Belgium Belgium - Civil Cross?

[Hugh]

I've had the cross in the attached photo for many years. I got it in the mid-'60's in London, possibly at the Angel market. I've always thought it was a Civil Cross 1914-18, but I've just had a look at Hendrik's site and now don't think so. It also doesn't seem to be the 1939-45 version. Possibly an earlier era. If so, what is the correct ribbon (and where do I get it)?

[Hendrik]

Hi Hugh,

It's neither but is the Civil Decoration for Long Service in the Administration, 2nd class - its ribbon is red with 3 black stripes. You can find it on my site under "Other Awards" and then look at the Leopold II ones.

Cheers,

Hendrik

[Hugh]

Hi Hugh,

It's neither but is the Civil Decoration for Long Service in the Administration, 2nd class - its ribbon is red with 3 black stripes. You can find it on my site under "Other Awards" and then look at the Leopold II ones.

Cheers,

Hendrik

Thanks, Hendrik, I had just stumbled across it on my own whilst fumbling through your site. And believe it or not, I have it on the correct ribbon.

Thanks also for your response to my other questions.

Best,

Hugh

[Hugh]

My next unknown is this medal which I believe to be a Long Service medal for Congolese native troops. Am I right? If so, how many years service?

Thanks,

Hugh

[Hendrik]

Hugh,

Can you show the reverse as well ?

Cheers,

Hendrik

[Hugh]

Hugh,

Can you show the reverse as well ?

Cheers,

Hendrik

Here it is. Please forgive the sticker; it's my way of keeping track of the collection. It's got a funny brownish lacquer on it.

Hugh

Edited June 21, 2009 by Hugh

[Hendrik]

... Please forgive the sticker...

Sorry Hugh, I can't : you've managed to put that sticker on the most important part of the medal, the one showing the shield of the Independent Congo State !!!

OK, the ribbon has lost a bit of its colour (should be a darker blue) but that can only be considered normal after all those years (time frame for this medal is 1892-1912). The bar represents 3 years of service and the medal was indeed awarded to native members of the "Force Publique" but also to civilian labourers.

Nice one !!!

Hendrik

[Hugh]

Sorry Hugh, I can't : you've managed to put that sticker on the most important part of the medal, the one showing the shield of the Independent Congo State !!!

OK, the ribbon has lost a bit of its colour (should be a darker blue) but that can only be considered normal after all those years (time frame for this medal is 1892-1912). The bar represents 3 years of service and the medal was indeed awarded to native members of the "Force Publique" but also to civilian labourers.

Nice one !!!

Hendrik

Thanks, Hendrik, you've been a big help.

Hugh