Belgian Civilian Disobedience Medal 1940–1945 (Werkweigeraarsmedaille)

Original Belgian Civilian Disobedience Medal 1940–1945 (Médaille du Réfractaire / Werkweigeraarsmedaille). This medal with green-white ribbon was awarded to civilians who for refused to work for the German occupiers.

The Civilian Disobedience Medal 1940–1945 is a Belgian war service decoration established by Royal Decree on 12 February 1951. It was awarded to Belgian civilians who refused to support the German war effort during the Second World War. This medal honors acts of civil resistance, defiance, and moral courage carried out under occupation.

Award Criteria

The medal was awarded to Belgian citizens who:

• Refused to serve in German armed forces

• Refused to work for the German occupiers

• Refused to return to Germany after forced labour leave

It recognizes non-violent resistance and personal risk taken in opposition to the occupier.

Design & Characteristics

• Material: Bronze

• Diameter: approx. 37 mm

Obverse:

• Torso of a civilian man with arms crossed

• Head turned away in defiance, symbolizing resistance

• Designed by J. Witterwulghe (marked on the front of the medal)

Reverse:

• Latin inscription: “FORSAN VICTI NUNQUAM SERVI” (“Perhaps defeated, but never slaves”)

• Upper edge: “1940–1945”

Ribbon Variants

• Base color: Green silk moiré

• Two longitudinal stripes (3 mm wide), positioned near the edges

Condition: As seen in the images.

A powerful and meaningful Belgian WWII decoration, highly valued for its recognition of civil courage and resistance without weapons.