emmanuel van der Linden d'Hooghvorst
- Colonel Knight Van Coeckelberghe de Dudzele
- Major François Michiels
- An unknown sergeant
- An unknown member of the guard
