Lippe-Detmold War Honour Cross for Heroic Deeds

Lippe-Detmold War Honour Cross for Heroic Deeds. Unnamed as issued. A convex silver gilt cross pattée. Obverse: In the centre a rose with five petals within a laurel wreath tied at the base with a bow. The top arm has the monogram 'L' surmounted by a crown and the lower arm '1914'. Across the left and right arms of the cross is the inscription 'FUR MUTIGE' and 'HELDEN TAT' (For Brave and Heroic Deeds). Reverse: Plain with a vertical brooch pin.

On 8 December 1914 two new military awards were authorised which could be awarded without regard for rank. These were the War Honour Cross for Heroic Deeds and the War Merit Cross. The War Honour Cross for Heroic Deeds was a pin back cross, while the War Merit Cross was worn from a ribbon. Although somewhat similar to the Prussian Iron Cross, there were important differences. The War Honour Cross for Heroic Deeds was not a higher grade of the War Merit Cross, and there was no requirement that one had received the War Merit Cross before one was eligible for the War Honour Cross for Heroic Deeds. Also, the War Honour Cross for Heroic Deeds was intended solely as a bravery award, while the War Merit Cross could be given for merit on the home front. There were 740 awards of the War Honour Cross for Heroic Deeds. This medal forms part of a collection assembled by the Memorial in the 1920s for display.