Bonjour a tous,

Could anyone explain how/why French Military personel are awarded French Ordre Merite Agricole. I think the name of the ordre is self explanatory and therefore I cannot see the connection between Military Force and agricultural industry. This order can be seen quite often in photos.

Thank you in advance, Harri.

Hello Harri

The Mérite agricole was quite often seen on uniforms of members of the Veterinary Corps, included in the Service de Santé militaire (with physicians & surgeons, dental surgeons, pharmacists and administrators).

Before 1940, the military forces of most countries were dependant on a huge number of horses which had to be looked after. Veterinarians were most important and the French schools where they were taught belonged to the Ministry of Agriculture. Hence the link.

Best regards
Vétéran

Hello Harri ,

And, in addition to all the right things written by Veteran, some knights' medals of the Merite Agricole have been given to soldiers having participated in rescue operations after the 2000 storm...

Best regards ,

Hello again,

and thank you again for Veteran and Marce for most valuable information.
Now I understand the connection between Military Forces and the Agricultural Order.

Salutations, Harri

Hi Harri

Just to say that the nickname of the Merite agriole is the poireau (leek)
this order is very popular with french farmers.

Regards

Jean-Phy

Bonjour a tous ,
and thank you Jean-Phy for comment. Nice to know a nickname for a medal. Is this very common French habit having nicknames for medals or insignias?
So Merite Agricole is called poireau, parawing is called plaque velo, sure I know that DefNat is an abreviation. Is the any other nicknames I should know as a collector of French decorations and insignias.
Cordialement, Harri

I'm sure hat there're other nicknames but Idon't remember them.
I "launch" a post on this subject follow it with this link :

http://www.forum-insignes-medailles.net/le-forum-du-forum-f17/les-surnoms-des-insignes-et-medailles-t17381.htm#126839

Regards

Jean-phy

Thank you again Jean-Phy.
That is an good idea to collect possible nicknames under the same title. I will definitely check this link quite often.

Just a thing that occured to my mind. Former legionnaire once called the French badge of a gunner of the 20 Anti-Aircraft Gun for "Jimi Hendrix" badge, as if the badge is turned upside down, it looks like a electric guitar . I just don't know how widely this name was used.

Cordialement, Harri.

Hi

I'm very surprise by all the nicknames of our médals and badges
Ididn't know about jimi hendrix...Very good

Thanks

Regards

Jean-Phy