Description

Offered is an original Free French Forces Service Medal.

40mm high silvered bronze Cross of Lorraine with integral bar for ribbon suspension; the face with the inscription ‘FRANCE LIBRE’ (Free France); the reverse with the dates ‘18 JUIN 1940’ (18 June 1940) and ‘8 MAI 1945’ (8 May 1945), with bronze assay marks; on original ribbon.

The medal was created on 4 April 1946 to ‘commemorate the voluntary service rendered by civil and military French and foreigners who engaged in the Free French Forces prior to 1 August 1943 or served Free France effectively, whether in the territories under the authority of the National Committee in London or in foreign countries before 3 June 1943’.

The medal was awarded to Free French forces, including legionnaires and colonial forces in North Africa who engaged Rommel’s Afrika Korps.