The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
Belgian Military Decoration for Bravery. Unnamed as issued. A bronze cross pattee with sun rays between the arms, surmounted by a double sided fixed crown. Obverse: In the centre a rampant lion, facing left and surrounded by the inscription 'L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE' (Unity creates power). Reverse: The letter 'A' monogram of King Albert I surrounded by the inscription 'MERITE ARMEE ANCIENNETE' (Meritorious Army Long Service). The medal is fitted with a loose ring suspender through the crown and has a piece of 32 mm red ribbon with three 3 mm edge stripes of black (inner), yellow and red (outer).
This decoration was instituted in 1873 for non commissioned officers and other ranks for either long service, in which case the ribbon was red with four groups of yellow, black, yellow stripes equally spaced; or for acts of bravery (as seen here) in which case the ribbon was red with three 3 mm edge stripes of black (inner), yellow and red (outer). In 1900 a First Class gilded decoration was added and distinguished by a large gilt chevron, point uppermost, worn on the ribbon.
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 Military Decoration, 2nd class, with ribbon for a bravery award. An alternative ribbon meant that the Decoration has been awarded for long service. The medal is a 33mm wide triangular arm cros
Mecklenburg-Strelitz Cross for Distinction in War, Second Class. Unnamed as issued. A silver cross pattée with a beaded edge line to the arms. Obverse: In the centre a crown over 'FA' surrounded by a
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
Italian Bene Merenti Medal. Obverse: In the centre a shield with S.P.Q.R. on a diagonal bar, surmounted by a crown and surrounded with a laurel wreath. The inscription 'ALMAE VERIS GOSS * BENE MERENTI
Reuss Silver Merit Medal with Swords. Unnamed as issued. Obverse: The monogram 'HR' surmounted by a crown with a beaded edge around the circumference. Reverse: The inscription 'FUR VERDIENST' (For Mer
Reuss Gold Merit Medal with Swords. Unnamed as issued. Obverse: The monogram 'HR' surmounted by a crown with a beaded edge around the circumference. Reverse: The inscription 'FUR VERDIENST' (For Merit
