History

The War Cross (1914-1918) was originally conferred upon Belgian and Allied military personnel in recognition of gallant acts and a minimum of three years of honourable front-line service during the First World War. It was also awarded to volunteers (under the age of 16 or over the age of 40) for 18 months of service and to prisoners of war who had escaped enemy forces.

Several different clasps were awarded for mentions in official dispatches. A bronze lion was awarded for a citation at the regimental level, a silver lion was awarded for a citation at the brigade level, a gold lion was awarded for a citation at the divisional level, and a bronze palm branch with an "A" for Albert I was awarded for an army citation. A silver palm branch with an "A" for Albert I was awarded to replace five bronze palm clasps, and a gilt palm branch with an "A" for Albert I was awarded to replace five silver palm branch clasps. A black enamelled bar was worn on the ribbon when the Cross was awarded posthumously to mothers of deceased soldiers.

There are a number of versions of the cross due to a variety of manufacturers. They may vary in composition, size, and the design of the surmounting crown. The clasps may also differ slightly in design.