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Awards and decorations of the British Armed Forces

(Redirected from Military awards and decorations of the United Kingdom)

The British Armed Forces recognises service and personal accomplishments of individuals while a member of the Royal Navy, British Army or Royal Air Force with the awarding of various awards and decorations.

Together with rank and qualification badges, such awards are a means to outwardly display the highlights of a serviceperson's career.

Order of wear

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All services use a common order of wear, in accordance with the 2019 order of wear:[1]

  1. The Victoria Cross and the George Cross
  2. United Kingdom Orders
  3. United Kingdom Decorations
  4. Order of St John (all classes)
  5. United Kingdom Medals for Gallantry and for Distinguished Service
  6. United Kingdom Campaign and Operational Service Medals (including authorised United Nations medals and medals of other recognised international organisations). Worn in order of date of award
  7. United Kingdom Polar Medals
  8. United Kingdom Police Medals for Valuable Service
  9. United Kingdom Jubilee, Coronation and Durbar Medals
  10. Long Service and Efficiency Awards
  11. Commonwealth Orders, Decorations and Medals instituted by the Sovereign. Worn in order of date of award.
  12. Commonwealth Orders, Decorations and Medals instituted since 1949 otherwise than by the Sovereign (including those of the States of Malaysia and the State of Brunei). Worn in order of date of award.
  13. Foreign Orders. If approved for wear, worn in order of date of award.
  14. Foreign Decorations. If approved for wear, worn in order of date of award.
  15. Foreign Medals. If approved for wear, worn in order of date of award.


Jubilee, Coronation and Durbar medals were worn before campaign medals until November 1918, after which the order of wear was changed, with them now worn after campaign medals and before long service awards.[2]

British military medals and ribbons

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Military orders and decorations

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Emblem Description Postnom Established Eligibility Period [1] Remarks
Level 1 Decorations
  Victoria Cross VC 5 February 1856[3] Jan 1856 – present For valour in combat.
  George Cross GC 24 September 1940[4] 1940 – present For valour other than in combat.
Orders – First Class
  Knight/Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath
(Military Division)		 GCB 27 May 1725[5][6] 27 May 1725 – present[5][6] Prior to 2 January 1815, this grade was known as a Knight Companion of the Order of the Bath.[5][6]
  Member of the Order of Merit
(Military Division)		 OM 23 June 1902[7] 23 June 1902 – present[7]
  Knight/Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire
(Military Division)		 GBE 24 August 1917[8][9] 4 June 1917 – present[8][9]
Orders – Second Class
  Knight/Dame Commander of the Order of the Bath
(Military Division)		 KCB
DCB		 2 January 1815[5][6] 2 January 1815 – present[5][6]
  Knight/Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire
(Military Division)		 KBE
DBE		 24 August 1917[8][9] 4 June 1917 – present[8][9]
Orders – Third Class
  Companion of the Order of the Bath
(Military Division)		 CB 2 January 1815[5][6] 1815 – present[5][6]
  Commander of the Order of the British Empire
(Military Division)		 CBE 24 August 1917[8][9] 4 June 1917 – present[8][9]
Level 2A Decoration (Order)
  Companion of the Distinguished Service Order DSO 9 November 1886[10] 1885 – present[11] From Oct 1993 awarded for leadership only. Replaced for gallantry in Oct 1993 by the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.[10]
Orders – Fourth Class
  Officer of the Order of the British Empire
(Military Division)		 OBE 24 August 1917[8][9] 4 June 1917 – present[8][9]
Orders – Fifth Class
  Member of the Order of the British Empire
(Military Division)		 MBE 24 August 1917[8][9] 4 June 1917 – present[8][9]
Level 2A Indian Order (Decoration)
  Indian Order of Merit (1st Class)
(Military Division)		 IOM 1837–1911 Replaced by the VC in 1911.
  Indian Order of Merit (2nd Class)
(Military Division)		 IOM 1837–1947
  Indian Order of Merit (3rd Class)
(Military Division)		 IOM 1837–1947
Level 2A Decorations
  Conspicuous Gallantry Cross CGC October 1993 1993 – present
  Royal Red Cross (Class I) RRC 27 April 1883 1883 – present
Level 3A Decorations
  Distinguished Service Cross DSC June 1901 1901 – present Awarded only to officers until 1993.
  Military Cross MC Dec 1914[12] 1914 – present
  Distinguished Flying Cross DFC June 1918 1918 – present
  Air Force Cross AFC 3 June 1918[13] 1918 – present
  Royal Red Cross (Class II) ARRC 27 April 1883 1917 – present
  Order of British India (First Class) OBI 1837–1947
  Order of British India (Second Class) OBI 1837–1947
Level 2B Medals
  Distinguished Conduct Medal DCM 1854 1854–1993 Replaced in Oct 1993 by the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.
  Conspicuous Gallantry Medal CGM 1874–1993
  Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (Flying) CGM 1874 1874–1993
  George Medal GM September 1940 1940 – present
  Royal West African Frontier Force Distinguished Conduct Medal 1907 1907–1942
  King's African Rifles Distinguished Conduct Medal 1907 1907–1942
Level 3B Medals
  Indian Distinguished Service Medal IDSM June 1907 1907–1947
  Distinguished Service Medal DSM October 1914 1914–1993 Equivalent awards for ORs to similarly named crosses for officers.
  Military Medal MM 25 March 1916 1916–1993
  Distinguished Flying Medal DFM June 1918 1918–1993
  Air Force Medal AFM 3 June 1918 1918–1993
  Sea Gallantry Medal SGM 10 August 1854 1854 – present
  Burma Gallantry Medal BGM 10 May 1940[14] 1940–1948
  King's Gallantry Medal KGM 20 June 1974 1974 – present
  British Empire Medal
(Military Division)		 BEM 24 August 1917[8][9] 4 June 1917[8] – 1993[9]
2012–present
  King's Volunteer Reserves Medal KVRM 1999 1999 – present
Level 4 Commendations
  Mentioned in Dispatches Nil 1919 1914 – present Insignia attached to appropriate campaign medal; if no campaign medal awarded, insignia attached after any medal ribbons
  King's/Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct Nil 1943 1939–1994
  King's/Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air Nil 1942 1939–1994
  King's Commendation for Bravery Nil 1994 1994 – present
  King's Commendation for Bravery in the Air Nil 1994 1994 – present
  King's Commendation for Valuable Service Nil 1994 1993 – present

Note [1] Eligibility period start dates reflect respective establishment dates, except where available evidence indicates otherwise.

Military campaign medals

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Emblem Description Established Eligibility Period Remarks
18th Century Campaign Medals
Yellow Cord Monghyr Mutiny Medal 1766 1766[15] HEIC Issue. Awarded to Native officers who helped quell a mutiny among European troops.
Yellow Cord Deccan Medal 1784 1778–1784 HEIC Issue. Awarded in gold to Subadars, silver gilt to Jemadars and other native officers, and silver to 'native' non-commissioned officers and soldiers.[15]
Yellow Cord Mysore Medal 1 April 1793 1790–1792 HEIC Issue. Awarded in gold to Subadars, silver gilt to Jemadars and Serrangs, and silver to 'native' non-commissioned officers and soldiers.[15]
19th Century Campaign Medals
  Seringapatam Medal 1801 March 1799 – 8 May 1799 HEIC Issue. Awarded in gold, silver gilt, silver, bronze and tin dependent upon rank and position to both British and native soldiers. Authorised for British Army wear on 29 August 1815. Several other ribbons were worn unofficially.[15]
Yellow Cord Medal for Egypt 31 July 1802 8 March – 31 August 1801 HEIC Issue. Awarded in gold to senior officers, and silver to all others eligible.[15]
  Army Gold Medal 1806 1808–1814 Issued to senior officers with battle/action clasps where appropriate.[16]
Yellow Cord Capture of Ceylon Medal 15 May 1807 1795–1796 HEIC Issue. Awarded in gold to 'native' officers, and silver to 'native' non-commissioned officers and soldiers.[15]
  Army Gold Cross 1810 1808–1814 Issued to senior officers with battle/action clasps where appropriate.
Yellow Cord Medal for capture of Rodrigues, Isle of Bourbon and Isle of France 1811 1809-1810 HEIC Issue. Awarded in gold to native officers, and silver to native non-commissioned officers and soldiers.
Yellow Cord Java Medal 1812 1811 HEIC Issue. Awarded in gold to more senior native officers, and silver to native non-commissioned officers and soldiers.
  Waterloo Medal 1816 16 – 18 June 1815
  Nepal Medal 1816 1814-1816 HEIC Issue. Awarded to native officers and to selected native non-commissioned officers and soldiers.
  Ceylon Medal 1819 1818 HEIC Issue. Awarded to selected native and European non-commissioned officers and soldiers.
  Burma Medal 1826 1824–1826 HEIC Issue. Awarded in gold to native officers and silver to native non-commissioned officers and soldiers.[17]
Yellow Cord Coorg Medal 1837 1837 HEIC Issue. Awarded to selected members of local forces.
  Ghuznee Medal 1839 21 – 23 July 1839 HEIC Issue.
  Candahar, Ghuznee, Cabul Medal 1842 1839–1842 HEIC Issue.
  Jellalabad Medals 1842 November 1841 – 16 April 1842 HEIC Issue.
  Medal for the Defence of Kelat-I-Ghilzie 1842 February – May 1842 HEIC Issue.
  China War Medal (1842) 1843 5 July 1840 – 29 August 1842 Issued with clasps for Second China War where appropriate.
  Scinde Medal 22 September 1843 1842–1843 HEIC Issue. Issued in one of three types: "Meeanee 1843", "Hyderabad 1843" and "Meeanee/Hyderabad 1843".
  Gwalior Star 1843 1843 HEIC Issue, issued for the Battle of Gwalior, which was fought at Maharajpur and Panihaar. Medals indicated in central disc of star the battleground for which it was issued[18]
  Maharajpoor Star 1843 29 December 1843 HEIC Issue.
  Punniar Star 1843 29 December 1843 HEIC Issue.
  Sutlej Medal 17 April 1846 7 September 1845 – 14 March 1849 HEIC Issue. Issued with battle/action clasps where appropriate.
  Naval General Service Medal 1847 1793–1840 Always issued with battle/action clasps.
  Military General Service Medal 1 June 1847 1793–1814 Always issued with battle/action clasps.
  Punjab Medal 2 April 1849 7 September 1848 – 14 March 1849 HEIC Issue. Issued with battle/action clasps where appropriate.
  Army of India Medal 21 March 1851 1803–1826 HEIC Issue. Always issued with battle/action clasps.
  India General Service Medal (1854) 11 March 1854 1852–1895 Issued in silver. From 1885, issued in bronze to non-enlisted support personnel. Always issued with battle/action clasps.
  South Africa Medal (1854) 1854 1834–1835
1846–1847
1850–1853
  Crimean War Medal 15 Dec 1854 1854–1856 Issued with battle/action clasps where appropriate.
  Baltic Medal 23 April 1856 1854–1855
  Indian Mutiny Medal 1858 1857–1858 Issued with battle/action clasps where appropriate.
  Second China War Medal 6 March 1861 1856–1860 Issued with battle/action clasps where appropriate.
  New Zealand War Medal 1869 1845–1848
1860–1866
  Abyssinian War Medal 1869 October 1867 – April 1868
  Canada General Service Medal 1899 1866–1870
  Ashantee Medal June 1874 1873–1874
  South Africa Medal (1880) Aug 1880 1877–1879 Issued with campaign clasp where appropriate.
  Afghanistan Medal 1881 1878–1880
  Kabul to Kandahar Star March 1881 1880
  Egypt Medal Oct 1882 1882–1889
  Royal Niger Company’s Medal 1899 1886–1897 Issued by the Royal Niger Company for minor military operations.
  East and West Africa Medal 1892 13 November 1887 – 8 May 1900
  Central Africa Medal 1895 1891–1894 Issued in silver to combatants and in bronze to support personnel.
  India General Service Medal (1895) 1 April 1896 3 March 1895 – 10 March 1902 Always issued with appropriate campaign clasps.
  Ashanti Star 1896 1895–1896
  Queen's Sudan Medal 1899 1896–1898
  East and Central Africa Medal 1899 20 July 1897 – 2 May 1899 Always issued with appropriate campaign clasps.
  Queen's South Africa Medal Apr 1901 11 October 1899 – 31 May 1902 Issued in silver to officers and enlisted personnel and in bronze to non-enlisted support personnel. Issued with appropriate battle or state clasps where appropriate.
  Queen's Mediterranean Medal 1902 1899–1902
20th Century Campaign Medals
Pre–World War
  Third China War Medal 1901 1900 Issued in silver to officers and enlisted personnel and in bronze to non-enlisted support personnel. Issued with battle/action clasps where appropriate.
  Ashanti Medal 1901 March – December 1901
  King's South Africa Medal 1902 1 January – 1 June 1902 Issued with clasps South Africa 1901 and South Africa 1902 where appropriate.
  Africa General Service Medal 1902 1900 – 1956
  Transport Medal 1903 1899 – 1902 For South Africa or China.
  Tibet Medal 1 February 1905 13 December 1903 – 23 September 1904 Issued in silver to officers and enlisted personnel and in bronze to non-enlisted support personnel.
  India General Service Medal (1909) 1 January 1909 1908–1935 Issued in silver to officers and enlisted personnel and, during 1908–1912, in bronze to non-enlisted support personnel. Always issued with appropriate campaign clasps.
World War I
  1914 Star Apr 1917 5 August – 22 November 1914 Issued with clasp 5 Aug – 22 November 1914 where appropriate.
  1914-15 Star Dec 1918 5 August 1914 – 31 December 1915
  British War Medal 26 July 1919 5 August 1914 – 11 November 1918 Issued in silver to officers and enlisted soldiers and in bronze to non-enlisted support personnel.
  Victory Medal 1 September 1919 5 August 1914 – 11 November 1918
1919–1920
11 Nov 1918 – 30 November 1919		 World War 1. Issued with MID oak leaf cluster where appropriate.
British Naval Mission to Russia
North Sea mine clearance
  Territorial Force War Medal Apr 1920 4 August 1914 – 11 November 1918
  Mercantile Marine War Medal 1 September 1919 4 August 1914 – 11 November 1918
Inter-World War
  Naval General Service Medal (1915) 6 August 1915 1909 – 23 December 1962 Always issued with appropriate campaign clasps.
  General Service Medal (1918) 19 January 1923 12 November 1918 – 23 December 1962 Always issued with appropriate campaign clasps.
  India General Service Medal (1936) 3 August 1938 1936 – 1939 Always issued with appropriate campaign clasps. Issued with MID oak leaf where appropriate.
World War II
  1939–45 Star July 1943 3 September 1939 – 2 September 1945 Issued with clasps Battle of Britain or Bomber Command where appropriate.
  Atlantic Star May 1945 3 September 1939 – 8 May 1945 Issued with clasps Air Crew Europe or France and Germany where appropriate.
  Arctic Star December 2012 3 September 1939 – 8 May 1945 Awarded for any length of operational service north of the Arctic Circle by members of the British Armed Forces and the Merchant Navy. The qualifying period recognises the particular severity of the conditions experienced by those who served in the Arctic.
  Air Crew Europe Star May 1945 3 September 1939 – 5 June 1944 Issued with clasps Atlantic or France and Germany where appropriate.
  Africa Star July 1943 10 June 1940 – 12 May 1943 Issued with clasps 8th Army or 1st Army or North Africa 1942 – 43 where appropriate.
  Pacific Star 1945 8 December 1941 – 2 September 1945 Issued with clasp Burma where appropriate.
  Burma Star 1945 11 December 1941 – 2 September 1945 Issued with clasp Pacific where appropriate.
  Italy Star May 1945 11 June 1943 – 8 May 1945
  France and Germany Star May 1945 6 June 1944 – 8 May 1945 Issued with clasp Atlantic where appropriate.
  Defence Medal 16 August 1945 3 September 1939 – 2 September 1945 Issued with KCBC silver oak leaf where appropriate.
  War Medal 1939–1945 16 August 1945 3 September 1939 – 2 September 1945 Issued with MID bronze oak leaf or KCBC silver oak leaf where appropriate.
  India Service Medal 6 June 1946 3 September 1939 – 2 September 1945
  Canadian Volunteer Service Medal 22 October 1943 3 September 1939 – 1 March 1947 Issued with Maple Leaf, Dieppe, Hong Kong or Bomber Command clasps where appropriate.
  Africa Service Medal 23 Dec 1943 6 September 1939 – 2 September 1945 Awarded by the Union of South Africa. Issued with the King's Commendation (South Africa) (1939–45) emblem where appropriate.
  Australia Service Medal Nov 1949 3 September 1939 – 2 September 1945
  New Zealand War Service Medal 30 Sept 1948[19] 3 September 1939 – 2 September 1945
  Southern Rhodesia Medal for War Service 1948 1939 – 1945
  Newfoundland Volunteer War Service Medal 17 Dec 1993 3 September 1939 – 2 September 1945
Post–World War
  Korea Medal Jul 1951 1 July 1950 – 27 July 1953
  Nuclear Test Medal 21 November 2022 1952–1967 Issued for service as part of the UK's nuclear weapons testing programmes[20]
  General Service Medal (1962) 6 October 1964 24 December 1962 – 31 July 2007[21] Always issued with appropriate campaign clasps. Replaced 1918 GSM.
  Rhodesia Medal 1980 1 December 1979 – 20 March 1980[22] Recipients also received the Zimbabwean Independence Medal, although this is not authorised for wear[23][24]
  South Atlantic Medal 1982 2 April – 12 July 1982[25] Issued with Rosette for service between 35° and 60° South.[25]
  2 April – 21 October 1982[26] Issued without Rosette for service between 7° and 60° South
  Gulf Medal 1992 2 August 1990 – 7 March 1991[25] Issued with clasp August 1990 or 6 Jan to 28 February 1991 where appropriate.[25]
21st Century Campaign Medals
See below Operational Service Medal (OSM) 1 January 2000[27] See below Replaced General Service Medal 1962. Issued with a separate ribbon for each campaign.
  OSM Sierra Leone 2002 5 May 2000 – 31 July 2002[27] Issued with Rosette for Op BARRAS or Op MAIDENLY where appropriate.[27]
  OSM Afghanistan 2003 11 September 2001 – present[27] Issued with Afghanistan or Operation Pitting clasps where appropriate.[27]
  OSM Democratic Republic of Congo 2005 14 June 2003 – 10 September 2003[27] Always issued with Clasp DROC.[27]
  Iraq Medal 23 February 2004 20 January 2003 – 22 May 2011[25] Issued with clasp 19 Mar to 28 April 2003 where appropriate.[25]
  Iraq Reconstruction Service Medal 26 June 2004 19 March 2003 – 2013
  Civilian Service Medal (Afghanistan) 6 April 2011 9 November 2001 – present
  Ebola Medal for Service in West Africa 11 June 2015 23 March 2014 – 29 March 2016[28] First UK campaign medal issued for response to humanitarian crisis.[29]
  General Service Medal (2008) 2015 January 2008 – present[30] New GSM Medal for recipients that do not qualify for other medals.[31] Always issued with appropriate clasps.
  OSM Iraq and Syria 2018 26 September 2014 – present Issued with Clasp Iraq and Syria for service in area of operations.
  Humanitarian Medal 2023 TBC General medal issued for humanitarian service.[32] Always issued with appropriate clasps
  Wider Service Medal 2024 11 December 2018 – present General medal issued for service on operations that do not meet criteria for GSM or other campaign medals.[33]

Notes:

Coronation, Jubilee and Durbar medals

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Emblem Description Established Date of Event Remarks
  Queen Victoria Golden Jubilee Medal[34] 1887 21 June 1887 Issued in Gold, Silver or Bronze
  Queen Victoria Diamond Jubilee Medal 1897 20 June 1897 Issued in Gold, Silver or Bronze
  King Edward VII Coronation Medal 1902 26 June 1902 Issued in Silver or Bronze
  King Edward VII Delhi Durbar Medal 1903 January 1903 Issued in Gold or Silver
  King George V Coronation Medal 1911 23 June 1911 Civil/Military award
  King George V Delhi Durbar Medal 1911 December 1911 Issued in Gold or Silver
  King George V Silver Jubilee Medal 1935 6 May 1935
  King George VI Coronation Medal 1937 12 May 1937
  Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal 1953 2 June 1953
  Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal 1977 6 February 1977
  Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal 2002 6 February 2002
  Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal 2012 6 February 2012
  Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal 2022 6 February 2022 On 12 November 2020, the British Government announced that a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal would be struck and awarded in 2022.[35] The Platinum Jubilee Medal was awarded to people who work in public service, including representatives of the Armed Forces, the emergency services and the prison services.[36][37]
  King Charles III Coronation Medal 2023 6 May 2023

Efficiency and long service decorations and medals

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Emblem Description Post
nom 		Estab. Eligibility Period Remarks
Meritorious Service
  Meritorious Service Medal (Army) – 1845 – present
  Meritorious Service Medal (Royal Navy) – 1919 1928 – present
  Meritorious Service Medal (Royal Marines) – 1849 1947 – present
  Meritorious Service Medal (Royal Air Force) – 1918 1928 – present
Accumulated Campaign Service
  Accumulated Campaign Service Medal – 1994 1969–2011 Replaced with ACSM 11
  – 2011 2008 – Qualifying period reduced from 36 to 24 months
Long Service and Good Conduct
  Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal – 1830–1930 Army
  Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct (Military) – 1930 – present Army
  Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (1830) – 1830–1847 Navy
  Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (1848) – 1848 – present Navy
Meritorious Service (resumed)
  Medal for Meritorious Service (Royal Navy) MSM 1918–1928
Long Service and Good Conduct (resumed)
  Indian Long Service and Good Conduct Medal – For Europeans of the Indian Army.
Meritorious Service (resumed)
  Indian Meritorious Service Medal – For Europeans of the Indian Army.
Royal Marines Meritorious Service Medal – 1849–1947
Royal Air Force Meritorious Service Medal – 1918–1928
Long Service and Good Conduct (resumed)
  Royal Air Force Long Service and Good Conduct Medal – 1919 – present Air Force
  Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct (Ulster Defence Regiment) –
  Permanent Forces of the Empire Beyond the Seas Medal – 1909 1919–1932
  Indian Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (for the Indian Army) –
  Royal West African Frontier Force Long Service and Good Conduct Medal –
Royal Sierra Leone Military Forces Long Service and Good Conduct Medal –
  King's African Rifles Long Service and Good Conduct Medal –
Meritorious Service (resumed)
  Indian Meritorious Service Medal (for the Indian Army) –
  Hong Kong Disciplined Services Medal –
Part Time Forces Long Service
  Army Emergency Reserve Decoration ERD
  Volunteer Officers' Decoration VD 1892–1930
  Volunteer Long Service Medal – 1894–1930   HAC ribbon
  Volunteer Officers' Decoration for India and the Colonies VD 1894–1899
  Volunteer Long Service Medal for India and the Colonies – 1896–1930
  Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officers' Decoration VD   1921–1927
  Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal –
Gunnery
  Naval Good Shooting Medal – 1903 1903–14
Part Time Forces Long Service (resumed)[38]
  Militia Long Service Medal – 1904 1904–1930
  Imperial Yeomanry Long Service Medal – 1904 1904–1908
  Territorial Decoration TD 1908 1908–1999
  Territorial Decoration (HAC) TD 1908 1908–1999
  Ceylon Armed Services Long Service Medal – 1968 1968–1972
  Efficiency Decoration TD/ED 1930–
  Efficiency Decoration (HAC) TD 1930–1999
  Efficiency Decoration (T&AVR) TD 1967–1999
  Territorial Force Efficiency Medal – 1908 1908–1921
  Territorial Efficiency Medal – 1921 1921–1930
  Efficiency Medal – 1930–1999
  Army Emergency Reserve Efficiency Medal – 1953 1953–1967
  Efficiency Medal (Territorial & Volunteer Reserve) – 1930–1999
  Efficiency Medal (HAC) – 1930–1999
  Special Reserve Long Service and Good Conduct Medal – 1908 1908–1930
  Decoration for Officers of the Royal Naval Reserve RD 1908–1999
  Decoration for Officers of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve VRD
  Royal Naval Reserve Long Service and Good Conduct Medal –
  Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Long Service and Good Conduct Medal –
  Royal Naval Auxiliary Sick Berth Reserve Long Service and Good Conduct Medal –
  Royal Fleet Reserve Long Service and Good Conduct Medal –
  Royal Naval Wireless Auxiliary Reserve Long Service and Good Conduct Medal –
  Royal Naval Auxiliary Service Long Service Medal –
  Air Efficiency Award AE 1942–1999 Only award to officers entitles use of postnominal.
  Volunteer Reserves Service Medal VR 1999 – present
  Volunteer Reserves Service Medal (HAC) VR 1999 – present
  Ulster Defence Regiment Medal UD Only award to officers entitles use of postnominal.
  Northern Ireland Home Service Medal –
Marksmanship
  Queen's Medal for Champion Shots of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines – 1966 1966–
  Queen's Medal for Champion Shots of the New Zealand Naval Forces – 1958 1955–
  Queen's Medal for Champion Shots in the Military Forces – 1869 1870–82
1923–
  Queen's Medal for Champion Shots of the Air Forces – 1953 1953–
Part Time Forces Long Service (resumed)
  Cadet Forces Medal – February 1950 1950 – present
  Coastguard Auxiliary Service Long Service Medal –
  Special Constabulary Long Service Medal –
  Canadian Forces' Decoration CD 1949 – present
  Royal Observer Corps Medal – 1950 1941–1995
  Civil Defence Long Service Medal –
  Ambulance Service (Emergency Duties) Long Service and Good Conduct Medal –
  Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service Medal –
Voluntary Service Medals
  Women's Royal Voluntary Service Medal – 1961 1961–
  South African Medal for War Services – 1945 1939–1946

National independence medals

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Emblem Description Estab. Eligibility Period Remarks
  Union of South Africa Commemoration Medal 1910
  Indian Independence Medal 1947
  Pakistan Medal 1949
  Ceylon Armed Services Inauguration Medal 1955 1949–51
  Sierra Leone Independence Medal 1961
  Jamaica Independence Medal 1962
  Nigerian Independence Medal 1960
  Uganda Independence Medal 1962
  Malawi Independence Medal 1964
  Fiji Independence Medal 1970
  Papua New Guinea Independence Medal 1975
  Solomon Islands Independence Medal 1978

Foreign and international

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International campaign medals

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Worn with other United Kingdom campaign medals in order of date of issue (except where noted otherwise).

Emblem Description Eligibility Period Remarks
  United Nations Service Medal for Korea 27 June 1950 – 27 July 1955 Established 12 December 1950
  United Nations Service Medal for ONUC 10 July 1960 – 30 June 1964[39]
  United Nations Service Medal for UNFICYP 27 March 1964 – present[39]
  United Nations Service Medal for UNTAG 1 April 1989 – 31 March 1990[39]
  United Nations Special Service Medal 1989–1990[40]
3 Jul 1992 – 12 January 1996[40]
Apr 1991 – present[40]		 For: Peshawar UNOCHA[40]
Sarajevo Airlift[40]
Iraq UNSCOM[40]
  United Nations Service Medal for UNIKOM 1 April 1991 – 6 October 2003[39]
  United Nations Service Medal for MINURSO 1 April 1991 – present[39]
  European Community Monitor Mission Medal 25 July 1991 – 30 June 1992[41] For service in the Former Yugoslavia.[41]
  United Nations Service Medal for UNAMIC 1 October 1991 – 31 March 1992[39]
  United Nations Service Medal for UNPROFOR 1 March 1992 – 31 December 1995[39]
  United Nations Service Medal for UNTAC 1 April 1992 – 30 September 1993[39]
  NATO Former Republic of Yugoslavia Medal 1 July 1992 – 31 December 2002[42] Issued with clasp Former Yugoslavia.[42]
  Western European Union Mission Service Medal 1 July 1992 – 31 December 1996[41] For Service in the Former Yugoslavia.[41]
  United Nations Service Medal for UNOMIG 23 August 1993 – present[39]
  United Nations Service Medal for UNAMIR 1 October 1993 – 31 March 1996[39]
  United Nations Service Medal for UNAVEM III 1 February 1995 – 1 June 1997[39]
  United Nations Service Medal for UNTAES Jan 1996 – Jan 1998[39]
  United Nations Service Medal for UNOMSIL 1 June 1998 – 30 September 1999[39]
  NATO Kosovo Medal 13 October 1998 – 31 December 2002[42] Issued with clasp Kosovo.[42]
  United Nations Service Medal for UNAMET 7 June 1999 – 24 October 1999[39]
  United Nations Service Medal for UNMIK 10 June 1999 – present[39]
  United Nations Service Medal for UNAMSIL 1 October 1999 – present[39]
  United Nations Service Medal for UNTAET 25 October 1999 – present[39]
  United Nations Service Medal for MONUC 30 November 1999 – present[39]
  United Nations Service Medal for UNMEE 15 September 2000 – present[39]
  NATO Macedonia Medal 1 June 2001 – 31 December 2002[42]
  NATO Non-Article 5 Medal for the Balkans 1 January 2003 – 20 December 2004[42]
1 Jan 2003 – 29 Mar 2010[42]
1 Jan 2003 – 31 March 2003[42]		 Issued with clasp Non Article 5 for: Balkans[42]
Kosovo[42]
Macedonia[42]
  NATO Non-Article 5 medal for the Balkans 29 Mar 2010 – present[39]
  European Security and Defence Policy Service Medal – Op Althea 2 Dec 2004 – present[41] Issued with clasp Althea.[41]
  NATO Non-Article 5 Medal for Operation Unified Protector 23 Mar 2011 – 31 Oct 2011[42] Issued with clasp OUP-LIBYA/LIBYE.[42]
  Common Security and Defence Policy Service Medal – EUFOR RCA 30 June 2014 – 30 May 2015[41] Issued with clasp EUFOR RCA.[41]
  Multinational Force and Observers Medal March 1982 - present First awarded in 2017; retrospective for service from 1982 onwards[43]
Silver numerals on ribbon indicate additional periods of service
  United Nations Service medal for UNMISS 2011–present
  NATO Meritorious Service Medal 2003 – present[42] Issued with clasp Meritorious.[42]

Commonwealth orders

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Worn after all United Kingdom awards (including international awards treated as United Kingdom awards). Honorary awards are worn before substantive awards.

Commonwealth decorations

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Worn after all Commonwealth orders.

Commonwealth campaign and commemorative medals

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Worn after all Commonwealth decorations.

Emblem Description Established Eligibility Period Remarks
  Brunei General Service Medal 12 August 1966 – present[44] Sultanate of Brunei. Seconded forces only.[44]
  Malaya Active Service Medal 31 August 1957 – 15 September 1963[44] Malaysia. Seconded forces only.[44]
  Pingat Jasa Malaysia Malaysia 2004 31 August 1957 – 31 December 1966 Permission to wear as at 6 Nov 11.
  Kenya Campaign Medal 12 December 1963 – 30 November 1967[44] Kenya. Seconded forces only.[44]
  Campaign Medal 1959[45][46] 23 May 1965 – 30 September 1976[44] Oman. Seconded forces only. Referred to in JSP761 as Muscat/Oman Dhofar Campaign Medal.[44]
  Malaysia General Service Medal 11 August 1966 – 31 December 1989[44] Malaysia. Seconded forces only.[44]
  Unitas Medal 1 June 1994 – 26 April 2003[44] Republic of South Africa. BMATT personnel only.[44]
  International Force East Timor Medal 25 March 2000[47] 16 September 1999 – 10 April 2000[44] Australia[44]
  Malta George Cross Fiftieth Anniversary Medal 1992[48] 10 June 1940 – 8 September 1943[48] Malta. Not able to be worn whilst in Crown Service[49]

Foreign orders

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Worn after all Commonwealth awards.

Emblem Description Established Eligibility Period Remarks
  Imperial Order of the Crescent 1799 1799–1801 Ottoman Empire. Knight First Class and Knight Second Class. Awarded to senior British officers during the Napoleonic wars.[15]
  Chevalier Légion d'Honneur 19 May 1802 1914–1918
1944		 France. Awarded to surviving United Kingdom citizens who participated on French soil in the Great War (1914–18),[50] or in the French liberation campaigns (1944).[51]

Foreign decorations

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Worn after all foreign orders.

Foreign campaign and commemorative medals

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Worn after all foreign decorations.

Emblem Description Established Eligibility Period Remarks
  Turkish Crimea Medal 21 February 1856[52] 1854–1856[53] Ottoman Empire
  Khedive's Star 1882–1891 Khedivate of Egypt. Bronze star. Issued to all who were awarded the Egypt Medal.
  Khedive's Sudan Medal (1897) 1896–1899 Khedivate of Egypt.
  Khedive's Sudan Medal (1910) 1910 Khedivate of Egypt.
  General Service Medal 1963[45][46] 23 May 1965 – 30 June 1976[44] Sultanate of Oman. Issued with clasp Dhofar where applicable. Seconded forces only.[44]
  The Accession Medal 1970[45][46] 23 July 1970[44] Sultanate of Oman. Seconded forces only.[44]
  The Peace Medal 1979[46] 1 July 1976 – 17 November 1985[44] Sultanate of Oman. Seconded forces only.[44]
  Endurance Medal (Al-Sumood) 1976[45][46] 23 May 1965 – 2 December 1975[44] Seconded forces only. Referred to in JSP761 as the 'Muscat Victory Medal (As Sumood)'.[44]
  Medal for the 40th Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War 1985[54] 1941–1945 USSR. For Arctic convoy service. Also known as the Russian Convoy Medal 1941–1945 40th Anniversary Medal.[55]
  30th Renaissance Medal 2000[46] 18 November 2000[44] Sultanate of Oman. Seconded forces only.[44]
  35th Renaissance Medal 2005[46] 18 November 2005[22] Sultanate of Oman. Seconded forces only.[22]
40th Renaissance Medal 2010 18 November 2010 Sultanate of Oman. Seconded forces only.
45th Renaissance Medal 2015 18 November 2015 Sultanate of Oman. Seconded forces only.

Campaign medals authorised for acceptance but not for official wear

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Official permission has been granted for these medals to be accepted, but they are not authorised for wear.[41][42]

Emblem Description Eligibility Period Remarks
  Kuwait Liberation Medal 17 January 1991 – 28 February 1991 Saudi Arabia Established 1991
  Kuwait Liberation Medal 2 August 1990 – 31 August 1993 Kuwait Established 1994
  NATO Article 5 Medal for Service on Op ACTIVE ENDEAVOUR 26 October 2001 – present[42] Issued with clasp Article 5.[42]
  NATO Article 5 Medal for Service on Op EAGLE ASSIST 16 May 2002 – present[42] Issued with clasp Article 5.[42]
  European Security and Defence Policy Service Medal – Op Artemis 14 June 2003 – 10 December 2003[41] Issued with clasp Artemis for service in the Congo.[41]
  Common Security and Defence Policy Service Medal – Op Atalanta 8 December 2008 – present[41] Issued with clasp EUNAVFOR ATALANTA for service in counter-piracy operations.[41]

Campaign medals not authorised for acceptance or official wear

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Official permission has been refused for these medals to be accepted and they are not authorised for wear.[42]

Emblem Description Eligibility Period Remarks
  NATO Non-Article 5 Medal for Pakistan Earthquake Service 8 October 2005 – 1 February 2006[42] Issued with clasp Pakistan.[42]
  NATO Non-Article 5 Medal for Service with ISAF 1 June 2003 – present[42][56] Issued with clasp ISAF.[42]
  NATO Non-Article 5 Medal for NATO Training Mission (Iraq) 18 August 2004 – present[42] Issued with clasp NTM-Iraq.[42]
  NATO Non-Article 5 Medal for AMIS 13 July 2005 – present[42] Issued with clasp AMIS.[42]

Devices

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Emblem Description Remarks
 
 Rosette Represents the award of a bar to a decoration, or service in a specified zone of the area of operations when used on a campaign medal. They are worn when the ribbon only is worn. For selected campaign medals, they are also worn on the riband of the campaign medal (when worn with full or miniature medals) to indicate service in a specified zone.
 
Image of silver oak leaves used on ribbon bars
 Crossed silver oakleaves From 14 January 1958, any individual made a member of the Order of the British Empire for gallantry (in the grades of Commander, Officer, Member), or awarded the British Empire Medal for gallantry, could wear an emblem of two crossed silver oak leaves on the same riband, ribbon or bow as the badge.[57]
Medal bar A bar is worn on the riband of a decoration (when worn with full or miniature medals) to denote each additional award of the decoration. Bars are positioned with even spacing between the top and the bottom of the ribbon.[citation needed]
Medal clasp Worn on the riband of campaign medals (when worn with full or miniature medals) to denote the particular campaign, battle, or region the recipient operated in to receive the award. Clasps are positioned at the bottom of the ribbon with successive clasps placed adjacent to each other (with a small gap). The earliest earned clasp is positioned at the bottom whilst the most recent is placed at the top.

See also

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References

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Footnotes

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  1. ^ "No. 62529". The London Gazette (Supplement). 11 January 2019. p. 326. Guidance on the Order of Wear
  2. ^ Howard N Cole. Coronation and Royal Commemorative Medals. p. 3. Published J. B. Hayward & Son, London. 1977.
  3. ^ London Gazette, "Dates for the Introduction of Medals", p. 5.
  4. ^ London Gazette, "Dates for the Introduction of Medals", p. 3.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g "No. 20737". The London Gazette (Supplement). 25 May 1847. pp. 1947–1957., Subjoined Statutes of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g Duckers, Peter, British Orders and Decorations, pp. 21–24.
  7. ^ a b Martin, Stanley, The Order of Merit, p. 31.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "No. 30250". The London Gazette (2nd supplement). 24 August 1917. pp. 7791–7999., Statutes of the Order of the British Empire.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Duckers, Peter, British Orders and Decorations, pp. 30–32.
  10. ^ a b London Gazette, "Dates for the Introduction of Medals", p. 2.
  11. ^ "No. 25650". The London Gazette (Supplement). 26 November 1886. pp. 5975–5976., DSO Awards for the Battle of Ginnis and Third Anglo-Burmese War
  12. ^ London Gazette, "Dates for the Introduction of Medals", p. 4.
  13. ^ London Gazette, "Dates for the Introduction of Medals", p. 1.
  14. ^ Royal Warrant for the Burma Gallantry Medal, London Gazette, 4 September 1945, date accessed 6 April 2011.
  15. ^ a b c d e f g Steward, W. Augustus (1915). War Medals and Their History (Google Books). London: Stanley Paul and Company. pp. 9–17. ISBN 978-1-4086-9712-2. OCLC 459070961. Retrieved 31 August 2010.
  16. ^ Steward, W. Augustus (1915). War Medals and Their History (Google Books). London: Stanley Paul and Company. pp. 25–26. ISBN 978-1-4086-9712-2. OCLC 459070961. Retrieved 31 August 2010.
  17. ^ Joslin, Litherland and Simpkin. British Battles and Medals. p. 101. Published Spink, London. 1988.
  18. ^ Gwailor Campaign Star (Maharajpoor), The Fitzwilliam Museum, accessed 3 January 2011.
  19. ^ Royal Warrant – New Zealand War Service Medal (accessed 6 June 2010)
  20. ^ Robinson, James (21 November 2022). "'An enduring symbol of gratitude': Thousands who took part in UK's nuclear test programme to receive medal". Sky News. Retrieved 28 July 2023.
  21. ^ Ministry of Defence, JSP761, Chapter 8, Annex A, para 3, 'General Service Medal 1962'
  22. ^ a b c Ministry of Defence, JSP761, Chapter 12, Annex B, 'Wearing of Orders, Decorations and Medals by Service Personnel'
  23. ^ The Zimbabwean Independence Medal is not mentioned in the official British order of wear.
  24. ^ John Mussell, ed. (2013). Medal Yearbook 2013. Honiton, Devon: Token Publishing. p. 393. ISBN 978-1908828002.
  25. ^ a b c d e f Ministry of Defence, JSP761, Chapter 8, Annex A, para 1, 'Medals for Individual Campaigns or Operations'
  26. ^ Medals: campaigns, descriptions and eligibility, UK Government
  27. ^ a b c d e f g Ministry of Defence, JSP761, Chapter 8, Annex A, para 2, 'Operational Service Medal'
  28. ^ "The Ebola Medal for Service in West Africa" (PDF). gov.uk. HMSO. June 2015. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  29. ^ "Ebola medal for over 3000 heroes". gov.uk. HM Government. 11 June 2015. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  30. ^ "Defence Secretary awards new medal to 46 troops". Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom). 12 June 2016. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  31. ^ Channon, Max (11 June 2016). "Armed Forces personnel from Plymouth among first to receive new medals". Plymouth Herald. Retrieved 12 June 2016.[permanent dead link‍]
  32. ^ "New British Humanitarian Medal to honour UK disaster rescuers". BBC News. BBC. 23 July 2023. Retrieved 23 July 2023.
  33. ^ "Operational medals is broadened with the new Wider Service Medal". UK Government. 26 March 2024. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
  34. ^ Howard N Cole. Coronation and Royal Commemorative Medals. p. 1, ribbon chart. Published J. B. Hayward & Son, London. 1977.
  35. ^ "Extra Bank Holiday to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in 2022".
  36. ^ "Queen's Platinum Jubilee to include extra bank holiday". BBC News. 12 November 2020. Retrieved 12 November 2020.
  37. ^ "Extra Bank Holiday to mark The Queen's Platinum Jubilee in 2022". GOV.UK. Retrieved 12 November 2020.
  38. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 December 2008. Retrieved 29 August 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  39. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t Ministry of Defence, JSP761, Chapter 8, Annex A, para 4, 'United Nations'
  40. ^ a b c d e f Ministry of Defence, JSP761, Chapter 8, Annex A, para 5, 'United Nations Special Service Medal'
  41. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Ministry of Defence, JSP761, Chapter 8, Annex A, para 9, 'European and Other International'
  42. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac Ministry of Defence, JSP761, Chapter 8, Annex A, para 6, 'NATO'
  43. ^ London Gazette 11 January 2019 Supplement:62529 Page:328
  44. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x Ministry of Defence, JSP761, Chapter 8, Annex A, para 8, 'Foreign and Commonwealth'
  45. ^ a b c d "Arab Medals – Oman". gmic.co.uk. Gentlemen's Military Interest Club. 6 February 2007. Retrieved 13 June 2010.
  46. ^ a b c d e f g Barrio, Antonio Prieto. "Ribbon Collection – Oman" (gif). Colecciones Militares (in English and Arabic).
  47. ^ Commonwealth of Australia Gazette S159 International Forces East Timor Medal Letters Patent and Regulations (PDF). Canberra: AusInfo. 30 March 2000. ISBN 978-0-642-43441-8. Retrieved 15 June 2010.
  48. ^ a b Rooker, R.J. "152 Hyderabad F Squadron Battle Honours and Medals". 152hyderabad.co.uk/]. Retrieved 15 June 2010.
  49. ^ "No. 52894". The London Gazette. 15 April 1992. p. 6728.
  50. ^ "The London Gazette: 15 October 1998. Issue: 55282. Notice ID:L-55282-24SI".
  51. ^ "MOD press release: 25 July 2014. Legion d'Honneur awarded to surviving veterans of 1944 French campaigns".
  52. ^ Hayward, John. "Numismatic Notes Part 7: After the War was Over – Turkish Crimea Medal 1856–1862". spink.com]. London: Spink. Archived from the original on 25 July 2011. Retrieved 15 June 2010. Date based on offer to British forces by the Sultan of Turkey.
  53. ^ Duckers, Peter, British Campaign Medals 1815–1914, p. 17.
  54. ^ "No. 53538". The London Gazette. 4 January 1994. pp. 1–2.
  55. ^ "The Russian Convoy Medal". veterans-uk.info. London: Service Personnel and Veterans Agency. Archived from the original on 13 January 2011. Retrieved 15 June 2010.
  56. ^ NATO Medals Archived 16 June 2006 at the Wayback Machine (accessed 6 June 2010)
  57. ^ "No. 41285". The London Gazette (Supplement). 14 January 1958. p. 365.

Bibliography

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