Summary

Medal to commemorate the British Naval Raids on Zeebrugge and Ostend, issued by Great Britain, 1918.

The Zeebrugge and Ostend Raids were an attempt by the British Royal Navy to block the Belgian port of Bruges, a strategic port being used by the Imperial German Navy during World War I. The British wanted to prevent the German navy vessels from leaving the port, as they threatened to raid the British coastline and shipping lanes, so undertook multiple attacks in April and May of 1918. With varied success they blocked some water access by sinking ships in the canals and their entrances. However, German operations at Bruges would not finally cease until the end of the war, when the town was liberated by Allied land forces.

Physical Description

Round medal with loop and split ring at top. Obverse depicts St George on rearing horseback spearing a depiction of Germany as a dragon-like serpent. Reverse bears inscription.

Obverse Description

St George on horseback to left spearing a fallen dragon inscribed GERMANIA; around, THE GREAT WAR.

Reverse Description

Inscription, TO COMMEMORATE / THE / GLORIOUS RAID / ON / ZEEBRUGGE & OSTEND / ST. GEORGE'S / DAY / 1918.

Edge Description

Plain edge.

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