Officers, and Commanders. After the Coronation of Napoleon (July 14th,
1804) the first class of Grand Officers was divided into Knights of the
Grand Eagle (as the highest) and Grand Officers. At present there are
five classes of the Order: Knights of the Grand Cross, Grand Officers,
Commanders, Officers, and Knights.
The original Badge or Cross consists of a white enamelled badge with
five double rays, with silver balls on the points, resting on a laurel
and oak wreath, tied at the base, surmounted by an Imperial crown
attached to the badge by a loop and ring, and has a ring for suspension
from a crimson corded ribbon, 1½ in. wide.
Obverse: On a silver-gilt radiated centre, the laureated head of the
Emperor Napoleon, facing right, surrounded by a blue enamelled band,
with gilt borders, inscribed, in gold letters, NAPOLEON EMPEREUR DES
FRANÇAIS. Reverse: Also on a silver-gilt centre of horizontal lines,
the French Imperial eagle, surrounded by a blue enamelled band, with
gilt borders, inscribed, HONNEUR ET PATRIE, with a sprig of laurel
below.
The Cross for the Knight is in silver, and for the other classes in
gold and of a larger size.
The Knights and Officers wear it at the button-hole or on the left
breast; the Commanders round the neck. The Grand Officers wear besides,
upon the right breast, a silver Star, similar to that of the Grand
Crosses; and at the button-hole the Cross in gold. The Knights of the
Grand Cross wear a similar golden Cross, but larger, suspended by a
ribbon across the right shoulder towards the left hip; and also, on the
left breast, a silver Star.
The Star is of silver, similar to the Cross, without the wreath, having
rays between the angles, and in the centre, within a band inscribed
HONNEUR ET PATRIE, the Imperial French eagle.
The first claim to the Order must begin with the lowest degree of
Knights, as no degree can be passed over.
=The Republican Cross.=--The Badge of the Légion d'Honneur, given by
the Republic, bears on the obverse, facing right, a laureated female
head symbolic of the Republic, and surrounded by the legend REPUBLIQUE
FRANÇAISE, 1870. On the reverse in the centre are the crossed French
flags, surrounded by the motto HONNEUR ET PATRIE. In place of the
French Imperial crown which was employed as a suspender in the original
badge or cross is an enamelled wreath, otherwise the general appearance
of the decorations is the same.
=Prussian Iron Cross, 1813.=--The Order of the Prussian Iron Cross was
instituted by King Frederick William III on March 10th, 1813, to reward
those, either military or civil, who distinguished themselves in the
war then being carried on. It was divided into three classes. The Grand
Cross, which was double the size of the Knight's Cross, and was worn
round the neck, was given exclusively for the gaining of a decisive
battle, the conquest of an important position or place, or the brave
defence of a fortress. The first class also wear upon the left breast,
instead of a Star, a similar Cross or Badge. In the bestowal of the
Cross, neither rank nor condition was regarded. (See facing page 332.)
It was worn by the military with a black ribbon with two white
stripes near the edge; and by civilians with a white ribbon with black
borders, and was suspended from a silver loop and ring. At the close
of hostilities, the distribution of the Order ceased, but was revived
on July 19th, 1870, for the war then about to commence with France.
The decoration is a cast-iron Cross, in the form of a cross patée,
with silver borders and mountings. There are three classes, both for
military and civilians. Obverse: In the centre, within a silver milled
border, three oak leaves; above, F. W. surmounted by the Prussian
crown; below, 1813. The Cross awarded for the Franco-German War bears
on the reverse: In the centre, also within a silver milled border, the
initial W; above, is a crown; below, 1870.
=For Distinction in Service.=--In 1825, on the anniversary of the
battle of Waterloo, King Frederick William III instituted a gold Cross
for officers who had served twenty-five years, bearing on the obverse
the initials, ~F. W. III~, surmounted by a crown, and on the reverse
the number ~XXV~. It was worn on the left breast, suspended by a blue
ribbon. See facing page 332. For sub-officers and privates, silver
buckles, 1¹³⁄₂₀ by ⁹⁄₂₀ in., with the initials ~F. W. III~ in relief,
on a rough ground, within a raised double border, worn on the left
breast, with brooch attachment, suspended by a blue ribbon with yellow
borders for twenty-one years' service; by a blue ribbon with white and
blue borders for fifteen years' service; and by a blue ribbon with
black borders for nine years' service. Years of war service counted
double.
=San Sebastian, 1836.=--This medal was granted by the Spanish
Government to the British Legion in Spain, who served under General Sir
de Lacy Evans against the Carlists on the heights of St. Sebastian,
on May 5th, 1836. It was given in silver to officers, and in white
metal to privates. On the obverse, surrounded by the Collar of the
Golden Fleece, within a circle, on a mottled ground, is a Lion, statant
gardant. Above, +ESPAÑA+; below, +AGRADECIDA+. On the reverse, in the
centre of a cross of four arms, with plain, raised borders, having
crowns in the angles, surrounded by a wreath of laurel, from which
rays issue, 1836; around which is inscribed SAN SEBASTIAN 5 DE MAYO.
Beneath, and to the right of the lower limb of the cross, I.D.
The medal, 1⅖ in. in diameter, is suspended by a ring passed through
the medal, to which is attached a silver bar. The ribbon is 1½ in.
wide, dark purple with two yellow stripes near the edges.
=Iron Cross for San Sebastian, 1836.=--An iron Cross of four arms, with
bright borders, with rays in the arms issuing from the centre, having
four gold crowns between the arms. On the obverse, in the centre, in
high relief, in gold, is a Lion, statant gardant, with a gold border,
on which is inscribed in gold letters, HESPEINA AGRADECIDA. The whole
within the Collar of the Golden Fleece, in bronze, the pendant Lamb
being in gold. On the reverse, also in relief, within a laurel wreath
of gold, SAN SEBASTIAN 5 DE MAYO in gold, having in the centre of a
gold circle, 1836 in gold. The Cross, similar to that on the circular
silver medal, is 1¹⁄₂₀ in. in diameter, with a gold loop and gold ring
for suspension.
=Medal for Irun.=--For the capture of the fort and town of Irun, in
Spain, on May 17th, 1836, a gold medal was issued by the Spanish
Government to the officers, and among the recipients was an English
surgeon, whose medal is in Dr. Payne's collection. It is 1⅟₁₆ by ¹⁹⁄₂₀
of an inch and has a plain gold border. On the obverse, encircled
by two oak leaves enamelled green, tied at the base with a ribbon
enamelled white, is a tower enamelled white; behind which is a sword
with a gold hilt, the blade enamelled blue, and above the tower on
a dark blue enamelled ribbon the word IRUN standing up in gold. The
whole is enamelled champlevé. On the reverse on a plain gold ground is
enamelled in blue 17 DE MAYO DE 1837, encircled by the name and rank
of the recipient, STAFF SURGEON B. A. L. SPAIN, C. B. BREAREY, M.D.,
M.R.C.S. The ribbon from which the medal is suspended is black with
red edges, symbolical of the blood spilt in capturing the fort and
town, over which the black flag was waving, indicating that no quarter
was being given.
Staff Surgeon Brearey likewise received the Silver Cross for San
Sebastian, 1836, and this also is in Dr. Payne's collection.
=Silver Cross for San Sebastian, 1846.=--This is a silver Cross of four
arms, 1¹⁄₂₀ in. in diameter, with plain, raised borders, with obverse
and reverse the same as the medal, the words ESPAÑA AGRADECIDA being
omitted on the obverse. (See facing page 336.)
=Russian Medal for Hungary, 1849.=--The medal awarded to the Russian
soldiers who took part in the Pacification of Hungary at the request of
Austria in 1849, bears on the obverse the Russian double-headed eagle,
surmounted by a crown, having a shield on its breast, encircled by a
collar and badge, containing the figure of St. George and the Dragon.
The eagle to the left is holding a baton in its claws, and the one to
the right a globe with a cross above it. Above, the radiated Eye of
Providence; encircling the whole, in Russian characters, GOD IS WITH
US: HEAR, O YE PEOPLE, AND SUBMIT, FOR GOD IS WITH US. On the reverse,
inscribed in Russian characters, is FOR THE PACIFICATION OF HUNGARY
AND TRANSILVANIA, 1849. This is a small circular medal, 1³⁄₂₀ in. in
diameter, with plain, raised double borders. It is made in silver and
bronze.
=For Zeal.=--An interesting silver medal 1⅒ in. in diameter was issued
by the Emperor Nicholas I. It bears on the obverse the bust of the
young ruler facing right and his titles in Russian characters, and on
the reverse, following the line of a ribbed border, the legend FOR ZEAL
in Russian, a rope-like circle makes a central shield. The medal is
1⅟₁₆ in. in diameter.
=Médaille Militaire.=--This, the French equivalent of the British
Distinguished Conduct Medal, was founded in 1852 by Louis Napoleon,
when President of the French Republic. It is of silver, 1 in. in
diameter, formed of a close band of laurel wreaths, encircling on the
obverse the gilt bust of Louis Napoleon, facing left, with his name
in gilt letters on a blue enamelled band. On the reverse, the wreath
encircles a narrow band of blue enamel which borders the gilt centre
bearing the legend VALEUR ET DISCIPLINE. The medal is surmounted
by the French eagle, with outspread wings, and is suspended by an
orange-coloured ribbon with green edges. After the Crimea, Louis, who
had then become the Emperor Napoleon III, presented this medal to
500 British non-commissioned officers and men who had distinguished
themselves in the campaign. (See facing page 132.)
The Republican variety bears the female head symbolic of the Republic
on the obverse and the legend REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAIS * 1870 *; on the
reverse is the inscription VALEUR ET DISCIPLINE. The medal is connected
with the suspender by means of a trophy of French arms. The medal
illustrated was won in France during the war now waging, by the late
Sergeant Hunt.
=Turkestan.=--For the campaign in Turkestan the Emperor Alexander II
gave a small silver medal 1⅟₁₆ in. in diameter which bears on the
obverse the Emperor's initial A in ornamental cypher, surmounted by the
Imperial crown and II arranged between the legs of the initial. The
reverse bears in the centre the date 1857-1858-1859 encircled by an
inscription in Russian explaining that it was awarded for the success
of arms in Turkestan. (See facing page 364.)
=Garibaldian Medal, 1860.=--This medal was given in 1860 to the
Garibaldians in Sicily by the Municipality of Palermo, and distributed
to the troops by Garibaldi, November 4th, 1860, in the square fronting
the Royal Palace, Naples.
[Illustration: SILVER MEDAL "FOR ZEAL," AWARDED BY NICHOLAS I.
SILVER MEDAL FOR CAUCASUS, 1859-64.
BRONZE CROSS FOR CAUCASUS, 1864.
SILVER MEDAL FOR TURKESTAN, 1857-8-9.
BRONZE MEDAL FOR POLISH INSURRECTION, 1863-4.
RUSSIAN WAR DECORATIONS.]
On the obverse, within the words AI PRODI CUI FU DUCE GARIBALDI, is a
spread eagle standing on a scroll, on which are the letters S.P.Q.P.
Three stars below. All in relief. On the reverse, outside a circle of
laurel leaves are the words MARSALA, CALATAFIMI, PALERMO. Within the
circle, IL MUNICIPIO PALERMITANO RIVENDICATO MDCCCLX. A star is in the
exergue. This is a small circular medal, 1⅕ in. in diameter, within a
plain, raised double border, suspended by a silver loop and ring from
a crimson ribbon, 1⅖ in. wide, with narrow yellow edges, on which is
attached the Arms of Sicily in silver, bearing the words UNO DEI MIL.
=Papal States Campaign, 1860.=--This medal was given by Pope Pius IX to
his troops, including the Irish Brigade of Volunteers, who served under
Major O'Reilly against Garibaldi. It was issued in gold to officers,
and in silver and white metal to privates.
The obverse: An open ring formed by the body of a serpent--symbolic
of eternity--on the head of which rests an inverted cross; around, on
a plain band with simple, moulded edge is the motto, PRO PETRI SEDE▲
PIO · IX · P · M · A · XV▲. On the reverse, in the band, VICTORIA QVAE
VINCIT MVNDVM FIDES NOSTRA *.
This (facing page 352) is a circular medal, 1½ in. in diameter, with a
plain, raised, double border, and a scroll bar and claw clip suspender,
from a crimson ribbon, 1⅕ in. wide, with two white stripes, edged with
yellow.
=The Caucasus.=--For services in the Caucasus between 1859-1864 the
Emperor Alexander II granted a small silver medal 1⅟₁₆ in. in diameter
bearing on the obverse his bust in profile facing left, and on the
reverse across the centre is the date 1859-1864 encircled by an
inscription in Russian characters stating that it is awarded for the
subjugation of the Western Caucasus.
A bronze Cross, with crossed swords between the arms, to be attached
to the uniform by means of a ring and bar attachment, was also awarded
for the same campaign. It bears the explanatory inscription across the
horizontal arms and Alexander's initial in Russian character surmounted
by the Russian Imperial crown in the upper arm, and the date 1864 in
the lower arm. In the circle which occupies the centre is the Russian
eagle. It is 1⁹⁄₁₀ in. across the arms. (See facing page 364.)
=The Polish Insurrection.=--For the suppression of the Polish
Insurrection a bronze medal, 1⅟₁₆ in. in diameter, was granted to the
Russian troops. It is suspended from a ¾ in. ribbon composed of three
equal stripes of white, yellow, and black, and bears on the obverse the
two-headed Imperial eagle, surmounted by the Imperial crown, holding
in its claws the orb and sceptre. On the reverse across the centre is
the date 1863-1864 encircled by the inscription, in Russian, "For the
suppression of the Polish Rebellion."
=Cross for König Grätz.=--The Cross for König Grätz was awarded to the
Prussian troops who fought against the Austrians during the sanguinary
and disastrous seven weeks ("seven days") war in 1866. It was this
short campaign which demonstrated the superiority of the needle gun
or breech-loader, on the bolt principle, over the old-fashioned
muzzle-loader used by the Austrians, who assert that they were defeated
simply because it took them three or four times as long to load and
fire their guns as it did the Prussians. In this fight, also called
the battle of Sadowa, the Austrians lost 20,000 men placed _hors de
combat_, and as many prisoners. The Prussian loss was 10,000.
The Cross, which is 1⅖ in. in diameter, bears in the centre the Royal
Cypher W.R., surrounded by the legend PREUSSEN SIEGRIECHEM HEERE (To
Prussia's victorious army); on the upper arm of the Cross is the
Prussian crown, on the right arm GOTT MIT IHM, and on the left WAR
UNS SEI, on the bottom arm is DIE EHRE. On the reverse is the crowned
Prussian eagle, resting upon a cannon; on the upper arm is KONIG-GRATZ,
on the left DENZ, on the right, JULI, and on the lower arm, 1866. The
ribbon is of black corded silk, 1 in. wide, with narrow stripes of
white and orange at the side. (See facing page 352.)
=Geneva Cross, 1870-71.=--This bears on the obverse a red enamelled
Cross of four arms, with a silver indented border in the centre
in white enamel, with a plain silver edge. Reverse: On a silver
perpendicular lined surface, within a raised silver double border,
above, 1870; below, 1871; between, AUX BLESSÉS DES ARMÉES DE TERRE
ET DE MER. The cross has a ring and loop for suspension from a white
ribbon, 1½ in. wide, with a red cross in the centre. This Cross appears
to be like the one worn by King Edward VII.
The Silver Cross, 1½ in. in diameter, bears on the obverse, above,
1870; below, 1871; between, SOCIÉTÉ FRANÇAISE DE SECOURS AUX BLESSÉS
DES ARMÉES DE TERRE ET DE MER. The reverse is plain, with a simple
border. Ribbon, the same as the above. The Bronze Cross is the same, 1½
in. in diameter, and is also suspended from the white ribbon with the
Geneva Cross in the centre. (See facing page 352.)
=French Medal for 1870-71.=--The bronze medal recently awarded by
the French Government to the survivors of the Franco-Prussian War
of 1870-71 is what one might expect from an artistic nation. It is
somewhat larger, however, than most French military medals. It bears on
the obverse the helmeted and armour-clad bust of a woman, symbolising
the Republic, with the legend ~REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE~ and on the
reverse a finely arranged trophy of French arms, supporting the French
tricolour, above a panel inscribed ~AUX DEFENSEURS DE LA PATRIE~ (To
the defenders of the country). It is suspended by a green ribbon, with
four black stripes of equal width. (See facing page 356.)
=German Medal for 1870-71.=--After the conclusion of the
Franco-Prussian War the German Emperor distributed circular medals of
iron or bronze to combatants and non-combatants who rendered service
during the campaign: the reverse of the medal explains whether it was
awarded to one or the other. On the obverse of the medal granted to
combatants is ~W~, the initial of Wilhelm, surmounted by the Prussian
crown, and underneath, ~Dem siegreichem Heere~ (To the victorious
army), encircled by ~Gott war mit uns, Ihm sei die Ehre~ (God was
with us, to Him the honour). On the reverse, surrounded by a laurel
wreath, ~1870/1871~. On the steel medals the wreath is of oak (on
the medals for 1813, 1814, 1815 the wreath is of laurel and oak),
but in each case the wreath overlays a cross patée with rays issuant
between the arms. On the edge is sometimes impressed AUS EROBERTEM
GESCHUETZ (From captured guns). The same inscription is on the edge of
the bronze medals issued to combatants for the campaigns of 1813-14
and 1815. The medal awarded to non-combatants bears the inscription
~Fur Pflichittreue im Kreige~ (For faithful service in war); there is
no inscription on the edge. The medal is suspended by a ribbed silk
ribbon, 1 in. wide, with a red stripe down the centre, flanked by black
and white stripes and black edging. (See facing page 356.)
=Chili-Peruvian War, 1879-81.=--On April 5th, 1879, war was
declared against Peru by the Chilian Republic, it being alleged as
a _casus belli_ that the Government of Peru had made a treaty with
Bolivia--Chili having strained relations with the latter country--which
was antagonistic to Chili. This, however, as the terms of the treaty
show, was merely a pretext for taking by force the province of Tarapaca
with its mineral wealth and guano deposits. The battle of Tarapaca was
fought on November 17th, 1879, and despite the gallant efforts of the
Peruvian Army, the city was taken by the Chilians. The latter, under
General Baquedano, landing an army farther north, fought the battle of
TACNA on May 26th, 1880, the action commemorated upon the bar attached
to the medal illustrated and shown above the bar for SAN FRANCISCO,
fought on November 19th, 1879. The Bolivian and Peruvian force of 9,000
men under General Camero was decisively defeated by the Chilians,
14,000 strong, who followed up their success by capturing Arica on June
7th, 1880. Incidentally I might mention that the bars slip over the
ribbon and bear on the back the date of the action. The campaign in
Lima succeeded the annihilation of the Peruvian Army. In this the raw
recruits and volunteers who fought for Peru made desperate struggles at
Chorrillos on the 13th and at a final concerted struggle at MIRAFLORES
on January 15th, 1881, but they were beaten, losing about 3,000 men
killed and wounded (their opponents' losses were over 2,000), and
despite the splendid defence of Lima, it was taken on the 17th; but its
defender, General Caceres, struggled on with a guerilla warfare until
October 1883, when the war was concluded upon terms which pressed very
heavily upon the unfortunate Peruvians.
[Illustration: GOLD MEDAL PRESENTED BY THE AMERICAN NATION TO ADMIRAL
DEWEY FOR THE VICTORIOUS BATTLE OF MANILA BAY, 1898.]
=The First Chilian Medal.=--This was awarded to the participants in
the first campaign, which, as the inscription on the reverse states,
covered the inclusive period of ~DE 14 DE FEBRERO DE 1879 A 7 DE JUNIO
DE 1880~. This legend is on a blue enamelled ground, in the centre of
the silver medal, bordered by a band of red. The five arms of the star
are covered with scaling which forms the centre of the panels; the
points are tipped with balls; conventional rays are issuant between
the arms of the star. On the obverse, in the centre, is a laureated,
Grecian head, symbolic of the Republic; it is gilt and encircled by
a blue enamelled band bearing the legend ~CAMPAGNA A BOLIVIA I EL
PERU~. The decoration depends from a red, ribbed ribbon, and regulation
brooches were issued with the medals for suspension.
=The Second Chilian Medal.=--For the campaign which resulted in
the capture of Lima a silver Cross with five arms was awarded. The
terminals of the arms are protected by beads and the panelling is
scaled as in the other decoration; issuant between the arms, three
leaves of laurel. In the centre of the obverse and reverse is a gilt
five-pointed star upon a radiated ground. On one side in a blue
enamelled band is the record ~CAMPAGNA DE LIMA 1887~, and on the other
~REPUBLICA DE CHILE~. This decoration depends from a blue ribbon, from
a regulation silver buckle brooch. (See facing page 356.)
=Tonkin, 1883-5.=--The French medal for the China War of 1883-5 bears
on the obverse, within a wreath of laurel, with ribbon entwined, the
head of "the Republic," helmeted and laureated, with the word PATRIE
on the forehead. Around, REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE. Below truncation is
the artist's name, DANIEL DUPUIS. On the reverse, in the centre of
a circle, within a similar wreath of laurel, are the battle names,
SONTAY, BAC-NINH, FOU-TCHÉOU, FORMOSE, TUYEN-QUAN, PESCADORES. Around,
TONKIN CHINE ANNAM, 1883-1885, below, with a dot on either side. This
is a small circular silver medal, 1³⁄₂₀ in. in diameter, with a ring
and loop for suspension from a yellow ribbon, 1½ in. wide, with four
light green stripes. (See facing page 348.)
=Spanish-American War.=--Arising out of the difficulties between
the Spanish and the Cubans, came the war between Spain and America
and the opportunity for the United States Navy to demonstrate its
power, with a squadron of only 6 ships, by destroying the fleet of 11
Spanish battleships in Manila Bay without the loss of a single man.
I illustrate the remarkably fine medal which was presented by the
American nation to Commodore George Dewey--Admiral Dewey, as he is
known in Britain--and to the officers and men who served under him. The
medal, designed by the famous American sculptor, Daniel Chester French,
was struck by Messrs. Tiffany & Co. It bears on the obverse the bust of
Admiral Dewey, and on the ground the following inscription, THE GIFT OF
THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES TO THE OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE OCEATIC
SQUADRON, UNDER THE COMMAND OF COMMODORE GEORGE DEWEY. On the reverse
is a finely modelled figure of an American sailor, sitting on a naval
gun, holding firmly across his knees the American flag, his left foot
resting on a small panel upon which the name of the ship was engraved.
Encircling all is the record IN MEMORY OF THE VICTORY OF MANILA BAY,
MAY 1ST, 1898. (See facing page 368.)
=German South-West Africa.=--The German medal for South-West Africa,
1904-6, marks a departure on the part of the Germans in the application
of art to the making of war medals. The severity which has usually
distinguished them has disappeared, and we have in very low relief
the richly helmeted head of Germania, surrounded by the inscription,
SUDEWEST AFRICA 1904-06, and on the reverse the Imperial crown with
ribbons surmounting the Gothic initial W. II, which is arranged above
crossed swords, the whole being encircled by the inscription DEN
SIEGREICHEN STREITERN. The medal was given in steel to non-combatants.
The ribbon is white with a series of red horizontal lines down the
centre, leaving a clear white margin, which is edged with black of an
equal width, and to it is attached a gilt bar for services rendered in
~KALAHARI 1908~. Like some of the medals awarded by American States,
the bar is not attached to the medal, and is apt to get lost.