Norway Norway - Medals of WWII

[JT1959]

Just like to show you some of my Norwegian Medals from WWII.
Hope you like them !

[JT1959]

The War Cross with Sword (Nor: Krigskorset med Sverd) is the highest ranking norwegian gallantry decoration. It is awarded for extraordinary brave actions or extraordinary leadership during combat.

The medal was established on 23 May 1941 by royal resolution of King Haakon VII, who was in London with the government in exile due to the Nazi occupation of Norway. At that time, "royal" awards were made (to members of the British Royal family for example) and awards could be made for meritorious activities not associated with combat (extraordinary achievements or contributions for Norway's cause and war effort): these were made without the sword. The statutes were amended on 18 May 1945, restricting awards to the actions of military personnel in combat situations, thus all subsequent decorations would to be "with sword". At the same time, Haakon VII's Freedom Cross was established to replace the War Cross for civilian achievements.

Awards of the War Cross ceased in 1949, but on 26 June 2009 the statutes were again revised to permit awards for actions after 1945

Producer of my medal: Spinks, London

[JT1959]

King Haakon VII's Freedom Cross (Norwegian: Haakon VIIs Frihetskors) was established on 18 May 1945. The medal is awarded to Norwegian or foreign military or civilian personnel for outstanding achievement during war. It is ranked fifth in the order of precedence in the Norwegian honours system.

The medal is in the shape of a Maltese cross. In the middle of the cross on the adverse side is a circular red field with the monogram of King Haakon VII of Norway over the letter V for victory in gilded silver. On the reverse side the following is engraved: "Alt for Norge 7 juni 1945" (All for Norway 7 June 1945), the seventh of June being the day the King came back to Norway after his five year forced exile during World War II. The medal is hung from a blue ribbon with a narrow white stripe along both edges.

[JT1959]

The War Medal (Norwegian: Krigsmedaljen) is a Norwegian war decoration for service during Second World War.

The Norwegian War Medal was instituted by King Haakon VII of Norway by Royal Decree on 23 May 1941 with the addition of the Royal Decree of 13 November 1942. It may be awarded to Norwegian and foreign members of the military who in a meritorious way have participated in the Second World War for Norway. The War Medal may also awarded posthumously to all Norwegians and foreigners who fought in the Norwegian forces and merchant marine and fell for the Norwegian Resistance.

The distribution ceased in 1951, but in 1979 it was determined by Royal decree that this medal was to be awarded Norwegian and foreign seamen who served on Norwegian Shipping and Trade Mission (Nortraship) vessels during WWII for 18 months, or on board Royal Norwegian Navy vessels.

The adverse side of the medal features the portrait of King Haakon VII of Norway, his name and motto Alt for Norge. The reverse features a wreath, the inscription Krigsmedalje and the king's monogram. The medal is in bronze and the ribbon is in the colours of the Royal Standard: red and yellow. If a recipient earns the medal more than once, up to three stars may be attached to the ribbon. Along with the medal comes with a certificate, signed by the king. The medal was first produced at the firm Spink & Son in London.

[JT1959]

King Haakon VII's Medal of Liberty was established 18 May 1945. The medal is awarded to Norwegian or foreign military or civilian personnel for significant service to Norway during WWII.

[JT1959]

The Defence Medal 1940 – 1945 (Norwegian: Deltagermedaljen/Deltakarmedaljen) is the award rewarded to those military and civilian personnel who participated in the fight against the German invasion and occupation of Norway between 1940 and 1945.

The Defence Medal can be awarded both to Norwegian and foreign citizens. The medal may still be awarded due to the large number of participants in the defence of Norway during World War II and the difficulties tracking down all eligible recipients.

The medal is in bronze. On the obverse is the coat of arms with the inscription 9 April 1940 - May 8, 1945. On the reverse is the royal flag, the flag and national flag. Above these a narrow circle with the inscription DELTAGER I KAMPEN (Participant in the struggle). The image is surrounded by a chain. The band is in the Norwegian national colors. The band can be fitted with a rosette if the recipient has distinguished himself several times. The medal is made by the goldsmith firm of J. Tostrup in Oslo

The medal was awarded to those meeting one of the following criteria:

• Taking part in the campaign in Norway in 1940 for 5 days or more.
  
• Service in the Norwegian armed forces and merchant fleet outside of Norway for 4 months or more (awarded for less than 4 months service if one served in units that moved to Norway as part of the liberation).
  
• Taking part in the campaign in Finnmark (winter 1944-45) for 1 month or more.
  
• Allied soldiers who took part in the liberation of Norway and served for 1 month or more.
  
• Service in the resistance forces for 4 months or more.
  

[JT1959]

Haakon VII 70th Anniversary Medal is a Norwegian military award, which was instituted by King Haakon VII of Norway on 27 October 1942. It was awarded in recognition of military personnel who served in the Norwegian armed forces in Britain on the 70th birthday of Norwegian King Haakon VII.

Info regarding the medals are from Wikipedia.com

[JT1959]

And finely, a ribbon bar with 3 of the awards.

Regards from Norway

JT

[Paul R]

Is the War Cross with Sword among one of the higher awards? This is the highest one that "Max Manus" received, right?

[JT1959]

Is the War Cross with Sword among one of the higher awards? This is the highest one that "Max Manus" received, right?

Yes....The War Cross with Sword (Nor: Krigskorset med Sverd) is the highest ranking norwegian gallantry decoration. Max Manus got this award but with two swords (only one on mine). Regards JT

[Paul R]

How many people received the award with two swords?

[JT1959]

Not so many Paul.

1 award with 3 sword

10 awards with 2 sword

274 awards with 1 sword

[Scooby]

The War Cross with Sword (Nor: Krigskorset med Sverd) is the highest ranking norwegian gallantry decoration. It is awarded for extraordinary brave actions or extraordinary leadership during combat.

The medal was established on 23 May 1941 by royal resolution of King Haakon VII, who was in London with the government in exile due to the Nazi occupation of Norway. At that time, "royal" awards were made (to members of the British Royal family for example) and awards could be made for meritorious activities not associated with combat (extraordinary achievements or contributions for Norway's cause and war effort): these were made without the sword. The statutes were amended on 18 May 1945, restricting awards to the actions of military personnel in combat situations, thus all subsequent decorations would to be "with sword". At the same time, Haakon VII's Freedom Cross was established to replace the War Cross for civilian achievements.

Awards of the War Cross ceased in 1949, but on 26 June 2009 the statutes were again revised to permit awards for actions after 1945

Producer of my medal: Spinks, London

310 Krigskorset (Spinks London) xx.jpg

Hi there,

Does anyone know of a supplier of reproduction medals and miniatures? - My grandfather won the Krigskorset med Sverd and I'm trying to put a collection of miniatures together for my father for his birthday (the original is in the regimental museum)

In the UK there are many suppliers for his other medls, so I wondered if perhaps it might be easier to find from a Norwegian supplier?

Any advice much appreciated!

Thanks

Scooby

[Kvart]

I don't think reproductions of the Norwegian War Cross have been made, a part from a few horrible movie medals. But they are even rarer than the original cross.

A miniature cross can be found on ebay from time to time. You could also try Mørch & Søn, they have some Nordic miniatures: www.mwmorch.dk

[Megan]

Fascinating stuff, thank you for sharing.

[half12]

Hello,

Very interesting medals, difficult to find informations about them...

For which medal is that certificate ?

Best regards .. Herve

[Kvart]

That would be the diploma that came with the Defence Medal 1940 – 1945 (Norwegian: Deltagermedaljen/Deltakarmedaljen).  In French also known as the Narvik medal, because it was awarded to the members of The French Foreign Legion who fought at the battle of Narvik in 1940. 

The diploma says "[name] has during the campaign in Norway 1940 participated in the defence of the fatherland from [date] to [date]. Norway thanks you for your service in the struggle for freedom."

Signed by king Haakon VII.   

[Gulliksen]

Hello, i wonder if any Norwegian specialists can help me. My Grandfather was a Whaler at sea in 1940 when Germany invaded Norway. Upon arrival in England he signed up with the Norwegian Army in exile in the UK. At a later stage he was selected for the Commandos and was part of 10, Inter-allied 5 Troop.

I believe he saw action at  the Battle of the Scheldt, in particular the Operation Infatuate,  and the attack on the island Kapelsche Veer, along with No. 47 (Royal Marine) Commando.

 

I remember seeing my Grandfather's medals which i was a young boy but unfortunately they have been lost. Would anyone know how i can investigate this further and find out what medals he was awarded? Many thanks in advance for any help, Richard

 

 

When King Haakon returned to Norway, members of 5 Troop formed a guard of honour and my Grandfather is pictured here in the centre with his Commando beret

[Kvart]

Sure. His name would be helpful.

Almost all of the Norwegian commandos got the Norwegian War medal for the campaign in Walcheren. To that you can add the Norwegian Participation medal, and king Haakon 70 years jubilee medal (if your grandfather was part of the Norwegian army in UK in August 1942).

From UK he would have gotten the 1939-45 and France & Germany stars, since the Norwegian commandos served under British army command. Technically he would also get the British War medal for WW2, but this was not awarded to Norwegian who got the Norwegian Participation medal, due to overlapping award criteria. Finally he might have gotten the British Defence medal, depending on his service time in/outside operations in UK and mainland Europe.

These would normally have been the default decorations to a Norwegian serving in the said unit and battles. He might have gotten some individual medals for bravery or merit, but it takes his name to see if that happened.