L.condor Cross "al Merito En Campagna"

[CIANO]

Dear All,

Herewith an example of a very nice Cross "Al Merito En Campagna" also given to the members of the Legion Condor, during the Spanish Civil War.
The cross was distributed since 1942, until 1975...
This one is a War made period, or a post war example?
IMO it is a War made period, but I am not sure...

Thank you for your help in this matter.

best regards

Luis

[CIANO]

close up

[CIANO]

back pin and catch

[CIANO]

Hi,

No help out there specially from the Spanish members?

[DKNYC71]

Merito En Campagna"

Hello,

This cross is not from the Civil War period and therefore would not be period for Legion Condor. I have heard some mention that this could be a late war (post-1942) manufactured cross. I however have not seen any members of either the blue squadron or blue division wear this particular cross in any photographs. Instead they seem to wear the early version (1937-42 version) same as the Legion Condor men.

Cheers,
Dave.

[CIANO]

Dave,

Thank you very much for your input.I have higly apreciated.
So, in your opinion which are the main differences between the earlier models and this one, a post war made?
Apparently they look the same...

cheers

[DKNYC71]

Merito En Campagna"

Here are images of an early model (Front)

[DKNYC71]

Merito En Campagna

Here is the back

[CIANO]

Hi,

Dave thank you again for your helpful contribute
Now I can see the slight differences of both awards.

For the members that have in their collections War made examples, please post them here!

cheers

Luis

[Mithrandir]

I have found a photo where a tank soldier of the Wehrmacht has worn this medal, I think these was given to members of the Legion Condor.

[Scott C.]

This badge was awarded for meritorious service in the Spanish Civil War to deserving Spanish national troops as well as foreign volunteers (including Legion Condor veterans). From what I understand, LC vets awarded this badge by Spain were typically awarded the Spanish Cross in Gold with swords. The badge was also awarded for combat heroism in the Blue Division (some theorize the badges with additional hooks on the back were awarded by Spain for service after the SCW; i.e., Blue Div).

Edit: I may have misunderstood DKNY's statement: the badge was not awarded during the SCW, but after the end of the war for service during the war.

[MH184]

This is my example of which was part of a small group from the family in Germany.

So, is this one deemed a 1937-42 example or a post '42 version? I've only been told that possible maker could be Engana. Would I be correct in the assumption it's pre 1942?

I like the 'retaining' catch feature on mine, it's not something I've encountered in my very limited viewing of these awards; has anyone else come across such like?

Kr

Marcus

[MH184]

I even got the mini for this award, also. That has a circular 'pin' which I imagine was in purpose for lapel buttonhole. Nice little thing that too.

[DKNYC71]

L.condor Cross "al Merito En Campagna"

Marcus,

Your cross is absolutely SCW period (pre-1942 manufacture), while Egana was the most famous manufacturer of these crosses during the SCW period, they were certainly not the only manufacturers. Your cross is not Egana made, which makes it a bit rarer specimen. In resonse to Scott C, my statement regarding the post SCW issue of the cross , was aimed at the specimen initialy presented by CIANO for review not the Was Cross in general. The War cross was instituted and awarded starting 1938 and continued well past WWII. Although it should be noted that post war crosses were replacements for those damadged or lost, and/or awarded post-factor for wartime deeds of valor (either for the SCW or WWII Blue Squadron and/or Blue Division).

Dave.

[MH184]

Marcus,

Your cross is absolutely SCW period (pre-1942 manufacture), while Egana was the most famous manufacturer of these crosses during the SCW period, they were certainly not the only manufacturers. Your cross is not Egana made, which makes it a bit rarer specimen.

Dave.

Dave,

Thank you very much.

Kr

Marcus