Prussian Order of the Red Eagle, 4th Class, with Swords

Prussian Order of the Red Eagle, Fourth Class, Military Division, with swords. A silver cross pattee with gilt crossed swords between the arms. Obverse: In the centre disc the crowned red eagle of Brandenburg, above a green laurel branch, charged with a small white and black quartered shield of Hohenzollern. Reverse: On the central disc the crowned monogram 'FW'. The medal is fitted with a loose ring suspender on the top arm for attaching to ribbon.

The Order of the Red Eagle was awarded to both military personnel and civilians, to recognize valour in combat, excellence in military leadership, long and faithful service to the kingdom, or other achievements. As with most German (and many other European) orders, the Order of the Red Eagle could only be awarded to commissioned officers or civilians of approximately equivalent status. However, there was a medal of the order, which could be awarded to non-commissioned officers and enlisted men, lower ranking civil servants and other civilians. There are five classes to the order which originated in 1705 as the Order 'de la Sincerite' of Brandenburg-Bayreuth. The Order has different designs for the various periods of issue. This example was collected by Robert Alexander McKillop on the Western Front. McKillop was born in Tumut, NSW on 23 April 1882. He worked as a stock and stallion agent in Cooma, NSW prior to his enlistment for service at the age of 33 years in June 1915. He had also served with an Australian Light Horse Regiment (militia) prior to the First World War, though resigned sometime before the war's outbreak. McKillop embarked for service overseas with 13 Battalion in March 1916 and arrived in France, via Alexandria, in May. In August, McKillop was promoted to the rank of lieutenant before undertaking further training in England. Returning to France and 13 Battalion in July 1917, McKillop was soon after promoted to the rank of captain in August. On 14 July 1918, Captain McKillop was awarded the Military Cross for his actions at Hebuterne. There, in March 1918, he had led a successful advance of his company into the village and the night after led an attack which resulted in the capture of 10 enemy prisoners. Captain McKillop returned to Australia in September 1919. His son Robert Ian, served as a sergeant in the Australian Army during the Second World War; his medals are also held in the Australian War Memorial's collections.