Awards and decorations of the British Armed Forces

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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.

Medals and aiguillette worn by a British Army officer

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

Order of wear

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

Military orders and decorations

More information Emblem, Description ...
Emblem Description Postnom Established Eligibility Period [1] Remarks
Level 1 Decorations
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textVictoria CrossVC5 February 1856[3]January 1856 – presentFor valour in combat.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textGeorge CrossGC24 September 1940[4]1940 – presentFor valour other than in combat.
Orders – First Class
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textKnight/Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath
(Military Division)
GCB27 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 bar image refer to adjacent textMember of the Order of Merit
(Military Division)
OM23 June 1902[7]23 June 1902 – present[7]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textKnight/Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire
(Military Division)
GBE24 August 1917[8][9]4 June 1917 – present[8][9]
Orders – Second Class
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textKnight/Dame Commander of the Order of the Bath
(Military Division)
KCB
DCB
2 January 1815[5][6]2 January 1815 – present[5][6]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textKnight/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
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textCompanion of the Order of the Bath
(Military Division)
CB2 January 1815[5][6]1815 – present[5][6]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textCommander of the Order of the British Empire
(Military Division)
CBE24 August 1917[8][9]4 June 1917 – present[8][9]
Level 2A Decoration (Order)
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textCompanion of the Distinguished Service OrderDSO9 November 1886[10]1885 – present[11]From October 1993 awarded for leadership only, replaced for gallantry by Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.[10]
Orders – Fourth Class
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textOfficer of the Order of the British Empire
(Military Division)
OBE24 August 1917[8][9]4 June 1917 – present[8][9]
Orders – Fifth Class
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textMember of the Order of the British Empire
(Military Division)
MBE24 August 1917[8][9]4 June 1917 – present[8][9]
Level 2A Indian Order (Decoration)
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textIndian Order of Merit (1st Class)
(Military Division)
IOM1837–1911Replaced by the VC in 1911.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textIndian Order of Merit (2nd Class)
(Military Division)
IOM1837–1947
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textIndian Order of Merit (3rd Class)
(Military Division)
IOM1837–1947
Level 2A Decorations
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textConspicuous Gallantry CrossCGCOctober 19931993 – present
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textRoyal Red Cross (Class I)RRC27 April 18831883 – present
Level 3A Decorations
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textDistinguished Service CrossDSCJune 19011901 – presentAwarded only to officers until 1993.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textMilitary CrossMCDecember 1914[12]1914 – present
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textDistinguished Flying CrossDFCJune 19181918 – present
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textAir Force CrossAFC3 June 1918[13]1918 – present
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textRoyal Red Cross (Class II)ARRC27 April 18831917 – present
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textOrder of British India (First Class)OBI1837–1947
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textOrder of British India (Second Class)OBI1837–1947
Level 2B Medals
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textDistinguished Conduct MedalDCM18541854–1993Replaced in October 1993 by the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textConspicuous Gallantry MedalCGM1874–1993
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textConspicuous Gallantry Medal (Flying)CGM18741874–1993
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textGeorge MedalGMSeptember 19401940 – present
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textRoyal West African Frontier Force Distinguished Conduct Medal19071907–1942
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textKing's African Rifles Distinguished Conduct Medal19071907–1942
Level 3B Medals
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textIndian Distinguished Service MedalIDSMJune 19071907–1947
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textDistinguished Service MedalDSMOctober 19141914–1993Equivalent awards for ORs to similarly named crosses for officers.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textMilitary MedalMM25 March 19161916–1993
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textDistinguished Flying MedalDFMJune 19181918–1993
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textAir Force MedalAFM3 June 19181918–1993
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textSea Gallantry MedalSGM10 August 18541854 – present
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textBurma Gallantry MedalBGM10 May 1940[14]1940–1948
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textKing's Gallantry MedalKGM20 June 19741974 – present
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textBritish Empire Medal
(Military Division)
BEM24 August 1917[8][9]4 June 1917[8] – 1993[9]
2012–present
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textKing's Volunteer Reserves MedalKVRM19991999 – present
Level 4 Commendations
Mentioned in Dispatches19191914 – presentInsignia attached to appropriate campaign medal; if no campaign medal awarded, insignia attached after any medal ribbons
King's/Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct19431939–1994
King's/Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air19421939–1994
King's Commendation for Bravery19941994 – present
King's Commendation for Bravery in the Air19941994 – present
King's Commendation for Valuable Service19941993 – 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 CordMonghyr Mutiny Medal17661766[15]HEIC Issue. Awarded to Native officers who helped quell a mutiny among European troops.
Yellow CordDeccan Medal17841778–1784HEIC 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 CordMysore Medal1 April 17931790–1792HEIC 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
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textSeringapatam Medal1801March 1799 – 8 May 1799HEIC 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 CordMedal for Egypt31 July 18028 March – 31 August 1801HEIC Issue. Awarded in gold to senior officers, and silver to all others eligible.[15]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textArmy Gold Medal18061808–1814Issued to senior officers with battle/action clasps where appropriate.[16]
Yellow CordCapture of Ceylon Medal15 May 18071795–1796HEIC Issue. Awarded in gold to 'native' officers, and silver to 'native' non-commissioned officers and soldiers.[15]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textArmy Gold Cross18101808–1814Issued to senior officers with battle/action clasps where appropriate.
Yellow CordMedal for capture of Rodrigues, Isle of Bourbon and Isle of France18111809-1810HEIC Issue. Awarded in gold to native officers, and silver to native non-commissioned officers and soldiers.
Yellow CordJava Medal18121811HEIC Issue. Awarded in gold to more senior native officers, and silver to native non-commissioned officers and soldiers.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textWaterloo Medal181616–18 June 1815
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textNepal Medal18161814–1816HEIC Issue. Awarded to native officers and to selected native non-commissioned officers and soldiers.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textCeylon Medal18191818HEIC Issue. Awarded to selected native and European non-commissioned officers and soldiers.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textBurma Medal18261824–1826HEIC Issue. Awarded in gold to native officers and silver to native non-commissioned officers and soldiers.[17]
Yellow CordCoorg Medal18371837HEIC Issue. Awarded to selected members of local forces.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textGhuznee Medal183921–23 July 1839HEIC Issue.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textCandahar, Ghuznee, Cabul Medal18421839–1842HEIC Issue.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textJellalabad Medals1842November 1841 – 16 April 1842HEIC Issue.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textMedal for the Defence of Kelat-I-Ghilzie1842February – May 1842HEIC Issue.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textChina War Medal (1842)18435 July 1840 – 29 August 1842Issued with clasps for Second China War where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textScinde Medal22 September 18431842–1843HEIC Issue. Issued in one of three types: "Meeanee 1843", "Hyderabad 1843" and "Meeanee/Hyderabad 1843".
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textGwalior Star18431843HEIC 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]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textMaharajpoor Star184329 December 1843HEIC Issue.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textPunniar Star184329 December 1843HEIC Issue.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textSutlej Medal17 April 18467 September 1845 – 14 March 1849HEIC Issue. Issued with battle/action clasps where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textNaval General Service Medal18471793–1840Always issued with battle/action clasps.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textMilitary General Service Medal1 June 18471793–1814Always issued with battle/action clasps.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textPunjab Medal2 April 18497 September 1848 – 14 March 1849HEIC Issue. Issued with battle/action clasps where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textArmy of India Medal21 March 18511803–1826HEIC Issue. Always issued with battle/action clasps.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textIndia General Service Medal (1854)11 March 18541852–1895Issued in silver. From 1885, issued in bronze to non-enlisted support personnel. Always issued with battle/action clasps.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textSouth Africa Medal (1854)18541834–1835
1846–1847
1850–1853
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textCrimean War Medal15 December 18541854–1856Issued with battle/action clasps where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textBaltic Medal23 April 18561854–1855
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textIndian Mutiny Medal18581857–1858Issued with battle/action clasps where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textSecond China War Medal6 March 18611856–1860Issued with battle/action clasps where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textNew Zealand War Medal18691845–1848
1860–1866
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textAbyssinian War Medal1869October 1867 – April 1868
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textCanada General Service Medal18991866–1870
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textAshantee MedalJune 18741873–1874
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textSouth Africa Medal (1880)August 18801877–1879Issued with campaign clasp where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textAfghanistan Medal18811878–1880
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textKabul to Kandahar StarMarch 18811880
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textEgypt MedalOctober 18821882–1889
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textRoyal Niger Company’s Medal18991886–1897Issued by the Royal Niger Company for minor military operations.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textEast and West Africa Medal189213 November 1887 – 8 May 1900
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textCentral Africa Medal18951891–1894Issued in silver to combatants and in bronze to support personnel.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textIndia General Service Medal (1895)1 April 18963 March 1895 – 10 March 1902Always issued with appropriate campaign clasps.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textAshanti Star18961895–1896
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textQueen's Sudan Medal18991896–1898
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textEast and Central Africa Medal189920 July 1897 – 2 May 1899Always issued with appropriate campaign clasps.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textQueen's South Africa MedalApril 190111 October 1899 – 31 May 1902Issued in silver to officers and enlisted personnel and in bronze to non-enlisted support personnel. Issued with appropriate battle or state clasps where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textQueen's Mediterranean Medal19021899–1902
20th Century Campaign Medals
Pre–World War
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textThird China War Medal19011900Issued in silver to officers and enlisted personnel and in bronze to non-enlisted support personnel. Issued with battle/action clasps where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textAshanti Medal1901March – December 1901
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textKing's South Africa Medal19021 January – 1 June 1902Issued with clasps South Africa 1901 and South Africa 1902 where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textAfrica General Service Medal19021900–1956
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textTransport Medal19031899–1902For South Africa or China.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textTibet Medal1 February 190513 December 1903 – 23 September 1904Issued in silver to officers and enlisted personnel and in bronze to non-enlisted support personnel.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textIndia General Service Medal (1909)1 January 19091908–1935Issued 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
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent text1914 StarApril 19175 August – 22 November 1914Issued with clasp 5 August – 22 November 1914 where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent text1914-15 StarDecember 19185 August 1914 – 31 December 1915
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textBritish War Medal26 July 19195 August 1914 – 11 November 1918Issued in silver to officers and enlisted soldiers and in bronze to non-enlisted support personnel.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textVictory Medal1 September 19195 August 1914 – 11 November 1918
1919–1920
11 November 1918 – 30 November 1919
World War 1. Issued with MID oak leaf cluster where appropriate.
British Naval Mission to Russia
North Sea mine clearance
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textTerritorial Force War MedalApril 19204 August 1914 – 11 November 1918
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textMercantile Marine War Medal1 September 19194 August 1914 – 11 November 1918
Inter-World War
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textNaval General Service Medal (1915)6 August 19151909 – 23 December 1962Always issued with appropriate campaign clasps.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textGeneral Service Medal (1918)19 January 192312 November 1918 – 23 December 1962Always issued with appropriate campaign clasps.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textIndia General Service Medal (1936)3 August 19381936–1939Always issued with appropriate campaign clasps. Issued with MID oak leaf where appropriate.
World War II
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent text1939–45 StarJuly 19433 September 1939 – 2 September 1945Issued with clasps Battle of Britain or Bomber Command where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textAtlantic StarMay 19453 September 1939 – 8 May 1945Issued with clasps Air Crew Europe or France and Germany where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textArctic StarDecember 20123 September 1939 – 8 May 1945Awarded 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.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textAir Crew Europe StarMay 19453 September 1939 – 5 June 1944Issued with clasps Atlantic or France and Germany where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textAfrica StarJuly 194310 June 1940 – 12 May 1943Issued with clasps 8th Army or 1st Army or North Africa 1942 – 43 where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textPacific StarMay 19458 December 1941 – 2 September 1945Issued with clasp Burma where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textBurma StarMay 194511 December 1941 – 2 September 1945Issued with clasp Pacific where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textItaly StarMay 194511 June 1943 – 8 May 1945
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textFrance and Germany StarMay 19456 June 1944 – 8 May 1945Issued with clasp Atlantic where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textDefence Medal16 August 19453 September 1939 – 2 September 1945Issued with KCBC silver oak leaf where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textWar Medal 1939–194516 August 19453 September 1939 – 2 September 1945Issued with MID bronze oak leaf or KCBC silver oak leaf where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textIndia Service Medal6 June 19463 September 1939 – 2 September 1945
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textCanadian Volunteer Service Medal22 October 19433 September 1939 – 1 March 1947Issued with Maple Leaf, Dieppe, Hong Kong or Bomber Command clasps where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textAfrica Service Medal23 December 19436 September 1939 – 2 September 1945Awarded by the Union of South Africa. Issued with the King's Commendation (South Africa) (1939–45) emblem where appropriate.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textAustralia Service MedalNovember 19493 September 1939 – 2 September 1945
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textNew Zealand War Service Medal30 September 1948[19]3 September 1939 – 2 September 1945
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textSouthern Rhodesia Medal for War Service19481939–1945
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textNewfoundland Volunteer War Service Medal17 December 19933 September 1939 – 2 September 1945
Post–World War
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textKorea MedalJuly 19511 July 1950 – 27 July 1953
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textNuclear Test Medal21 November 20221952–1967Issued for service as part of the UK's nuclear weapons testing programmes[20]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textGeneral Service Medal (1962)6 October 196424 December 1962 – 31 July 2007[21]Always issued with appropriate campaign clasps. Replaced 1918 GSM.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textRhodesia Medal19801 December 1979 – 20 March 1980[22]Recipients also received the Zimbabwean Independence Medal, although this is not authorised for wear[23][24]
Ribbon bar image refer toadjacent textSouth Atlantic Medal19822 April – 12 July 1982[25]Issued with Rosette for service between 35° and 60° South.[25]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent text2 April – 21 October 1982[26]Issued without Rosette for service between 7° and 60° South
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textGulf Medal19922 August 1990 – 7 March 1991[25]Issued with clasp August 1990 or 6 January to 28 February 1991 where appropriate.[25]
21st Century Campaign Medals
See belowOperational Service Medal (OSM)1 January 2000[27]See belowReplaced General Service Medal 1962. Issued with a separate ribbon for each campaign.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textOSM Sierra Leone20025 May 2000 – 31 July 2002[27]Issued with Rosette for Op BARRAS or Op MAIDENLY where appropriate.[27]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textOSM Afghanistan200311 September 2001 – present[27]Issued with Afghanistan or Operation Pitting clasps where appropriate.[27]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textOSM Democratic Republic of Congo200514 June 2003 – 10 September 2003[27]Always issued with Clasp DROC.[27]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textIraq Medal23 February 200420 January 2003 – 22 May 2011[25]Issued with clasp 19 March to 28 April 2003 where appropriate.[25]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textIraq Reconstruction Service Medal26 June 200419 March 2003 – 2013
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textCivilian Service Medal (Afghanistan)6 April 20119 November 2001 – present
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textEbola Medal11 June 201523 March 2014 – 29 March 2016[28]First UK campaign medal issued for response to humanitarian crisis.[29]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textGeneral Service Medal (2008)2015January 2008 – present[30]New GSM Medal for recipients that do not qualify for other medals.[31] Always issued with appropriate clasps.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textOSM Iraq and Syria201826 September 2014 – presentIssued with Clasp Iraq and Syria for service in area of operations.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textHumanitarian Medal20239 September 2023 – presentGeneral medal issued for humanitarian service.[32] Always issued with appropriate clasps
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textWider Service Medal202411 December 2018 – presentGeneral 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 ...
EmblemDescriptionEstablishedDate of EventRemarks
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textQueen Victoria Golden Jubilee Medal[34]188721 June 1887Issued in Gold, Silver or Bronze
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textQueen Victoria Diamond Jubilee Medal189720 June 1897Issued in Gold, Silver or Bronze
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textKing Edward VII Coronation Medal190226 June 1902Issued in Silver or Bronze
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textKing Edward VII Delhi Durbar Medal1903January 1903Issued in Gold or Silver
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textKing George V Coronation Medal191123 June 1911Civil/Military award
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textKing George V Delhi Durbar Medal1911December 1911Issued in Gold or Silver
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textKing George V Silver Jubilee Medal19356 May 1935
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textKing George VI Coronation Medal193712 May 1937
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textQueen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal19532 June 1953
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textQueen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal19776 February 1977
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textQueen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal20026 February 2002
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textQueen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal20126 February 2012
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textQueen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal20226 February 2022On 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]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textKing Charles III Coronation Medal20236 May 2023
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Efficiency and long service decorations and medals

More information Emblem, Description ...
Emblem Description Post
nom
Estab. Eligibility Period Remarks
Meritorious Service
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textMeritorious Service Medal (Army)1845 – present
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textMeritorious Service Medal (Royal Navy)19191928 – present
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textMeritorious Service Medal (Royal Marines)18491947 – present
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textMeritorious Service Medal (Royal Air Force)19181928 – present
Accumulated Campaign Service
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textAccumulated Campaign Service Medal19941969–2011Replaced with ACSM 11
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent text20112008 – presentQualifying period reduced from 36 to 24 months
Long Service and Good Conduct
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textArmy Long Service and Good Conduct Medal1830–1930Army
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textMedal for Long Service and Good Conduct (Military)1930 – presentArmy
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textNaval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (1830)1830–1847Navy
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textNaval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (1848)1848 – presentNavy
Meritorious Service (resumed)
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textMedal for Meritorious Service (Royal Navy)MSM1918–1928
Long Service and Good Conduct (resumed)
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textIndian Long Service and Good Conduct MedalFor Europeans of the Indian Army.
Meritorious Service (resumed)
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textIndian Meritorious Service MedalFor Europeans of the Indian Army.
Royal Marines Meritorious Service Medal1849–1947
Royal Air Force Meritorious Service Medal1918–1928
Long Service and Good Conduct (resumed)
Royal Air Force Long Service and Good Conduct Medal1919 – presentAir Force
Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct (Ulster Defence Regiment)
Permanent Forces of the Empire Beyond the Seas Medal19091919–1932
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textIndian 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)
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textIndian Meritorious Service Medal (for the Indian Army)
Hong Kong Disciplined Services Medal
Operational Service Medal (Bermuda)20251965 – presentFor operational service by members of the Royal Bermuda Regiment
Part Time Forces Long Service
Army Emergency Reserve DecorationERD
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textVolunteer Officers' DecorationVD1892–1930
Volunteer Long Service Medal1894–1930 HAC ribbon
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textVolunteer Officers' Decoration for India and the ColoniesVD1894–1899
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textVolunteer Long Service Medal for India and the Colonies1896–1930
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textColonial Auxiliary Forces Officers' DecorationVD 1921–1927
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textColonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal
Gunnery
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textNaval Good Shooting Medal19031903–14
Part Time Forces Long Service (resumed)[38]
Militia Long Service Medal19041904–1930
Imperial Yeomanry Long Service Medal19041904–1908
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textTerritorial DecorationTD19081908–1999
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textTerritorial Decoration (HAC)TD19081908–1999
Ceylon Armed Services Long Service Medal19681968–1972
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textEfficiency DecorationTD/ED1930–
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textEfficiency Decoration (HAC)TD1930–1999
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textEfficiency Decoration (T&AVR)TD1967–1999
Territorial Force Efficiency Medal19081908–1921
Territorial Efficiency Medal19211921–1930
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textEfficiency Medal1930–1999
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textArmy Emergency Reserve Efficiency Medal19531953–1967
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textEfficiency Medal (Territorial & Volunteer Reserve)1930–1999
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textEfficiency Medal (HAC)1930–1999
Special Reserve Long Service and Good Conduct Medal19081908–1930
Decoration for Officers of the Royal Naval ReserveRD1908–1999
Decoration for Officers of the Royal Naval Volunteer ReserveVRD
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
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textAir Efficiency AwardAE1942–1999Only award to officers entitles use of postnominal.
Volunteer Reserves Service MedalVR1999 – present
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textVolunteer Reserves Service Medal (HAC)VR1999 – present
Ulster Defence Regiment MedalUDOnly award to officers entitles use of postnominal.
Northern Ireland Home Service Medal
Marksmanship
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textQueen's Medal for Champion Shots of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines19661966 – present
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textQueen's Medal for Champion Shots of the New Zealand Naval Forces19581955 – present
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textQueen's Medal for Champion Shots in the Military Forces18691870–82
1923 – present
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textQueen's Medal for Champion Shots of the Air Forces19531953 – present
Part Time Forces Long Service (resumed)
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textCadet Forces MedalFebruary 19501950 – present
Coastguard Auxiliary Service Long Service Medal
Special Constabulary Long Service Medal
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textCanadian Forces' DecorationCD1949 – present
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textRoyal Observer Corps Medal19501941–1995
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 Medal19611961 – present
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textSouth African Medal for War Services19451939–1946
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National independence medals

Foreign and international

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
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textUnited Nations Service Medal for Korea27 June 1950 – 27 July 1955Established 12 December 1950
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textUnited Nations Service Medal for ONUC10 July 1960 – 30 June 1964[39]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textUnited Nations Service Medal for UNFICYP27 March 1964 – present[39]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textUnited Nations Service Medal for UNTAG1 April 1989 – 31 March 1990[39]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textUnited Nations Special Service Medal1989–1990[40]
3 July 1992 – 12 January 1996[40]
April 1991 – present[40]
For: Peshawar UNOCHA[40]
Sarajevo Airlift[40]
Iraq UNSCOM[40]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textUnited Nations Service Medal for UNIKOM1 April 1991 – 6 October 2003[39]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textUnited Nations Service Medal for MINURSO1 April 1991 – present[39]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textEuropean Community Monitor Mission Medal25 July 1991 – 30 June 1992[41]For service in the Former Yugoslavia.[41]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textUnited Nations Service Medal for UNAMIC1 October 1991 – 31 March 1992[39]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textUnited Nations Service Medal for UNPROFOR1 March 1992 – 31 December 1995[39]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textUnited Nations Service Medal for UNTAC1 April 1992 – 30 September 1993[39]
NATO Former Republic of Yugoslavia Medal1 July 1992 – 31 December 2002[42]Issued with clasp Former Yugoslavia.[42]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textWestern European Union Mission Service Medal1 July 1992 – 31 December 1996[41]For Service in the Former Yugoslavia.[41]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textUnited Nations Service Medal for UNOMIG23 August 1993 – present[39]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textUnited Nations Service Medal for UNAMIR1 October 1993 – 31 March 1996[39]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textUnited Nations Service Medal for UNAVEM III1 February 1995 – 1 June 1997[39]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textUnited Nations Service Medal for UNTAESJanuary 1996 – January 1998[39]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textUnited Nations Service Medal for UNOMSIL1 June 1998 – 30 September 1999[39]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textNATO Kosovo Medal13 October 1998 – 31 December 2002[42]Issued with clasp Kosovo.[42]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textUnited Nations Service Medal for UNAMET7 June 1999 – 24 October 1999[39]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textUnited Nations Service Medal for UNMIK10 June 1999 – present[39]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textUnited Nations Service Medal for UNAMSIL1 October 1999 – present[39]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textUnited Nations Service Medal for UNTAET25 October 1999 – present[39]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textUnited Nations Service Medal for MONUC30 November 1999 – present[39]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textUnited Nations Service Medal for UNMEE15 September 2000 – present[39]
NATO Macedonia Medal1 June 2001 – 31 December 2002[42]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textNATO Non-Article 5 Medal for the Balkans1 January 2003 – 20 December 2004[42]
1 January 2003 – 29 March 2010[42]
1 January 2003 – 31 March 2003[42]
Issued with clasp Non Article 5 for: Balkans[42]
Kosovo[42]
Macedonia[42]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textNATO Non-Article 5 medal for the Balkans29 March 2010 – present[39]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textEuropean Security and Defence Policy Service Medal – Op Althea2 December 2004 – present[41]Issued with clasp Althea.[41]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textNATO Non-Article 5 Medal for Operation Unified Protector23 March 2011 – 31 October 2011[42]Issued with clasp OUP-LIBYA/LIBYE.[42]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textCommon Security and Defence Policy Service Medal – EUFOR RCA30 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
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textNATO Meritorious Service Medal2003 – 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 Medal12 August 1966 – present[44]Sultanate of Brunei. Seconded forces only.[44]
Malaya Active Service Medal31 August 1957 – 15 September 1963[44]Malaysia. Seconded forces only.[44]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textPingat Jasa MalaysiaMalaysia 200431 August 1957 – 31 December 1966Permission to wear as at 6 November 2011.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textKenya Campaign Medal12 December 1963 – 30 November 1967[44]Kenya. Seconded forces only.[44]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textCampaign Medal1959[45][46]23 May 1965 – 30 September 1976[44]Oman. Seconded forces only. Referred to in JSP761 as Muscat/Oman Dhofar Campaign Medal.[44]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textMalaysia General Service Medal11 August 1966 – 31 December 1989[44]Malaysia. Seconded forces only.[44]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textUnitas Medal1 June 1994 – 26 April 2003[44]Republic of South Africa. BMATT personnel only.[44]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textInternational Force East Timor Medal25 March 2000[47]16 September 1999 – 10 April 2000[44]Australia[44]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textMalta George Cross Fiftieth Anniversary Medal1992[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
altImperial Order of the Crescent17991799–1801Ottoman Empire. Knight First Class and Knight Second Class. Awarded to senior British officers during the Napoleonic wars.[15]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textChevalier Légion d'Honneur19 May 18021914–1918
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 Medal21 February 1856[52]1854–1856[53]Ottoman Empire
Khedive's Star1882–1891Khedivate of Egypt. Bronze star. Issued to all who were awarded the Egypt Medal.
Khedive's Sudan Medal (1897)1896–1899Khedivate of Egypt.
Khedive's Sudan Medal (1910)1910Khedivate of Egypt.
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textGeneral Service Medal1963[45][46]23 May 1965 – 30 June 1976[44]Sultanate of Oman. Issued with clasp Dhofar where applicable. Seconded forces only.[44]
The Accession Medal1970[45][46]23 July 1970[44]Sultanate of Oman. Seconded forces only.[44]
The Peace Medal1979[46]1 July 1976 – 17 November 1985[44]Sultanate of Oman. Seconded forces only.[44]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textEndurance 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 War1985[54]1941–1945USSR. For Arctic convoy service. Also known as the Russian Convoy Medal 1941–1945 40th Anniversary Medal.[55]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent text30th Renaissance Medal2000[46]18 November 2000[44]Sultanate of Oman. Seconded forces only.[44]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent text35th Renaissance Medal2005[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 bar image refer to adjacent textKuwait Liberation Medal17 January 1991 – 28 February 1991Saudi Arabia Established 1991
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textKuwait Liberation Medal2 August 1990 – 31 August 1993Kuwait Established 1994
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textNATO Article 5 Medal for Service on Op ACTIVE ENDEAVOUR26 October 2001 – present[42]Issued with clasp Article 5.[42]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textNATO Article 5 Medal for Service on Op EAGLE ASSIST16 May 2002 – present[42]Issued with clasp Article 5.[42]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textEuropean Security and Defence Policy Service Medal – Op Artemis14 June 2003 – 10 December 2003[41]Issued with clasp Artemis for service in the Congo.[41]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textCommon Security and Defence Policy Service Medal – Op Atalanta8 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
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textNATO Non-Article 5 Medal for Pakistan Earthquake Service8 October 2005 – 1 February 2006[42]Issued with clasp Pakistan.[42]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textNATO Non-Article 5 Medal for Service with ISAF1 June 2003 – present[42][56]Issued with clasp ISAF.[42]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textNATO Non-Article 5 Medal for NATO Training Mission (Iraq)18 August 2004 – present[42]Issued with clasp NTM-Iraq.[42]
Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent textNATO Non-Article 5 Medal for AMIS13 July 2005 – present[42]Issued with clasp AMIS.[42]
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Devices

More information Emblem, Description ...
Emblem Description Remarks
Image of silver rosette used on ribbon bars
RosetteRepresents 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
Image of silver oak leaves used on ribbon bars
Crossed silver oakleavesFrom 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 barA 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 claspWorn 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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See also

References

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