British War Medal

Description

The British War Medal is a military campaign medal that was awarded to British and Imperial forces who served in World War I. The medal was established on July 26, 1919, and was awarded to individuals who served in the armed forces or as nurses, doctors, and other medical staff in the war between August 5, 1914, and November 11, 1918.

Eligibility

Eligibility for the British War Medal was based on a specific set of criteria, including serving in a theatre of war or on active service overseas. Personnel who were killed in action or died as a result of their war service were also eligible, as were those who were discharged due to illness or wounds.

Design

The British War Medal is made of cupro-nickel features a central design of the reigning monarch at the time, King George V, surrounded by the words "GEORGIVS V BRITT: OMN: REX ET IND: IMP:". The reverse side features a St George aboard a horse, trampling a shield and skull and cross-bones. Above St George is a sun, symbolising victory over the emblems of death.

Ribbon

The ribbon of the British War Medal features a central stripe of orange, flanked by stripes of black, white, and dark blue.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Medal history and eligibility Read the full guide to the British War Medal: its history, who is eligible, and where it sits in the order of wear.

British War Medal: mounting options explained

Every replica medal can be supplied loose or mounted ready to wear. Here's how the options differ, so you can choose the right one.

Court mounted Required for serving ADF members

The medals are fixed to a stiff backing board so they sit flat and stay in line while worn. It's the neatest presentation, and serving members of the Australian Defence Force are required to wear their medals court mounted.

Swing mounted Traditional style

Each medal hangs freely from its ribbon below a top bar. This was the usual style from the Boer War through to World War II, and there are no fixed rules about who can wear it.

Ribbon bar For everyday uniform wear

Just the ribbons, mounted in order of precedence on a small bar. Ribbon bars are worn on uniform day to day, when full medals would be impractical.

Unmounted Medal and ribbon supplied separately

The medal and ribbon come as separate parts, ready for you or your mounter to assemble. Full size medals come with 30cm of ribbon and miniatures with 15cm.

Full size or miniature?

Miniatures are mounted the same way at a smaller scale. They're worn at evening and formal events, generally anything after 6pm such as dinners, where full size medals would be impractical.

Pin or magnetic?

Every style comes with a traditional pin or a magnetic fitting. Magnetic mounts hold firmly without putting holes in your jacket or uniform, and are easier to put on and take off, which helps anyone with limited dexterity.