Decorations
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Contents The London Gazette Decorations Roll Bristol Grammar School Gazette Information on the Medals
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The London Gazette The London Gazette is an official journal of records for the British government. During the First World War, promotions and awards would be announced in supplements to the main paper. This helped those at home to keep track of their loved ones. These are now available in an online archive, which is excellent for identifying and confirming medal awards. Occasionally there are accounts of why the medal was won, but this varies greatly. It has not been easy to find all of the records, as they didn’t always have the full, or correct names for many of the soldiers. However, the vast majority of those the Chronicle reports as having been awarded, have been verified or corrected by searching through the London Gazette archives. The following role details each award that we are aware of. Following this is an imitation issue of the Gazette, which has been put together from the London Gazette reports of Old Bristolian’s Awards. This is not currently up to date, so does not include each award on the roll. However, it should give an idea of how the supplements would have looked.
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Decorations Roll Those in italics denote instances where we have been unable to confirm their awards. Abrahams, Kenneth Duncan. Served in the Royal Field Artillery, Army. Awarded the Military Medal as a Sergeant, on the 16/11/1916. Alford, Kenneth Field. Served in the Coast Patrol, RAF. Mentioned in Despatches as a Lieutenant, on the 03/06/1919. Atchley, Shirley Clifford. Awarded the Order of the Redeemer as a Translator, on the 21/03/1918. Barnett, Percy John. Served in the General List & Royal Flying Corps, RAF. Awarded the Military Cross as a Lieutenant, on the 17/09/1917. Barry, Archibald Hastings. Served in the Royal Engineers (Postal Section), Army. Mentioned in Despatches as a 2nd Lieutenant, on the 01/01/1916. Bennett, Charles Elson. Served in the Essex Regiment, Army. Awarded the Military Medal as a Private, on the 06/01/1917. Served in the South Midland Royal Engineers, Army. Mentioned in Despatches as a Lieutenant, on the 14/12/1917. Awarded the Military Medal 1st Bar as a Lance Corporal, on the 29/08/1918. Bingham-Hall, Vincent. Served in the Gloucestershire Regiment 8th Bn. attached 1/5th Bn. Territorial Force, Army. Awarded the Military Cross as a Temp. Lieutenant (Acting Captain), on the 02/04/1919. Awarded the Military Cross 1st Bar as a Temp. Lieutenant (Acting Captain), on the 10/12/1919. Booker, Stanley Charles. Served in the Worcester Regiment, Army. Awarded the Military Cross as a 2nd Lieutenant (Temp. Lieutenant), on the 22/09/1916. Brown, Harold Bainbridge. Served in the Wiltshire Regiment, Army. Awarded the Military Cross as a Temp. Lieutenant, on the 16/08/1917. Awarded the Military Cross 1st Bar as a Temp. Lieutenant, on the 16/09/1918.
Photographed by Peter Jakobek, 2014
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Castle, Gilbert Stacey. Served in the Gloucestershire Regiment, Army. Awarded the Military Cross as a Lieutenant (Temp. Captain), on the 22/09/1916. Awarded the French Croix de Guerre as a Lieutenant (Temp. Captain), on the 09/12/1916. Cole, Aubrey du Plat Thorold. Served in the Dragoon Guards. Awarded the Military Cross as a Temp. Captain, on the 04/06/1917. Cook, Walter Kingsmill. Served in the Signal Training Centre, Indian Army. Mentioned in Despatches as a Captain, on the 05/04/1916. Cooke, Reginald Charles. Served in the Welsh Regiment, Serving Bn., Army. Awarded the Military Cross as a Temp. 2nd Lieutenant, on the 03/06/1916.
Davis, Francis Madresfield. Served in the South African Infantry, Army. Mentioned in Despatches as a Captain. Davis, Harold Charles Edward. Served in the Monmouthshire Regiment 1st Bn. attached 15th Bn. Cheshire Regiment, Army. Awarded the Military Cross as a Lieutenant, on the 01/01/1919. Esbester, Ernest Henry. Served in the Worcestershire Regiment 14th Bn., Army. Mentioned in Despatches as a Captain, on the 22/05/1917. Gardner, Bertie Charles. Served in the Canadian Forces, Infantry , Army. Awarded the Military Cross as a Captain, on the 26/09/1917. Geake, Frank Henry. Served in the Gloucestershire Regiment (Special Reserve) attached “P” Special Company Royal Engineers, Army. Awarded the Belgian Croix de Guerre as a Lieutenant (Acting Captain), on the 25/07/1918. Mentioned in Despatches as a Lieutenant (Acting Major), on the 27/12/2018. Gedye, Nicholas George. Served in the Royal Engineers, Construction, Army. For services to the Civil Engineer-in-Chief’s Department, Admiralty, Navy. Awarded the Order of the British Empire as a Temp. Lieutenant Colonel, on the 20/10/1919. Gilbert, John Wesley. Served in the Royal Army Medical Corps (attached 9th Brigade, Royal Garrison), Army. Awarded the Military Cross as a Temporary Lieutenant, on the 22/01/1916.
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Gill, Ernest Walter Brudenell. Served in the Military Intelligence Branch, War Office, Army. Mentioned in Despatches as a Sergeant, on the 14/12/1917. Awarded the Order of the British Empire as a Captain, on the 07/01/1918. Mentioned in Despatches as a Captain (Temp. Major), on the 05/06/1919. Golding, Herbert Melhuish. Served in the RAF (France). Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross as a Lieutenant (Acting Captain) , on the 03/06/1919. Gore, Robert William. Served in the Royal Engineers , Army. Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal as a Corporal , on the 18/02/1915. Gough, Donald Lansdown. Served in the Somerset Light Infantry 1st Bn., Army. Awarded the Military Cross as a Captain, on the 15/10/1918. Gould, Henry Leon. Served in theGloucestershire Regiment 4th Bn., Army. Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal as a Private, on the 29/11/1915. Grace, Henry Edgar. Served in the Royal Navy. Mentioned in Despatches as a Captain, on the 14/03/1916. Mentioned in Despatches as a Captain, on the 20/07/1917. Awarded the Commander, Order of the Redeemer as a Captain, on the 17/04/1918. Mentioned in Despatches as a Captain, on the 08/03/1920. Grant, Stuart. Served in the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, Army. Awarded the Military Cross as a Lieutenant (Acting Captain), on the 01/01/1918. Griffiths, Cuthbert Cyril. Served in the 4th Class Army Chaplain Department, Army. Awarded the Military Cross as a Chaplain To the Forces , on the 18/02/1918. Hardiman, Edgar Henry Malachi. Served in the South African Infantry, Army. Mentioned in Despatches as a Captain, on the 08/02/1917. Awarded the Military Cross as a Captain, on the 04/06/1917. Mentioned in Despatches as a Captain, on the 07/03/1918. Awarded the Distinguished Service Order as a Captain, on the 27/07/1918. Haskins, Harold Stanley. Served in the Royal Engineers, Army. Awarded the Military Cross as a 2nd Lieutenant, on the 18/06/1917.
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Hiley, Wilfred Edward. Served in the Inspection and Experimental Staff and Research Department, Army. Awarded the Order of the British Empire as a Captain, on the 07/01/1918. Hill, Frederick Stanley. Served in the Gloucestershire Regiment, Army. Awarded the Military Cross as a 2nd Lieutenant (Acting Lieutenant), on the 26/05/1917. Awarded the Military Cross 1st Bar as an Acting Captain, on the 04/10/1919. Holdsworth, Joseph Arthur. Served in the Lancashire Fusiliers, Army. Awarded the Military Cross as a Lieutenant, on the 06/04/1918. James, Manley Angell. Served in the Gloucestershire Regiment, Army. Mentioned in Despatches as a Lieutenant, on the 22/05/1917. Awarded the Military Cross as a Temp. Captain, on the 17/09/1917. Awarded the Victoria Cross as a Temp. Captain, on the 28/06/1918. Jenks, John Charles A. Served in the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve (Air), Navy. Awarded the French Croix de Guerre as a Sub-Lieutenant, on the 31/08/1917. Jones, Charles Herbert. Served in the Leicestershire Regiment, Territorial Forces, Army. Awarded the Order of St. Michael and St. George as a Lieutenant-Colonel, on the 14/01/1916. Awarded the Legion d’Honneur, Officer, as a Lieutenant-Colonel, on the 14/07/1917. Just, Leonhardt Wolfgang. Served in the Gloucestershire Regiment, Army. Awarded the Military Cross as an Acting Captain, on the 26/07/1918. Just, Norman Wolfgang. Served in the Royal Field Artillery, Army. Awarded the Military Cross as a Lieutenant, on the 07/11/1918. Kelly, Francis Henry. Served in the Indian Army. Awarded the Companion of the Bath as a Colonel (Brigadier-General Brigade Commander, India), on the 26/06/1908. Served Retired with Pay, Army. Awarded the Order of St. Michael and St. George (Third Class) as a Major-General, on the 10/06/1920 backdated to 1/1/1916. Keniston, Frederick Claude. Served in the Royal Engineers, Army. Awarded the Military Medal as a Corporal, on the 17/06/1919.
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King, Leonard. Served in the Gloucestershire Regiment, Army. Awarded the Military Cross as a 2nd Lieutenant, on the 22/09/1916. Lambert, Robert Blackie. Served in the Gloucestershire Regiment 3rd (reserve) Bn., attached 1/4th Bn., Gloucestershire Regiment (Territorial Force), Army. Awarded the Croce di Guerra as a 2nd Lieutenant, on the 21/07/1919. Littleton, George Henry. Served in the Royal Marine Artillery, Navy. Awarded the French Croix de Guerre as a Quartermaster and Honorary Captain, on the 06/04/1918. Lumsden, Frederick William. Served in the Royal Marine Artillery, Navy. Awarded the Distinguished Service Order as a Major, on the 01/01/1917. Awarded the Distinguished Service Order 1st bar as a Major, on the 11/05/1917. Awarded the Distinguished Service Order 2nd bar as a Major, on the 11/05/1917. Awarded the Victoria Cross as a Major, on the 08/06/1917. Awarded the Distinguished Service Order 3rd bar as a Lieutenant-Colonel (Temp. Brigadier-General), on the 22/04/1918. Awarded the Companion of the Bath as a Lieutenant-Colonel (Temp. Brigadier-General), on the 03/06/1918. Machin, Lionel Gilbert. Served in the Gloucestershire Regiment 11th Bn., Army. Mentioned in Despatches as a Temp. Lieutenant, on the 12/02/1919. Machin, Stuart Edward. Served in the Royal Army Medical Corps (Bristol), Army. Awarded the Military Medal as a Private, on the 06/08/1918. Machon, Roy Ebdon. Served in the Devon Regiment 8th Bn. attached 16th Bn., Army. Awarded the Military Cross as a Temp. Lieutenant, on the 30/07/1919. McKenzie, William George. Served in the Royal Army Medical Corps, Army. Awarded the Military Cross as a Captain, on the 03/06/1918. Merrick, Horace. Served in the Gloucestershire Regiment , Army. Awarded the Military Cross as a 2nd Lieutenant (Temp. Lieutenant), on the 18/06/1917. Morgan, Ernest Edmund Leigh. Served in the Royal Engineers, Army. Awarded the Military Cross as a 2nd Lieutenant.
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Newth, Arthur Leslie Walter. Served in the Gloucester Regiment 1st/4th (City of Bristol) Bn., Territorial Force, Army. Awarded the Military Cross as a Lieutentant, on the 18/11/1915. Mentioned in Despatches as a Lieutenant, Temp. Captain, on the 01/01/1916. Mentioned in Despatches as a Captain, on the 30/05/1918. Mentioned in Despatches as a Captain, Acting Lt Colonel, on the 08/07/1919. Awarded the Distinguished Service Order as a Lieutenant, confirmed by the London Gazette on the 25/04/1921. Olds, Cyril Austin Patt. Served in the Royal Army Medical Corps, Army. Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal as a Private, on the 18/11/1915. Openshaw, Thomas Horrocks. Served in the Royal Army Medical Corps, Territorial Force, Army. Awarded the Companion of the Bath as a Lieutenant-Colonel, on the 24/01/1917. Pakeman, Frederick Joseph. Served in the Royal Garrison Artillery (Kensington, W), Army. Awarded the Belgian Croix de Guerre as a Gunner, on the 25/07/1918. Awarded the Military Medal as a Gunner. Pakeman, Sidney Arnold. Served in the Wiltshire Regiment attached Gloucestershire Regiment, Army. Awarded the Military Cross as a Lieutenant, on the 18/06/1917. Parkinson, Leslie Gerald. Served in the Gloucestershire Regiment 1st/4th Bn, Army. Awarded the Military Cross as a Captain, on the 01/01/1917. Parsons, Cyril Gordon. Served in the Wiltshire Regiment, Army. Awarded the Military Cross as a Temp. Lieutenant, on the 26/01/1917. Pickles, Reginald Clarence Werrett. Served in the Royal Engineers, Army. Awarded the Military Cross as a 2nd Lieutenant, on the 26/08/1917. Ridler, Frederick Arnold. Served in the Gloucestershire Regiment, Army. Awarded the Military Cross as a 2nd Lieutenant, on the 25/08/1916. Rose, Herbert Edward. Served in the Quebec Regiment, Army. Awarded the Military Medal as a Sergeant, on the 07/10/1918. Mentioned in Despatches as a Sergeant. Salter, Thomas Frederick. Served in the Royal Engineers (Despatch Rider), Army. Awarded the Military Medal as a Corporal, on the 06/08/1918.
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Sandy, Walter Fawkes. Served in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, Navy. Awarded the Military Medal as an A./B., on the 09/07/1917. Slade, Ernest Cowper. Served in the Gloucestershire Regiment, Army. Awarded the Military Cross as a Captain (Temp. Major), on the 03/06/1916. Awarded the Distinguished Service Order as a Captain (Temp. Major), on the 22/09/1916. Stallon, Percival Vere. Served in the Welsh Regiment Special Reserves attached 2nd Bn., Army. Awarded the Military Cross as a Lieutenant, on the 15/02/1919. Stone, Frederick James. Served in the Gloucestershire Regiment 4th Bn., Army. Awarded the Military Cross as a Lieutenant, on the 02/04/1919. Stradling, Reginald Edward. Served in the Royal Engineers, Army. Awarded the Military Cross as a Lieutenant, on the 04/06/1917. Strickland, Denys Joseph. Served in the Gloucestershire Regiment, Army. Mentioned in Despatches as an Acting Company Sergeant Major, on the 15/06/1916. Awarded the Military Medal as an Acting Company Sergeant Major, on the 11/11/1916. Waldron, Reginald George. Served in the Gloucestershire Regiment 12th Bn., Army. Awarded the Meritorious Service Medal as a Company Quartermaster Sergeant, on the 18/01/1919. Watling, John Basil. Served in the South Midland Royal Engineers, Army. Awarded the Belgian Croix de Guerre as a 2nd Lieutenant, on the 28/09/1917. Mentioned in Despatches as a Lieutenant, on the 30/05/1918. Awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire as an Acting Captain, on the 03/06/1919. Watson, Kenneth Charles Forrester. Served in the Special Reserves South Lancashire Regiment attached Royal Warwickshire Regiment , Army. Awarded the Military Cross as a 2nd Lieutenant, on the 01/01/1918. Watson, Stanley Herbert. Served in the Gloucestershire Regiment 8th Bn., Army. Awarded the Military Cross as a 2nd Lieutenant, on the 19/11/1917.
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Weekes, Victor Herbert Thomas. Served in the Royal Navy, HMS Iron Duke. Mentioned in Despatches as a Fleet Paymaster, on the 17/02/1915. Awarded the Companion of the Bath as a Fleet Paymaster, on the 15/09/1916. Awarded the Order of St. Anne, 2nd Class as a Fleet Paymaster, on the 01/10/1917. Awarded the Order of St. Michael and St. George as a Paymaster Commander (Temp. Paymaster Captain), on the 03/06/1919. Westlake, Harold William Guy. Served in the Gloucestershire Regiment 3rd Bn., attached Leicestershire Regiment, Army. Awarded the Military Cross as a Lieutenant, on the 11/05/1917.
Wilcox, Alfred George. Served in the Highland Division, Army. Mentioned in Despatches as a Senior Chaplain. Wilson, Clifford Llewellyn. Served in the Essex Regiment, Army. Awarded the Military Cross as a 2nd Lieutenant, on the 26/09/1916. Wreford-Glanvill, Heyman Wreford. Served in the Army Service Corps, Army. Mentioned in Despatches as a Captain, on the 30/12/1918. Awarded the French Silver Medal, 2nd Class as a Lieutenant.
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Mentioned in Despatches (MiD) Number awarded to O.B.s - 22 An official report written by a superior officer and sent to the high command, describing a soldier’s noteworthy display of gallantry in the face of the enemy. This was then reproduced in the London Gazette. A soldier could be mentioned a number of times, but was only entitled to wear one decoration. Established: The decoration was not bought in until 1919, but it was distributed retrospectively. Form: A certificate and a decoration were issued to each soldier. Up until August 1920, this decoration took the form of a spray of bronze oak leaves. Following 1920 this it was changed to a single oak leaf.
Source: http://s101.photobucket.com/user/medalsearch/ media/medal%20bars%20Etc/MIDWW1.jpg.html
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Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) Number awarded to O.B.s - 1 The criteria was different each service, and the number of medals awarded each year was restricted for all services. For the army, it was awarded for ‘meritorious service by Non-Commissioned Officers’. It could also be awarded for distinguished service or gallantry. Recievers of this award were also granted an annuity, dependent on their rank. Established: Originally established for the British Army in 1845, it was gradually extended to the Royal Marines (1849), Royal Air Force (1918), and the Royal Navy (1919).
Form: The medal shows the svereign on the front face. The reverse features a wreath surrounding a crown, with the inscription ‘For Meritorious Service’. The recipient’s name, rank, and unit would be inscribed onto the rim.
Source: http://www.worcestershireregiment.com/awards_ msm.php
The ribbon has varied in colour over time depending on the service. However, it is generally now crimson with white edges and a white centre stripe.
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Military Medal (MM) Number awarded to O.B.s - 9 (Bennett with one bar) A British decoration awarded for bravery in battle, taking place on land. It was only awarded to non-commissioned ranks (the Military Cross was the alternative for commissioned ranks). The Military Medal ranked below Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM), which was also awared to non-commissioned members. For additional awards of the MM, silver laurelled bars may be added. Established: 25th March 1916. Form: The award takes the form of a circular silver medal. The monach of the time appears on the front face. The reverse face is inscriped with “FOR BRAVERY IN THE FIELD�, surrounded by a laurel wreath.
Source: http://www.antiques-storehouse.co.uk/ebayphoto/bla_3.jpg
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Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) Number awarded to O.B.s - 3 The DCM was a very highly regarded award for bravery. It was a military decoration, given to only noncommissioned officers. It’s equivalent for commissioned officers is the Distinguisged Servie Order. If further acts were performed, meriting a second award, bars could be added to the medal in recognition. Established: It was established in 1854, during the Crimean War. Form: A silver medal, the front face shows the reigning monach of the time. The reserves is engraved with the inscription “FOR DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT IN THE FIELD”.
Source: https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/17104/lot/3352/
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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) Number awarded to O.B.s - 1 The DFC was awarded to members of the Royal Air Force, for “an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against the enemy�. It could be awarded to commissioned officers or Warrant Officers. During the First World War, approximately 1100 medals were awarded, with 70 first bars, and 3 second bars. A bar could be added to the ribbon for those who received a second DFC award. Established: This awarded was begun on 3rd June 1918, following the formation of the RAF. Form: The medal itselfs is a cross, 2 1/8 inches wide. The upper arm of the cross is decorated with a rose. The front depicts an aeroplane, with the wings on the horizontal arms, and the propeller on the vertical arm. The centre of the cross contains a laurel wreath around the RAF monogram, topped with an Imperial Crown. The back face contains the Royal Cypher in the centre, and the year of issue on the lower arm.
Source: http://images.bidorbuy.co.za/user_images/ 545/357545_110824091523_NUT_44_0007.jpg
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Military Cross (MC) Number awarded to O.B.s - 38 (Bingham-Hall, Brown, and Hill with one bar) The MC was created for officers of the British Armed Forces. It was awarded to commissioned officers, of the rank of Captain or below. It was also awarded to Warrant Officers. It was granted for “an act or acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy on land to all members, of any rank in Our Armed Forces�. Bars could be added for further qualifying acts. Established: This medal was created in 1914. Form: The medal is a silver cross, emblazoned with imperial crowns at each arm, and the Royal Cypher in the centre. The reverse is undecorated.
Source: http://www.liverpoolmedals.com/images/P/J1168.jpg
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Distinguished Service Order (DSO) Number awarded to O.B.s - 4 (Lumsden with 3 bars) The (DSO) is a United Kingdom military decoration. It was awarded for meritorious or distinguished service by officers during wartime, generally in armed combat or under fire. Typically it was awarded to officers of rank Major or higher. However, it has been awarded to a number of particularly valorous junior officers. On these occasions it was often taken that they had only just missed being award the Victoria Cross. Throughout the First World War, 8981 DSOs were awarded. Established: 6 September 1886 by Queen Victoria. Form: The medal was in the form of a gold cross, enamelled white with gold edging. The centre features a green enamelled laurel wreath, emblazoned with the Imperial Crown. The back is engraved with the Royal Cypher.
Source: https://assets.digital.cabinet-office.gov.uk/ government/uploads/system/uploads/image_data/ file/4495/Distinguished_Service_Order.jpg
Unusually, the ribbon featured a bar at the top, as well as at the bottom. A gold bar featuring the Crown would be issued to holders who earned a second DSO. The bar would be engraved with the year of issue.
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The Victoria Cross (VC) Number awarded to O.B.s - 2 The Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration. It can be given to members of the armed forces in a number of Commonwealth countries. Unlike many of the others, it may be awared to a person of any rank, in any service, including civilians under military command. It is given for “most conspicuous bravery, or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy”. The VC is usually presented to the recipient, or to their next kin, by the British monarch during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace. The recipient was entitled to an annuity of £10 [around
http://www.bootneck.co.uk/images/Victoria-Cross.jpg
£1000 today], or £50 [around £5000 today] if they were unable to earn due to infirmity or old age. Established: Introduced on 29th January 1856 by Queen Victoria, in order to honour valour throughout the Crimean War. Form: The bronze cross is marked with the crown of Saint Edward, sumounted by a lion, with “FOR VALOUR” inscribed below. This was changed from “FOR THE BRAVE”, on the recommendation of Queen Victoria. She felt that it implied that not all men were brave in battle. On the reverse of the cross, the date it was awarded would be engraved in the center. The ribbon was crimson, up until the formation of the Royal Air Force in 1918, a dark blue ribbon was used for members of the Navy.
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Order of the British Empire Number awarded to O.B.s - 3 Officers (OBE), 1 Member (MBE) The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry. The Order consists of five classes, which include both military and civil divisions. In descending order of seniority, these are: Knight/Dame Grand Cross (GBE), Knight /Dame Commander (KBE/DBE), Commander (CBE), Officer (OBE), and Member (MBE). Established: 4th June 1917 by King George V. Form: Each class of the Order recieves
a different award, The badge is the only common insignia. This is in the form of a cross, bearing either Britannia, George V, or Queen Mary. The reverse shows The Royal and Imperial Cypher, within a ring of the motto of the Order. The higher Orders receive slightly larger badges. The top three Orders recieve enamelled pale blue crosses with crimson rings, Officers recieve plain gold, Members recieve plain silver. Up until 1937, a purple ribbon was used, with a red central stripe denoting a military award.
Source: http://www.worcestershireregiment.com/images/ awards/OBE_award.jpg
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Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) Number awarded to O.B.s - 3 The Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George is the sixthmost highest Order of Chivalry. It was named after two military saints, St. Michael and St. George. It can be awarded to men and women, who perform extraordinary non-military service abroad. The Order consists of three classes, each is limited to a certain number of members at any one time. In descending order of seniority: Knight/ Dame Grand Cross (GCMG) - limited to 125, Knight/Dame Commander (KCMG/ DCMG) – limited to 375, and Companion (CMG) – limited to 1750. Established: It was introduced by George IV on 28th April 1818. Form: The medal takes the form of the seven-pointed ‘Maltese Asterisk’, in white enamel. The centre shows St Michael trampling Satan. The back features St George killing the dragon, on horseback. Each image is surrounded by the motto
Source: http://www.liverpoolmedals.com/ images/P/L20993.jpg
of the Order. Male Companions where this on a ribbon around the neck, while female Companions have a bow on the left shoulder.
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Companion of the Bath (CB) Number awarded to O.B.s - 3 This British Order of Chivalry is the fourth highest, and was formerly known as The Most Honourable Military Order of the Bath. It’s name is taken from the Medieval ceremony of knighting someone, which involved bathing (symbolising purification). The Order consists of the Sovereign, the Great Master, and three Classes. These are: Knights/Dames Grand Cross (GCB) – limited to 120, Knights/Dames Commander (KCB/DCB) – limited to 355, and Companions (CB) – limited to 1,925. Members now belong to either the Civil or Military Division. However, those appointed to the Military Division must be Lieutenant Commander, Major, or Squadron Leader, and must also have
Source: http://downies.com/aca/Auction313/ aca/images/lots/313/389.jpg
been previously Mentioned in Despatches for ‘distinction in a command position in a combat situation’. Non-Commonwealth citizens may be made Honorary Members. Established: 18th May 1725 by George I. Form: The military badge is a eight-pointed gold Maltese Cross, in white enamel. A gold ball decorates each point, while small figures of lions sit between each pair of points. The centre features three crowns on the front, while on the back it shows a rose, thistle, and a shamrock, emanating from a sceptre. On the bottom pair of arms is a scroll enscribed ‘Ich Dien’.
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Belgian Croix de Guerre Number awarded to O.B.s - 3 The Croix de Guerre, or “War Cross�, is a Belgian military decoration. established by royal decree on 25 October 1915. It is usually awarded for bravery, or military virtue on the battlefield. However, during WW1, it was also awarded for three or more years of service on the front line. It could also be awarded to volunteers younger than 16, and older than 40, after at least 18 months of service. Finally, to escaped prisoners of war who attempted to rejoin the forces, and to soldiers forced onto inactive service due to injury. Established: 1915. Form: The medal is a 40mm bronze maltese cross, with small balls on each end. The circle on the front shows a lion, while the reverse features the Royal cypher of King Albert 1st. Two swords point upwards between the arms of the cross. The ribbon is always red and green, but the pattern has been different for WW1, WW2, and post WW2.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Croix_de_guerre_ (Belgium)#mediaviewer/File:CDG_14_18.jpg
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French Croix de Guerre Number awarded to O.B.s - 3 The Croix de Guerre (Cross of War) is a French military decoration. It was commonly awarded to French allied forces, to either an individual, or in some cases to an entire unit. It is awarded to those who have performed a heroic or noteworthy deed. It is similar to the British, Mentioned in Despatches. The level of importance was indicated by the emblem displayed on the ribbon. The Bronze star was for being mentioned at the regiment or brigade level. The Silver star was for those mentioned at the division level. The Silver gilt star was for those who were mentioned at the corps level. The Bronze palm was for those who were mentioned at the army level. The Silver palm represents five bronze mentions. Established: 1915. Form: The medal, designed by PaulAlbert BartholomĂŠ is a bronze cross, with two crossed swords. The centre shows the symbol of the French Republic (a woman in a Phrygian cap). The reverse centre shows the conflict dates.
Source: http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/mediaugc/2013/03/10/2013-03-10-01-45-54-Croix.jpg
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Legion d’Honneur Number awarded to O.B.s - 1 (Officer) The Legion of Honour is the highest French decoration. The Order is divided into five classes: Chevalier (Knight), Officier (Officer), Commandeur (Commander), Grand Officier (Grand Officer), and finally Grand Croix (Grand Cross). This Order is generally reserved for French nationals. However, foreign nationals for have served France, or the ideals it upholds, are sometimes awarded the distinction of the Legion. Established: Napoleon Bonaparte, 19th May 1802. Form: The badge is a five-armed “Maltese Asterisk” in white enamel, with an enamelled laurel and oak wreath between the arms. The centre features the head of Marianne, surrounded by the legend “République Française”. The reverse side features a set of crossed tricolores, surrounded by the Legion’s motto “Honneur et Patrie” (Honour and Fatherland). This is suspended from the ribbon by an enamelled laurel and oak wreath.
Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/ da/Chevalier_légion_d%27honneur_2.png
Officers wear this on the left breast, suspended from a ribbon with a rosette.
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Order of the Redeemer Number awarded to O.B.s - 1 Silver Cross, 1 Commander The Order of the Redeemer, or “Τάγμα του Σωτήρος”, is the highest and oldest Greek Order of Merit. It is also known as the Order of the Savior. The Order of the Redeemer has five classes: Grand Cross (‘Μεγαλόσταυρος’), Grand Commander (‘Ανώτερος Ταξιάρχης’), Commander (‘Ταξιάρχης’), Gold Cross (‘Χρυσούς Σταυρός’), and Silver Cross (‘Αργυρούς Σταυρός’). The Order was awarded to Greek citizens who distinguished themselves in any branch of public service, including in military service, public administration, or social fields, through illustrious services to the Throne, for the Glory of the Hellenic name and for the welfare of the fatherland”. NonGreek citizens could also be awarded
Source: http://www.ebay.com/itm/SCARCE-WWI-GREECEGREEK-ORDER-REDEEMER-MEDAL-BRAVERY-SERVICE/181205057854?pt=AU_Militaria&hash=item2a30a9c13e
the Order, for past services, or for their ability “to bring honour to the Order, through their outstanding personal virtues and excellence”. Established: By the Fourth National Assembly at Argos in 1829. This was during the Greek War of Independence. Form: The badge consists of a white enamel Maltese cross, this was gold for all the classes above the Silver Cross. During WWI, the front face of the medal showed an icon of Jesus, with the inscription Η ΔΕΞΙΑ ΣΟΥ ΧΕΙΡ, ΚΥΡΙΕ, ΔΕΔΟΞΑΣΤΑΙ ΕΝ ΙΣΧΥΙ (“Thy right hand, O Lord, is become glorious in power”, Exodus, 15:6). The reverse showed the national coat of arms.
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Croce di Guerra Number awarded to O.B.s - 1 The Italian War Merit Cross was awarded to individuals in the armed forces, with at least one year’s service in contact with an enemy, who received the Medal of the Wounded. It was also awarded to those who had been mentioned for war merit, and therefore received a promotion. It would also be used if an act of valour was not enough to gain the MEdal of Military Valour. Between 1918 and 1927, 1,034,924 Crosses were issued. Established: Instituted by King Victor Emanuel III on 19 January 1918. Form: The badge was a simple broze cross, bearing the Royal Cypher, “MERITO DI GVERRA”, and a Roman sword on oak leaves. The reverse featured a fivepointed star on a background of rays.
Source: http://www.centoventesimo.com/testimonianze/ achille_dileonardo/documenti/croce.jpg
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Order of St Anne Number awarded to O.B.s - 1 (2nd Class) The Order of Saint Anne (also “Order of Saint Ann” or “Order of Saint Anna”) Russian: Орден Святой Анны was a Russian Imperial Order of Chivalry. The motto of the Order was “Amantibus Justitiam, Pietatem, Fidem”, this translates as “To those who love justice, piety, and fidelity”. Membership was given for “a distinguished career in civil servie or for valour and distinguished service in the military”. The Order is divided into four classes, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. The First Class award entitled the holder to hereditary nobility, while the other classes granted personal nobility. Established: 14th February 1735 by Karl Friedrich, Duke of Holstein-Gottorp, in honour of his wife Anna Petrovna, who was the daughter of Peter the Great of Russia. Form: The red enamel cross features on each class of this award. The width of the ribbon decreases through the ranks, starting at 95mm for 1st Class. The ornamentation also decreases. Those awarded to military recipients would feature crossed swords.
Source: http://www.greatestcollectibles.com/wp-content/ uploads/2012/05/Medals-13.jpg
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