Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/276

126 by the Prince Regent of England, and distributed amongst all the soldiers of his hereditary dominions in Germany (Guelphlands), who were present at that battle, or amongst the heirs of those who had fallen in it. The medal is of silver, and adorned with the effigy of the founder. The obverse and reverse are sketched in Tab. II. No. 9. Upon the edge are engraved the Christian and family names of the owner, as also his rank, and the name of the regiment, battalion or corps to which he belonged. It is worn at the third button-hole on the left side, suspended by a dark red ribbon with bright blue borders. It passes to the family as a token of remembrance after the decease of the recipient.

3 and 4. The William Cross and William Medal were founded on the 2nd March, 1837, by King William IV., for the Hanoverian troops, as a reward for long loyal service. The first distribution took place only after his demise.

The Cross (Tab. II. No. 8), is of gold, and has on the obverse the letters: 'W. R. IV.' with the crown above them, and on the reverse the number: ' 25.' It is presented to all officers (including staff-surgeons and their assistants), commanders, town-majors, and others in active service, who have served in the army, twenty-five years (the years of war counting double).

The medal (Tab. IV. No. 14), is presented to sub-officers, and officers in active service, who have served sixteen years (the years of war also counting double). It is of silver, with the effigy of William IV. on the front, and the inscription: 'Für sechszehnjährige treue Dienste' (For sixteen years' loyal service) on the reverse.

Both cross and medal are worn on the left breast, formerly suspended by a yellow ribbon with white borders, but now by a dark red ribbon with dark blue borders (the ribbon of the English Waterloo Medal).

5. War Medal for the Volunteers in the Hanoverian Army