Shire Library
2 primary works • 5 total works
Book 463
Since the early Middle Ages, the royal families of Europe have rewarded loyal service with a wide range of Orders of Knighthood and Chivalry. Although many ancient Orders have fallen into disuse over time, many European states continue to award Orders for distinguished service and the exquisite badges and decorative objects are studied and collected widely. Expert medal collector Peter Duckers describes the range of European Orders conferred before 1945, some of which stretch back hundreds of years. A brief introduction to a fascinating subject, this is an ideal reference book for anyone interested in collecting these rare and valuable objects.
Book 636
Britain has issued medals rewarding war service since at least the early nineteenth century, and increasingly through the period of its imperial expansion, but examples of many of the early types are now scarce. However, few families escaped some involvement with the 'Great War' of 1914–18 and many still treasure the medals awarded to their ancestors for wartime service. Today, with a growing interest in British military history and particularly in family history and genealogy, increasing numbers of people want to trace their ancestors' past. This book looks in detail at the origin, types and varieties of the British medals awarded for general war service between 1914 and 1918, and gives advice on researching the awards and their recipients.
Since ancient times soldiers have been honoured for gallantry in battle. Over the years and in different societies such honours have taken many forms byut since the 1850s specific acts of bravery 'in the face of the enemy' by British and Imperial forces have been recognised by the award of a range of wearable decorations. These provide a visible indication both of the bravery of the recipient and of its recognition by the government and nation.
