Virtuti Militari

Virtuti Militari

image source

Polish equivalent to the V C

Instigated in 1792
By King Stanislaw II August
and ts one of the oldest Military decorations still in use
revised in 1919

There are 5 grades to the Award

The badge is an eight-pointed, Black enamelled, Gold edged Maltese Cross
the top arm is surmounted by an oval with the letters

“R P”

surrounded by a Wreath.

Each point of the Cross is tipped by a small Gold ball.

On the arms of the Cross is inscribed the Motto of the Order
on the Obverse

“VIRTUTI MILITARI”

on the Reverse

“HONOUR I OJCZYZNA”
[Honour And Country]

In the centre of the Cross is a small White enamelled Eagle
with spread wings.

On a Gold medallion encircled by a Laurel wreath on a
narrow Gold band.

1st Class
The Star of the 1st Class consists of a large fluted silver
eight-pointed star overlaid with the above badge.

This is worn on the left breast.

2nd Class
Has the Cross worn from a ribbon around the neck.

3rd Class
Has a smaller Cross worn on the left breast.

4th Class
The Cross is of Gold with the Motto inscribed
on the arms, and the enamelled device in the centre

5th Class
The badge is of Silver

At The Time Of The Award

Rank, Name, Date,

W/C, A H C Boxer -RAF-, Feb 44
DFC,

Born in Hastings NZ, educated at Nelson College,
Joined the RAF in Jan 1939.

Flew/Commanded 161 Sqn, 138 Sqn, 161 Sqn, Staff at Intelligence at
Air Ministry, H Q Bomber Command.

Remained In The RAF after the war, Flew B29s over Korea while
seconded to the USAF.

Ending up as Defence Services Secretary in 1967.

Died 26 Apr 98.

F/L, S G Culliford, Oct 44
[Stanley George Culliford,]

On 25/26 July 44 F/L Culliford flew his 267 Sqn Dakota
from Brindisi, Italy, to a Village near Jadiwniki Mokre in the
Tarnow region, to bring back 5 Polish VIPs and parts and plans of the
V2 rocket.

On takeoff, the aircraft wouldn’t move, suspecting the brakes had
locked on, the hydraulic lines were cut to ease the pressure.

Then it was found the wheels had sunk into the marshy ground.

On the third attempt, with the aid of the partisans, they successfully
took off and returned to Brindisi.

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The unsourced photos and information are from

http://medals.nzdf.mil.nz/info/orderofwear.html