Belgian Order of Leopold II

Belgian Order of Leopold II, 5th Class (Knight). A silver Maltese cross with shallow angle ends having small ball finials on the eight points and an olive wreath between the arms. Obverse: In the centre a crowned silver rampant lion, facing left, on a black background, within the inscription 'L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE' (Unity creates power) on a blue field. Reverse: The silver central disc has the face-to-face monogram 'L' (King Leopold II) within a pearl design circle. The order is suspended from a hinged double sided silver crown which has a loose ring at the top for the 36 mm dark blue ribbon with a central black stripe.

This military order was established in 1900 by King Leopold II. It is awarded for bravery in combat, for meritorious service to the benefit of the Belgian nation and for long service. It can also be awarded to foreign nationals. 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.