Inter-Allied Victory Medal

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).