2016-12-30 Fri

A 70-millimeter gilded bronze medal was designed, engraved and signed by Belgian engraver Pierre Theunis. The medal design depicts major events that occurred during Germany’s 1914 invasion of Belgium in the early stages of World War I.

The obverse depicts a crowned woman with crossed arms indicating the city of Namur. Two seated naked female figures personify the Sambre and Meuse rivers. NAMUR BRAVE LES OBUS AUTRICHIENS or “Namur braves the Austrian shells” is inscribed with a bridge and mountains in the background. Other inscriptions include the engraver’s signature, P. THEUNIS, 4–25 AOUT 1914 (August 4 to 25, 1914). AM monogram for the Amis de la Medaille d’ Art (Friends of the Art Medal). On 4th August, the German forces started shelling Namur using heavy artillery on loan from Austria-Hungary. The shelling ended on 25th August which led to the evacuation of Belgian forces to Antwerp by way of Ostend.

The reverse features two soldiers, one standing and the other sitting. Soldiers are shown getting down from a military ship along with the tower of St. Paul’s Church of Ostend in the background. Other inscriptions include P. THEUNIS, SA GARNISON DEBARQUE A OSTENDE (Garrison landing in Ostend) and ET 3 SEPTEMBRE / -1914. (Sept. 2 and 3, 1914).