History

The Medal for the War of 1870-1871 was created on November 9, 1911. It was awarded to 150000 veterans of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871. The recipients included enlisted men, the mobile National Guard, the sedentary National Guard, the Navy, the organized Irregular Corps, and personnel of the military and postal services.

On March 27, 1912 the Medal was extended to doctors, medics, nurses, and chaplains who were present on battlefields. In 1923 the Medal was extended to children younger than 14 years old in 1870 who were enrolled in the battalions of the National Guard. It was also extended to children under the age of 18 who were not enlisted, but performed an act of civic courage.

The obverse inscription translates to “French Republic,” and the reverse inscription translates to “To the Defenders of the Fatherland.” There are two clasps that can be worn on the ribbon, “ENGAGÉ VOLONTAIRE,” and “1870-1871.”

There was a special version of the Medal commissioned by the Duke of Cars that was presented to 18 or 19 of his comrades. This version is larger in size and also differs in composition and inscription. The reverse inscription translates to “The Duke of Cars, To His Comrades in Arms.” It was manufactured by Arthus-Bertrand.

There are additional private-purchase versions manufactured by Arthus-Bertrand which differ in size and composition.