Belgium – Set of 2 Medals: Red Cross Blood Donor Medal (c.1918) & WWII Commemorative War Medal 1940–1945 with Swords
Subtitle:
Belgian Red Cross Blood Donor Medal with enamel (c.1918) & WWII Commemorative Medal with crossed swords
Key Information:
Country: Belgium
Period: c.1918 & WWII (1940–1945)
Set Includes:
Red Cross Blood Donor’s Medal
WWII Commemorative War Medal with Crossed Swords
Medal 1 – Red Cross Blood Donor’s Medal (c.1918)
Dimensions: approx. 38 × 32.08 mm
Design: Bronze gilt cross with white and red enamel. Central motif of a pelican feeding its young above a red cross, symbolizing sacrifice and charity. Reverse plain.
Ribbon: White with red vertical stripes.
Condition: Light wear with intact enamel. Patina from age visible. Ribbon original with some handling traces.
Medal 2 – WWII Commemorative War Medal 1940–1945 with Crossed Swords
Dimensions: approx. 43.23 × 36.94 mm
Design: Circular bronze medal with lion’s head superimposed on a bold “V” (Victory) and dates 1940–1945.
Reverse Inscription:
MÉDAILLE COMMÉMORATIVE DE LA GUERRE 1940–1945 / HERINNERINGSMEDAILLE VAN DEN OORLOG
(Translation: Commemorative Medal of the War 1940–1945).
Ribbon: Yellow with black/white edges. Device of crossed swords denotes award for combat service.
Condition: Age patina with minor wear. Ribbon original, device intact.
Historical and Collectible Significance:
The Red Cross Blood Donor’s Medal (c.1918) was awarded to honor humanitarian service and sacrifice, symbolized by the pelican motif.
The WWII Commemorative War Medal 1940–1945 with Crossed Swords was created to recognize Belgian and Allied veterans of the Second World War, with the swords signifying combatants.
Together, this set represents both humanitarian and military service from Belgium in the first half of the 20th century.
Summary:
Authentic set of two Belgian medals:
Red Cross Blood Donor’s Medal (c.1918, enamel cross).
WWII Commemorative War Medal 1940–1945 with Crossed Swords (combat service).
Both medals retain original ribbons and fittings, with natural age patina. Excellent addition for collectors of Belgian, Red Cross, or WWII militaria.