The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
Belgian Order of Leopold I, Knight, Military Division. A silver Maltese cross in white enamel with shallow angle ends having small ball finials on the eight points and a green enamel laurel and oak wreath between the arms. Obverse: In the centre medallion the inscription 'L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE' (Unity creates power) on a red enamel field with a crowned silver rampant lion , facing left, on a black enamel field in the centre. Reverse: In the centre medallion, the monogram of Leopold I on black enamel, within a laurel wreath on red enamel. At the top are crossed swords surmounted by a double sided crown as part of the loose ring suspender. The medal is fitted with a piece of 38 mm watered magenta ribbon.
The Order of Leopold I is the oldest and highest order of Belgium. It was established in 1832 by King Leopold I in five classes. It has three divisions - Army, Navy and Civil. The Army division is distinguished by two crossed swords above the cross and below the suspension crown. The Navy division has two crossed anchors, while the Civil division has only the crown. The 5th Class (knight) is made of silver, while the other classes are of silver gilt. Medals awarded for military valour were distinguished by crossed swords attached to the suspension ribbon on both the knight and officer (4th Class) awards only.
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.
Belgian Order of Leopold II, 5th Class (Knight). A silver Maltese cross with shallow angle ends having small ball finials on the eight points and an olive wreath between the arms. Obverse: In the cent
Belgian Order of the Crown, 5th Class. A five pointed star with V-shaped extremities enamelled white and edged gold. Between the arms of the star are golden rays. Obverse: In the centre, on a blue ena
Officer of the Military Order of Savoy (4th Class). Unnamed as issued. A white cross clechée with a green laurel wreath between the arms. Obverse: Crossed swords on an red (orange) enamel disc with '1
Prussian Order of the Crown, Military Division, First Class Breast Star. A convex eight pointed, silver sunray star with crossed swords in silver gilt. In the centre a crown in gold surrounded by the
Prussian Order of the Crown, Military Division, Second Class Breast Star. A convex four pointed, silver sunray star with crossed swords in silver gilt. In the centre a crown in gold surrounded by the
Prussian Order of the Crown, Military Division, Third Class Badge. A gilt cross pattée in white enamel with crossed swords between the arms. Obverse: In the centre a crown in gold surrounded by the i
