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.
All services use a common order of wear, in accordance with the 2019 order of wear:[1]
- The Victoria Cross and the George Cross
- United Kingdom Orders
- United Kingdom Decorations
- Order of St John (all classes)
- United Kingdom Medals for Gallantry and for Distinguished Service
- 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
- United Kingdom Polar Medals
- United Kingdom Police Medals for Valuable Service
- United Kingdom Jubilee, Coronation and Durbar Medals
- Long Service and Efficiency Awards
- Commonwealth Orders, Decorations and Medals instituted by the Sovereign. Worn in order of date of award.
- 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.
- Foreign Orders. If approved for wear, worn in order of date of award.
- Foreign Decorations. If approved for wear, worn in order of date of award.
- 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]
Military orders and decorations
More information Emblem, Description ...
| 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 | |||||
.svg){kind=small} | Knight/Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (Military Division) | GCB(Mil) | 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] |
_ribbon.svg){kind=small} | Member of the Order of Merit (Military Division) | OM(Mil) | 23 June 1902[7] | 23 June 1902 – present[7] | |
_Ribbon.png){kind=small} | Knight/Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (Military Division) | GBE(Mil) | 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(Mil) DCB(Mil) | 2 January 1815[5][6] | 2 January 1815 – present[5][6] | |
| Knight/Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (Military Division) | KBE(Mil) DBE(Mil) | 24 August 1917[8][9] | 4 June 1917 – present[8][9] | |
| Orders – Third Class | |||||
| Companion of the Order of the Bath (Military Division) | CB(Mil) | 2 January 1815[5][6] | 1815 – present[5][6] | |
| Commander of the Order of the British Empire (Military Division) | CBE(Mil) | 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(Mil) | 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(Mil) | 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(Mil) | 1837–1911 | Replaced by the VC in 1911. | |
| Indian Order of Merit (2nd Class) (Military Division) | IOM(Mil) | 1837–1947 | ||
| Indian Order of Merit (3rd Class) (Military Division) | IOM(Mil) | 1837–1947 | ||
| Level 2A Decorations | |||||
 | Conspicuous Gallantry Cross | CGC | October 1993 | 1993 – present | |
_ribbon.png){kind=small} | 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 | ||
_UK_ribbon.png){kind=small} | 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 | |
_ribbon.png){kind=small} | Air Force Medal | AFM | 3 June 1918 | 1918–1993 | |
ribbon.jpg){kind=small} | 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(Mil) | 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 | |
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Note [1] Eligibility period start dates reflect respective establishment dates, except where available evidence indicates otherwise.
Military campaign medals
More information Emblem, Description ...
| 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. |
.png){kind=small} | 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 – 1962 | |
 | 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 | |
.jpg){kind=small} | 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 | |
.png){kind=small} | 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] |
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Notes:
Coronation, Jubilee and Durbar medals
More information Emblem, Description ...
| Emblem | Description | Established | Date of Event | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
_ribbon.PNG){kind=small} | 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 |
_ribbon.png){kind=small} | 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 |
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Efficiency and long service decorations and medals
More information Emblem, Description ...
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National independence medals
More information Emblem, Description ...
| Emblem | Description | Estab. | Eligibility Period | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
.png){kind=small} | Union of South Africa Commemoration Medal | 1910 | ||
 | Indian Independence Medal | 1947 | ||
 | Pakistan Medal | 1949 | ||
_ribbon.png){kind=small} | Ceylon Armed Services Inauguration Medal | 1955 | 1949–51 | |
 | Sierra Leone Independence Medal | 1961 | ||
_ribbon.png){kind=small} | Jamaica Independence Medal | 1962 | ||
 | Nigerian Independence Medal | 1960 | ||
 | Uganda Independence Medal | 1962 | ||
 | Malawi Independence Medal | 1964 | ||
_ribbon.png){kind=small} | Fiji Independence Medal | 1970 | ||
 | Papua New Guinea Independence Medal | 1975 | ||
 | Solomon Islands Independence Medal | 1978 | ||
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International campaign medals
Worn with other United Kingdom campaign medals in order of date of issue (except where noted otherwise).
More information Emblem, Description ...
| 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] |
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Commonwealth orders
Worn after all United Kingdom awards (including international awards treated as United Kingdom awards). Honorary awards are worn before substantive awards.
Commonwealth decorations
Worn after all Commonwealth orders.
Commonwealth campaign and commemorative medals
Worn after all Commonwealth decorations.
More information Emblem, Description ...
| 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] |
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Foreign orders
Worn after all Commonwealth awards.
More information Emblem, Description ...
| 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] |
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Foreign decorations
Worn after all foreign orders.
Foreign campaign and commemorative medals
Worn after all foreign decorations.
More information Emblem, Description ...
| 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. | |
.png){kind=small} | 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] |
.png){kind=small} | The Accession Medal | 1970[45][46] | 23 July 1970[44] | Sultanate of Oman. Seconded forces only.[44] |
.png){kind=small} | The Peace Medal | 1979[46] | 1 July 1976 – 17 November 1985[44] | Sultanate of Oman. Seconded forces only.[44] |
_(Oman).png){kind=small} | 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. | |
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Campaign medals authorised for acceptance but not for official wear
Official permission has been granted for these medals to be accepted, but they are not authorised for wear.[41][42]
More information Emblem, Description ...
| Emblem | Description | Eligibility Period | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
_ribbon.svg){kind=small} | Kuwait Liberation Medal | 17 January 1991 – 28 February 1991 | Saudi Arabia Established 1991 |
_ribbon.svg){kind=small} | Kuwait Liberation Medal | 2 August 1990 – 31 August 1993 | Kuwait Established 1994 |
.svg){kind=small} | 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] |
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Campaign medals not authorised for acceptance or official wear
Official permission has been refused for these medals to be accepted and they are not authorised for wear.[42]
More information Emblem, Description ...
| 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] |
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More information Emblem, Description ...
| 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. |
 | 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. | |
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Footnotes
- "No. 62529". The London Gazette (Supplement). 11 January 2019. p. 326. Guidance on the Order of Wear
- Howard N Cole. Coronation and Royal Commemorative Medals. p. 3. Published J. B. Hayward & Son, London. 1977.
- London Gazette, "Dates for the Introduction of Medals", p. 5.
- London Gazette, "Dates for the Introduction of Medals", p. 3.
- "No. 20737". The London Gazette (Supplement). 25 May 1847. pp. 1947–1957., Subjoined Statutes of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath.
- Duckers, Peter, British Orders and Decorations, pp. 21–24.
- Martin, Stanley, The Order of Merit, p. 31.
- "No. 30250". The London Gazette (2nd supplement). 24 August 1917. pp. 7791–7999., Statutes of the Order of the British Empire.
- Duckers, Peter, British Orders and Decorations, pp. 30–32.
- London Gazette, "Dates for the Introduction of Medals", p. 2.
- "No. 25650". The London Gazette (Supplement). 26 November 1886. pp. 5975–5976., DSO Awards for the Battle of Ginnis and Third Anglo-Burmese War
- London Gazette, "Dates for the Introduction of Medals", p. 4.
- London Gazette, "Dates for the Introduction of Medals", p. 1.
- Royal Warrant for the Burma Gallantry Medal, London Gazette, 4 September 1945, date accessed 6 April 2011.
- 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.
- 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.
- Joslin, Litherland and Simpkin. British Battles and Medals. p. 101. Published Spink, London. 1988.
- Gwailor Campaign Star (Maharajpoor), The Fitzwilliam Museum, accessed 3 January 2011.
- Royal Warrant – New Zealand War Service Medal (accessed 6 June 2010)
- 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.
- John Mussell, ed. (2013). Medal Yearbook 2013. Honiton, Devon: Token Publishing. p. 393. ISBN 978-1908828002.
- Medals: campaigns, descriptions and eligibility, UK Government
- "The Ebola Medal for Service in West Africa" (PDF). gov.uk. HMSO. June 2015. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
- "Ebola medal for over 3000 heroes". gov.uk. HM Government. 11 June 2015. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
- "Defence Secretary awards new medal to 46 troops". Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom). 12 June 2016. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
- 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]
- "New British Humanitarian Medal to honour UK disaster rescuers". BBC News. BBC. 23 July 2023. Retrieved 23 July 2023.
- "Operational medals is broadened with the new Wider Service Medal". UK Government. 26 March 2024. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
- Howard N Cole. Coronation and Royal Commemorative Medals. p. 1, ribbon chart. Published J. B. Hayward & Son, London. 1977.
- "Queen's Platinum Jubilee to include extra bank holiday". BBC News. 12 November 2020. Retrieved 12 November 2020.
- "Extra Bank Holiday to mark The Queen's Platinum Jubilee in 2022". GOV.UK. Retrieved 12 November 2020.
- "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) - London Gazette 11 January 2019 Supplement:62529 Page:328
- "Arab Medals – Oman". gmic.co.uk. Gentlemen's Military Interest Club. 6 February 2007. Retrieved 13 June 2010.
- Barrio, Antonio Prieto. "Ribbon Collection – Oman" (gif). Colecciones Militares (in English and Arabic).
- 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.
- Rooker, R.J. "152 Hyderabad F Squadron Battle Honours and Medals". 152hyderabad.co.uk/]. Retrieved 15 June 2010.
- "No. 52894". The London Gazette. 15 April 1992. p. 6728.
- 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.
- Duckers, Peter, British Campaign Medals 1815–1914, p. 17.
- "No. 53538". The London Gazette. 4 January 1994. pp. 1–2.
- "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.
- NATO Medals Archived 16 June 2006 at the Wayback Machine (accessed 6 June 2010)
- "No. 41285". The London Gazette (Supplement). 14 January 1958. p. 365.
Bibliography
- Duckers, Peter (2008) [2000]. British Campaign Medals 1815–1914. Oxford: Shire Publications. ISBN 978-0-7478-0465-9. OCLC 44397385.
- —— (2008) [2001]. British Campaign Medals 1914–2005. Oxford: Shire Publications. ISBN 978-0-7478-0649-3. OCLC 72145103.
- —— (2010) [2001]. British Gallantry Awards 1815–2000. Oxford: Shire Publications. ISBN 978-0-7478-0516-8. OCLC 248128466.
- —— (2009) [2004]. British Orders and Decorations. Oxford: Shire Publications. ISBN 978-0-7478-0580-9. OCLC 55587484.
- —— (2006) [2005]. The Victoria Cross. Oxford: Shire Publications. ISBN 978-0-7478-0635-6. OCLC 61302377.
- Honours and Appointments Secretariat (c. 2004). Order of Wear (PDF). London: UK Honours and Appointments Secretariat. Archived from the original (Adobe Acrobat) on 15 October 2012. Retrieved 3 January 2015.
- London Gazette (7 April 2009). Dates for the Introduction of Medals as shown by the Royal Warrants Published in the London Gazette (Microsoft Word). London: London Gazette. Retrieved 30 May 2010.
- Martin, Stanley (2007). The Order of Merit: One Hundred Years of Matchless Honour. New York: I.B. Tauris & Co. ISBN 978-1-86064-848-9. OCLC 50527777. Retrieved 14 June 2010.
- Ministry of Defence (October 2016). JSP761 – Honours and Awards in the Armed Forces (Adobe Acrobat) (5th ed.). London: UK Ministry of Defence. Retrieved 12 March 2017.
- Tinson, Ashley R. (1995) [1977]. Orders, Decorations and Medals of the Sultanate of Oman. London: Spink. ISBN 0-907605-59-1. OCLC 5616224.
- UK Ministry of Defence Medals Office
- UK Ministry of Defence Medals Office – British Armed Forces Medals: Decorations, campaign medals and other awards awarded 'On Her Majesty's Service'
- The UK Honours System
- Cabinet Office Ceremonial Secretariat website
- London Gazette website Archived 20 April 2010 at the Wayback Machine
- Crown Honours, Debretts, c. 2004, retrieved 23 May 2010
- Medals of the World – United Kingdom Medals
- War Medals and Their History Detailed historical information on British military and naval awards from the Spanish Armada to World War I