Commemorative Medal of the War 1940-1945
Encyclopedia
The Commemorative Medal of the War 1940-1945 was a military decoration of Belgium
. It was established on 16th February 1945 as a decoration to recognise Belgian servicemen
and women
who served during World War II
. Later it was also awarded to members of the Belgian Resistance
and members of the Belgian Merchant Navy
during the war.
and in French
: Herinneringsmedaille van den Oorlog 1940-1945 - Médaille Commémorative de la Guerre 1940-1945.
The ribbon is yellow, with on each border three thin stripes of black, white and black.
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
. It was established on 16th February 1945 as a decoration to recognise Belgian servicemen
Belgian Army
The Land Component is organised using the concept of capacities, whereby units are gathered together according to their function and material. Within this framework, there are five capacities: the command capacity, the combat capacity, the support capacity, the services capacity and the training...
and women
Belgian Army
The Land Component is organised using the concept of capacities, whereby units are gathered together according to their function and material. Within this framework, there are five capacities: the command capacity, the combat capacity, the support capacity, the services capacity and the training...
who served during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. Later it was also awarded to members of the Belgian Resistance
Resistance during World War II
Resistance movements during World War II occurred in every occupied country by a variety of means, ranging from non-cooperation, disinformation and propaganda to hiding crashed pilots and even to outright warfare and the recapturing of towns...
and members of the Belgian Merchant Navy
Merchant Navy
The Merchant Navy is the maritime register of the United Kingdom, and describes the seagoing commercial interests of UK-registered ships and their crews. Merchant Navy vessels fly the Red Ensign and are regulated by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency...
during the war.
Insignia
The medal is round, made of bronze, showing the V for Victory sign and a roaring lion on the obverse side. Also on the left and right side the years 1940 and 1945 can be seen. On the reverse side the title of the medal is engraved in DutchDutch language
Dutch is a West Germanic language and the native language of the majority of the population of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Suriname, the three member states of the Dutch Language Union. Most speakers live in the European Union, where it is a first language for about 23 million and a second...
and in French
French language
French is a Romance language spoken as a first language in France, the Romandy region in Switzerland, Wallonia and Brussels in Belgium, Monaco, the regions of Quebec and Acadia in Canada, and by various communities elsewhere. Second-language speakers of French are distributed throughout many parts...
: Herinneringsmedaille van den Oorlog 1940-1945 - Médaille Commémorative de la Guerre 1940-1945.
The ribbon is yellow, with on each border three thin stripes of black, white and black.
See also
- Commemorative Medal for Armed Humanitarian OperationsCommemorative Medal for Armed Humanitarian OperationsThe Commemorative Medal for Armed Humanitarian Operations is a military decoration of Belgium. It was established on 11 September 1987 and is awarded to military and civilian members of the Belgian Defence who participated in armed humanitarian operations....
- Commemorative Medal for Foreign Operation or MissionCommemorative Medal for Foreign Operation or MissionThe Commemorative Medal for Foreign Operation or Mission is a military decoration of Belgium. It was established on 13 April 1993 and is awarded to military and civilian members of the Belgian Defence who participated in operations or missions outside of the territory of Belgium.- Insigna :The...
- List of Belgian decorations
- List of Belgian military decorations