Awards and decorations of the British Armed Forces

The British Armed Forces recognises service and personal accomplishments of individuals while a member of the Royal Navy, British Army or Royal Air Force with the awarding of various awards and decorations.
Together with rank and qualification badges, such awards are a means to outwardly display the highlights of a serviceperson's career.
== Order of wear ==
All services use a common order of wear, in accordance with the 2019 order of wear: Guidance on the Order of Wear 
# The Victoria Cross and the George Cross
# United Kingdom Orders
# United Kingdom Decorations
# Order of St John (all classes)
# United Kingdom Medals for Gallantry and for Distinguished Service
# United Kingdom Campaign and Operational Service Medals (including authorised United Nations medals and medals of other recognised international organisations). Worn in order of date of award
# United Kingdom Polar Medals
# United Kingdom Police Medals for Valuable Service
# United Kingdom Jubilee, Coronation and Durbar Medals
# Long Service and Efficiency Awards
# Commonwealth Orders, Decorations and Medals instituted by the Sovereign. Worn in order of date of award.
# Commonwealth Orders, Decorations and Medals instituted since 1949 otherwise than by the Sovereign (including those of the States of Malaysia and the State of Brunei). Worn in order of date of award.
# Foreign Orders. If approved for wear, worn in order of date of award.
# Foreign Decorations. If approved for wear, worn in order of date of award.
# Foreign Medals. If approved for wear, worn in order of date of award.
Jubilee, Coronation and Durbar medals were worn before campaign medals until November 1918, after which the order of wear was changed, with them now worn after campaign medals and before long service awards.
==British military medals and ribbons==
===Military orders and decorations===
Emblem 	Description 	Postnom 	Established 	Eligibility Period [1] 	Remarks
Level 1 Decorations 	Level 1 Decorations 	Level 1 Decorations 	Level 1 Decorations 	Level 1 Decorations 	Level 1 Decorations
 	Victoria Cross 	VC 	5 February 1856London Gazette, "Dates for the Introduction of Medals", p. 5. 	January 1856 – present 	For valour in combat.
 	George Cross 	GC 	24 September 1940London Gazette, "Dates for the Introduction of Medals", p. 3. 	1940 – present 	For valour other than in combat.
Orders – First Class 	Orders – First Class 	Orders – First Class 	Orders – First Class 	Orders – First Class 	Orders – First Class
 	Knight/Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (Military Division) 	GCB 	27 May 1725, Subjoined Statutes of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath.Duckers, Peter, British Orders and Decorations, pp. 21–24.	27 May 1725 – present 	Prior to 2 January 1815, this grade was known as a Knight Companion of the Order of the Bath.
 	Member of the Order of Merit(Military Division) 	OM 	23 June 1902Martin, Stanley, The Order of Merit, p. 31. 	23 June 1902 – present 	
 	Knight/Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire(Military Division)	GBE 	24 August 1917, Statutes of the Order of the British Empire.Duckers, Peter, British Orders and Decorations, pp. 30–32. 	4 June 1917 – present 	
Orders – Second Class 	Orders – Second Class 	Orders – Second Class 	Orders – Second Class 	Orders – Second Class 	Orders – Second Class
 	Knight/Dame Commander of the Order of the Bath(Military Division) 	KCBDCB 	2 January 1815 	2 January 1815 – present 	
 	Knight/Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire(Military Division) 	KBEDBE 	24 August 1917 	4 June 1917 – present 	
Orders – Third Class 	Orders – Third Class 	Orders – Third Class 	Orders – Third Class 	Orders – Third Class 	Orders – Third Class
 	Companion of the Order of the Bath(Military Division) 	CB 	2 January 1815 	1815 – present 	
 	Commander of the Order of the British Empire(Military Division) 	CBE 	24 August 1917 	4 June 1917 – present 	
Level 2A Decoration (Order) 	Level 2A Decoration (Order) 	Level 2A Decoration (Order) 	Level 2A Decoration (Order) 	Level 2A Decoration (Order) 	Level 2A Decoration (Order)
 	Companion of the Distinguished Service Order 	DSO 	9 November 1886London Gazette, "Dates for the Introduction of Medals", p. 2. 	1885 – present, DSO Awards for the Battle of Ginnis and Third Anglo-Burmese War	From October 1993 awarded for leadership only. Replaced for gallantry in October 1993 by the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.
Orders – Fourth Class 	Orders – Fourth Class 	Orders – Fourth Class 	Orders – Fourth Class 	Orders – Fourth Class 	Orders – Fourth Class
 	Officer of the Order of the British Empire(Military Division) 	OBE 	24 August 1917 	4 June 1917 – present 	
Orders – Fifth Class 	Orders – Fifth Class 	Orders – Fifth Class 	Orders – Fifth Class 	Orders – Fifth Class 	Orders – Fifth Class
 	Member of the Order of the British Empire(Military Division) 	MBE 	24 August 1917 	4 June 1917 – present 	
Level 2A Indian Order (Decoration) 	Level 2A Indian Order (Decoration) 	Level 2A Indian Order (Decoration)	Level 2A Indian Order (Decoration) 	Level 2A Indian Order (Decoration) 	Level 2A Indian Order (Decoration)
 	Indian Order of Merit (1st Class)(Military Division) 	IOM 	 	1837–1911 	Replaced by the VC in 1911.
 	Indian Order of Merit (2nd Class)(Military Division) 	IOM 	 	1837–1947 	
 	Indian Order of Merit (3rd Class)(Military Division) 	IOM 	 	1837–1947 	
Level 2A Decorations 	Level 2A Decorations 	Level 2A Decorations 	Level 2A Decorations 	Level 2A Decorations 	Level 2A Decorations
 	Conspicuous Gallantry Cross 	CGC 	October 1993 	1993 – present 	
 	Royal Red Cross (Class I) 	RRC 	27 April 1883 	1883 – present 	
Level 3A Decorations 	Level 3A Decorations 	Level 3A Decorations 	Level 3A Decorations 	Level 3A Decorations 	Level 3A Decorations
 	Distinguished Service Cross 	DSC 	June 1901 	1901 – present 	Awarded only to officers until 1993.
 	Military Cross 	MC 	December 1914London Gazette, "Dates for the Introduction of Medals", p. 4. 	1914 – present 	Awarded only to officers until 1993.
 	Distinguished Flying Cross 	DFC 	June 1918 	1918 – present 	Awarded only to officers until 1993.
 	Air Force Cross 	AFC 	3 June 1918London Gazette, "Dates for the Introduction of Medals", p. 1. 	1918 – present 	Awarded only to officers until 1993.
 	Royal Red Cross (Class II) 	ARRC 	27 April 1883 	1917 – present 	
 	Order of British India (First Class) 	OBI 	 	1837–1947 	
 	Order of British India (Second Class) 	OBI 	 	1837–1947 	
Level 2B Medals 	Level 2B Medals 	Level 2B Medals 	Level 2B Medals 	Level 2B Medals 	Level 2B Medals
 	Distinguished Conduct Medal 	DCM 	1854 	1854–1993 	Replaced in October 1993 by the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.
 	Conspicuous Gallantry Medal 	CGM 	 	1874–1993 	Replaced in October 1993 by the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.
 	Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (Flying) 	CGM 	1874 	1874–1993 	Replaced in October 1993 by the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.
 	George Medal 	GM 	September 1940 	1940 – present 	
 	Royal West African Frontier Force Distinguished Conduct Medal 	 	1907 	1907–1942 	
 	King's African Rifles Distinguished Conduct Medal 	 	1907 	1907–1942 	
Level 3B Medals 	Level 3B Medals 	Level 3B Medals 	Level 3B Medals 	Level 3B Medals 	Level 3B Medals
 	Indian Distinguished Service Medal 	IDSM 	June 1907 	1907–1947 	
 	Distinguished Service Medal 	DSM 	October 1914 	1914–1993 	Equivalent awards for ORs to similarly named crosses for officers.
 	Military Medal 	MM 	25 March 1916 	1916–1993 	Equivalent awards for ORs to similarly named crosses for officers.
 	Distinguished Flying Medal 	DFM 	June 1918 	1918–1993 	Equivalent awards for ORs to similarly named crosses for officers.
 	Air Force Medal 	AFM 	3 June 1918 	1918–1993 	Equivalent awards for ORs to similarly named crosses for officers.
 	Sea Gallantry Medal 	SGM 	10 August 1854 	1854 – present 	
alt=Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent text	Burma Gallantry Medal 	BGM 	10 May 1940Royal Warrant for the Burma Gallantry Medal, London Gazette, 4 September 1945, date accessed 6 April 2011. 	1940–1948 	
 	King's Gallantry Medal 	KGM 	20 June 1974 	1974 – present 	
 	British Empire Medal(Military Division) 	BEM 	24 August 1917 	4 June 1917 – 19932012–present 	
 	King's Volunteer Reserves Medal 	KVRM 	1999 	1999 – present 	
Level 4 Commendations 	Level 4 Commendations 	Level 4 Commendations 	Level 4 Commendations 	Level 4 Commendations 	Level 4 Commendations
 	Mentioned in Dispatches 	— 	1919 	1914 – present 	Insignia attached to appropriate campaign medal; if no campaign medal awarded, insignia attached after any medal ribbons
 	King's/Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct 	— 	1943 	1939–1994 	Insignia attached to appropriate campaign medal; if no campaign medal awarded, insignia attached after any medal ribbons
 	King's/Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air 	— 	1942 	1939–1994 	Insignia attached to appropriate campaign medal; if no campaign medal awarded, insignia attached after any medal ribbons
 	King's Commendation for Bravery 	— 	1994 	1994 – present 	Insignia attached to appropriate campaign medal; if no campaign medal awarded, insignia attached after any medal ribbons
 	King's Commendation for Bravery in the Air 	— 	1994 	1994 – present 	Insignia attached to appropriate campaign medal; if no campaign medal awarded, insignia attached after any medal ribbons
 	King's Commendation for Valuable Service 	— 	1994 	1993 – present 	Insignia attached to appropriate campaign medal; if no campaign medal awarded, insignia attached after any medal ribbons
Note [1] Eligibility period start dates reflect respective establishment dates, except where available evidence indicates otherwise.
===Military campaign medals===
Emblem 	Description 	Established 	Eligibility Period 	Remarks
18th Century Campaign Medals	18th Century Campaign Medals 	18th Century Campaign Medals 	18th Century Campaign Medals 	18th Century Campaign Medals
Yellow Cord 	Monghyr Mutiny Medal 	1766 	1766 	HEIC Issue. Awarded to Native officers who helped quell a mutiny among European troops.
Yellow Cord 	Deccan Medal 	1784 	1778–1784 	HEIC Issue. Awarded in gold to Subadars, silver gilt to Jemadars and other native officers, and silver to 'native' non-commissioned officers and soldiers.
Yellow Cord 	Mysore Medal 	1 April 1793 	1790–1792 	HEIC Issue. Awarded in gold to Subadars, silver gilt to Jemadars and Serrangs, and silver to 'native' non-commissioned officers and soldiers.
19th Century Campaign Medals	19th Century Campaign Medals 	19th Century Campaign Medals 	19th Century Campaign Medals 	19th Century Campaign Medals
 	Seringapatam Medal 	1801 	March 1799 – 8 May 1799 	HEIC Issue. Awarded in gold, silver gilt, silver, bronze and tin dependent upon rank and position to both British and native soldiers. Authorised for British Army wear on 29 August 1815. Several other ribbons were worn unofficially.
Yellow Cord 	Medal for Egypt 	31 July 1802 	8 March – 31 August 1801 	HEIC Issue. Awarded in gold to senior officers, and silver to all others eligible.
 	Army Gold Medal 	1806 	1808–1814 	Issued to senior officers with battle/action clasps where appropriate.
Yellow Cord 	Capture of Ceylon Medal 	15 May 1807 	1795–1796 	HEIC Issue. Awarded in gold to 'native' officers, and silver to 'native' non-commissioned officers and soldiers.
 	Army Gold Cross 	1810 	1808–1814 	Issued to senior officers with battle/action clasps where appropriate.
Yellow Cord 	Medal for capture of Rodrigues, Isle of Bourbon and Isle of France	1811 	1809-1810 	HEIC Issue. Awarded in gold to native officers, and silver to native non-commissioned officers and soldiers.
Yellow Cord 	Java Medal 	1812 	1811 	HEIC Issue. Awarded in gold to more senior native officers, and silver to native non-commissioned officers and soldiers.
 	Waterloo Medal 	1816 	16–18 June 1815 	
 	Nepal Medal 	1816 	1814–1816 	HEIC Issue. Awarded to native officers and to selected native non-commissioned officers and soldiers.
 	Ceylon Medal 	1819 	1818 	HEIC Issue. Awarded to selected native and European non-commissioned officers and soldiers.
 	Burma Medal 	1826 	1824–1826 	HEIC Issue. Awarded in gold to native officers and silver to native non-commissioned officers and soldiers.
Yellow Cord 	Coorg Medal 	1837 	1837 	HEIC Issue. Awarded to selected members of local forces.
 	Ghuznee Medal 	1839 	21–23 July 1839 	HEIC Issue.
 	Candahar, Ghuznee, Cabul Medal 	1842 	1839–1842 	HEIC Issue.
 	Jellalabad Medals 	1842 	November 1841 – 16 April 1842 	HEIC Issue.
 	Medal for the Defence of Kelat-I-Ghilzie 	1842 	February – May 1842 	HEIC Issue.
 	China War Medal (1842) 	1843 	5 July 1840 – 29 August 1842 	Issued with clasps for Second China War where appropriate.
 	Scinde Medal 	22 September 1843 	1842–1843 	HEIC Issue. Issued in one of three types: "Meeanee 1843", "Hyderabad 1843" and "Meeanee/Hyderabad 1843".
 	Gwalior Star 	1843 	1843 	HEIC Issue, issued for the Battle of Gwalior, which was fought at Maharajpur and Panihaar. Medals indicated in central disc of star the battleground for which it was issuedGwailor Campaign Star (Maharajpoor), The Fitzwilliam Museum, accessed 3 January 2011.
 	Maharajpoor Star 	1843 	29 December 1843 	HEIC Issue.
 	Punniar Star 	1843 	29 December 1843 	HEIC Issue.
 	Sutlej Medal 	17 April 1846 	7 September 1845 – 14 March 1849 	HEIC Issue. Issued with battle/action clasps where appropriate.
 	Naval General Service Medal 	1847 	1793–1840 	Always issued with battle/action clasps.
 	Military General Service Medal 	1 June 1847 	1793–1814 	Always issued with battle/action clasps.
 	Punjab Medal 	2 April 1849 	7 September 1848 – 14 March 1849 	HEIC Issue. Issued with battle/action clasps where appropriate.
 	Army of India Medal 	21 March 1851 	1803–1826 	HEIC Issue. Always issued with battle/action clasps.
 	India General Service Medal (1854) 	11 March 1854 	1852–1895 	Issued in silver. From 1885, issued in bronze to non-enlisted support personnel. Always issued with battle/action clasps.
 	South Africa Medal (1854) 	1854 	1834–18351846–18471850–1853 	
 	Crimean War Medal 	15 December 1854 	1854–1856 	Issued with battle/action clasps where appropriate.
 	Baltic Medal 	23 April 1856 	1854–1855 	
 	Indian Mutiny Medal 	1858 	1857–1858 	Issued with battle/action clasps where appropriate.
 	Second China War Medal 	6 March 1861 	1856–1860 	Issued with battle/action clasps where appropriate.
 	New Zealand War Medal 	1869 	1845–18481860–1866 	
 	Abyssinian War Medal 	1869 	October 1867 – April 1868 	
 	Canada General Service Medal 	1899 	1866–1870 	
 	Ashantee Medal 	June 1874 	1873–1874 	
 	South Africa Medal (1880) 	August 1880 	1877–1879 	Issued with campaign clasp where appropriate.
 	Afghanistan Medal 	1881 	1878–1880 	
 	Kabul to Kandahar Star 	March 1881 	1880 	
 	Egypt Medal 	October 1882 	1882–1889 	
 	Royal Niger Company’s Medal 	1899 	1886–1897 	Issued by the Royal Niger Company for minor military operations.
 	East and West Africa Medal 	1892 	13 November 1887 – 8 May 1900 	
 	Central Africa Medal 	1895 	1891–1894 	Issued in silver to combatants and in bronze to support personnel.
 	India General Service Medal (1895) 	1 April 1896 	3 March 1895 – 10 March 1902 	Always issued with appropriate campaign clasps.
 	Ashanti Star 	1896 	1895–1896 	
 	Queen's Sudan Medal 	1899 	1896–1898 	
 	East and Central Africa Medal 	1899 	20 July 1897 – 2 May 1899 	Always issued with appropriate campaign clasps.
 	Queen's South Africa Medal 	April 1901 	11 October 1899 – 31 May 1902 	Issued in silver to officers and enlisted personnel and in bronze to non-enlisted support personnel. Issued with appropriate battle or state clasps where appropriate.
 	Queen's Mediterranean Medal 	1902 	1899–1902 	
20th Century Campaign Medals	20th Century Campaign Medals 	20th Century Campaign Medals 	20th Century Campaign Medals 	20th Century Campaign Medals
Pre–World War 	Pre–World War 	Pre–World War 	Pre–World War 	Pre–World War
 	Third China War Medal 	1901 	1900 	Issued in silver to officers and enlisted personnel and in bronze to non-enlisted support personnel. Issued with battle/action clasps where appropriate.
 	Ashanti Medal 	1901 	March – December 1901 	
 	King's South Africa Medal 	1902 	1 January – 1 June 1902 	Issued with clasps South Africa 1901 and South Africa 1902 where appropriate.
 	Africa General Service Medal 	1902 	1900–1956 	
 	Transport Medal 	1903 	1899–1902 	For South Africa or China.
 	Tibet Medal 	1 February 1905 	13 December 1903 – 23 September 1904 	Issued in silver to officers and enlisted personnel and in bronze to non-enlisted support personnel.
 	India General Service Medal (1909) 	1 January 1909 	1908–1935 	Issued in silver to officers and enlisted personnel and, during 1908–1912, in bronze to non-enlisted support personnel. Always issued with appropriate campaign clasps.
World War I 	World War I 	World War I 	World War I 	World War I
 	1914 Star 	April 1917 	5 August – 22 November 1914 	Issued with clasp 5 August – 22 November 1914 where appropriate.
 	1914-15 Star 	December 1918 	5 August 1914 – 31 December 1915 	
 	British War Medal 	26 July 1919 	5 August 1914 – 11 November 1918 	Issued in silver to officers and enlisted soldiers and in bronze to non-enlisted support personnel.
 	Victory Medal 	1 September 1919 	5 August 1914 – 11 November 19181919–192011 November 1918 – 30 November 1919 	World War 1. Issued with MID oak leaf cluster where appropriate.British Naval Mission to RussiaNorth Sea mine clearance
 	Territorial Force War Medal 	April 1920 	4 August 1914 – 11 November 1918 	
 	Mercantile Marine War Medal 	1 September 1919 	4 August 1914 – 11 November 1918 	
Inter-World War 	Inter-World War 	Inter-World War 	Inter-World War 	Inter-World War
 	Naval General Service Medal (1915) 	6 August 1915 	1909 – 23 December 1962 	Always issued with appropriate campaign clasps.
 	General Service Medal (1918) 	19 January 1923 	12 November 1918 – 23 December 1962 	Always issued with appropriate campaign clasps.
 	India General Service Medal (1936) 	3 August 1938 	1936–1939 	Always issued with appropriate campaign clasps. Issued with MID oak leaf where appropriate.
World War II 	World War II 	World War II 	World War II 	World War II
 	1939–45 Star 	July 1943 	3 September 1939 – 2 September 1945 	Issued with clasps Battle of Britain or Bomber Command where appropriate.
 	Atlantic Star 	May 1945 	3 September 1939 – 8 May 1945 	Issued with clasps Air Crew Europe or France and Germany where appropriate.
 	Arctic Star 	December 2012 	3 September 1939 – 8 May 1945 	Awarded for any length of operational service north of the Arctic Circle by members of the British Armed Forces and the Merchant Navy. The qualifying period recognises the particular severity of the conditions experienced by those who served in the Arctic.
 	Air Crew Europe Star 	May 1945 	3 September 1939 – 5 June 1944 	Issued with clasps Atlantic or France and Germany where appropriate.
 	Africa Star 	July 1943 	10 June 1940 – 12 May 1943 	Issued with clasps 8th Army or 1st Army or North Africa 1942 – 43 where appropriate.
 	Pacific Star 	1945 	8 December 1941 – 2 September 1945 	Issued with clasp Burma where appropriate.
 	Burma Star 	1945 	11 December 1941 – 2 September 1945 	Issued with clasp Pacific where appropriate.
 	Italy Star 	May 1945 	11 June 1943 – 8 May 1945 	
 	France and Germany Star 	May 1945 	6 June 1944 – 8 May 1945 	Issued with clasp Atlantic where appropriate.
 	Defence Medal 	16 August 1945 	3 September 1939 – 2 September 1945 	Issued with KCBC silver oak leaf where appropriate.
 	War Medal 1939–1945 	16 August 1945 	3 September 1939 – 2 September 1945 	Issued with MID bronze oak leaf or KCBC silver oak leaf where appropriate.
 	India Service Medal 	6 June 1946 	3 September 1939 – 2 September 1945 	
 	Canadian Volunteer Service Medal 	22 October 1943 	3 September 1939 – 1 March 1947 	Issued with Maple Leaf, Dieppe, Hong Kong or Bomber Command clasps where appropriate.
 	Africa Service Medal 	23 December 1943 	6 September 1939 – 2 September 1945 	Awarded by the Union of South Africa. Issued with the King's Commendation (South Africa) (1939–45) emblem where appropriate.
 	Australia Service Medal 	November 1949 	3 September 1939 – 2 September 1945 	
 	New Zealand War Service Medal 	30 September 1948Royal Warrant – New Zealand War Service Medal (accessed 6 June 2010) 	3 September 1939 – 2 September 1945 	
 	Southern Rhodesia Medal for War Service 	1948 	1939–1945 	
 	Newfoundland Volunteer War Service Medal 	17 December 1993 	3 September 1939 – 2 September 1945 	
Post–World War 	Post–World War 	Post–World War 	Post–World War 	Post–World War
 	Korea Medal 	July 1951 	1 July 1950 – 27 July 1953 	
 	Nuclear Test Medal 	21 November 2022 	1952–1967 	Issued for service as part of the UK's nuclear weapons testing programmes
 	General Service Medal (1962) 	6 October 1964 	24 December 1962 – 31 July 2007Ministry of Defence, JSP761, Chapter 8, Annex A, para 3, 'General Service Medal 1962' 	Always issued with appropriate campaign clasps. Replaced 1918 GSM.
 	Rhodesia Medal 	1980 	1 December 1979 – 20 March 1980Ministry of Defence, JSP761, Chapter 12, Annex B, 'Wearing of Orders, Decorations and Medals by Service Personnel'	Recipients also received the Zimbabwean Independence Medal, although this is not authorised for wearThe Zimbabwean Independence Medal is not mentioned in the official British order of wear.
 	South Atlantic Medal 	1982 	2 April – 12 July 1982Ministry of Defence, JSP761, Chapter 8, Annex A, para 1, 'Medals for Individual Campaigns or Operations' 	Issued with Rosette for service between 35° and 60° South.
 	South Atlantic Medal 	1982 	2 April – 21 October 1982Medals: campaigns, descriptions and eligibility, UK Government 	Issued without Rosette for service between 7° and 60° South
 	Gulf Medal 	1992 	2 August 1990 – 7 March 1991 	Issued with clasp August 1990 or 6 January to 28 February 1991 where appropriate.
21st Century Campaign Medals	21st Century Campaign Medals 	21st Century Campaign Medals 	21st Century Campaign Medals 	21st Century Campaign Medals
See below 	Operational Service Medal (OSM) 	1 January 2000Ministry of Defence, JSP761, Chapter 8, Annex A, para 2, 'Operational Service Medal'	See below 	Replaced General Service Medal 1962. Issued with a separate ribbon for each campaign.
 	OSM Sierra Leone 	2002 	5 May 2000 – 31 July 2002 	Issued with Rosette for Op BARRAS or Op MAIDENLY where appropriate.
 	OSM Afghanistan 	2003 	11 September 2001 – present 	Issued with Afghanistan or Operation Pitting clasps where appropriate.
 	OSM Democratic Republic of Congo 	2005 	14 June 2003 – 10 September 2003 	Always issued with Clasp DROC.
 	Iraq Medal 	23 February 2004 	20 January 2003 – 22 May 2011 	Issued with clasp 19 March to 28 April 2003 where appropriate.
 	Iraq Reconstruction Service Medal 	26 June 2004 	19 March 2003 – 2013 	
 	Civilian Service Medal (Afghanistan) 	6 April 2011 	9 November 2001 – present 	
 	Ebola Medal for Service in West Africa 	11 June 2015 	23 March 2014 – 29 March 2016 	First UK campaign medal issued for response to humanitarian crisis.
 	General Service Medal (2008) 	2015 	January 2008 – present 	New GSM Medal for recipients that do not qualify for other medals. Always issued with appropriate clasps.
 	OSM Iraq and Syria 	2018 	26 September 2014 – present 	Issued with Clasp Iraq and Syria for service in area of operations.
 	Humanitarian Medal 	2023 	9 September 2023 – present 	General medal issued for humanitarian service. Always issued with appropriate clasps
 	Wider Service Medal 	2024 	11 December 2018 – present 	General medal issued for service on operations that do not meet criteria for GSM or other campaign medals.
Notes:
===Coronation, Jubilee and Durbar medals===
Emblem 	Description 	Established	Date of Event 	Remarks
alt=Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent text	Queen Victoria Golden Jubilee Medal 	1887 	21 June 1887 	Issued in Gold, Silver or Bronze
alt=Ribbon bar image refer to adjacent text	Queen Victoria Diamond Jubilee Medal 	1897 	20 June 1897 	Issued in Gold, Silver or Bronze
 	King Edward VII Coronation Medal 	1902 	26 June 1902 	Issued in Silver or Bronze
 	King Edward VII Delhi Durbar Medal 	1903 	January 1903 	Issued in Gold or Silver
 	King George V Coronation Medal 	1911 	23 June 1911 	Civil/Military award
 	King George V Delhi Durbar Medal 	1911 	December 1911 	Issued in Gold or Silver
 	King George V Silver Jubilee Medal 	1935 	6 May 1935 	
 	King George VI Coronation Medal 	1937 	12 May 1937 	
 	Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal 	1953 	2 June 1953 	
 	Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal 	1977 	6 February 1977	
 	Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal 	2002 	6 February 2002	
 	Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal 	2012 	6 February 2012	
 	Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal	2022 	6 February 2022	On 12 November 2020, the British Government announced that a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal would be struck and awarded in 2022. The Platinum Jubilee Medal was awarded to people who work in public service, including representatives of the Armed Forces, the emergency services and the prison services.
 	King Charles III Coronation Medal 	2023 	6 May 2023 	
===Efficiency and long service decorations and medals===
Emblem 	Description 	Postnom 	Estab. 	Eligibility Period 	Remarks
Meritorious Service 	Meritorious Service 	Meritorious Service 	Meritorious Service 	Meritorious Service 	Meritorious Service
 	Meritorious Service Medal (Army) 	— 	 	1845 – present 	
 	Meritorious Service Medal (Royal Navy) 	— 	1919 	1928 – present 	
 	Meritorious Service Medal (Royal Marines) 	— 	1849 	1947 – present 	
 	Meritorious Service Medal (Royal Air Force) 	— 	1918 	1928 – present 	
Accumulated Campaign Service 	Accumulated Campaign Service 	Accumulated Campaign Service 	Accumulated Campaign Service 	Accumulated Campaign Service 	Accumulated Campaign Service
 	Accumulated Campaign Service Medal 	— 	1994 	1969–2011 	Replaced with ACSM 11
 	Accumulated Campaign Service Medal 	— 	2011 	2008 – present 	Qualifying period reduced from 36 to 24 months
Long Service and Good Conduct 	Long Service and Good Conduct 	Long Service and Good Conduct 	Long Service and Good Conduct 	Long Service and Good Conduct 	Long Service and Good Conduct
 	Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal 	— 	 	1830–1930 	Army
 	Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct (Military) 	— 	 	1930 – present 	Army
 	Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (1830) 	— 	 	1830–1847 	Navy
 	Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (1848) 	— 	 	1848 – present 	Navy
Meritorious Service (resumed) 	Meritorious Service (resumed) 	Meritorious Service (resumed) 	Meritorious Service (resumed) 	Meritorious Service (resumed) 	Meritorious Service (resumed)
 	Medal for Meritorious Service (Royal Navy) 	MSM 	 	1918–1928 	
Long Service and Good Conduct (resumed)	Long Service and Good Conduct (resumed) 	Long Service and Good Conduct (resumed)	Long Service and Good Conduct (resumed)	Long Service and Good Conduct (resumed)	Long Service and Good Conduct (resumed)
 	Indian Long Service and Good Conduct Medal 	— 	 	 	For Europeans of the Indian Army.
Meritorious Service (resumed) 	Meritorious Service (resumed) 	Meritorious Service (resumed) 	Meritorious Service (resumed) 	Meritorious Service (resumed) 	Meritorious Service (resumed)
 	Indian Meritorious Service Medal 	— 	 	 	For Europeans of the Indian Army.
 	Royal Marines Meritorious Service Medal 	— 	 	1849–1947 	
 	Royal Air Force Meritorious Service Medal 	— 	 	1918–1928 	
Long Service and Good Conduct (resumed)	Long Service and Good Conduct (resumed) 	Long Service and Good Conduct (resumed)	Long Service and Good Conduct (resumed)	Long Service and Good Conduct (resumed)	Long Service and Good Conduct (resumed)
 	Royal Air Force Long Service and Good Conduct Medal 	— 	 	1919 – present 	Air Force
 	Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct (Ulster Defence Regiment) 	— 	 	 	
 	Permanent Forces of the Empire Beyond the Seas Medal 	— 	1909 	1919–1932 	
 	Indian Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (for the Indian Army) 	— 	 	 	
 	Royal West African Frontier Force Long Service and Good Conduct Medal 	— 	 	 	
 	Royal Sierra Leone Military Forces Long Service and Good Conduct Medal 	— 	 	 	
 	King's African Rifles Long Service and Good Conduct Medal 	— 	 	 	
Meritorious Service (resumed) 	Meritorious Service (resumed) 	Meritorious Service (resumed) 	Meritorious Service (resumed) 	Meritorious Service (resumed) 	Meritorious Service (resumed)
 	Indian Meritorious Service Medal (for the Indian Army) 	— 	 	 	
 	Hong Kong Disciplined Services Medal 	— 	 	 	
Part Time Forces Long Service 	Part Time Forces Long Service 	Part Time Forces Long Service 	Part Time Forces Long Service 	Part Time Forces Long Service 	Part Time Forces Long Service
 	Army Emergency Reserve Decoration 	ERD 	 	 	
 	Volunteer Officers' Decoration 	VD 	 	1892–1930 	
 	Volunteer Long Service Medal 	— 	 	1894–1930 	HAC ribbon
 	Volunteer Officers' Decoration for India and the Colonies 	VD 	 	1894–1899 	
 	Volunteer Long Service Medal for India and the Colonies 	— 	 	1896–1930 	
 	Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officers' Decoration 	VD 	 	 	1921–1927
 	Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal 	— 	 	 	
Gunnery 	Gunnery 	Gunnery 	Gunnery 	Gunnery 	Gunnery
 	Naval Good Shooting Medal 	— 	1903 	1903–14 	
Part Time Forces Long Service (resumed)	Part Time Forces Long Service (resumed) 	Part Time Forces Long Service (resumed)	Part Time Forces Long Service (resumed)	Part Time Forces Long Service (resumed)	Part Time Forces Long Service (resumed)
 	Militia Long Service Medal 	— 	1904 	1904–1930 	
 	Imperial Yeomanry Long Service Medal 	— 	1904 	1904–1908 	
 	Territorial Decoration 	TD 	1908 	1908–1999 	
 	Territorial Decoration (HAC) 	TD 	1908 	1908–1999 	
 	Ceylon Armed Services Long Service Medal 	— 	1968 	1968–1972 	
 	Efficiency Decoration 	TD/ED 	 	1930– 	
 	Efficiency Decoration (HAC) 	TD 	 	1930–1999 	
 	Efficiency Decoration (T&AVR) 	TD 	 	1967–1999 	
 	Territorial Force Efficiency Medal 	— 	1908 	1908–1921 	
 	Territorial Efficiency Medal 	— 	1921 	1921–1930 	
 	Efficiency Medal 	— 	 	1930–1999 	
 	Army Emergency Reserve Efficiency Medal 	— 	1953 	1953–1967 	
 	Efficiency Medal (Territorial & Volunteer Reserve) 	— 	 	1930–1999 	
 	Efficiency Medal (HAC) 	— 	 	1930–1999 	
55px 	Special Reserve Long Service and Good Conduct Medal 	— 	1908 	1908–1930 	
55px 	Decoration for Officers of the Royal Naval Reserve 	RD 	 	1908–1999 	
55px 	Decoration for Officers of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve 	VRD 	 	 	
55px 	Royal Naval Reserve Long Service and Good Conduct Medal 	— 	 	 	
55px 	Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Long Service and Good Conduct Medal 	— 	 	 	
55px 	Royal Naval Auxiliary Sick Berth Reserve Long Service and Good Conduct Medal	— 	 	 	
55px 	Royal Fleet Reserve Long Service and Good Conduct Medal 	— 	 	 	
55px 	Royal Naval Wireless Auxiliary Reserve Long Service and Good Conduct Medal 	— 	 	 	
55px 	Royal Naval Auxiliary Service Long Service Medal 	— 	 	 	
 	Air Efficiency Award 	AE 	 	1942–1999 	Only award to officers entitles use of postnominal.
 	Volunteer Reserves Service Medal 	VR 	 	1999 – present 	
 	Volunteer Reserves Service Medal (HAC) 	VR 	 	1999 – present 	
 	Ulster Defence Regiment Medal 	UD 	 	 	Only award to officers entitles use of postnominal.
 	Northern Ireland Home Service Medal 	— 	 	 	
Marksmanship 	Marksmanship 	Marksmanship 	Marksmanship 	Marksmanship 	Marksmanship
 	Queen's Medal for Champion Shots of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines 	— 	1966 	1966 – present 	
 	Queen's Medal for Champion Shots of the New Zealand Naval Forces 	— 	1958 	1955 – present 	
 	Queen's Medal for Champion Shots in the Military Forces 	— 	1869 	1870–821923 – present 	
 	Queen's Medal for Champion Shots of the Air Forces 	— 	1953 	1953 – present 	
Part Time Forces Long Service (resumed)	Part Time Forces Long Service (resumed) 	Part Time Forces Long Service (resumed)	Part Time Forces Long Service (resumed)	Part Time Forces Long Service (resumed)	Part Time Forces Long Service (resumed)
 	Cadet Forces Medal 	— 	February 1950 	1950 – present 	
 	Coastguard Auxiliary Service Long Service Medal 	— 	 	 	
 	Special Constabulary Long Service Medal 	— 	 	 	
 	Canadian Forces' Decoration 	CD 	 	1949 – present 	
 	Royal Observer Corps Medal 	— 	1950 	1941–1995 	
 	Civil Defence Long Service Medal 	— 	 	 	
 	Ambulance Service (Emergency Duties) Long Service and Good Conduct Medal 	— 	 	 	
 	Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service Medal 	— 	 	 	
Voluntary Service Medals 	Voluntary Service Medals 	Voluntary Service Medals 	Voluntary Service Medals 	Voluntary Service Medals 	Voluntary Service Medals
 	Women's Royal Voluntary Service Medal 	— 	1961 	1961 – present 	
 	South African Medal for War Services 	— 	1945 	1939–1946 	
===National independence medals===
Emblem	Description 	Estab.	Eligibility Period	Remarks
 	Union of South Africa Commemoration Medal	1910 	 	
 	Indian Independence Medal 	1947 	 	
 	Pakistan Medal 	1949 	 	
 	Ceylon Armed Services Inauguration Medal 	1955 	1949–51 	
 	Sierra Leone Independence Medal 	1961 	 	
 	Jamaica Independence Medal 	1962 	 	
 	Nigerian Independence Medal 	1960 	 	
 	Uganda Independence Medal 	1962 	 	
 	Malawi Independence Medal 	1964 	 	
 	Fiji Independence Medal 	1970 	 	
 	Papua New Guinea Independence Medal 	1975 	 	
 	Solomon Islands Independence Medal 	1978 	 	
==Foreign and international==
===International campaign medals===
Worn with other United Kingdom campaign medals in order of date of issue (except where noted otherwise).
Emblem	Description 	Eligibility Period 	Remarks
 	United Nations Service Medal for Korea 	27 June 1950 – 27 July 1955 	Established 12 December 1950
 	United Nations Service Medal for ONUC 	10 July 1960 – 30 June 1964Ministry of Defence, JSP761, Chapter 8, Annex A, para 4, 'United Nations' 	
 	United Nations Service Medal for UNFICYP 	27 March 1964 – present 	
 	United Nations Service Medal for UNTAG 	1 April 1989 – 31 March 1990 	
 	United Nations Special Service Medal 	1989–1990Ministry of Defence, JSP761, Chapter 8, Annex A, para 5, 'United Nations Special Service Medal'3 July 1992 – 12 January 1996April 1991 – present	For: Peshawar UNOCHASarajevo AirliftIraq UNSCOM
 	United Nations Service Medal for UNIKOM 	1 April 1991 – 6 October 2003 	
 	United Nations Service Medal for MINURSO 	1 April 1991 – present 	
 	European Community Monitor Mission Medal 	25 July 1991 – 30 June 1992Ministry of Defence, JSP761, Chapter 8, Annex A, para 9, 'European and Other International' 	For service in the Former Yugoslavia.
 	United Nations Service Medal for UNAMIC 	1 October 1991 – 31 March 1992 	
 	United Nations Service Medal for UNPROFOR 	1 March 1992 – 31 December 1995 	
 	United Nations Service Medal for UNTAC 	1 April 1992 – 30 September 1993 	
 	NATO Former Republic of Yugoslavia Medal 	1 July 1992 – 31 December 2002Ministry of Defence, JSP761, Chapter 8, Annex A, para 6, 'NATO' 	Issued with clasp Former Yugoslavia.
 	Western European Union Mission Service Medal 	1 July 1992 – 31 December 1996 	For Service in the Former Yugoslavia.
 	United Nations Service Medal for UNOMIG 	23 August 1993 – present 	
 	United Nations Service Medal for UNAMIR 	1 October 1993 – 31 March 1996 	
 	United Nations Service Medal for UNAVEM III 	1 February 1995 – 1 June 1997 	
 	United Nations Service Medal for UNTAES 	January 1996 – January 1998 	
 	United Nations Service Medal for UNOMSIL 	1 June 1998 – 30 September 1999 	
 	NATO Kosovo Medal 	13 October 1998 – 31 December 2002 	Issued with clasp Kosovo.
 	United Nations Service Medal for UNAMET 	7 June 1999 – 24 October 1999 	
 	United Nations Service Medal for UNMIK 	10 June 1999 – present 	
 	United Nations Service Medal for UNAMSIL 	1 October 1999 – present 	
 	United Nations Service Medal for UNTAET 	25 October 1999 – present 	
 	United Nations Service Medal for MONUC 	30 November 1999 – present 	
 	United Nations Service Medal for UNMEE 	15 September 2000 – present 	
 	NATO Macedonia Medal 	1 June 2001 – 31 December 2002 	
 	NATO Non-Article 5 Medal for the Balkans 	1 January 2003 – 20 December 20041 January 2003 – 29 March 20101 January 2003 – 31 March 2003 	Issued with clasp Non Article 5 for: BalkansKosovoMacedonia
 	NATO Non-Article 5 medal for the Balkans 	29 March 2010 – present 	
 	European Security and Defence Policy Service Medal – Op Althea	2 December 2004 – present 	Issued with clasp Althea.
 	NATO Non-Article 5 Medal for Operation Unified Protector 	23 March 2011 – 31 October 2011 	Issued with clasp OUP-LIBYA/LIBYE.
 	Common Security and Defence Policy Service Medal – EUFOR RCA 	30 June 2014 – 30 May 2015 	Issued with clasp EUFOR RCA.
 	Multinational Force and Observers Medal 	March 1982 – present 	First awarded in 2017; retrospective for service from 1982 onwardsLondon Gazette 11 January 2019 Supplement:62529 Page:328Silver numerals on ribbon indicate additional periods of service
 	United Nations Service medal for UNMISS 	2011 – present 	
 	NATO Meritorious Service Medal 	2003 – present 	Issued with clasp Meritorious.
===Commonwealth orders===
Worn after all United Kingdom awards (including international awards treated as United Kingdom awards). Honorary awards are worn before substantive awards.
===Commonwealth decorations===
Worn after all Commonwealth orders.
===Commonwealth campaign and commemorative medals===
Worn after all Commonwealth decorations.
Emblem	Description 	Established 	Eligibility Period 	Remarks
 	Brunei General Service Medal 	 	12 August 1966 – presentMinistry of Defence, JSP761, Chapter 8, Annex A, para 8, 'Foreign and Commonwealth'	Sultanate of Brunei. Seconded forces only.
 	Malaya Active Service Medal 	 	31 August 1957 – 15 September 1963 	Malaysia. Seconded forces only.
 	Pingat Jasa Malaysia 	Malaysia 2004	31 August 1957 – 31 December 1966 	Permission to wear as at 6 November 2011.
 	Kenya Campaign Medal 	 	12 December 1963 – 30 November 1967 	Kenya. Seconded forces only.
 	Campaign Medal 	1959 	23 May 1965 – 30 September 1976 	Oman. Seconded forces only. Referred to in JSP761 as Muscat/Oman Dhofar Campaign Medal.
 	Malaysia General Service Medal 	 	11 August 1966 – 31 December 1989 	Malaysia. Seconded forces only.
 	Unitas Medal 	 	1 June 1994 – 26 April 2003 	Republic of South Africa. BMATT personnel only.
 	International Force East Timor Medal 	25 March 2000	16 September 1999 – 10 April 2000 	Australia
 	Malta George Cross Fiftieth Anniversary Medal	1992 	10 June 1940 – 8 September 1943 	Malta. Not able to be worn whilst in Crown Service
===Foreign orders===
Worn after all Commonwealth awards.
Emblem	Description 	Established	Eligibility Period	Remarks
 	Imperial Order of the Crescent	1799 	1799–1801 	Ottoman Empire. Knight First Class and Knight Second Class. Awarded to senior British officers during the Napoleonic wars.
 	Chevalier Légion d'Honneur 	19 May 1802	1914–19181944 	France. Awarded to surviving United Kingdom citizens who participated on French soil in the Great War (1914–18), or in the French liberation campaigns (1944).
===Foreign decorations===
Worn after all foreign orders.
===Foreign campaign and commemorative medals===
Worn after all foreign decorations.
Emblem	Description 	Established 	Eligibility Period 	Remarks
55px 	Turkish Crimea Medal 	21 February 1856 Date based on offer to British forces by the Sultan of Turkey.	1854–1856Duckers, Peter, British Campaign Medals 1815–1914, p. 17.	Ottoman Empire
 	Khedive's Star 	 	1882–1891 	Khedivate of Egypt. Bronze star. Issued to all who were awarded the Egypt Medal.
 	Khedive's Sudan Medal (1897) 	 	1896–1899 	Khedivate of Egypt.
 	Khedive's Sudan Medal (1910) 	 	1910 	Khedivate of Egypt.
 	General Service Medal 	1963 	23 May 1965 – 30 June 1976 	Sultanate of Oman. Issued with clasp Dhofar where applicable. Seconded forces only.
 	The Accession Medal 	1970 	23 July 1970 	Sultanate of Oman. Seconded forces only.
 	The Peace Medal 	1979 	1 July 1976 – 17 November 1985 	Sultanate of Oman. Seconded forces only.
 	Endurance Medal (Al-Sumood) 	1976 	23 May 1965 – 2 December 1975 	Seconded forces only. Referred to in JSP761 as the 'Muscat Victory Medal (As Sumood)'.
 	Medal for the 40th Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War	1985 	1941–1945 	USSR. For Arctic convoy service. Also known as the Russian Convoy Medal 1941–1945 40th Anniversary Medal.
 	30th Renaissance Medal 	2000 	18 November 2000 	Sultanate of Oman. Seconded forces only.
 	35th Renaissance Medal 	2005 	18 November 2005 	Sultanate of Oman. Seconded forces only.
 	40th Renaissance Medal 	2010 	18 November 2010 	Sultanate of Oman. Seconded forces only.
 	45th Renaissance Medal 	2015 	18 November 2015 	Sultanate of Oman. Seconded forces only.
===Campaign medals authorised for acceptance but not for official wear===
Official permission has been granted for these medals to be accepted, but they are not authorised for wear.
Emblem	Description 	Eligibility Period 	Remarks
 	Kuwait Liberation Medal 	17 January 1991 – 28 February 1991	Saudi Arabia Established 1991
 	Kuwait Liberation Medal 	2 August 1990 – 31 August 1993 	Kuwait Established 1994
 	NATO Article 5 Medal for Service on Op ACTIVE ENDEAVOUR 	26 October 2001 – present 	Issued with clasp Article 5.
 	NATO Article 5 Medal for Service on Op EAGLE ASSIST 	16 May 2002 – present 	Issued with clasp Article 5.
 	European Security and Defence Policy Service Medal – Op Artemis	14 June 2003 – 10 December 2003 	Issued with clasp Artemis for service in the Congo.
 	Common Security and Defence Policy Service Medal – Op Atalanta 	8 December 2008 – present 	Issued with clasp EUNAVFOR ATALANTA for service in counter-piracy operations.
===Campaign medals not authorised for acceptance or official wear===
Official permission has been refused for these medals to be accepted and they are not authorised for wear.
Emblem	Description 	Eligibility Period 	Remarks
 	NATO Non-Article 5 Medal for Pakistan Earthquake Service 	8 October 2005 – 1 February 2006 	Issued with clasp Pakistan.
 	NATO Non-Article 5 Medal for Service with ISAF 	1 June 2003 – presentNATO Medals (accessed 6 June 2010)	Issued with clasp ISAF.
 	NATO Non-Article 5 Medal for NATO Training Mission (Iraq)	18 August 2004 – present 	Issued with clasp NTM-Iraq.
 	NATO Non-Article 5 Medal for AMIS 	13 July 2005 – present 	Issued with clasp AMIS.
==Devices==
Emblem 	Description 	Remarks
 	Rosette 	Represents the award of a bar to a decoration, or service in a specified zone of the area of operations when used on a campaign medal. They are worn when the ribbon only is worn. For selected campaign medals, they are also worn on the riband of the campaign medal (when worn with full or miniature medals) to indicate service in a specified zone.
center|Image of silver oak leaves used on ribbon bars	Crossed silver oakleaves	From 14 January 1958, any individual made a member of the Order of the British Empire for gallantry (in the grades of Commander, Officer, Member), or awarded the British Empire Medal for gallantry, could wear an emblem of two crossed silver oak leaves on the same riband, ribbon or bow as the badge.
 	Medal bar 	A bar is worn on the riband of a decoration (when worn with full or miniature medals) to denote each additional award of the decoration. Bars are positioned with even spacing between the top and the bottom of the ribbon.
 	Medal clasp 	Worn on the riband of campaign medals (when worn with full or miniature medals) to denote the particular campaign, battle, or region the recipient operated in to receive the award. Clasps are positioned at the bottom of the ribbon with successive clasps placed adjacent to each other (with a small gap). The earliest earned clasp is positioned at the bottom whilst the most recent is placed at the top.
==See also==
* Orders, decorations, and medals of the United Kingdom
* British campaign medals
* List of military decorations
* State decoration
==References==
===Footnotes===
===Bibliography===
* 
* 
* 
* 
* 
* 
* 
* 
* 
* 
==External links==
* UK Ministry of Defence Medals Office
* UK Ministry of Defence Medals Office – British Armed Forces Medals: Decorations, campaign medals and other awards awarded 'On Her Majesty's Service'
* The UK Honours System
* Cabinet Office Ceremonial Secretariat website
* London Gazette website 
* 
* Medals of the World – United Kingdom Medals
* War Medals and Their History Detailed historical information on British military and naval awards from the Spanish Armada to World War I
 
Category:United Kingdom military-related lists