Colonial War Effort Medal 1940-1945

The Colonial War Effort Medal 1940–1945 was instituted on 30 January 1947. It was awarded to both military personnel and civilians in the Belgian Congo who had actively contributed to the Allied war effort during the Second World War. The decoration highlighted the important role of the colony in the conflict and served as an official recognition of the commitment and sacrifices made in Africa.

The medal is struck in bronze-coloured metal and has a distinctive rectangular form with chamfered upper corners and a rounded base. At the top is a cut-out star, symbolising victory and guidance. Below are the dates 1940–1945, flanked by two upright ears of wheat representing fertility, labour, and perseverance. At the base appears the Latin motto “Pro Patria et Victoria” (For the Fatherland and Victory), strongly reinforcing the commemorative meaning of the award.

The medal is suspended from a yellow moiré ribbon with blue edging, a colour scheme also found on other Belgian colonial decorations.