Escaped Prisoners Medal
Medaille des Evades

Instituted 20th August 1926 to commemorate the escape of prisoners of war from enemy hands. Awarded for escapes during the Great War 1914-1918 and retrospectively awarded for the Franco-Prussian war of 1870-71. In 1944 it was extend to cover the Second Word War, 1939- 1945. The medal was awarded to military and civilians, and could be awarded posthumously to those killed or deceased as a result of injuries received during an escape.
The Medal: Bronze, 30mm diameter, obverse la Republique wearing an oak and laurel crown, surrounded by the inscription "REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE". Reverse; an oak wreath surrounding the inscription "MEDAILLE DES EVADES"