Bonjour a tous,



I just saw a Swedish document about Swedish legionnaires.



In Camerone day parade in Aubagne the medals of one Swedish veteran (served 1936-45) were well visible for recognition and they were:



-Croix du Combatttant Volontaire (clasp not visible but probably 1939-45)

-Croix du Combattant

-Medaille coloniale (clasps uncler to identify)

-Commemorative Medaille WW II (clasps unclear to identify)

and at last in the group:



Médaille des Prisonniers Civils, Déportés et Otages de la Grande Guerre 1914-1918

(1936).



I thought this medal was for civil persons only? In which circumstances he might have received it?

I understood this medal is awarded very seldom as only 10 400 awarded so far (according to france-phaleristique.com).

Can anyone explain, please.



Cordialement, Harri.

Hello Harri

I agree this is a strange combination.
One explanation for such a group would be that he might have been engaged during the campaign in Tunisia (Médaille coloniale) against the Africa Korps and taken a prisonner (the last medal sometimes being worn by men who had been in captivity during WW2 and also Indochina), I believe. This on the basis that the group was legitimate, but I cannot well imagine an "Ancien" attending the Aubagne Camerone with "tiddly" medals. It just would not do !. I remember attending three years ago when I was invited to come as a WW2 veteran and my impressions are that there was no room for any hanky-panky.

Other members of this forum will certainly be able to contribute.

Cheers
Veteran

Thank You again Veteran for quick answer.

I agree with You. The mounted ribbon bar must be okay with correct medals as the group of Swedish veterans was the official delegation of Swedish Amicale as far as I understood it.

Yours, Harri