British War Medal

British War Medal

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.

Unmounted Medals

If you order your medal unmounted, the medal and ribbon will be supplied as separate components. Miniature medals will be supplied with 15cm of ribbon and full size medals will be supplied with 30cm of ribbon.

British War Medal Full Size Court Mounted

The court mounting of medals involves securing medals to a stiff backing board, along with the placement of a brooch fitting on the board. This ensures that the medals remain firmly in place and do not shift or move about while being worn.

It is mandatory for active members of the Australian Defence Force to have their medals court mounted, as it is considered the appropriate method of presenting military honours in a professional and respectful manner. By doing so, the medals are given proper recognition and are displayed in a neat and organized fashion.

British War Medal Full Size Swing Mounted

The swing mounting of medals refers to the attachment of a medal to a ribbon that is allowed to hang freely from a brooch, which in turn is affixed to a uniform or clothing. This mounting style was commonly used for medals from the Boer War up to and including World War II, although there are no fixed guidelines or regulations regarding its use.

British War Medal Miniature Court Mounted

Miniature Court Mounted medals are mounted using the same method as Full size medals, yet they are typically worn to ceremonies were wearing full size medals would be impractical. These medals are commonly worn to all ceremonies that take place after 6 pm such as dinners.

British War Medal Miniature Swing Mounted

Miniature Swing Mounted medals are mounted using the same method as Full size medals, yet they are typically worn to ceremonies were wearing full size medals would be impractical. These medals are commonly worn to all ceremonies that take place after 6 pm such as dinners.

British War Medal Ribbon Bar

A ribbon bar is a small, rectangular display of ribbons worn on military uniforms to represent various honours and awards earned by the wearer. These ribbons are arranged in a specific order and are attached to a backing, which is then attached to the uniform. Ribbon bars are a compact and convenient way for military personnel to display their achievements and are often used in situations where a full-sized medal or award would be impractical.