Brunswick War Merit Cross, First Class

Brunswick War Merit Cross, First Class. Unnamed as issued. A dark bronze convex cross pattee with the highlights polished. Obverse: In the centre 'EA' with two oak leaves on the left and right arms. A crown on the top arm and '1914' on the lower arm. Reverse: Plain with a vertical brooch pin.

The Brunswick Military Merit Cross was established by Duke Wilhelm in 1879 as a bravery decoration for junior non-commissioned officers and enlisted soldiers. It was patterned after the Prussian Military Merit Cross. There is no evidence that the cross was ever actually awarded. In 1914 Duke Ernst August reestablished the Military Merit Cross, but with a new design. Only a small number of crosses were ever made, and again there is no evidence as to whether any were ever awarded. On 20 March 1918 the War Merit Cross was divided into two classes with the addition of a pinback 1st Class cross and the redesignation of the original as the War Merit Cross 2nd Class. It was awarded for bravery under fire. Initially awards were to be limited to Brunswick citizens who had already received the Prussian Iron Cross or an equivalent Bavarian decoration. Non-Brunswick natives serving in Brunswick units later became eligible and eventually no direct Brunswick connection was required. This medal forms part of a collection assembled by the Memorial in the 1920s for display.