WW2 Polish Silver Cross of Merit with Swords

 Silver Cross of Merit with Swords, awarded for combat merit in battlefield. Version made by S.A Picchiani et Barlacchi in Florence, Italy. Made from tombac silverplated and enameled. Original period ribbon.

Award in the shape of a cross with arms covered with red enamel, sunlight rays in between the arms. The in the centre medallion initials RP (Rzeczpospolita Polska – Republic of Poland). Between the cross and the suspension ring a pair of crossed swords. 

 Cross belonged to an officer of the 3rd Carpathian Rifle Division, 2nd Lieutenant Stanisław Hugo Carma. Born in 1909. Awarded the Cross of Valour. Took part in the Battle of Monte Cassino. Fought in the 1st Carpathian Regiment of Light Artillery and then transferred to the 3rd Carpathian Regiment of Light Artillery. Settled down in the UK after the war in Loughborough (Leicestershire), passed away in 1994.