Physical Description

A straight armed cross pattée constructed of silvered bronze or silver, and enamels. The obverse centre bears a circular medallion with the central coat of arms of Bremen on a red enamel background. The arms of the cross are also in red enamel. The reverse centre bears a circular medallion with a central raised inscription of “FÜR VERDIENST IM KRIEGE 1914” (for merit in war). The arms and the medallion of the reverse do not contain enamel. On a loop for suspension, with a red and white striped ribbon.

History

The Hanseatic Cross was established by the Senate of Bremen, as well as the Hanseatic cities of Hamburg and Lübeck, on September 14, 1915. The cross was conferred upon citizens of the three cities in recognition of meritorious service throughout the First World War. Service included military, nursing, and volunteering.

The cross was the three cities’ equivalent to the Prussian Iron Cross when it was conferred for bravery and combat merit.
The cross was nonreturnable.

The shape of the cross is consistent between Bremen, Hamburg, and Lübeck, but each city's cross features a different obverse image. In 1917, five prototypes of the cross were produced in silver and an unknown amount were awarded.

The Hanseatic Cross of Bremen was awarded around 20,000 times.