Prussian Koniggratz Cross 1866

Prussian Koniggratz Cross 1866. Unnamed as issued. A cross pattée convexed with an oak leaf wreath between the arms. Obverse: A German crowned eagle standing on a cannon with 'KONIG-GRATZ', 'DEN 3', 'JULI' and '1866' (The 3rd of July 1866) on the arms of the cross. Reverse: In the centre the Prussian royal cypher surrounded by 'PREUSSENS SIEGREICHEN HEERES' (Prussia's victorious armies). The arms of the cross have a crown at the top, 'GOTT MIT IMM' to the left, 'WAR UNS SEI' to the right and 'DIE EHRE' on the bottom. The medal is fitted with a loose ring suspender and piece of white 31 mm ribbon that has gold and black edges.

Awarded to Prussian troops who fought at the Battle of Koniggratz on 3 July 1866 during the Austro-Prussian War of 1866 in a dispute with Denmark over the control of Schleswig-Holstein. The ribbon is the same as the 'Main Armee' combatants medal. 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.