The Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service Medal is a long service medal presented to the officers, petty officers, and rates of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) who complete 20 years of service. While the RFA services the fleet of the Royal Navy around the world, RFA crews are civilians and thus not eligible for Royal Navy long service awards and decorations. In 2001, a Royal Warrant was promulgated establishing the medal to recognize the long and efficient service the RFA personnel.[2] The first awards were presented in 2003 with some 400 RFA personnel eligible for award.[3]
| Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service Medal | |
|---|---|
 Ribbon of the medal | |
| Type | Long service medal |
| Awarded for | 20 years service |
| Country | the United Kingdom |
| Eligibility | Officers, petty officers, and rates of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary |
| Status | Currently awarded |
| Order of Wear | |
| Next (higher) | Ambulance Service (Emergency Duties) Long Service and Good Conduct Medal[1] |
| Next (lower) | Prison Services (Operational Duties) Long Service and Good Conduct Medal[1] |
Appearance
editThe Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service Medal is a silver coloured circular medal made of cupro-nickel. The obverse bears the right facing portrait head of Queen Elizabeth II wearing the Imperial State Crown. Surrounding the portrait is the legend ELIZABETH.II.DEI .GRATIA.REGINA.FID.DEF. The reverse depicts the badge of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary: at its centre is a large fouled anchor supported on either side by the two Tritons each bearing a trident. Around the reverse edge is the legend ROYAL FLEET AUXILIARY and FOR LONG SERVICE separated by a small oak branch with three leaves and an acorn. Designed by Timothy Noad, his initials (TN) are located at the base of the anchor.[4]
References
edit- ^ a b "No. 62529". The London Gazette (Supplement). 11 January 2019. p. 327.
- ^ The Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service Medal: Royal Warrant. London: The Stationery Office. 2001. ISBN 9780101526425.
- ^ "Golden Year for RFA men". Navy News. August 2003. Retrieved 14 July 2013.
- ^ "Royal Fleet Auxiliary Long Service Medal". Imperial War Museums. Retrieved 26 July 2021.