Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/498

 REUSS (PRINCIPALITIES).

CROSS OF HONOUR FOR THE CAMPAIGNS OF 1814 AND 1815

Was founded by the united Princes (Henvys) of the lines ReussLohenstein, and Reuss-Ebersdorf, to whose memory the cyphers: XIII, LI, LIV, XLII upon the four arms of the cross are devoted. It is worn between the first. and second buttonhole on the breast, by sub-officers and civilians in a plain and simple way, and by officers, appended to a small bow. It was presented as a reward for devotion in the cause of German liberty, during that stormy period. The owner does not lose the decoration on retiring from military service, but forfeits it by desertion, insubordination, or degradation of rank, by crimes, such as theft, perjury, &c., though not without due judgment pronounced by the Military Tribunal or Court Martial. Civilians forfeit the decoration by betraying sentiments against German liberty, or agitating against the laws of the land, though also not without a judgment pronounced against them by the competent authorities.

The Iron Cross of Henry XIII. is given Plate 94.