Belgian Croix de Guerre 1914–1918 Full-Size Medal

The Belgian Croix de Guerre 1914–1918 Full-Size Medal is a reproduction of Belgium’s First World War decoration for bravery and military virtue.

Also known as the Belgian War Cross or Oorlogskruis, the decoration was established by Royal Decree on 25 October 1915. It recognised individual acts of heroism, bravery under fire and exemplary military conduct by Belgian and Allied personnel.

Unlike the contemporary French Croix de Guerre, the Belgian First World War award was made to individuals rather than military units.

Eligibility was not restricted solely to individual acts of gallantry. The decoration could also recognise Belgian personnel who completed at least three years of front-line service. Other qualifying categories included:

• Volunteers aged over 40 or under 16 who completed at least 18 months’ service
• Escaped prisoners of war who successfully rejoined the armed forces
• Personnel transferred to inactive duty because of wounds
• Allied military personnel who performed qualifying acts of heroism on Belgian soil

The bronze decoration takes the form of a Maltese cross with crossed swords between its arms. The obverse carries the Belgian lion, while the reverse displays the royal monogram of King Albert I. It is suspended beneath a royal crown and worn from a red ribbon with green stripes.

Key features:

• Full-size reproduction of the Belgian Croix de Guerre
• Represents the First World War 1914–1918 issue
• Traditional Belgian lion and King Albert I designs
• Bronze finish with crossed swords and crown suspension
• Supplied with the correct red and green medal ribbon
• Suitable for replacement medal groups, professional mounting or display