The Ammunition Explosion Cross also referred to as the Commemorative Cross for Participation in the Rescue Operation at Chernivtsi Station in Lviv.
It was established by the National Union of Fire Brigades in Lviv and the Military and Civil Committee for the Defense of Lviv in 1919 (the date 1920 is also given).
The designer of the badge was Marian Spindler (other forms of the name are also given).
Badge with No. 540 (stamped with a numerator), brass, cast.
On the reverse it has an inscription: AMMUNITION EXPLOSION AT CHERNIVTSI RAILWAY STATION.
The ribbon connector and the ribbon itself for attaching the badge are missing.
Measures 45 x 45 mm.
Good condition.
The badge was given to all those who took part in the rescue operation, in gratitude for their bravery during the fire at the mentioned railroad station, which took place on March 5, 1919. It arose as a result of Ukrainian shelling of the station's warehouses, in which, among other things, ammunition was stored, after the explosion of which gasoline tankers also caught fire. Despite the shelling, the fire was extinguished by members of various fire departments and civilians. Thanks to their tremendous efforts, the fire was prevented from spreading.
Literature: M. Wełna, Wojsko Polskie w obronie ziemi polskich na wschodzie w latach 1918-1920. Odznaki pamiątkowe i okolicznościowe, Wrocław 2001
