Physical Description

A Latin cross, constructed of oxidised copper. The arms are finely pebbled and feature broad smooth edges that are not oxidised. In between the arms is a circumferential laurel wreath. The 12 o’clock arm features a crown and the 6 o’clock arm features the date ‘1915’. The obverse centre medallion is not oxidised. It is smooth and features the left-facing head of King Friedrich August, with the circular inscription ‘FRIEDRICH AUGUST KÖNIG V. SACHSEN’. The reverse is similar, except that the centre medallion features the crowned and intertwined monogram ‘FA’, the 9 o’clock arm features the inscription ‘WELT’, and the 3 o’clock arm the inscription ‘KRIEG’ (world war). On a loop for suspension, on a white ribbon with a broad green centre stripe and narrow yellow side stripes with even narrower light blue borders.

History

The War Merit Cross, 1915-1918 was instituted by King Friedrich August III. It was awarded to recognise patriot merits and services rendered throughout World War I. The cross was instituted October 30, 1915.

This cross was meant to be conferred upon recipients whose merits did not qualify them for higher status military orders and decorations.

The War Merit Cross was ranked after the Iron Cross, but before every royal saxon peace award that was lower in rank than the Order of Albrecht Officer’s Cross.

Each recipient received a certificate and a copy of the statutes. The War Merit Cross was not returnable.