Serbian Cross of Charity

[Gordon Craig]

Ladies and Gentlemen,

A question on the Cross of Charity.  My reference material says that this award was instituted "on  7 (19) June 1913 and was bestowed upon men and women, Serbian or Foreign, for having alleviated the suffering of the sick and wounded during and after the the conclusion of the First and Second Balkan Wars."  It then goes on to illustrate the 1912 and the 1913 dated crosses and to describe the physical differences of the two crosses.  It does not mention why there are two different Crosses of Charity.  Does anyone know why there were two different Crosses of Charity?

Regards,

Gordon

 

[Farkas]

Hi Gordon

It seems there was one design awarded to men and a different design for women.....

 

 

cheers

tony

[Drugo]

My understanding is that men and women versions should be differentiated only by the suspension, classical light-blue triangular one for men, and a ribbon of the same colour for women. I am not sure about the reason for different designs, though.

[Gordon Craig]

Farcas,

Thanks for your suggestion but I agree with Drugo.  The only difference, as far as I am aware, between the award to men and women is the form of ribbon mounting.  The women were usually awarded the medal with a ribbon in a bow shape as pictured below.  But not always.  Please see the other pictures below.  The picture of the nurse awarded the Cross of Charity with the tri-fold ribbon comes from a recent ebay auction.  There are far more 1912 dated medals than there are of 1913.

Regards,

Gordon

 

[jovanmara]

In the law itself, which was passed in 1913, it was not
the stated reason why he is on the award
mentioned in 1912, and most likely
it is about the intention to be awarded
retrograde, for merits in the I Balkan
war.

The first Balkan war, which lasted from October 8, 1912 to May 30, 1913.

The second Balkan War was conducted from June 29 to July 31, 1913.

 

[Igor Ostapenko]

Silver gilded cross, french production 

and another from France