History

The Hanseatic Cross was established by the Senate of Bremen, as well as the Hanseatic cities of Hamburg and Lübeck. It was conferred upon citizens of the cities, regardless of rank or merit, in recognition of meritorious service rendered throughout the First World War.

When conferred for bravery and combat merit, the cross was the three cities’ equivalent of the Prussian Iron Cross.

The shape of the cross is consistent between Bremen, Hamburg, and Lübeck, but each city's cross features a different obverse image.

Individuals who served in the Infanterie-Regiments-Lübeck (3. Hanseatisches) Nr. 162 were eligible to receive the cross. In addition, the crews of Hanseatic warships and citizens of Lübeck who served in other organizations could also receive the cross.