Physical Description

A smooth circular medal with a raised border, constructed of blackened iron. The obverse features a wreath of laurel, tied at the bottom by a ribbon and open at the top, inside the crowned monogram ‘KW II’ and below the inscription ‘SEINEN TAPFERN HESSEN 1821’ (‘Prince-Elector Wilhelm II. to his brave Hessians’). The reverse features a George’s cross with a wreath of laurel between the arms, with two crossed lances through the centre and a knight’s helmet with closed visor and ostrich feathers on the 12 o’clock arm. The cross’ medallion features a wreath of laurel with the dates ‘1814/1815‘ in the centre. The circular inscription reads ‘GOTT BRACH DES FEINDES MACHT UND HESSEN WARD BEFREIT’ (‘God crushed the enemy’s strength and Hesse was liberated’). On a loop for suspension, on a white ribbon with broad red borders.

History

The Campaign Merit Medal was instituted by Elector Wilhelm II and was conferred upon military personnel who crossed the Rhine to fight in the 1814 and 1815 campaigns against Napoleon.

The Iron Medal was conferred upon non-combatants, which included army administrative staff.