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Tag: Prussian War Decorations

The War Commemorative Medal of 1813-15

The War Commemorative Medal for 1813–1815 was established in 1813 by King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia for the Wars of Liberation.

The War Commemorative Medal of 1813/15 (or Kriegsdenkmünze für 1813/15 in German) was a Prussian war commemorative medal  established on 24 December 1813 by King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia to honour members of the Prussian Army who fought in the Wars of Liberation against Napoleonic France during 1813–1815.

It recognised those who served throughout the conflict, which included campaigns that eventually led to the defeat of Napoleon and the decisive Battle of Waterloo.

A later related piece, the Erinnerungs‑Kriegs‑Denkmünze, was instituted on 17 March 1863 by King Wilhelm I on the 50th anniversary of the original campaigns. This anniversary issue featured portraits of Friedrich Wilhelm III and inscriptions marking the years 1813–1815, and was intended as a keepsake for legitimate holders of the original medal and their families.

The War Commemorative Medal Design

The medal is about 29 mm in diameter and features a cross on the obverse with rays between its arms and a wreath of laurel and oak leaves encircling the year or years of service (such as 1813, 1814, or 1815). The reverse bears the crowned monogram “F. W.” for Friedrich Wilhelm and the inscription Preußens tapferen Kriegern, Gott war mit uns, Ihm sey die Ehre (“To Prussia’s brave warriors, God was with us, to Him be the glory”).

There were two versions of the medal: a combatant version struck in bronze made from captured artillery, often with the edge inscription Aus erobertem Geschütz (“From captured cannon”), and a non‑combatant version cast in iron and oval in shape, which was awarded to those who did not see active combat or who supported the war effort. The iron variant became informally known as the “Eiserne Pflaume” (“Iron Plum”) due to its shape.

Both versions were worn on the left breast suspended from distinctive ribbons: combatants on an orange ribbon edged in black and white, and non‑combatants on a white ribbon edged in black, orange, and white.

The Different Waterloo Medals

The Waterloo medal was issued by the British Government to all soldiers present during action. Seven nations of the Seventh Coalition struck differently designed medals for soldiers who took part in the campaign. These are:

The Waterloo Medal - British Medals Pre-WW1

The Waterloo Medal

The Waterloo Medal is a British military medal established in 1816-17 and struck for all those who participated in the Waterloo campaign.

British Campaign Medals: The Brunswick Waterloo Medal

The Brunswick Waterloo Medal

The Brunswick Waterloo Medal was a campaign medal awarded to those who participated in the Battles of Quatre Bras and Waterloo.

British Campaign Medals: The Hanoverian Waterloo Medal

The Hanoverian Waterloo Medal

The Hanoverian Waterloo Medal was issued to all members of the Hanoverian army who fought in the battles of Quatre Bras and Waterloo.

British Campaign Medals: The Nassau Medal for Waterloo

The Nassau Waterloo Medal

The Waterloo Medal is a campaign of the Duchy of Nassau established by Frederick Augustus, Duke of Nassau on 23 December 1815.

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The Königgrätz Commemorative Cross

The Königgrätz Commemorative Cross is a Prussian medal instituted in 1866 by Wilhelm I and awarded to officers, NCOs and officials.

The Königgrätz Commemorative Cross is a Prussian medal instituted on September 20, 1866 by the King of Prussia Wilhelm I. The medal was awarded to Prussian officers, NCOs and other ranks as well as to military officials following the Prussian victory in the Austro-Prussian War (June 17 – July 26, 1866).

This award was named after the Battle of Königgrätz (Schalcht bei Königgrätz, also referred to as the Battle of Sadowa) that took place on July 03, 1866 and  involved the largest number of troops in Europe until that time. The battle ended with one of the highest casualties for a major battle: Austrians and their Saxon allies lost 44,000 men killed in action, wounded and missing in action including 22,000 being held prisoners while Prussians had 360 officers and 8,812 men killed.

A total of 144,000 “combat” crosses and 1,200 non-combatant versions were issued.

The Königgrätz Commemorative Cross Design

The medal has the shape of a cross pattée with a round medallion superimposed on its center and a round wreath between its arms and is made of bronze from captured Austrian cannons. It was designed by the Prussian court medalist Friedrich Wilhelm Kullrich (1821-1887) and the Prussian royal mint engraver Emil Weigand (1837-1906) and measured 34,5 x 34,5 mm.

A central medallion on its obverse has an image of a crowned Prussian eagle leaning against a captured Austrian cannon (with some variations). There were four different crosses instituted to commemorate “1866 victorious campaign”. All the four crosses share the same reverse design, a crowned cipher of the Prussian king Wilhelm I.

  • Königgrätz Cross: For the military personnel who participated directly in the Battle of Königgrätz. Inscription: “König-Grätz” – “Den 3.” – “Juli” – “1866”.
  • “Main Army” Cross: For the military personnel of a Main army who fought under command of General Eduard Vogel von Falckenstein against troops from Hannover, Hessen, Bavaria, Baden and Wurttemberg. Inscription “Der” – “Main” – “Armee” -“1866”.
  • “Loyal Fighters” Cross: For military personnel who hadn’t participated in the Battle of Königgrätz and were not attached to the Main army. Inscription “Treuen” – “Krie-” – “Gern” – “1866”.
  • “Loyal to its duty in times of war” Cross: For non-combatants. Round wreath is made of oak leaves. Inscription “Pflicht” – “Treue” – “Im” – “Kriege”.

Like other Imperial awards, the Cross was worn either obverse or reverse outwards. The silk ribbon of the first three versions of a Königgrätz Commemorative Cross was black with two yellow-orange and white vertical stripes closer to its edges.

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The Centenary Medal (Prussia)

The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Medal was established in 1897 by Wilhelm II to celebrate the 100th Birthday of his grandfather Emperor Wilhelm I.

The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Medal (also known as the Centenary Medal or Kaiser-Wilhelm-Erinnerungsmedaille Zentenarmedaille in German) was established on March 22, 1897 by Wilhelm II to celebrate the 100th Birthday of his grandfather, Emperor Wilhelm I.

The Centenary Medal was awarded by Prussia to state and university officials, as well as all military officers, non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel, who had been actively serving in army, navy and Schutztruppe.

Medals were also awarded to the surviving veterans of the First Schleswig War, Second Schleswig War, Austro-Prussian War, and the Franco-Prussian War.

The Centenary Medal Design

The Centenary Medal is struck made of bronze gunmetal from captured cannons. It measures 40 mm in diameter and is suspended from a ribbon 36 mm wide.

The obverse depicts a right facing effigy of Wilhelm I in military uniform wearing a mantle and Pickelhaube. To the left of the effigy is the inscription WILHELM / DER / GROSSE / DEUTSCHE / KAISER (William the Great German Emperor). To the right is KOENIG / VON / PREUSSEN (King of Prussia).

The reverse of the medal shows symbols of royal authority including the German State Crown, an orb, sword, and scepter placed upon a pillow surrounded by oak leaves, in the lower half of the medal. To the left is an upward climbing laurel branch. In the upper half is the inscription in six lines ZUM ANDENKEN AN DEN HUNDERTSTEN GEBURTSTAG DES GROSSEN KAISERS WILHELM I. 1797 22.MAERZ 1897 (IN MEMORY OF THE HUNDREDTH BIRTHDAY THE GREAT EMPEROR WILHELM I. 1797–MARCH 22–1897).

The China Medal (German Empire)

The China Medal is a medal of the German Empire established in 1901 by Kaiser Wilhelm II as King of Prussia and German Kaiser. 

The China Medal (or China-Denkmünze in German) is a medal of the German Empire established on 10 May 1901 by Kaiser Wilhelm II, in his capacity as King of Prussia and German Kaiser.

There were 14 medal clips awarded for involvement in battles.

The China Medal Design

There were two versions of the China Medal: one in bronze and a variant in steel. Both measure 32.7 mm in diameter.

The bronze medal was rewarded for service by German troops and civilians during the Boxer Rebellion. The steel medal was awarded to those contributing to the war effort at home and the sailors of the merchant fleet transporting the soldiers to China.

The initial design came from Wilhelm II himself and was executed by professor Walter Schott. The medals were produced by the company Mayer & Wilhelm in Stuttgart.

The Colonial Medal (German Empire)

The Colonial Medal is a medal of the German Empire established in 1912 by Kaiser Wilhelm II and awarded retroactively.

The Colonial Medal (or Kolonial-Denkmünze in German) is a medal of the German Empire established on 13 June 1912 by Kaiser Wilhelm II and awarded retroactively for participation in military operations in the German colonies.

There were some exceptions: Those who had participated in the Boxer Rebellion 1900-01, and German South-West Africa in the years 1904-08. These operations were eligible for their own unique commemorative medal.

The medal was awarded with claps which were manufactured of gold plated brass. Claps were mounted on the ribbon of the medal.

The Colonial Medal Design

The Colonial medal is made of bronze. The obverse depicts the right-facing bust of Wilhelm II in uniform, with the initials W II. The reverse shows oak leaves on the right and a laurel branch on the left. In the center is the imperial crown which sits above the inscription “DEN TAPFEREN STREITERN FÜR DEUTSCHLANDS EHRE” (“The brave warriors for Germany’s honor”).

The ribbon is white with four thin red lines in the center and black stripes on the edges.

The War Commemorative Medal of 1870/71

The War Commemorative Medal of 1870/71 was a campaign medal presented by Kaiser William I in his capacity as King of Prussia.

The War Commemorative Medal of 1870/71 (or Kriegsdenkmünze für die Feldzüge 1870–71 in German) is a campaign medal presented by Kaiser William I in his capacity as King of Prussia to commemorate service in the Franco Prussian War.

The medal was presented to members of the united German armies. For combat service the medal was bronze, and non-combat service was steel. Each version bore minor differences in inscription and design. The war medal was presented to officers, military physicians, civil servants and men of the German armies who took part in the Franco-Prussian war through 2 March 1871. It was also awarded to the crew of the SMS Augusta for service from 11 December 1870 to 2 March 1871.

Clasps were authorized on the 25th anniversary of the German victory, to commemorate selected battles. The clasps were only allowed to be worn on combatant medals by front line soldiers. They are 6 mm high and 32–39 mm wide and were made of gilt bronze or brass.

The War Commemorative Medal Design

The medal for combatants was manufactured from captured bronze cannon barrels.

The obverse shows the crowned Royal cypher of William I over the inscription Dem siegreichen Heere (To the victorious army). Inscribed around the edge is Gott war mit uns, Ihm sei die Ehre (God was with us, to Him be the glory).

The reverse shows a cross with rays between the four arms. In the center of the cross is a laurel wreath surrounding the dates 1870 and 1871. On the edge of the coin is inscribed AUS EROBERTEM GESCHUETZ (From conquered cannon).

The medal for non-combatants is made of steel. It follows a similar design with only minor deviations. The center inscription on the obverse is Für Pflichttreue im Kriege (For devotion to duty in the war). On the reverse the wreath on the cross is of oak leaves.

The Warrior Merit Medal (Prussia)

The Warrior Merit Medal is a military decoration of Prussia established by Friedrich Wilhelm III and awarded primarily to troops.

  • Time Period: Pre-WW1
  • Institution: 1835
  • Country: Germany (Kingdom of Prussia)

The Warrior Merit Medal (or Krieger-Verdienstmedaille in German) is a military decoration of Prussia established by Friedrich Wilhelm III and awarded primarily to troops not in Prussian service.

The first recipients of the Warrior Merit Medal were members of the Imperial Guard grenadier company guarding the Russian imperial residence during Friedrich Whilhelm’s visit to St. Petersburg in 1835.

The Warrior Merit Medal Design

There are two versions of the Warrior Merit Medal. Both versions are circular and struck in silver, and measure 25 mm in diameter.

The first version depicts the crowned cypher of Friedrich Wilhelm III on the obverse of the medal. The reverse bears the inscription KRIEGER VERDIENST (Warrior Merit) surrounded by a wreath of two laurel sprigs, tied at its base with a bow. The medal is suspended by a ring suspension and hangs from the ribbon of the Order of the Red Eagle.

The later version of the medal depicts the crowned cipher of King Wilhelm I on the obverse. The reverse is also inscribed KRIEGER VERDIENST and surrounded by a thicker laurel wreath than the early version.

The medal is suspended by a ring and hangs from the black with white stripes kämpferband (combatants ribbon) or the white with black stripe nichtkämpferband (non-combatants ribbon).

The Merit Cross for War Aid

The Merit Cross for War Aid is a war decoration of Prussia awarded during World War I. The medal was instituted on 5 December 1916.

  • Time Period: Pre-WW1, WW1
  • Institution: 5 December 1916
  • Country: Germany (Kingdom of Prussia)

The Merit Cross for War Aid (or Verdienstkreuz für Kriegshilfe in German) is a war decoration of Prussia awarded during World War I. The medal was instituted on 5 December 1916 and awarded for patriotic war aid service, without regard to status or rank.

An order was placed with the Nürnberg-based company Lauer as soon as Wilhelm II approved the floating sketch. Specimen crosses were submitted for imperial approval on December 26, 1915 and first 200 pieces were then ordered for immediate production and further distribution among distinguished Prussians. A special emphasis was made on luxury casing (brown leather boxes) for half of that lot reserved for dignitaries.

The very first recipients of Verdienstkreuz für Kriegshilfe were Wilhelm II himself and Generalfeldmarschall Paul von Hindenburg. Altogether 500,000 crosses and 167,643 m of ribbon worth 857,000 Marks were ordered.

The Merit Cross for War Aid Design

The Merit Cross for War Aid is in the shape of a Maltese cross, typically found made of blackened Kriegsmetall alloy.

The obverse of the Merit Cross for War Aid bears a circular central medallion with the crowned cipher of King Wilhelm II. On the reverse the central medallion is inscribed FÜR KRIEGS-HILFSDIENST (For War Aid Merit) above an oak wreath.

The upper arm is attached to a loop for suspension from its ribbon. The ribbon is red, white and black. Design of a new decoration was based on a Silver Merits Cross with an exception of central medallion on reverse (both sides of the latter were identical) and ribbon color.

The Military Honor Medal

The Military Honor Medal (Militär-Ehrenzeichen) is a military decoration awarded by the Kingdom of Prussia to military personnel.

  • Time Period: Pre-WW1
  • Institution: 1814
  • Country: Germany (Kingdom of Prussia)

The Military Honor Medal (or Militär-Ehrenzeichen in German) is a two-class military decoration awarded by the Kingdom of Prussia to military personnel from the rank of sergeant and below. The Military Honor Medal could also be awarded to foreign troops, an example being 52 awards to Russian soldiers for service in China in 1902.

The Military Honor Medal was typically awarded during wars when the Iron Cross was not. These conflicts included the wars of German Unification such as the Revolutions of 1848 in the German states, the Second Schleswig War in 1864, and the Austro-Prussian War in 1866. 

In 1864, King Wilhelm I reauthorized the Military Honor Medal for award with a redesign of the 1st class cross and a 2nd class medal. This new authorization also changed the criteria of the medal, meaning it was no longer necessary to be awarded the 2nd class medal before the 1st class cross.

The Military Honor Medal Design

The 1814 version shares the same design as the Honor Decoration, the only difference between the awards at that time was the color of ribbon suspending the cross.

The 1st class medal is struck in silver and measures 36 mm. The design is a cross pattée with a center medallion. The obverse of the medallion bore the inscription VERDIENST UM DEN STAAT (Merit for the State) in three lines, while the reverse bore the crowned cypher of Friedrich Wilhelm III. The 2nd class is a 39 mm circular silver medal also bearing the inscription VERDIENST UM DEN STAAT on its obverse, surrounded by a laurel wreath, with the reverse depicting a large crowned cypher of Friedrich Wilhelm III.

In 1830, the General Honor Decoration, 1st class, became the Fourth Class of the Order of the Red Eagle, with the medallion in the center of the cross being replaced by an enamelled insignia of the Order of the Red Eagle.

The 1st class cross from 1864 is still in the form of a silver cross pattée, but the obverse now bore the inscription KRIEGS VERDIENST (War Merit) above a spray of laurel leaves. The reverse bore the crowned cypher of King Wilhelm. The 2nd class medal was still in the form of a circular medal but also gained the updated obverse inscription KRIEGS VERDIENST, with its obverse bearing the crowned cypher of King Wilhelm.

The Military Merit Cross (Prussia)

The Military Merit Cross was the highest bravery award of the Kingdom of Prussia for non-commissioned officers and enlisted soldiers.

  • Time Period: Pre-WW1
  • Institution: February 27, 1864
  • Country: Germany (Kingdom of Prussia)

The Military Merit Cross (or Militär-Verdienstkreuz in German, also known as Golden Military Merit Cross or Goldenes Militär-Verdienstkreuz) was the highest bravery award of the Kingdom of Prussia for non-commissioned officers and enlisted soldiers.

The Military Merit Cross was founded by King Wilhelm I of Prussia on February 27, 1864 and originally reserved for those in the rank of Feldwebel (the highest NCO grade) and below. Eligibility was later extended to soldiers in the rank of Offizier-Stellvertreter, comparable to a warrant officer-type rank.

The first 16 awards were made for the Austro-Prussian War of 1866. No awards were made for the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71. The next group of awards were 17 made in 1879 to Russian soldiers for bravery in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-78. Only five more awards were made before World War I: four for colonial conflicts and one for the Boxer Rebellion.

The first Military Merit Cross was awarded in October 1916, followed by 54 more awards in 1917. Despite the much larger number of awards in 1918, the decoration remained extremely rare. Recipients received a monthly stipend, which was maintained even after the end of the Prussian monarchy in November 1918 through the Third Reich era.

The Military Merit Cross Design

The design of the Military Merit Cross medal is a gold cross pattée with a center medallion. It measures 37.96 mm (wide) x 37.82 mm (high) and weighs 16.0 grams.

In the obverse is inscribed “Kriegsverdienst” (Military Merit). The reverse bears the crowned Royal Monogram of Wilhelm Rex.

The medal hangs from a double loop suspension.