France, Republic. A Croix De Guerre (War Cross), C.1917 United Republic of with permission to retain rank

with permission to retain rank and wear uniform

where his condition was stabilized before he was invalided to England aboard the Hospital Ship Princess Elizabeth

" and intimate friend of the great musician

large size (80mm

France, Republic. A Croix De Guerre (War Cross), C.1917 United Republic of with permission to retain rankInstituted in 1915. In bronze, marked "1914 1917" on the reverse centrepiece, measuring 36. 8 mm (w) x 46. 5 mm (h) inclusive of its laterally pierced ball suspension, bronze star on its original ribbon, extremely fine. Footnote: The Croix de Guerre was instituted in April 1915, to commemorate mentions in dispatches. It was awarded to all ranks, officers included, and officers and men of allied forces who were mentioned in French dispatches. The cross