BELGIUM – Colonial Campaign Medal 1914–1916

Description

BELGIUM – Colonial Campaign Medal 1914–1916
(Médaille Commémorative des Campagnes d’Afrique 1914–1916)

Instituted by Royal Decree on 21 February 1917, the Colonial Campaign Medal 1914–1916 was awarded to Belgian military personnel, colonial troops, and civilians who participated in the campaigns fought in the Belgian Congo and neighbouring German colonies during the First World War. The decoration commemorated the successful operations conducted by the Force Publique against German colonial forces in Kamerun (Cameroon) and German East Africa between 1914 and 1916.

The medal is circular and made of silver, surmounted by a Royal Crown suspension. The obverse depicts a lion standing upon a rocky outcrop beneath a star, symbolizing Belgium’s authority and presence in Central Africa. The reverse bears the dates “1914–1916” and a detailed list of principal locations associated with the African campaigns, including Kamerun, Jaoundé (Yaoundé), Assobam, Mulundu, Kigali, Usumbura, Udjiji, Tabora, and other important operational centres. The inscription “Afrique Orientale Allemande” (“German East Africa”) commemorates the campaign that resulted in the occupation of substantial German colonial territories by Belgian forces.

The medal was awarded to members of the Force Publique, Belgian officers and soldiers, colonial administrators, medical personnel, and supporting civilians who took part in military operations in Africa during the war. Belgian colonial forces achieved notable successes, including the conquest of Ruanda-Urundi and the capture of Tabora in September 1916, one of the most significant victories of the East African campaign.

The ribbon is light blue with yellow edge stripes, colours traditionally associated with Belgium’s colonial service. The medal represents one of the principal campaign decorations awarded for service in Africa during the First World War and reflects Belgium’s contribution to the Allied war effort beyond the European theatre.

Today, the Colonial Campaign Medal 1914–1916 remains an important and increasingly sought-after decoration among collectors of Belgian military awards, colonial history, and First World War campaign medals. It serves as a tangible reminder of the often-overlooked African campaigns of the Great War and the role played by Belgian colonial forces in the Allied victory.

Condition: Very Fine; original silver finish with attractive age patina; details and inscriptions well preserved; crowned suspension intact; original ribbon present with minor age-related wear.