Type Campaign medal Campaign(s) Belgium 1914–1918 Established September 1915 | Awarded for Humanitarian service Description Bronze medal | |
Eligibility Belgian and Allied Forces | ||
The Order of Queen Elisabeth of Belgium (colloquially known as The Red Cross Order of Queen Elisabeth of Belgium or the Queen Elizabeth Medal) (1914–1918) was a campaign medal created by Queen Elisabeth of Belgium for humanitarian service in World War I.
It was created on 15 September 1915 and finalized by Royal Decree of 14 May 1919. It was awarded to Belgians or foreigners who had performed exceptional valuable services to Belgian civilians or members of the military in connection with the war and more specifically with the nursing of the ill and wounded during a period of no less than one year prior to 10 September, 1919. When awarded for services rendered in a hospital, a red enameled cross fills the open suspension ring.
Description
The obverse shows the Queen's head, looking to the right, and along the medal's edge is the text: "Elisabeth Reine des Belges" ("Elisabeth Queen of the Belgians"). The reverse has a seated veiled nurse holding an oil lamp symbolizing sacrifice and submission to duty and humanity. The lower edge of the medal is inscribed "1914–1918" while around the remaining edge is the Latin text "Pro Patria Honore et Caritate" ("For the country, Honour and Charity"). The ribbon bar is grey with purple edges.