French Legion of Honour, 5th Class

Legion of Honour (Third Empire, 5th Class) Medal. Unnamed as issued. The medal takes the form of a five-armed cross, each arm having a double point in silver and white enamel. The cross is encircled between the arms by a green wreath of oak and laurel leaves and surmounted by a smaller, similar wreath forming part of the ring suspender. The gilt centre obverse has the head of Marianne, symbolic figure of the Republic, surrounded by the inscription 'REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE 1870' . The gilt centre reverse has crossed tricolour flags with 'HONNEUR ET PATRIE' . A piece of plain red 37 mm ribbon is attached to the suspender ring.

Instituted in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, the order is conferred upon men and women, either French citizens or foreigners, for outstanding achievements in military or civil life. There are five classes of the award. 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.