Belgian Prisoner of War Medal 1940–1945 (Krijgsgevangenenmedaille 1940–1945)

Original Belgian Prisoner of War Medal 1940–1945 (Krijgsgevangenenmedaille 1940–1945). The Prisoner of War Medal 1940–1945 is a Belgian war service decoration established by Royal Decree on 20 October 1947. It was awarded to members of the Belgian Armed Forces who were captured and held prisoner by Axis forces during the Second World War.

This medal honors the hardship, endurance, and sacrifice of those who experienced captivity during the war.

Award Criteria

The medal was awarded to:

• Members of the Belgian Armed Forces

• Personnel who were held as prisoners of war by Axis forces during WWII

Additional distinctions:

• Duration of captivity could be indicated by small metal bars on the ribbon

Design & Characteristics

• Material: Bronze

• Diameter: approx. 38 mm

• Total height (with crown): approx. 64 mm

Obverse:

• A downward-pointing broadsword over a Greek cross

• Dates “1940” and “1945” on the cross arms

• Laurel leaves between the arms

• Encircled by a ring of barbed wire, symbolizing imprisonment

Reverse:

• Depiction of a guard tower and prison camp fence

• Surrounded by a chain border, reinforcing the theme of captivity

Suspension:

• Topped by a prominent royal crown, attached by a pin

Ribbon

• Color: Black silk moiré

• Edge stripes: Narrow stripes in red, black, yellow, black, red

• Symbolism reflects Belgium and the dark experience of captivity

Condition: As seen in the images.

A powerful and historically significant Belgian WWII decoration, highly valued by collectors of prisoner-of-war and wartime hardship memorabilia.