Medal - If You Want Peace, Prepare for War

Reverse

A tablet with inscription - Award of the Minister of War, a lion in front of the tablet and a plane on top, with various icons of war on either side (rifle, cannon balls, bicycle, target, swords, stirrups, gloves, horn, drum).
Lower right (5 o'clock position) GRANDHOMME 1911

Script: Latin

Lettering:
ENTRAINEMENT PHYSIQUE ✶ PREPARATION MILITAIRE
PRIX du MINISTRE de la GUERRE
GRANDHOMME
1911
FORCE COURAGE

Translation:
Physical Training, Military Preparation
Award of the Minister of War
Force Courage

Engraver: P Grandhomme

Edge

Lettering: (corne) BRONZE

Comment

The medal was designed by Paul Grandhomme (active 1870-1920), and unashamedly celebrates the military virtues of physical fitness and preparedness for war. The piece may be seen as an artistic contribution to the political environment characterised or defined by "a will for war", which some historians have identified as present in certain sections of French society (and in other European countries) during the years immediately preceding 1914.