Mecklenburg-Schwerin Military Merit Cross, First Class

Mecklenburg-Schwerin Military Merit Cross, First Class. Unnamed as issued. Obverse: A convex cross pattée with a raised serrated edge line. 'FF' in the centre, a crown on the top arm and '1914' on the lower arm. Reverse: Plain with a vertical brooch pin.

Grand Duke Friedrich Franz II established the Military Merit Cross on 5 August 1848. It was clearly patterned on the Prussian Iron Cross. The Cross was issued in two classes, with receipt of the 2nd Class, worn from a ribbon, being a prerequisite to receipt of the 1st Class, which was a pinback cross. It was awarded without regard to rank for bravery or military merit in wartime, and was renewed for particular conflicts, rather than being used as a general military decoration in peacetime. The 1914 version was authorized on 28 February 1915, with awards retroactive to the beginning of the war. After the war ended retroactive awards continued until 31 May 1924. During the First World War the Military Merit Cross could also be awarded to non-combatants, including those supporting the war effort on the home front. In these cases, the second class was awarded on a reverse coloured ribbon of red with yellow and blue edges. The Cross in both classes was reduced to 33 mm when awarded to women. This medal forms part of a collection assembled by the Memorial in the 1920s for display.