The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
Brunswick War Merit Cross, First Class. Unnamed as issued. A dark bronze convex cross pattee with the highlights polished. Obverse: In the centre 'EA' with two oak leaves on the left and right arms. A crown on the top arm and '1914' on the lower arm. Reverse: Plain with a vertical brooch pin.
The Brunswick Military Merit Cross was established by Duke Wilhelm in 1879 as a bravery decoration for junior non-commissioned officers and enlisted soldiers. It was patterned after the Prussian Military Merit Cross. There is no evidence that the cross was ever actually awarded. In 1914 Duke Ernst August reestablished the Military Merit Cross, but with a new design. Only a small number of crosses were ever made, and again there is no evidence as to whether any were ever awarded. On 20 March 1918 the War Merit Cross was divided into two classes with the addition of a pinback 1st Class cross and the redesignation of the original as the War Merit Cross 2nd Class. It was awarded for bravery under fire. Initially awards were to be limited to Brunswick citizens who had already received the Prussian Iron Cross or an equivalent Bavarian decoration. Non-Brunswick natives serving in Brunswick units later became eligible and eventually no direct Brunswick connection was required. This medal forms part of a collection assembled by the Memorial in the 1920s for display.
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
Mecklenburg-Schwerin Military Merit Cross, First Class. Unnamed as issued. Obverse: A convex cross pattée with a raised serrated edge line. 'FF' in the centre, a crown on the top arm and '1914' on the
Mecklenburg-Schwerin Military Merit Cross, Second Class. Unnamed as issued. Obverse: A cross pattée with a raised serrated edge line. 'FF' in the centre, a crown on the top arm and '1914' on the lower
Saxe-Meiningen War Merit Cross. Unnamed as issued. A bronze cross pattée convex within an oak leaf wreath, with a coronet in the void between each of the arms. Aat the top a double sided, hinged crown
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
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
