Hello everybody! On this site I want to provide information on the British military and campaign medals of the two world wars because this is the area in which I am interested. I hope you find the site useful and interesting!

VICTORIA CROSS : 1856 This is the premiere British gallantry award. The origins of the metal used to construct VCs is contentious, and the debate still rages today. Originally, it has been argued, VCs were made from the melted-down metal fittings of Russian guns captured by the British Army from Russian forces during the course of the Crimean War (1854-1856) in the 1855 Siege of Sebastopol, India. Yet more recent research has suggested that the earlier crosses were made from Chinese gunmetal. Furthermore, Chinese gunmetal from guns captured during the Boxer Rebellion is suggested to have been used for some First World War crosses, and that between 1942 and 1945 different metal was used to create 5 VCs which could not be made from the Sevastopol gunmetal as it had gone missing. In any case, this was found, and it is kept securely by the 15th Regiment, the Royal Logistic Corps in Donnington in a special vault. Each medal is made by the same London jewellers, Messrs Hancocks (now Hancocks and Company (Jewellers) Limited), established in 1849. The theory behind using gunmetal was that the resale value of the award would be negligible. Hence, soldiers would keep the medal. This was in line with Queen Victoria's wishes: she had been concerned that soldiers often sold their medals and did not have them as a testament of their bravery. The post-nominal letters "VC" may be used if the recipient wishes. A bar made from the metal used to construct the cross is issued to denote a second award. The cross was issued named with rank and regiment/squadron/ship engraved into the centre reverse circle. (Where the crown is in the picture, but on the other side of the medal) The date of issue was on the rear of the suspension bar. (The bar with laurels extending out from the centre just under the ribbon in the picture) Early naval awards had a blue ribbon. Yet, when the RAF was formed (1st April, 1918) by amalgamating the RFC and RNAS (Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service), instead of organising a third colour of ribbon it was deemed all three armed forces would receive the award with the army ribbon, pictured. When ribbons alone are worn (i.e. on battledress), the VC ribbon bears a miniature of the cross in the centre.

GEORGE CROSS : SEPTEMBER, 1940 With the need for a civilian gallantry award in the Second World War, the George Cross was created. It is considered to be on the same par as the VC, although it is awarded for bravery displayed not in the face of the enemy, unlike the VC. The 'GC' can be awarded to military personnel for bravery away from enemy forces, though the award is primarily a civilian one. As such, Home Guard members received the GC and the GM for acts of gallantry (such as saving the lives of those trapped in bombed buildings) because they were not acting against the enemy. 'GC' can be written after the recipient's name. The name and date of issue are engraved on the reverse of the cross. When ribbons alone are worn (i.e. on battledress), the GC ribbon bears a miniature of the cross in the centre.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER : 1886 Previously an award only open to those officers of the rank of Major (Army) or Lieutenant-Commander (Royal Navy) or above, the DSO was awarded for bravery, good leadership or good service. However, in 1993, when the medal system was reformed by Prime Minister John Major, the DSO was opened to all ranks, and awarded only for acts of good leadership. Its previous role as a gallantry award was adopted by the new Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (instituted 7th February, 1995 by EIIR). Recipients may place 'DSO' after their names. A gold, laurelled bar was issued for a second award. The reverse of the medal is exactly the same as the front (pictured), except that the gold crown inside the laurels is replaced by the relevant royal cipher written in gold in scriptic font. Please see page top for an explanation of the various royal cyphers.

DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS : 1918 With the creation of the RAF on 1st April, 1918, a new set of awards was needed so that Army and Roal Navy awards were no longer used to recognise acts of bravery within the new service. The DFC was a result of the drive towards this. The stripes on the ribbon were horizontal until 1919, as were the stripes on the AFC's ribbon. For a second award, a straight siver bar with the RAF wings impressed in the centre was issued. The post-nominal letters 'DFC' can be used. The DFC has so far been awarded in greater numbers than the AFC.

AIR FORCE CROSS : 1918 The AFC is the non-combatant version of the DFC, awarded for gallantry and devotion to duty whilst flying, but not in the face of the enemy. There are examples of awards being made for bravery involved in testing new aircraft, for example. A straight silver bar with the RAF wings impressed was issued to denote a second award of the AFC. The holder may use the post-nominal letters 'AFC'. The AFC is a difficult award to win as aircraft are perfectly suited to taking the fight to an enemy, which in such cases would qualify a brave airman for the DFC.

DISTINGUISHED FLYING MEDAL : 1918 Awarded to NCOs for the same reasons as the DFC, which was won by officers (see above). Second World War versions and beyond have '1918' inscribed on the reverse. The DFM has been abolished since 1993, following the opening of the DFC to all ranks. A straight silver bar with the RAF wings impressed denoted a second award of the medal. (Pictured: A Gerge VI version of the DFM)

AIR FORCE MEDAL : 1918 Awarded to NCOs for the same reasons as the AFC, which was won by officers. The Second World War versions and beyond have '1918' inscribed on the reverse. A straight silver bar with the RAF wings impressed denoted a second award of the medal. The AFM was replaced in 1993 by opening-up the AFC to all ranks. (Pictured: A post-First World War version of the AFM)

GEORGE MEDAL : SEPTEMBER, 1940 Introduced at the same time as the George Cross, the GM was for a lesser act gallantry. The recipient can put 'GM' after their name. On the reverse  in picture form is St. George killing the Dragon, the same as is portrayed in a scaled down image on the obverse (front) of the George Cross, in the centre. (See above) As with the GC, the GM was awarded to those who showed bravery, but not in the face of an enemy. As such, ex-Home Guard soldiers are found with the GM. (Pictured: An Elizabeth II version of the GM)

DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL : 1854 The DCM was instituted for bravery and good conduct 'In the Field.' Considered to be the British army's second rank gallantry award, the DCM was almost always seen as a 'near miss for the VC'. The GV and pre-GV versions had swivelling suspension, meaning that the wearer could decide which face of the coin would be shown on any given occassion, and spin it on its joint accordingly. The GVI and later versions did not, but were made with a thicker coinage. As such, the bust of King George VI would be on the face of the coin. The DCM was abolished in 1993, and replaced by the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross. A silver, laureled bar was issued if the DCM was reawarded. (Pictured: The reverse of a DCM medal)

MILITARY MEDAL : 1914 This is the NCOs' (Non-commissioned Officers) 3rd class gallantry award, awarded for individual or associated (i.e. committed whilst in a group) acts of bravery. As with the DCM, the GV version had swivelling suspension, yet the GVI versions onward were made with a thicker coin, but no swivelling suspension. The MM was abolished in 1993, as the Military Cross was opened to all ranks. A silver, laureled bar was issued if the medal was reawarded. (Pictured: A George VI version of the MM, reverse of coin)

MILITARY CROSS : 1914 With the need for a slightly lower gallantry award for officers and men, the MM and the MC were created. The MC was the officers' award, with the MM going to NCOs.  A straight silver bar with a crown impressed into the centre was issued if the MC was reawarded. GV and GVI versions of the medal had GRI at the centre of the cross. Disregarding additional awards of the medal, over 20,000 Military Crosses were awarded in the First World War alone, making this the most numerously awarded British gallantry medal. Only in 1919 was the recipient eligable to place "MC" after their name. (Pictured: An Elizabeth II version of the MC. The cypher read GV or GVI for George the 5th or 6th respectively)

Medals of the Royal Navy

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS : JUNE, 1901 (CSC), OCTOBER, 1914 (DSC) Created in 1901, the DSC (originally named the Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC) until 1914) would become the naval version of the army's Military Cross (MC), and was awarded to officers and men up to the rank of Lieutenant-Commander (equivalent to Major in the Army, or Squadron Leader in the RAF). The DSC is now open to all ranks, following the abolition of the DSM in 1993. A straight silver bar was issued if the DSC was reawarded, which had a crown impressed into the centre. In the Second World War, eligibility was extended to men in the Army and RAF serving afloat, for example in a gunner capacity. (Pictured: An Elizabeth II version of the award, obverse of cross)

Awards for Service and Achievement

OFFICER OF THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE : 4th June, 1917 The OBE, and its closest brothers the CBE  (Commander) and the MBE (Member) are awarded to military personnel for long and/or distinguished service. The rank attained at the time the award is made determins what grade is won. Civilians can get these Orders by working in the Civil Services, and with charities etcetera, or by achieving in various fields of life: The Arts, Music, Drama, and Sport. The civil ribbon is the same as that of the military (pictured to the left), minus the central white stripe. With any of these awards, the relevant letters may be placed after the awardee's name. Higher-ranking members of the forces may often be found with higher grades of the Order, the KBE, or Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, being one example.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL : October, 1914 Introduced at the same time as the DSC, the DSM was awarded for acts of bravery of a lesser degree than those deserving of the CGM (see below) to Petty Officers and below in the Navy. In the Second World War, eligibility was extended to Army and RAF men serving afloat, for instance those serving as gunners onboard ship. A straight silver laureled bar, sanctioned in 1916, denoted a second issue of the award.

BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL: 1917 (CIVIL) 1918: (MILITARY) The British Empire medal was awarded for service to the UK and Empire and for acts of bravery. None have been awarded since 1993 in the U.K. for this reason however. Commonwealth awards are still made occassionally. The inscription on the reverse of the medal (shown) reads 'For God and the Empire'. As can be seen here, the BEM had the same civil or military ribbon system as that of the OBE type awards. The medal had swivelling suspension, as did the George V DCMs and MMs. In 1922, the award was reorganised into two divisions: The Medal of the Order of the British Empire for Gallantry (Empire Gallantry Medal, EGM), and the Medal of the Order of the British Empire for Meritorious Service (BEM). The EGM ceased to be awarded in 1940, being replaced by the GC, and the BEM followed suit in 1993. EGM holders had to exchange their awards for a GC.

Campaign Medals and Stars

1914 STAR: 1917 The 1914 star was issued from 1917 to all those who had served in the armed forces between the 5th August - 22nd November 1914. Those who were under fire at some time in that period received a bar, sanctioned in 1919, with the previously mentioned dates inscribed upon it (see picture, upper centre). Recipients of the bar/clasp denoted this entitlement by a silver rosette which clipped onto the medal ribbon worn on a soldier's chest when in battledress (a segment of the ribbon), although the rosette was never worn on the actual medal. The star was somtimes called the 'Mons Star' because most of its recipients fought at the little Belgian town of Mons with the original British Expeditionary Force (BEF) when it met the advancing German armies (who were enacting the Schlieffen Plan maneouvers) there in the closing months of 1914. These 'Old Contemptibles', as they were dubbed, were regular soldiers of the pre-war British army, and so some 400,000 of these stars were awarded. The award was issued named with full details on the reverse.

1914-15 STAR: 1917 This star was sanctioned in 1918. It had no bars issued with it. It was awarded for service between 5th August - 31st December 1915. The obverse is the same as that of the 1914 Star, save that the inscription on the banner in the centre of the medal reads "1914 - 1915", as opposed to the 1914 star, which read "1914", and had "Aug." and "Nov." (August and November) written above and below the banner respectively. No fewer than 2,350,000 1914-1915 stars were awarded, making it the most common British campaign medal up to that time. The award was issued named with full details on the reverse.

BRITSH WAR MEDAL: 1914 - 1918 Originally awarded for service in the First World War overseas as part of approved organisations aiding the war effort (i.e. soldiers, airmen, naval forces, doctors, nurses, engineers, labourers etc.), the BWM was later extended to cover the period of 1919 - 1920 and service in mine clearing, North and Southern Russia, the Eastern Baltic, Siberia, the Black Sea and Caspian. The BWM is usually found, but not always, with the Victory Medal. It was Silver for British Soldiers (6,500,000 were issued, but many were melted down for their silver content and lost forever when silver prices rose in the late 1970s), and bronze for colonial men engaged in war-related work (i.e. construction workers and logistics support workers who moved ammunition and military supplies around the many war fronts), though colonial armed forces were issued with the same medals (i.e. silver) as their British counterparts. 110,000 bronze medals were issued, mainly to Indian, Chinese and Maltan personnel in Labour Battalions. These medals are correspondingly rare, and fetch high auction prices. Fakes abound unfortunately. At first, the intention was to award specific campaign clasps. The Army recommended 79, and the Navy 68. But these suggested numbers meant the scheme was abandoned as impractical. The naval clasps were authorised (7th July, 1920), and some miniatures exist with them, but full-size clasps were never issued. The award was issued named with full details on the rim of the coin.

VICTORY MEDAL: 1914 - 1919 Issued for service to all who received one of the stars and/or the British War Medal. The obverse has a picture of the angel 'Victory' personified holding a palm leaf (a symbol for peace and healing). The South African issue had 'The Great War for Civilisation 1914 - 1919' written on the reverse in both English and Dutch (not Afrikaans, as is stated incorrectly often). Some 6 million are thought to have been produced. An oakleaf denoting a Mention in Despatches (MID) was sewn onto the ribbon. The award was issued named with full details on the rim of the coin.

TERRITORIAL FORCE WAR MEDAL: 1914 - 1919 The TFWM was created in 1920. It was awarded to members of the Territorial Army and Territorial Army Nursing Service who volunteered for service overseas before the 30th September, 1914. They must also have served in the First World War away from the U.K. between 4th August - 11th November, 1918, not have qualified for either the 1914 or 1914 - 1915 Stars, have completed four years service in the Territorial Force before 4th August 1914 and rejoined it on or before 30th September 1914. The complex qualification criteria meant that only 34,944 TFWM's were issued in WW1, making this the rarest of all WW1 campaign medals, even more rare than the bronze BWM. TFWMs fetch high prices when auctioned, and this trend is set to continu indefinately it seems. The award was issued named with full details on the rim of the coin part of the medal. The reverse inscription read "Territorial War Medal" (and on the line below that) "For Voluntary Service overseas 1914 - 1919".

1939 -  1945 STAR This bronze star (all of the Second World War campaign stars were of bronze construction) was awarded for 6 months operational service between 3rd September, 1939 and 2nd September, 1945 in specified operational commands overseas. Any sevice curtailed by death, injury or capture qualified the serviceperson for the star immediately, as did the award of a gallantry decoration or a mention in despatches. Royal Air Force Groundcrew qualified after 6 months operational service. Those Royal Air Force pilots who flew in the Battle of Britain were issued with a clasp which read "Battle of Britain". When the ribbon was worn alone (i.e. when the airman was not in dress uniform), the clasp was denoted by a gilt rosette on the ribbon. The award was issued un-named. The ribbon symbolises: Red : Army Blue : Royal Air Force Dark Blue : Royal Navy

ATLANTIC STAR Awarded for 6 months service afloat in the Royal Navy between 3rd September, 1939 and 8th May, 1945 in the Atlantic or Home waters, convoys to Northern Russia and the South Atlantic. The Merchant Navy also qualified, as did the Army and RAF (maritime gunners and air crews, the later only needing 2 months service to qualify) who served afloat. The ribbon symbolises the sea. To qualify for the Atlantic Star, the 1939 - 1945 star had first to have been earned. Merchant seamen could be win the award, but not the 1939 - 1945 star. If an armed forces recipient then earned the France and Germany Star, or the Air Crew Europe Star, a suitably inscribed clasp would be issued. The award was issued un-named, and the ribbon represents the colours of the Atlantic ocean.

AIR CREW EUROPE STAR This was awarded for flying from UK bases over Europe between 3rd September, 1939 and 5th June, 1944. To qualify, an airman had to serve four months as a member of an operational aircrew, two of which qualified them the star. Prisoners of war did not get the star unless they had earned the 1939-1945 star before being captured. Service stopped by death or disability as a result of the war qualified the airman for the star, as did the award of any gallantry decoration, Mention in Despatches or King's Commendation. Army personnel qualified for this star if they served on aircrew duties for four months with the RAF provided that two months was spent operationally flying over Europe and at least one operational sortie (mission) was made. This star could not be earned until the 1939-1945 Star was. The bars could be France and Germany, or Atlantic. This star was superceeded by the France and Germany Star on 6th June, 1944. Due to the clasp system, this medal is the rarest of all WW2 campaign stars.The award was issued un-named. The Ribbon symbolises: Black : Night sorties Yellow : Daylight sortiees/searchlights Blue : The sky / Royal Air Force blue

PACIFIC STAR Awarded for operational service in the Pacific from 8th December, 1941, and the 15th August, 1945. The 1939 - 45 star had to be earned before the serviceman could be eligible for the Pacific Star. If the Burma Star was then earned, a clasp would saying 'Burma' would be issued. The star was issued un-named. Service with the Royal or Merchant navies in the Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean and South China Sea, and land service also qualified. The Ribbon represents : Green : Jungles Yellow : Beaches Dark Blue : Royal Navy Blue : Royal Air Force Red : Army

BURMA STAR Awarded for service in Burma, Bengal or Assam from 1st May, 1942 to 31st December 1943, and from 1st January 1944 onwards in those parts of Bengal or Assam east of the Brahmaputra. Naval service in the eastern part of the Bay of Bengal, or off the coasts of Sumatra, Sunda and Malacca also counted. If the Pacific Star was won subsequently, then a clasp would be issued, reading 'Pacific'. The Ribbon symbolises the Burmese Flag. The star was issued un-named and together with the Pacific Star is starting to demand higher prices and more attention from dealers and enthusiasts alike.

ITALY STAR Awarded for operational service in Italy, Sicily, Greece, Yugoslavia, the Aegean area and Dodecanee Islands, Corsica, Sardinia and Elba at any time from June, 1943 - May, 1945 to personel of all three armed services. The 1939 - 45 star had to have been won before the Italy Star could be earned. The Ribbon represents the Italian flag. The star was issued un-named.

FRANCE AND GERMANY STAR Awarded to all three services for service from the 6th June, 1944 to 7th May, 1945. Those involved in the invasion of Southern France in contrast to D-Day and the Normandy landings were eligible for the Italy Star. The only availiable bar/clasp was in place of the Atlantic Star, and denoted achievment of the Atlantic Star (see above). As the Air Crew Europe Star ceased to be awarded on 6th June, 1944, it was not possible to win this by the time the France and Germnay Star was introduced, The ribbon represents the French Flag, and also the colours of the Allied nations. The star was issued un-named, and the recipient had to have earned the 1939 - 1945 star first before the France and Germany Star could be earned.

DEFENCE MEDAL Awarded for 3 years service at home, or 6 months service overseas in territories subjected to air attack, or otherwise closely threatened by the enemy. The medal was made in Cupro-Nickel for the British Soldiers, and Silver for the Canadian Soldiers. All British and Commonwealth forces qualified, as did the ARP organisation, Home Guard, National Fire Service, Personnel of Anti-Aircraft Command, RAF Ground Crews, Civil Defence, Dominion forces stationed in the UK and many other civilian units, for instance the Royal Observer Corps who were so vital in the Battle of Britain (1940). The definitive list of those eligable for the medal was produced in 1992 by the Ministry of Defence, and lists 50 different organisations, and 90 sub-divisions of eligible personnel. Those who were awarded a King's Commendation wore a silver laurel spray on the ribbon. The award was issued un-named. The ribbon represents : Green : Britain's pastures, countryside and fields Black : The "Blackout" Orange : The "Blitz", and the fires and destruction it caused

WAR MEDAL Awarded to British and Colonial personnel for 28 days service, both operational or non-operational, or both, in the Second World War.It was issued in Cupro-Nickel all soldiers, except Canadians, who received the award in silver. The medal was issued un-named. The ribbon represents the colours of the allied nations, and the striking image on the reverse of the coin (see picture) represents two imperial symbols: the British Lion striking down the German Eagle. Those who were mentioned in dispatches wore a bronze oakleaf on the ribbon, although no additional oakleaves were added if they were mentioned more than once.

The "Thanks" bit: I would like to extend my thanks to Mr P McDermott (Cpl., ret.) for the use of the pictures seen on this site, and taking much time to provide me with information about various medals, which has been a tremendous help! Thank you!

The Medals Resource
was last updated on: 4
September, 2008

Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE)

Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Gallantry Decorations

Orders

Order of the Bath : 1725 The Order of the Bath is awarded for excellence in the armed forces. Since the Order's ranks were revised in 1815, they stand thus: Knight Grand Cross (GCB) or Dame Grand Cross (DGC), Knight Commander (KCB) or Dame Commander (DCB) and Companion (CB). In 1847, the Civilian range was made to match that of the military, women being eligible since 1971. GCB winners wear a sash, or neck badge on formal occasions. KCB and CB winners, like civilian winners, wear a breast badge. The award is so named due to the ancient ritual of bathing before receiving an award to cleanse the awardee of their sins before investiture.

Medals of the Royal Air Force

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British Gallantry Medals - Order of Precedence                                                                                                       Army                                                                                                            1. VC                                                                                                                  2. DCM ( up to 1993)                                                                                                      3. DSO/MC/MM (up to 1993)                                                                                                                             Please note: Before the DSO was opened to all ranks for great leadership, it was only availiable to Majors and above, though temporary Majors (men acting the rank although not holding it officially) could get the MC.                                                   4. MiD (Mention in Dispatches)                                                                                                                                                Royal Navy                                                   1. VC                                                   2. CGM (Conspicuous Gallantry Medal)                                                   3. DSC/DSO (DSO for officers above the rank of Lt-Cmdr)                                                   3. DSM (For Petty Officers and below, also a level 3 award)                                                   4. MiD (Mention in Dispatches)                                                                                           Royal Air Force                                                   1. VC                                                   2. DCM/CGM  (up to 1993 when DCM and CGM were abolished)                                                   3. MC/ DFC/ DFM/ AFC/ AFM (DFM and AFM abolished in 1993)                                                   4. MiD (Mention in Dispatches)

Conspicuous Gallantry Medal : 1855 (Royal Navy and Royal Marines), 1942 (Royal Air Force) The CGM was created as the navy and marines' counterpart to the army's DCM. The CGM was opened-up to the RAF in 1942 to recognise gallantry whilst flying in operations against the enemy. The naval ribbon has a white centre stripe (pictured), whilst the RAF ribbon has a sky blue centre stripe. In the case of both forces, the medal was open only to NCOs and privates/seamen, unlike the army's DCM which was open to all ranks. In 1993, the CGM was superceded by the newly created Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.

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First World War, 1914 - 1918

Second World War, 1939 - 1945

Explanation of Royal Ciphers On this website, two royal ciphers principally are dealt with. The first is "GV". This stands for George 5th, who reigned over Great Britain and her Empire from 1910 to 1936. The second is "GVI". This is the cipher of George 6th, George the Fifth's second son, who regined from 1936 to 1952, after his brother Edward 8th had abdicated, having been king for the period January to December, 1936. Some medals below have "EIIR" on them. This is the cipher of the current monarch Elizabeth 2nd (EII), who took the throne in 1953. On some medals, such as the Military Medal below, you may notice what looks like an inscription reading "GRJ". What this is, however, is "GRI", and is a Latin acronym. The "G" stands for George, relative to GV and GVI respectively, although this is "E" under the current Queen. The "R" stands for the Latin "Regina" which means "reigning" or "reigns". The "I" stands for the longer Latin phrase "et Indiae Imperator". It is just visible on the Distinguished Flying Medal picture below. This translates to "and Indian Emperor" which every British monarch was until 1948, when India became independent. Thus, this phrase and the "I" disappeared from GVI and all British medals after 1948 in perpetuity.

First and Second World War British Military Medals Information Resource

The hierarchy of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is as follows: Knight or Dame Grand Cross - GBE Knight Commander - KBE or Dame Commander - DBE Commander - CBE Officer - OBE Member - MBE Holders of the Grand Cross do not simply attain a medal, but also an illustrious maroon Mantle (a robe) and a Collar. In the case of Dames, the medal is termed a "Badge" and features an elaborate court-mounted style where the medal is cushioned by the ribbon hanging down behind it, and is suspended from a bow made from the ribbon. At this level, Knights do not receive a medal, but a Star. Those at Knight or Dame Commander level receive a Star in addition to a medal. Again, Dames' medals are court-mounted, and Knights' are swing-mounted (not ribbon cushioning) by default, although the holder may wish to change this later. (For an example of a swing-mounted medal, see the OBE and MBE pictured above. A court-mounted medal would have the ribbon flowing down behind the cross to cushion it.) However, common to all levels of the award and thus found at the centre of all of the current medals, Stars and Badges are the double busts of King George V and his wife Princess Mary, whom he had married in 1893. This is shown best in the MBE medal picture above. In 1935, under George VI, the ribbon design of this range of awards was modified. All ribbons, stars, badges and medals changed to the designs pictured above. Pre-1935 versions of these awards will have cross designs approximating those above, but will have a purple ribbon. Civil awards have a pure purple ribbon whereas a central red stripe is found on military awards. Furthermore, instead of the double-bust coinage, an image of a seated Britannia is found at the centre of the medal or Star, complete with her sceptre.

Please note that there are many other awards given for achievement and service, including the Order of the Garter, Order of the Thistle, Order of St Patrick (discontinued in 1922, previously an award open only to Irish notables for services to Ireland), Order of Merit, Order of St Michael & St George, Royal Order of Victoria and Albert, Royal Victorian Order, Imperial Service Order, Order of the Companions of Honour, and the Order of St John (to name a few!). However, the two dealt with above have been chosen specifically because these were given out more frequently and to a broader section of the population, partly by virtue of the 5 grades of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, and also because the numbers admitted to the award are not limited, thus avoiding the need for an award holder to die before another may be admitted (this is the case with the Order of the Garter for example). As such, they are more likely to be found amongst a soldier's medals. In contrast, the Royal Victorian Order, for example, is awarded only to those who have given notable personal service to the sovereign; a tiny fraction of society then as now. The Imperial Service Order too may only be conferred upon civil servants. The MBE et al are open to the entire population however, be they civillians or military personnel.

Careful! Early copies of the camapign stars were differentiated from originals by bulging the lettering on the front of the star (GRJ) to create a dome in the centre of the star. Make sure, if you are in the market for originals, that they do not have this bulge!

Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (above left)

Left: The original ribbon design for the military award. The civillian version did not have the central red stripe.

AFRICA STAR Awarded to the RAF, Army and Royal Navy for service in the Mediterranean and the Horn of Africa from 10th June, 1940 - 12th May, 1943. Service in Abyssinia (now Ethiopia), Somaliland, Eritrea and Malta also qualified for the award. The bars were '1st Army', '8th Army', and 'North Africa 1942-1943'. The first two bars were denoted by silver numerals, i.e. a silver '8' for Eighth Army service from 23rd October, 1942 and 23rd May, 1943, or a silver '1' for First Army service between the same dates, sewn to the ribbon segment on a soldier's battledress when the medal was not worn. The 'North Africa' clasp was issued to Royal Navy inshore squadrons and inshore-operating Merchant Navy vessels. RAF personel also qualified for this clasp.  The award was issued un-named. The Ribbon represents:                                    Yellow : Desert sands Red : Army Blue : Royal Air Force Dark Blue : Royal Navy