Officer’s Peninsula Gold Cross

It was approved by the Prince Regent in 1813 and was given to those in command of a battalion who had been involved in at least four actions. The names of these battles were recorded on each arm of the cross, while further actions were marked with clasps. Crosses could be issued with the names of battles outside the Peninsula including Maida, Martinique and Guadalupe. A total of 164 gold crosses were awarded.

The design of the cross is very similar to the later Victoria Cross and probably provided the inspiration for that medal. The medal is considered the most prestigious award in the campaign series. It is finely decorated and features a British lion standing or statant.

The highest and unique award, a cross with 9 bars for a total of 13 actions, was given to the Duke of Wellington.
A round medal was given to men who had been in command at fewer than four actions. The name of the first action was inscribed on the rear of the medal and up to 2 clasps could be added before the Cross was actually awarded. This medal was instituted in 1810.

It is notable that common soldiers did not receive a medal until the Waterloo medal was issued in 1815, while in 1847 the silver Military General Service Medal (MGSM) was authorised and retrospectively awarded to all surviving veterans of the campaigns of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, irrespective of rank. Holders of the gold medals, crosses or additional clasps, however, were not eligible to claim identical clasps on the MGSM.