Brunswick Ernst August First Class War Merit Cross

Brunswick Ernst August First Class

The War Merit Cross also known as the Brunswick Ernst August Cross was instituted by Duke Ernst August on 23 October 1914. He was Duke of Brunswick from 1913 to to his abducation in 1918. The cross came in one class and was awarded regardless of rank. It was awarded for meritorious service to soldiers who were citizens of Brunswick or served in a Brunswick unit. On 20 March 1918 a first class was institutited and so the original cross became a second class. The Duchy of Brunswick consisted of less than half a million people, so makes the award relatively uncommon. The above is a first class cross with a rarer screw back fitting. The first class would usually be pin backed. The awards reflect the prussian Iron Cross which came in second and first class.

Reverse showing screw fitment

An award Document to The Brunswick war merit cross first class is shown below.

Award document for Brunswick War Merit Cross first class