Date
Instituted: 1813.
Campaign: Peninsular War 1808-1814 and War of 1812.
Description: Cross pattée with a proud lion standing in the centre. On each of the four arms are the names of the first four battles of the Peninsular War that the recipient took part in. The cross is attached to the ribbon via an ornate loop on top of the cross which passes through a smaller simplar ring below the straight suspender.
Metal: Gold.
Size: 38mm.
Clasps: A number of clasps were awarded for the fifth action onwards (the first four appear on the arm of the cross itself) that the recipient took part in (see below for a list of actions covered by this award).
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Naming: Issued un-named.
Comments: Instituted by the Prince Regent in 1813 the Army Gold Cross was granted to generals and officers of field rank for service in four or more battles of the Peninsular War. If the recipient took part in more than four battles then a clasp was fitted to the ribbon. The Duke of Wellington had some 9 clasps which represented the 13 battles he took part in during the Peninsular War.
Those who took part in less than four battles received the Army Gold Medal.
It is said that the Army Gold Cross was the inspiration for the design of the Victoria Cross. This is clearly shown in the designs of the 2 awards.
Of all campaign medals issued by the British this medal is the most desirable. However it is exceedingly rare with only 63 being issued and so is virtually unobtainable.
The actions for which this cross was awarded include:
- Roleia, 1808
- Vimiera, 1808
- Sahagun, Benevente, 1808-9
- Corunna, 1809
- Martinque, 1809
- Talavera, 1809
- Guadaloupe, 1810
- Busaco, 1810
- Barrosa, 1811
- Fuentes d'Onor, 1811
- Albuhera, 1811
- Java, 1811
- Ciudad Rodrigo, 1812
- Badajoz, 1812
- Salamanca, 1812
- Fort Detroit, 1812
- Vittoria, 1813
- Pyrenees, 1813
- St. Sebastian, 1813
- Chateauguay, 1813
- Nivelle, 1813
- Chrystler's Farm, 1813
- Nive, 1813
- Orthes, 1814
- Toulouse, 1814
Finally it should be noted that officers who were awarded this cross did not later receive the Military General Service Medal. This was because the Army Gold Cross covered the same actions as the MGS Medal.
See also: Army Gold Medal |
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