Distinguished Service Medal 1914 (DSM)

Distinguished Service Medal 1914 (DSM)

Eligibility

The Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) 1914 was awarded to non-commissioned officers and other ranks of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, and Commonwealth naval forces. It recognised bravery, skill, or devotion to duty during active operations at sea, especially under enemy threat. It was widely awarded during the First and Second World Wars.

Design

The medal is circular and made of silver. The obverse features the crowned effigy of King George VI, facing left. The reverse is inscribed with “For Distinguished Service” within a laurel wreath, topped by the Imperial Crown. Recipient details are engraved on the rim. Replicas are marked with the word “COPY”. It is suspended from a straight silver bar.

RSPECIFICATIONS:

Medal history and eligibility Read the full guide to the Distinguished Service Medal 1914 (DSM): its history, who is eligible, and where it sits in the order of wear. →

Distinguished Service Medal 1914 (DSM): 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.