=The Peninsular Gold Cross.=--The long-drawn character of the Peninsular War, and the frequent general engagements which called for recognition, occasioned the recipients of the gold medals inconvenience in wearing them; in consequence the names of battles were sometimes engraved on the medals as suggested in Wellington's dispatch of October 1st, 1811, dated from Richoso. Subsequently an order was issued from the Horse Guards, on October 7th, 1813, to the effect that amended regulations would be adopted in the grant and circulation of marks of distinction, _i.e._ medals. The regulations set forth that (1st) only one medal should be borne by each officer, (2nd) that for the second and third events a gold clasp attached to a ribbon, from which the medal is suspended, inscribed with the name of the battle or siege to which it relates. These bars, which were unconnected, were 2 in. long by ⅗ in. broad, with laureated edges, the names of the battles being soldered on. They were pierced and lapped bright. (3rd) That upon a claim being admitted to a fourth mark of distinction, a cross shall be borne by each officer with the names of the four battles or sieges respectively inscribed thereupon, and to be worn in substitution of the distinctions previously granted. (4th) That upon each occasion of a similar nature, that may occur subsequent to the grant of the cross, the clasp shall again be issued to those who have a claim to the distinction. The following officers were eligible for the distinction: General Officers, Commanding Officers of Brigades, Commanding Officers of Artillery and Engineers, Adjutant-General and Quartermaster-General, also Assistant Adjutant-General and Quartermaster-General ranking with Field Officers; Military Secretary having the rank of Field Officer, Commanding Officers of Battalions or Corps equivalent thereto, and Officers who may have succeeded to the actual command during an engagement, owing to the death or removal of the original Commanding Officer. [Illustration: (Obverse) WATERLOO MEDAL.] [Illustration: ARMY OF INDIA MEDAL.] [Illustration: (Reverse.) WATERLOO MEDAL.] The cross (see facing page 44), Maltese in form, is 1½ in. square, with a bright lapped double border framing a laurel mount. In the centre in bold relief is the British Lion statant, and on the four arms of the cross are arranged the names of the battles the recipient was engaged in. The name of the first battle is arranged in the space above the Lion. The obverse and reverse are similar; the cross was suspended from a crimson ribbon with blue edges--the regulation ribbon at this time--1⁷⁄₁₀ in. wide, by means of a gold swivel and laureated ring, connected to the cross by means of a gold loop and ornamentation. The names and regiments of recipients were engraved on the edges of the arms of the cross.