Medal of the Battle of the Forest of Houthulst

Belgian commemorative medal in honor of the 40th anniversary of the Battle of the Houthulst Forest.

Meaning and Symbolism

The medal commemorates the start of the Belgian final offensive in the First World War:

• Dates: "28 IX 1918" refers to the start date of the battle; "28/IX/1958" marks the 40th anniversary of the issue of this medal.
• Abbreviations: "I. D. 7 D. T." stands for the units involved, the 1st Division (Infantry) and elements of the 7th Division/Transport that participated in the battle for the forest.
• Inscription: "Roem aan de Mannen van 't bos / Gloire à ceux de la Forêt" honors the veterans who fought in the Houthulst Forest, a strategically crucial point during the liberation of Belgium.

Characteristics of the medal

• Maker: The medal is signed by the well-known Brussels medallist F. De Greef (Fec: P. De Greef).
• Size: The object typically has a diameter of 6 cm.
• Context: Such medals were often awarded to veterans' associations or during official commemorative ceremonies in 1958.