History

The Volunteer Combatant’s Cross (1914-1918, 1870-1871) was created on July 4, 1935. This Cross was created by the French Parliament to replace the “insufficient” Medal for the Great War 1914-1918 with “ENGAGE VOLONTAIRE” clasp, which was previously awarded to the volunteer combatants.

It was awarded to French and foreign volunteers who fought at the front during World War I, and was extended to surviving veterans of the Franco-Prussian War on April 10, 1936. Approximately 10200 Crosses were awarded in total.

The obverse inscription translates to “French Republic,” and the reverse inscription translates to “Volunteer Combatant.”

The Cross for World War I has two versions. The first has a “small head” and the second (unofficial) has a “large head.” The Cross for the Franco-Prussian War has a small head and “1870-1871” on the reverse inscription in place of “1914-1918.”

The following variables may be encountered on additional unofficial versions of the Cross: size; composition; manufacturer; suspension.