
The Combatants de la Somme Medal is an unofficial French commemorative award issued by veterans’ associations to recognise those who served in the Battle of the Somme during the First World War. This major campaign, fought from July to November 1916, was one of the largest and bloodiest battles in history, symbolising the endurance and sacrifice of all who fought there.
Presented to veterans who took part in operations in the Somme sector during the designated battle period, or posthumously to their families. As a commemorative award, it was not an official state decoration but carried deep meaning for its recipients.
The bronze medal features an allegorical figure of France holding a large globe, with the Somme River and battlefield landscape in the background. The inscription at the base reads BATAILLE DE LA SOMME – 1916, marking the year of the battle. The reverse typically displays laurel and oak leaves with a dedication to the veterans.
The ribbon is yellow with a wide central blue stripe, symbolising the wheat fields and skies of the Somme region.
SPECIFICATIONS:If you order your medal unmounted, the medal and ribbon will be supplied as separate components. Miniature medals will be supplied with 15cm of ribbon and full size medals will be supplied with 30cm of ribbon.
The court mounting of medals involves securing medals to a stiff backing board, along with the placement of a brooch fitting on the board. This ensures that the medals remain firmly in place and do not shift or move about while being worn.
It is mandatory for active members of the Australian Defence Force to have their medals court mounted, as it is considered the appropriate method of presenting military honours in a professional and respectful manner. By doing so, the medals are given proper recognition and are displayed in a neat and organized fashion.The swing mounting of medals refers to the attachment of a medal to a ribbon that is allowed to hang freely from a brooch, which in turn is affixed to a uniform or clothing. This mounting style was commonly used for medals from the Boer War up to and including World War II, although there are no fixed guidelines or regulations regarding its use.
Miniature Court Mounted medals are mounted using the same method as Full size medals, yet they are typically worn to ceremonies were wearing full size medals would be impractical. These medals are commonly worn to all ceremonies that take place after 6 pm such as dinners.
Miniature Swing Mounted medals are mounted using the same method as Full size medals, yet they are typically worn to ceremonies were wearing full size medals would be impractical. These medals are commonly worn to all ceremonies that take place after 6 pm such as dinners.
A ribbon bar is a small, rectangular display of ribbons worn on military uniforms to represent various honours and awards earned by the wearer. These ribbons are arranged in a specific order and are attached to a backing, which is then attached to the uniform. Ribbon bars are a compact and convenient way for military personnel to display their achievements and are often used in situations where a full-sized medal or award would be impractical.
MagnaRack® is a revolutionary magnetic system designed to make medal and ribbon mounting easier, faster, and more secure. Whether you're in the military, a veteran, part of an emergency service, or proudly wearing a loved one's medals, MagnaRack eliminates the hassle of traditional pins that damage uniforms. The system is incredibly easy to use, perfect for those with limited dexterity, and ideal for elderly users who find small pins difficult to handle.
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