The Maritime War Cross was established in 1943 by the Greek Government in Exile in 3 classes: bronze, silver and gold. It was awarded to the Officers and Sailors of the Hellenic Merchant Navy with at least 6 months of service aboard a merchant vessel.
It was also awarded to Officers of the Hellenic Royal Navy who commanded convoy escorts and also to Officers and Sailors of the Hellenic Royal Navy who served aboard merchant ships during the War.
The Maritime War Cross Design
The medal shows the motto: “Μέγα το της Θαλλάσης Κράτος” (in liberal translation: Powerful is the State that Controls the Sea). The phrase had been used for the first time by Thucydides and it is the motto of the Hellenic Navy.
Some versions of the medal were British made by Spink and Son Ltd, London (this is marked on the reverse of the crown).
