1939 - 1945

Denmark

 

King Christian X's Medal for Participation in the War

Instituted on 3 May 1946, this silver medal was awarded only 905 times. Recipients were Danish who served with the Allied forces and 78 posthumous awards were made, the only Danish medal so awarded.
The obverse shows the head of King Christian X and around the edge is "Christian /. Min Gud. mit Land. Min Aere", on the reverse is a five line inscription : "For / Deltagelse / I Allieret / Krigstjeneste / 1940-45". The ribbon is red with a broad white central stripe in which are three thin red stripes.
Participation Medal, obverse Participation Medal, reverse

 

King Christian X's Medal in Commemoration of the Liberation

Also called the "Pro Dania Medal" (or the Medal of Liberty), this award was instituted on 5 May 1946 and bestowed on some 3,100 persons who had rendered special services to Denmark during the German occupation.
The obverse again depicts the head of the king, this time surrounded by the legend "Christianus X Rex Daniae". The 3-line reverse description reads "Pro / Dania / 1940-45". The ribbon is red-white-red in equal parts.
Liberation Medal, obverse Liberation Medal, reverse

 

Danish Red Cross Commemorative Medal

King Christian X approved this medal on 1 February 1946 for relief work during the war. The reverse reads "Dansk Rode Kors / 1939-45".

Red Cross medal, obverse Red Cross medal, reverse

See also an award made to a Swedish ambulance driver that transported POW's back from the German camps in which they were held. He also received a Norwegian decoration for his services.

 

Danish Resistance Commemorative Medal

This medal has been described to me as an award to Danish resistance members. The reverse text appears to stand for "Alone makes the road heavy". It is believed to be non-official.

Commemorative Resistance Medal, obverse Commemorative Resistance Medal, reverse

Do contact me with more details and/or pictures of this decoration !

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Short Historical Note

Denmark was invaded by Germany in April 1940 and no active resistance was offered at the time of the invasion. However, a strong resistance movement existed throughout the war. Furthermore, Danes that had escaped, performed active service with the Allied forces and with the Mercantile Marine.

Many thanks to Lt.-Com. (Rtd.) Harald Hallberg, RNR, for the picture material !

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Copyright Hendrik Meersschaert 2001 ©