Belgium, Kingdom; France, IV Republic. Two Awards

Includes:

1. Belgium, Kingdom: Air Defence Medal, II Class 1939-1945 (Médaille de Défense Aérienne, 1ère classe). Instituted in 1946. In silver, isosceles trapezium-shaped, Art-Deco design, illustrating a cityscape in the foreground, with the image of a large man bearing a shield in the background and protecting the city from three bomber planes flying above, measuring 35.5 mm (w) x 38.5 mm (h), original ribbon.

2. France, Fourth Republic: Order of Combatant Merit, III Class Knight (Ordre du Mérite Combattant, Chevalier). Instituted in 1953. Three-piece construction, insignia on both sides in silver gilt and mounted to a Maltese cross base, with short single points between the faceted arms, the insignia on the obverse framed by a star in dark green enamels, measuring 39.5 mm (w) x 40.5 mm (h) inclusive of its integral ring, exhibiting chipping in the green enamels on the centrepiece ring on the obverse, original ribbon. Better than very fine and near very fine, respectively.

Footnote:

1. The Air Defence Medal was awarded for air defence service in the Passive Defence organization established in the 1930s, with the aim of minimizing civilian casualties in the event of hostilities and to deal with the consequences for civilians of warfare and particularly the bombing to towns and cities. It is unofficial and was awarded in three classes: I Class Gold Grade, II Class Silver Grade and III Class Bronze Grade.

2. The Order of Combatant Merit was created on September 14, 1953, to recognize the leaders of organizations whose aim was to support former combatants and victims of war. It was awarded in three classes: I Class Commander, II Class Officer and III Class Knight. To be appointed Knight, recipients were required to be at least 40 years of age and to have given at least fifteen years’ service. Awards of the knight class were limited to two hundred and fifty per annum. The Order has not been awarded since 1963 when it was replaced by the National Order of Merit (Ordre National du Mérite).