Belgium, Kingdom. A First World War Cross 1914-1918

(Croix de Guerre). Instituted in 1915. In bronze, measuring 39.7 mm (w) x 63 mm (h) inclusive of its crown suspension, spotting, bronze palm on its original ribbon, near extremely fine.

Footnote: The War Cross (Crox de Guerre) was instituted on October 25, 1915, to reward acts of bravery in the face of the enemy, and could also being awarded for long service at the front. Bronze, silver and silver-gilt palms and lion ribbon emblems were awarded for various categories of Mention in Despatches: five bronze being replaced by a silver emblem etc. in a similar fashion to the French Croix de Guerre. Various later decrees modified (expanded) the award criteria to include those who died of wounds, were escaped prisoners, along with certain volunteers.