Braunschweig, Duchy. A War Merit Cross I Class Republic of silver hallmarked with right facing

silver hallmarked with right facing eagles head

passing away in 1965)

settling in Winnipeg

While many of the crew were killed in the action

within a stylized belt and buckle bearing a raised inscription of “MERENTI” (“MERIT”)

Braunschweig, Duchy. A War Merit Cross I Class Republic of silver hallmarked with right facing(Kriegsverdienstkreuz I. Klasse). Instituted 20 March 1918 by Duke Ernst August. (1918 issue). Constructed of bronze, consisting of a Cross Patte, the obverse bearing a central monogram of Duke Ernst August, flanked by oak leaves, topped by a crown, and situated above a date of 1914, the reverse with a barrel hinge and vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, unmarked, measuring 40. 36 mm (w) x 40. 55 mm (h), weighing 20. 5 grams, an award piece