Italy - Croce Ricordo per gli Aviatori nella Guerra 1915-1918

[Hugh]

I bought the attached cross many years ago in Rome, and have never been able to get a firm identity. What's the name? Was it official Italian Government issue? Was it authorized for wear on the military uniform? What are the criteria for award?

[Hugh]

Here's the reverse. The obv. says "Ibis Redibus". The reverse says "Guerra 1915-18"

[Hendrik]

Hello Hugh,

It's called "Croce Ricordo per gli Aviatori nella Guerra 1915-1918" (Commemorative Cross for the 1915-1918 War Aircrew). Manufactured in the 1920's by the firm of Pozzi in Turin and a non-official award, not a government decoration.

The legend presumably derived from a 13th century Latin motto "Ibis redibis non morieris in bello" (Go, return, don't die in war).

As to criteria ... I haven't a clue but being a non-official decoration, probably anyone having served as aircrew in WWI could buy one of these.

Cheers,

Hendrik

[Hugh]

Thanks, very helpful.

On a different subject, I assume the 3rd Army and 8th/10th Army Crosses from WW II were also unofficial, and available to all? Did the government permit them to wear these on the uniform?

[Kev in Deva]

Thanks, very helpful.

On a different subject, I assume the 3rd Army and 8th/10th Army Crosses from WW II were also unofficial, and available to all? Did the government permit them to wear these on the uniform?

Hallo Hugh

If you take a look through Italian Ebay at:

http://collezionismo.listings.ebay.it/Mili...ListingItemList

you will come across all-sorts of unofficial Medals, Crosses and insignia, (most very well made) many for regiments and overseas service. Army, Airforce, & Navy.

Kevin in Deva,

[Hugh]

Hallo Hugh

If you take a look through Italian Ebay at:

http://collezionismo.listings.ebay.it/Mili...ListingItemList

you will come across all-sorts of unofficial Medals, Crosses and insignia, (most very well made) many for regiments and overseas service. Army, Airforce, & Navy.

Kevin in Deva,

Thanks, Kevin, what a collection of stuff!