History

The Beuthen Honour Cross was conferred upon members and auxiliary members of the Selbstschutz units of Beuthen that fought against Polish insurgents who had taken the city on May 3rd, 1921. It was instituted by one of the Company leaders, Wilhelm Pisarski, on July 4, 1922 (even though all award documents are dated to May 19, 1921).

The cross was awarded as a I and II Class. The I Class crosses could only be awarded to combatants, while the II Class crosses were awarded to combatants and non-combatants alike. Swords could eventually be added to the crosses, however, there is no information on their institution and purpose.

The silvered cross features black enamel on the obverse. The round silvered centre portion features, in black enamel, the city crest of Beuthen: a miner on the left and half an eagle on the right, divided by a vertical border. Some crosses feature a centre portion in white enamel and silver instead.

The difference between I and II Class lies solely in their way of attachment to the uniform: the I Class features a pinback, while the II Class features a ribbon ring at the top.