French
9 French awards were received by Old Bristolians. Below is information about each award achieved by an OB, in the order of precedence.
Military Decorations
Legion d’Honneur
Number awarded to OBs: 1 Officer, 2 Chevalier
Nationality of award: French
Founded: 19th May 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte
Information: The Legion d’Honneur is the highest French decoration. It is broken down into five classes: Grand Croix (Grand Cross), Grand Officier (Grand Officer), Commandeur (Commander), Officier (Officer), and Chevalier (Knight). The membership of the Legion is technically restricted to French nationals, although foreign nationals who have served on French soil, or who upholds the French ideals, may receive the award.
Awarded
Officer
Jones, Charles Herbert
Chevalier
Moline, Frank Herman
Veater, Arthur William
Croix de Guerre (CdG)
Number awarded to OBs: 5
Nationality of award: French
Founded: 1915
Information: The French Croix de Guerre was awarded during both World Wars, either to an individual, or an entire unit. It is awarded where a ‘heroic deed or deeds’ were performed. There are a number of levels of the award:
Bronze Star: for those mentioned at the regiment or brigade level.
Silver Star: for those mentioned at division level.
Silver Gilt Star: for those mentioned at corps level.
Bronze Palm: for those mentioned at army level.
Silver Palm: represents five bronze mentions.
Awarded
Castle, Gilbert Stacey
Grace, Henry Edgar
Jenks, John Charles Alphonse
Lees, Charles Henry Brownlow
Littleton, George Henry
Civilian Decorations
Medaille de l'Assistance Publique
Number awarded to OBs: 1 Bronze
Nationality of award: French
Founded: 15th January 1891
Information: The award was instituted to reward people who distinguished themselves in the public sector, such as in offices, charity, or hospitals. There were three levels:
Bronze Medal – 10 years of service
Silver Medal – 10 years of service and the Bronze medal
Gold Medal – 15 years of service and the Silver medal
Awarded
Fisher, Henry Francis Thornhill