The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
Italian War Merit Cross in the shape of a Greek cross. Unnamed as issued. The obverse has the inscription 'MERITO DI GVERRA' across the centre, surmounted by the crowned royal cypher of Victor Emannuel, and on the lower arm, sword entwined with oak leaves. Reverse: A five pointed star in the centre on a background of sun rays that extend to the extremities of the cross. The medal is fitted with a loose ring suspender on the top arm and has a piece of 37 mm blue ribbon with two 5 mm white stripes.
Instituted by King Victor Emanuel III on 19 January 1918 the War Merit Cross was awarded to members of the Italian armed forces for meritorious service in operations on land, sea or in the air, after completing a minimum one year of service in contact with an enemy. It could also be awarded to those who received the Medal of the Wounded or to those who were mentioned in dispatches for war merit and received a field promotion. This medal is part of a collection assembled by the late Hon. Sir Thomas Hughes, Member of the Legislative Council of New South Wales. It was presented to the Memorial in memory of his son, Captain Roger Forrest Hughes, Australian Army Medical Corps, who died of wounds in France on 11 December 1916 and his grandson, Flying Officer Peter Roger Forrest Hughes, 12 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force, who was killed on active service while flying in the Northern Territory on 3 October 1942.
Italian China Medal 1900 - 1901. Unnamed as issued. Obverse: The bust of Victor Emanuel III facing left with the inscription 'VICTORIO EMANUELE III RE D'ITALIA' around the circumference. Reverse: 'CIN
Brunswick War Merit Cross, Second Class. Unnamed as issued. A dark bronze cross pattee with the highlights polished. Obverse: In the centre 'EA' with two oak leaves on the left and right arms. A crown
Baden War Merit Cross. A Bath Cross without ball finials, with a laurel wreath showing between the arms. Obverse: On a central silver disc, a crowned griffin facing left holding the shield of the arms
Reuss War Merit Cross 1914. Unnamed as issued. A cross pattée in black enamel with a green enamel laurel wreath entwined between the arms. Obverse: In the centre a crown over an antique 'H' cypher and
Order of Military Merit Cross (1st Class). Unnamed as issued. Pressed metal Saint George Cross surmounted by a Spanish crown. In the centre a convex disc with the Arms of Alfonso XIII comprising castl
Italian War of Independence and Unity Medal with five bars '1848', '1849', '1860-61' '1867' and '1870'. Obverse: The bust of Victor Emmanuel II facing left with the inscription 'VITTORIO EMANUELE II R