History

The Somme Cross was instituted by the Honorary Union of the Saxon World War Participants, a Veterans' Association in Saxony.

It was founded to commemorate and reward German soldiers who participated in the Battle of Somme.

The cross was manufactured in Düsseldorf and Hamburg.

The Düsseldorf crosses were produced in 1932 by Eugen Billig, and they have the shape of a Teutonic Cross with narrow arms and ornamental ends.

The Hamburg crosses were produced in 1933-1934 by Fleck & Sohn, and they have the shape of traditional Teutonic Cross.

Since it was an unofficial award conferred during the Weimar Republic, veterans were required to purchase the cross themselves.

An unofficial clasp reading "SOMME" or crossed swords, may be featured on the ribbon to emphasize the "combat merit" of the recipient.

There were approximately 3,000 crosses awarded in total.