Physical Description

A smooth circular medal with a raised edge, constructed of silver. The obverse features the arched inscription ‘ERNST H.Z.S.C.S.’ (Herzog zu Sachsen-Coburg-Saalfeld, Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld) at the top and the inscription ‘DEM VERTHEIDIGER DES VATERLANDES 1814’ (‘to the defender of the fatherland’) in the centre. The reverse features a Maltese cross surrounded by an oak leaf wreath that is tied at the bottom. On a loop for suspension, on a white ribbon with three broad green stripes.

History

The Campaign Medal, 1814/1815 was instituted in October of 1814 after the campaign against Napoleon by Duchess Louise Leonore of Saxe-Meiningen (as regent for the under-age Duke Bernhard Erich Freund), Duke Ernst I of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, and Duke Friedrich of Saxe-Hildburghausen.
The medal was instituted for Saxon troops after King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia declared that only those serving in Prussian troops were eligible for the Prussian War Commemorative Medal.