Iron Cross Second Class 1870

Iron Cross Second Class 1870 with a white metal oak leaf 25 year cluster suspender. Unnamed as issued. A cross pattee in black iron edged with silver. Obverse: A 'W' in the centre with a crown on the top arm and '1870' on the lower. Reverse: Three oak leaves in the centre surmounted by a crown over 'FW' and 1813 on the lower arm. The medal is fitted with a ring suspender to the oakleaf cluster and has a ribbon, folded in a triangular shape, of black with white stripes towards each edge. A gilt brooch pin is stitched to the rear of the ribbon.

The Iron Cross decoration was established by King Frederick William III of Prussia in 1813 as an award for gallantry in action. It had two classes, together with a Grand Cross. The First and Second Class crosses were revived for the Franco-German War of 1870-71, the First World War, 1914-18 and in 1939 for the Second World War. The 25 year jubilee oakleaf cluster was granted in 1895 to all holders of the 1870 award to be worn with the ribbon. This medal is part of a collection assembled by the late Hon. Sir Thomas Hughes, Member of the Legislative Council of New South Wales. It was presented to the Memorial in memory of his son, Captain Roger Forrest Hughes, Australian Army Medical Corps, who died of wounds in France on 11 December 1916 and his grandson, Flying Officer Peter Roger Forrest Hughes, 12 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force, who was killed on active service while flying in the Northern Territory on 3 October 1942.