Belgian Franco Prussian War Medal

[Fred Borgmann]

Belgian Franco Prussian War Medal

During the Franco Prussian War we know that both sides eventually issued service medals to their veterans but how about Belgium? Belgium issued an 1870-1871 service medal in 1911. When that war broke out the Belgians mobilized their army too. Why? France always (at least since the 1830’s) thought that Belgium would have made a nice French province. Belgium like Switzerland was neutral but their location would also have made a tempting short cut for the opposing armies. End result Belgium mobilized and eventually issued this medal. The medal is bronze and was issued on a ribbon of seven equal stripes: black, yellow, red, yellow, red , yellow, black.

 

[RRA227]

Never seen that. Rich A. in Pa.