Croix du combattant volontaire 1914–1918
Encyclopedia
The Croix du Combattant Volontaire 1914–1918 (Combatant Volunteer Cross 1914–1918) is a French decoration that recognizes those who have volunteered to serve on the front in a combat unit during World War I
.
(Medal of the 1914–1918 war), it was anticipated that the enlistees' medals bear a bronze clasp for Engagé Volontaire (Committed Volunteers). This clasp was short lived, due to parliament demanding the establishment of a special badge to distinguish the merits of the voluntary combatant.
The Act of July 4, 1935 created the Croix du Combattant Volontaire, designated for those who volunteered to serve on the front in a combat unit during the Great War.
On the obverse: a round central medallion with the legend surrounding REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE:
On the reverse: inside the central medallion, a branch of laurel is surrounded by the inscription: COMBATTANT VOLONTAIRE 1914–1918.
The cross arms are covered with leaves of laurel and oak forming relief.
A special version was made for the volunteer fighters from the war of 1870–1871 with the dates 1870–1871 on the back replacing those of 1914–1918.
The qualifications of the candidates have been reviewed by a panel from 1951, twelve members as follows:
The decree of 10 April 1936 extended the award to the few surviving volunteer firefighters from the War of 1870–1871.
The Croix du Combattant Volontaire 1914–1918 is considered a war decoration during the review of applications for Légion d'honneur
, la Médaille militaire
and l'Ordre national du Mérite
.
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
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History
When creating the Médaille commémorative de la guerre 1914–1918Médaille commémorative de la guerre 1914–1918
The Médaille commémorative de la guerre 1914–1918 was awarded to soldiers and sailors for service in World War I. It was also awarded to civilians who met certain requirements.-History:...
(Medal of the 1914–1918 war), it was anticipated that the enlistees' medals bear a bronze clasp for Engagé Volontaire (Committed Volunteers). This clasp was short lived, due to parliament demanding the establishment of a special badge to distinguish the merits of the voluntary combatant.
The Act of July 4, 1935 created the Croix du Combattant Volontaire, designated for those who volunteered to serve on the front in a combat unit during the Great War.
Description of the medal
A cross with four arms in bronze, 36 mm wide. Engraved by Frédéric De VERNON.On the obverse: a round central medallion with the legend surrounding REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE:
- Effigy of a helmeted Poilu (World War I infantryman), on a sword drawn vertically on the branches
- Of the cross being charged with bay leaves and oak leaves in relief.
On the reverse: inside the central medallion, a branch of laurel is surrounded by the inscription: COMBATTANT VOLONTAIRE 1914–1918.
The cross arms are covered with leaves of laurel and oak forming relief.
A special version was made for the volunteer fighters from the war of 1870–1871 with the dates 1870–1871 on the back replacing those of 1914–1918.
Eligibility
The requirements for obtaining the cross were defined by the decree of November 28, 1935.The qualifications of the candidates have been reviewed by a panel from 1951, twelve members as follows:
- Minister of National Defence: Chairman;
- Secretary of State for War: two members;
- Secretary of State for the Navy: two members;
- Secretary of State for Air: two members;
- Office national des mutilés et combattants: two members;
- Association d'engagés et de combattants volontaires: three members.
The decree of 10 April 1936 extended the award to the few surviving volunteer firefighters from the War of 1870–1871.
The Croix du Combattant Volontaire 1914–1918 is considered a war decoration during the review of applications for Légion d'honneur
Légion d'honneur
The Legion of Honour, or in full the National Order of the Legion of Honour is a French order established by Napoleon Bonaparte, First Consul of the Consulat which succeeded to the First Republic, on 19 May 1802...
, la Médaille militaire
Médaille militaire
The Médaille militaire is a decoration of the French Republic which was first instituted in 1852.-History:The creator of the médaille was the emperor Napoléon III, who may have taken his inspiration in a medal issued by his father, Louis Bonaparte, King of Holland...
and l'Ordre national du Mérite
Ordre National du Mérite
The Ordre national du Mérite is an Order of State awarded by the President of the French Republic. It was founded on 3 December 1963 by President Charles de Gaulle...
.