History

The Medal of Honour for Labour for Civil Personnel of the Navy was established on September 8, 1894, but was later replaced by the Medal of Honour for Civil Personnel of the Ministry of Defense on January 15, 1976.

It was awarded to civil servants of the arsenals or other establishments of the Navy who had held their positions for more than 30 years.

The grades of the Medal were Gold Medal, Gilt Medal, Silver Medal, and Bronze Medal. It is not clear if either the composition denoted the rank of the recipient or different length of service.

There are two different versions of this medal which vary in reverse inscription. Both versions have an obverse inscription that translates to “French Republic.” The first version has a reverse inscription that translates to “Honour, Labour, Devotion, Ministry of the Navy,” and the second version has a reverse inscription that translates to “Honour, Labour, Devotion, National Navy.”