French Croix de Guerre (No Date) – Free French Issue, in Box
A Second World War French Croix de Guerre (no date), as awarded by the Free French authorities during the conflict. The absence of a date on the reverse is characteristic of Free French wartime issues, distinguishing it from earlier First World War or later dated state awards.
The Croix de Guerre was instituted to recognise acts of bravery and gallantry in the face of the enemy, and during the Second World War was awarded to members of the Free French Forces, Allied servicemen, and resistance personnel who were mentioned in despatches or cited for distinguished service in combat against Axis forces.
The medal displays the familiar bronze cross with crossed swords, bearing the effigy of Marianne on the obverse and the legend “RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE”, suspended from the correct green ribbon with red vertical stripes. The piece shows honest period wear consistent with age.
An attractive and historically significant group, directly associated with the Free French movement and the liberation of France, made all the more desirable by the presence of the original box.
AJMS Medals