Physical Description

A finely pebbled Latin cross with a broad smooth edge, constructed of grey war material. On top sits a mobile crown. The obverse centre medallion is smooth and features the left-facing portrait of a young Grand Duke Wilhelm Ernst inside a pearled medallion ring. The reverse is similar, except that the medallion features the inscription ‘FÜR HEIMATVERDIENST’ (‘for home front service’) with a small four-leaf rosette at the bottom, and the 6 o’clock arm features the date ‘1918’. On a loop for suspension, on a ribbon with a red centre and a green, yellow, and black stripe (inside to outside) on each side.

History

The Honour Cross for Home Front Service was instituted by Grand Duke Wilhelm Ernst, and it was awarded to citizens of the grand duchy that had rendered extraordinary services within war welfare activities during World War I.