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Medal - Order of the White Eagle, 5th Class with Swords (Serbia)

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Overview

The Royal Order of the White Eagle was a Royal Order in the Kingdom of Serbia (1883–1918) and the Kingdom of Yugoslavia (1918–1945). The Order of the White Eagle has five degrees, and could be awarded with swords for the military services. The Order is organized into five classes; 1st Class – Grand Cross; 2nd Class – Grand Officer's Cross; 3rd Class – Commander's Cross; 4th Class – Officer's Cross; and 5th Class – Knight's Cross

The obverse of Serbian Order of the White Eagle (5th Class) consists of double headed silver/gilt eagle enameled white, bearing an oval shield with a white cross on a red ground and a fire-steel in each quarter. Above are crossed swords and a crown that has blue enameled ribbons. Reverse: The date '1882' in an oval with a red background. The medal is fitted with a loose ring suspender above the crown.

Historical information

King Milan I of Serbia instituted the Order of the White Eagle on 23 January 1883. The Order had five classes and was conferred on Serbian and Yugoslav citizens for achievements in peace or war, or for special merits to the Crown, the state and nation. The white eagle with wings displayed was re-established as the State Arms of Serbia, symbol descended from the Emperors of Byzantium. The order had a War Merit Division, with crossed swords between the Royal Crown and eagle's heads, that was introduced in 1915, and conferred for conspicuous bravery of the officers in the field.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-32-99-637

Contextual Information

The Museum has one miniature example of this award in the Medal Bar of Miniature Medals worn by Lieutenant General JJ Talbot Hobbs. Australian recipients of this award wore it mounted in the British manner suspended from a vertical ribbon.

Australian Army Museum of Western Australia

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