Red Cross Medal
In 1921 the British Red Cross awarded a medal to people who had volunteered for over 1000 hours during the First World War. Much of this service took place in the United Kingdom in hospitals or nursing homes. Service had to happen between 4 August 1914 and 31 December 1919. If you volunteered as an ambulance driver or stretcher bearer, the number of voluntary hours required fell to 500. Over 40,000 of these medals were awarded just in Britain. Other countries with Red Cross or Red Crescent Societies issued similar medals.
Ribbon View
The ribbon is plain white. White is a colour of peace.
Suspension View
The suspension is a simple circular clasp.
Obverse View
The obverse of the medal shows a cross within a laurel wreath, surrounded by the words 'British Red Cross Society War Service 1914-1918'.
Reverse View
The reverse has the Latin words 'INTER ARMA CARITAS'. This translates as 'Amidst Arms, Charity'. It means that even within war there can be kindness.
Features View
The medal was only ever meant to be worn with a Red Cross uniform. As it was issued by the Red Cross, not the government, it is an unofficial decoration.
Red Cross Medal
In 1921 the British Red Cross awarded a medal to people who had volunteered for over 1000 hours during the First World War. Much of this service took place in the United Kingdom in hospitals or nursing homes. Service had to happen between 4 August 1914 and 31 December 1919. If you volunteered as an ambulance driver or stretcher bearer, the number of voluntary hours required fell to 500. Over 40,000 of these medals were awarded just in Britain. Other countries with Red Cross or Red Crescent Societies issued similar medals.
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Ribbon
The ribbon is plain white. White is a colour of peace.
-
Suspension
The suspension is a simple circular clasp.
-
Obverse
The obverse of the medal shows a cross within a laurel wreath, surrounded by the words 'British Red Cross Society War Service 1914-1918'.
-
Reverse
The reverse has the Latin words 'INTER ARMA CARITAS'. This translates as 'Amidst Arms, Charity'. It means that even within war there can be kindness.
-
Features
The medal was only ever meant to be worn with a Red Cross uniform. As it was issued by the Red Cross, not the government, it is an unofficial decoration.