Circular ‘Kriegsmetall’ zinc alloy medal with loop for ribbon suspension; the face with a cross pattée alisée with the Saxon rue motif between the arms, a circular central medallion bearing the cipher ‘B’ for Duke Bernhard, a crown on the upper arm, all within a circular oak wreath; the reverse with a cross pattée alisée with the Saxon rue motif between the arms, a circular central medallion bearing the Saxon arms, all within a ring, circumscribed ‘FÜR VERDIENST IM KRIEGE’ (for Merit in War) and dated ‘1914/15’; on a short length of non-combatant’s ribbon. The Cross and Medal for Merit in War were instituted by Duke Bernhard on 7 March 1915 to be awarded for outstanding merit displayed in war (‘für im Kriege erworbene besondere Verdienste’). The Cross was awarded to officers, the medal to non-commisioned officers and other ranks. In all, just over 24,000 medals were awarded, the population of Saxe-Meiningen being less than 300,000 at the time.
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