British Army Medals

'Missing' family medals

2009-06-20T08:03:00.005+05:30

If not already in good hands within the family, I seek the medals for the following relatives:

3819 Pte Herbert Richard Hallam, 20th Hussars, later Z/211 Pte, Rifle Brigade.
My paternal great grandmother's brother, Bertrand Elam enlisted under the pseudonym, Herbert Richard Hallam, on 2nd November 1894. He earned the QSA with clasps 1901, 1902, Orange Free State and Transvaal whilst serving with the 20th Hussars, and during WW1 added the 1914 Star, and British War & Victory medals to his collection. He later served with the Gloucestershire Regiment (pictured above) and Royal Defence Corps.

S/18321 Pte John Frederick Nixon, 8th London Regiment.
My great uncle, John F Nixon, was attached to the 8th London Regiment when he was killed in action on 3rd October 1918. Jack, as he was known to his family and friends, has no known grave and is commemorated on the Vis-en-Artois memorial in France. He was entitled to the British War Medal, the Victory Medal and a memorial plaque would also have been sent to his next of kin. In the undated photograph above, Jack Nixon stands next to his brother Sid. A photo of Jack in army uniform has recently come to light. See header on Army Ancestry Latest.

34714 Pte Alfred Arthur Nixon, Essex Regiment.
My great uncle, A A Nixon was entitled to the British War Medal, the Victory Medal and the Territorial Force War Medal. The photograph above dates to 1916. Alf Nixon is flanked by his brothers Edgar Albert Nixon (RFC) and Walter Leonard Nixon (RGA). Walter Nixon was my grandfather.

DM2/137673 Private Charles Arthur Roberts, Army Service Corps.
My maternal great grandfather, Charles A Roberts was entitled to the British War Medal and Victory Medal. The photograph above was taken "somewhere in France"; date unknown.

A/Capt Alfred Eldred Iliffe MC, Bedfordshire Regiment
Alfred Iliffe went to the Balkans in 1915 as 1630 Pte A E Iliffe with the 1/1 Suffolk Yeomanry. He was later commissioned into the Bedfordshire Regiment and would win the MC in 1918. I seek his 1915 Star (Suffolk Yeo), his British War and Victory Medals (Beds Regt) and his Military Cross.

1914 Star

2009-06-09T14:06:00.002+05:30

Authorised:
Army Order 350, April 1917.

Qualification:
First World War. Officers and men serving with the British and Indian Expeditionary Forces in France or Belgium between 5th August 1914 and midnight on 22nd November 1914. (This included Naval personnel serving ashore between these dates). Also see Appendix A below.

Description:
Bronze four pointed star design, 62mm high, 44.5 mm wide. Obverse; the upper point is replaced with a crown and solid fixed suspension ring. Two crossed short swords are positioned between the arms of the star and a scroll bearing AUG 1914 NOV passes around the centre of the swords. The central area is surrounded by an oak wreath bearing a King George V (GV) monogram on the lower point. Reverse: plain. Recipient’s details impressed on the reverse.

Ribbon:
Red white and blue in shaded and watered stripes. The same ribbon is used for the 1914-15 Star.

Naming:
Impressed in sans- serif capitals.

Clasps:
A bronze clasp bearing the text 5th Aug – 22nd Nov 1914 was announced in 1919 for those who came under fire between those dates.

Other:
A total of 365,622 1914 Stars were awarded. As the ribbon was the same as that issued for the 1914-15 Star, men awarded the 1914 Star were permitted to wear a small silver rosette on their ribbon when not actually wearing the medals themselves. The bar and the rosette are referred to on medal index cards as "clasp and roses". The medal is also erroneously known as The Mons Star.

Eligible units:
In 1919, Appendix A of Army Order 361 listed the eligible units with which a man qualifying for the 1914 Star could have served. This list was later amended by Army Order 52 of 1920 and Army Order 70 of 1921 and it is this latter list (which removed some units and added others) which is published below. Links in the list will take you to an external page giving details about army service numbers in that particular regiment.

CAVALRY & YEOMANRY

Household Cavalry
1st & 2nd Life Guards, Royal Horse Guards

Cavalry of the Line - Corps of Dragoons

2nd Dragoon Guards (The Queen's Bays)
3rd (Prince of Wales') Dragoon Guards
4th (Royal Irish) Dragoon Guards
5th (Princess Charlotte of Wales') Dragoon Guards
7th (Princess Royal's) Dragoon Guards
1st (Royal) Dragoons, 2nd Dragoons (Royal Scots Greys)

Cavalry of the Line - Corps of Hussars

3rd (King's Own) Hussars
4th (Queen's Own) Hussars
11th (Prince Albert's Own) Hussars
15th (King's) Hussars
18th (Queen Alexandra's Own Royal) Hussars
19th (Queen Alexandra's Own Royal) Hussars
20th Hussars

Cavalry of the Line - Corps of Lancers

5th (Royal Irish) Lancers
9th (Queen's Royal) Lancers
12th (Prince of Wales' Royal) Lancers
16th (The Queen's) Lancers

Special Reserve Cavalry

North Irish Horse ('A' and 'C' Squadrons)
South Irish Horse ('B' Squadron).

Yeomanry

Queen's Own Oxfordshire Hussars
North Somerset Yeomanry
Leicestershire Yeomanry
Northumberland Hussars
Northamptonshire Yeomanry

ROYAL ARTILLERY

Royal Horse Artillery

Batteries:
'C', D', 'E', F', 'G', 'H', T, T, 'K', 'L', 'N', 'O' and 'Z' Batteries.

Ammunition Columns:
IIIrd, Vth VIIth, XIVth, XVth, Brigades.

Royal Field Artillery

Brigades:
II, IV, VII, IX, XII, XIII, XIV, XV, XVIII, XXII, XXIII, XXIV, XXV, XXVI, XXVII, XXVIII, XXIX, XXX, XXXI, XXXII, XXXIII, XXXIX, XL, XLI, XLII, XLIII, XLIV, XLV.

Divisional Ammunition Columns:
1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th Divisions, Lahore Division, Meerut Division.

Anti-Aircraft Sections:
Nos. 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12.

Royal Garrison Artillery

Heavy Batteries (including Ammunition Columns):
24th, 26th, 31st, 35th, 48th, 108th, 109th, 110th, 111th, 112th, 113th, 114th, 115th, 116th, 118th, 119th.

Siege Batteries:
Nos. 1-8 (inclusive).

Anti Aircraft Sections:
No. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 1st Pom-Pom Anti-Aircraft Section.

ROYAL FLYING CORPS

2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th Aeroplane squadrons.

ROYAL ENGINEERS & SIGNALS

Field Companies:
2nd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 11th, 12th, 15th, 17th, 23rd, 26th, 38th, 54th, 55th, 56th, 57th and 59th.

Field Squadrons:
1st, 2nd and 3rd.

Fortress (Lines of Communication) Companies:
20th and 42nd.

No.1 Bridging Train, No. 2 Bridging Train.

The Royal Anglesey Royal Engineers, No 1 Siege Company.

Signals

1st, 2nd and 3rd Signal Squadrons, Cavalry, Corps Signal Squadrons.

lst-8th Divisional Signal Companies, 32nd and 35th Divisional Signal Companies.

"A" or I Corps Signal Company—"D" and "G" Airline Sections and "H" and "K" Cable Sections.

"B" or II Corps Signal Company—"E" Airline Section and "E", "O", "P" and "N" Cable Sections.

"C" or III Corps Signal Company—"F" Cable Section.

Sappers and Miners

No. 1 Field Troop, 1st Sappers and Miners.
Nos. 3 and 4 Companies, 1st Sappers and Miners.
Nos. 20 and 21 Companies, 3rd Sappers and Miners.

FOOT GUARDS

Grenadier Guards, 1st and 2nd Battalions.
Coldstream Guards, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions.
Scots Guards, 1st and 2nd Battalions.
Irish Guards, 1st Battalion.

INFANTRY OF THE LINE

Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, 2nd Battalion.
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment, 1st and 2nd Battalions.
Border Regiment, 2nd Battalion
(Buffs) East Kent Regiment, 1st Battalion.
(Queen's Own) Cameron Highlanders, 1st Battalion.
Cheshire Regiment, 1st Battalion.
Connaught Rangers, 1st and 2nd Battalions.
Devonshire Regiment, 1st and 2nd Battalions.
Dorsetshire Regiment, 1st Battalion.
Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, 1st Battalion.
Durham Light Infantry, 2nd Battalion.
East Lancashire Regiment, 1st and 2nd Battalions.
East Surrey Regiment, 1st Battalion.
East Yorkshire Regiment, 1st Battalion.
Essex Regiment, 2nd Battalion.
Gloucestershire Regiment, 1st Battalion.
Gordon Highlanders, 1st and 2nd Battalions.
Hampshire Regiment, 1st Battalion.
Hertfordshire Regiment, 1st Battalion.
Highland Light Infantry, 2nd Battalion.
Honourable Artillery Company, 1st Battalion.
King's Own Scottish Borderers, 2nd Battalion.
King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, 2nd Battalion.
King's Royal Rifle Corps, 1st and 2nd Battalions.
Lancashire Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion.
Leicestershire Regiment, 1st and 2nd Battalions.
Leinster Regiment, 2nd Battalion.
Lincolnshire Regiment, 1st and 2nd Battalions.
Liverpool Regiment, 1st Battalion.
London Regiment, 5th, 13th, 14th, 16th Battalions.
Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, 1st Battalion.
Manchester Regiment, 1st and 2nd Battalions.
Middlesex Regiment, 1st, 2nd and 4th Battalions.
Monmouthshire Regiment, 2nd Battalion.
Norfolk Regiment, 1st Battalion.
North Staffordshire Regiment, 1st Battalion.
Northamptonshire Regiment, 1st and 2nd Battalions.
Northumberland Fusiliers, 1st Battalion.
Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment, 1st and 2nd Battalions.
Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, 2nd Battalion.
Rifle Brigade, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions.
Royal Berkshire Regiment, 1st and 2nd Battalions.
Royal Fusiliers, 1st and 4th Battalions.
Royal Highlanders, 1st, 2nd and 5th Battalions.
Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion.
Royal Irish Fusiliers, 1st Battalion.
Royal Irish Regiment, 2nd Battalion.
Royal Irish Rifles, 1st and 2nd Battalions.
Royal Lancaster Regiment, 1st Battalion.
Royal Munster Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion.
Royal Scots Fusiliers, 1st and 2nd Battalions.
Royal Scots, 2nd and 8th Battalions.
Royal Sussex Regiment, 2nd Battalion.
Royal Warwickshire Regiment, 1st and 2nd Battalions.
Royal Welsh Fusiliers, 1st and 2nd Battalions.
Royal West Kent Regiment, 1st Battalion.
Royal West Surrey Regiment, 1st and 2nd Battalions.
Scottish Rifles, 1st, 2nd and 5th Battalions.
Seaforth Highlanders, 1st and 2nd Battalions.
Shropshire Light Infantry, 1st Battalion.
Somerset Light Infantry, 1st Battalion.
South Lancashire Regiment, 2nd Battalion.
South Staffordshire Regiment, 1st and 2nd Battalions.
South Wales Borderers, 1st Battalion.
Suffolk Regiment, 2nd Battalion.
Welsh Regiment, 2nd Battalion.
West Riding Regiment, 2nd Battalion.
West Yorkshire Regiment, 1st and 2nd Battalions.
Wiltshire Regiment, 1st and 2nd Battalions.
Worcestershire Regiment, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions.
York and Lancaster Regiment, 2nd Battalion.
Yorkshire Regiment, 2nd Battalion.

INDIAN CAVALRY

4th Cavalry, 15th Lancers, 20th Deccan Horse, 34th Poona Horse, Jodhpore Lancers.

INDIAN INFANTRY

6th Jat Light Infantry
9th Bhopal Infantry
15th Sikhs
34th Sikh Pioneers.
l/39th Garhwal Rifles
2/39th Garhwal Rifles
41st Dogras
47th Sikhs
57th Rifles (F.F.)
58th Rifles (F.F.)
59th Rifles (F.F.)
107th Pioneers
129th Baluchis
2/2nd Gurkha Rifles
2/3rd Gurkha Rifles
2/8th Gurkha Rifles
1/9th Gurkha Rifles

INDIAN SUPPLY & TRANSPORT CORPS

Headquarters, Lahore and Meerut Divisional S.T.
Lahore and Meerut Divisional Trains and Supply Columns.

CYCLIST COMPANIES

lst-8th Divisional Cyclist Companies (inclusive)

ARMY SERVICE CORPS

Headquarters, Royal Army Service Corps, of 1st, 2nd and 3rd Cavalry Divisions.

Drivers attached to 111th, 112th, 113th (less "A" Section), 128th, 129th and 130th Indian Field Ambulances.

Drivers attached to Nos. 2 and 3 Motor Ambulance Convoys. 90th Company (1st Auxiliary Mechanical Transport Company) and 91st (Motor Bus) Company.

Ammunition Parks and Supply Columns, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Cavalry Divisions.

Divisional Ammunition Parks, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 7th. Divisional Trains and Supply Columns, lst-8th Divisions (inclusive).

19th Infantry Brigade Train.

ARMY VETERINARY CORPS

1st-15th Mobile Veterinary Sections.

ROYAL ARMY MEDICAL CORPS & BRITISH TROOPS

lst-7th Cavalry Field Ambulances:
lst-26th Field Ambulances.
1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 7th and 8th Ambulance Trains.
Nos. 3, 4 and 6 Casualty Clearing Hospitals.
7th, 8th, 19th and 20th British Field Ambulances, (attached Lahore and Meerut Divisions),

COMBINED MEDICAL UNITS (BRITISH & INDIAN)

Combined Field Ambulance, Indian Medical Service (originally designated 9th Cavalry Brigade,

Indian Field Ambulance, subsequently 141st Cavalry Field Ambulance). Indian Medical Units with Indian Troops:
111th, 112th, 113th (less "A" Section), 128th, 129th and 130th Indian Field Ambulances)

Servicemen who believed they qualified for the bar but who had not served with any of the formations listed in Appendix A were required to submit a certificate to that effect, attested by an officer, warrant officer or non-commissioned officer not below the rank of sergeant.

Acknowledgements:
Description and Appendix A copied, with minor amends, from North East Medals. Image courtesy of Spink.

Egypt Medal 1882-1889

2009-08-11T14:59:00.005+05:30

Instituted:
October 1882.

Qualification:
Originally awarded to all those who took part in the 1882 Egypt campaign, qualification was later extended to include later Egyptian campaigns up until 1889.

Description:
Silver, 36mm diameter with swivelling suspender. The obverse portrays the veiled head of Queen Victoria and the legend VICTORIA REGINA ET IMPERATRIX. The reverse depicts the sphinx atop a pedestal and with the word EGYPT above.

Medals awarded for the 1882 campaign have the year 1882 appearing beneath the pedestal. Medals for the later campaigns are undated.

Ribbon:
Three blue stripes left, centre and right,with two white stripes in between these.

Naming:
A variety of different styles although generally engraved in distinctive sloping serif capitals. There are examples of undated medals to the Navy and Marines impressed in large serif capitals, and to Indian units in engraved running script or impressed small serif capitals. Medals issued to local Egyptian forces are engraved in Arabic.

Clasps:
Thirteen clasps were issued and these are listed below. The first two - Alexandria and Tel-El-Kabir - were issued for the 1882 campaign only. The dated and undated medal could also be issued without clasps and men who had been issued with the 1882 medal and clasp/s and who subsequently served in a later Egyptian campaign, had to return their medal to have a complete new set of clasps. Thus genuine multi-clasp medals with the Alexandria or Tel-El-Kabir clasp all have uniform rivets.

1. Alexandria 11th July
Awarded for the action of 11th July 1882 and found on dated medals.
Recipients of this clasp would also have been entitled to the 1882 Khedive's Star.

2. Tel-El-Kabir
Awarded for the action of 13th September 1882 and found on dated medals.
Recipients of this clasp would also have been entitled to the 1882 Khedive's Star.

3. Suakin 1884
Awarded for action between 19th February and 26th March 1884.
Recipients of this clasp would also have been entitled to the 1884 Khedive's Star.

4. El-Teb
Awarded for the action of 29th February 1884.
Recipients of this clasp would also have been entitled to the 1884 Khedive's Star.

5. Tamaii
Awarded for the action of 13th March 1884.
Recipients of this clasp would also have been entitled to the 1884 Khedive's Star.

6. El-Teb-Tamaii
Awarded for the actions of 29th February 1884 & 13th March 1884.
Recipients of this clasp would also have been entitled to the 1884 Khedive's Star.

7. The Nile 1884-1885
Awarded for service with the Khartoum relief expedition prior to 7th March 1885.
Recipients of this clasp would also have been entitled to the 1884-1886 Khedive's Star.

8. Abu Klea
Awarded for the action of 17th January 1885.
Recipients of this clasp would also have been entitled to the 1884-1886 Khedive's Star.

9. Kirbekan
Awarded for the action of 10th February 1885.
Recipients of this clasp would also have been entitled to the 1884-1886 Khedive's Star.

10. Suakin 1885
Awarded for actions between 1st March and 14th May 1885.
Recipients of this clasp would also have been entitled to the 1884-1886 Khedive's Star.

11. Tofrek
Awarded for the action of 22nd March 1885.
Recipients of this clasp would also have been entitled to the 1884-1886 Khedive's Star.

12. Gemaizah 1888
Awarded for the action of 20th December 1888.
Recipients of this clasp would also have been entitled to the undated Khedive's Star.

13. Toski 1889
Awarded for the action of 3rd August 1889.
Recipients of this clasp would also have been entitled to the undated Khedive's Star.

Note: The Abu Klea and Kirbejan clasps are always paired with The Nile 1884-1885 clasp. The Tofrek clasp is always paired with the Suakin 1885 clasp.

British Army Medals - Index

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This index of medals awarded to soldiers serving with the British Army will be regularly updated. Medals are indexed in date order. Click on the medal to go to the relevant page on this site.

18th Century

Army of India Medal [1799-1826]

19th Century

Army Long Service & Good Conduct Medal [1830]

Jellalabad Medals [1841-1842]

Punjab Campaign Medal [1848-1849]

Indian Mutiny Medal [1857-1858]

Canada General Service Medal [1866-1870]

Ashantee Medal [1873-1874]

Cape of Good Hope General Service Medal [1880-1897]

Afghanistan Medal [1878-1880]
Kabul to Kandahar Star [1880]

Egypt Medal [1882-1889]

Queen's Sudan Medal [1896-1898]

1900 - 1913

Queen's South Africa Medal [1899-1902]
King's South Africa Medal [1901-1902]

Territorial Force Efficiency Medal [1908]
Delhi Durbar Medal 1911 [1911]

1914-1920

1914 Star [1914]
1914-15 Star [1914-1915]
British War Medal [1914-1920]
Inter-Allied Victory Medal [1914-1918]
Territorial Force War Medal [1914-1919]

Inter-war

Efficiency Medal [1930]

Post WW2

The Elizabeth Cross [2009]

Punjab Campaign Medal

2009-12-03T21:07:00.004+05:30

Instituted:
Authorised by a General Order dated 2nd April 1849.

Qualification:
Awarded to all those who were employed in the Punjab between 7th September 1848 and the 14th March 1849.

Description:
A silver, 36mm diameter medal featuring the diademed head of Queen Victoria on the obverse and the legend VICTORIA REGINA. The medal was designed by William Wyron (1795-1851) who was the official chief engraver of the Royal Mint from 1828 until his death.

The reverse depicts Major-General Sir Walter Gilbert on horseback, receiving the surrender of the Sikh armies. Around the top of the medal is the inscription TO THE ARMY OF THE PUNJAB, whilst the date (1853 expressed in roman numerals) - MDCCCXLIX - appears in the exergue.

Ribbon:
32mm wide, two yellow stripes close to each edge, the remainder dark blue.

Suspension:
An ornamental, swivelling suspender.

Naming:
Impressed in roman capitals.

Clasps:
Three were issued and these are described below:

1. Mooltan
Awarded to those who took part in the siege of Mooltan between 7th September 1848 and 22nd January 1849. 2900 clasps were issued to Europeans and 16,067 to natives.

2. Chilianwala
Awarded for the action of 13th January 1849. 4300 clasps were issued to Europeans and 16,153 to natives.

3. Goojerat
Awarded for the action of 21st February 1849. 6200 clasps were issued to Europeans and 26,760 to natives.

Acknowledgements:
The photograph is taken from the Spink & Son July 2009 auction catalogue whilst British Battles and Medals, as always, has been invaluable in putting together the information.

Candahar, Ghuznee and Cabul Medals

2009-11-09T20:30:00.005+05:30

Instituted:
Authorised by a General Order issued in Simla on the 4th October 1842. There are four different strikings of this medal plus two which, according to British Battles and Medals, appear to have been mistakes. The former of these has the legend VICTORIA REGINA on the obverse, instead of VICTORIA VINDEX. The second, which refers to the medal issued for Cabul, carries the spelling CABVL. All medal types

Qualification:
Awarded to men who took part in the 1842 actions at Candahar, Ghuznee and Cabul in Afghanistan.

Description:
There are four different strikings of this medal plus two which, according to British Battles and Medals, appear to have been mistakes. The former of these has the legend VICTORIA REGINA on the obverse, instead of VICTORIA VINDEX. The second, which refers to the medal issued for Cabul, carries the spelling CABVL. All medal types have the same obverse, and the four separate reverse designs are dealt with individually below.

A silver, 36mm diameter medal featuring the diademed head of Queen Victoria on the obverse and the legend VICTORIA VINDEX. The medal was designed by William Wyron (1795-1851) who was the official chief engraver of the Royal Mint from 1828 until his death.

1. Reverse: Candahar May 1842
CANDAHAR and the date 1842 underneath. Surmounted by a crown, CANDAHAR and the date are surrounded by a laurel wreath.

2. Reverse: Cabul 15th September 1842
CABUL and the date 1842 underneath. Surmounted by a crown, CABUL and the date are surrounded by a laurel wreath. The rare CABVL version was issued to 15 men.

3. Reverse: Ghuznee and Cabul
Two intertwined laurel wreaths with GHUZNEE in the first wreath and CABUL in the second. Both wreaths are surmounted by a single crown and the date 1842 appears beneath.

4. Reverse: Candahar, Ghuznee and Cabul
CANDAHAR, GHUZNEE, CABUL and 1842 on four separate lines, surmounted by a crown and surrounded by a laurel wreath.

Ribbon:
41mm wide, rainbow pattern watered red, white, yellow, white and blue.

Suspension:
Straight steel suspender fastened by a pin to a steel clip affixed to the piece. A variety of replacement suspensions are often seen.

Naming:
A variety of styles: some in script, some in indented capitals, a few un-named. Medals to the 40th Foot and the Artillery are generally found with engraved script. Medals to the 41st Foot are generally named in engrave roman capitals.

Clasps:
None issued, although the unofficial clasps Marzenia 1842 and Tazeane 1842 are sometimes found attached to the Cabul medal.

Acknowledgements:
The photograph is taken from the Spink & Son July 2009 auction catalogue whilst British Battles and Medals has been invaluable in putting together the information.

Jellalabad Medals

2009-10-18T07:38:00.006+05:30

Instituted:
1842.

Qualification:
Awarded to men who took part in the defence of - and withstood the siege of - Jellalabad (now Jalalabad) in Afghanistan between 12th November 1841 and 7th April 1842.

Two versions of the medal were issued, generally referred to as the Mural Crown (first type) and Flying Victory (second type).

First Type Description:
Silver, 39mm diameter, with a straight steel suspender fastened by a pin. The obverse portrays a mural crown and the word JELLALABAD. The reverse carries the date VII APRIL 1842. The image above shows a replacement suspension.

This medal was struck in Calcutta but was considered (understandably) inartistic. Furthermore, not enough medals were struck to issue to the next of kin. Consequently, a second type was struck in London (below). A free exchange was offered to men who had received the first type but it is recorded that only five men of the 13th Regiment of Foot took up the offer.

Second Type Description:
Silver, 36mm diameter with a straight steel suspender fastened by a pin. The obverse portrays the diademed head of Queen Victoria with the words VICTORIA VINDEX. A few medals were later struck with the words VICTORIA REGINA. The reverse depicts winged Victory holding the Union Jack in her left hand and wreaths in her right. Around the top is the inscription JELLALABAD VII APRIL and in the exergue, the date MDCCCXLII.

The medal was designed by William Wyron (1795-1851) who was the official chief engraver of the Royal Mint from 1828 until his death.

Ribbon:
Watered rainbow pattern: red, white, yellow, white, blue.

Naming:
Different types of naming exist for the The Mural Crown type: around the edge and on the obverse under the crown. The medal was not officially named when first issued.

Winged Victory naming is in the form of indented block capitals around the edge.

Clasps:
None issued.

Other:
British Battles and Medals notes that 2654 medals were issued in total.

Acknowledgements:
The photographs are taken from the Spink & Son July 2009 auction catalogue whilst British Battles and Medals has been invaluable in putting together the information.

Cape of Good Hope General Service Medal

2009-09-20T15:36:00.003+05:30

Instituted:
Authorised by the Cape of Good Hope Government on 4th December 1900, with the approval of Queen Victoria.

Qualification:
Awarded to men who took part in the suppression of uprisings in Transkei, Basutoland and Bechuanland.

Description:
Silver, 36mm diameter, with a swivelling straight suspender. The obverse portrays the bust of Queen Victoria wearing a veil and a small crown, with the legend VICTORIA REGINA ET IMPERATRIX. The reverse depicts the arms of Cape Colony and the legend, CAPE OF GOOD HOPE.

The medal was designed by George William de Saulles (1862-1903) who, as Chief Engraver, was responsible for official medals between 1894 and 1902.

Ribbon:
Dark blue with a yellow stripe running down the centre.

Naming:
Those engraved in the UK were done so in thin, faint block capitals. Later issues engraved in Cape Town were impressed in square capitals.

Clasps:
Three clasps were awarded and these are listed below.

1. Transkei
Awarded for operations in Tembuland and Giqualand East between 13th September 1880 and 15th May 1881

2. Basutoland
Awarded for operations between 13th September 1880 and 27th April 1881 at Mafetang, Maseru, Kalabani and elsewhere.

3. Bechuanaland
Awarded for operations in Bechuanaland between 24th December 1886 and 30th July 1897.

A total of 5252 medals were issued and only ten were issued without a clasp. The breakdown - courtesy of British Battles and Medals - is as follows:

Transkei: 562
Basutoland: 1589
Bechuanaland: 2483
Transkei and Basutoland: 490
Transkei and Bechuanaland: 18
Basutoland and Bechaunaland: 77
Transkie, Basutoland and Bechaunaland: 23
No clasps: 10

Acknowledgements:
The photograph is taken from Spink's's July 2009 auction catalogue whilst British Battles and Medals has been invaluable in putting together the information.

Canada General Service Medal

2009-09-24T20:09:00.005+05:30

Instituted
7th January 1899 and awarded to all those who qualified for the medal and were still living. An Army Order of 1906 extended the period of applying for the medal until 1st July 1907 and this was later further extended to 31st December 1928.

Qualification:
Awarded to members of the Imperial and Canadian forces which took part in the suppression of the Fenian Raids in 1866 and 1870, and Riels' First Rebellion, also in 1870. This latter action was also known as the Red River Rebellion or the Red River Resistance depending, presumably, upon which side of the fence you stood.

Description:
Silver, 36mm diameter, with a plain, straight swivel suspender. The obverse portrays the veiled bust of Queen Victoria with the legend VICTORIA REGINA ET IMPERATRIX. The reverse depicts the Canadian flag surrounded by a wreath of maple leafs. The word CANADA appears above.

The obverse on the medal was designed by Thomas Brock (1847-1922) and the reverse by George William de Saulles (1862-1903). Thomas Brock was a prolific English sculptor, probably best known for the Imperial Memorial to Queen Victoria situated in front of Buckingham Palace. He was knighted in 1911. George de Saulles (1862-1903) was, as Chief Engraver, responsible for official medals between 1894 and 1902.

Ribbon:
Three equal stripes of red, white and red.

Naming:
Several different naming types are to be found. Medals issued to English Regiments (approximately 820) were impressed in capitals or engraved. Medals issued to Canadian recipients are to be found in large indented block capitals, indented lower case letters and - for the most part for those awarded to Naval recipients - engraved in large or small capitals.

Clasps:
Three clasps were awarded: Fenian Raid 1866, Fenian Raid 1870, and Red River 1870. The medal was always issued with a clasp. Four different dies were used for the 1866 clasp, five for the 1870 clasp and three for the Red River clasp.

Acknowledgements:
The photograph is taken from the Spink & Son July 2009 auction catalogue whilst British Battles and Medals has been invaluable in putting together the information.

Baldwin's - Orders, Decorations and Medals

2009-09-18T09:18:00.005+05:30

I've just added a new section on the right-hand column for for forthcoming medal auctions. If your name is RENNIE or you have an interest in that surname, there are some fantastic lots coming up in the Baldwin's sale at the end of this month.

CLICK ON THIS BALDWIN'S LINK TO VIEW THE CATALOGUE.

South Africa Medal 1877-1879

2009-09-14T20:00:00.006+05:30

Instituted:
1879

Qualification:
Awarded for operations against various African tribes between September 1877 and December 1879.

Description:
Silver, 36mm diameter, with an ornamental scroll swivelling suspension. The obverse portrays the diademed head of Queen Victoria and the legend VICTORIA REGINA. The reverse depicts the lion of South Africa crouching in front of a protea bush. Above are the words SOUTH AFRICA; below the lion a Zulu shield and crossed spears.

As with the Indian Mutiny Medal, the South Africa Medal design is another father/son collaboration. The obverse of the medal was designed by William Wyron (1795-1851) who was the official chief engraver of the Royal Mint from 1828 until his death. (See also the Army of India Medal). The reverse was designed by his eldest son, Leonard Charles Wyron (1826-1891) who became Second Engraver at the Royal Mint in 1844 and who succeeded his father as Modeler and Engraver in 1851.

Ribbon:
Watered, orange-yellow with two narrow and two wide stripes in dark blue.

Naming:
Engraved capital letters.

Clasps:
Seven clasps were awarded and these are listed below. The medal could also be issued without a clasp (also below). After a good deal of deliberation on the part of the War Office, and after three Royal Warrants had been issued it was decided to issue only one clasp per medal, that clasp representing the year, or number of years, that the recipient had been employed against an enemy.

1. 1877
The second least common of the clasps with approximately 150 awarded.

2. 1877-8
Approximately 5,820 awarded.

3. 1877-8-9
Approximately 3,520 awarded.

4. 1877-9
The rarest of all the clasps. Approximately eight awarded.

5. 1878
Approximately 2,000 awarded.

6. 1878-9
Approximately 1,180 awarded.

7. 1879
Approximately 18,330 awarded.

Men entitled to any of the above clasps who were already in possession of the earlier South Africa 1853 medal were supposed to declare this to the authorities so that the appropriate clasp from the 1877-79 campaign could be added to their earlier medal.

In all, 36,600 medals were struck, 5,600 of these issued without a clasp to men who took part in the Zulu operations between 11th January and 1st September 1879 but who did not cross into Zululand from Natal.

Operations:
The operations for which the above bars were awarded were as follows:

1. Operations against the Gcalekas and the Gaikas (1877-78).

2. Operations against the Griquas in 1878.

3. Operations against Sekukuni in 1878 and 1879.

4. Operations against Moirosi in 1879.

5. The Zulu War of 1879.

Other:
The medal is also referred to as the Zulu War Medal and the South Africa General Service Medal.

Acknowledgements:
The photograph is taken from Dix Noonan's September 2009 auction catalogue whilst British Battles and Medals has been invaluable in putting together the information.

Ashantee Medal

2009-09-10T05:18:00.005+05:30

Instituted:
1st June 1874

Qualification:
Those serving in Major-General Sir Garnet Wolseley's campaign against the Ashantis.

Description:
36mm diameter medal, silver and bronze, featuring the veiled head of Queen Victoria on the obverse and the legend VICTORIA REGINA. The reverse depicts a bush-fighting scene around a tree between British soldiers and Ashanti tribesemen.

The obverse of the medal was designed by Leonard Charles Wyron (1826-1891). The reverse was designed by Sir Edward John Poynter (1836-1919), many of whose works can be seen at The Tate Gallery in London.

Ribbon:
32mm wide. Yellow with black borders and two thin black stripes down the centre.

Naming:
The recipient's name engraved in roman capitals. The rim dated 1873-4.

Clasps:
One clasp was awarded for this medal - Coomassie. However, those men who later qualified for the East and West Africa Medal of 1887 were awarded the bar/s only which were then to be attached to the Ashantee Medal.

The Coomassie clasp was awarded to all those who were present at the battle of Amoaful on 21st January 1874 and in the actions between Amoaful and Coomassie, including the capture of the capital on 4th February 1874.

Acknowledgements:
The photograph is taken from Spink's July 2009 medal auction catalogue, whilst British Battles and Medals has been invaluable in putting together the information.

Indian Mutiny Medal

2009-09-06T07:56:00.003+05:30

Instituted:
Originally sanctioned by General Order No. 363 dated 18th August 1858 and No. 733 of 1859 to all troops engaged against the mutineers, this was later extended by General Order 771 in 1868 to all persons who had borne arms or been under fire.

Qualification:
See above.

Description:
A silver, 36mm diameter medal featuring the diademed head of Queen Victoria on the obverse and the legend VICTORIA REGINA. The reverse depicts the standing, helmeted figure of Britannia. She faces left and holds a wreath in her right outstreched hand. Over her left arm is a shield and behind her the British lion. The word INDIA is written above her, and the dates 1857-1858 beneath.

The obverse of the medal was designed by William Wyron who was the official chief engraver of the Royal Mint from 1828 until his death in 1851. (See alsothe Army of India Medal). The reverse was designed by his eldest son, Leonard Charles Wyron (1826-1891) who became Second Engraver at the Royal Mint in 1844 and who succeeded his father as Modeler and Engraver in 1851.

Ribbon:
32mm wide. White with two 6mm scralet stripes.

Naming:
The recipient's name and regiment, or ship, indented in roman capitals.

Clasps:
Five fish-tailed clasps were issued and these are listed below. Around 290,000 medals were also issued without clasps, the result of the 1868 General Order.

1. Delhi
Awarded to troops involved in the recapture of Delhi between 30th May and 14th September 1857.

2. Defence of Lucknow
Awarded to original defenders, the relief force and a few civilians. The qualifying period was 29th June - 22nd November 1857.

3. Relief of Lucknow
Awarded to troops under Sir Colin Campbell who were involved in the relief of the city in November 1857.

4. Lucknow
Awarded to troops who took part in the final operations resulting in the capture of Lucknow between November 1857 and March 1858.

5. Central India
Awarded to those who served under Major-General Sir Hugh Rose against Jhansi, Calpee and Gwalior, and those who served with Major-General Roberts in the Rajpatana Field Force and Major-General Whitlock of the Madras Column between January and June 1858.

Acknowledgements:
The photograph is taken from Dix Noonan's September 2009 auction catalogue whilst British Battles and Medals has been invaluable in putting together the information.

Army of India Medal

2009-09-01T21:00:00.009+05:30

Instituted:
An order dated 21st March 1851 authorised the East India Company to issue a medal to all survivors who served in India between 1799 and 1826.

Qualification:
See above. The period covered encompassed four wars: the Second Mahratta War (1803–4), the Gurkha War (1814–16), the Pindaree or Third Mahratta War (1817–18), and the First Burmese War (1824–26). Because the medal was issued retrospectively, and some 48 years after the first qualifying action at Allighur in 1803, fewer medals were issued than would have been the case had awards been made immediately after the campaigns. As it was, around 4,500 medals were issued in total, the vast majority of these with only a single clasp.

Description:
A silver, 35mm diameter medal featuring the diademed head of Queen Victoria on the obverse and the legend VICTORIA REGINA. The reverse depicts the figure of Victory, seated and facing left. In her right hand she holds a laurel branch, and in her right hand a wreath. A palm tree can be seen to the left and around the top is the wording, TO THE ARMY OF INDIA. The dates 1799-1826 appear at the bottom. The medal was designed by William Wyron who was the official chief engraver of the Royal Mint from 1828 until his death in 1851. It was a William Wyron design which was the model for Queen Victoria's head on the Penny Black and other later Victorian postage stamps.

The length of the hyphen between the two dates is known to vary. Those with a long hyphen are thought to have been sent out to India unnamed and then named in Calcutta and sent to claimants still serving in India. Medals with a shorter hyphen and the designer's initials (WW) were largely issued to the Queen's ships and regiments.

Ribbon:
32mm wide and light blue.

Naming:
Generally in indented capitals to British and European troops and various indented capitals and script to natives.

Clasps:
This medal was only issued with clasps and there were twenty-one clasps issued in total. These are listed below in date order, earliest first. The order of the clasps on this medal is different from most medals in that the last award is placed nearest the medal.

1. Allighur
Awarded for the action of 4th September 1803.

2. Battle of Delhi
Awarded for the action of 11th September 1803.

3. Assye
Awarded for the action of 23rd September 1803.
Assye is today, Assaye in the state of Maharashtra. Read more about the Battle of Assye at British Battles.com. The Duke of Wellington, who was a colonel (and acting Major General) at Assye would later say that Assye was his hardest fought battle.

4. Asserghur
Awarded for the action of 21st October 1803.

5. Laswaree
Awarded for the action of 1st November 1803.

6. Argauum
Awarded for the action of 29th November 1803.

7. Gawilghur
Awarded for the action of 15th December 1803.

8. Defence of Delhi
Awarded for the actions of 8th-14th October 1804.

9. Battle of Deig
Awarded for the action of 13th November 1804.

10. Capture of Deig
Awarded for the actions of 11th-23rd December 1804.

11. Nepaul
Awarded for the actions of October 1814 to March 1816.

12. Kirkee
Awarded for the action of 5th November 1817.

13. Poona
Awarded for the actions of 11th-16th November 1817.

14. Kirkee and Poona
Awarded for the actions of 5th-16th November 1817.

15. Seetabuldee
Awarded for the actions of 26th-27th November 1817.

16. Napgore
Awarded for the action of 16th December 1817.

17. Seetabuldee and Nagpore
Awarded for the actions of 26th-27th November 1817 and 16th December 1817.

18. Maheidpoor
Awarded for the action of 21st December 1817.

19. Corygaum
Awarded for the action of 1st January 1818.

20. Ava
Awarded for actions between 1824 and 1826.

21. Bhurtpoor
Awarded to men who took part in the siege of Bhurtpoor between 17th and 18th January 1826.

Other:
The first action commemorated on a clasp for this medal was the assault on the fortress at Allighur on 4th September 1803, a date which does not of course agree with the dates 1799-1826 that are mentioned on the reverse of the medal.

Seven clasps were awarded to one man - the most awarded. Two men received five clasps, twenty-three received four, and one hundred and forty nine received three.

Medals with the Ava clasp are the most common; those with the Kirkee (seven known issues) and Seetabuldee (two issues to Europeans) clasps, the most rare.

Sales:
An Army of India medal with a scarce combination of Battle of Deig and Capture of Deig clasps (only 32 entitlements for this combination) was sold at auction by Dix Noonan Webb in June 2009 for £7,800 against a top estimate of £4,500.

Acknowledgements:
The photograph is taken from Dix Noonan's September 2009 auction catalogue whilst British Battles and Medals has been invaluable in putting together the information.

The Elizabeth Cross

2009-07-02T13:16:00.004+05:30

Authorised:
Announced by the MoD on Wednesday 1st July 2009.

Qualification:
Awarded to the next of kin of members of the armed forces killed in action or as a result of terrorist attack since September 1945.

Description:
The Elizabeth Cross is the first award to be issued by a reigning British monarch since 1940.

Dimensions unknown. Issued in sterling silver. Cross surmounted on laurel wreath with E II R and crown in the centre of the cross. The four compass points of the cross bear the English rose (north), Scottish thistle (east), Irish shamrock (south) and Welsh daffodil (west). The medal is manufactured by Gladman and Norman. Issued in presentation box.

Ribbon:
Not known

Naming:
Not known.

Other:
Awarded with a miniature Elizabeth Cross and memorial scroll signed by HM Queen Elizabeth II. Families of personnel who lost their lives before 2000 have to apply for the award. Those who have died since 2000 will be contacted by the Ministry of Defence.

Image:
MoD Crown Copyright.

Inter-Allied Victory Medal

2009-06-26T08:52:00.006+05:30

Authorised:
1919.

Qualification:
First World War. There were many versions of this medal which were issued to qualifying participants from the victorious allies. Qualification for the British/colonial version was extensive and has been covered comprehensively by North East Medals. Essentially though, the award covered those who had been serving within a theatre of military operations between 4th/5th August 1914 and midnight on the 11th/12th November 1918. It was also awarded to members of the British Naval mission to Russia 1919-1920 and for mine clearance in the North Sea between 11 November 1918 and 30 November 1919.

Description:
Approximately 6,335,000 Victory medals were issued to British and Imperial forces.

36mm diameter bronze gilt finish suspended by a ring. Obverse: the standing figure of Victory holding a palm. Reverse: inscription 'THE GREAT WAR FOR CIVILISATION 1914-1919' appears within a laurel wreath. William McMillan (1887-1977) was responsible for the design which appeared on the British/colonial and South African version of the Victory Medal. The South African version carries a bilingual inscription: 'THE GREAT WAR FOR CIVILISATION' and, in Afrikaans, 'DE GROTE OORLOG VOOR DE BESCHAVING 1914-1919'.

Ribbon:
Double rainbow pattern, graded and watered. From the centre the colours are: red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple.

Naming:
Impressed in sans serif capitals around the edge.

Clasps:
None issued with this medal.

Other:
Men who were Mentioned in Dispatches were awarded an Oak Leaf which was worn on the ribbon of the Victory Medal.

For other versions of the Inter-Allied Victory Medal, visit the Digger History page devoted to Allied Victory Medals from the Great War.

Image shows the medal group awarded to Captain William Balfour Campbell of the 8th Punjab Regiment. The oak leaf for his MiD is affixed to his Victory Medal ribbon (centre).

Efficiency Medal

2009-07-16T12:02:00.007+05:30

Instituted:
17th October 1930.

Qualification:
Awarded to NCOs and men who had completed twelve years’ service with the Territorial Force, with war service and service in West Africa counting double. Service did not have to be concurrent. This medal replaced the Territorial Efficiency Medal, the Militia Long Service and Good Conduct Medal and other Commonwealth equivalents.

Description:
Silver oval medal, 39mm high and 32mm wide. The obverse bears the reigning monarch's bust. The reverse carries the inscription 'FOR EFFICIENT SERVICE'. The fixed suspension is in the form of two laurel leaves and bears a scroll bar bearing the relevant title (see below).

There have been five medal types (versions) as follows:

Type 1: GV
King George V (1930-1936). A robed bust and the legend GEORGIVS V D G BRITT: OMN: REX: ET: INDIAE IMP.

Type 2: GVI 1
King George VI (1937-1948). A crowned head and the legend GEORGIVS VI D G BR OMN : REX : ET INDIAE IMP.

Type 3: GVI 2
King George VI (1949-1952). A crowned head and the legend GEORGIVS VI DEI: GRA: BRITT OMN: REX: FID: DEF.

Type 4: EIIR 1
Queen Elizabeth II (1952-1953). A crowned head and the legend ELIZABETH II D : G : BR : OMN : REGINA F. D.

Type 5: EIIR 2
Queen Elizabeth II (1953-2000). A crowned head and the legend ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA FID DEF.

This medal was replaced in 2000 by the Volunteer Reserve Service Medal.

Ribbon:
Three different ribbons have been used throughout this medal's seventy year history. The first ribbon (1930-1969) was green with yellow edges. The second ribbon (1969-2000) maintained the yellow edges with the centre portion equally divided between blue (left) and green (right). The third version of this ribbon was issued to members of the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC). The yellow edges were retained with the centre portion equally divided between dark blue (left) and scarlet (right).

Naming:
Impressed in sans serif capitals around the edge.

Clasps:
Three clasps have appeared at different times on the UK versions of this medal: "TERRITORIAL" (issued 1930-1969 and 1892-2000) " MILITIA" (issued 1930-1951) and " T & A V R " (issued 1969-1982). As indicated, the T A A V R clasp was introduced in 1969 but abandoned in 1982 and replaced with the re-introduced TERRITORIAL clasp. There are 34 differently named Commonwealth clasps.

Image:
King George V, type 1 with TERRITORIAL clasp.

Khedive's Sudan Medal

2009-08-05T10:58:00.006+05:30

Instituted:
12th February 1897.

Qualification:
Awarded to officers and men who took part in battles and actions in the African Sudan between 1896 and 1908. The medal (under Army Order 48) was originally issued to commemorate the reconquest of the Dongola Province in 1896 and with the clasps "Firket" and "Hafir" This was later extended by subsequent army orders to cover actions up to 21st November 1908 (and with a further 13 clasps).

Description:
Silver and bronze 39mm diameter. The obverse bears the Arabic inscription "Abbas Hilmi the Second" and the year Islamic Calendar year (or Hijri Calendar year) "1314". The reverse shows a tablet inscribed in Arabic with "The Reconquest of the Sudan 1314" which supports a trophy of arms. Above this is an oval shield decorated with stars and crescents and behind this, lances and flags.

Ribbon:
Yellow (representing the desert) with a large blue band (representing the Nile) running through the centre.

Naming:
The medal was issued un-named although unofficially named examples are found in a number of different styles.

Clasps:
Fifteen clasps cover the period 1896 to 1908. Men entitled to any of the first six clasps noted below would also have qualified for the Queen's Sudan Medal.

1. Firket
Awarded to those military personnel who were serving at or to the south of Sarras between the 30th March and the 23rd September 1896 inclusive, and to those serving at Suakin between the same dates who took part in the operations south of Akasheh on the 7th June 1896.

2. Hafir
Awarded to those who took part in the operations south of Fareig on 19th September 1896.

3. Sudan 1897
Awarded to troops who had already been granted the medal and who served at and south of Kerma on the Nile or south of No. 6 Station on the Abu Hamed Railway between the 15th July and 6th November 1897.

4. Abu Hamed
There is quite a long list of qualifications for this clasp. Essentially, troops had to have taken part in the engagement at Abu Hamed on 7th August 1897 to receive it.

5. The Atbara
Awarded to those who took part in the battle at Atbara on the 8th April 1898.

6. Khartoum
Awarded to those who took part in the battle near Khartoum on 2nd September 1898.

7. Gedaref
Awarded to those who took part in the capture of Gedaref on the 22nd September 1898, and in the subsequent engagements in that neighbourhood.

8. Gedid
Awarded to those troops who took part in the action at Gedid (or its vicinity) on 22nd and 24th November 1899.

9. Sudan 1899
Awarded to those troops who served on the Blue and White Nile south of Khartoum during 1899.
10. Bahr El Ghazal 1900-1902
Awarded to those troops who took part in the policing operations in the Bahr El Ghazal Province under Sparkes Bey in 1900-1902.

11. Jerok
Awarded to all troops under the command of Miralai Gorringe Bey, CMG, DSO who took part in the operations against the slave raider Ibrahim Wad Mahmud at and around Gebel Jerok between 11th February 1904 and 3rd March 1904.

12. Nyam Nyam
Awarded to all troops under William Arthur Boulnois Bey (Governor of Bahr El Ghazal) who took part in the suppression of trouble in the Bahr El Ghazal Province between January and May 1905.

13. Talodi
Awarded to all troops under the command of Miralai O'Connell Bey who formed part of the garrison at Talodi between the 25th May and 12th June 1906 and who took part in the fighting at Teira on the 15th and 17th June 1906.

14. Katfia
Awarded to all troops who took part in the action of Katfia on the night of 1st/2nd May 1908.

15. Nyima
Awarded to all troops under the command of El Kaimakam Lempriere Bey who served at Dilling, or south and west of Dilling between the 1st and 21st November 1908.

Other:
A second Khedive's Sudan medal was issued in 1910 and clasps for that medal would eventually cover actions and engagements up until 1921.

Image:
Shows the reverse of the Khedive's Sudan Medal and is borrowed from the Dixons Medals website.

Afghanistan Medal

2009-08-20T12:27:00.006+05:30

Instituted:
Authorised on 19th March 1881.

Qualification:
Awarded to all those who took part in the Afghanistan campaigns of 22nd November 1878 to 26th May 1879 and 3rd September 1879 to 20th September 1880.

Description:
Silver, 31mm diameter with plain, swivelling suspender. The obverse portrays the crowned and draped head of Queen Victoria and the legend VICTORIA REGINA ET IMPERATRIX. The reverse (above) depicts marching and mounted troops and an elephant carrying a cannon. The word AFGHANISTAN appears around the top, and the dates 1878-79-80 at the bottom. The obverse was designed by J E H Boehm and the reverse by R Caldecott.

Ribbon:
Green with crimson stripe on each edge.

Naming:
A variety of different styles. Medals to British troops were engraved in upright or sloping capitals whilst those awarded to natives are found in capitals or script.

Clasps:
Six bars were issued and these are listed below.

1. Ali Musjid
Awarded for the action of 11th July 1882.

2. Peiwar Kotal
Awarded for the action of 2nd December 1878.

3. Charasia
Awarded for the action of 6th October 1879

4. Kabul
Awarded for those involved in operations at or near Kabul between 10th and 23rd December 1879, including the column under Brigadier General C J S Gough which joined Sir Frederick Roberts VC on 24th December that year.

5. Ahmed Khel
Awarded for the action of 29th April 1880.

6. Kandahar
Awarded for the action of 1st September 1880 and also to those who took part in the reconnaissance of the city the previous day but who did not take part in the attack.

Other:
Sixteen Victoria Crosses were awarded for valour during the Afghan campaign and five generals who were VC holders also took part in the campaign.

The Kabul to Kandahar Star was usually issued with the Afghanistan Medal (with Kandahar clasp) and was made from guns captured from the army of Ayub Khan. It was awarded to all those who took part in General Roberts’s three hundred mile march from Kabul to Kandahar between 9th and 31st August 1880.

Photo:
Image borrowed from the Dixons Medals website.

Kabul to Kandahar Star

2009-08-26T13:19:00.004+05:30

Instituted:
Authorised on 19th March 1881.

Qualification:
It was awarded to all those who took part in General Roberts’s three hundred mile march from Kabul to Kandahar between 9th and 31st August 1880.

Description:
A five-pointed star with a ball between all of the points except the two uppermost where a crown is fixed. The obverse has the mongram VRI in the centre. Around the border is KABVL TO KANDAHAR and the date 1880 at the bottom. The reverse is plain except for naming in the hollow centre (see below). Designer unknown; manufactured by H Jenkins & Sons of Birmingham.

Ribbon:
38mm wide and a rainbow pattern of red, white, yellow, white, blue.

Naming:
Indented capitals to British troops; engraved in capitals and script to natives.

Clasps:
None issued.

Other:
The Kabul to Kandahar Star was usually issued with the Afghanistan Medal (with Kandahar clasp) and was made from guns captured from the army of Ayub Khan.

Errors in naming to Foot instead of Regt have been found (Childers' 1881 reforms saw the old Regiments of Foot giving way to new County Regiments).

Photo:
Image borrowed from the Dixons Medals website.

Queen's Sudan Medal

2009-08-01T16:29:00.006+05:30

Instituted:
1899.

Qualification:
Awarded to officers and men who took part in the Sudan campaign between 1896 and 1898. Originally mainly an Egyptian affair, two British brigades subsequently joined the campaign (see Other, below).

Description:
Silver and bronze 36.5mm diameter. The obverse portrays the bust of Queen Victoria holding a sceptre. Around the perimeter is the legend VICTORIA REGINA ET IMPERATRIX. The reverse portrays a plinth inscribed with SUDAN, from underneath which Nile lilies sprout. Victory sits on top of the plinth holding a laurel wreath in her left hand and a palm branch in her right. Behind her, to her right, is the British flag, and behind on her left, the Egyptian flag.

Ribbon:
A thin red stripe runing down the centre divides yellow on the left and black on the right.

Naming:
A combination of engraved and impressed largely depending on the nationality of the recipient. British awards are engraved in square upright or sloping serif capitals. Awards to Indian troops are impressed or engraved in running script. Medals to Egyptian troops can sometimes be found engraved in Arabic script.

Clasps:
No clasps were awarded for this medal although an unofficial clasp bearing the name DONGOLA is supposed to exist.

Other:
The British force comprised the 1st British Brigade which was commanded by Brigadier General (later Major General) Andrew (Andy) Wauchope, and the 2nd British Brigade which was commanded by Brigadier General (later General) Sir Neville Lyttelton.

The 1st British Brigade comprised the 1st Bn Cameron Highlanders, 1st Bn Royal Warwickshire Regt, 1st Bn Seaforth Highlanders and the 1st Bn Lincolnshire Regt.

The 2nd British Brigade comprised the 1st Bn Grenadier Guards, 1st Bn Nortumberland Fusiliers, 2nd Bn rifle Brigade and the 2nd Bn Lancashire Fusiliers.

Additional reiforcements included the 21st Lancers (who would make their maiden charge at Omdurman and who could count Winston Churchill and Douglas Haig amongst their ranks), two field batteries with 5 inch howitzers and 9 pounder Maxim-Nordenfeldt guns, a four gun Maxim battery, and seven gunboats.

Sudan Campaign books from the Naval & Military Press

Egyptian Soudan, its loss and recovery 1896-1898

This book includes a rapid sketch of the history of Sudan, a narrative of the Dongola expedition of 1896, and a full account of the Nile expedition of 1897-1898. The first part describes the early days of the country, its conquest by the Egyptian Khedive, Mahomed Ali, the foundation of Khartoum and its place as the great central slave market. The involvement of the British in suppressing this trade brought Gordon to Khartoum, subsequently the scene of his death in January 1885 when Khartoum was was taken by the Mahdi. A relief force arrived two days too late - and withdrew to Egypt leaving the Mahdi in control. Eventually the decision was taken to reconquer the Sudan and in 1896 Kitchener, the Sirdar of Egypt, was given the task. The account of the two years it took forms the main part of this book, culminating in the battle of Omdurman. There are two very informative appendices, the one provides the organization of the forces of the Dongola and Nile expeditions with a complete nominal roll of all the officers, the other is the roll of honour of British officers, WOs, NCOs and Men who lost their lives in the campaign. CLICK HERE TO ORDER.

With Kitchener to Khartum

This account by war correspondent G W Steevens begins with the background to the Sudan campaign - the rise of the Mahdi, Gordon, the state of the Egyptian Army, the construction of the Sudan Military Railway which was to play a highly significant part in Kitchener’s reconquest of the Sudan in 1898. There is a useful chronology of the chief events of the campaign from from the start of the advance in Feb, through the battle of the Atbara, the move on Khartum culminating in the battle of Omdurman on 2 Sep 1898 which brought the campaign to an end. The description of Omdurman itself, the Khalifa’s capital, after it fell to the Anglo-Egyptian force, is hardly an attractive one: "Everything was wretched. And Foul. They dropped their dung where they listed; they drew their water from beside green sewers; they had filled the streets and khors with dead donkeys; they left their brothers to rot and puff up hideously in the sun. The strench of the place was in your nostrils, in your throat in your stomach." CLICK HERE TO ORDER.

Army Long Service & Good Conduct Medal

2009-07-24T12:07:00.001+05:30

Instituted:
1830

Qualification:
The Army Long Service & Good Conduct (LSGC) medal was originally awarded to infantry NCOs and men who had completed 21 years' good conduct, or cavalry NCOs and men who had completed 24 years' good conduct. In 1870 the qualifying period was reduced to 18 years for both the cavalry and the infantry.

Description:
Silver, 36mm diameter. The metal and the size appear to be the only characteristics of the medal that remained unchanged over the years. The following information comes from a variety of sources.

1830-1837 King William IV's reign - type 1

The medal was designed by by Benedetto Pistrucci (1783-1855). His most famous design was that of St George slaying the dragon, an image that first appeared on British gold sovereigns and crwons in 1817 and is still in use today. The obverse of type 1 of the Army LSGC medal depicts the royal coat of arms with a small shield of the House of Hanover, surrounded by a trophy of arms. The reverse carries the legend, FOR / LONG SERVICE / AND / GOOD CONDUCT. The small suspension ring introduced with the medal in 1830 was replaced by a larger ring in 1831.

1837-1901 Queen Victoria's reign - type 2

The House of Hanover badge was dropped (although new dies were not introduced until 1839) and replaced by Queen Victoria's Royal coat of arms. Smaller lettering replaced the large lettering on the reverse. The legend remained the same: FOR / LONG SERVICE / AND / GOOD CONDUCT. In 1855 a swivelling scroll suspension was introduced.

1901-1910 King Edward VII's reign - type 3

The third type of the Army LSGC replaced Victoria's coat of arms with the head or bust of the reigning monarch. The obverse of the King Edward VII version portrays the bust of the King (facing left) in field marshal's uniform with the legend EDWARDUS VII REX IMPERATOR. The reverse carries the legend, FOR / LONG SERVICE / AND / GOOD CONDUCT.

1910-1936 King George V's reign - type 3

The obverse depicts the bust of King George V (facing left) with the legend GEORGIUS BRITT: OMN: REX: ET: IND: IMP: (George V, omnipotent King of Great Britain and Emperor of India). The reverse carries the legend, FOR / LONG SERVICE / AND / GOOD CONDUCT. In 1920 the scroll suspender was altered to a non swivelling type.

In 1930 the name of the medal was changed to the Long Service and Good Conduct Military Medal.

Ribbon:
Originally dark crimson, this was amended to dark crimson with white edges for awards made from 1916 onwards.

Naming:
A combination of engraved and impressed.

Clasps:
No clasps were awarded for this medal.

Other
A Long Service medal was also issued to members of the Volunteer Force. This was a different medal and had a different coloured (green) ribbon.

Image:
I've borrowed the photograph on this page from the Frontier Medals website. It shows a type 2 Army LSGC medal.

721276 Bombardier John Gracie, Royal Field Artillery

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Medals held:
From left to right, above (in incorrect order): Efficiency Medal (EM), Territorial Force Efficiency Medal (TFEM), Territorial Force War Medal (TFWM) Victory Medal (VM) British War Medal (BWM). The correct order should be: TFWM, BWM, VM, TFEM, EM.

The Territorial Force War Medal is the least common of the Great War campaign medals. Instituted in 1920, some 33,944 TFWMs were awarded to members of the Territorial Force and Territorial Force Nursing Service. To qualify, servicemen and women had to either be members of the Territorial Force when war was declared on 4th August 1914 or members who had completed four years' service or more prior to August 4th 1914 and who had rejoined before September 30th 1914. In addition, they had to have a) volunteered to serve overseas before September 30th 1914 b) actually served overseas between 4th August 1914 and 11th November 1918 c) did not qualify for the 1914 Star or 1914-15 Star.

John Gracie's medals are inscribed to 3050 Gunner John Gracie on the British War and Victory Medals and 3050 Driver John Gracie on the TFWM. The TEM and TFEM are inscribed to 721276 Bombardier John Gracie.

King's South Africa Medal (KSA)

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Instituted:
1902

Qualification:
Boer War. Issued to all those who were in a theatre of war on or after 1st January 1902 and who had completed 18 months’ service in the conflict before 1st June 1902.

Description:
Silver, 36mm diameter, with the same swivelling suspension as that on the Queen’s South Africa Medal (QSA). The obverse portrays the bust of King Edward VII (facing left) in field marshal's uniform with the legend EDWARDUS VII REX IMPERATOR. The reverse is the same as the reverse of the 3rd version QSA, namely Britannia, her trident and shield on the ground behind her, holding a standard in her left hand and offering a wreath (pointing to the letter F of AFRICA) with her right. A column of soldiers advances towards and past her whilst at her back, battleships can be seen offshore. The words SOUTH AFRICA are written above.

Ribbon:
From the left, equal widths of green, white and orange.

Naming:
Impressed in sans serif capitals. There are some known examples of officers’ medals which have been engraved.

Clasps:
Two clasps were awarded: South Africa 1901 (awarded to all those who served in South Africa between 1st January 1901 and the 31st December 1901 inclusive)and South Africa 1902 (awarded to all those who served in South Africa between 1st January 1902 and the 31st May 1902 inclusive).

Other:
The KSA was never issued on its own and was always paired with the Queen’s South Africa Medal (QSA). Nurses received the KSA without clasps.

Alexander Burns and George A J Welch, commemorated on this site, both served during the Second Boer War and received the QSA and KSA.

Sub Conductor George A J Welch, Indian Army Ordnance Corps, formerly Yorkshire Regiment

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Medals held:
Queen's South Africa Medal and three clasps (Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal), King's South Africa Medal and two clasps (1901, 1902), 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal, Delhi Durbar Medal 1911, Military Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

George A J Welch was born in Allahabad, India around 1880 or 1881. He appears on the 1891 census as a ten year old scholar; the eldest child of James and Lily Welch. James Welch, born at Shepton Mallet in Somerset, is recorded as a 39 year old quartermaster sergeant serving with the Yorkshire Regiment. His wife Lily is recorded as 31 years old; a British subject born in Burma. Apart from George, the other children are noted as John L Welch, a seven year old scholar born at Netley, Hampshire; Frederick H D Welch, a four year old scholar born at Richmond, Yorkshire; Thomas R Welch aged two, also born at Richmond; and Louisa M L Welch aged one month, born at Richmond. At the time the census was taken, the family was living at Allen Place, Richmond.

Neither George nor John appear on the 1901 census (both were away fighting the Boers in South Africa). The rest of the family though - including two additions - had moved to Potternewton in Leeds and was living at 18 Leopold Square. The household comprised James (head, aged 49, recorded as an army storekeeper and noted by the census takers as an army pensioner), his wife Lily (aged 41, this time recorded as having been born in India), and the couple's five children. They were: Frederick Welch aged 14, Thomas Welch aged 12, Louisa Welch aged 10, Isabelle Welch aged seven, and Herbert Welch aged five. Both Isabelle and Herbert had also been born in Richmond, suggesting that the family moved to Leeds some time after July 1895 (Herbert's birth was registered at Richmond in the September quarter of that year).

George's army service record does not appear to have survived, although his brother John's has. Like his elder brother, John Leeson Welch joined the Yorkshire Regiment, initially serving with the 3rd (Militia) Battalion during the Boer War and then joining the regular Yorkshire Regiment on 15th June 1903. Enlisting for a period of 3 years with the colours and nine on the reserve his approving officer wrote, "Smart lad. Served two and a half years in S Africa with 3rd Yorkshire Regt. Has father and brother in Corps. Has been employed in an office and will prob[ably] soon develop. Is a drummer and bugler. Character exemplary. Corps [unclear but possibly "advised"] to obtain him." John would extend his service with the Yorkshire Regiment, serve overseas in India and again in South Africa, transfer to the Reserve in 1911 and then be recalled to the colours on 5th August 1914. Exactly two months later he would land in France, remaining there until wounded in 1917. He would return there in May 1918, this time with the Coldstream Guards, finally earning his discharge in 1919. John's medal group would have been almost identical to George's, the absence of the Transvaal clasp on his QSA and no Delhi Durbar medal being the only difference.

So George was certainly still with the Yorkshire Regiment in 1903 but by 1911 he'd transferred to the Ordnance Department. His Delhi Durbar medal is inscribed to O Sub Condr G.A.J. Welch, Ordnance Dept.

George's First World War medal card (below) makes no reference to an award of a 1914-15 Star so I am currently puzzled how this forms part of his group. Like the British War and Victory medals it is inscribed to Sub Condr G A J Welch, I.O.D. Finally, George's QSA is inscribed to 4596 Cpl G Welch, Yorkshire Regt, whilst the KSA is inscribed to 4596 Serjt G Welch, York Regt. His Military Long Service and Good Conduct medal is inscribed to Staff Serjt G.A.J Welch.