Introduction to Medals and Awards

Medals and Awards

This is a basic introduction to medals and awards, the information shown here has been amassed from official sources and if you have any information to add please email [email protected]

Contact Left sell a large range of Full Size and Miniature Medals

Medals can be awarded to military personal and civilians; also from 1943 the Dickin Medal has been awarded to animals.

Medals are only issued by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Medal Office and can be claimed retrospectively and by next of kin.

Campaign Medals

Campaign or war medals were awarded to members of the armed services and eligible civilians, for taking part in a campaign or for service in time of war. Awards for service in a particular battle within a war often took the shape of clasps attached to medal ribbons.

Medal Rolls

Information about the award of campaign medals is recorded on medal rolls. These are usually arranged by regiment/battalion (for the Army) or by ship (for the Royal Navy), then by rank, then name. Medal rolls do not give detailed information about individuals: they record the recipients' regimental/service number, and a note of the clasps to which he or she was entitled.

Decorations

The award of decorations takes place when someone has shown an act of heroism or shown distinguished service in the military of public service.

Examples of decorations include The Victoria Cross, Distinguished Service Order, Air Force Cross, Queens Police Medal

Long and Meritorious Service

Sometimes lovingly referred to as Long Service and Not Getting Caught Medals these awards are given to those with a minimum number of years of unblemished service. These medals are seen across the military, Fire Service and Police alongside other organisations.

Coronation and Jubilee

At times medals are also awarded to those in military and public office when there is a Royal Coronation or Jubilee. The criteria for these medals usually is based on a number of years’ service being completed prior to the event taking place.

Alongside the above mentioned medals are miscellaneous, life saving, a whole host of foreign and masses of unofficial medals.