Physical Description

A cross pattée constructed of bronze. The obverse bears a central circular medallion with an "F" in Gothic lettering. The 12 o'clock arm bears a royal crown and the 6 o'clock arm bears the date "1914". The centre is encompassed by an oak leaf wreath. The reverse bears a central circular medallion with the inscription "FÜR VERDIENST IM KRIEGE" (for merit in war). On a loop for suspension, on a green ribbon with red stripes for combatants or white stripes for non-combatants.

The unofficial version bears a pin on the reverse.

History

The Frederick Cross was established on December 12, 1914 by Duke Frederick II of Anhalt to recognize meritorious service in times of war. The award was conferred upon Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, Enlisted Ranks, military officials, and other individuals, who rendered exceptional service in the theatre of war, or on the home front in support of the war.

The award was strictly intended for individuals from the Anhalt region. However, officers from another region could receive the award if they commanded a large number of men from Anhalt.

It was originally planned that the Cross would be produced in a I and II Class, however, the I Class was never officially produced.

The Frederick Cross was awarded on different ribbons for combatants and non-combatants. The combatant ribbon is green with red borders, while the non-combatant ribbon is green with white borders. An unofficial version of the cross features a stick pin. This version was worn as a brooch without a ribbon.

The Frederick Cross was discontinued in 1918.