WW1 MEDAL OF FRENCH RECOGNITION RECONNAISSANCE CIVILIAN WAR HELPER MEDAL TYPE 1

Description

Offered is an original Medal of French Gratitude, 1st Type, awarded being awarded to civilians for First World War service.

30 mm wide circular bronze, silver or gilded medal depending on the level of the award, the design was by engraver Jules Desbois. The obverse bore charity personified by France supporting a wounded soldier. On the reverse at centre, the relief circular inscription “RECONNAISSANCE FRANÇAISE” along the circumference with at centre and a palm leaf on the right. Medal comes with the original un-mounted silken ribbon.

The 1st type medal is rarely seen for sale.

The Medal of French Gratitude (French: “Médaille de la Reconnaissance française”) was a French honour medal created on 13 July 1917 and solely awarded to civilians. The medal was created to express gratitude by the French government to all those who, without legal or military obligation, had come to the aid of the injured, disabled, refugees, or who had performed an act of exceptional dedication in the presence of the enemy during the First World War. The creation of this distinction was mainly the result of unsuccessful offensives of General Nivelle in 1917 and the serious crisis of confidence in France. The French government thus wanted to thank those who, despite the crisis, were always volunteering. It has three classes: bronze, silver, and gold. Nearly 15,000 people and communities were recipients of this award. The medal is no longer awarded, the last award was on 14 February 1959.