History

The Royal Navy Merit Cross was instituted in Spain by King Ferdinand VII on January 6, 1817. It was awarded in recognition of the members of the Spanish Royal Navy who had contributed to the success of the Spanish naval campaigns during wartime or in time of peace.

The Cross was regulated with three grades; the I Class Cross was awarded to Chiefs and Generals, the II Class Cross was conferred upon Officers, and the III Class Cross was conferred upon the lower ranks.

The I Class Cross was made out of Gold and it was awarded on a neck ribbon with the Spanish flag colors. It featured a reverse inscription that translates to "For Valour."

In 1816 King Ferdinand VII authorized the Navy Laureate Cross which displayed the same design of this Royal Navy Merit but with a suspension of laurel wreath instead of a crown suspension. See Navy Laureate Cross in Spanish Medals for more information.