Hi Piotr,
The type 1 and 2 designations are arbitrary and I’m not aware know of any formal cataloging of the two crosses in this manner. In fact, there’s some uncertainty as to whether the cross you have pictured is in fact produced in the Middle East, or Italy as some suspect. Unfortunately, there is very little available information on the production of these two crosses (and many of the other types as well).
The Krogulec reference does attribute this cross as being of Middle Eastern production , and identified two sub-variants: earlier war and later war production. There are differences in alloy composition and in the size and construction of the ribbon ring.
I agree that the Spink cross does share some close similarities. See post #12 for a side by side picture.
Your observation that the cross type with the long ribbon ring suspension eyelet seems associated with the crosses awarded for Monte casino is consistent with what I’ve noticed as well. However, the other types were also awarded, all depending on when, where, and in what manner the award was conferred on the individual. There is an effort underway to document the cross type with original award documents, and I have actually participated in this endeavor with surviving veterans in the Polish community here locally.
Regards,
Tony
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