Queen Elisabeth of Belgium Hospital Services Medal Accession Number: RELAWM14863

Description

Queen Elisabeth of Belgium Hospital Services Medal. Unnamed as issued. A circular medal with slight extensions at the four cardinal points, giving a stylised effect of a cross with convex curved ends to the arms, extending 1 mm beyond the circular discs of the medal. At the top is a laurel wreath that has a cut-out centre with a red enamelled cross pattee. Obverse: The bust of Queen Elisabeth facing right with the inscription 'ELISABETH REINE DES BELGES' around the circumference. Reverse: A female figure in a nurse's dress, kneeling left, holding an oil lamp stand in her right hand, symbolising the spirit of sacrifice and devotion, with the legend 'PRO PATRIA HONORE ET CARITATE' ( For fatherland, Honour and Charity) around the top edge and 1914-1916 in the exergue. The medal is fitted with a loose ring suspender and a piece of 37 mm grey ribbon with 4 mm pale red edges.

Contextual Description

Instituted on 15 September 1915 for Belgians and foreigners who had given valuable services to Belgian civilians and soldiers in connection with the First World War, and especially with the nursing and care of the sick and wounded, for a period of not less than one year prior to 30 September 1919. The cross within a wreath at the top indicated that this version of the medal was awarded especially for hospital services. 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.