Other Civilian Vierdaagse Awards

These are medals and badges that have been awarded by the (K)NBVLO and other recognised bodies over the years in relation to the Vierdaagse.

Medal for civilian participants, 1909.

The ten civilian participants of the first Vierdaagse in 1909 received a bronze medal, not the cross. A representation of this medal appears on page 11 of De Wereld Wandelt, (below, right). In 1910 civilians were eligible for the gilded bronze cross if they walked the full 55km distance. They received a medal, similar to that of 1909, if they completed one of the optional shorter 35 or 45 km routes. Award of these medals for completing shorter distances had ceased before 1920, to be replaced by the Vierdaagse Cross in ungilded bronze.

This medal was introduced shortly after the NBVLO was established in April 1908 as a general prize for sports events sponsored by the NBVLO. This is confirmed by the award of the same design of medal for a Vuistbal (handball) competition in August 1908, (below left). It is of bronze and has a diameter of 53mm. This medal, including the Vierdaagse civilian medal of 1909, was probably originally awarded without a ribbon and was not intended to be worn.

This medal was later adopted as the Vierdaagse group medal.

The NBVLO sports medal established in 1908.

This example was awarded for second place in a Vuistbal (handball) competition on 31 August 1908.

The medal awarded to civilians who participated in the 1909 Vierdaagse.

[De Wereld Wandelt]

The Hague sports medal, 1910.

While this is not a Vierdaagse award, this is included as it is similar to the medal given in early Vierdaagse marches to civilian recipients.

It is of silvered bronze with a diameter of 23mm, with ball and ring suspension. The inscription on the reverse is in embossed letters, not engraved. It was presented in a white cardboard box bearing the makers name, Koninklijke Begeer, Voorschoten. It did not have a ribbon and was not intended to be worn.

The medal was given to participants of a 1910 national sports event organised by the NBVLO and held at Houtrust in The Hague. The games included football, basketball, athletics, fencing and equestrian events. A similar event was held in 1911 at Assen, near Groningen, and it is likely that a similar medal was awarded.

The 1910 Hague Medal is shown alongside a Group Medal to show the difference in size.

Gold Cross Holders' March, 1946.

Although the Association of Vierdaagse Gold Cross Holders was established in 1951, informal reunions of Gold Cross Holders date back to 1946. In June that year about forty gold cross holders, including five women, gathered in Nijmegen. The reunion included a formal dinner and, on 23 June, a one-day march. While the gold cross holders took part in the march, it was an open event, and it is likely that several hundred walkers participated. The Mayor (burgemeester) of Nijmegen was also involved in the reunion. He attended the formal dinner and was probably present at the march. At that time the City authorities were keen to promote Nijmegen as the centre of the Vierdaagse. Due to the city’s severe war damage, the NBVLO were considering holding the March elsewhere. This caused concerns locally since, as well as the prestige of the event, it brought in significant revenue for local business.

All participants of the 23 June 1946 march would have received the medal. This was gilded and had a width of 30 mm at its widest point. It was awarded without a ribbon.

The first reunion of gold cross holders, photographed after their dinner at the Hotel - Restaurant Normandië, near Keizer Karelplein in Nijmegen. This took place on 23 June 1946, the same day as the march.

[From 50 jaar Vereniging Gouden Kruisdragers]

Gold Cross Holders' March, 1948.

This one-day march was held on 9 May 1948 and was again open to all, not just to recipients of the Vierdaagse gold cross. It was organised by the NBVLO, helped by March Leader Major Breunese and the informal network of gold cross holders.

The walk started from the Grote Markt in Nijmegen, about 30 Gold Cross Holders leading over 1,600 other walkers.

The medal was awarded to all participants. It has a width of 28 mm and is made of gilded bronze. It was given to all walkers, without a ribbon. The ribbon seen in the photograph appears to have been added later by the recipient.

Gold Cross Holders' lead the May 1948 March.

The buildings behind still show the damage caused when US planes bombed Nijmegen in error in February 1944.

[From 50 jaar Vereniging Gouden Kruisdragers]

Special award of the Vierdaagse Gold Cross Holders Association.    

 (De Lustrumbeloning van de Vereniging Gouden-Kruisdragers).

This small badge is 16 mm in diameter and is made by Koninklijke Zilverstad.

It is made of white metal. Early awards were hallmarked silver,

It was established by the Board of the Gold Cross Holders Association in 1982. It is presented to those who have been members of the Association for at least two years and have completed the Vierdaagse at least 15 times. After this, a new badge is given for every further five successful Vierdaagse marches.

The number of marches completed appears at the centre of the badge. While the inscribed band around the edge is consistently orange, the background colour behind the cross depends on the number of marches rewarded. There are three types:

  15 and 20 marches: blue background;

  25, 30 and 35 marches: green background;

  40 or more marches: white background.

There were originally two types of suspension:

  For men: On a pin, and normally worn as a lapel badge.

  For women: With a small top ring, and designed to be worn as a pendant. This second type is no longer given, all badges now being awarded with a pin.

The Vierdaagse Gold Cross Holders Association, as well as being a network for those who have marched at Nijmegen many times, has a role in commenting on the running of the Vierdaagse, including any proposed changes. It currently has nearly 2,000 members.

Figure 1: This is a 1980's women's award for 40 marches. It is of silver with the The Dutch silver hallmark [†] and makers mark on the reverse.

Figure 2: A current award for 15 marches in white metal.