History

The Cross for Political Prisoners (1940-1945) was awarded to Belgian citizens who were held by German forces as political prisoners during the Second World War. A silver star clasp was awarded for every six months of imprisonment. It was also conferred posthumously with a black enamelled bar clasp to deceased political prisoners. When awarded posthumously, the Cross could be worn by the recipient’s widow, mother, or father.

The blue and white ribbon is representative of the uniforms worn by the political prisoners, and the “B” on the obverse medallion is representative of the insignia worn by the prisoners identifying them as Belgians.