The Yser Medal 1914-1918 (The IJzer Medal) Awarded to those who, between 17 and 31 October 1914, were part of the army fighting on the IJzer-river (in French "Yser") and fought with distinction. This bronze medal (with a greenish shade and with a green enamelled medallion above) was instituted on 18 October 1918 and immediately follows the War Cross 1914-1918 in importance. Allied military personnel who participated were also eligible. The obverse depicts a naked, helmeted man, standing and holding a lance (symbolising the halting of the German advance) with to his right the dates "17-31 / OCT. / 1914". In the enameled medallion the word "YSER" can be read. The reverse shows a wounded lion on a battlefield background. Underneath is the word "YSER" while the medallion has the royal crown over the letter "A" (King Albert I). The ribbon is red with broad black edges. Both obverse and reverse are rather poorly executed for a medal with such an historical importance : between the dates mentioned the Belgian Army fought along the river IJzer and stopped the German advance, lead by General von Falkenhayn. During this gallant action the Belgian Army suffered some 60,000 casualties, more than a third of its total strength Before you bid! All medals will be shipped in protecting padded envelopes, “registered mail” with tracking number, through Bpost (Belgian postal services). Bear in mind that I’m not responsible for the rudeness of postal services! All auctions are “wysiwyg”, Observe & Reverse pictures shows the medals that will be sent, nothing else. You are bidding to buy, not to see! I always ship to the mailing address given by Catawiki, so be sure your mailing address is the right one, I will not ship a second time without extra cost. If you do not agree with these terms, please pass.