Braunschweig. A War Merit Cross, Second Class Auction Archive with the 1st and 2nd

with the 1st and 2nd Royal Dublin Fusiliers taking part in the First Day of the Battle of the Somme that saw the British forces sustain horrific casualties

one on each breast which are pleated and one at the waist on both sides

Footnote: The yellow colour is indicative of Aviator troops (pilots and ground personnel) and Parachute troops

gradated in five degree increments

Braunschweig. A War Merit Cross, Second Class Auction Archive with the 1st and 2nd(Kriegsverdienstkreuz II. Klasse) Issued 1914 1918. A cross pattee constructed of darkened bronze; the obverse inscribed EA for Ernst August, with a raised royal crown on the upper arm, and dated 1914 on the lower arm; the reverse inscribed FR VERDIENST IM KRIEGE (German For Merit at War); on a double loop for suspension from its correct replacement ribbon; measuring 30. 45 mm (w) x 33. 46 mm (h); weighing 10. 2 grams; in overall very fine condition.