The Medal of Merit of the Civil Guard

• Time Period: Pre World War I
• Institution: 19 November 1830
• Country: Belgium

The Medal of Merit of the Civil Guard (Médaille du Mérite de la Garde Civique) was established on 19 November 1830 by the Provisional Government to reward the services rendered by the members of the Civic Guard.

Only five medals of this type were awarded. Among the receivers were:

• General Baron Emmanuel Vanderlinden d’Hoogvorst,
  Colonel-Commandant Chevalier Van Coeckelberghe de Dudzele,
• Major François Michiels,
• An unknown sergeant,
• And unknown guard.

The Medal of Merit of the Civil Guard Design

This gold medal’s engraving was designed by Braemt F, and his name is inscribed along the lower rim.

The obverse shows a standing lion holding a lance surmounted by a phrenic cap, a symbol of freedom. The reverse has a crown composed of laurel on the left and oak on the right and the words “RECOMPENSE / CIVIQUE” (Civil reward).