Pre WW1
Queen's South Africa Medal
Awarded to Commonwealth Troops who served in South Africa between October 11th, 1899 and May 31st, 1902.
King's South Africa Medal
Awarded to Commonwealth Troops who participated in the Boer War in South Africa and completed 18 months service before June 1st, 1902
South Africa Pair - Q.S.A + K.S.A
A combination of the Queen's South Africa Medal and the King's South Africa Medal. The Medal Bars displayed on the ribbons of this example are a sample only - and the number of bars will differ for each medal recipient.
Queen's S.A. Medal + WW1 Trio
Combination of the Queen's South Africa Medal + the World War One Trio.
King's S.A. Medal + WW1 Trio
Combination of the King's South Africa Medal + the World War One Trio.
Q.S.A + K.S.A + WW1 Trio
Combination of the Boer War Pair + the World War One Trio.
Q.S.A + World War 1 Pair
Combination of the Q.S.A + the First World War British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Queen's South Africa Medal + World War 1 Victory Medal
Combination of the Q.S.A and the First World War Victory Medal.
China Medal (of 1900) a.k.a 'Boxer Rebellion' Medal
The China Medal, features Queen Victoria and the year 1900 on the reverse side.
New Zealand War Medal 1860-1866 (Service Medal)
Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal
Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal with Edward VII effigy. Bears the script "For Long Service in the Colonial Auxiliary Forces" on the reverse side.
The Crimea Medal (with Sebastopol Clasp) 1854-1856
Indian Mutiny Medal (Campaign Medal between 1857 - 1858)
The Indian Mutiny Medal was establised in 1858. It was eligible to Officers and enlisted men of British and Indian units who served in operations against the muntineers. This particular example bears the "Lucknow" and "Relief of Lucknow" clasps.
Military General Service Medal 1793-1814
Queens Sudan Medal 1896 - 1898 (Egypt - Sudan)
The medal was issued to troops involved in the British operations into Sudan, in a forced expansion of the Empire expansion to the south from the Egypt protectorate.
WW1
1914 Mons Star
It's correct name being the "1914 Star" it was commonly referred to as the Mons Star. Awarded to those who served in either the British Expeditionaly Force or Indian Expeditionary Force between the 5th August and the 22nd/23rd November, 1914 in France or Belgium.
1914-1915 Star
Awarded to early volunteers of the British Commonwealth who served in any theatre of war between 5th August & 31st December, 1915. Those who qualified for the "Mons Star" did not receive the 1914/15 Star.
British War Medal
Granted to all who served between the 5th August 1914 through to 1920 (service in Russia & in Mine clearing) This medal may have been awarded singly or combined with other WW1 Medals.
Mercantile Marine War Medal
Awarded to members of the Merchant Navy who completed one voyage or more through a war zone or designated danger area. This medal was awarded by the Board of Trade.
First World War Victory Medal
Awarded to those who mobilised in any service and entered a theatre of war between the 5th August 1914 & 11th November 1918. (As well as certain Naval activities to 1920) Issued to those who received the 1914 Star & the 1914/15 Star; as well as most who received the British War Medal. It was never awarded singly.
Territorial Force War Medal
Awarded to Territorial Force members, who had completed four years service before the 30th of September, 1914 - and who served outside of Britain between the outbreak of the Great War and Armistice Day. Those who qualified for the 'Mons' Star or the 1914-1915 Star did not qualify for this award.
Territorial Force Efficiency Medal
Territorial Efficiency Medal
Death Plaque a.k.a Memorial Plaque
This bronze plaque (commonly referred to as the "Dead Man's Penny" first began production in 1918 from an idea conceived in 1916. It was to be a memorial presented to the next-of-kin of those who died during the Great War and up until the 30th April, 1920. Over a million were produced.
Mons Star Medal Trio
A combination of the 1914 Star (Mons Star) The British War Medal and the Victory Medal. Whilst often found as a set to eligible recipients - it is not uncommon for this set to become broken up and seperated for various reasons.
1914-1915 Star Medal Trio
A combination of the 1914/15 Star, The British War Medal and the Victory Medal. Whilst often found as a set to eligible recipients - it is not uncommon for this set to become broken up and seperated for various reasons.
World War 1 Pair
A combination of the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
BWM + Vic + Territorial War Medal
A combination of the British War Medal, Victory Medal and the Territorial War Medal.
WW1 Mercantile Marine Pair
A combination of the British War Medal and the Mercantile Marine War Medal.
MM + World War 1 Pair
Combination of the Military Medal + WW1 Pair.
M.M + WW1 Trio
Combination of the Military Medal + WW1 Trio.
M.M + WW1 Trio + MSM
A combination of the Military Medal, 1914/15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal & Meritorious Service Medal.
M.C. + WW1 Trio
A combination of the Military Cross + WW1 Trio.
M.B.E + WW1 Trio
A combination of the Member of British Empire medal + WW1 Trio.
WW1 Pair + Territorial War Medal + Efficiency Medal
A combination of the British War Medal, the Victory Medal, the Territorial Force War Medal and the Territorial Force Efficiency Medal.
WW1 Trio + Croix De Guerre
A combination of the 194-1915 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal and the Croix De Guerre. As the Croix De Guerre was issued by both the French and Belgian Governments, from a 'Commonwealth' perspective, it is a foreign award and does not take precedence in order, to the other three medals.
Broken Set - 1914-1915 Star + Victory Medal
A broken set combination of the 1914/15 Star and the Victory Medal. It sometimes occurs that a medal set (WW1 Trio) is broken up and one medal becomes missing.
Broken Set - 1914-1915 Star + BWM
A broken set combination of the 1914/15 Star and the British War Medal. It sometimes occurs that a medal set (WW1 Trio) is broken up and one medal becomes missing.
WW1 Trio + WW2 Aus Pair
A combination of the WW1 trio + the WW2 Australian Pair.
WW2
1939-1945 Star
The 1939-45 Star was awarded for operational service between the 3rd September 1939 & the 2nd September 1945. Certain conditions for eligibility applied to the three respective services with regards to time served.
Atlantic Star
Awarded for six months service afloat in the Atlantic or in home waters from the period 3rd September 1939 to 8th May 1945. Certain aircrew were also eligible under certain circumstances - as were Merchant Navy personnel.
Aircrew Europe Star
Awarded to Commonwealth Aircrew who participated in operational flights over Europe - from U.K. bases. Two months operational flying was required between 3rd Sept 1939 and 5th June 1945.
Africa Star
Awarded for a minimum of 1 day service in an operational area of North Africa between the 10th June 1940 and the 12th May 1943. Members of the AIF qualified for the star for service in Syria from the 8th June 1941 and 11th July 1941.
Pacific Star
Awarded for operational service in the Pacific theatre between the 8th December 1941 & 2nd September 1945. Also for specified service in China, Hong Kong, Malaya and Sumatra during certain dates.
Burma Star
Awarded for service in the Burma campaign between the 11th December 1941 & 2nd September 1945. It was also awarded for certain specified service in China, Hong Kong, Malaya and Sumatra between certain dates.
Italy Star
Awarded for operational service on land in Italy, Greece, Yugoslavia, Pantelleria, the Agean area & Dodecanese Islands, and Elba at any time between 11th June 1943 & 8th May 1945. Eligibility requirements varied for Royal Navy, Merchant Navy & Air Force personnel.
France and Germany Star
Awarded for operational service in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, The Netherlands & Germany from 6th June 1944 to 8th May 1945. Qualifying sea areas applied, provided such service was directly in support of land operations in the above mentioned countries.
Defence Medal
Awarded for service in WW2 to recognise both Military & some types of civilian service. Qualifying time peried within the U.K. constituted 1080 days and certain time spent overseas varied between 180 to 360 days under certain circumstances.
1939-1945 War Medal
Awarded for service in the Armed Forces and Merchant Marines full-time for at least 28 days between the 3rd September 1939 & 2nd September 1945. With regards the Merchant Navy, 28 days must have been served at sea.
1939-1945 Australia Service Medal
Introduced in 1949 as a back award for service in operational areas. Approximately 211,500 medals were awarded.
Australian Pair
Combination of the 1939-45 War Medal and the Australian Service Medal.
Australian Trio (39/45 Star)
A combination of the 1939-45 Star, 1939-45 War Medal and the Australian Service Medal
Australian Trio (Pacific Star)
A combination of the Pacific Star, 39-45 War Medal and the Australian Service Medal.
Australian Trio (Defence Medal)
A combination of the Defence Medal, the 39-45 War Medal and the Australian Service Medal.
Australian Four (Pacific)
Combination of the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, 1939-45 War Medal and the Australian Service Medal.
Australian Four (Defence Medal)
A combination of the 1939-45 Star, Defence Medal, 1939-45 War Medal and Australian Service Medal.
Australian Four (Pacific, Defence)
A combination of the Pacific Star, The Defence Medal, the 1939-45 War Medal and the Australian Service Medal
Australian Five (Africa & Pacific)
A combination of the 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Pacific Star, 1939-45 War Medal and the Australian Service Medal.
Australian Five (Africa & Italy)
A combination of the 1939-1945 Star, Africa Star, Italy Star, 1939-45 War Medal and the Australian Service Medal.
Australian Five (Africa Star & Defence)
A combination of the 39-45 Star, the Africa Medal, Defence Medal, 39-45 War Medal and the Australian Service Medal.
Australian Five (Africa,Pacific,Def)
A combination of the 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal and the Australian Service Medal.
Australian Five (Pacific,Defence)
A combination of the 1939/45 Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, 1939-45 War Medal and Australian Service Medal.
Australian Six
Combination of the 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, 1939-45 War Medal and the Australian Service Medal.
M.M + WW1 Trio + Defence Medal
A combination of the Military Medal, 1914/15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal and the WW2 Defence Medal.
WW1 Trio + WW2 Aust Pair
A combination of the 1914/15 Star, the British War Medal, Victory Medal + the 1939-45 War Medal and the Australian Service Medal.
Constabulary Long Service
A combination of the 1914/15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal, WW2 Defence Medal & the Constabulary Long Service Medal.
Australian 4 + Naval Reserve Long Serv. Medal
A combination of the 39-45 Star, Pacific Star, 39-45 War Medal, Australian Service Medal & the Naval Reserve Long Service Medal.
WW2 U.K. Combinations
U.K. Pair
A combination of the Defence Medal and the 1939-45 War Medal.
U.K. Trio (Pacific)
A combination of the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star and the 1939-45 War Medal.
U.K. Four - (Atlantic, Italy)
A combination of the 1939-45 Star, Atlantic Star, Italy Star and the 1939-45 War Medal.
U.K. Four - (Africa, Italy)
A combination of the 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Italy Star and the 1939-45 War Medal.
U.K. Four (Africa,Defence)
A combination of the 1939-45 Star, the Africa Star, The Defence Medal and the 1939-45 War Medal.
U.K. Four (Italy,Defence)
A combination of the 1939-1945 Star, the Italy Star, The Defence Medal and the 1939-45 War Medal.
U.K. Four - (Burma,Defence)
A combination of the 1939-45 Star, the Burma Star, The Defence Medal and the 1939-45 War Medal.
U.K. Four - (France/Germany)
A combination of the 1939-45 Star, the France & Germany Star, the Defence Medal and the 1939-45 War Medal.
U.K. Four (Africa,Pacific)
A combination of the Africa Star, the Pacific Star, The Defence Medal and the 1939-45 War Medal.
U.K. Five (Atlantic,Africa)
A combination of the 1939-45 Star, Atlantic Star, Africa Star, Defence Medal and the 1939-45 War Medal.
U.K. Five (Atlantic,Pacific,Italy)
A combination of the 1939-45 Star, Atlantic Star, Pacific Star, Italy Star and the 1939-45 War Medal.
U.K. Five (Atlan,Italy,Def)
A combination of the 1939-45 Star, Atlantic Star, Italy Star, Defence Medal and the 1939-45 War Medal.
U.K. Five (Afr,Pac,Def)
A combination of the 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal and the 1939-45 War Medal.
U.K. Five (Afr,Italy,Def)
A combination of the 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Italy Star, Defence Medal and the 1939-45 War Medal.
Commonwealth WW2 Medals
1939-1945 Africa Service Medal
Awarded for voluntary service outside the Republic of South Africa during the 1939-1945 War.
New Zealand Service Medal
South African Five (Africa & Italy)
A combination of the 39-45 Star, Africa Star, Italy Star, War Medal, South African War Medal.
Post WW2
The Korea Medal
Awarded for service with an Operational Unit in Korea for a minimum of one day. Period of eligibility between the 1st of July, 1950 and 27th of July, 1953.
United Nations Service Medal For Korea
Awarded for service with an Operational Unit in Korea between the dates of the 27th of June, 1950 and the 26th of July, 1954.
Korean War Pair
A combination of the Korea Medal and the United Nations Service Medal (for Korea).
Australian Active Service Medal
General Service Medal (King's Image)
General Service Medal 1962
Naval General Service Medal
Australian National Medal
Vietnam War Pair
A combination of the Vietnam Medal and the Vietnamese Medal.
Vietnam War Medal Trio
A combination of the Vietnam Medal, the Australian Active Service Medal and the Vietnamese Medal.
Other Medal Type
Victoria Cross
The V.C.is the highest award for valour in the face of the enemy and takes precedence over all other medals. Only 1,356 have been awarded to 1,353 recipients.
Distinguished Service Order
Instituted in September 1886 and typically awarded to officers ranked Major (it's equivalent) or higher - it was established to award individual instances of meritorious or distinguished service in war.
Conspicuous Gallantry Medal
This medal was the "other ranks" equivalent of the D.S.O. It was replaced by the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross in 1993.
The Air Force equivalent had a blue centre ribbon as opposed to the grey shown here.
Conspicuous Gallantry Cross
Instituted after 1993, the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross replaced the D.C.M and the C.G.M. It also replaced the D.S.O in it's role as an award for gallantry to officers.
The Conspicuous Gallantry Cross now serves as the second level award for gallantry for all ranks for all armed forces.
Distinguished Service Cross (Australia)
This Distinguished Service Cross is awarded to personnel of the Australian Defence Force for "distinguished command and leadership in action". It was introduced in 1991 and replaced the Imperial equivalent. To this date, only 31 have been awarded.
Military Cross
Created in 1914, initially for officers of the rank of Captain and below - and later extended to the rank of Major. Since 1993 - it is issued to all ranks
It is awarded in recognition of "gallantry during active operations against the enemy" and is the third level military decoration.
Distinguished Flying Cross
Established in June 1918, it is awarded to personnel of the U.K's Royal Air Force and other services. Also previously awarded to officers of other Commonwealth countries for 'an act of valour', courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against the enemy.
Distinguished Flying Medal
Military Medal
Established in March 1916 it was awarded for Bravery in battle on land. It is the "other ranks" equivalent to the Military Cross. It was discontinued in 1993 and since then - all recipient ranks receive the M.C. so that no distinguishment is made, based on rank.
Distinguished Conduct Medal
Instituted in 1854 to recognise gallantry in "other ranks" it was almost always regarded as a 'near miss' for the Victoria Cross. The equivalent medal for Commissioned Officers is the Distinguished Service Order.
It was replaced by the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross in 1993.