Physical Description

A pebbled George’s cross with slightly curved arms and a narrow and smooth raised edge, constructed of bronze gilt and enamel. On top of the 12 o’clock arm is an agraffe to which eyelet and loop are attached. Between the arms is a wreath made of laurel on the left and oak leaves on the right. The obverse centre medallion features the crowned ornamental monogram ‘J’. The medallion ring is enamelled in blue with six small golden stars and a narrow inner and outer golden border. The reverse is similar, except that the medallion features the dates ‘1870 1871’, divided by a horizontal line. The medallion ring is golden and smooth. On a loop for suspension, on a white ribbon with three green stripes.

History

The Nursing Cross was instituted by King John in 1870/1871. It was awarded to all men and women that had provided extraordinary services within voluntary nursing during wartime.

It was also awarded to recognise other exceptional achievements in wartime.

The cross was extended into a peacetime award during the reign of King Friedrich August III.

The memorial cross was not returnable. In 1915, the cross was renamed Cross of Honour for Voluntary Nursing.

The cross presents a George cross with a laurel wreath in each quadrant, the obverse features the cypher FAR, and the reverse presents a Geneva cross in red and white enamels.