Physical Description

A cross pattée constructed of bronze. The obverse centre bears the cipher "EA", the 12 o'clock arm bears a crown, the 3 and 9 o'clock arms bear oak leaves, and the 6 o'clock arm bears the date "1914". The reverse bears the inscription "FÜR VERDIENST IM KRIEGE" (for merit in war). On a loop for suspension, on a yellow ribbon with blue stripes for non-combatants or a blue ribbon with yellow stripes for combatants.

History

The War Merit Cross was established by Duke Ernst August on October 23, 1914. The cross was conferred upon military personnel, regardless of rank, who distinguished themselves in battle.

To be eligible for the I Class, an individual had to repeatedly distinguish themselves in war and had to have already received the II Class.

Originally, only natives of Brunswick who had received the Prussian Iron Cross or an equivalent Bavarian decoration were eligible to receive the cross. Eventually, soldiers who served in Brunswick’s units, but were not natives of Brunswick, became eligible to receive the award.

In November 1915, the War Merit Cross for Non-Combatants was introduced. It was conferred on a ribbon with colouring that differed from that of the ribbon for frontline combat.

Originally, the decoration consisted of only one grade, but in 1918 it was extended to include a I Class Cross (with a pinback) and a II Class Cross.

Recipients of the II Class could also receive an additional proficiency clasp (Bewährungsabzeichen). To be eligible, an individual had to be a native of Brunswick as of August 1st, 1914, or an Officer in one of Brunswick’s military formations. In addition, the recipient had to perform two years of unbroken service and have a record of good conduct. The clasp features a horse framed by a laurel wreath. It is composed of sheet iron and measures 30x20mm. It ranges in price from $55 to $65 USD.