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Other Medals and Decorations

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OTHER MEDALS AND DECORATIONS Great Britain.-(a) 1914 Star (commonly known as the Mons Star), instituted in 1917, and awarded to all ranks, cluding nursing staffs, who actually served in France or Bel gium on the establishment of a unit between Aug. 5, 1914, and Nov. 22-23, 1914. (b) 1914-15 Star, instituted in 1918, similar in design to the 1914 Star. (c) British War Medal, instituted in 1919. In general terms it was granted to all personnel of the Army who served overseas in a theatre of operations in any capacity during the war, and to the Navy for one month's service during the war. (d) Mercantile Marine War Medal, granted to members of the Mercantile Marine for service during the World War ; (e) Territorial Force War Medal, instituted in 1920, granted to mem bers of the T.F. and T.F. nursing service for service outside the United Kingdom during the war subject to certain conditions (those awarded the 1914 Star or 1914-15 Star were ineligible for the T.F.W.M.) ; (f) Military Cross, instituted in 1914, an army decoration for which only captains, junior officers and warrant of ficers are eligible; (g) Distinguished Service Cross (established as Conspicuous Service Cross in 1901) re-named in 1914 and its award extended to all naval and marine officers below the relative rank of lieutenant-commander ; (h) Distinguished Service Medal, instituted in Oct. 1914 for other ranks of Royal Navy and Royal Marines; (i) Order of the British Empire, instituted in June 1917, as a reward for war service in any capacity; (j) Military Modal, instituted in 1916; all other ranks are eligible for the award ; (k) Silver War Badge, instituted in 1916, issued to all ranks who served at home or abroad during the World War and who on account of age, or physical infirmity arising from wounds or sickness caused by military service, had been compelled to leave the forces; (1) Royal Air Force. The following decorations were instituted under a royal warrant dated June 3, 1919, and have been awarded : Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Force Cross, Dis tinguished Flying Medal and Air Force Medal.

United States of America.-(a)

Distinguished Service Cross, Army, instituted Jan. 12, 1918, awarded to those who since April 6, 1917, have distinguished themselves in connection with mili tary operations in circumstances which do not justify the award of the Medal of Honour. (b) Distinguished Service Medal, Army and Navy, instituted Jan. 12, 1918, awarded for exceptionally meritorious service. (c) Navy Cross, terms of award similar to Distinguished Service Cross, Army. The United States Victory Medal has battle clasps.

France.-Medaille de la Reconnaissance Francaise, instituted in 1917, is awarded to persons who performed acts of devotion in the public service. The following war medals were also issued : Medaille Commemorative d'Orient and Medaille Commemorative Francaise de la Grande Guerre.

Turkey.-For

the Gallipoli campaign Turkey issued a white metal five-pointed star, in the centre of which is the Sultan's cypher, and the characters representing "El Ghazi" (The Victo rious), below the date "333" (i.e., 1915). The ribbon is scarlet moire with a white stripe towards the edges.

Japan.-This medal is similar to that granted for the Russo Japanese War. The ribbon is dark blue with a broad white stripe.

Egypt.-The Military Star of the Sultan Fouad was instituted in 1919 for officers of the Egyptian Army who are mentioned in despatches for post-Armistice operations.

Belgium.-Croix

de Guerre, instituted in 1915, awarded for exceptional acts of bravery. Medal De la Reine Elisabeth, insti tuted in 1916, and awarded to ladies, without distinction of rank, who assisted Belgians during the war. Other medals are Medaille du Roi Albert; Croix Militaire; Decoration Militaire; Medaille de l'Yser. Three medals for the general campaigns on the Continent and in Africa were also struck : Medaille Commemorative de la Campagne 1914-1918, Medaille Commemorative de la Cam pagne d'Afrique 1914-18, and Etoile de Service du Congo.

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