Description
Commemorative Cross for the Volunteers of 1830, silver and enamel, (n.r), rare award , small chip to tip of one arm
In 1833, the Iron Cross was created to recognise wounds received and bravery in battle. The first class was bestowed on the wounded who elected to stay at their post and keep fighting, to the maimed and mutilated, as well as for acts of courage, the award second class was bestowed on all wounded combatants.
In 1835, due to the discontent of most recipients, the 2nd class was ended and all received the first class. Over the years, recipients of the Iron Cross received ever increasing pensions, up to ten years of seniority when employed as civil servants and pensions for the widows and orphans of the deceased. The other combatants of 1830-1831 received no pension, and no commemorative medal was struck.
These forgotten veterans' discontent grew over the years to the point of forming the "Federation of Volunteer Combatants of 1830" which openly and actively lobbied for recognition of their combat actions. It was not until over forty years later, in 1878, that King Leopold II signed the decree creating the 1830 Volunteers' Commemorative Cross.
