Belgian Queen Elisabeth Medal

Queen Elisabeth of Belgium 1914-16 Medal. A circular medal with slight 1mm extensions at the four cardinal points, giving the stylised effect of a cross with convex curved ends to the arms. At the top is a voided laurel wreath. Obverse: The bust of Queen Elisabeth facing right with the inscription 'ELISABETH REINE DES BELGES' around the circumference. Reverse: A female figure in a nurse's dress, kneeling left holding an oil lamp stand in her right hand, symbolising the spirit of sacrifice and devotion, with the legend 'PRO PATRIA HONORE ET CARITATE' ( For Country, Honour and Charity) around the top edge and 1914-1916 in the exergue. The medal is fitted with a loose ring suspender and a piece of 37 mm grey ribbon with 4 mm pale red edges.

Instituted on 15 September 1919 for Belgians and foreigners who had given valuable service to Belgian civilians and soldiers in connection with the war, especially in nursing and care of the sick and wounded, for a period of not less than one year prior to 30 September 1919. 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.