Dutch Cross of Resistance

The Verzetskruis 1940–1945 (English: Cross of Resistance 1940–1945) is a decoration for valour in the Netherlands. Instituted on May 3, 1946,[1] it was awarded in recognition of the individual courage shown in resistance against the enemies of the Netherlands and for the maintenance of liberties. It is one of the highest decorations in the Netherlands.

Dutch Cross of Resistance
The Dutch Cross of Resistance
Type	Civil decoration
Awarded for	Extreme bravery awarded to the Dutch Resistance
Presented by	Kingdom of the Netherlands
Status	No longer awarded
Established	3 May 1946
Total	95 times
Total awarded posthumously	93 times
Ribbon bar of the Dutch Cross of Resistance
Precedence
Next (higher)	Honorary Sabre
Next (lower)	Honorary Medal for Charitable Assistance

Before the Netherlands was liberated in May 1945, the Dutch government in London had developed a valid and balanced system of decorations, both civil and military. In addition to the existing Military Order of William, they were created new ones as the Bronze Lion, the Bronze Cross, the Cross of Merit and the Cross of the Flyer. But there was no valid award to reward members of resistance organizations, while neighboring countries had already filled this gap. As it was not agreed that the acts of the Resistance could be rewarded with an existing military decoration, it was decided to create a specific one.[2]

During the war, each of the acts of Resistance was considered as good as any other. In addition, other countries had distinguished the Dutch resistance with decorations such as the British King's Medal for Courage in the Cause of Freedom or the American Medal of Freedom. On the other hand, there was Queen Wilhelmine's personal wish that the work of the Resistance was to be rewarded.[2]

The cross was awarded in 2 formats: 60x36 mm (2,3x1,4 in) for survivors and 80x48 mm (3,1x1,8 in) for those who received it posthumously.[1]

It has been granted 95 times, 93 of them to deceased resistance workers (85 Dutch, 7 French, 2 Belgians and 1 to the Monument to the Jews killed during the Holocaust).[1]