France (Free French 1940-45): Levant Medal by London maker 'J.R.G. Gaunt' with clasp 'Syrie' (Syria)

The bronze medal struck in war-time in London in distinctive dark chocolate bronze appearance, with makers marks 'J.R.G' for London insignia and medal maker 'John R. Gaunt Ltd'

General De Gaulle, the wartime leader of the 'Free French' instituted this unique issue of the earlier Commemorative Medal of Syria-Cilicia on, 30 March 1942, as a campaign medal to be awarded to the Free French Forces that took part in the operations in Syria in 1941 or subsequently aggregated 2 years service in the Levant region (Syria & Lebanon).

No clasps were instituted for the award of the 1941 Free French issue medal, but unofficial clasps 'Syrie' and 'Syrie 1941' were struck and subsequently worn by Free French veterans on either the Free French issue Levant Medal, and or the Colonial Medal

The medal retaining a full length its original wartime issue silk riband

A very scarce seen medal together with the contemporary 1940's clasp 'Syrie'

Condition: EF

Code: 23148