Updated: Included announcement for the Ebola Medal for Service in West Africa.
Overview
Medals are only issued by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Medal Office and can be claimed retrospectively and by next of kin. They are listed alphabetically and include currently available medals for the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts through to medals associated with the Crimean War.
Her Majesty The Queen is graciously pleased to approve the institution of the Ebola Medal for Service in West Africa.
The qualifying period of service for the award of the Ebola Medal is 21 days continuous service in the joint operational area or 30 days aggregated from 23 March 2014 (inclusive) to a date to be decided.
Once qualification for the Ebola Medal has been achieved, subsequent service in West Africa on this operation does not count towards the Accumulated Campaign Service Medal.
The Ministry of Defence Medal Office will track those service personnel who qualify for the Ebola Medal through JPA (Joint Personnel Administration). Once approved, the medal will be issued to the individual’s unit. Those service personnel who believe they qualify immediately but have not received the medal on returning from deployment by 30 September 2015 are to apply, through their Unit HR (Human Resources), using JPA form 003 to the following address:
Medals enquiries
MOD Medal Office
Innsworth House
Imjin Barracks
Gloucester
GL3 1HW
Email
DBS-Medals@mod.uk
Or by email to DBS-Medals@mod.uk
The medals will start being assessed and issued to qualifying personnel from week commencing 13 July 2015.
Veterans of this operation should apply on the MOD Medal application form from 30 September 15.
1939 to 1945 Star
Sometimes mistakenly referred to as the ‘Victory medal’
Ribbon
Equal stripes of dark blue to represent the service of the Royal and Merchant Navies, red, to represent that of the Armies and light blue to represent that of Air Forces. Worn with the dark blue stripe furthest from the left shoulder.
Criteria
The 1939 to 1945 Star was awarded for any period of operational service overseas between 3 September 1939 and 8 May 1945 (2 September 1945 in the Far East).
The criteria is 180 days’ service between these dates, although some special criteria apply when, at certain specified times, just 1 days’ service is required.
Naval personnel qualify after 180 days afloat in areas of operations as laid out in the regulations between certain specified dates.
RAF air crew will qualify with 60 days service in an operational unit including at least one operational sortie.
Air crew of fighter aircraft engaged in the Battle of Britain between 10 July and 31 October 1940 were awarded the clasp ‘Battle of Britain’ to be worn on the ribbon of the 1939 to 1945 Star.
Accumulated Campaign Service Medal
Medal
The ACSM is silver and circular in shape. The obverse of the medal shows the crowned effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, while the reverse (shown here) bears the words ‘For Accumulated Campaign Service’ set within a four part ribbon surrounded by a branch of oak leaves with laurel and olive leaves woven through the motto ribbon.
Clasp
Bears the design of laurel leaves. When the ribbon alone is worn, a silver rosette denotes award of the clasp.
Ribbon
Purple flanked by green edges with a central narrow stripe of gold to denote excellence.
Criteria
The ACSM is awarded for 1,080 days aggregated service in those theatres for which the General Service Medal (GSM) (eg. Northern Ireland, Air Ops Iraq), an Operational Service Medal (OSM) (eg. Sierra Leone or Afghanistan) or the Iraq Medal has been issued. An additional 1,080 days is required for the award of the clasp to the ACSM. More than 1 clasp may be earned.
Separate criteria apply to part time members of the Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR) and Royal Irish (Home Service) Regiment.
Full details are laid out in DCI Gen 65/94 and, for the RAF, AP3392 Vol 4 Leaflet 2007 Annex B.
Accumulated Campaign Service Medal 2011
Medal
Silver and circular in shape. The obverse of the medal shows the crowned effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, while the reverse (shown here) bears the words ‘For Accumulated Campaign Service’ set within a four part ribbon surrounded by a branch of oak leaves with laurel and olive leaves woven through the motto ribbon.
Clasp
Bears the design of laurel leaves. When the ribbon alone is worn, a silver rosette denotes award of the clasp.
Ribbon
Central stripe of purple with 2 vertical stripes of gold flanked on either side by a stripe of green.
Qualifying criteria
To be awarded the ACSM 2011 an individual must hold a qualifying operational medal such as the GSM (eg. Northern Ireland, Air Ops Iraq), an OSM (eg. Sierra Leone or Afghanistan), the Iraq Medal or other specifically designated multinational campaign medals, have completed more than 24 months (720 days) campaign service and be serving on or after 1 Jan 08. Bars are to be awarded for each additional period of 720 days approved operational service. A month is defined as 30 days and part months may be accumulated.
Full details are laid out in ACSM 2011 DIN (2011DIN09-008), which replaces ACSM DCI Gen 65/94.
Afghanistan Operational Service Medal (formerly the OSM for Op Veritas)
Medal
Silver and circular in shape. The obverse of the medal shows the crowned effigy of Queen Elizabeth. The reverse bears the Union Flag, surrounded by the inscription ‘For Operational Service’ and the 4 major points of the compass, with 4 Coronets: Royal (top left), Naval (top right), Mural Army (bottom left), and Astral Royal Air Force (bottom right).
Clasp
‘Afghanistan’. Awarded with the medal for service specifically in Afghanistan. When the ribbon alone is worn, a silver rosette denotes award of the clasp.
Ribbon
A broad central red stripe, flanked each side by a stripe of royal blue and one of light blue, to represent the 3 services, with an outer stripe of light brown to reflect the landscape of Afghanistan.
Criteria
Complex criteria govern the award of this medal, with varying lengths of service required depending on the operation and location.
To qualify for award of the Medal with clasp, personnel must have served in Afghanistan for either 5, 21 or 30 days continuous service between various dates depending on the operation, from 11 September 2001 to 1 August 2002 for Ops Jacana and Bandog, or to a date to be decided for Ops Veritas, Fingal and Landman.
Service of varying lengths depending on the operation on Ops Landman, Veritas, Oracle, Ramson or Damien in other Middle East countries during certain specific dates will qualify for the OSM for Afghanistan without clasp.
Full details are laid out in DCI JS 126/03 and were amended in 2005DIN 01-008.
About the OSM
The new OSM was introduced on 1 January 2000 and at the same time the GSM was discontinued, with the exception of the award of the GSM for Northern Ireland.
Since its introduction, 3 OSMs have been issued: for service in Sierra Leone, Afghanistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Although each OSM will look the same, separate ribbons will denote each separate award.
A clasp may be awarded with the OSM to signify service in a more dangerous area or period of conflict.
Africa Star
Ribbon
Pale buff to symbolise the desert, overlaid with a central red stripe and one narrow stripe each of dark and light blue to represent the 3 services. Worn with the dark blue stripe furthest from the left shoulder.
Criteria
Star awarded for 1 or more days’ service in North Africa, Malta or Egypt between the above dates.
The qualifying areas for the Africa Star also include the earlier areas of conflict against the Italians in East Africa; those serving in Abyssinia, Sudan, Eritrea, Kenya or Somaliland between certain other specified dates will also qualify.
Naval personnel anywhere at sea in the Mediterranean or in harbour in North Africa, Malta or Egypt between the above dates will qualify. Those serving in direct support of the Eritrean and Abyssinian campaigns between certain other specified dates will also qualify.
RAF air crew landing in or flying over an area of an Army operational command or flying over enemy occupied territory in North Africa will also qualify.
Service with either the 1st or 8th Army in North Africa during certain specified dates will qualify for award of the ‘1st Army’ or ‘8th Army’ clasp to be worn on the ribbon of the Africa Star.
Provided neither the 1st or 8th Army clasps have been qualified for, staff of the 18 Army Group Headquarters who served between certain specified dates under a specified General will qualify for award of the clasp ‘North Africa 1942-43’.
Campaign History
In North Africa, British forces fought against the Germans and Italians between 10 June 1940 and 12 May 1943.
Italy entered the war in July 1940 when their forces invaded British colonies in East Africa. When the British fought back Germany sent troops to help the Italians. The British were then weakened after sending forces to aid Greece and German forces advanced, taking control of large areas of Egypt, Libya and Tunisia.
The desert conflict continued with the balance of power shifting between the 2 sides until the British eventually secured victory on 12 May 1943 when the remaining German forces surrendered at Tunis.
Some historians consider the British victory over the German forces here to have been the turning point in the war which led to victory.
Air Crew Europe Star
Ribbon
A wide central stripe of light blue, flanked at the edges by narrow stripes of yellow and black to symbolise the continuous service of the Air Force by night and day.
Criteria
The Air Crew Europe Star was earned almost exclusively by RAF personnel and can only be awarded after the 1939 to 1945 Star has been qualified for.
Aircrew Europe Star was awarded for 60 additional days’ service in an RAF Unit engaged in operational flying over Europe from bases in the UK with at least one operational sortie. After 5 Jun 44, operational flying over Europe qualified aircrew for the France and Germany Star.
Campaign History
The strategic bombing campaign against German industrial cities, military installations, and a wide variety of other targets continued throughout the War and made a decisive contribution to Allied victory.
The RAF endured significant losses of both men and aircraft but by the end of the War the campaign had severely curtailed German industrial production and virtually immobilised her military power.
Air Force Cross
All ranks of the RN, RM, Army and RAF in recognition of exemplary gallantry in the air on non active operations.
Medal
A cross, in silver, the obverse (shown here) made up of a thunderbolt surmounted by another cross of aeroplane propellers, the ends of which are inscribed with the letters of the Royal Cypher, the base bar terminated with a bomb and the top bar by the Imperial Crown, with the arms conjoined by wings. A central roundel depicts Hermes mounted on a hawk in flight bestowing a wreath. The reverse bears the image of the Royal Cypher above the date ‘1918’.
Clasp
A silver bar ornamented by an eagle may be issued to AFC holders performing a further act of such gallantry which would have merited award of the AFC.
Ribbon
Alternate narrow diagonal stripes of white and crimson.
Criteria
All ranks of the RN, RM, Army, and RAF in recognition of exemplary gallantry in the air on non active operations.
History
Instituted in 1918, the Air Force Cross (AFC) was issued for acts of gallantry while flying on non active operations to warrant officers and officers of the Royal Air Force (RAF). It was later made available to equivalent ranks in the Royal Navy (RN) and Army for acts of gallantry in the air.
The equivalent award for the other ranks for acts of gallantry in the air on non active operations was the Air Force Medal (AFM), instituted at the same time as the AFC and which was also later made available to other ranks of the RN and Army.
Following the 1993 review, the AFM was discontinued and the AFC became available to all ranks of all services for exemplary gallantry in the air not in presence of the enemy. It is at the same level as the Queen’s Gallantry Medal, which is awarded for the same degree of gallantry on land or at sea.
Arctic Star
Criteria
The Arctic Star is granted for operational service of any length north of the Arctic Circle (66 degrees, 32’N) from the 3rd September, 1939, to the 8th May, 1945, inclusive. The Arctic Star is intended to commemorate the Arctic Convoys and is designed primarily for the ships of the convoys to North Russia and their Escorts.
Eligibility
Eligibility is defined as follows:
Royal Navy and Merchant Navy: naval and Merchant Navy service anywhere at sea north of the Arctic Circle to include, but not limited exclusively to, those ships participating in, and in support of, Convoys to North Russia. Fleet Air Arm Personnel, not qualified by sea service may qualify under the conditions applying to the Royal Air Force.
Royal Air Force: aircrew of the Royal Air Force will be eligible if they landed north of the Arctic Circle or served in the air over this area. Non aircrew on operational service in the area, for example ground crew or those sailing with CAM ships (Catapult Aircraft Merchant Ships), are also eligible.
British Army: army personnel serving in His Majesty’s ships or in defensively equipped merchant ships qualify under the rules applying to the Royal Navy or Merchant Navy. In addition, personnel taking part in land operations north of the Arctic Circle will also be eligible.
Civilians serving with the forces: members of the few approved categories of civilians who qualify for Campaign Stars will be eligible if, in support of military operations, they meet any of the above qualifying criteria.
Foreign nationals commissioned or enlisted into British or, the then, Dominion Forces (e.g. Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Australian Navy) are eligible provided the individuals did not receive a similar award from their own Government.
General: eligibility to the Arctic Star has no effect upon eligibility for World War 2 recognition previously awarded and does not suggest automatic eligibility for any further awards.
Atlantic Star
Ribbon
Shaded and watered stripes of blue, white and green to represent the Atlantic. Worn with the blue edge furthest from the left shoulder.
Criteria
Awarded only after the 1939 to 1945 Star has been qualified for, the Atlantic Star is for 180 days’ additional service as ships crew (RN or Army) in home waters or the Atlantic.
Certain special conditions apply governing award of the Star for those Naval personnel entering service less than 6 months before the end of the qualifying period, provided it was the last operational theatre in which they served.
RAF air crew will qualify after award of the 1939 to 1945 Star for an additional 60 days service in an operational unit having taken part in operations against the enemy at sea.
Campaign History
The Battle of the Atlantic took place between 3 September 1939 and 8 May 1945 as German U boats attacked the convoys transporting valuable supplies from America and the colonies to Britain.
Battleships of the RN and aircraft of the RAF escorted the convoys, hunted the U boats and despite some notable successes by the U boats, the Allies won a comprehensive victory in the Atlantic.
Bomber Command Clasp to the 1939-45 Star
Criteria
The Bomber Command Clasp is granted to the aircrew of Bomber Command who served for at least 60 days, or completed a tour of operations, on a Bomber Command operational unit and flew at least one operational sortie on a Bomber Command operational unit from the 3 September 1939 to the 8 May 1945 inclusive. This applies to servicemen after they have met the minimum qualification for the 1939-45 Star, which in many cases, though not exclusively, is 60 days.
To be clear, servicemen must have already qualified for the 1939-45 Star before their time can count toward the required 60 day qualification period for the Bomber Command Clasp.
Eligibility
Eligibility is extended to those members of Bomber Command aircrew who did not meet the qualifying criteria due to service being brought to an end by death, wounds or other disability due to service, service marked by a gallantry award or taken as a prisoner of war.
Foreign nationals commissioned or enlisted into British or, the then, Dominion Air Forces (e.g. Royal Canadian Air Force or Royal Australian Air Force) are eligible provided the individuals did not receive a similar award from their own government.
Eligibility to the Bomber Command Clasp has no effect upon eligibility for World War 2 recognition previously awarded and does not suggest automatic eligibility for any further awards.
Visit the Veterans-UK website for the application form
Burma Star
Ribbon
Dark blue overlaid with a central red stripe to represent the Commonwealth Forces and 2 narrow stripes of orange to symbolise the sun.
Criteria
Star awarded for 1 or more days’ service in Burma, 1941 to 1945. Those serving in Bengal and Assam (in India), China, Hong Kong, Malaya or Sumatra between other specified dates will also qualify.
Naval personnel must qualify first for the 1939 to 1945 Star before the Burma Star can be awarded. It is then awarded for service at sea, restricted to the Bay of Bengal within certain specified boundaries.
Certain special conditions apply governing award of the Star for those Naval personnel entering service less than 6 months before the end of the qualifying period.
RAF air crew engaged in operations against the enemy will also qualify provided that at least one operational sortie has been completed.
Campaign History
The campaign in Burma took place between 11 December 1941 and 2 September 1945, during which time the Japanese invaded Burma, driving British forces to the Indian border. As the Japanese held superiority in the Pacific it wasn’t until early in 1944 that the Allies were in a position to strike back and regain a foothold in Burma with the aim of finally defeating the Japanese in the Pacific and Far East.
Total surrender of the Japanese came on 2 September 1945 following the dropping of the atom bombs by the Allies on 2 Japanese cities.
PoWs were forced to labour on construction projects such as railway building (as depicted in the film ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’) and were frequently tortured and starved. Around 13,000 British soldiers and 2,000 civilians died in Japanese wartime camps.
Cadet Forces Medal
Medal
Cupronickel and circular in shape. The obverse of the medal shows the crowned effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, while the reverse bears the inscription ‘The Cadet Forces Medal’ and a representation of a torch.
Clasp
Bears the image of the Queen’s Crown. When the ribbon alone is worn a silver rosette denotes award of the clasp.
Ribbon
Green with yellow edges with narrow stripes of dark blue, red and light blue superimposed.
Qualifying criteria
The CFM and clasps are awarded to officers and uniformed adult instructors in recognition of long service of proved capacity in the Cadet Forces. 12 years reckonable service is required for award of the medal. 6 years further service is required for award of each subsequent clasp. Prior to 1991, 8 years service was required for the clasp.
Service after the age of 18 as a cadet will count up to a maximum of 4 years.
Service in the Reserve Forces, Regular Forces, OTC and University Air Squadrons which has not been used as qualifying service towards any other medal (eg LS and GCM or VRSM) may be used towards CFM up to a maximum of 3 years.
At the discretion of service boards the following are not counted as breaks in continuity of service for the Medal:
* any break which does not exceed 6 months
* breaks of up to 3 years by reason of change in place of residence or change in civilian employment. This should be verified when an application is made
For award of the clasp service does not necessarily have to be continuous. The award of the CFM is governed generally by Royal Warrant dated 19 November 2001.
Conduct and Reserves medals
Long Service and Good Conduct, Meritorious Service, Accumulated Campaign Service, Reserve and Cadet medals
The services have recognised long service since the Army instituted its Long Service (LS) and Good Conduct Medal (GCM) in 1830, with the RN instituting theirs the following year.
Both were initially issued for 21 years service with exemplary conduct. Over the years the design of the medals and the qualifying criteria have altered, with 15 years now being the length of time required for consideration.
Other medals have also been introduced over time to recognise varying aspects of long, efficient and accumulated service.
These medals, recognising particularly meritorious service, accumulated service on various campaigns, as well as long and efficient service in the Reserve Forces and the Cadet Forces are all still awarded today in one form or another.
Conspicuous Gallantry Cross
Medal
A cross pattée in silver mounted on a wreath of laurel leaves. The obverse of the medal bears in the centre a circular medallion depicting St. Edward’s crown. The reverse is plain in design and bears the rank, name and unit of the recipient. The date of the award is also engraved.
Clasp
A silver bar may be issued to CGC holders performing a further act of such gallantry which would have merited award of the CGC, though none have been awarded to date.
Ribbon
White with narrow stripes of dark blue at each edge and a central stripe of crimson.
Criteria
All ranks of the RN, RM, Army, and RAF in recognition of acts of conspicuous gallantry during active operations against the enemy.
History
Instituted in 1993 as part of the review of gallantry awards, the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross replaced 3 previous awards: the Distinguished Service Order for gallantry (issued to officers), the Distinguished Conduct Medal (Army other ranks) and the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (RN other ranks).
The CGC is at the level below the Victoria Cross.
Defence Medal: 1939 to 1945
Medal
The obverse of the medal shows the uncrowned head of King George VI. The reverse bears the Royal Crown resting on an oak tree, flanked by two lions above the words ‘The Defence Medal’, with the date 1939 top left and 1945 top right.
Ribbon
Flame coloured in the centre flanked by stripes of green to symbolise enemy attacks on Britain’s green and pleasant land, with narrow black stripes to represent the black out.
Criteria
The Defence Medal was awarded for non operational service. This type of service in the UK included those service personnel working in headquarters, on training bases and airfields and members of the Home Guard. Home Guard service counts between the dates of 14 May 1940 and 31 December 1944. The Defence Medal was also awarded for non operational service overseas, for example in India or South Africa.
The table below shows the qualifying time required depending on the area served.
Area
Time required
UK
1080 days
Overseas non-operational
360 days
Overseas non-operational with close threat or air attack
180 days
Distinguished Flying Cross
Awarded to all ranks of the RN, RM, Army and RAF in recognition of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy in the air.
Medal
A cross flory, in silver, the horizontal and base bars terminating in bombs, the upper bar in a rose. This cross is surmounted by another, composed of aeroplane propellers, charged in the centre with a roundel within a laurel leaf, from which 2 wings stretch across the horizontal bars. At the centre of the roundel is the RAF monogram surmounted by the Imperial Crown. The reverse of the cross has at its centre an encircled Royal Cypher above the year ‘1918’.
Clasp
A silver bar ornamented by an eagle may be issued to DFC holders performing a further act of such valour which would have merited award of the DFC.
Ribbon
Alternate narrow diagonal stripes of white and deep purple.
Criteria
All ranks of the RN, RM, Army, and RAF in recognition of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy in the air.
History
Instituted in 1918, the Distinguished Flying Cross was issued for acts of valour while flying in operations against the enemy to warrant officers and officers of the RAF. It was later made available to equivalent ranks in the RN and Army for acts of valour in the air.
The equivalent award for the other ranks for acts of valour in the air on operations against the enemy was the Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM), instituted at the same time as the DFC and which was also later made available to other ranks of the RN and Army.
Following the 1993 review, the DFM was discontinued and the DFC became available to all ranks of all services for exemplary gallantry in the air in presence of the enemy. It is at a level below the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross and is at the equivalent level to the Distinguished Service Cross (for exemplary gallantry at sea) and the Military Cross (for exemplary gallantry on land).
Distinguished Service Cross
Awarded to all ranks of the RN, RM, Army and RAF for exemplary gallantry against the enemy at sea.
Medal
A silver cross with rounded ends. The obverse bears in the centre the Royal Cypher surmounted by the Imperial Crown. The reverse is plain in design, though from 1940 onwards the year of the award was engraved on the lower limb of the cross.
Clasp
A silver bar, with rounded ends, ornamented by the Crown may be issued to DSC holders performing a further act of such gallantry which would have merited award of the DSC.
Ribbon
A central stripe of white flanked by equally sized stripes of dark blue.
Criteria
All ranks of the RN, RM, Army, and RAF in recognition of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy at sea.
History
Instituted in 1901, this award was originally known as the Conspicuous Service Cross and was issued for gallantry in presence of the enemy to warrant and subordinate officers of the RN who were ineligible (on account of their rank) for the Distinguished Service Order. Renamed the Distinguished Service Cross in 1914, it also became available to Naval junior officers. In 1940, it also became available to Army and RAF officers serving aboard naval vessels.
The equivalent award for the other ranks for gallantry at sea in presence of the enemy was the Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) which had been instituted in 1914 and, similarly to the DSC, later became available to Army and RAF other ranks serving at sea.
Following the 1993 review, the DSM was discontinued and the DSC became available to all ranks of all services for exemplary gallantry at sea in presence of the enemy. It is at a level below the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross and is at the equivalent level to the Military Cross (for exemplary gallantry on land) and the Distinguished Flying Cross (for exemplary gallantry in the air).
Distinguished Service Order
Medal
A gold cross, with curved edges, overlaid in white enamel. The obverse of the medal has at the centre of the cross a raised laurel wreath, enamelled green, surrounding the Imperial Crown in gold, on a red enamelled background. The reverse has a similar raised centre with the laurel wreath surrounding the Royal Cypher ‘VRI’. The suspender is decorated with laurel leaves, and a bar of the same design is positioned at the top of the ribbon.
Clasp
A gold bar ornamented by the Crown may be issued to DSO holders performing a further act of such leadership which would have merited award of the DSO.
Ribbon
Crimson flanked by narrow dark blue stripes at the edges.
History
The Distinguished Service Order was instituted originally to reward junior officers in the Army for distinguished service or acts of gallantry against the enemy. While the Order of the Bath had been available for senior officers and the Distinguished Conduct Medal for the other ranks, no award below the level of the Victoria Cross (VC) had existed for junior officers. The DSO was also made available to junior officers of the other services.
After the 1993 review, the DSO ceased to be awarded for gallantry replaced by the new all service, all ranks Conspicuous Gallantry Cross at the level below the VC. Although theoretically available to all ranks, the DSO, now awarded for distinguished leadership during active operations against the enemy, is likely to be awarded only to the more senior officer ranks.
The Elizabeth Cross: Died on Operations Recognition Award
This award was created to provide national recognition for the families of armed forces personnel who have died on operations or as a result of an act of terrorism.
Background
The Elizabeth Cross and Memorial Scroll are granted to the next of kin of UK Armed Forces personnel who have died on operations or as a result of an act of terrorism in national recognition of their loss and sacrifice. The Elizabeth Cross is not a posthumous medal for the fallen but an emblem demonstrating tangible national recognition for service families for their loss.
Not all deaths of service personnel are included in this scheme. The death of any service person, whatever the circumstances, is a tragic loss to his or her family and to the Armed Forces as a whole, but the Elizabeth Cross was instituted specifically to recognise the unique challenges that service personnel face on operations and from terrorism, and the particular burden this places on service families.
The first Elizabeth Crosses and Memorial Scrolls were granted from 1 August 2009 (and retrospectively to the end of the World War 2). All eligible next of kin of those who died between 1 January 1948 to date (see below ‘Eligibility’) are strongly advised to apply, although the MOD Medal Office will endeavour to establish contact with the more recent eligible families, where up to date contact details are held. See below: ‘Recipients and How to Apply’.
Description
The Elizabeth Cross is made of hallmarked silver and is in the form of a cross with a laurel wreath passing between the arms. The arms of the Cross bear floral symbols representing England (Rose), Scotland (Thistle), Ireland (Shamrock) and Wales (Daffodil). The centre of the Cross bears the crowned Cypher of Her Majesty The Queen. The reverse of the Cross is engraved with the name of the service person in whose memory it is granted. The Elizabeth Cross, accompanied by a miniature version, is presented in a black leather style presentation box with the Royal Cypher on the lid and the Royal Coat of Arms on the inner silk lining.
The Memorial Scroll
The Memorial Scroll is on parchment style paper, headed with the Royal Coat of Arms and the following words “This Scroll Commemorates…who gave his/her life for Queen and Country on…” The Scroll bears the signature of Her Majesty The Queen in the upper left hand corner.
Eligibility
Eligible personnel to be remembered in this way are those who were serving with, or former members of the Regular and Reserve Armed Forces or the Royal Fleet Auxiliary when deployed in direct support of a designated operation.
The next of kin of eligible personnel whose deaths fall into the following categories are to be recognised:
those who died from whatever cause whilst serving on a medal earning operation. Medal earning operations are those in which deployed personnel received a Campaign Medal, GSM or OSM which demonstrated the risk and rigour involved. Operations where a UN, NATO or other international body or other nations’ campaign medal was accepted for wear, in the absence of a UK medal also qualify
those who died as a result of an act of terrorism where the available evidence suggests that the service person, whether on or off duty, was targeted because of his or her membership of the UK Armed Forces
those who died on a non medal earning operational task where death has been caused by the inherent high risk of the task
those who died a subsequent and premature death as a result of an injury or illness attributed to the circumstances outlined above
In addition to recognising future operational deaths in this way, deaths in the circumstances outlined above that occurred after 1 January 1948, or as a result of service in Palestine since 27 September 1945, will be recognised retrospectively. These dates reflect the fact that the Commonwealth War Graves Commission attributed deaths up to 1 January 1948 to World War 2 service - with the exception of Palestine.
Recipients and how to apply
Next of kin can apply for both the Elizabeth Cross and Memorial Scroll. For retrospective claims and when the next of kin is deceased, their legal successor may apply. Only one Elizabeth Cross is granted for each death recognised.
An additional Memorial Scroll only is available to the following (or their legal successors) where they are not the next of kin:
the parents of the deceased
the spouse/partner of the deceased or someone who had a substantive relationship with the deceased
Note, that as a Memorial Scroll was issued at the time to those who died in the Korean War, the Elizabeth Cross only (and not the new Memorial Scroll) will be issued in remembrance of those who died during that war.
Presentation of Elizabeth Cross and Memorial Scroll
For new qualifying deaths after 1 August 2009, it is intended that, in most cases, the next of kin will be offered the opportunity for the Elizabeth Cross and Memorial Scroll to be presented privately and in an appropriate way at the time of the funeral if they so wish.
For retrospective cases, next of kin who are resident in the UK will be offered the choice of whether they wish to receive the Elizabeth Cross and Memorial Scroll at a formal presentation ceremony in the region where they live. Such presentations may be made by a Lord Lieutenant or a senior military representative. It is likely to be some months before these events are arranged as locations will very much depend on the number of recipients living in a particular region and we cannot establish this until applications are received. Further details will be sent to those who are to receive the Elizabeth Cross and Memorial Scroll.
If they prefer, families may choose to receive the Elizabeth Cross and Memorial Scroll by Recorded Delivery post. Next of kin living overseas will normally receive the Elizabeth Cross and Memorial Scroll in this way.
France and Germany Star
Ribbon
In the colours of the Union flag, also symbolising those of France and the Netherlands, a central red stripe flanked by white and blue stripes of equal width.
Criteria
Star awarded for 1 or more days’ service in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands or Germany between the above dates.
Naval personnel will qualify for service afloat in the North Sea and English Channel within certain specified boundaries.
RAF air crew, who have not already qualified by service on land, will qualify with one operational sortie over the appropriate land or sea area.
Campaign History
Concurrently to the campaigns in the Far East, the Allies were preparing for a final campaign in Northwest Europe. On 6 June 1944 (D-Day) British, American and Canadian forces landed on the beaches of Northern France.
Over the next year the British, American and Canadian forces advanced across Western Europe, liberating German occupied France, Belgium and the Netherlands. At the same time the Russians advanced from the East, through German occupied Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and Austria towards Berlin.
German forces surrendered when the Allies reached Berlin, bringing the war in Europe to an end on 8 May 1945.
General Service Medal 1918-62
Medal
The GSM is silver and circular in shape. The obverse of the medal shows the crowned effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, while the reverse bears the standing winged figure of Victory in a Greek helmet and carrying a trident, bestowing a wreath on the emblems of the Army (the sword) and the RAF (the wings).
Clasp
‘Canal Zone’. 17 different clasps have been awarded with the GSM 1918. Award of clasps to the GSM are not denoted by the wearing of an emblem when the ribbon alone is worn.
Ribbon
A central stripe of green flanked by purple stripes.
Criteria
Awarded for 30 days continuous service during the above mentioned dates within certain specified geographical boundaries in Egypt.
About the General Service Medal 1918
The GSM 1918 was awarded to Army and RAF personnel (Naval personnel were awarded the separate Naval GSM 1915). It was awarded for a total of 17 campaigns and operations that fell short of full scale war.
These were: ‘S. Persia’, ‘Kurdistan’, ‘Iraq’, ‘N. W. Persia’, ‘Southern Desert Iraq’, ‘Northern Kurdistan’, ‘Palestine’, ‘S. E. Asia 1945 to 1946’, ‘Bomb and Mine Clearance 1945 1949’, ‘Bomb and Mine Clearance 1945 to 1956’, ‘Palestine 1945 to 1948’, ‘Malaya’, ‘Cyprus’, ‘Near east’, ‘Arabian Peninsula’, ‘Brunei’ and ‘Canal Zone’. A separate clasp signified each of these campaigns and operations.
Only one GSM was awarded to each service person, no matter how many GSM qualifying areas they served in.
On the first occasion that a service person qualified for a GSM, the medal was awarded with the relevant clasp. Should the service person subsequently have been deployed to another GSM qualifying area, then the relevant clasp only was awarded, to be added to the ribbon and worn above the first clasp.
The image on the obverse of the medal changed as the reigning monarchs (George V, George VI and Elizabeth II) and their titles changed over the years.
Although the reigning monarch changed during the Suez campaign, Queen Elizabeth II appears on all the GSMs issued for the Canal Zone because it was Queen Elizabeth that approved award of the clasp to the GSM ‘Canal Zone’.
The GSM 1918 and the Naval GSM 1915 were discontinued in 1962 when a new GSM was introduced to be issued to personnel of all services. The GSM 1962 had a new design on the reverse and a new ribbon.
Following The Sir John Holmes Independent Medal Review the government has announced that a new clasp has been given approval and qualifying criteria for the Cyprus clasp has been reduced.
Berlin Airlift
Following The Sir John Holmes Independent Medal Review the government has announced that a new clasp has been given approval.
For those servicemen who took part in the Berlin Airlift operation from 25 June 1948 to 6 October 1949 (inclusive) will be awarded the General Service Medal 1918-62 with clasp ‘BERLIN AIRLIFT’. This will be awarded for at least 1 day’s service to all aircrew, RAF and civilian, or to their next of kin.
The Ministry of Defence Medal Office will assess applications for the clasp against the criteria below:
aircrew, whether service or civilian, who completed one operational sortie on the Berlin airlift between the western zones of Germany to include bases Schleswigland, Wunstorf and Celle and the city of Berlin to include Templehof airport (American base), RAF Gatow (British base), Tegal airfield (French base) between 25 June 1948 and 6 October 1949 inclusive
aircrew should be taken to mean ‘constituted crew of the aircraft’; additionally, there should be no medals awarded to those who were passengers on board any of the flight
exclusions are; Locally Employed Civilians (LEC), visits and ground crew
Applications are being accepted and will be assessed and dealt with in a strict date order.
Cyprus 1955-59
Those who participated in the suppression of acts of terrorism in Cyprus between 1 April 1955 and 18 April 1959 will qualify for the General Service Medal 1918-62 with clasp ‘Cyprus’ if they served for 90 days or more. The qualifying period has been reduced from 120 days, bringing it into line with the qualifying period for service during the Kenya anti-terrorism campaign. Applications are being accepted and will be assessed and dealt with in a strict date order.
General Service Medal (1962) and clasps
Medal
Silver and circular in shape. The obverse of the medal shows the crowned effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, while the reverse bears the image of an oak wreath surrounding the words ‘For Campaign Service’.
Clasp
13 different clasps have been awarded with the GSM 1962. Award of clasps to the GSM are not denoted by the wearing of an emblem when the ribbon alone is worn.
Ribbon
A wide central purple stripe flanked by narrow green stripes.
About the GSM 1962
Until 1962 separate GSMs had been issued to Naval personnel (the Naval GSM 1915) and Army and RAF personnel (the GSM 1918). The GSM 1962 was instituted in 1962 to replace these medals and was awarded to personnel of all services for campaigns and operations that fell short of full scale war.
Since its inception, it has been awarded for 13 such campaigns: ‘Borneo’, ‘Radfan’, ‘south Arabia’, ‘Malay Peninsula’, ‘south Vietnam’, ‘Northern Ireland’, ‘Dhofar’, ‘Lebanon’, ‘Mine Clearance Gulf of Suez’, ‘Gulf’, ‘Kuwait’, ‘N. Iraq and S. Turkey’ and ‘Air Operations Iraq’.
Cyprus 1963-64
Following The Sir John Holmes Independent Medal Review the government has announced that a new clasp to the General Service Medal has been given approval. The Ministry of Defence Medal Office will assess applications for the clasp against the criteria below. Applicants for the clasp must have been:
a member of a unit deployed in Cyprus (whether previously a resident unit in a Sovereign Based Area (SBA) or a reinforcement unit)
on the island of Cyprus for a continuous period of 30 days or a cumulative period of 45 days between the dates of 21 December 1963 to 26 March 1964 inclusive
As the United Nations (UN) authorities rejected a claim to backdate the award of the United Nations Force In Cyprus (UNFICYP) Medal from 27 March 1964 to 21 December 1963, no period of service in Cyprus prior to 27 March 1964 may count towards the qualifying period for the UNFICYP Medal. Applications are being accepted and will be assessed and dealt with in a strict date order.
George Cross
Medal
A plain, bordered cross in silver. The obverse of the medal (shown here) bears in the centre a circular medallion depicting St. George and the Dragon surrounded by the words ‘FOR GALLANTRY’. In the angle of each limb of the cross is the Royal Cypher ‘GVI’. The reverse is plain in design and bears the rank, name and service, or description, if appropriate, of the recipient. The date of notification of the award in the London Gazette, rather than the date of the act of gallantry, is also engraved.
Clasp
A silver bar ornamented with laurels in the same design as the suspender may be issued to GC holders performing a further act of such bravery which would have merited award of the GC, though none have been awarded to date.
Ribbon
Dark blue. When the ribbon alone is worn a replica of the cross in miniature is affixed to the centre of the ribbon.
Criteria
The highest gallantry award for civilians, the GC is also awarded to military personnel for those acts for which military honours would not normally granted, such as acts of gallantry not in the presence of the enemy.
History
As Britain came under intense air attack during the summer of 1940, Winston Churchill introduced a new medal to recognise the many acts of gallantry being performed by civilians. Although awards to recognise civilian gallantry not in presence of the enemy already existed, none held the prestige of the equivalent award for gallantry in battle, the Victoria Cross.
The King agreed and in January 1941 the Warrant relating to award of the George Cross was published. Those holders of the Empire Gallantry Medal, Albert Medal and the Edward Medal which had been awarded prior to the introduction of the GC, were all invited to exchange their awards for the GC.
To date, 157 GCs have been awarded directly, including 4 to women, with 47 of those awarded since 1947. The 3 most recent recipients of the George Cross have been Army personnel serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. One was awarded posthumously for gallantry displayed both before and after sustaining mortal injuries when entering a minefield in Afghanistan. The other 2 were awarded for service in Iraq, for gallantry displayed in a ‘friendly fire’ incident and for gallantry displayed after receiving severe injuries caused by an Improvised Explosive Device. All were hugely courageous acts, although not in actual presence of the enemy, and therefore were successfully considered for award of the GC.
George Medal
Awarded to civilians for acts of great bravery but not so outstanding as to merit consideration for the George Cross. The George Medal is also awarded to military personnel for those acts for which military honours would not normally be granted, such as acts of great bravery not in presence of the enemy.
Medal
Silver and circular in shape. The obverse of the medal (shown here) shows the crowned effigy of the current reigning monarch (although King George VI is shown here). The reverse bears the image of St. George on horseback slaying the dragon, circumscribed by the words ‘The George Medal’.
Clasp
A silver bar with laurel leaves may be issued to George Medal holders performing a further act of such bravery which would have merited award of the GM. When the ribbon alone is worn, a silver rosette denotes award of the clasp.
Ribbon
Crimson with 5 narrow stripes of blue.
Criteria
Awarded to civilians for acts of great bravery but not so outstanding as to merit consideration for the George Cross. The GM is also awarded to military personnel for those acts for which military honours would not normally granted, such as acts of great bravery not in presence of the enemy.
History
The George Medal was introduced at the same time as the George Cross when, during the summer of 1940 as Britain came under intense air attack, Winston Churchill introduced a new medal to recognise the many acts of gallantry performed by civilians. In January 1941 the King published Warrants relating to award of the GC for outstanding gallantry, and the GM for outstanding bravery.
The Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal
Medal
Cupronickel with a gilt finish and circular in shape. The obverse of the medal shows the crowned effigy of Queen Elizabeth. The reverse bears a shield of the Royal Coat of Arms surmounted by a Crown and flanked by the dates ‘1952’ and ‘2002’.
Ribbon
A narrow central stripe of red, flanked each side by a narrow stripe of white, a broad stripe of blue and a further narrow stripe of red.
Criteria
Awarded to personnel of the Regular, Reserve and Cadet forces who were in effective service on 6 February 2002, who had completed 5 full calendar years reckonable service and were properly enlisted on or before 7 February 1997.
The medal was issued unnamed. Full details are laid out in DCI JS 6/02.
Gulf Medal (1990 to 1991)
Medal
Cupronickel and circular in shape. The obverse of the medal shows the crowned effigy of Queen Elizabeth. The reverse bears a modern ‘combined operations’ badge surrounded by the words ‘The Gulf Medal’ and the dates ‘1990 to 1991’.
Clasp
Two clasps were awarded, one bearing the dates ‘16 Jan to 28 Feb 1991’ and the other ‘2 Aug 1990’. When the ribbon alone is worn, a silver rosette denotes award of the clasp.
Ribbon
A wide central stripe of pale buff flanked on each side by narrow stripes of light blue, red and dark blue.
Criteria
The Medal with clasp ‘16 Jan to 28 Feb 1991’ was awarded for 7 days continuous service in the theatre of operations as defined in the regulations between these dates, which signify the dates of the actual war.
The medal with clasp ‘2 Aug 1990’ was awarded to the members of the Kuwait Liaison Team who were in Kuwait on this date.
The medal alone was awarded for 30 days continuous service